POTTSVILLE — The 2018 Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive fell $19,886 short of its $96,000 goal.

Envoy Brad Harris said $76,114 was raised for the effort that started in November and ended 5 p.m. Dec. 24.

“We are definitely not looking to cut programs. That would be a last resort,” Harris said Monday. In light of the shortfall, his organization will reevaluate its budget to see how the organization can reduce expenses and save money.

He said he was a little disappointed the goal was not met, but he is thankful for those who contributed.

“It does make it a little more stressful. I can’t say anything negative about the community,” he said, Harris said. Last year, the drive also failed to meet its goal, netting $84,300 of the $92,400 goal.

Harris said he think the lack of consistent volunteers was “a big deal,” in not meeting the target.

“Who knows what it would have been,” he said.

Of the 12 kettle stands planned, all of them were up except the kettle at Boyer’s Food Markets, Shenandoah, which was not active due to lack of volunteers. Harris said that between 18 and 20 volunteers were at the various locations. Ideally, 30 people are needed. In 2019, Harris said they will make a more concerted effort earlier to get the word out about volunteers, although he said the kettle coordinator did a great job this year.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

FRACKVILLE — The customers of the Frackville Area Municipal Authority should expect no increase in their sewer service fee in 2019.

The authority board tentatively adopted its 2019 operating budget at its Dec. 19 meeting that will keep the residential sewer service fee at $112.50 per quarter ($450 per year) for the seventh year in a row. The last increase went into effect in 2013 when the quarterly fee was raised from $90 to $112.50.

“Rates will be staying the same with no changes,” Office Manager Rhonda Frantz said, adding that customers who pay their annual bill by Feb. 28 will receive a 10 percent discount.

The board will formally adopt the budget at its Jan. 16 regular monthly meeting.

The projected 2019 budget includes projected income of $2,749,514 ($2,598,644 in 2018) and estimated expenses of $2,735,050 ($2,582,200 in 2018), leaving a surplus balance of $14,464.

A budget breakdown of expenditures for 2019 includes:

• Operations expenses: $1,065,850 ($982,650 in 2018). The larger line items in this category are wages ($95,000), workers compensation ($12,000), equipment rental ($50,000), engineering fees ($75,000), health benefits ($8,600), stone ($50,000), street restoration ($75,000), collection system repairs ($110,000), capital outlay operations ($175,000), liability insurance ($25,000) and M&T Bank financing payments ($314,000).

• Administrative expenses: $295,500 ($272,950 in 2018). The larger line items are salaries ($85,000), board of directors salaries ($4,500), computer service ($15,000), legal fees/bond counsel ($10,000) health benefits ($18,000), financial audit ($10,000), and capital outlay administration ($85,000).

• Sewage plant expenses: $1,373,700 ($1,326,600 in 2018). The larger line items are salaries ($110,000), pump maintenance ($50,000), supplies ($40,000), electricity ($90,000), natural gas-heating ($15,000), licenses/fees/permits ($15,000), plant chemicals ($25,000), lab testing ($25,000), equipment rental ($20,000), health benefits ($29,000), repairs and improvements ($500,000), biosolids disposal ($50,000), capital outlay plant ($295,000), and Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority payment ($60,000).

Employee raises will be discussed at Jan. 16 meeting.

The FAMA board acknowledged a letter from Frackville borough that the borough council approved at its Dec. 12 meeting the following to serve on the authority board for five-year terms:

• Harrison Harper was reappointed as the Butler Township representative, and Paul Klevis was reappointed as a representative of the borough.

• Raymond Tomko was appointed as the West Mahanoy Township represenative, filling the vacancy left by David Gera.

Board Vice President Carl Pyzowski commended Gera for the years he has been a board member and his service was invaluable. Gera became a board member in 2009.

The five-member FAMA is comprised of three Frackville residents and one each from Butler and West Mahanoy townships, portions of which are served by the authority. The board voted to retain the services of attorney Paul G. Domalakes of the law firm of Rubright, Domalakes, Troy and McDonald as authority solicitor. The annual retainer remains at $3,000 as in 2018 with an hourly rate of $100 per hour for time spend on FAMA business outside of the regular meetings, plus at additional charge of $10 per lien prepared.

In the monthly treatment plant monthly report, plant operator Lon Antalosky said the annual instrument and flow meter calibrations were performed at the treatment plant. It was determined that the influent flow meter, which is original equipment and about 25 years old, needs to be replaced as soon as possible. The replacement cost is about $2,000, which the board approved.

Bids were received and opened for services and materials for 2019. Pottsville Materials, LLC, Pottsville will supply stone for road work, with Ron-Troy Asphalt Paving, Frackville, to provide paving services and materials. Main Pool and Chemical Inc., Avoca, provided the low bids on treatment plant chemicals (ferric chloride, soda ash, polymer and line). Flagy’s Excavating, Frackville, will provide equipment rental as needed.

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

POTTSVILLE — A nonprofit organization, hoping to give back to the community, is opening in the city.

The wait is almost over as the New Life Thrift Store at 310 N. Centre St. will open 10 a.m. Monday.

“They (customers) are going to love it. It’s going to be better than they expect,” Kimberly Pace, manager of the store, said.

A grand opening date for the store is to be determined. The location was home to the former Good-Will Christian Bookstore that closed in 2015, which had been in business for 65 years.

“It’s just going to be beautiful,” Pace said.

While not all the racks are full yet, there are designer brands available such as Lularoe Dresses, Banana Republic and Giorgio Armani suits, blouses by J.Crew and Michael Kors, and bags from Coach and Kate Spade.

Pace was the manager of the former New Life Boutique that closed April 30. The store at 110 S. Centre St., Pottsville, had been open for 10 years. That store closed after the board of Care Net Pregnancy Center of Schuylkill County/Real Options, which owned the boutique, wanted to focus more time, talents and resources on its mission, according to Sue Weaver, president of the board of Care Net of Schuylkill County.

The new store is not affiliated with Care Net. The new thrift store is a nonprofit organization that has Jeanne Boyer Porter as the president. Porter was unavailable for comment on Wednesday.

“We just trusted that God had a plan and we had to wait,” Pace said.

Proceeds from the sale will be given back to the community after expenses, Pace said.

“This store is going to support more than one charity,” she said. According to Pace, the board is going to make a determination on which charities to give funds to.

A former employee and some volunteers, who were involved with the New Life Boutique, will be involved with the New Life Thrift Store.

“I can’t wait,” said Tina Valentine, a volunteer at the old store.

The idea for the new space started after Porter contacted Pace.

“She (Porter) wants to help the community and she felt we should continue the thrift store,” Pace said.

Pace said there is a lease on the property, but was unaware of the exact details. The thrift store is using the top floor of the building. About 2/3 of it is for retail space, while the remaining space will be used for storage and warehousing of the donations.

Pace said she is happy to be part of the revitalization of the city. She said the store is more than just a place to shop. It is also a meeting place where people talk about their lives.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

Contact the writer: amarchiano@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6028

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — The North Schuylkill School District and the North Schuylkill Education Association have worked far ahead for a new labor contract to go into effect when the current agreement expires in 2020.

Both sides came to the three-year agreement that was accepted in December at a special school board meeting that focused mainly on the plan to rehabilitate the football stadium field with synthetic turf.

The term of the contract is from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2023. Business Manager Robert Amos said there are about 150 teachers in the school district. Much of the new contract remains the same as the current bargaining agreement, with changes mainly involving salary and other compensation.

“This is at least the second contract, if not the third contract, that we’ve done the year before the current contract expires,” Amos said.

Amos said the current starting salary is $38,000. The first year of the new contract will see the starting salary increase to $39,000, the second year at $39,500 and the third/last year being $40,000.

Salary raises are also included, with increases of $1,900, $1,850 and $1,775 in each successive year.

There is a slight increase for the premium share involving health insurance coverage. Amos said the annual increases are $130 for single coverage and $156 for family coverage.

A revision of the stipends for those involved in extracurricular and supplement programs is also included.

“We have the various clubs like the Debate Team Club, Social Media Club, Pep Club and others, and also the salary schedules for athletics. Both those schedules have been revised,” Amos said.

In other business, the school board:

• Accepted the resignation of computer/network support technician Andrew Gudonis, effective Tuesday.

•Approved a letter of agreement with The ReDCo Group for behavioral health services, effective December 2018 through December 2019, unless and until terminated by one or both parties in writing.

•Approved the attendance of the Speech and Debate Team to attend the Debate Invitational on Saturday in Flemington, New Jersey.

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

Welcome 2019. The calendar is blank, a fresh canvas to fill with reflections of your “self.” Is this the year you explore the world of volunteering and giving?

While the economy may be improving, there are many who are still struggling. Families find their paychecks don’t stretch far enough. Human Services providers and nonprofits are experiencing a double-whammy of having more consumers walking through their doors, many of whom are first timers, embarrassed to be asking for help, while seeing stagnant funding. Their budget planners try their hardest to provide the most services while keeping costs down. Now more than ever, they rely on the generosity of the public to help them fill the gaps.

There are several ways you can help.

The easiest and most obvious way to support our local social systems is to give a monetary donation. They can use the additional funding in the manner they deem the most prudent.

You can also donate items to an agency.

The Salvation Army in Pottsville collects and distributes new and gently used coats, scarves, hats and mittens. If your child has outgrown last year’s coat, they’d be thankful if you passed it on to them. Contact them at 570-622-5252 to make delivery arrangements.

Before you throw away household items, you could contact Schuylkill Women in Crisis. Their consumers sometimes arrive at their shelter with nothing more than the clothing on their backs. Shortly, they’ll get their own housing but will have to start from scratch, often with children in their care. Kitchen items, bedding, clothing and cleaning supplies are usually in demand. Call them at 570-622-3991 for suggestions.

There’s been an increased need for food donations in recent years. Agencies are seeing record numbers needing assistance and sometimes, unfortunately, don’t they have the volume of food that they’d hope for. Smaller food pantries may run out. You can easily buy a few extra cans of vegetables, soup, fruit, peanut butter and tuna (good sources of protein), oatmeal, cereal and other nutritious food items and drop them off at your local food pantry. Or, you could give a monetary donation so they could purchase vital items not donated. Call Jason at Schuylkill Food Network through Schuylkill Community Action at 570-622-1995 if you’d like to donate.

Another way you can help is to donate your time and talents. There are about 150 volunteer opportunities listed on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia and there are hundreds more throughout the county. Look around. Reach out. Find a need that appeals to you.

RSVP of Schuylkill County provides volunteers to help seniors in our communities. They’re recruiting kind volunteers to drive senior consumers to doctor appointments and errands. Imagine not being able to get to the doctor, grocery store or hair appointment. You can make a difference in a senior’s life by calling Darla at 570-622-3108.

Art centers and theaters are always on the lookout for those who want to share their talents for things like set construction, lighting, class instruction and event promotion.

If you like to type, make phone calls or sort items, you could provide assistance that frees up employees to do other important tasks. Call your local nonprofit for their needs.

Moving to a nursing or long-term care facility can seem daunting. The Ombudsman Program is looking for friendly smiles and good conservationalists to welcome new residents and help at Adult Day Centers. Call Eileen at 570-628-3931 for details.

However you choose to give to others, you can make 2019 a bit happier for those in need and help nonprofits in their efforts.

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.

BRANCHDALE — No one could make you feel more like family when you sat down at one of her tables than Anne Miller, of Anne’s Bakery & More, her customers said.

Anne’s last day running the bakery and restaurant at 158 Main St. was Sunday, when she officially retired. Crowds rushed into the 100-seat restaurant Saturday and Sunday, offering well-wishes to the Branchdale woman who made so many of their mornings special.

“I was happy here. I loved my job and loved my customers. We had a lot of fun,” Miller said Wednesday, while reflecting on her 17-year run at the now-closed eatery with Sandy Zimmerman, of Minersville. Zimmerman had been by Miller’s side throughout their 4 a.m. starts, initially working as a dishwasher and later, waitress.

Also assisting Miller in the family-run operation was her husband, Bob; daughters, Jennifer Daneker and Melissa Huey; and her grandchildren, Tehya, Kayle, Ryder and Emerson.

“I never skimped on quality. I always used Hatfield products. I’m the only one who ever cooked here. I cooked on the first day and on the last,” Miller said. On a regular weekend, the restaurant could use up 30 pounds of bacon and 60 dozen eggs. Recipes were her own and she was self-taught, she said.

“It took me two years to perfect my peanut butter pie recipe,” she said.

She made 10,000 Christmas cookies annually with trays featuring 20 cookie varieties, and also baked for church and fire company fundraisers.

Ed Ginther, of Pottsville, had been a regular customer for years and stopped in one last time for Miller’s homemade breakfasts.

“I used to bring my mom here. It’s like eating breakfast at home and is like one big family,” he said, noting the mackerel was one of his favorites. Joining Ginther on Dec. 29 were Judi and Jerry Barton, and Butch Yoder, all of Pottsville.

Ginther said his mother used to jokingly call Zimmerman “Dora,” like Dora the Explorer. Anne and her staff always had a good rapport with her customers, he said.

Anne would often prepare small tin plates with a new pie recipe she’d want her customers to sample, Ginther said. One of the latest was her pumpkin-apple pie combination.

“She made a little one for me to try,” Ginther said.

Anne had alerted her customers of her upcoming retirement. She rented the building and is not sure what’s going to be done with the facility once she’s gone.

“We’re going to miss this place. She really had a heck of a business,” Ginther said.

For Linda Ralston, she agreed that Anne offered customers something unique.

Initially, she wasn’t sure that the staff even knew her name. They did. When her father, Freeman Ralston, recently died, Linda received a surprise.

“After my dad passed away, the next time I came in here, Bob came out with one of Anne’s pies ... Those connections and those little comments can really change someone’s life,” Ralston, of Minersville, said. “You don’t get that everywhere.”

Gert Shovlin Wertz, now of Hatboro, was a high school classmate of Anne’s at Nativity BVM. She came to the restaurant Saturday after attending a Christmas party with her family, including her brothers, Jim Shovlin, of Montgomeryville, and Michael J. Shovlin and his wife, Claudia, of Rancho Mirage, California. Claudia and Michael Shovlin also own the J. Burd Patterson historic home on Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, where they hosted the family gathering.

“She always enjoyed baking and wanted a business of her own,” Wertz said of her retiring friend, who she’s known for 54 years. The breakfast omelet with sausage was one of her favorites on the menu.

“We have a lot of friends from high school that still get together,” Jim Shovlin said. Besides the scrapple, Jim said he likes Anne’s baked goods, especially her raisin bread.

One Pine Grove customer who shares the same name with Anne’s husband — Bob Miller – said he’s been a customer almost every week. The two are not related.

“The food’s good, the people are nice, and a lot of my friends come here,” Bob Miller said. “I like the two-piece ham with eggs and homefries. I’ve had the chopped steak and the stuffed french toast that has bacon in it.”

Miller also frequents the truck stop in Pine Grove and will probably be going there more since Anne’s is closed, he said.

Anne Miller and her family had previously owned Anne’s Family Restaurant in Minersville and she had also baked for Palermo’s restaurant in Minersville before opening her Branchdale business on Oct. 1, 2001.

She joked with Zimmerman that she should write a cookbook, including some anecdotes.

Throughout the years, Zimmerman said they’ve enjoyed working together and recalled one candy-making session that made them both laugh. She explained the size consistency of the candies grew as the day wore on.

Miller plans to travel and visit her siblings in her retirement.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — Steven A. Brobst is headed to state prison after admitting Wednesday to a Schuylkill County judge that he walked into the Shenandoah Fish & Game Club in November 2017 and fatally shot his wife in the head.

“There’s a good chance you will die in prison,” Judge James P. Goodman told Brobst, 63, of Sugarloaf, before sentencing him to serve 25 to 50 years in a state correctional institution for murdering Diane Brobst.

Clad in a prison jumpsuit, handcuffs and a belt, and giving no reason for what he had done, Steven Brobst pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, carrying a firearm without a license, possessing instrument of crime, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and two counts of aggravated assault. Prosecutors withdrew charges of criminal homicide and first-degree murder.

“Steve, was it worth killing my sister?” a visibly shaking Linda Schlauch, Weston, asked the defendant while testifying.

State police at Frackville charged Steven Brobst with killing Diane Brobst, 51, of Weston, by shooting her with a semi-automatic handgun in the back of the head at close range approximately 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, 2017, at the club at 395 Ferndale Road, Zion Grove, Union Township. Prosecutors also said the defendant pointed the gun at Thomas Charters, the club’s vice president and the caller of the bingo game that night, but the weapon did not go off.

“Diane died because she wanted out of her marriage,” Schlauch said. “Diane was a very good person. She did not deserve to die the way she did.”

“Was it the family’s preference to avoid going to trial?” Assistant District Attorney A.J. Serina asked Schlauch.

“Yes,” answered Schlauch, who also said the family agreed with the sentence Goodman imposed. That sentence was part of the plea agreement between prosecutors and the defendant.

Steven Brobst chose not to make a statement when asked and said almost nothing during the 25-minute hearing except that he committed the crimes to which he entered a plea, his plea was knowing and voluntary, he understood its terms and consequences, and that he did not intend to file an appeal.

Sudhir R. Patel, Pottsville, Steven Brobst’s lawyer, said after the hearing that the result was the best possible one under the circumstances.

“First of all, I want to give credit to (District Attorney) Mike O’Pake and Serina for working with the family and resolving the case the way we did,” he said.

Patel said there was no real chance of any better verdict at a trial.

“To go to trial would just have been pretty hard on both families, Diane’s and Steve’s,” he said.

Patel also said he had his client examined for a possible insanity defense, but there was no chance of that succeeding.

Serina, who prosecuted the case with the help of Assistant District Attorney Thomas P. Pellish, also said the result was appropriate.

“The district attorney’s office sat down with the victim’s family, listened to their concerns and that’s why we went ahead with the plea agreement,” he said. “The overriding factor for the district attorney to agree to the plea was the fact that a 25-to-50-year sentence, coupled with the defendant’s age, is essentially a life sentence.”

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

Defendant: Steven A. Brobst

Age: 63

Residence: Sugarloaf

Crimes committed: Third-degree murder, carrying a firearm without a license, possessing instrument of crime, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and two counts of aggravated assault

Prison sentence: 25 to 50 years in a state correctional institution

POTTSVILLE — The Pottsville Area School District board voted Wednesday against raising taxes above the state’s Act 1 index for the district.

The vote, which was unanimous, happened at the work session. The current millage rate in the district is 40.598. A hike to the index would bring the millage rate to 41.938.

A house with an assessed value of $26,000, the district average, would see an increase of $34.84, according to Brian Manning, the district’s business manager. The district could have decided if it would apply for exceptions for various items, but it didn’t do so this year.

“We have to actively start the whole budget process,” Superintendent Jeffrey S. Zwiebel said.

The school board must have a budget approved by June 30. Zwiebel said it is too early to say if there will be a tax hike.

“We’re doing all we can,” he said about maintaining a tight grip on spending.

Board member Christina DiCello noted that the district is paying more this year for the 2019-20 school year Pennsylvania School Employee Retirement System contributions. These contributions are going up to 34.29 percent from 33.43.

District residents are paying more in taxes for the 2018-19 school year because the board voted in June to increase taxes from the 38.574 millage rate to the current rate.

In personnel related moves, the board voted to approve Jennifer Snyder as access coordinator/ special education secretary at an annual salary of $20,000; Michelle Goodman was approved as the high school secretary/safe schools coordinator at $20,000.

Contact the writer: amarchiano@republicanherald.com: 570-628-6028

Deeds

Frackville — Robert M. Miller to Kristen L. Miller; 278 N. Balliet St.; $92,500.

Hegins Township — Larry J. Wagner to Brooke Lea Maher and Jeffrey Allen Wrightstone; 957 E. Main St., Hegins; $135,000.

Mahanoy City — Patricia A. Whitecavage to Jose Andres Rodriguez-Pena; property on Mahanoy Avenue; $10,000.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Comprehensive Realty LLC; 108 W. Centre St.; $1,054.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Antonio S. Benenati; 430 E. Railroad St.; $959.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Antonio S. Benenati; 106 W. Mahanoy Ave.; $2,246.

Pine Grove Township — Dale Ferrebee, executor of the Estate of Robert L. Ferrebee, to Deborah A. Griffiths and Kenneth J. Dubbs; 75 Pleasant Valley Road; $10,000.

Porter Township — Riverview Bank to Giuseppe Muni; 1200 E. Grand Ave., Reinerton; $28,500.

Rush Township — Nadine K. Young to Elizabeth L. and Richard Booser; property on Great Oaks Drive, Lake Hauto; $173,000.

Walker Township —Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. to Mary Larsen; 92 Reynolds Road, Reynolds; $40,000.

West Mahanoy Township — John J. Jr. and Alicia M. Petritsch to John J. Jr. and Alicia M. Petritsch; 22 Radio Station Road, Weston Place; $1.

West Penn Township — Bruce D. Minarik to Fast Track Properties LLC; 61 Andreas Road, Andreas; $116,000

Marriages

Jerimiah J. Kozacheck, Philadelphia, and Carly M. Umbenhauer, Auburn.

Timothy J. Bielicki, Phoenix, Arizona, and Ashley E. Keyworth, Phoenix, Arizona.

Howard J. Cooper, Cressona, and Jennifer L. Ferrier-Geil, Cressona.

Kenneth F. Schneider Jr., New Ringgold, and Laura Lee Leffel, Odenton, Maryland.

Walter J. Dzoch Sr., Shickshinny, and Arline J. Briggs, Shickshinny.

Christopher D. Smith II, Slatington, and Shanna C. Brinkworth, Tamaqua.

Seth R. Schwalm, Pine Grove, and Kayla L. Umbenhauer, Pine Grove.

Matthew R. Himelright, Mahanoy City, and Penny M. Slomowitz, Mahanoy City.

Brian A. Main, Tamaqua, and Susandra J. Fehr, Tamaqua.

Divorces Granted

Heather Lee Angeny, Valley View, from Joshua Brown, Valley View.

Angelina Wolfe, Valley View, from Michael Wolfe, Spring Glen.

Wayne Shade, Sacramento, from Joanny Shade, Sacramento.

Dwayne Niedert, Nesquehoning, from Carla Niedert, Nesquehoning.

Jean Bales, Tamaqua, from Paul Bales, Tamaqua.

Natalie Giorgio, Hegins, from Michael Giorgio, Hegins.

Jennifer Grove, Ashland, from Jeffrey Grove, Zion Grove.

Bonnie Savakinas, New Ringgold, from Andrew Savakinas, Orwigsburg.

Lucie Foust, Saint Clair, from McDaniel Foust, Saint Clair.

Daren N. Levan, Hamburg, from Amy D. Levan, Auburn.

POTTSVILLE — A Shenandoah couple are the proud parents of the first baby born in Schuylkill County in 2019.

Vanessa Tedesco, 30, and her boyfriend, Ryan Margerum, 35, welcomed their son, Carson James Margerum, who was born at 7:25 a.m. Wednesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill S. Jackson Street.

He weighed 5 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 18 inches long with grayish-blue eyes. He is the first child of Vanessa and Ryan who have been together for at least 7 years. Carson, who was born early, had a due date of Jan. 9.

“I haven’t heard him crying at all yet,” Vanessa said of her son.

She admitted she was tired after the 12 to 14 hours of labor.

“I’m ready for a nap,” she said.

She realized about New Year’s Day that she would likely have the baby soon, a belief she told to Ryan, who later drove her to the hospital. Tedesco said she was “happy and nervous” and didn’t want to make any mistakes while parenting.

His middle name was chosen because it is the name of Ryan’s father.

The couple knew the baby was a boy before he was born and decorated his room with a monkey and jungle theme.

Ryan said he was “excited and nervous” now that the big day had actually arrived. To help out, Alyssa Eubert, the delivery nurse, demonstrated to the parents how to swaddle Carson. She said it would become second nature to them.

M. Michael Peckman, director of marketing and public affairs for Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill, gave a gift basket to the parents filled with items for Carson, including a blanket, stuffed animals, a picture frame and slippers.

Contact the writer: amarchiano@republicanherald.com;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.

Mahanoy City

Elks Lodge 695 will sponsor a baked lasagna dinner at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the East Centre Street lodge. Meals also include salad, roll/butter and dessert. The cost is $10 per person. For more information, call 570-773-0629. The lodge will have a meat bingo with doors opening at 7 p.m. Jan. 12. Food will be on sale during games; the cost is $1 per card and all are welcome. The lodge’s Citizens of the Year event is set for Jan. 26 honoring Mahanoy City police officers Jennifer Dempsey and Thomas “TJ” Rentschler. The coat-and-tie event will include cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and dancing at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22 per person and the deadline is Jan. 14. For tickets or more information, call 570-773-0467, 570-467-2612 or 570-497-4986.

Minersville

The Minersville Food Drive Committee is conducting its 34th annual holiday food drive now through Feb. 28. The purpose is to provide economically disadvantaged people of the Minersville area with food during the holiday season and into the new year. All donations of nonperishable items can be made by calling 570-544-2739. Monetary donations can be mailed in care of Minersville Area Food Drive Committee, 529 Lytle St., Minersville, PA 17954. Edward M. Butler is the drive chairman. For more information, call Butler at the aforementioned number or at 570-544-5604.

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

Auditions for Noel Coward’s “Present Laughter,” to be presented by the Actors Guild of Schuylkill County, are 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday 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.

Saint Clair

The Saint Clair Lions Club 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

Free blood pressure and blood sugar readings are offered monthly at Diakon Senior Community centers for people 60 and older. For dates and times at the Shenandoah center, 116 N. Main St., call 570-462-1965.

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 will be 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 the library at 570-668-4660.

POTTSVILLE — Plans to revitalize the site of the Lakeside Ballroom received a boost on Dec. 26 when the Schuylkill County commissioners approved a tax abatement for the property along Route 54 in Ryan Township.

The 10-year Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance program will allow the redevelopment of the property, with the owner paying gradually increasing real estate taxes on the improvements made to it during that period.

“They’re putting in a dining hall so they can have events there,” County Administrator Gary R. Bender said Wednesday about the site.

Commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said part of the ballroom still is on the site.

While the owner will receive a partial tax abatement for the improvements, he will remain liable for the full amount of the taxes on the land itself under state law.

The commissioners also approved adopting a bank depository and investment policy that officially places the responsibility in the hands of county Treasurer Linda L. Marchalk.

“The treasurer currently does a nice job with investing county money,” county Director of Finance Paul E. Buber said. “This formalizes the policy.”

Halcovage said the commissioners developed the formalized policy in conjunction with Bender, Buber, Marchalk and county Controller Christy Joy.

In other business, the commissioners approved a number of budget adjustments for 2018. They included:

• Children & Youth, $257,600

• Courts, $19,000

• Human resources, $505

• Magisterial district judges, $379

* Soil conservation, 317

Buber said all adjustments involved transferring of money between line items, with no additional spending.

Also, the commissioners approved a contract for $58,885 with Blue Ridge Excavating & Hauling, Shamokin. Blue Ridge will do the work on a Community Development Block Grant stormwater drainage project in Delano Township.

In other business, the commissioners:

• Reappointed John Boyer, Orwigsburg, and Brock Stein, Pinebrook, to five-year terms as members of the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority. Their terms will run through Dec. 31, 2023.

• Approved an agreement with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to receive $243,094.10 on behalf of the Schuylkill County Communications Center to promote interconnectivity.

• Approved purchase of service agreements, which all will be effective through June 30, on behalf of Children & Youth at various rates with Nicholas Pappas, Hershey, for biopsychosocial evaluation; Children’s Home of Reading for medical fragile level 4; and Merakey Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, for therapeutic foster care, foster care plus and foster care with infant.

• Authorized renewal of the excess workers compensation insurance policy, which will be effective through Jan. 1, 2021, with Midwest Employers Casualty Co.

• Announced they will hold their reorganization meeting at 10 a.m. Monday and their next work session at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

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

State police seek burglary information

ZION GROVE — State police at Frackville are investigating a burglary on Davos Circle in North Union Township around 1 p.m. Monday.

Police said a 56-year-old Zion Grove woman reported someone tried to gain entry into her home though a side window.

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

DUI enforcement details released

POTTSVILLE — The North Central PA Regional DUI Enforcement Program released the results of two enforcement details conducted last month.

On Dec. 22, two officers from two departments conducted a roving DUI patrol that resulted in 12 vehicles contacted and detained and no drivers tested for DUI.

There were no DUI arrests but the officers made nine traffic arrests and issued three warning notices.

Then, on Saturday, three officers from three departments conducted a roving DUI patrol that resulted in 18 vehicles contacted and detained and one driver tested for DUI.

The officers made one DUI arrest along with 12 traffic arrests and one criminal arrest and issued seven warning notices.

Police announce sobriety checkpoints

POTTSVILLE — The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced that sobriety checkpoints and roving DUI patrols will be conducted today through Jan. 14 on routes 61, 183, 901, 209, 1006, 309, 1008, 443, 895, 125, 25, 924 and 54.

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

The sobriety checkpoints are part of the North Central PA Regional Sobriety Checkpoint and Expanded DUI/Underage Drinking Enforcement Program funded through the state Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

State police make arrests over holiday

HARRISBURG — State police arrested 406 people for driving under the influence during the four-day New Year’s holiday.

The holiday enforcement period ran from Saturday through Tuesday.

The total number of arrests is an increase from the 284 DUI arrests made over the holiday weekend last year, which spanned three days.

In addition, police investigated 642 crashes over the long weekend compared to 1,169 crashes last year.

Of the crashes investigated, 64 involved alcohol and resulted in 155 people hurt and four killed in four fatal crashes, one of which involved alcohol.

Along with the DUI enforcement, police issued 6,370 speeding citations, 476 seat belt citations and 115 child safety seat citations.

The statistics provided cover only incidents investigated by state police and do not include statistics on incidents to which other law enforcement agencies responded.

POTTSVILLE — CACL Federal Credit Union plans to expand its presence in the county by opening three more locations.

CACL has its headquarters at 1800 W. Market St. in the city.

“Growth is good. We are at max capacity at our current location,” Josh Burgess, chief operating officer for CACL Federal Credit Union, said Thursday.

The credit union, which received its charter in 1953, has 10,248 members and $114, 629,499 in assets, according to the National Credit Union Administration.

CACL purchased the former BB&T Bank property at 705 Port Carbon-Saint Clair Highway, East Norwegian Township, for $85,000 Nov. 29, according to the Schuylkill Parcel Locator.

The BB&T bank in the township closed last May, along with the location in Saint Clair at 2 N. Second St. The closure of the bank at 2 N. Second St. left the borough without a bank in the downtown.

“We have a lot of members in the Saint Clair area,” Burgess said as a comment on why they decided to buy the former bank location.

The Pottsville location has a lot of drive-thru traffic and the Saint Clair location will help alleviate some of that, he said.

“It was a good opportunity for us to expand,” Burgess said.

Services at the location will mostly be drive-thru related. There could also be some appointments made to open accounts at the site, but the layout of the location is not conducive to that, he said. He hopes that customers will find using the credit union easy.

“We will have three drive thrus and the inside lane will be an ATM,” Burgess said.

He didn’t have a definite date of when they would open the Saint Clair location, saying it would likely be within the next six to eight months.

Two other credit union locations are planned, one in North Manheim Township and the other in Wayne Township.

“We do plan on putting a brand new branch there (at 984 E. Main St.) in North Manheim,” Burgess said.

The property has a house on one side that is rented and a vacant lot nearby, where the credit union will go.

Construction could start in 2020 and might be completed by the end of the year. CACL bought the property for $285,000 in January 2017, according to the Schuylkill Parcel Locator.

Last month, CACL bought the former Santander Bank at 757 Route 183 South in Wayne Township for $279,000, according to the Schuylkill Parcel Locator. It could be open within eight months.

Both the North Manheim and the Wayne Township locations will be full service credit unions and have drive thrus, Burgess said.

Contact the writer: amarchiano@republicanherald.com; 570-622-6028

Police investigate crash; 1 injured

MOUNT PLEASANT — State police at Frackville investigated a two-vehicle crash that happened in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81, at mile marker 117.5 in Butler Township, around 7:20 p.m. Wednesday.

Police said Gilbert Hunt, 54, of Syracuse, New York, was driving a 2016 Freightliner truck north in the left lane and tried to merge into the right lane and while doing so struck a 2005 Buick Century that was being driven north by Brianna R. Wengrenovich, 23, of Shamokin.

Police said that Wengrenovich suffered injuries in the crash while Hunt was not hurt.

Police announce enforcement details

READING — State police at Troop L announced details of the New Year’s Holiday Enforcement period that ran from midnight Saturday until midnight Tuesday.

Police specifically focused on apprehending motorists who operated their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs and also concentrated on moving violations, including speeding, reckless driving, seat belt infractions and child seatbelt offenses.

Police reported investigating 41 crashes and making 29 DUI arrests in their coverage area that includes Schuylkill, Berks and Lebanon counties.

The crashes investigated involved two injuries and three were alcohol related, police said.

In addition to the DUI arrests, police issued 618 speeding citations, 538 other citations, 11 child passenger seat citations, 64 seat belt citations and six warning notices for seat belt violations.

It was also announced that police will conduct an Easter Holiday Enforcement campaign that begins at midnight on April 9 and concludes at midnight April 21.

When “Disney on Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic” comes to Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, it’ll honor a century of memorable movies with timeless songs and smooth skating.

The tour takes up residence at the Wilkes-Barre venue for eight shows over five days, running Wednesday through Jan. 13. Tickets start at just $15, making it a budget-friendly post-holiday outing for the whole family.

Marcus Mimidis, a native of Lancaster, will return to his home state to perform in the show’s ensemble. It marks his first time hitting the ice in the Wilkes-Barre area, which will be “new and exciting,” he said during a recent phone interview from Boston.

Mimidis said audiences can find him in several segments throughout the night, including the opening number in which he plays a member of Mickey Mouse’s marching band. He’ll also appear as a citizen of Arendelle later during a “Frozen” piece and as a Chinese soldier in a “Mulan” moment.

“This is a variety show, so you’re going to see the most characters,” especially compared to past “Disney on Ice” tours, Mimidis promised. “We have 50 characters, 14 different stories, and we go as far back as ‘Pinocchio,’ ‘Snow White’ (and) ‘The Lion King’ but also include more modern tales, like ‘Finding Dory,’ ‘(Tangled)’ and ‘Frozen.’ There really is something for all generations.”

Watching families in the audience is one of his favorite parts about participating in the Disney tours, Mimidis said.

“To see their reactions, everyone sandwiched together — parents and their reaction to their children seeing their favorite characters — everyone is in a good space and happy place,” he said. “It’s also nostalgic for the parents.”

Mimidis got his start in skating at 9 years old after watching the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Now a member of the U.S. Figure Skating Association, he skated competitively for years before joining “Disney on Ice,” having previously performed in the “Princesses and Heroes” tour before “100 Years of Magic.”

Traveling the country with fellow figure skaters of similar backgrounds has been a gratifying experience, he said, and being part of the Disney family has changed him for the better.

“It’s quite rewarding to be part of the show. After training for so many years and competing for so many years, I kind of have a different respect for skating and using my talents in a different way,” Mimidis said. “It’s really cool to work with other skaters who understand, and we share that and ... learn from each other. I’m definitely more outgoing on the ice in my performances. I let myself go and get into characters more. It’s not as stressful, because I don’t put pressure on myself to be perfect like I would in competitions.”

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

MAHANOY CITY — Security measures will be in place beginning Tuesday at all borough council meetings and other public events held at the Mahanoy City municipal building.

Mayor Dennis Wiessner said Thursday that he has been in contact with the Mahanoy City Police Department and decided security measures should be instituted to ensure the safety of elected officials and borough employees as well as members of the public attending meetings and other functions.

Wiessner said he has been thinking of a way to ensure the safety of all taking part in borough meetings following the Nov, 27 shooting at the Paradise Township municipal building in Cresco.

It was around 8:20 a.m. that day that David Green, 72, of Swiftwater, entered the building and shot and killed township building code enforcement and sewage enforcement officer Michael Tripus, 65.

Although the November shooting did not happen during a public meeting, five years prior, in August 2013, Rockne Newell, 61, walked into the Ross Township Municipal Building during a public meeting and shot and killed three people including township zoning officer David Fleetwood.

Newell pleaded guilty to a barrage of charges a year later and was ordered to serve three life sentences plus an additional 61 to 122 years in prison.

Wiessner said that although there has never been any trouble at borough meetings other than a few raised voices over the years, luck can change in a matter of seconds.

“We never had trouble but we want to be prepared and make sure that it never comes to that,” he said.

“This is prevention and precaution, we want everyone to be safe so they can come to meetings and air their opinions and complaints without concern,” the mayor said,

Wiessner said that Mahanoy City police Cpl. Charles Kovalewski usually attends meetings representing the department but that beginning Tuesday he will also be greeting attendees at the door making sure everyone entering is on the up and up.

“If we see someone or something that seems suspicious it will be addressed at the door,” Wiessner said.

All in all, Wiessner said no one incident or threat prompted the increase in security, only his desire for the safety of everybody.

“This is strictly a precaution,” he said. “But prevention and precaution can save lives.”

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

Frackville

The Frackville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Leonard Laurusevage, Mark Chuplis, Barbara Cori from the Honorable John and Suzanne Domalakes; for Carolyn Boychalk, June Vargo, Steven Monti and Raymond Norwich from Frackville Ministerium.

Mahanoy City

The Mahanoy City Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Mary Ellen Marchalonis by CAIU: Friends in Touch, Xi Zeta Chi Sorority, Shirley Ryan; for Annette Lieberman by Mike and Peg Grigalonis, Ashie and Joe Whitaker, Janet and George Cunningham, Kevin Brinich, Ann Marie Gallagher, Donna and Paul Peca; for Jay Hanley by Tina and Jim Davidson, Rosemay C. Demko, the Titus family. The library also acknowledged a book memorial for Sylvia Yankus by Tina and Jim Davidson.

New Ringgold

Soup Night, a free community event for all, is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday at Christ Church McKeansburg. It will be a time for dinner and fellowship, according to an event release. For more information, call 570-943-2822.

Pottsville

United Presbyterian Church, in conjunction with Winterfest, will open its doors to the publica at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 12 with free hot chocolate and hot dogs, Splash the Clown, face painting plus soup and other items for sale. People should use the Third Street church entrance. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-622-1760.

Pottsville

A free movie night is slated for 5:30 p.m. today at First Baptist Church. The showing is “God is Not Dead Part 3” and free snacks will be available. All ages are welcome; people under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 570-622-4749.

Pottsville

Signups are being accepted for the Pottsville Area High School Stand Up and Cheer Camp 2019, sponsored by the Pottsville Area cheerleaders. Signups will be inside Pottsville Area High School main entrance, 1600 Elk Ave., from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 14 and 15. The cost is $25 per camper. All campers, according to an event flier, must sign up at one of the listed times as no late signups will be taken. Camp will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 2 at the John S. Clarke Elementary Center. Participants should pack lunch and bring drinks for the day. Participants who sign up on the listed dates will receive a PAHS Cheer T-shirt. All camp participants are invited to cheer during halt time of the Pottsville Area varsity basketball game on Feb. 5. For more information, call Pottsville Area cheer boosters Lisa Ridge at 570-292-0720 or Maria Purcell at 570-573-8382.

Pottsville

Pottsville Area band front tryouts (flags and majorettes) for girls in eighth through 11th grades are 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the John S. Clarke Elementary Gymnasium, 601 N. 16th St. For more information, call Deniece at 570-573-1946.

Schuylkill Haven

As a service to the community, Boy Scout Troop 622 and Cub Scout Pack 622 will collect Christmas trees beginning at 9 a.m. Jan. 12. Residence should place trees at a visible location for pickup. Donations will be accepted. Former members of Troop 622 are welcome to participate in the pickups. The George D. Keller Memorial Association sponsors the troop and pack. For more information, call Chris Sweitzer at 570-385-3295 or 570-617-9026.

Shenandoah

The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., 116 N. Main St., will sponsor a soup and sausage hoagie sale beginning at 10 a.m. Jan. 10. Soups are $6 per quart and $3 per pint and sausage hoagies are $3.50 each. The soup variety will include chili. kielbasa soup, New England clam chowder, chicken noodle, split pea and beef barley. To order or for more information, call 570-462-2060.

Walk In to host ‘Corks & Chocolate’

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — An event called Corks & Chocolate will be held in the main gallery of the Walk In Art Center from 2 to 6 p.m. Jan. 26.

It’s billed in an event flier as “a night of wine, inspiration, art and chocolate;” all are welcome.

The cost is $30 in advance and $40 at the door. Participants will be able to sample from local wineries, restaurants and small businesses.

Tickets are available online at walkinartcenter.org or by calling 570-732-3728.

Winter Carnival events listed

POTTSVILLE — The list of events for the 2019 Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival has been released.

Events include: Princess Saturday, 10:30 a.m. Jan. 12, Fairlane Village mall; Winterfest, 11 a.m. Jan. 12, downtown Pottsville; Snowdrop fashion show, 5 p.m. Jan. 12, Fairlane Village, former Write Craft store; Snowflake fashion show, 7 p.m. Jan. 13, Lodge at Sharp Mountain, tickets needed; costume fashion show, 6 p.m. Jan. 17, Fairlane Village, former Write Craft store; Royal Tea, Jan. 19, Walk In Art Center, Schuylkill Haven, tickets needed; Queen fashion show, 7 p.m. Jan. 20, Lodge at Sharp Mountain, tickets needed; Yuengling Night, 7 p.m. Jan. 25, St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose, tickets needed; Snowdrop/Snowflake Pageant, 7 p.m. Jan. 26, Pottsville Area High School, tickets needed; Snowdrop/Snowflake After Party, 9 p.m., St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose, tickets needed; Queen’s Pageant. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2, Pottsville Area High School, tickets needed; Queen’s Ball, 9 p.m. Feb. 2, St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose, tickets needed.

Yurconic Agency announces rebrand

POTTSVILLE — The John Yurconic Agency, a provider of insurance, vehicle registration and driver’s license services, has announced a rebranding to The Yurconic Agency.

The announcement, according to an agency press release, was timed to coincide with its celebration of 50 years in business. The agency’s home base is in Allentown. It serves six counties and also has office locations in Hazleton, Lehighton, Pottsville, Reading and Sinking Spring.

Since 1969, according to the release, The Yurconic Agency has been providing a “complete array of insurance options, including personal, business, life and health and specialty insurance coverage.”

John Yurconic Jr., president of The Yurconic Agency and son of Yurconic founder John Yurconic Sr., said in the release the change marks the “start of a new era of business” for the agency.

He added the change “is about the evolution of this agency and all of the wonderful team members we have today and will have for the next 50 years, who are committed to our core values, to our clients and to providing the very best solutions for each one of your insurance and business needs.”

For more information about The Yurconic Agency, go online to www.Yurconic.com.

In addition to Schuylkill, the agency also serves Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Berks and Luzerne counties.

Fairlane Village lists events slate

POTTSVILLE — Fairlane Village mall, Route 61, has released its January calendar of events, headlined by scheduled items in conjunction with the 2019 Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival.

The agenda includes:

•Jan. 12, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., meet the Winter Carnival princesses with contestants walking through the mall, introducing themselves and selling buttons to benefit the event. For questions about the Winter Carnival events, call Dee Boris at 570-640-8522.

•Jan. 12, 5 p.m., the Winter Carnival Snowdrop Fashion Show will be held in the storefront next to Super Shoes. Contestants will show off their fashions in vying for the crown.

•Jan: 12, the T-102 Job & Career Fair highlighting local job opportunities with businesses located throughout the mall.

•Jan. 17, 6 p.m., the Winter Carnival Costume Fashion Show will be in the storefront next to Super Shoes.

•Jan. 19, 12:30 p.m., Cub Scout Pack 604 will hold its annual Pine Wood Derby at the mall’s center court.

For more information about Fairlane Village and mall events or sales, visit www.shopfairlanevillage.com.

Grants available

to cut violence risk

HARRISBURG — Local municipalities, colleges and community groups may apply for grants to boost safety and reduce the risk of violence, according to state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29.

The grants, according to a release, will be offered as part of a program that was included in this year’s state budget to improve school safety and combat community violence.

A total of $7.5 million will be awarded statewide during this fiscal year through June 30 to support community violence-prevention programs.

According to Argall’s release, during a series of Senate majority policy public hearings on the subject of school violence earlier this year, the funding was “strongly supported by a bipartisan coalition of local schools, state senators and representatives and communities throughout the state.”

Applications will be accepted until Feb. 7.

“It is a sad reality that the risks facing children in Pennsylvania do not end when the school bell rings at the end of the day,” Argall said in the release, adding, “The grants rewarded through this program will aid communities in building stronger partnerships with the hope of creating a safer environment for young people in Pennsylvania.”

Eligible uses for the grants include mentoring services and other intervention services for at-risk children and families; promoting communication between school entities and law enforcement; linking the community with local trauma support and behavioral health systems, and other programs designed to reduce community violence.

An additional $52.5 million in grants will be awarded to school districts to improve school safety throughout this fiscal year. The first round of these school safety grants was announced in October.

Applications and more information about the grants are available on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s website — www.pccd.pa.gov — under the School Safety and Security heading.

LCCC center offers classes in Hazleton

HAZLETON — Luzerne County Community College will offer courses for the spring semester in Hazleton.

Students, according to a press release, can register for courses at the college’s Hazleton center, 100 W. Broad St.

Classes offered at the center include accounting, art, biology, business, chemistry, CPR, early childhood education, emergency medical services, English, first year experience, history and math as well as computer literacy, criminal justice, English as a Second Language, health and physical education, psychology, reading, sociology and speech.

Classes for the spring semester will begin on Jan. 14. Both day and evening classes will be offered at the Hazleton center.

For more information, call the LCCC Hazleton Center at 570-453-3140 or email tbauder@luzerne.edu.

CDL driver

training at LCCC

TAMAQUA — The Lehigh Carbon Community College CDL driver training program scholarships are available for Schuylkill County residents, according to a flier heralded by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.

The LCCC Commercial Driver’s License Program is a 172-hour preparation course designed to “prepare the student to take and pass the state written and skills tests and to impart the knowledge to safely and professionally operate at Class A vehicle,” according to the flier.

For more information, call Maureen Donovan at 570-669-6880 or email mdonovan@LCCC.edu.

LionLaunch friend for business startups

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — People are being invited to strengthen their business skills by attending “information-packed programs” via Penn State Schuylkill LionLaunch.

LionLaunch will present a comprehensive business plan writing program with Savas Logothetides, owner of Wheel restaurant, Pottsville, and executive director of the Pottsville Area Development Corp. The program will be available in two sessions, 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 4 and 11 at the LionLaunch Innovation Hub, Schuylkill Haven.

Logothetides will “show you step-by-step how to formulate your own business plan starting with the executive summary,” according to the flier. “He will break down each section of a business plan and show you how each of those sections strategically informs another.”

People may register now for $40 by visiting sl.psu.edu/innovationhub.

Penn State Schuylkill LionLaunch is part of the university’s statewide initiative, Invent Penn State, aimed at spurring economic growth throughout Pennsylvania, according to a LionLaunch flier.

LionLaunch, with the support of community partners, is helping Schuylkill County entrepreneurs and business professionals find resources and information they need to become successful, according to the release.

So far, LionLaunch has helped start 14 new businesses in Schuylkill County and awarded $47,000 in seed money to entrepreneurs, according to the flier.

Chamber updates mixers, sessions

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce has several upcoming sessions on its agenda. People may register for all chamber programs online at www.schuylkillchamber.com or by calling 570-622-1942. The chamber and the SEDCO/chamber conference center are at Union Station, 1 Progress Circle, Suite 201, Pottsville, PA 17901.

• A business executive forum featuring Sandy Barbour, Penn State University director of athletics, is set for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Health & Wellness Center on Penn State Schuylkill Campus, 200 University Drive, Schuylkill Haven, sponsored by Penn State Schuylkill. The cost is $50 for Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce members and $100 for nonmembers.

• The Business After 5 O’clock Mixer, sponsored by Wells Fargo and The Greystone restaurant, will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at The Greystone, 315 N. Centre St., Pottsville. There is no fee but registration is encouraged, according to a chamber flier.

• The Schuylkill Women in Business Luncheon, sponsored by Miners Bank, a division of Mid Penn Bank, will be held at 11:45 a.m. Jan. 23 at Carmelo’s Roman Delight, Route 61. The cost is $20 for chamber members and $25 for nonmembers.

• A Quickbooks seminar will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 24 and 31 at the Lehigh Carbon Community College’s Morgan Campus, 234 High St., Tamaqua. The cost is $125 for both classes.

• An economic forecast breakfast focusing on the economy in 2019 is set for 7:45 a.m. Feb. 13 in St. Nicholas Hall, Route 901, Primrose. It will feature Edmond J. Seifried, Ph.D., co-chairman of Seifried & Brew LLC, sponsored by the Mauch Chunk Trust Co. The cost is $20 for chamber members and $25 for nonmembers.

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

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

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

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

WASHINGTON — Dan Meuser enjoyed his first day as the congressman from Pennsylvania’s 9th District on Thursday, but more for what occurred off the floor of the House of Representatives instead of on it.

“I feel as if it exceeded expectations,” the Luzerne County businessman said after taking the oath of office to represent all or part of eight counties. “The staff is going to do a great job.”

About 60 people from the 9th District came to celebrate with Meuser.

Furthermore, he made it clear where he stood on the most contentious issue the House is facing: funding for a wall or other barrier along all or part of the border with Mexico.

“Find the funding for our border security,” Meuser said. “If we don’t do it now, when?”

Meuser, of Dallas, captured his seat in November by defeating Columbia County Democrat Denny Wolff to win the 9th District. He is part of an evenly split delegation of nine Republicans and nine Democrats.

Considered a solidly Republican district, the 9th includes all of Carbon, Columbia, Lebanon, Montour and Schuylkill counties and parts of Berks, Luzerne and Northumberland counties.

More notably, he is in the minority, as the Democrats seized control of the House in the November elections. Republicans, however, actually increased their majority in the Senate, resulting in a divided Congress as well as divided government.

Amid the pomp and ceremony of San Francisco Democrat Nancy Pelosi regaining her title of speaker of the House, Meuser is optimistic about the budget stalemate that has led to a partial government shutdown.

“I think it won’t last very long, Tuesday at the latest,” he said. “We need to deliver what the people are asking for, border security.”

President Donald Trump has asked for $5 billion for the wall, while the Democrats are offering $1.3 billion for border security with no money for a wall.

Meuser said he has plenty of other concerns on which he wants to work in order to benefit the district.

“We need to stabilize health costs,” he said. “We need better health protection. They do care a lot about illegal immigration.”

Economic revitalization also is a big concern, especially for Schuylkill County, along with flood prevention and the opioid crisis, according to Meuser.

Meuser also said he is opening six offices in his district, including ones in Pottsville, which is the geographical center of the 9th District; the Reading Airport; and Carbon, Lebanon, Luzerne and Northumberland counties.

“We’re sharing them with state representatives and state senators,” he said.

He said he is meeting Pennsylvania’s other representatives and is impressed, especially with the dean of the delegation, U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson.

As for his committee assignments, Meuser said the state delegation has voted for him for the Appropriations Committee, which is considered by many political experts to be one of the most powerful committees in the House. He said he also is interested in agriculture, transportation, veterans affairs and workforce development.

“I’m just all in” on the issues of most concern to the 9th District, Meuser said.

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