SAINT CLAIR — New Castle Township police could have another officer on the streets this year.

The supervisors discussed the possibility of hiring another police officer Monday at their monthly meeting.

Deputy Police Chief Lawrence J. Ludwig talked about how he will give the supervisors an application for a possible new hire, who will be graduating from the police academy.

“As for hiring this new officer, I’m all for it, but we need to look into our budget to see if we have any problems with the budget. I don’t think we are going to have any problems with the budget,” Supervisor Mike Tobin III said.

The police force consists of three part-time police officers, Police Chief Bryan Dronick, Ludwig and another.

Chairman Robert Achenbach said the new development planned in the township at the site of the former Schuylkill Mall is a reason for the potential hire. He said the township reduced hours for the police force after the mall started to decline.

In other business, township employees could be getting a raise.

“I want to look into raises for everybody,” Tobin said, but the supervisors will have to look over the financial limitations of the township.

“We appreciate that,” Ludwig said.

Supervisor Todd Geiger did not attend the meeting.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

The Family Place of Evangelical, Lewisburg

To Stephen and Erin Johnson Rittle, Bloomsburg, a son, Dec. 30. Maternal grandparents are George and Lynda Rittle, Ringtown. Paternal grandparents are Jody and Mary Beth Johnson, Lewisburg.

POTTSVILLE — U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser has opened a district office in the city.

Meuser’s office is located at Losch Plaza, 121 Progress Ave., Suite 110, and opened last week.

“Schuylkill County is the geographic heart of the 9th District and its residents typify the sort of hardworking Pennsylvania families living across our region. Our Pottsville office is open to walk-ins and we are in the process of outfitting it with House equipment. It’s fully staffed with a qualified, experienced team that shares my commitment to providing the best constituent services of any congressional office in the country,” Meuser, R-9, Dallas, said.

At least two of Meuser’s district office staff members are natives of Schuylkill County. The two staff members from the county include, Michael Shay, who currently lives in Luzerne County, and Nathan Gerace, of Tamaqua.

Meuser was sworn in Thursday and represents Pennsylvania’s 9th District, which includes all of Carbon, Columbia, Lebanon, Montour and Schuylkill counties and parts of Berks, Luzerne and Northumberland counties.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The public will be invited to an open house in the near future.

A date for the open house was not provided.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

SHENANDOAH — Fire gutted a home in the borough and damaged an adjoining home Tuesday night.

Shenandoah firefighters were called to 238 S. Jardin St. just after 6:30 p.m. for a report of a house fire and found flames shooting from the side and rear of the building. Fire officials immediately called for a second alarm, bringing crews from Mahanoy City, Frackville, Englewood, West Mahanoy Township and Union Township to the scene.

Crews worked for about an hour to bring the fire under control but could not do so before it severely damaged the rear of the first and second floors of the large home that sits on both South Jardin and Poplar streets.

Fire also spread to an adjoining home at 236 S. Jardin St., but damage to that property did not appear to be as extensive.

During the blaze, Shenandoah EMS was called to the scene to evaluate three people affected by the fire. It was not known if the three people who needed evaluation were occupants of the home or firefighters.

In addition to neighboring units battling the fire, the Pottsville Fire Department responded with its Rapid Intervention Team.

Firefighters remained at the scene into the late night hours making sure the fire was completely extinguished and beginning their investigation into the cause of the blaze.

Shenandoah police Patrolman David Stamets said the home at 238 S. Jardin St. was occupied, but he did not know how many people lived there.

Stamets said that when he arrived at the scene shortly after being notified there was heavy fire to the rear, kitchen area, of the home.

Fire officials were still at the scene and had no information available as of late Tuesday night.

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

Competitors from Schuylkill and Dauphin counties have already posted victories in the 103rd Pennsylvania Farm Show, which runs through Saturday in Harrisburg.

Christmas trees, wine, canned fruits and vegetables and junior livestock were among the exhibition categories that earned participants state recognition. Future Farmers of America members were also honored at the FFA Mid-Winter Convention on Monday at the farm show complex.

Champion tree

Paul Shealer, co-owner of Evergreen Acres Christmas Tree Farm in Auburn, earned the grand champion Christmas tree title with a Fraser fir. That makes him and the reserve champion, Richard McClellan, of Middleburg, Snyder County, eligible for national competition and possibly a chance to supply a Christmas tree for the White House.

Competition this year was strong, Shealer said.

“Perhaps, the best it’s ever been,” he said in a phone conversation Tuesday. “They were all really nice trees, and I thought it’s going to be a tough road here.”

Judges select the top tree in each class, making them eligible to be entered into the Grand Champion contest. Farm show visitors then vote for their favorite tree, and the one with the most votes determines the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion trees.

Shealer had also earned first place with his Canaan fir and Scotch pine, and placed with eight of his trees. The national Christmas tree competition is held throughout the United States, and this year, it’s in August in Scranton, Shealer said.

Larry Snyder, of Mahantongo Valley Farms in Pitman, also earned at least 13 awards at the farm show with his trees and wreaths, including a first place for his hybrid cross fir. Both county tree producers have competed at the National Christmas Tree Association conference.

Shealer won the national competition in 2000, placing the official Christmas tree in the Clinton White House, and in 2008 had the reserve grand champion for nationals, placing that tree at Vice President Dick Cheney’s residence in Washington, D.C. One of Shealer’s Douglas firs placed third nationally in 2017.

Wine

Benigna’s Creek Vineyard & Winery in Klingerstown came away with at least nine medals for its entries, including double gold medals for 2017 Delight; a gold medal for 2017 Blueberry; silver medals for 2017 Strawberry, Chambourcin Reserve and 2017 Traminette; and bronze medals for 2017 Sunshine, BC Red and Tears. The wines submitted had to be made with 75 percent Pennsylvania fruit. There were 43 wineries vying for titles this year.

Livestock

According to results from the farm show website, several youth exhibiting their livestock placed.

Madalyn Gruber, of Auburn, placed second in Mainetainer Junior with her late spring yearling heifer and third in Mainetainer open for her beef animal; Luke Mease, of Pine Grove, placed fourth in Junior Market Lamb, Weight Division 5, while his brother, John Mease, placed seventh in the same division; Elijah Noecker, of Schuylkill Haven, placed sixth in Division 6 with his Junior Market Lamb; Casmira Keller, of Orwigsburg, placed ninth in Division 17 with her lamb; and Madison Kurtz, of Pine Grove, placed third and fifth with summer heifer calves.

Family Living

In the Family Living Department, several Schuylkill County home canners earned top honors for their handiwork. Sally Reinoehl, of Valley View, and Mary Dunkelberger, of Hegins, garnered many first-, second- and third-place ribbons for their canned fruits and vegetables.

FFA

Tri-Valley’s and Upper Dauphin Area’s FFA chapters fared well Monday at the FFA Mid-Winter Convention.

Tri-Valley’s Chapter Window Exhibit placed fourth in the state, according to Gretchen Dingman, agriculture teacher and adviser.

Tri-Valley had three Keystone degree recipients, James Dietrich, Stone Clouser and Hunter Knorr. This is the highest FFA degree that is awarded in the state. There were 407 Keystone degrees awarded Monday.

There were 365 members who received their alumni jacket. The first-year members from Tri-Valley to receive their jackets were Jake Scheib, Braxton Schwartz, Carmen Kaczmarczyk, Haley Dietrich, Amy Johnson, Alan Sherry, Synary Grose, Landis Harman and Gianna Poletti.

Meanwhile, UDA’s Ag Issues Forum placed third in state competition, according to Mark Dietrich, UDA agriculture educator and adviser. Forum teammates are Katie Blyler, Rebecca Buffington, Gracie Gehring and Elizabeth Stoltzfus.

Hailey Shade and Ryan McGuire received their Keystone FFA degrees and UDA’S chapter educational exhibit placed seventh.

For more information on the farm show schedule and an updated list of winners, visit www.farmshow.pa.gov.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — A Lake Wynonah woman will not have to serve time in prison after a Schuylkill County judge recently sentenced her for committing a theft in December 2017.

Instead, Jacqui M. Lehman, 45, of Auburn, will spend four years on probation, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities, Judge John E. Domalakes ruled.

Lehman pleaded guilty on Nov. 14, 2018, to retail theft. State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Lehman committed the theft on Dec. 16, 2017, in West Brunswick Township.

In another recent case, Michael T. Dower, 23, of Tremont, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judge Charles M. Miller accepted the plea and sentenced Dower to time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, and to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and a $50 CJEA payment.

Mahanoy City police charged Dower with possessing the paraphernalia on April 9, 2016, in the borough.

Also in the county court, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin recently revoked the parole and probation of Kevin M. Gazdziak, 28, of Wilkes-Barre, and sentenced him to serve six to 24 months in a state correctional institution.

Gazdziak originally pleaded guilty on Nov. 14, 2018, to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, driving under the influence, driving under suspension, driving unregistered vehicle and operating vehicle without valid inspection. Prosecutors withdrew three counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia.

At that time, Dolbin sentenced him to serve 72 hours to six months in prison, spend 18 months on probation, pay costs, $1,250 in fines, a $100 SAEF payment, a $50 CJEA payment and $182.50 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Harrisburg, all of which he still must pay under the terms of Dolbin’s most recent order, and perform 10 hours community service.

Mahanoy City police charged Gazdziak with possessing drugs and DUI on March 6, 2018, in the borough.

In a case more than a decade old, Dolbin recently revoked the parole of Edward W. Semerod, 57, of Largo, Florida, and returned him to prison until Feb. 27, 2021, to serve the rest of his sentence.

Semerod originally pleaded guilty on Aug. 23, 2005, to DUI and driving unregistered vehicle, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of driving under suspension-DUI related, fraudulent use or removal of plate and operating vehicle without valid inspection. At that time, Dolbin sentenced Semerod to serve 90 days to five years in prison, pay costs, $1,575 in fines, a $100 SAEF payment, a $50 bench warrant fee and $60 restitution to Pottsville Hospital & Warne Clinic, now Lehigh Valley Health Network, perform 10 hours community service and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation.

Butler Township police charged Semerod was DUI on Sept. 18, 2004, in the township.

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

Hometown

The sixth annual “Be Cool for Our School” Polar Plunge to benefit Marian High School is scheduled for Jan. 26 at Mauch Chunk Lake, Jim Thorpe. The plunge formerly was for St. Joseph Regional School, Jim Thorpe, which closed at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Registration, which will be open from 10 to 11:30 a.m., is $35. The first plungers go into the water at noon. People may also register as “chickens” to show support for the cause but remain dry. A commemorative T-shirt will be included with plunger or chicken registrations. With the exception of current Marian students, all plungers must be 18 or older. The event will also feature a disc jockey and food/beverages on sale. To register in advance or for more information, email to mchspolarplunge@gmail.com or call Kathy Goff at 610-704-8037.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following honor contributions: For Jillian Balulis from Nana Marie Balulis; for Julia Balulis from Nana Marie Balulis, for Rose Balulis from Nana Marie Balulis; for Ryan Balulis from Nana Marie Balulis; for Margaret “Peggy” Bercher from Maryanne Conway; for Barbara A. Bindie from Richard P. Bindie MD; for MaryAnn Conway-Gursky from Wendi Wheeler; for AnnMarie Donton from Brenda Schuettler and Aaron Schuettler; for The Rev. Harold L. Hand Jr. from Barb and Charlie Wagner; for Joseph C. Koval MD from Tom and Anne Curry; for Frances Lorenz from Pottsville Page Turners; for Helen Meinhold from Patrick McKinney; for Hunter, Madison and Millie Reed from Deborah Shuman Reed; for Marian Smith from Mary Jo Grube; for Thomas G. Smith Jr. from Peggy Smith; for staff of the Pottsville Free Public Library from Rosemary “Chris” and Edward McLaughlin; for Veronica and Edward D. Sullivan from Frank and Lucy Kaczynski; for The Library Employees from Deb and John Yuda; for Anne Ulicny from Andy Ulicny; for Becki White from Steve Lilienthal.

Pottsville

Kindergarten registration for the 2019-20 school year at the Pottsville Area School District’s John S. Clarke Elementary Center will be held in the Academic Center, 1501 W. Laurel Blvd., as follows, all from 9 a.m. to noon: March 25 for those whose last names being with A through L, March 26 for those who last names are M-R and March 27 for those with last names S-Z. Additionally, there will be registrations from 6 to 8 p.m. March 25 for last names A-L and March 26 for last names M-Z. It is not necessary for children to attend the registration. People registering will need the child’s birth certificate and complete immunization record as well as three proofs of residency. Screening for each incoming kindergarten pupil will be at the elementary center April 8-11. It will include vision, speech, hearing and readiness. Appointments for screenings will be made at the time of registration. For more information, call 570-621-2915 or 570-621-2914.

Pottsville

An all-you-can-eat breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. Jan. 20 at Humane Fire Company No. 1. The cost is $9 for adults and $4.50 for children under 12. There will be a full breakfast menu. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-622-5891.

Primrose

The St. Nicholas Holy Name Society will sponsor an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet beginning at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 27 in St. Nicholas Hall, Route 901. Bleenies and home-baked breads will also be available. The breakfast cost is $9 for adults; children under 12 will eat free. All are welcome.

Schuylkill Haven

Works by Mark T. Malak of The Barnwood Gallery will be featured through Feb. 24 at the Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Walk In’s main gallery. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. Malak does oil paintings and rustic woodworkings. For more information, email to information@walkinartcenter.com.

Schuylkill Haven

Penn State Schuylkill will team with the Miller Keystone Blood Center to host a blood drive beginning at 9 a.m. Feb. 6 in the campus gymnasium. Walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment in advance, go oneline to GiveAPint.org and use online sponsor code 7366. For more information, call 570-385-6248.

GiRARDVILLE — The Girardville Basketball Association opened its 2019 season on Tuesday that included recognizing three outstanding supporters of the 56-year-old sports program.

After the two opening games featuring the LAOH vs. Gal’s Sports Bar and Centiole’s Pizza vs. Kass’s Contracting, GBA President Paul Kowalick conducted the opening ceremonies in the “A” Street School, announcing that Eugene P. Coughlin and the late Wade O. Richards have been inducted into the Jack Travis Blue Aces Wall of Fame.

Kowalick also recognized GBA’s longtime sponsor, Michael J. O’Connor & Associates, LLC law firm, Frackville. Michael O’Connor drew up the official bylaws in 1997 and has continued to support the program by annually sponsoring a team.

The basketball program continues to grow, Kowalick said, stating that there were 212 children from ages 5 through eighth grade participating this season, which is a record high, and there are 20 teams in JV and varsity levels.

Kowalick began his remarks by introducing North Schuylkill Junior-Senior High School student Gabrielle Dinger, 13, of Girardville, who sang the national anthem. After introducing the GBA officers and officials, Kowalick began with recognizing the O’Connor law firm.

“This is the fourth or fifth year that we are acknowledging the sponsors,” Kowalick said. “We have 23 sponsors and these are loyal people. Way back in 1997 when we noticed we were starting to get an influx of out-of-town children and the league was getting bigger, Michael J. O’Connor and his wife, Patricia, would sit and watch their children, who were in the program. We thought it was time to do things the right way, so myself and Ed Burns (then president) went up to his office and he drew up the bylaws and taught us the best way to run this program.”

Kowalick called over Patricia O’Connor, daughter Mary Kathleen and son John Patrick to be presented with a plaque and a large banner by members of the North Schuylkill seventh-grade girls team, which participates in the GBA. The banner will hang in the gymnasium, while the plaque was taken by the family.

Before the wall of fame announcement, Kowalick announced that matting will be added to the front of the stage and also along the walls. The stage matting will have the GBA logo in the center, with CACL Financial, a major sponsor, on both sides. CACL contributed $1,000 for the matting, whose total cost is $5,000.

Coughlin and Richards join Edward Burns and Joseph and Rose Chiaretti as wall of famers. The wall of fame honor is named after John “Jack” Travis, who founded the biddy basketball program in 1963. The program has used the gymnasium in the building, which served as Girardville High School until 1962, and then for several years as an elementary school. The building is owned by the borough, but the association maintains and the gymnasium in excellent condition and makes improvements from time to time.

Kowalick began with Coughlin, who is his uncle, in the wall of fame announcements. Coughlin, 85, lives in Norristown and was unable to attend the presentation. Kowalick explained that it was about 15 years ago that he and Burns brought him to the gym.

“He couldn’t get over what we did here for recreation,” he said. “My uncle was born and raised in Girardville. His father died when he was one-year-old and he moved himself up.”

Kowalick has his mother, Patricia Kowalick, come over to accept the plaque and banner for Coughlin, who had married Patricia’s twin sister, Fran.

“So he started anonymously donating money to the GBA and that he never wanted anyone to know who gave the money,” Kowalick explained. “At first it was small amounts, but gave more as the program grew. When he found out we got a central heating system in here, he then began donating the trip that we have every year for a weekend in Virginia. We sell the tickets for the trip he donates. It helps us to pay for the heat to the borough.”

Kowalick had informed Coughlin of the recognition, to which Coughlin replied in an email that was read last evening: “While you are very well aware that I prefer anonymity for all contributions, I am proud to have my name connected with the Girardville Basketball Association. However, the real honorees are the volunteers who contribute their time and efforts to the continuance of the GBA. My compliments as well as thanks.”

The second presentation was for Richards, who died suddenly and unexpectedly on May 15.

One of Richards’ daughters, Michelle Richards of Girardville, accepted the plaque and the banner in tears, being so emotionally moved by the honor for her father. She was accompanied by a son, Matthew. The plaque will be displayed on the wall where Richards sat to collect the admission.

Kowalick pointed out a banner on the wall that was presented to Richards, popularly known as “Wade O,” in 2016 that reads, “Thank you for your dedication and principles of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring and good citizenship to the children and parents of the Girardville Basketball Association.”

“We are glad that we did this for Wade when he was still alive,” Kowalick said. “When I told Michelle we were going to do this (wall of fame induction), this is what Michelle said to me:

‛My dad loved the GBA. Each year he couldn’t wait for it to start and was so depressed when it ended for the year.’”

“He was our father figure,” Kowalick said.

Kowalick spoke to The Republican Herald on Monday and said the association officers wanted something special with regard to a plaque for Richards.

“We got a real nice plaque that includes an 8x10-inch photo of Wade. Instead of just getting a plaque, we wanted something with his face that everyone would recognize,” Kowalick explained. “So, it’s a big plaque with his smile and wearing one of our hats. It’s perfect.”

Kowalick added, “Wade didn’t realize how important he was. He always looked at us that we were helping him, but he helped us. He was the first one at the gym, get things set up, dust mop the gym to get ready for the kids, and then sit there for the four games greeting everyone coming in and going out as he took care of the moneybox. We’re still looking for someone who wants to do his job. He’s just irreplaceable.”

Kowalick said the league began to grow in 2006 when other little area gyms closed and the GBA continued its programs and drew players from many other towns. His father, Paul, had worked the door until 2004 when he became ill, and in 2005, Kowalick asked Richards to work at the door, which he agreed to.

“Wade came in 2005 to take over for my father and he never left us,” he said. “He was so trustworthy. We made him an officer. He would come to every meeting. He helped us through the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He was a member of both and he would present checks from both organizations. We wouldn’t even ask him. He would just come forth with it. He has been a friend of mine forever.”

When Kowalick completed his presentations, he and GBA Treasurer/Concession Manager Terri Niedzwiecki were both surprised when Vice President Daniel Heiser took the microphone to announce the banners will be displayed on the wall with their names to recognize all they do for the GBA.

“There are two more people the officers decided to put up on that wall, and that’s Terri Niedzwiecki and Paul Kowalick,” Heiser said. “They’ve been here 30-plus years and they’re so important to this league, so Paul and Terri, we have banners for you, too.”

After the banner and plaque presentations, Mary Kathleen O’Connor said of the recognition, “My brothers and I all played basketball in Girardville and it’s such a great honor to have a banner in the gym where we have so many great memories. We’re so proud to be part of such a wonderful organization over the last 20 years and we look forward to the next 20 years.”

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

Man jailed after making threats

GINTHERS — A Tamaqua man was jailed after threatening people with a knife at a home on Fairview Street in this Rush Township village around 4:45 p.m. Friday.

State police at Frackville said Anthony L. Keiper, 32, was charged with simple assault, harassment and public drunkenness, arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $30,000 straight cash bail.

Police said they received a complaint from family members of Keiper that he was showing up at the house under the influence of drugs and taking a kitchen knife and displaying it in such a manner, which created a fear of imminent serious bodily injuries to those inside the home.

Police said that since Rush Township police were busy with a simultaneous emergency, Tamaqua police assisted at the scene.

Man charged with robbing Boyer’s

ASHLAND — A Pitman man was jailed after being arrested by state police at Frackville and charged with robbing Boyer’s Food Market around 9 p.m. Saturday.

Police said Jason E. Conner, 41, was charged with robbery, retail theft and harassment and arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont.

Conner was then placed in Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $30,000 straight cash bail.

Police said Conner entered the store and concealed merchandise and when confronted by an employee shoved or brushed aside a clerk and make his get away.

The investigation led to Conner being identified as the person responsible and he was located and taken into custody at an apartment in Ashland the following day.

Man charged after stop investigation

GIRARDVILLE — A Pottsville man was charged by state police at Frackville after an investigation into a traffic stop at West Main and Julia streets in Butler Township around 1:50 p.m. Sept. 2.

Police said Monday they charged Michael Kostura with possession of drug paraphernalia and that he will now have to answer before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville.

Police said they stopped a vehicle driven by Kostura for an inspection violation and found the man had a suspended driver’s license and that he was also in possession of several pipes used to smoke methamphetamine.

2 escape injury in 1-vehicle crash

GIRARDVILLE — Two Ringtown residents escaped injury in a one-vehicle crash that happened on East Main Street, just west of Powder Mill Road, around 1 a.m. Sunday.

Police said Edward J. Conti, 19, was driving a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado east on Main Street when he lost control, went off the road and struck an embankment, causing the vehicle to overturn onto its roof and come to a stop facing west.

Police said Conti and his passenger — a 14-year-old boy — were not hurt but as a result of the crash, Conti will be cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Police investigate hit-and-run crash

GIRARDVILLE — State police at Frackville are investigating a hit-and-run crash that happened on East Main Street, just west of South Second Street, around 7:20 a.m. Friday.

Police said a vehicle was being driven east on Main Street when its driver’s side mirror struck the driver’s side bed of a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado being driven west by Joseph M. Lloyd, 47, of New Ringgold.

The unidentified vehicle also struck the front corner of a trailer being towed by Lloyd, police said.

The unidentified driver then fled the scene traveling east on Main Street and could not be located.

Anyone with information on the identity of the hit-and-run driver or the crash is asked to call police at 570-874-5300.

Woman taken to hospital after crash

MOUNT PLEASANT — Two people escaped serious injury when their vehicles collided in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81, at mile marker 117.5 in Butler Township, around 7:20 p.m. Jan. 2.

State police at Frackville said Gilbert Hunt, 54, of Syracuse, New York, was driving a 2016 Freightliner truck in the left lane when he attempted to merge into the right lane and in doing so struck a 2005 Buick Century driven by Brianna Wengrenovich, 23, of Shamokin.

Police said Wengrenovich was taken to a Pottsville hospital by Minersville EMS for treatment of possible injuries while Hunt was not hurt.

Man arrested for writing bad check

McADOO — A borough man was arrested by McAdoo police and charged with bad checks after an incident on Dec. 5.

Police said Jonathan Burget, 41, presented a check to a property owner in the amount of $725 for rent.

After the owner deposited the check into his bank account, he was informed the check was rejected for insufficient funds, police said.

Police said a certified mail letter was sent to Burget, advising him payment must be made but the letter was returned as unclaimed.

The charge against Burget was filed with Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua.

Auburn — Keith R. and Carolyn F. Fry to Keith R. and Carolyn F. Fry; 220 Market St.; $1.

Butler Township — Barbara Stanell, by attorney in fact Martin R. Stanell, to Brian R. Wagner; property at Laurel Street and Wallnick Drive; $82,000.

Delano Township — Daniel Pascavage, by attorney in fact Ann D. Pascavage, to Ann D. Pascavage; 2.813-acre property on Legislative Route 53041; $1.

East Union Township — John and Caren McCarrie to Ralph M. and Ann B. Bailets; Lot 42ER, Eagle Rock; $395,000.

Frailey Township — Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB to NRZ REO VI Corp.; 108 Oak St., Donaldson; $10.

NRZ REO VI Corp. to William C. Dietrich and Bryan K. Dietrich; 108 Oak St., Donaldson; $8,500.

Gordon — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to the Borough of Gordon; property on McKnight Street; $1.

Hegins Township — Frank L. Roma to Alignment Investments LLC; 1.36-acre property on Deep Creek Road; $500.

Hubley Township — Frank J. Krammes to Frank J. Krammes; 2.579-acre property on Mahantongo Street, Sacramento; $1.

Wayne E. and Joanny M. Shade to Wayne E. Shade; 297 Fearnot Road, Sacramento; $1.

Frank J. Krammes to West Mountain Realty LLC; 2.579-acre property at Mahantongo Street and Route 25, Sacramento; $325,000.

Mahanoy City — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Gloria Zorrilla; 607 E. Centre St.; $2,184.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Damarys Singh; 500 E. Railroad St.; $965.

New Philadelphia — Richard J. Frehafer to Christopher A. Bogetti; 66 Kimber St.; $10,000.

North Manheim Township — Christine A. Sabitsky to Jared U. and Christine A. Sabitsky; 513 Stoney Run Road, Chestnut Hill; $1.

North Union Township — Eugene A. and Marie C. Fajardo to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 85E. Eagle Rock; $8,500.

Orwigsburg — Brian Strausser to Roy Delrosario and Lindsey Pagan; 226 S. Warren St.; $96,300.

Pine Grove — Douglas D. and Wendi L. Raber, by attorney in fact Breana Strohecker, to Brandon Alan Lyons; 39 Spruce St.; $141,850.

Pine Grove Township — David F. and Christine K. Denning to David F. Denning; 85 Airport Road; $1.

Warren A. Miller, by attorney in fact Angela L. Bixler, to David and Barbara Dayson; 357 Tremont Road, Ravine; $85,000.

Port Clinton — Dale G. Gassert to Daniel Gooding; 1021 Schuylkill St.; $62,000.

Ringtown — Joanne M. McCann by attorney in fact James Joseph McCann, to Thomas Gaughan Jr.; 3 Greenhouse Lane; $169,000.

Saint Clair — Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Juan F. Cordova; 131 S. Third St.; $15,250.

Edmund P. and Carole A. Quirin to Borough of Saint Clair; 24 N. Nicholas St.; $1.

Union Township — Glenn Hetherington to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Schuylkill County; agricultural conservation easements on 483 and 515 Reservoir Road; $244,380.

Glenn Hetherington to Schuylkill County; agricultural conservation easements on 483 and 515 Reservoir Road; $1.

Walker Township — George D. and Deborah L. Donnon to Lindsey N. Zeigler; 517 Valley Road, Lewistown Valley; $1.

West Brunswick Township — Keith R. and Kathy L. Parmer to Calvin J. Shellhamer; 316 Summer Valley Road; $175,000.

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — A Carbon County woman is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving her right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday on charges she trespassed on her former boyfriend’s property in December 2018 and pointed a gun at his daughter.

Shelly King, 35, of 107 Thomas Jefferson Road, Lehighton, faces charges of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, defiant trespass and harassment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of aggravated assault.

Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over the four remaining charges for court after King waived her right to the hearing. Ferrier allowed King to remain free on $10,000 straight cash bail pending further court action.

State police at Frackville filed the charges against King, alleging that at 2:05 p.m. Dec. 18, 2018, she entered onto the property of Joe Smith, 16 Hope Ave., East Brunswick Township, even though she had been told several times not to do so.

Once on the property, King told Deanna Marie Smith, Joe Smith’s daughter, to leave her alone and pointed a black pistol at her, according to police. Deanna Smith took two pictures of King during the incident, police said.

After King pointed the gun at Deanna Smith, the latter returned to the house while King drove away in her pickup truck toward New Ringgold, according to police.

Police said King admitted going to the property but denied pointing the pistol at, or even seeing or talking to, Deanna Smith during the incident.

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

Marc F. Dougherty, 46, of 425 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah; two counts of strangulation and one each of simple assault and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges of strangulation withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Robert F. Grosko II, 46, of 101 E. Main St., Fredericksburg; driving under the influence, failing to yield right of way, unsafe movement or pass on right, unsafe pass on left, disregarding traffic lane, following too closely, improper turning movements, failure to drive at a safe speed, careless driving, reckless driving and seat belt violation; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Nicholas A. Higgins, 27, of 410 N. Second St., Reading; receiving stolen property, flight to avoid apprehension or trial, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest, driving unregistered vehicle, driving under suspension and operating vehicle without valid inspection; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges of flight to avoid apprehension or trial and resisting arrest withdrawn, other bound over for court.

Ryan H. Karvoski, 41, of 713 Second St. Extension, Hamburg; DUI, failing to show proof of financial responsibility, disregarding traffic lane, texting while driving, speeding and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Andrew P. Mascotte, 24, of 216 Owl Creek Road, Tamaqua; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without a license and stop sign violation; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Joseph R. Sippel Jr., 31, of 53 St. James St., Schuylkill Haven; access device fraud, theft and receiving stolen property; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

James V. Teeter, 49, of 651 Deturksville Road, Pine Grove; DUI, disregarding traffic lane, failure to drive at a safe speed, careless driving ad violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH — A social worker charged with assaulting a child at the Shenandoah Valley Elementary School on Sept. 13, 2018, had charges against him held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Gregory M. Hoats, 49, of 102 Snow Ridge Circle, Zion Grove, was arrested by Shenandoah police Patrolman Cody Applegate and charged with aggravated assault of a victim under the age of six and defendant over the age of 18, endangering the welfare of children and simple assault.

Kilker determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered all three charges against Hoats held for Schuylkill County Court.

Applegate said he was contacted by the school principal who showed him school video walking with the child holding hands and then pulling the child forward until causing the child to fall to the ground.

Hoats then picks the child up, carries the child into a stairway and after waiting for a student to leave lifts the child up by the left arm and drags him up 11 steps, Applegate said.

In yet another video, Applegate said the child is seen trying to get away from Hoats, who tries to grab him and then, after looking around, hits the child in the face with a purple folder.

When interviewed, Applegate said Hoats admitted hitting the child with the folder and said that along with the way he carried the child was not the policy of his employer, Pathways Community Services, Pottsville.

Other court cases included:

Danielle Kapes, 38, of 312 W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance. Withdrawn: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Oscar C. Pacheco, 33, of 12 N. Union St., Shenandoah; withdrawn: terroristic threats and harassment. Waived for court: simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Anthony T. Bertolini, 38, of 230 N. Highland St., Shenandoah; withdrawn: robbery, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Etienne Barksdale, 35, of 116 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City; held for court: possession of a firearm prohibited and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mayra Ross, 46, of 4315 Pennsgrove St., Philadelphia; withdrawn: contraband-controlled substance and possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance. Waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael J. O’Boyle, 39, of 32 N. White St., Shenandoah; withdrawn: simple assault. Waived for court: disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and aggravated assault.

Melissa Ann Kuczynski, 30, of 33 N. Center St., Ringtown; waived for court: defiant trespass.

TAMAQUA — The Tamaqua Area school board will vote on a measure to suspend a controversial policy that would allow employees to carry guns in school.

A motion to stop the policy’s implementation was approved for the agenda for the board’s regular meeting next week. Security Committee members approved the agenda in a 2-1 vote during a work session Tuesday evening.

According to the proposed motion, “The Security Committee approves suspending implementation of school district Policy 705, pending a resolution as to its validity by the Court of Common Pleas of Schuylkill County.”

While board President Larry Wittig and director Thomas Rottet were in favor of adding the motion to the agenda, director Nicholas Boyle — who chairs the Safety Committee — was not.

“I’m voting ‘no’ on that,” Boyle said. “My issue with delaying the policy is that we’re allowing the an-ti-gun, anti-Second Amendment lobbyist group to dictate school policy.

“If something happened because we delayed the policy, it’s going to be us here in this room cleaning up the mess while they go back to Philadelphia — and I have a big issue with that,” he said. “And that’s going to drag this out for a year, a year and a half, whatever it’s going to be.”

Boyle didn’t name the group, however, CeaseFirePA has rallied against the policy, which was approved unanimously in September.

The district’s teachers’ union filed a lawsuit against the policy in November, and last week, parents and grandparents filed an additional lawsuit saying the policy violates state law. The latest lawsuit was announced Friday during a news conference organized by CeaseFirePA and members of Tamaqua Citizens for Safe Schools, which was formed in response to the policy’s passage.

Neither lawsuit asked for monetary damages, only legal fees.

Last month, the district filed preliminary objections to the union’s suit.

Tamaqua Area is the first district in the commonwealth to approve a policy that allows employees to carry concealed weapons on the job. The school board adopted it as a defense against shooting situations.

In November, more than 100 people turned out to ask the board to drop the policy and employ other means to keep students and staffers safe. Attendees said research shows that arming teachers is not the way to go, and suggested shooter detection systems, better screenings of visitors, threat assessments and mental health support.

During Tuesday’s committee workshops, Superintendent Ray Kinder Jr. said he has been looking at costs to install Guardian Sensor Technology, which would detect gunshots. In addition, he’s been researching emergency alert systems, facility entry changes, grants and active shooter training.

Under the policy, school personnel would volunteer to carry a concealed weapon. They would undergo Act 235 training — a state requirement for anyone who carries a gun as part of their job. The training is similar to that of state and municipal police officers. Armed staffers would also receive a stipend.

The school board meets at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 in the middle school’s Large Group Instruction room.

Contact the writer: jwhalen@standardspeaker.com, 570-501-3592

POTTSVILLE — More elderly Schuylkill County citizens will have access to the care they need after the commissioners on Wednesday approved more than $300,000 in additional money for the county Office of Senior Services.

The $318,000 supplemental budget appropriation will fund personal care services for the county’s eligible elderly population, Director of Finance Paul E. Buber said.

“The agency has some ... funding available,” Buber said.

In turn, the office will use the money for the OPTIONS Personal Care Program, Executive Administrator DeAnna Orlowsky said.

“OPTIONS Personal Care services help older adults remain in their homes through assistance in activities of daily living,” Orlowsky said.

She said that in order to be eligible, adults must be 60 years of age or older, a Pennsylvania resident, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have a difficulty or frailty with physical or mental status that affects daily functioning.

Orlowsky said 320 people have used the services provided by the program. Anyone who wants more information on the program can call the office at 570-622-3103, she said.

There will be labor peace in the county government through 2021, as the commissioners approved collective bargaining agreements with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees AFL-CIO union for employees at the Courthouse and the Office of Senior Services.

Commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. praised both county solicitor Alvin B. Marshall and Human Resource Office Director Deborah Twigg for keeping both employees and taxpayers in mind while settling the contract. Commissioner Gary J. Hess also said the talks went well.

“I appreciate that they’re done,” Hess said. “You sit down and work those things out.”

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the commissioners approved a one-year internship agreement between the county Adult Probation/Parole Department and Alvernia University. The agreement will allow business and criminal justice students to spend time with department personnel, according to Chief Probation Officer Neil Stefanisko, who did his first work for the office as an intern under a similar agreement while a student at Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre.

“They are unpaid internships,” Stefanisko said.

He noted that the department has been entering into such agreements for more than 20 years, and uses them as needed.

In other business, the commissioners approved the following budget adjustments for 2018.

• Adult Probation/Parole Department, $64

• Clerk of Courts, $250

• Human Services Complex, $684

• Liquid Fuels, $9,301

• Magisterial District Judges (Courts), 153

• Office of Senior Services, $142,000

• Prison, $20,168

• Public Defender, $527

• Public Works, $500

• Communications Department, $18,610

Buber said all budget adjustments consisted of moving money between line items and involved no additional spending.

Also, the commissioners took the following actions.

• Approved the annual software license for 2019 for $26,745 with Election Systems & Software LLC for the Election Bureau.

“The price is the same as last year,” Director Frannie Brennan said.

• Approved a modification to a Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant to allow for two victim advocate clerical aide positions instead of one.

First Assistant District Attorney Michael J. Stine said no new money will be needed because the two will have fewer hours than the current one.

• Authorized the settlement of an assessment appeal involving two properties in Ryan Township.

“There were extensive negotiations,” according to Marshall.

Assistant county solicitor Glenn Roth said one property is on Hillside Drive, while the other is on Park Avenue.

Additionally, the commissioners made the following appointments and reappointments to county authorities and boards.

• Keith Masser, Sacramento, and Eric R. Seitzinger, Orwigsburg, to five-year terms on the Airport Authority.

• Georgene Fedoriska, Debra Herring and Rae Thompson, Pottsville, Janice Johnston, Frackville, Kim Noel, Tamaqua, and Joanne Plaxa, Lake Wynonah, to three-year terms on the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Advisory Board.

• Masser, John Halabura, Orwigsburg, and Bill Wehry, Klingerstown, to the Agricultural Land Preservation Board. Masser will serve a one-year term as chairman, while Halabura and Wehry each will serve a three-year term.

• Chris Dende, Shenandoah, Karen Kenderdine and Kris Verba, both of Pottsville, Frank Koller, Cressona, John R. Powers Jr., Hegins, David Schultz, Klingerstown, Christopher Snyder, Pittston, and Paul Straka, Reading, to four-year terms on the Workforce Investment Board. Kenderdine will chair the board, while Powers will serve as treasurer.

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

POTTSVILLE — A man charged by Pottsville police with assaulting a woman for several hours and tying her clothing to a tree in November waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday.

Braxton John Moore, 36, whose last known address was 111 Center Ave., Schuylkill Haven, appeared before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley on one felony count each of aggravated assault, kidnapping and strangulation; one misdemeanor count each of unlawful restraint, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, and a summary charge of harassment.

The victim of the attack chose to withdraw the charge of felony kidnapping after Moore waived the remaining offenses against him to Schuylkill County Court.

Pottsville police Patrolman Stephen Delinko and Cpl. Charles Webber charged Moore in connection with an incident that began in the early morning hours of Nov. 19.

Delinko said officers were called to the 300 block of West Market Street around 12:50 a.m. for a report of an assault and found a 38-year-old woman with serious bruising on her face and body.

The woman reported that Moore repeatedly assaulted her with a rock, and a tree branch, as well as with his hands and feet, in a wooded area near Eighth and Pierce streets.

The attack began around 3 p.m. the previous day, Nov. 18, after the two walked to the wooded area.

The woman said that Moore prevented her from leaving the area by removing her clothing and tying it to trees, despite the cold temperatures, Delinko said in paperwork filed with the court.

Moore also held the woman down and at one point placed his hands over her mouth and nose, preventing her from breathing, the officer said.

The woman also reported that, at one point, Moore allowed her to put her clothing back on, intending to leave the area, but instead continued his restraint and assault, Delinko said.

He added that the woman reported that around 12:30 a.m. Moore allowed her to walk away with him but she was able to flee in the 400 block of West Market Street and went to the nearby home of a friend and called 911 while Moore fled.

The woman was taken to a local medical facility for treatment.

Delinko said that police were able to identify the area described by the victim of where the assault occurred and recovered several items of clothing that she confirmed were hers.

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

SAINT CLAIR — A resident told the New Castle Township Board of Supervisors about his safety concerns with blighted properties in the township Monday.

At the reorganization meeting, Joe Achenbach, of 125 Broad St., said he wants the problems fixed.

“There has to be something done, before a kid gets hurt,” Achenbach said.

He talked about several condemned and blighted properties in the township, some of which have had deteriorating conditions for years. For example, he lives near a house at 131 Broad St. where the back of the house caved in about two months ago. Achenbach also talked about home at 142 Broad St. and one at 321 Chestnut St. and houses on property owned by Reading Anthracite, although the company does not own the homes.

The home at 142 Broad St. was recently purchased by someone pending payment, Secretary Kimberly Lutzkanin said. The house on Chestnut Street was the scene of a fatal house fire and the homeowner didn’t have insurance, Lutzkanin said. That home could go up for judicial sale and the municipality could buy it once its makes it way through other legal processes, Lutzkanin said.

“I get your concerns. We are addressing each and every one,” she told Achenbach.

For example, proper legal procedures were followed for the house at 131 Broad St. The owner of the property was cited by the township in the local magisterial district justice office.

“Blighted properties are a big deal. Blighted properties are an issue everywhere,” Lutzkanin said.

Supervisor Michael Tobin III said the township is doing what it can, but it takes money to eradicate blight.

“We are trying to do our best, and it takes a ton of money to do this,” he said.

Chairman Robert Achenbach, who is the brother of Joe Achenbach, said different attempts have been made over the years but without much success. He said the properties at 131 and 142 Broad St. have been in a state of disrepair for 15 or 20 years.

Reading Anthracite owns the land for several properties, but not the homes that are on New Street, an area across Route 61 and the Coal Creek Commerce Center and two on Wade Road, Lutzkanin said.

“Reading Anthracite has been very cooperative with us,” she said.

In other business, the board reorganized and voted for Robert Achenbach as the chairman of the board, and Todd Geiger as vice chairman. Geiger did not attend the meeting. Tobin declined the vice chairman role after Robert Achenbach made a motion. Tobin, who had been the chairman, declined the role to do outside obligations.

Meetings will continue to be held at 7 p.m. the first Thursday each month.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Woman charged with simple assault

PINE GROVE — A woman was arrested by Pine Grove police in connection with an incident at 82 N. Tulpehocken St. on Jan. 2.

Pine Grove police said Shannon L. McHenry was charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct, trespassing and harassment.

Police said officers were called to the home for a disturbance and assault and learned that McHenry forced her way through a basement door and, once inside, assaulted Kristi Haldeman by tackling her to the ground, causing head and back injuries.

Both John J. Haldeman and John W. Haldeman tried to separate the two women but McHenry sprayed both men and the woman with a pepper type spray.

McHenry then exited the home, opened the door to a pickup truck and continued to blow the horn until officers arrived, police said.

McHenry will now have to answer to the charges against her before Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont, police said.

Woman arrested for Playstation theft

PINE GROVE — Pine Grove police arrested a woman on theft charges stemming from an incident at 69 Mifflin St. on Dec. 20.

Police said officers received a report of a Sony Playstation 4 that was stolen from the home.

Jeffrey Wolfe reported hearing someone inside the home and then discovering the item missing.

A subsequent investigation revealed that a Playstation was in the possession of victim Pamela Brown’s daughter — Rachel M. Bonawitz — who no longer lives at the Mifflin Street address.

It was also learned that Bonawitz sold the stolen item to a Tremont woman for $120, police said.

As a result, Bonawitz was charged with theft and receiving stolen property and will have to answer before Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont.

Police arrest man after traffic stop

McADOO — A Tamaqua man was arrested by McAdoo police and charged with scattering rubbish after an incident around 8:30 p.m. Monday,

Police said officers stopped a vehicle for “blinding” officers with its headlights at which time the driver — Michael Confer, 29 — began yelling and threw a cigarette butt out of the window onto the highway.

The man refused to identify himself and a subsequent check identified him as Confer and revealed he had a suspended driver’s license, police said.

Kline Township police assisted and police said Confer will have to answer to the charge before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua.

Pine Grove woman escapes injury

SUEDBERG — A Pine Grove woman escaped injury when the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am she was driving crashed on Suedberg Road, just south of Witmer Lane, in Union Township, Lebanon County, around 2:10 a.m. Tuesday.

State police at Jonestown said Mandy L. McNalis, 38, was driving north when she lost control, causing her car to cross over the southbound lane, go off the road and hit an embankment, causing it to spin counter clockwise until it came to a stop facing north in the southbound lane.

As a result of the crash, police said, McNalis will be cited for driving at an unsafe speed.

State police give December report

ELIZABETHVILLE — State police at Lykens reported handling 413 calls for the month of December.

In the crime division, police said 111 offenses were reported, 108 determined to be valid and 72 incidents cleared, resulting in 66 criminal arrests.

In the patrol division, police said they investigated 32 crashes and five hit-and-run crashes, resulting in one fatality and 13 injuries.

Police issued 457 traffic citations, 175 warning notices and made 11 DUI arrests.

The fatal crash investigation was DUI related, police said.

Is your New Year’s resolution to volunteer your time and talents, but you aren’t sure where to start? We can help.

There are many reasons to volunteer. Maybe you feel good helping others. Maybe you recently retired or you’re a student needing community service hours to fulfill a graduation requirement. Perhaps you receive public housing assistance and volunteering is mandatory. Whatever your motivation, there’s an almost unlimited range of opportunities awaiting you in Schuylkill County.

We’ve been Schuylkill County’s volunteer center since 1995. One of our best tools to help volunteers to find their perfect volunteer position is their website database where you’ll find user friendly volunteer opportunities, organization bios and news and announcements. We can also be found on Facebook

Of the many hundreds of local volunteer choices available, here are just a few that are particularly youth friendly:

Do animal shelter animal engagement at Hillside SPCA, 570-622-7769, or at Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, 570-345-3540.

Assist Horses and Horizons, with therapeutic horse riding, 570-386-4280.

Help state and local parks with cleanup and more. Call Locust Lake State Park at 570-467-2772, Tuscarora State Park at 570-467-2404, or Sweet Arrow Lake at 570-345-8952.

Additionally, historical societies, nursing homes, soup kitchens and libraries are always looking for friendly help.

Adults also have a wide-range of volunteer opportunities to choose from.

The Salvation Army could use help with a variety of programs. Call Pottsville at 570-622-5252 or Tamaqua at 570-668-0410.

Schuylkill Community Action manages the Schuylkill Food Network food pantries and other programs that may need assistance. They can be reached at 570-622-1995.

Tamaqua Community Arts Center has a year-round need for help with set building, set up and cleaning, ticket taking, classes, concerts, lighting and sound, flier design and more. If interested, call them at 570-668-1192.

RSVP of Schuylkill County works with volunteers ages 55 and older and dozens of local nonprofits for positions ranging from stream water quality monitoring to teaching others to read. Their number is 570-622-3103.

Servants to All Homeless Shelter, 570-728-2917, could use help with general office tasks, donation management and overnight shelter monitoring.

Using your experience and skills to help an agency in need is always a nice idea. Use your staycation to help others. Teach someone to read or do some minor remodeling or construction. Assist at a blood drive. Fire companies, hospitals, art centers and many others could also use your help.

Perhaps 2019 is your year to discover the joys of giving back to the community. An hour here, an afternoon there or you can “adopt” a nonprofit and give them steady assistance. Contact your favorite nonprofit to see what their needs are. You’ll both be glad you did.

Winterfest is Pottsville’s first ever winter celebration. You’re invited to join the family-fun festivities on Saturday along Second Street to break up the post-holiday slump with an exciting day filled with local crafts, food and beverage, including food trucks and beer garden, ice skating, live music, snowman building and more.

Check with your favorite places to see if they plan to participate. Splash the Clown will entertain one and all with flower and animal balloons and magic at the United Presbyterian Church on Mahantongo Street.

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.

VALLEY VIEW — Hegins Township supervisors may consider purchasing a truck for the township’s road department.

The supervisors Monday asked Road Foreman Craig Coleman to get additional information so the board can compare the costs associated with a new vehicle and a used one that could be used for road maintenance and snow plowing.

In other road matters, Coleman told the board that the contractor that had been hired to paint the yellow lane lines on recently resurfaced roads had run out of time to do the job, due to the cold weather. Coleman said several members of the public had asked why the lane lines were absent. He said the painting company will honor the contract, and has agreed to return in the spring to finish the job.

Code Enforcement Officer Ed Wenger reported a property on Chestnut Street in Hegins was unfit for human occupancy. He said the home had electrical problems and no heat and there were at least three minors living there. The property owner currently lives in Alabama, he said. Wenger said he made it clear to the tenant that the property needed to be vacated immediately. The township police can assist Wenger, if needed, to ensure that the home is vacated supervisors agreed.

Zoning Officer Al Swab reported there was one zoning permit for $50 for the month of December, and there was one subdivision that had been tabled.

In other business, the board approved:

• Police Chief Beau Yarmush’s report for December showing 118 calls to service, 14 offense/incident reports, two nontraffic citations, two misdemeanor arrests, no felony arrests, two reportable accidents, one nonreportable accident, eight traffic citations and one traffic warning. Total mileage on the patrol units was 1,243.

• Treasurer Gary Hornberger’s December report, showing income of $56,278.90; expenses of $53,990.67; general fund balance, $241,025.63; Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust fund balance, $43,054.51; and pool fund balance, $22,426.93.

• The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency designation of agent resolution.

• The PEMA public disaster assistance application and agreement for financial assistance.

• The 2019-20 rates for agreement between Hegins Township and the Hegins-Hubley Authority. There are no rate changes.

• A Comcast business service order agreement for two years.

The board received a thank you letter from Tri-Valley Charities for its contribution.

The next food pantry is Wednesday and the next board meeting is Feb. 6.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

LAKE WYNONAH — State police have filed charges against an Auburn man who held authorities at bay for several hours Wednesday at a home in the gated community in Wayne Township.

Trooper Tyler Brackman of the Schuylkill Haven station obtained a warrant charging Terry Short, 55, with felony offenses of burglary, robbery, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm prohibited as well as misdemeanor crimes of theft, receiving stolen property, terroristic threats, unlawful restraint, possession of a weapon and simple assault.

The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, in connection with an incident on Geronimo Drive that began around 1:50 p.m.

Brackman said police were called to the scene when a 63-year-old Auburn woman came home, found a vehicle in her driveway and went to her front door to open it but found it was locked.

The woman walked away, at which time Short came to the front door holding two pillow cases filled with items she owns, Brackman said.

Short then took the woman’s cellphone from her hand after a brief verbal altercation in the driveway and then entered the home with the woman.

Brackman said Short pulled out a pistol and made the woman walk to the house, where he grabbed the items he planned to steal and fled the scene in his vehicle.

Brackman said the woman positively identified Short as the person who stole her items and had the weapon, and around 4:30 p.m., an arrest and search warrant was obtained for Short and his residence.

The trooper said Short refused to leave his house willingly, prompting a response from the state police Special Emergency Response Team.

The SERT team was at the scene into the nighttime hours and was eventually able to take Short into custody without incident.

Reports indicated that Short was taken to an area hospital for evaluation and that he will be arraigned on the charges in the near future.

Contact the writers: amarchiano@republicanherald.com, 570-628-6028; fandruscavage@republicanherald.com, 570-628-6013

Deeds

North Manheim Township — Maria S. Gustis to Kyle C. Botek; 100 Greenbriar Road, Forest Hills; $95,000.

North Union Township — Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Liberty C. Luz and Angelo Z. Camilleri; Lot 18AV2, Eagle Rock; $36,259.

Norwegian Township — Darlene Mark to Ian D. Hurst; 224 Minersville St., Seltzer; $72,000.

Pine Grove — Thomas P. Chupick to Melissa Ney; 260 1/2 S. Tulpehocken St.; $30,000.

Pine Grove Township — Leah Lengel, executrix of the Estate of John H. Lengel, to Josiah E. Felty and Tiffany Hoppes; 162 Pleasant Valley Road; $95,000.

Dorothy Helen Hitzka to Mark J. and Dara J. Travaglini; 346 Towpath Lane, Swatara Village; $146,000.

Rush Township — Rodney and Melissa Clouser to Pedro Ramirez; 198 Lincoln Drive, Hometown; $20,000.

Shenandoah — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Haroll Meregildo; 227 N. West St.; $2,500.

Joseph A. and Kathleen Gersch to Humberto Luna and Nancy Manjivar; 104 S. Grant St.; $1.

Shawn McGuire to Vianney A. Castro; 400-402 W. Cherry St.; $24,000.

South Manheim Township — Bruce E. and Beverly F. Kilmer to Andrew J. and Angela L. Seiler; 609 Woodland Drive; $270,000.

Tamaqua — Carol A. Teter, Kay L. Hollenbach and Susan L. Lesniak to Property Management of Pennsylvania Inc.; 174 W. Spruce St.; $21,000.

Tremont — Deborah Berrigan, administratrix of the Estate of Clare B. Lyons, to Michael R. Longenecker and Yvonne Blain; 27 Vaux Ave.; $11,000.

Kenneth G. Knehr, executor of the Estate of Beuhlah Knehr, to Rachel F. Joseph and William R. Fisher III; two properties on Laurel Street; $35,000.

Wayne Township — U.S. Bank NA to Justin Gernert; 188 Totem Drive, Lake Wynonah; $95,000.

West Mahanoy Township — Cory Rainis to Justin Stauffer and Ashley Smoluk; 211 Virginia Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $57,000.

West Penn Township — Katherine G. Brittain, by attorney in fact Imtesal Elhassan, to Specter LLC; 336 Mush Dahl Road; $118,000.

Frank W. Mase to Diane Maurer; 4.4403-acre property; $65,000.

Raymond J. and Teresa A. Kistler to Derek J. Jones; 35.438-acre property on Mill Drive; $369,900.

Jennifer L. Kromer to Phillip and Allison McArdle; 768 Blue Mountain Drive, Andreas; $92,500.

Marriages

Brandon M. Vidal, Pottsville, and Morgan Lee Harman, Pottsville.

Bryan H. Murray, Beavertown, and Crystal M. Zaharis, Minersville.

Lynn R. Daubert, Pine Grove, and Michelle A. Long, Pine Grove.

Cody J. Larson, Frackville, and Brittney N. Altemose, Pottsville.

William E. Stewart, Frackville, and Kassandra Ann Blew, Frackville.

James E. Hull, Pottsville, and Jennifer M. Koch, Frackville.

Richard F. Dinger Jr., Tremont, and Amanda M. Nagle, Tremont.

Matthew J. Tellez, Pottsville, and Sarah L. Helman, Pottsville.

Michael S. Greenawalt, Minersville, and Elizabeth R. Calvin, Minersville.

Kyle A. Donton, Frackville, and Leticia Souza Silva Araujo, Frackville.

Divorces Granted

Christine Denning, Auburn, from David Denning, Pine Grove.

James Artz, Hegins, from Elaine Artz, Hegins.

Kelcey Halabura, New Ringgold, from Matthew Halabura, New Ringgold.

Victoria McHale, Port Carbon, from Andrew McHale, Pittston.

Jennifer Strohl, Tamaqua, from Michael Strohl, Lansford.

Brenda Casserly, Mahanoy City, from Thomas Casserly, Mahanoy City.

Sidney Marchiano, Pottsville, from Michael LaPorta, Ridgeland, South Carolina.

Jennie Antonelli, Saint Clair, from James Antonelli, Sugarloaf.

Alexis Franko, Pottsville, from Jordan Franko, Port Carbon.