David J. Rossi

TREMONT — A Lebanon County man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday on charges resulting from an incident in June 2018 in Cass Township that involved an alleged assault, drugs and a police chase.

Joshua H. Kramer, 31, of 491 Frystown Road, Myerstown, faces two counts each of aggravated assault, fleeing or eluding police, resisting arrest and recklessly endangering another person, one each of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving and careless driving and four of failure to keep right.

Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi bound over all charges for court after Kramer waived his right to the hearing. He allowed Kramer to remain free on $50,000 unsecured bail pending further court proceedings.

Cass Township police alleged that Kramer committed the assaults and his other crimes on June 23, 2018.

Police said Kramer fled from them and resisted arrest, along with possessing drugs and paraphernalia, during the incident.

Other defendants whose cases Rossi considered on Thursday, the charges against each one and the judge’s dispositions of the matters included the following:

Paul A. Daubert Jr., 33, of 34 Spittler Road, Pine Grove; harassment and disorderly conduct; charges held for court after preliminary hearing.

Sarah E. Harring, 30, of 65 Clay St., Tremont; driving under the influence, driving under suspension and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Drew A. Kissinger, 25, of 114 Main St., Klingerstown; DUI and improper sunscreening; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Bryon D. Pitts II, 40, of 6359 Bells Fairy Road Lot 173, Acworth, Georgia; DUI and improper action by commercial or school vehicle driver; charges held for court after preliminary hearing that Pitts did not attend. Rossi asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Pitts.

Larry R. Pilato, 39, of 19 Ditzler Lane, Jonestown; burglary, aggravated assault, escape, recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest and two counts of criminal mischief; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Kasey R. Prutzman, 27, of 346 High Road, Pottsville; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; charges held for court after preliminary hearing.

Gregory R. Stanalonis, 27, of 435 W. Washington St., Frackville; DUI, disregarding traffic lane and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Clarence R. Tobin, 62, of 586 Suedberg Road, Pine Grove; defiant trespass; charge withdrawn.

Mason A. White, 22, of 906 Walnut St., Ashland; possession of a controlled substance; charge withdrawn.

William C. Wolfgram, 37, of 133 Vaux Ave., Tremont; simple assault and harassment; charges held for court after preliminary hearing.

POTTSVILLE — The first-ever Pottsville Winterfest drew a large crowd to the family-friendly event Saturday in the city’s downtown on what was a beautiful winter’s day.

The event was held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. along South Second Street between Market and Mahantongo streets that was closed to traffic for the convenience and safety of attendees.

Right from the start, people came to see what was going on and, as the first hour ended, the size of the crowd continued to grow. The temperature hovered in the 20s, but with almost no wind, most people were comfortable enough to walk around with a coat, hat and gloves.

Saturday was the kickoff of the 52nd annual Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival, with Winterfest getting the popular event started in a new way. This year’s carnival theme is “Surfin’ 2019 Style.”

The winter carnival committee, the Pottsville Area Development Corp., the Pottsville Business Association and the City of Pottsville collaborated to bring the festivities to life.

PADCO Executive Director Savas Logothetides spoke about how the idea came about to try Winterfest.

“Obviously it’s a product of the Continued Progress Project in Pottsville with the city, PADCO and PBA,” Logothetides said. “But in addition to that, we partnered with the Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival, which has a foundation for success. They’ve been around for 52 years and it’s a match made in heaven. So they got fired up about it, we were fired up about it, and we came up with the event. Everybody worked really, really hard on it.”

It was about noon when Logothetides noted the volume of people just one hour into the event.

“We already have 300 to 400 people here,” Logothetides said. “You know, people are so passionate about Pottsville. We had over 50 volunteers to give of their time to help set up, help tear down, help maintain the fires, and it’s worked out really well. There’s a lot of momentum in Pottsville right now.”

The fires that Logothetides referred to were burn barrels at different locations along Second Street for people to stop and get a quick warm-up. Some people who purchased hot food from vendors stopped by a barrel to warm themselves as they ate standing up. There were tables and chairs available to enjoy their food or just take a rest.

“We tested the barrels. We cut notches in them and raised them on bricks because they would get very hot on the bottom,” Logothetides said.

As for the volunteers, PADCO marketing director Abby Weaver said all of the volunteers who signed up did come and others just stopped by to offer their services.

“We have too many volunteers, which is a great problem to have,” Logothetides said.

“It took off pretty quickly,” Weaver said about the popularity of the event. “Everybody was even more enthusiastic than we thought it would be.”

There were two main winter activities planned, though only one was able to be held. The snowman building contest was held thanks to having two truckloads of snow brought in on Friday from Blue Mountain Resort near Palmerton and dumped at Second and Norwegian streets. Due to the recent warmer-than-usual temperatures, ice skating in the Towne Drugs parking lot was a no-go.

“And the snow isn’t cooperating either, unfortunately,” Logothetides said. “Now that it’s so cold it froze, so we’re trying to break it up and do whatever we can with it.”

While it was a bit of a struggle to work with, adults and children worked with the snow as best they could, breaking up the snow blocks and utilizing them to make snowmen.

“We’re trying to do what we can with it, but we’re leaving it up to the creators for their interpretation at this point,” Logothetides said.

The snowman creations were later judged by the winter carnival royalty, with winners receiving gift cards from local restaurants.

A popular item for sale were the custom knit caps with the Winterfest logo. The 50 volunteers each received a cap, with the remainder for sale, though the supply ran out quickly. More caps are being ordered for people who want to purchase them.

The day’s activities also included a beer garden sponsored by D.G. Yuengling & Sons Inc. at Wheel restaurant; a live radio broadcast by T-102; live music by Toolshed Jack at the Good Intent Fire Company, where a winter carnival royalty spotlight was held; a dance performance by the Crimson Academy; a performance by the Spotlight Kidz; a free photo booth by JBP Photographics; and plenty of food and craft vendors, many on the street and some at the PADCO building.

Another location with free activities was the Pottsville Free Public Library, where there were all kinds of games, winter-themed crafts and treats like cookies and hot chocolate.

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

In my view, the best looking group of constellations, what I call Orion’s Gang, has taken full control of southeastern portion of the early Pottsville evening sky.

You can’t help but notice that congestion of bright stars. Nowhere else in the night sky at any other time of the year will you witness such a congested field of bright stars!

The constellation Orion the hunter is the head of the gang with its three bright stars lined up in a perfect row that depict his belt. Ever since I was a kid, I thought of Orion more as an hourglass than a hunter but that’s just me. What do you think? Other constellations in Orion’s Gang include Auriga the Chariot Driver, Gemini the Twins, Canis Major the Big Dog, Canis Minor the Little Dog and Taurus the Bull, the subject of this week’s Starwatch column.

As you view Orion’s Gang in the early evening southeast sky, Taurus the Bull is poised just to the upper right of Orion. The main part of the constellation resembles a small dim arrow pointing to the right. That arrow allegedly outlines the bull’s snout. It’s brightest star, Aldebaran, with a subtle orange tinge to it marks one of the bull’s eyes. If you extend both arms of that little arrow back to the left with your mind’s eye, you’ll eventually run into two moderately bright stars that make up the tips of Taurus’s horns. One of the horn-tip stars, Elnath, actually belong to the constellation Auriga.

Just above and a little to the right of Taurus’s face is the best open star cluster of the night sky any time of the year. It’s the Pleiades, a gravitationally bound group of hundreds of stars that were all born together out of the same enormous cloud of hydrogen gas around a hundred million years ago.

The Pleiades Cluster is about 70 light years in diameter and shines at us from more than 440 light year away, with one light year equaling nearly 6 trillion miles. To the naked eye, the Pleiades resemble a tiny and delightful little dipper. It’s not the same as the actual Little Dipper constellation, also known as Ursa Minor, the Little Bear. Most people can see at least six stars in the Pleiades, but folks with really sharp vision can see seven or even eight little shiners. Through a pair of binoculars or a small telescope, you can see many more stars. It’s a sight to behold! I never get tired of looking at it!

The Pleiades are also known as the “The Seven Little Sisters,” one star for each of the sisters. According to one Greek mythology story, the sisters were the daughters of Atlas, the deposed Titan king of the gods until he was dethroned by Zeus and other young and power-seeking upstart gods. In a not-so-friendly takeover, poor Atlas was forced to hold up the entire world on his shoulders for all eternity.

Zeus had pity on his daughters though and let them live their lives in peace. Those ladies felt so bad about their dad and stuck together for moral support. When they were in their teens, Atlas had trained them to be hunters and that served them well. They like to hunt at night by the light of the moon and over time Artemis, the goddess of the moon, befriended them and even joined them on many a night.

One night while they were taking a break from hunting rabbits, the famous giant hermit hunter Orion spotted them in a clearing laughing and playing. These were attractive young ladies and Orion very much wanted to get to get to know them. He wasn’t much for decorum, though, as he bolted into the field where the ladies were gathered. They saw Orion charging in and wisely chose not to have a meet and greet with him but instead run away as fast as they could. Orion was not detoured and he ran all the faster! Incredibly, this chase went on for seven years.

Their friend Artemis, the moon goddess, saw what was going on day after day and night after night and took great pity on her friends. She wasn’t powerful enough to stop Orion so she sought out help from her father, Zeus, and tried to persuaded him to take action. Zeus listened very sympathetically and promised to come to the rescue. Artemis expected Zeus to kill off Orion, but that’s not what happened. Instead, he transformed the seven sisters into little stars and placed them in the heavens in the tight little cluster we still see this day. Orion’s chase was over.

Eventually though, Zeus did have Orion killed because years after Orion’s marathon chase after the seven little sisters, Artemis, believe it or not, actually took a liking to the mighty hunter and fell in love with him. Apollo, the god of the sun, and Artemis’ brother saw what was going on and had to help end this fling.

Romances between humans and gods were frowned upon. Apollo got word to his father, Zeus, and soon after Orion’s days on Earth were over! The details of Orion’s demise are a story for another column.

When Artemis discovered the body of her dead boyfriend, she flung Orion’s body into the night skies and magically transformed Orion into the great constellation we still see in the winter heavens. Artemis wasn’t all that careful though and Orion wound up in the celestial dome right next to the seven little sisters (the Pleiades). To keep the constellation Orion from resuming his chase of the sisters she found a large bull in a nearby pasture and transformed his body into stars and placed him in between Orion and the heavenly ladies. The constellation Taurus the Bull has been protecting the daughters of Atlas every since.

In next week’s Starwatch column, I’ll have a details on how to watch the total lunar eclipse or “blood moon”on Jan. 20. Start praying for clear skies!

Celestial hugging

this weekend

This weekend the first quarter moon will have a close encounter with the planet Mars in the southwestern evening sky.

(Lynch, an amateur astronomer and professional broadcast meteorologist, can be reached at mikewlynch@comcast.net)

Anthony Palumbo dodged a barrage of foam darts before ducking into one of the wooden bases at his mom’s Dunmore, Lackawanna County, business and reloading his own Nerf Blaster.

The 5-year-old then took aim and returned fire, shouting “got you!” when his own dart bounced harmlessly off his brother’s back. The scene of the playfully competitive brotherly battle — a roughly 3,500-square-foot Nerf combat arena complete with an armory of plastic blaster guns — was Dart Zone, a new business that Samantha Palumbo opened in early October.

As mother of four Nerf fans with a desire to one day become her own boss, Palumbo started the business at 1033 Reeves St. to address what she sees as a dearth of activities for children and teens in the area. While kids make up much of the burgeoning business’s clientele to this point, many of them enjoying the indoor battlefield at birthday parties, people of all ages can get in on the action. They can even bring their own blasters.

“There’s nothing in the area that’s like this,” she said. “I see, with the kids that are in here and my own kids, the smiles that they have when they’re leaving and how much fun that they say that they have. That’s what it is that drives it.”

Dart Zone players can participate in 12 different kinds of matches, many of them similar to popular video game modes. Those include capture the flag, freeze tag, team death match and “infected,” a humans-versus-zombies-style match, among others. In one game, called “tribute,” players start with unloaded blasters and must rush to retrieve darts from the center of the arena when the game begins.

“Everybody that comes here loves shooting at each other,” Dart Zone referee Xander Frable said.

Palumbo, who works as a data analyst during the day, has invested about $25,000 into the entrepreneurial venture and hopes to one day devote all her time to Dart Zone. She’s also embraced some creative marketing, distributing Dart Zone certificates at local “trunk or treat” events this past Halloween and during the popular Santa Train event in December. Palumbo offers a family special on Wednesdays and offers a small but growing arcade at the venue.

One of Dart Zone’s biggest fans, not surprisingly, is young Anthony, whose friends are fans of his mom’s business, too.

“They tell me, how do you have a Dart Zone?” he said.

For more information on Dart Zone, including hours of operation and pricing, call 570-800-7319 or search “Dart Zone INC” on Facebook.

Contact the writer: jhorvath@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9141

Drug-related charges

filed against 2

WICONISCO — Two people were charged following a traffic stop at 1:28 a.m. Nov. 25, 2018, in the 1800 block of Pottsville Street in Wiconisco Township, Dauphin County, police said in a news release issued Friday.

State police at Lykens said Teea Shoop, 26, of Lykens, was stopped for a traffic violation and, through an investigation, police determined Shoop was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier while under the influence and found to be in posession of drugs and paraphernalia.

Brian Lear, 46, of Lykens, was a passenger in the vehicle, police said, and he provided false identification to law enforcement and was also found to be in possession of drugs and paraphernalia.

Charges against the two were filed with the office of Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum, Elizabethville, police said.

2 passengers, driver hurt in collision

ELIZABETHVILLE — Two passengers and a driver suffered suspected minor injuries in an accident that occurred at 2:41 p.m. Jan. 3 on Route 209 in Washington Township, Dauphin County, police said in a release issued Friday.

State police at Lykens said a 2000 Chevrolet Astro driven by Lynn A. Oxenrider, 60, of Lykens, and a 1996 Chevrolet K2500 driven by Adam C. Thomas, 46, of Lykens, were northbound on Route 209 when Thomas came to a stop and was trying to turn left into a parking lot. Police said Oxenrider failed to stop and hit the rear of Thomas’ vehicle.

Police said Thomas and two pasengers in Oxenrider’s vehicle, Roger A. Foultz, 42, of Lykens and Linda A. Oxenrider, 66, of Lykens, suffered suspected minor injuries while Lynn Oxenrider was not hurt.

Police said Lynn Oxenrider was cited for following too closely. Life Team 6 assisted at the scene, police said.

Burglary investigated

in Lykens borough

LYKENS — Someone stole a dirt bike and other equipment from a detached, unlocked garage between 6 p.m. Dec. 29 and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 30, 2018, on North Second Street in this Dauphin County borough, police said in a release issued Friday.

State police at Lykens said someone entered the garage without force and removed a 2010 black and red SSR 125 cc dirt bike, a 12-inch Sony Explode subwoofer, a 12-inch Kicker subwoofer, a capacitor and a Pyle 2k watt amp. The equipment, aside from the dirt bike, is valued at $1,600, police said.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police at 717-362-8700.

The East Union Township supervisors reorganized and held their first meeting of the new year Jan. 7.

Supervisor Dennis Antonelli was named chairman of the board, replacing Supervisor Jon Dettery, and Supervisor John Biros was named vice chairman.

Appointments included: Mary Beth Wolfe as secretary at $14 an hour; Mike Gaizick as treasurer at $412.50 bi-weekly; Slusser Law Firm as legal counsel at $95 an hour and $85 for paralegal with no retainer; the Law Offices of Skokowski and DeCosmo as legal counsel for the zoning hearing board at $125 an hour with no retainer; and ARRO Engineering as engineer, UCC inspector and code enforcement officer with no retainer fee.

Other appointments

Other appointments include Bob Gabardi as fire inspector, Bill Brior as sewage enforcement officer, Samantha Brior as alternate SEO, Mike Labuda as chairman of the vacancy board, Kyle Mummey as emergency management coordinator and health enforcement officer, and Jonathan Biros as zoning officer.

The Slusser Law Firm was also appointed as open records officer and Gaizick was appointed to the township sewer authority board. Berkheimer Associates will serve as delinquent tax collector and Luzerne Bank will be the township depository.

All three supervisors will serve as roadmaster with no pay and as representatives to the Northern Schuylkill Council of Governments.

Meetings were set as the first Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the municipal building. If the first Wednesday is a holiday, the meeting will be the following Thursday.

Action taken

Following reorganization, the supervisors:

• Approved a resolution for Berkheimer Tax Collection to appoint the treasurer of East Union Township as its authorized representative to make requests for any and all tax information and records relative to tax collection.

• Approved a $2,500 donation from Independence Toyota to the police department to be used for two bulletproof vests and police equipment.

• Received a sample ordinance regarding a burning ban from solicitor Joseph Baranko for their review.

• Approved a recommendation from the planning commission for Eagle Rock to transfer a common space subdivision to the community association.

Contact the writer: kmonitz@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3589

Deeds

Barry Township — County of Schuylkill to Schuylkill County Airport Authority; 241.3-acre property; $1.

Coaldale — Mildred Ann Mosella, executrix of the Estate of Nicholas A. Paraschak, to Beth Ann Wright; 161 E. Phillips St.; $55,500.

East Union Township — Virginia S. Moratella and Milagros Catchalian to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 253WS, Eagle Rock; $10.

Foster Township — County of Schuylkill to Schuylkill County Airport Authority; 586.4-acre property; $1.

Hegins Township — Kami Jo Barr to Kyle and Kami Jo Barr; 1514 W. Main St., Valley View; $1.

Hubley Township — Kathy L. Bixler to Andrew R. and Mary L. Bixler; property; $1.

Kathy L. Bixler to Andrew R. and Mary L. Bixler; 20-acre property; $1.

Mahanoy City — Freddie Perez to John D. Laurenzano; 614 W. Market St.; $5,600.

Thomas and Brenda Casserly to Brenda Casserly; six properties; $1.

Thomas and Brenda Casserly to Thomas Casserly; 129 W. Maple St.; $1.

Thomas and Brenda Casserly to Brenda Casserly; two properties; $1.

Orwigsburg — Paul M. and Carol A. Deibert to CLB Property Group LLC; 2.234-acre property on West Market Street; $135,000.

Pine Grove Township — Terry L. Fetterman Jr. and Marcy A. Fetterman to Terry L. Fetterman; 10 Jarrett Lane; $1.

Pottsville — Alfred J. and Jo-ann Mae Purcell to Ramona M. Heinly; 604 Howard Ave.; $1.

Joseph J. and Barbara Bedway to Rodney and Grace Kuehn; 1343 W. Norwegian St.; $109,000.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. to Varnetta Reed; 623 N. Third St.; $9,500.

Ringtown — Marie J. and Stanley J. Piaskowski to Jeffrey Ambrose; 466 W. Main St.; $1.

Ringtown and Union Township — David F. Zienkiewicz to David F. Zienkiewicz; 8 15th St.; $1.

Shenandoah — Kelly Zehner to Elvido Nunez and Julissa Hernandez; 213 W. Lloyd St.; $30,000.

Tamaqua — Raymond J. Patrick to William L. Vogler II; 19.228-acre property; $75,000.

Tremont — Terry L. Fetterman Jr. and Marcy A. Fetterman to Terry L. Fetterman Jr.; property on East Main Street; $1.

Shirley A. Uhler to Laurie A. Bender; 215 Vaux Ave.; $75,000.

Swatara Property Management LLC to Michael and Amanda Cole; 202 W. Main St.; $55,000.

Washington Township — Roger A. and Lisa B. Spancake to Richard G. and Mae I. Berger; 17.7182-acre property on Spancake Road; $1.

Lisa B. and Roger A. Spancake to Richard G. and Mae I. Berger; 19.0854-acre property on Spancake Road; $1.

Gregory P. and Constance L. Metz to Adam M. Yordy and Lili Pargas Meza; 864 Rock Road, Rock; $167,000.

POTTSVILLE — A scuba diving suit, track and soccer uniforms, nursing scrubs and traditional dresses were among the attires worn by 20 young women vying for the Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival Snowflake Princess.

Sunday’s fashion show at the Lodge at Sharp Mountain was a way for the contestants to reveal a little about themselves to the eight judges.

Corene Parrish, moderator, introduced each of the high school juniors.

“I’m in complete awe,” she said.

Somer Barrett, representing Blue Mountain, wore the scuba diving suit. She is an avid scuba diver, enjoying the sport after family members introduced it to her. Her first diving site out of the country was Little Cayman in the Cayman Islands.

When asked by Parrish what good quality a Snowflake Princess should have, Barrett said confidence was crucial.

Isabella Lentini, of Minersville Area, wore a track uniform with a white lab coat.

“She wishes to purse a degree in the medical field,” Parrish said.

Parrish asked Lentini who she would like to meet if given the chance.

“I’d probably hang out with the president just to have a feel for our world today,” Lentini said.

“I have a feeling that would be a very interesting meeting,” Parrish said.

Arden Sukeena, of Minersville Area, wore her mother’s black prom dress. She told Parrish she wants to be an advertising executive.

Asked what her definition of success is, Sukeena said loving what you do as a career is important.

Lindsay Griffin, of North Schuylkill, who wore black and white striped pants and an olive green body suit, talked about why music is important to her.

“Music is an important universal language for everyone to have,” she said, adding that listening to music can help the mood of someone having a bad day.

Asked her favorite quote, Griffin said it is one she read recently.

“If it’s still on your mind, it’s worth doing,” Griffin said.

Isabelle Myers, of Pottsville Area, wore a high school track suit. Parrish asked what her favorite place in Schuylkill County, to which Myers replied the track at the high school.

“It’s a release for me,” she said.

Abree Lewis, of Blue Mountain, wore her school soccer uniform.

Parrish asked her what participating in the sport has taught her.

“Never give up,” Lewis said.

Hairou Li, Nativity BVM sported a red dress for the event. Parrish noted Li plays the piano, a skill she learned at the age of 5.

“If you could have a superpower, what would your superpower be?” Parrish asked Li.

“I wish I could fly. If I could fly, I could go home every weekend,” said Li, who is originally from China.

Anya Wojciechowsky, of Pottsville Area, chose a pink and gold layered dress.

Parrish asked her what qualities make a good friend. Wojciechowsky said honesty.

Deirdre “Dee” Boris, president of the Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival, said this is the 52nd year for the event. She said Sunday was a good time for the community and the contestants to get to know one another.

“It’s a tradition and people really look forward to it,” Borris said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Annville

Volunteers are being recruited for Operation Clean Sweep — set for 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 26 — to help remove more than 40,000 holiday wreaths laid at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. The wreaths were laid during the annual Wreaths Across America event held in Dec. 15. “Our community demonstrates its respect and appreciation for our nation’s service members in clear and practical ways,” James Metcalfe II, cemetery director, said in a press release, adding, “The response Wreaths Across America receives each year in terms of donations and volunteers is truly inspirational and creates an awe-inspiring seasonal tribute. Now as we exit the holiday season and the wreaths begin to lose their vibrancy, they must be removed. We sincerely appreciate those that can give a few hours to help us with this monumental task.” For more information, call 717-865-5254.

Pine Grove

Grover the Groundhog will emerge from his burrow to be with folks at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park on Feb. 2 to make his annual weather prediction. Breakfast will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m. Following Grover’s prediction at 9 a.m., Matthew Dodd will entertain with stories and songs. People will also enjoy a Chinese “Groundhog” auction. For more information, call 570-345-8952 or email to dkline@co.schuylkill.pa.us. The Groundhog Day program is free and open to the public and is suitable for all ages, according to an event release.

Pottsville

A Deppen Pie sale is underway until Feb. 7 by participating libraries in the Pottsville Library District. Pickups are set for Feb. 20. The cost is $12 per pie and all proceeds will benefit the participating libraries. Varieties of nine-inch pies include blueberry crumb, apple crumb, strawberry rhubarb crumb, cherry crumb, peach crumb, raisin crumb, shoo-fly, coconut custard, lemon sponge and no-sugar apple. Participating public libraries and their phone numbers are as follows: Ashland, 570-875-3175; Orwigsburg, 570-366-1638; Pottsville, 570-622-8880; Ringtown, 570-889-5503; Shenandoah, 570-462-9829; Tamaqua, 570-668-4660; Tower-Porter, 717-647-4900; Tri-Valley, 570-682-8922. To order, contact the library in your area by Feb. 7.

Ringtown

The Ringtown Area Library, West Main Street, hosts free preschool story-time sessions at 11:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month for children ages 3 to 5. “Mother Goose on the Loose,” for children from 15 to 36 months, is held at 11:15 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All local families with preschool-age children are invited to “join us to socialize with other children and to gain essential pre-reading skills through stories, songs, nursery rhymes and activities,” library Director Sonya Savitsky said in a release. All are welcome, but advance registration is requested. More information is available online at www.ringtownlibrary.org. People can support the local library by using this link when purchasing from Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-2039076.

Shenandoah

Knights of Columbus Francis Cardinal Brennan Council 618 sponsors bingo games at Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Parish’s St. Stephen Hall, Main and Oak streets, which is accessible to the handicapped. Doors open at noon, games begin at 2 p.m. and food/refreshments are available. Bingo dates for 2019 include Jan. 20, Feb. 10 and 24, March 10 and 24, April 7 and 28, May 19, June 2 and 23, Aug. 4 and 18, Sept. 8 and 22, Oct 6 and 20, Nov. 3 and 17 and Dec. 8. The public is welcome to participate. For more information, call 570-590-3270 or 570-590-1188.

Tamaqua

The Academic Challenge Eighth --- ACE --- competition will be held at 8:45 a.m. Feb. 19 and 20 in the Tamaqua Area School District Auditorium. The finals will be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21. The double-elimination academic competition, according to a district press release, will feature teams from Catasauqua, Jim Thorpe Area, Lehighton Area, Northern Lehigh, Northwestern Lehigh, Panther Valley, Palmerton Area, and Tamaqua Area. For more information, call 570-668-1901, Ext. 2040 or email Alisa Kemmerer at akemmerer@tamaqua.k12.pa.us.

McADOO — On Wednesday, police officers across the country were honored for their service on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

Citizens were asked to wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement.

McAdoo Mayor Dane Watro gave the borough’s police officers some recognition.

At Tuesday night’s borough council meeting, Watro presented the police department with a proclamation.

“There are a lot of good things happening with our police department here, and a lot of things to be thankful for,” Watro said. “When I was developing this proclamation, I learned in 2017, 129 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty. That is a lot.”

The proclamation read, in part, “Each loss of a law enforcement officer is not only heartbreaking, but a cry for peace and a prayer for the men and women in uniform who protect our communities on a daily basis.”

In the proclamation, Watro said officers of the McAdoo Police Department “show extreme bravery as they do not hesitate to risk their own lives to save the lives of others while protecting our families, citizens and businesses.”

He also said officers educate the community about the importance of public safety, and recognized them for their continued training.

“We appreciate the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices made by officers and their family members on a daily basis in order to protect our schools, workplaces, roadways and homes,” the proclamation read.

Watro also asked borough residents to show kindness and appreciation to officers, because it provides “needed encouragement and support to the police department as they confront the dangerous and certain situations on duty every day. I encourage all citizens of McAdoo to take time out of their day to say thank you, and show McAdoo Police Department and their families how much they value their service and protection to our borough, state and country.”

Watro also singled out Officer William Curilla, a nine-year veteran of the department, for a recent traffic stop he made.

“The woman who he stopped called me and said she could not believe the professionalism about what the violation was, how courteous he was, and the leadership he displayed about everybody’s safety,” Watro said. “You conducted yourself in a very professional manner. It is not the first time, Officer Curilla, that I had a phone call about you, your mannerism, your leadership, the way you displayed yourself. Phone calls don’t come like this often.”

Watro also noted Officer Fred Lahovski, the latest addition to the ranks in the police department, was similarly recently cited.

Contact the writer: jdino@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3585

POTTSVILLE — Mike Neidlinger doesn’t see the federal government shutdown ending soon.

“It’s going to keep going,” Neidlinger, 41, of Pottsville, said Sunday outside of Boyer’s Food Market.

A registered Republican, Neid-linger said it could last three to six months. He doesn’t blame anyone for the shutdown that started Dec. 22. It was on its 23rd day Sunday, the longest in U.S. history. The central sticking point of the shutdown is a fight between President Donald Trump and Democrats over funding for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Federal agencies have curtailed services and approximately 800,000 federal workers missed their paychecks.

Neidlinger didn’t mince words when he talked about gridlock.

“It’s a pissing match. One side wants to make the other side look bad,” he said.

Neidlinger said the Republicans and Democrats are “not playing nice together.” He thinks the wall is a good idea.

“Building the wall is something that should have been done a long time ago” to curtail the flow of drugs and those crossing the border illegally, he said.

Both sides must come to a compromise for there to be progress.

“The only solution is everybody has to get something they want,” he said.

Lexi Hoover, 20, of Minersville, and Cordell Whalen, 20, of Minersville, were surprised the shutdown is still going on and that it started in the first place, especially since it was so close to the holiday.

“I don’t think it’s necessary to shut down the government like they are right now,” Hoover said.

Both said they didn’t blame anyone specifically for the closure, but said compromise is needed.

Matthew Haslam, 26, of Minersville, who is registered Independent, blames Trump.

“It is the stupidest thing ever,” he said.

Government is needed to provide services that people need, to protect the public and fulfill other obligations, Haslam said.

Like Neidlinger, he doesn’t see an end in sight to the shutdown.

“I think it will probably go on as long as Trump needs it go on for, as long as he wants it to,” Haslam said.

Haslam believes Trump does not care about the people who are affected.

“He doesn’t care about Americans in the slightest. These people (federal workers) are struggling. They are day-to-day workers that go paycheck to paycheck,” he said.

Haslam said Trump will “make some sort of deal” to end the shutdown, although he didn’t say what that might be.

Anthony Martin, 39, of Schuylkill Haven, said the federal workers could be experiencing financial struggles because of not getting paid.

“I think it’s unfair to the workers. It strains the family,” he said.

The registered Republican said he isn’t surprised at the impasse because “Trump’s stubborn.” Martin said he appreciates the way Trump takes a stand for what he believes in.

Martin said he doesn’t blame anyone for the shutdown, and cooler heads will prevail eventually to reopen the government.

“Nobody’s at fault. We’ve just got to deal with it,” he said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

FRACKVILLE — An Ashland man charged with assaulting a Girardville police officer in December had the most serious charges against him dismissed Monday and prosecutors withdrew the remaining three lesser offenses.

Brian E. Maurer, 52, of 1334 Spruce St., appeared for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, on charges of one felony count of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, one misdemeanor count of resisting arrest, two summary offenses of harassment and one summary traffic charge.

After more than an hour of testimony by Girardville police Lt. Matthew Williams, Hale agreed with arguments presented by Maurer’s attorney — Joseph Nahas, Frackville — that evidence presented did not prove the aggravated assault and resisting arrest charges.

Williams stopped the vehicle Maurer was driving for not using his turn signals around 11:55 p.m. Dec. 3 at Julia and West Main streets.

During the stop, Williams testified, Maurer appeared nervous and that the man struck him with his car door as he was trying to exit the vehicle.

Williams said that Maurer became agitated when told he was being arrested for summary harassment for hitting him with the door and resisted being taken into custody, requiring him to use his Taser weapon three times to bring the man under control.

Nahas questioned Williams as to why he was trying to place Maurer in handcuffs for a summary harassment violation.

The officer said Maurer became defiant and was acting out.

“He just continued to yell and scream at me,” Williams said.

Nahas then questioned Williams about having time to place a new cartridge in his Taser weapon to use it again on Maurer. He said that if Maurer was resisting the way Williams testified the officer would not have had the time to reload the weapon.

Nahas also asked Williams if other people get nervous when stopped by a police officer. The officer responded that some do.

After testimony from Williams, Nahas told Hale that in order to sustain the charge of resisting arrest there has to be a legal arrest made.

“You don’t have a legal arrest here,” Nahas said. “My client’s actions were completely appropriate.”

He also argued that Maurer bumped Williams with the door as he tried to exit the vehicle, that the officer suffered no injuries and Maurer did not strike Williams intentionally.

“There was not testimony presented as to intent,” Nahas said.

Also addressing the aggravated assault charge, Nahas said, “My client never touched this guy,” referring to Williams.

“There is no prima facie case here, it’s absurd,” Nahas told the court.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Pellish said Maurer was defiant during the traffic stop and that the charges filed by Williams were appropriate.

Hale agreed with Nahas on both the felony and misdemeanor charges.

“I do not believe the intent element was met,” she said, referring to the resisting arrest charge.

As far as aggravated assault on police, the judge said she believes the elements of that charge were also not met.

“You have a problem with that charge,” she told Pellish.

After Hale dismissed the criminal charges, Williams withdrew the two summary harassment charges as well as the charge regarding turning movements and required signals.

Explaining the events of what happened that night, Williams said he approached the vehicle and began to explain to Maurer why he pulled him over.

Maurer’s hands were shaking and he became agitated, Williams said, adding that the man was still shaking making him fearful he may have a weapon.

Williams said that when he asked Maurer if he had any weapons, the man opened the door and struck him with it. Williams said he then opened the door, told Maurer he was under arrest for harassment and placed a restraint on his right wrist.

Williams said Maurer then began to struggle, forcing him to pin Maurer against the rear of the vehicle and ordering him to produce his left hand to be handcuffed.

As Maurer continued to resist and not obey orders to stop, Williams drew his Taser weapon and told the man he would use it if he did not comply.

Williams said that, after refusing to comply, he shot Maurer with the Taser, causing him to fall to the ground and be taken into custody.

Williams said he tried to place Maurer in the back of his police vehicle but the man continued to resist, used his body to push the lieutenant backwards and kicked the back of his foot in an attempt to throw him off balance.

As Maurer continued to resist and refused to get into the police vehicle, Williams said, he was forced to use his Taser weapon again, causing Maurer to fall to the ground and finally stop struggling and start obeying commands.

While Maurer was on the ground, Williams said, he was unable to see his other hand that needed to be placed in the restraint and used his Taser weapon a third time as the man refused to roll over.

Nahas said that he questioned Williams’ account of what happened that night and told the court he was prepared to call Maurer and his brother, who was with him at the time, to testify.

He said it would have been impossible for Williams to reload his weapon if Maurer was resisting to the extent the officer said he was.

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

Frackville

A paint-and-sip to benefit the Frackville pool effort is set to begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 31 in the Frackville Municipal & Community Center, Oak and Center streets. Participants will paint a reversible wooden plaque that can be used for Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, according to an event release. The cost is $35 for material. For more information, call 570-573-3939.

Heckscherville

Clover Fire Company will sponsor its bi-weekly all-you-can-eat breakfast at 7 a.m. Jan. 20 at the firehouse. The cost is $9 for adults and $4 for children under 10. For more information, call 570-294-0612.

Llewellyn

Myriad activities are on the agenda for Good Intent Hose Company, 12 Silverton Road. The Red-Headed Speakeasy Murder Mystery Dinner is set for 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday with dinner served at 7 p.m. There will be a four-course meal and a variety of 1920s-themed adult cocktails. Period costumes are “strongly encouraged,” organizers said in an event press release. The cost is $30 per person. For more information, call 570-294-8754. The company will host a meat bingo on Jan. 20. Doors will open at noon and bingo will go from 1 to 4 p.m. The cost is $20; meat will be provided by Mar Lin Markets. The firehouse kitchen will be open; all ages are welcome. The firehouse will feature musical entertainment by Sapphire from 9 p.m. to midnight Jan. 26. The cost is $5; the firehouse kitchen will be open. For more information, call 570-544-9974.

McAdoo

The borough has issued a reminder for residents that one bulk item can be put on the curb with their trash for pickup on the second Monday of the month. The dates include Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9. Residents should put trash along with the item on the curb no earlier than the night before pickup. Items that are left on the curb or put out too soon are in violation and tickets and/or fines can be issued.

Primrose

The St. Nicholas Holy Name Society will sponsor an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 27 at St. Nicholas Hall, Route 901. Bleenies and baked breads will be available in addition to the usual breakfast fare. The cost is $9 for adults; children 12 and younger may eat for free. All are welcome, according to society Secretary Frank Machita.

Pottsville

St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church will have a soup-and-halushki sale from 2 to 6 p.m. Jan. 26 and 8 a.m. to noon Jan. 27 in the parish center, 313 Mahantongo St. Soups is $8 per quart and the variety includes vegetable, bean and potato. Halushki is $5 per quart. To order or for more information, call 570-622-1802

Pottsville

West End Hose Company, 1217 W. Market St., will have a wing night from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 26. It will include boneless wings and chicken tenders and the soup of the month, chicken corn noodle. Take-outs will be available. For more information, call 570-622-5770. Company wing nights are also set for Feb. 23, March 23 and April 27. The company also is taking advance orders for Super Bowl wings to be served from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 3. The cost is $10 per dozen. Call the aforementioned number from noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays.

Pottsville

The Trinity Episcopal Church concert series will feature The Copeland String Quartet at 4 p.m. March 31 in a program featuring Haydn, Dvorak and de Arriaga. Free-will offerings will be accepted and a meet-the-artists reception will follow the performance. For more information, call 570-622-8720.

Pottsville

Foursquare Church, 2300 Mahantongo St., will sponsor a program called “Stress, Everyone’s Companion,” from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. The program is free and all are welcome. According to a release, it will help people develop an ability to recognize damaging areas, examine the process that brings it in, accept the ability to prevent and alleviate tension and to accept what can’t be changed. For more information, call 570-622-7313 or 508-450-0689. The pastor is Dave Poissant.

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County agencies will help those in their communities this month by providing food, clothing and other necessities to make the lives of the homeless less stressful .

Members from the Local Housing Options Team, composed of members of county service agencies and nonprofits, and volunteers will take part in the annual point-in-time homeless count. Participants met Monday at the Terry Reilly Center. The count will take place Jan. 23 through Feb. 1.

“Our mission is to help persons in need,” Gerald Achenbach, Service Access & Management Inc. housing director and LHOT chairman, said.

There are 11 locations in the county where homeless can receive assistance. Coats, hats, gloves, handwarmers, rain ponchos, nonperishable foods and water will be provided. Pet food is also available. Gift cards will also be provided for places such as Burger King, Dollar General or local locations. Schuylkill Transportation System vouchers will be provided to those who need transportation. Private transportation will also be provided if needed. The free items will be distributed as part of the point-in-time count this month.

Jeanette Triano Sinn, executive director of Servants to All, who is participating with one of the 15 teams, said she wants the less fortunate in the community to know help is out there.

“It’s a great opportunity for anyone that is in need of services that doesn’t know how to get these services,” she said.

Donations of men’s coats are still needed, she said.

Achenbach didn’t want to guess how many people they might find that lack shelter in the county later this month.

“The ultimate question is where did you sleep on the 23rd,” he said.

Achenbach said the nationwide count is always on the fourth Wednesday in January. Results are sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which requires the count.

“Our hope is that our number is less. We always hope that our number is less. The ultimate goal is for that number of decrease,” Achenbach said.

Last year, 21 unsheltered and 50 sheltered people were counted in the county. This year, Achenbach said the state will gather information from various sources to determine the sheltered count. The first point-in-time count took place in 2013 in the county when 13 people were counted.

“We are going to search for the unsheltered,” he said.

An unsheltered person is defined as “homeless persons who are living in a place not designated or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation,” according to HUD.

A survey will be done as part of the count. Those receiving services do not need to participate in the survey. Questions include where will people be sleeping, age of respondents, where they have slept when homeless and if they served in active duty in the military.

Achenbach said there have not been any safety incidents since the count started in 2013.

The following locations are where people can stop in and receive services as part of the count:

• God’s Chuckwagon: 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Schuylkill Housing Authority High Rise, 819 Centre St., Ashland

• God’s Chuckwagon: 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Jan 23 at Living Waters Church of God, 155 S. Balliet St., Frackville

• God’s Chuckwagon: 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Girardville Borough Building, B Street

• God’s Chuckwagon: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at Zion Baptist Church, 400 E. Market St.

• God’s Chuckwagon: 4 to 5 p.m. Jan. 24 at American Legion, 116 N. Main St., Shenandoah

• Contact Ed Butler from God’s Bountiful Table, schedule by appointment, 570-544-2739, Minersville

• Servants to All, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 24, My Father’s House, 4 S. Centre St.

• St. Patrick Pottsville Area Soup Kitchen, 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 24, 504 Mahantongo St.

• Pottsville Salvation Army: noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 25 at 400 Sanderson St.

• Open Arms Ministry: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 24 at 220 S. Second St., Saint Clair

• Tamaqua Salvation Army: 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 24 at 105 W. Broad St., Tamaqua

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — The Butler Township supervisors held their reorganization meeting on Jan. 7 with most appointments remaining the same as in 2018.

Since 2018 was not an election year, the board of supervisors remains the same for the new year. After the meeting opened, David E. Kessler was retained for the 10th year as board chairman on a motion by Supervisor Bob Burns and a second by Paul J. Fetterolf. In a separate vote, Fetterolf was retained as vice chairman.

Fetterolf remains as treasurer at a rate of $250 per month. Kessler was reappointed as roadmaster at $500 per month.

The following appointments and reappointments were made:

•Secretary/assistant treasurer: Kate Staudenmeier.

•Township solicitor: Christopher Riedlinger at $100 per hour. Riedlinger was also retained planning commission solicitor at $100 per hour. The supervisors retained the law offices of Siana, Bellwoar and McAndrew LLP, as counsel for the township as needed.

• Zoning Hearing Board solicitor: Brian Urban at $100 per hour. Urban will recuse himself from any windmill issues.

•Vacancy Board chairman: To be selected at a later date.

•The supervisors appointed the accounting firm of Jones and Co. PC, of Pottsville, to perform the 2018 township audit in lieu of the township auditors.

•Sewage enforcement officer: Jeremy Bentz of JB Environmental Services. Alternate SEO is William Anders of Lehigh Engineering LLC.

•Forestry consultant: Joseph Brackman.

•Bank depository: BB&T Banks, Ashland.

•Emergency management officer: Mark Cuttic. Alternate EMO is Michael Kehler.

•Zoning and code enforcement officer: William Anders.

•Uniform Construction Code inspector: Ralph Hummel.

•Fire marshal: Mark Cuttic at a rate of $25 per month.

•Consulting engineering firm: Lehigh Engineering LLC, Pottsville.

•Mutual aid contracts were renewed with Rangers Hose Company and Girard Hose Company, both of Girardville, at $500 each.

•Planning Commission recording secretary: Lorraine Reese at $20 per meeting.

•Zoning Hearing Board secretary: Lorraine Reese at $20 per hearing.

•Police Chief Edward Tarantelli was reappointed as chief administrative officer of the police pension fund. If Tarantelli is not available, the duties will be performed by Lt. Daniel Holderman.

•Kate Staudenmeier was reappointed as chief administrative officer of the non-uniform pension fund. If Staudenmeier is unavailable, Dale Bolich will perform those duties.

•Renewal of $100,000 bond for the treasurer.

•Allow township employees to attend the annual Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors convention in 2019 in accordance with Section 1402 of the township code and to reimburse them for approved expenses.

•Grant coordinators: Prodesign Plus LLC, Shamokin, and Schuylkill County as grant coordinators for the Community Development Block Grant program for 2019.

•Environmental certifying officer: David Kessler, who is authorized to sign all Community Development Block Grant and HOME applications and forms.

•The following paid holidays were approved for non-unionized employees (road crew and secretary): New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas Day, employee’s birthday and six personal days.

•Wages for non-uniform employees will include a 3.5 percent increase. Police department rates are defined in the contract between the contract with the township and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 25 from Jan. 1, 2018, to Dec. 31, 2020.

•Any person who is not a resident of the township must give at least 48 hours notice and reason for request to be placed on the meeting agenda.

•Northern Schuylkill Council of Governments delegate: Paul Fetterolf. Alternate delegate is Bob Burns.

•Schuylkill County Tax Collection Committee representative: Kate Staudenmeier. Alternate is Paul Fetterolf.

•Roy Green and Thomas McAndrew reappointed to five-year terms on the Butler Township Zoning Hearing Board with terms to expire Dec. 31, 2023.

Regular monthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the municipal building. Workshops are held at 6:45 p.m. prior to the regular meeting.

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

A public meeting will seek the opinion of area communities as part of an ongoing Schuylkill River Trail feasibility study in Schuylkill County.

The Mount Carbon to Schuylkill Haven gap will be the topic of the meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Schuylkill County Agricultural Center conference room, 1202 Ag Center Drive, Pottsville. This is the second public meeting about the gap. The public was first introduced to the feasibility study in November.

The Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area manages the Schuylkill River Trail in Berks and Schuylkill counties. Schuylkill River Greenways currently has several ongoing projects that will continue the extension of the trail in Schuylkill County. Those in attendance will also learn about the detailed plans for the former Pennsylvania Railroad bridge being rehabilitated as part of the trail that will close the last remaining break in Auburn, therefore connecting Berks and Schuylkill counties. There is also an ongoing feasibility study for a 1.7-mile trail gap between Auburn and Landingville as well as the three-mile Mount Carbon to Schuylkill Haven gap.

Schuylkill River Greenways is dedicated to closing these gaps to be that much closer to the completion of the entire trail. There are currently 75 miles of the Schuylkill River Trail completed. When finished, it will run 120 miles from Frackville to Philadelphia.

The consultant, Simone Collins Landscape Architecture, has identified different trail alignments and options for road and river crossings. The purpose of the public meeting is to hold an open discussion with the future neighbors of the trail and the local community to consider various trail route options.

A principal section of the Schuylkill River Trail that runs through Schuylkill and Berks counties is called the John Bartram Trail. The trail segment being discussed Wednesday will be part of this specific piece of trail. Currently, about 10 miles of the Bartram Trail exists in four disconnected pieces. In 2017, a new 1.4-mile segment of the Bartram Trail was completed linking Pottsville to Schuylkill Haven.

For more information about the status of the Schuylkill River Trail and ongoing projects, visit www.schuylkillriver.org.

POTTSVILLE — Two Schuylkill County row officers have added hours in order to make it easier for citizens to obtain or renew four types of licenses.

Sheriff Joseph G. Groody and Treasurer Linda L. Marchalk said they will be opening their offices on two Saturdays, Feb. 9 and Oct. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and three evenings, March 20, June 18 and Sept. 18, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Each of the offices is on the first floor of the courthouse.

Groody said people will be able to get gun licenses at his office, while Marchalk said they will be able to obtain dog, fishing and/or hunting licenses at hers.

“To better serve county residents, I will continue to offer extended hours to accommodate law-abiding citizens with the option to apply for a license to carry firearms,” Groody said.

Groody said a concealed carry license for a firearm is $20, payable by cash, check, credit card and money order. Current license holders can renew it for up to 60 days before the expiration date, according to Groody.

He said applicants must be at least 21 years old and provide a current valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or identification card with the person’s address. In addition, Groody said, applicants must provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two references, who cannot be family members.

Marchalk said the other three types of licenses can be obtained at her office.

“Currently, we are busy with dog licenses,” she said.

Marchalk said all dogs that are at least three months old must be licensed. The cost of a license varies, and more information about the cost can be obtained by calling her office, Marchalk said.

She also said that during the spring and summer, state dog wardens will be checking canines to make sure they have their licenses, and that the failure to license a dog can cost its owner up to $300. The extended hours enable citizens to comply with the law without taking time off work, Marchalk said.

Anyone who has questions about obtaining a license can call Groody’s office at 570-628-1440 or Marchalk’s office at 570-628-1433.

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

The Williams Valley school board adopted a resolution indicating the district will not raise the 2019-20 real estate taxes above the Act 1 index, as set by the state Department of Education.

Business Manager Amy Tomalavage said the Act 1 index is 3.4 percent for the district, and the median assessed valuation in the district is $18,681 in Schuylkill County and approximately $45,600 in Dauphin County.

Last year, real estate taxes were at 16.46 mills for Dauphin County residents and 34.68 mills for Schuylkill County residents. Other levies were two $5 per capita taxes and a $205 occupation tax.

Directors Tedd Johns, John Mika and Michael Minnich were absent.

In other matters, the board accepted the resignation of a district behavioral specialist and a science teacher and approved advertising to fill those vacancies.

Science teacher Brian Pearson resigned, effective 60 days from Dec. 14, 2018, or upon hiring a replacement, and sought employment elsewhere.

Behavioral Specialist Katherine Brosius will resign, effective Feb. 8, due to personal reasons.

The board also approved hiring the following coaches for the 2018-19 school year, at a salary per the collective bargaining agreement:

• Head varsity basketball cheerleading coach Jann Stroup, Tower City.

• Assistant varsity basketball cheerleading coach Nichole Koons, Tower City.

• Assistant baseball coach Paul Herb, Lykens.

• Head varsity softball coach Ryan Underkoffler, Willliamstown.

• Assistant varsity softball coach Lee Reiser, Tower City.

• Volunteer assistant varsity softball coach Mandi Jobe, Williamstown.

• Volunteer basketball cheerleading coach Kristine Rafferty, Tower City.

• Volunteer assistant boys’ basketball coach Keith Thompson, Wiconisco.

In other business, the board approved:

• Adding the following as substitute teachers for the 2018-19 school year: Lisa Soliday, Tower City; Lauren Leshko, Minersville.

• Adding Tiffany Underkoffler, Tower City, to the event staff.

• Hiring Ashley English, Tower City, as a part-time paraprofessional.

• Hiring Clarissa Winter, Watsontown, as a temporary professional employee assigned as a health and physical education teacher starting Jan. 14.

• Hiring Brian Under, Tower City, as a mentor teacher for Winter.

• A request for family and medical leave for a staff member.

• A request for leave without pay for a custodian, pending receipt of paperwork.

• A singing Valentine fundraiser for the district choirs.

• A out-of-state field trip, at no cost to the district, to Costa Rica from June 15-23, 2020, for the Educational Travel Club.

• Resignation of custodian Jesse Winn Jr., effective Jan. 9, who found employment elsewhere; and advertising for a full-time, second-shift custodian.

• Christine Joy as the designated Williams Valley voting representative for the Dauphin County School Safety Task Force.

• Sponsoring a $50 gold sponsor ad in the Schuylkill County Women’s Athletic Association Program to honor the district’s 2019 Female Scholar Athlete.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Deeds

Deer Lake — Jeffrey T. and Sheila D. Gilfillan to Michael Whitney and Kathryn Persons; 326 Lake Front Drive; $154,900.

Frackville — Thomas L. and Regina J. Miller to Tracy A. Miller; 225 S. Line St.; $1.

Frailey Township — Bayview Loan Seriving LLC to Derek G.W. Jones; 320 W. Center St., Donaldson; $25,000.

Hegins Township — Amy Y. Csendes, executrix of the Estate of Ruth I. Miller, to Melissa R. Bixler and Jill A. Bixler; 490 W. Mountain Road, Hegins; $1.

Kline Township — Jacqueline P. Bilger to Felix Antonio Fernandez Almonte; 28 Bridge St., South McAdoo; $70,000.

New Philadelphia — Dolores T. Homovich, trustee of The Paul Homovich and Dolores T. Homovich Living Trust, to Mark Mitchell; 30 Kimber St.; $69,000.

North Manheim Township — Aaron S. and Krista S. Clauser to Ira F. III and Laura S. Walton; 312 Deer Trail Drive; $432,000.

Orwigsburg — James D. Schu, executor of the Estate of Jean F. Schu, to James D. Schu and Mary Schu; 640 Kimmels Road; $1.

Saint Clair — Mary Ann Kushwarra to Flint Ira LLC; 40 S. Nicholas St.; $11,500.

Shenandoah — Reading Anthracite Co, to PPL Electric Utilities Corp.; 0.33-acre property on White Street; $55,000.

South Manheim Township — Gregory L. and Marie L. Boyer to Krystal L. and Timothy J. Boyer; 2473-2474 Papoose Drive, Lake Wynonah; $150,000.

Washington Township — Jennifer M. Plesh-Fugate to Kody M. and Vanessa E. Rittenbaugh; 326 Moyers Station Road; $215,000.

Wayne Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Hidden River Credit Union; 902 Summer Hill Road; $1,276.73.

Julie L. Saunders to Julie L. Saunders; 1174 Running Deer Drive, Lake Wynonah; $1.

West Mahanoy Township — Jerry Ciotola to Rosa O. Rodriguez De Cruz; 195 Ohio Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $17,000.

West Penn Township — William H. and Donna M. Albright to Tomasz M. Fital; 555 McIntosh Lane. Andreas; $415,000.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. to David Osenbach; 6 Log Lane; $5,000.

West Penn Township and Mahoning Township, Carbon County — Kate E.M. Tercha to Maurice W. and Barbara Dekorte; 1544 Penn Drive, Andreas; $30,000.

Allentown

Due to heightened cases of influenza reported in the five-county area and the Jan. 2 change in the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Influenza Status from “sporadic” to “widespread,” Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown Bishop Alfred Schlert has directed that the exchange of the Sign of Peace and the reception of Holy Communion from the chalice at Masses be suspended in the 84 parishes of the diocese. Diocesan Communications Director Matt Kerr said in a release the suspension began with the vigil and Sunday Masses the weekend of Jan. 12-13 and will be in effect until the incidences of influenza subsides in the region. Under the directives, reception of Holy Communion will only be of consecrated hosts, which Catholics believe is the Body of Christ. The practice of drinking from a chalice of consecrated wine, which Catholics believe is the Blood of Christ, is suspended. Catholics believe that in the Sacred Host is contained the entire body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ; therefore, receiving from the chalice is always optional, according to the release.

Ashland

Members of St. Anne Guild of St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church are collecting new and gently used adult and children’s winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves for the needy. Donations can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the parish center, 1115 Walnut St. Those unable to go to the parish office should call Marie at 570-875-0518 for pickup. For those in need of coats and winter items, the drive will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 18 and 19. For more information, call the parish office at 570-875-1521.

McAdoo

The local Girl Scouts recently had their first meeting of the new year with discussion focusing on the annual cookie sale. All orders and money will be collected Feb. 12. Scouts also talked about trip ideas using funds from the cookie sale profits. Scouts are working on “My Faith, My Promise,” a two-week session. The Scouts also are working on respecting authority and respecting myself and others. It isn’t too late for girls to join the Girl Scouts. The local troop has Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes and meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

Shenandoah

St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, Chestnut and Oak streets, is selling February lottery calendars to match the daily lottery Pick 3 straight. People can win the corresponding monetary prize for that day, 7 p.m. drawing only. The cost is $5 for two chances to win daily. Calendars are available after weekly Sunday liturgy. To buy a calendar or for more information, people may also call 570-462-0809. Returns must be received prior to Jan. 30 to be valid. All prizes will be mailed.

Shenandoah

Story/craft time at the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library, Washington and Main streets, is set for 11 a.m. to noon Feb. 2. The library’s book sale is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Hardcovers are 25 cents each and paperbacks, 10 cents each. The library has a collection of Spanish language fiction and nonfiction books. Copies of the book “Lithuanians in America” are available.

Tamaqua

The Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church culinary team is offering hoagies and soup for the weekend of the NFL championship game. Soups, available by the quart, include chicken noodle, ham and bean, chili and broccoli cheese. Soups are $7 per quart and hoagies are $5 each. Orders must be made by Jan. 25 online at www.ziontamaqua.com or by calling 570-668-4451. Purchased items can be picked up from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 2.

Tamaqua

The Lewistown Valley Garden Club met recently with members focusing on plans for 2019. For more information about the club, call Judy Kellner at 570-386-4783 or Louise Flexer at 570-467-3400. The club will resume its regular meetings in March.

Valley View

The Tri-Valley Senior Citizens group is sponsoring a trip to the Parade of Nations April 25-28. For more information, call Robert at 570-682-3572 or Shirley at 570-682-3785.