RINGTOWN — The Ringtown Borough Council will have the former Ringtown Area Elementary Center property reappraised in order to determine its value for if and when it can be sold.

The borough council voted unanimously for the reappraisal at its meeting on Monday. Council President Julian Milewski raised the agenda item for discussion, with solicitor S. John Price about reappraising the property.

“Clearly what we do need to do in further action on the school building is to update our appraisal,” Price said. “The current one is from 2011, and our efforts to market the property have to be tied in with the appraisal because we’re accountable to get the full value out of the property. Therefore it is important to know whether the property has increased or decreased in value over the last several years.”

Price said the appraisal fee could be $1,000 or less.

“At this point, what Jack (Price) said makes perfect sense,” Milewski said. “I would entertain a motion to have the appraisal updated to current value if the cost is less than $1,000.”

The appraisal was approved to have Frank D. Gownley, Pottsville, do the work if under $1,000 cost.

The elementary center was closed in 2009 by the North Schuylkill School District with all students being transferred to the new elementary school at the district campus in Fountain Springs. The school was opened in the early 1900s as the borough’s high school. When the North Schuylkill School District was formed, the building became the local elementary school. The school district also had the Ashland Area and Frackville elementary centers, though those students were moved to the new school in 2007.

The school district officially transferred the building, outdoor activity areas and connected property to the borough on Dec. 1, 2010, as per a long-standing agreement between the borough and the school district when the high school building was transferred to the school district. The agreement included a reverter clause that specified that when the building was no longer being used as an educational facility, the ownership would revert to the borough.

The property transfer added additional expenses to the borough budget, particularly heating and property insurance costs. Those budget increases prompted the council to increase real estate taxes by one mill for 2011.

Since the property transfer, the borough has attempted to sell the property without success. With a current appraisal, the borough will try again to find a buyer.

In other business, Milewski read a letter from the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, informing the borough that the bidding thresholds have changed for 2019 as announced by the state Department of Labor & Industry. Under Act 90 of 2011, the bidding thresholds provide for an annual inflation adjustment based on the consumer price index for all urban consumers. The percentage change for the 12-month period ending Sept. 30, 2018, is 2.3 percent. Beginning on Jan. 1 the bidding thresholds are as follows:

• Purchases and contracts below $11,100 require no formal bidding or written/telephonic quotations.

• Purchases and contracts between $11,100 and $20,600 require three written/telephonic quotations.

• Purchases and contracts over $20,600 require formal bidding.

Police Officer Mark O’Hearn said the TASER unit has been repaired by the company. He said, due to the age of the unit, the company will not be manufacturing batteries for it, it may be time to purchase a new unit. The current TASER is more than 10 years old. When fired at a suspect, two darts connected by wires to the gun unit deliver a nonlethal electric current to incapacitate the person to be arrested.

“I called TASER and was told this is a model they no longer manufactured,” O’Hearnsaid. “They said they will continue to service it. Since the batteries will no longer be manufactured, so if we keep this model, we’ll have to stock up on batteries. The cartridges they will continue to make since they also fit the new models.”

O’Hearn said a new model is roughly $1,500, which can be purchased in installments over a number of years.

Councilman Leonard Kamarousky said that a new unit will have the latest technology.

“Just to protect ourselves, I think it would be best to go with the new technology out there,” Kamarousky said.

After a short discussion, the council approved the purchase of a new TASER with the condition that annual installment payments do not exceed $500.

The borough council acted on the following:

• Retained Brior Environmental Services Inc., Sugarloaf, as the borough sewage enforcement officer for 2019. The company is paid for services rendered.

• Retained project manager Jacqueline Peleschak of Alfred Benesch & Co. as the borough’s consulting engineer pending review of the consulting agreement by Price.

• Retained the borough’s comprehensive liability and property insurance coverage with the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Risk Management Association, which is a group self-insurance pool for Pennsylvania public entities.

On behalf of the borough council, Milewski congratulated the Ringtown Christmas Lighting Committee for a job well done this year. Those involved with the seasonal project were Roger Brouse, Charles Faust, Dale Hart, Matt Brouse, D.J. White, Kate Elgin and Graham Everett. Milewski also thanked two local business who donated equipment — Jeff Brouse of Ringtown Concrete Products who provided the fork lift, and Sergio Luna of Ringtown Pizza shop who provide the bucket lift truck to hang the decorations. Milewski said the committee thanked local residents and businesses that donated for the upkeep and replacement of the fixtures, including the Ringtown Lions Club.

Milewski said there are two vacancies on the borough zoning hearing board and said any citizens interested in serving should contact the borough office at 570-889-3095 to be considered by the borough council. The board meets on an as-needed basis.

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

POTTSVILLE — Louie F. Rivera is headed to state prison after admitting Wednesday to a Schuylkill County judge that he shot a man in February 2018 in Minersville with a gun he could neither legally possess nor carry.

Rivera, 28, of Minersville, must spend six to 15 years in a state correctional institution, Judge James P. Goodman ruled.

As part of the plea agreement between prosecutors and Rivera, Goodman also sentenced the defendant to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Rivera pleaded guilty to prohibited possession of a firearm, aggravated assault, carrying a firearm without a license and possessing instrument of crime. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of aggravated assault.

Minersville police charged Rivera with shooting Patrick Green in the right leg with a .380-caliber pistol about 1:30 a.m. Feb. 25, 2018, in the Curran Hotel, 155 Sunbury St. (Route 901).

Police said Green and Rivera became involved in an argument in the hotel bar that led to the two going outside, where the argument turned physical. The altercation outside took both Rivera and Green to Sunbury Street where Rivera’s vehicle was parked, police said.

Then, Rivera went to his vehicle, retrieved the pistol and shot Green, police said. After that, Rivera fled and was not arrested until March 19, 2018, in Girardville, according to police.

Police said Rivera was a convicted felon at the time of the shooting and, as such, could not legally possess the gun with which he shot Green. Furthermore, Rivera did not have a license for the gun, according to police.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Rivera said little except that he understood the conditions and consequences of his plea and was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.

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

Defendant: Louie F. Rivera

Age: 28

Residence: Minersville

Crimes committed: Prohibited possession of a firearm, aggravated assault, carrying a firearm without a license and possessing instrument of crime

Prison sentence: Six to 15 years in a state correctional institution

Deeds

Kline Township — Heather M. Zazycki to Deyanira Troncoso Perez; 20 Bruno Ave., Haddock; $109,000.

Mahanoy City — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Wells Fargo Bank NA; 1021 E. Mahanoy Ave.; $1,305.66.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to MTGLQ Investors LP; 404 E. Centre St.; $1,367.

Mahanoy Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.; 167 Roosevelt Drive, Morea; $1,179.94.

Middleport — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Northwest Bank; 88 Washington St.; $1,163.76.

Minersville — Joseph and Betty M. Seiders to Samuel J. Seiders; 410 Lytle St.: $1.

Marilyn R. Homa to Anita Renee Workman; 20 Gallo Row; $51,900.

Joseph P. and Betty M. Seiders to Joseph P. Seiders III; property at Maple Alley and Snyder Street; $1.

New Philadelphia — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 203 Macomb St.; $1,403.53.

POTTSVILLE — Already sentenced to state prison because of sex-related crimes in Carbon County, Jordan M. Beggan faces more legal woes after admitting Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he sexually assaulted a student at a Tamaqua private school.

Beggan, 27, of Bowmanstown, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to sexual contact with a student and selling or furnishing liquor to minors. Prosecutors withdrew charges of corruption of minors and indecent assault.

Judge James P. Goodman accepted Beggan’s plea, but did not immediately sentence him. Instead, he ordered the state Sexual Offenders Assessment Board to prepare an evaluation of Beggan and scheduled a hearing for 1:30 p.m. April 16, when he will both sentence the defendant and determine whether he is a sexually violent predator.

The child predator section of the state attorney general’s charged Beggan, an instructional assistant at Behavioral Health Associates, with having the sexual contact with the male teenage student, whom he had known before working at the school, in the spring of 2016 in the Tamaqua area.

Police said Beggan told them he took the boy for rides in his car. Beggan also said he bought beer for the teen and twice touched him sexually, according to police.

Beggan said he later apologized to the boy, police said.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Beggan said little except that he understood the terms and consequences of his plea and was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.

In Carbon County Court, Beggan pleaded guilty on April 26, 2018, to unlawful contact or communication with a minor-sexual abuse and disseminating explicit sexual material to a minor. President Judge Roger N. Nanovic dismissed charges of criminal use of a communication facility and corruption of minors.

On Sept. 21, 2018, Nanovic sentenced Beggan to serve 22 to 72 months in a state correctional institution, plus an additional five years on probation, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

The state attorney general’s office also prosecuted the Carbon County case against Beggan, alleging he sent sexually related messages on April 1, 2017, to a teenager in Palmerton.

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

Defendant: Jordan M. Beggan

Age: 27

Residence: Bowmanstown

Crimes committed: Sexual contact with a student and selling or furnishing liquor to minors

Saint Clair limits parking for weather

SAINT CLAIR — Saint Clair police said there will be no parking on the entire length of Second Street and the entire length of Hancock Street from 2 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Monday.

The ban has been placed in effect due to the projected approaching winter storm, police said.

Police also said violators will receive tickets and their vehicles will be towed.

Police investigate theft from vehicle

HAMBURG — Hamburg police are investigating a theft of items from a vehicle in the 100 block of Villa Court that was reported around 7:40 a.m. Jan. 10.

Police said someone entered a vehicle and stole several items with a combined estimated value of about $600.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hamburg police at 610-562-7228.

Police investigate woman’s harassment

HAMBURG — Hamburg police are investigating an incident of harassment that was reported around 11:40 a.m. Jan. 9.

Police said a resident reported receiving harassing messages over the internet asking her for private pictures.

When the woman refused she said the unknown caller said they would disclose private pictures of her that already existed.

Police said the incident is currently under investigation.

Two incidents resolved by police

HAMBURG — Two incidents that were reported on Jan. 7 were handled by Hamburg police.

Police said that around 3:30 p.m., officers were called to the 100 block of North Fifth Street for a report of a possible domestic incident in progress.

Police said, at the scene, officers found a man and woman having a verbal argument about finances and that the matter was resolved without the need for an arrest.

Then, around 7 p.m., officers were called for a domestic incident between a mother and son in the 400 block of North Fifth Street.

Police said the juvenile boy did not like that his mother disciplined him and that after speaking with the juvenile about his behavior the matter was resolved without the need for an arrest.

POTTSVILLE — Five separate criminal incidents involving drugs resulted Wednesday in a McAdoo man being sentenced in Schuylkill County Court to spend time behind state prison bars.

David M. Bilsak, 42, must serve one to five years in a state correctional institution, Judge James P. Goodman decided.

Pursuant to the plea agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, Goodman also sentenced Bilsak to pay costs, $4,000 in fines, $500 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $920 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network, $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Harrisburg, and perform 50 hours community service.

Bilsak, formerly of Bethlehem, pleaded guilty to two charges each of driving under the influence and possession of drug paraphernalia and one of possession of a controlled substance. Prosecutors withdrew three counts of driving under suspension-DUI related, two additional counts of possession of a controlled substance and one additional count of possession of drug paraphernalia and one count each of criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, defiant trespass and illegal parking.

State police at Frackville alleged Bilsak was driving under the influence of drugs on March 31, 2018, while Mahanoy City police alleged he did the same thing on April 1, 2018, in the borough.

Pottsville police alleged he possessed methamphetamine on May 22, 2018, in the city.

Mahanoy City police alleged Bilsak possessed a scale, a syringe and baggies on April 7, 2018, in the borough, while Tamaqua police alleged he possessed a syringe and two pipes on April 22, 2018, in that borough.

Bilsak said little during Wednesday’s hearing except that he understood the terms and consequences of his plea and was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.

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

Defendant: David M. Bilsak

Age: 42

Residence: McAdoo, formerly of Bethlehem

Crimes committed: Two charges each of driving under the influence and possession of drug paraphernalia and one of possession of a controlled substance

Prison sentence: One to five years in a state correctional institution

Weis Markets throughout the area closed at 10 p.m. Wednesday and posted on Facebook that “big news” would be announced when the stores reopened Thursday.

The news was that the grocer made a multi-million dollar investment to reduce prices to a market low on more than 7,000 products.

“We understand saving money has never been more important for our customers,” Richard Gunn, Weis Markets senior vice president of merchandising and marketing, said in a news release. “That’s why we are making a multi-million-dollar investment to provide the lowest price in the market on more than 7,000 everyday products.”

According to Weis Markets, the new “Low, Low Price program” reduces prices throughout every department in its stores.

Weis Markets has locations in Dallas, Nanticoke, Plains Township, Mountain Top, Duryea, Hazleton, Eaton Township near Tunkhannock, Pottsville, Carbondale, South Abington Township, Olyphant and Berwick in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

In all, Weis Markets operates 203 stores in seven states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia and Virginia.

On Wednesday night, Weis Markets locations in all seven states closed early so that thousands of associates could work overnight to install signs and update price tags to indicate the new lower prices.

When the stores opened at 6 a.m. Thursday, customers were welcomed with the new price reductions and a drop in their grocery bill.

Weis Markets announced in a news release that the initiative is a “key part of the company’s program to offer a strong value proposition in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

Weis Markets also announced it has accelerated store shipments of high-demand items purchased by customers who use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase their groceries.

Due to the partial government shutdown, SNAP recipients in its seven-state market area are receiving their benefits for February early beginning Friday.

“As a result of the shutdown, customers who use SNAP to purchase their groceries will receive their February benefits this week — essentially two to three weeks ahead of schedule,” said Kurt Schertle, Weis Markets’ chief operating officer. “To meet this early demand, we have moved up our delivery schedules to ensure that we are in stock for our customers. We are doubly prepared for this increase in demand due to predictions of snow in many of our markets.”

Schertle said as a company that supplies its own stores and operates its own dairy, its procurement and distribution teams “are able to respond quickly and adjust to meet this early demand.”

Contact the writer: dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2115, @CVAllabaugh

POTTSVILLE — Mothers should feel comfortable having babies at the new Family Birth and Newborn Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street, hospital leaders said.

“At (Lehigh Valley Health Network) we believe that the health care services that can be delivered in a community hospital setting should be delivered there, and when patients receive that health care service, the experience they have should be top notch. Five-star. Exceptional. That’s what families will receive here in this beautiful new Family Birth and Newborn Center: Convenient access to excellent care. We are excited and humbled to introduce it to you today,” Brian Nester, president and CEO of LVHN, said Thursday.

Hospital officials and local and state leaders attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony and took a tour of the new facility on the fourth floor of the East Norwegian Street hospital. The 15,000-square-foot center features five labor delivery rooms, two obstetric triage rooms, an operating room for cesarean sections, nine post-partum rooms where mothers can receive care, and a general and isolation nursery. The new center is not open yet because all approvals and inspections have not been completed.

“It could be open in the next couple of weeks or sooner,” M. Michael Peckman, director of marketing and public affairs for Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill, said.

The center cost about $7 million, Peckman said. Work started in July 2018 to transform the space. The birth center at the South Jackson Street campus will remain open for the time being and close at a later date after the new one at East Norwegian Street accepts patients.

About 650 children are born a year at the South Jackson Street site. The new space can accommodate 1,000 births a year.

The center at East Norwegian Street formerly housed the advanced wound center and the senior behavioral health unit, which was moved to the South Jackson Street site in summer 2018. The space was also used for pediatrics, which is now in another location at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street.

The new center is part of campus integration plan introduced in 2016 meant to eliminate redundancies in services between the two hospitals, thus saving costs and allowing for improved care. As part of the campus integration plan, the emergency room at South Jackson Street will close. A date was not provided but will “likely be by the end of February,” Peckman said. There is an emergency room at the East Norwegian Street hospital.

Susan Curry, vice president of Patient Care Services at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill, said there was “quite a bit of labor” to bring the project to completion.

“Our general contractor, subcontractors, construction crews, architects and facilities specialists did an amazing job. They transformed this space into a state-of-the-art facility in a relatively short amount of time. This new Family Birth and Newborn Center represents so much that is good — new life, new beginnings and a bright future. It will welcome the next generation of Schuylkill County residents and serve generations to come,” Curry said.

Nester said many people have been leaving the community to have their babies, but with the new center that can change.

“We want nothing more at LVHN than to have your back,” Nester said.

He said the “foundation of any community is healthy moms and babies.”

Tom Hutchinson, M.D., chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Lehigh Valley Health Network, thanked those for attending and talked about the services that are provided at the East Norwegian Street site.

“As you tour the facility today, you will see comfortable family lounges, meeting rooms and a lactation office, as well as a staff lounge and locker rooms. This center provides all aspects of inpatient obstetrical care including routine deliveries, vaginal birth and after C-section, and both primary and repeat C-section deliveries,” Hutchinson said.

Dr. Angela Zawisza, a pediatric hospitalist at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill, took Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess on a tour Thursday, showing him the nursery, labor and delivery rooms and operating room. The nursery was “nice and bright,” Hess said, because of the natural light in the windows.

The labor and delivery rooms also impressed him because of their size. The minimum is 350 square feet, while the largest is about 370 square feet.

“It looks fantastic,” Hess said.

The public is invited to attend a community open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, weather depending, Peckman said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

HAZLETON — A firm that developed manufacturing and distribution facilities for Amazon, Urban Outfitters and other large clients could build about 2 million square-feet of manufacturing and storage space at an industrial park in the southern part of the city, a company representative and Mayor Jeff Cusat said Thursday.

The mayor unveiled plans for a warehouse/distribution center that developers from Blue Creek Investments pitched for the Hazleton Commerce Center in the Heights during a Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet breakfast.

The facility would be built in two phases, with the first consisting of a 1.41-million-square-foot building bound by Arthur Gardner Parkway, Route 309 and North Conahan Drive, Cusat said. A second phase would involve construction of a separate, 600,000-square-foot building.

The buildings would be the largest in the city.

The project hinges on whether Greater Hazleton Joint Sewer Authority gets state approval to handle the amount of waste water that the operation would generate, Cusat said.

A sketch for the larger building shows a driveway accessible from Route 309, with the larger building in the center of the commerce center behind Arthur Gardner Parkway.

It could create between 400 and 600 jobs, he said. An official announcement or groundbreaking could happen in “mid-2019,” Cusat estimated.

“If it becomes a reality, it would be a giant boost with jobs and property values,” he said.

The proposed facility has been in discussions for years, and Cusat said the latest talks are underway between the city and state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) about whether the sewer authority can handle the operation.

The authority gauges capacity by EDUs, or equivalent dwelling units.

Talks are also underway between the city and state Department of Transportation about access to state roadways, he said.

Plans

Developers with Blue Creek Investments, Newton, secured zoning approval for the roughly 1.4-million-square-foot warehouse/distribution center in a general industrial (I-2) zone near Arthur Gardner and Route 309, according to paperwork filed with the city. The other building could be part of a future construction phase.

A tenant has not been identified, Cusat said.

“The developer seems very committed to doing something at the site,” Cusat said. “We have multiple conversations weekly about progress on this project. They did get zoning approval. They have paid for permits.”

Thomas Meagher, executive vice president with Blue Rock Construction — a consulting and construction management firm with offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey — said Blue Creek Investments serves as the development arm to Blue Rock.

Meagher said a non-disclosure agreement prevents him from identifying a tenant but he hopes construction will begin the spring.

The project site is an “assemblage of multiple property owners” and its use will be consistent with zoning regulations, he said.

“This is a real gem in terms of development opportunity for this area,” Meagher said. “This is a real big positive. The mayor has been a huge proponent and advocate for this development.”

Meagher said he’s been involved with the project site for about a decade. The property was eyed for development several years ago, but the economy tanked in 2008-09, he said.

“It’s through sheer persistence and kind of patience that we got here, not to mention a whole lot of investment that paid off up until this year,” Meagher said.

The Blue Rock firm specializes in designing and constructing warehouse/manufacturing and distribution facilities. It performs in excess of $275 million worth of construction per year, Meagher said.

Sewer plant

Greg Olander, operations manager for the joint sewer authority, said corrective action plans that were developed for removing excessive storm water and groundwater flow from the sewage system currently don’t make enough EDUs available to accommodate the proposed project.

However, the authority has been in talks with DEP and shared work it has completed for removing storm water from the collection system since it took over parts of a combined collection system in Hazleton in 2013, he said.

“We’re in flow monitoring currently so we can show DEP how much inflow and infiltration has been removed,” Olander said. “The city was given 120 EDUs and 108 are available, but that’s nowhere near what the industry would need. Hopefully, we’ll get credits returned to us or added.”

The sewage treatment plant can handle as much as 13.5 million gallons of material per day before it is considered hydraulically overloaded, Olander said. Last year, the wettest in at least three decades, the plant average as much as 11.47 million gallons per day, he said. Since 2013, average flows ranged from about 8.32 million gallons to 10.65 million gallons.

Contact the writer: sgalski@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3586

An artist once featured in the Billboard Top 100, the Top 5 of iTunes Overall Top Songs chart and popular television show “The Voice” is set to perform this weekend at Tamaqua’s Premier Performance Hall.

Matt McAndrew will bring his renowned vocal talent, as well as his band, to The Stitch at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, 125 Pine St., this Saturday, according to Val Shoemaker, concert coordinator at the venue. Doors open at 7 p.m., with McAndrew starting the set at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for theater seats and $20 for pub table seats, Shoemaker said, adding that interested parties can save when buying four pub table seats.

Get tickets fast, because, Shoemaker said, the theater seats are nearly sold out. Backstage Bear Passes are also available on McAndrew’s website, mattmcandrewmusic.com. Those passes come in two tiers: the Grizzly Bear package, for $35, which includes the chance to meet McAndrew, ask a few questions and receive a signed poster; and, for $75, the Polar Bear package, which includes everything in the Grizzly package plus an acoustic set request with McAndrew, according to his website.

McAndrew, a New Jersey native who studied in Philadelphia, came in as runner-up winner on season 7 of “The Voice” and has recently been touring with the likes of Maroon 5 and Nick Jonas. He has continued to write new music and recently released a single titled “Game Over.” His website describes his style as “sincere, guitar-driven music.”

“He’s the biggest thing we’ve had” at The Stitch, Shoemaker said.

But despite the big name, Shoemaker described the event as less of a big concert and more of a get-together, not as staid as a symposium but almost as warm as a rendezvous, especially because of The Stitch’s size and setting compared to venues in which McAndrew usually plays.

“It’s a different crowd. It’s an intimate evening with Matt McAndrew. … If you’ve ever been to The Stitch to see a show there, no seat is a bad seat. You’re close to him no matter where you sit.”

The proximity to McAndrew won’t be the only way to feel close to him, as Shoemaker decided to add a “Matt Message Box” so McAndrew can feel the love from the “Little Town with Big Heart.”

“I was just thinking of something that would kind of make Tamaqua be a little bit more special for him, because he does play a lot of bars and things like that,” and since it’s close to Valentine’s Day, that will play into it, Shoemaker said. People may bring a card, but paper, pencils and markers will be available on site.

“It goes straight to Matt, so it’s not like it’s going through a secretary,” Shoemaker said. “It makes Tamaqua special because then he can see everyone that came out for him, to give him messages, how much he means to them and how much they love his music.”

In addition to the music and message box, refreshments such as hot dogs, popcorn, chips, candy, soda and water will be available, Shoemaker said. The venue is BYOB.

Next at The Stitch, The Bad Company Experience, a Bad Company tribute band, will play there Feb. 9, kicking off a string of cover bands set to play throughout the year. For more information, visit The Stitch - Tamaqua’s Premier Performance Hall on Facebook.

Contact the writer: dprosick@

republicanherald.com

Breakfast topic: Stay, play in Tamaqua

TAMAQUA — The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce will present its first breakfast seminar of 2019 at 8 a.m. Jan. 25 at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St.

Topics of discussion, according to a release, will include ways to stay and play in Tamaqua, an overview on efforts to attract overnight accommodations in and around Tamaqua, and the impacts on the business community.

Guest speakers will include state Sen. David Argall, R-29, and Micah Gursky of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership. They will provide updates on a variety of projects.

Schuylkill Leadership classes forming

POTTSVILLE — Classes for Schuylkill Leadership 2019, sponsored by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, are forming now.

According to a chamber event flier, Schuylkill Leadership “brings together a group of diverse business people from around the area and takes you on a journey through Schuylkill County,” according to the flier, which adds that participants along the way will “learn what makes Schuylkill County a great place to live and work as well as be exposed to numerous hidden gems within the county.”

James DeAngelo of Wegmans, a Schuylkill Leadership graduate, said in the flier he lived in the county his entire life and “was unaware of the many businesses/organizations … that call Schuylkill County home.”

He said Schuylkill Leadership “will give you a new understanding of what Schuylkill County has to offer. The relationships formed with fellow classmates make this experience truly rewarding.”

For more information on Schuylkill Leadership or to get an application, call Samantha Chivinski at 570-622-1942 or email her at schivinski@schuylkillchamber.com.

Ladies Night Out slated at Walk In

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Ladies Night Out 2019 is set for 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7 in the main gallery of the Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway.

Admission is free, and organizers said in an event flier that Valentine’s Day “is right around the corner.” Donations will be accepted.

In addition to vendors, the event will include refreshments, pampering, samples, demos and raffle drawings.

Vendors will include: Origami Owl, Denise Andersen; Pink Zebra, Sandra Wolf; Paparazzi, Laura Young; Tupperware, Mary Kistler; Free Forms Jewelry; Mary Kay, Tracy Zellin; Thirty One, Barbie Carroll; Pure Romance, Estelle Kerestus; Premiere Designs, Susan Brown; LuLaRoe, Karissa Barrell; Moss Lane Soaps; Finktastic Designs, Vinyl items; Rodan & Fields, Alexandria Donton; Tastefully Simple, Deb Clews; An Extra Shot of Quilt, Becki White; Sweet Barista; Molly Scott Cupcakes; Pampered Chef, Krista Stump; Schuylkill County Scream Queens Roller Derby; TS Country Crafts, Tanya Bowman; Usborne Books, Meagan Sherry, and Amy’s Knotted Knits.

More information about the center is available at its website at www.walkinartcenter.org.

OBPA focusing on 2 large-scale events

ORWIGSBURG — Liz Tuturice, with the Orwigsburg Business and Professional Association Events Committee, recently provided an update on OBPA events for 2019.

“We have limited our events this year in hopes of producing two large-scale, quality events for our community,” Tuturice said in the update.

She said Farm to Square is “a returning favorite” that will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 8 on the Square in Orwigsburg.

“Last year this event had over 30 vendors including, wineries, breweries … community organizations/businesses, food trucks, local restaurants and family friendly activities and music,” Tuturice said, adding nearly 500 people attended the 2018 event.

The Orwigsburg Heritage Day celebration will mark its 28th year in 2019 and is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 7 on the square. She said it is a time change from previous years.

Heritage Day will include two live bands, vendors, food trucks, wineries, restaurants, breweries, children’s activities, demonstrations, community organizations/businesses and other entertainment for all ages.

In 2018, Tuturice said, “We had nearly 75 different vendors spread through the town and hope to make this year even larger. We saw nearly 2000 people that day (in 2018).”

For more on OBPA, 209 N. Warren St., email orwigsburgbusinesspa@gmail.com or go to on Facebook: Orwigsburg Business and Professional Association.

Motto: ‘Return to

Prominence’

SHENANDOAH — The mission and vision of the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. are to return downtown Shenandoah to “an active pedestrian-oriented business district that will promote and sustain further economic, cultural and civic growth within the borough; to stimulate economic development by encouraging cooperation and building leadership in the business community; to develop a marketing strategy that will provide an improved retail mix, strengthen the tax base and increase investor confidence; to build a viable tourism effort; to promote a unified, quality image of downtown Shenandoah as a center of goods and services; to create an attractive, coordinated visual impression of Shenandoah through facade improvements, streetscape and historic preservation of our existing buildings.”

The group’s motto is “Return to Prominence.”

DSI meets at 5:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month in its downtown center at 116 N. Main St.

Mary Luscavage is DSI’s executive director and Main Street Program manager; Karen Kenderdine is president and treasurer and Bob Kane is vice president.

For more information or to volunteer to help the revitalization effort, call Luscavage at 570-462-2060 or email dsi@downtownshenandoahinc.com.

Any individual, business or organization wishing to financially back DSI’s ongoing revitalization effort should call the downtown center, stop by during regular hours or mail contributions to: Downtown Shenandoah Inc., 116 N. Main St., Shenandoah, PA 17976.

Walk In to host ‘Corks & Chocolate’

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

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

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

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

Winter Carnival events listed

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

Events include: Royal tea, Saturday, Walk In Art Center, Schuylkill Haven, tickets needed; Queen fashion show, 7 p.m. Sunday, Lodge at Sharp Mountain, tickets needed; Yuengling Night, 7 p.m. Jan. 25, St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose, tickets needed; Snowdrop/Snowflake Pageant, 7 p.m. Jan. 26, Pottsville Area High School, tickets needed; Snowdrop/Snowflake After Party, 9 p.m., St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose, tickets needed; Queen’s Pageant. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2, Pottsville Area High School, tickets needed; Queen’s Ball, 9 p.m. Feb. 2, St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose, tickets needed.

Fairlane Village touts events slate

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

The agenda includes:

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

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

Grants available

to cut violence risk

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

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

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

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

Applications will be accepted until Feb. 7.

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

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

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

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

Chamber updates mixers, sessions

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

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

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

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

McAdoo

Final signups for the 2019 McAdoo Basketball League season will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 22 and 23 at The Strand Skating Rink. An open gym will also be held. Divisions include boys and girls in grades 5-8 and 9-12. The cost is $65 per player, payable at the time of registration. Teams will be picked after all registrations are complete. Practice will then begin; a party will be held at the end of the season. The season will start on March 1. All games will be held at McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary/Middle School with PIAA referees. The season will consist of two games per week. Each team will play a total of 12 games, plus playoff games. Games will be played Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. For more information, call Al at 570-436-6146.

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 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

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.

Shenandoah

New students are welcome at Trinity Academy in the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center, Cherry and Chestnut streets, the sole parochial pre-K to eighth-grade school for all of northern Schuylkill County. To schedule a visit to the school, call 570-462-3927 or email trinitymattersadvancement@gmail.com. More information about the school also is available online at www.trinitymatters.com. Recycling also is part of the school’s efforts. Bags of shirts, pants, hats, towels, belts, outerwear, scarves, linens, bedding and shoes may be taken to a collection container in the Trinity Academy cafeteria. The items, according to a bulletin announcement, are sent away to be sorted and recycled in “a variety of ways.” The textile recycling “is convenient and is an opportunity to help those who are less fortunate,” organizers said in the bulletin release. Additionally, each time the container is emptied, the contents are weighed and based on that weight, the school receives a check. The school also is asking people to look for Box Tops for Education labels on items they purchase for their families and to mail or deliver the labels to 233 W. Cherry St., Shenandoah, PA 17976. The labels can result in additional funds to support the school.

Shenandoah

Registrations for 4K and kindergarten in the Shenandoah Valley School District will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. March 18 and May 13 ­— by appointment only. Residents must call 570-462-2796 to schedule appointments. A completed packet, three proofs of residency, child’s birth certificate and child’s updated immunizations are required for registration, according to a district release. For more information, call 570-462-2796, ext. 4238.

Shenandoah

A meeting of Health Shenandoah, a local group bannering improved fitness for community residents, is set for 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community, East Washington Street. The meeting is open to the public. Discussion topics will include plans for the upcoming annual Shenandoah Community Health Fair to be held on April 6, local walking groups, the potential a grant for new exercise equipment and news regarding another upcoming event, organizers said in a release. People are welcome to attend the session.

Following last night’s precipitation, heavier snowfall with a possible mix of sleet and freezing rain, and much colder temperatures, are on the way, meteorologists with the National Weather Service in State College forecast.

Schuylkill County municipalities anticipating this weekend’s winter storm report they’ll have their full workforce in operation and have been preparing their cinder spreaders and plows for whatever Mother Nature delivers.

Today, there could be a few breaks in the clouds with temperatures in the 30s, possibly approaching 40 by later this afternoon, according to Craig Evanego, NWS meteorologist.

Snow is expected to develop Saturday afternoon and could be heavy at times, changing over to sleet and freezing rain Saturday night after sunset, according to Evanego.

Schuylkill County could see 4 to 8 inches of snow, with ice on top of that Saturday into Sunday.

“If the storm tracks slightly south, the county could see more snow and less ice,” Evanego said.

A cold blast sweeps in Sunday, with temperatures falling throughout the day. Sunday night into Monday morning, the lows could reach near zero, with wind chills of 15 to 20 below zero, he said.

Hegins Township Road Foreman Craig Coleman said the township began preparing its four trucks, snow plows and cinder spreaders Thursday, and put its part-time employees on standby. Coleman, road crew workers Ray Wert and Mike Rothermel, and the township’s part-time staff maintain 38 miles of roadway. During an average storm, the township will use about 20 tons of salt and 40 tons of anti-skid material. The township also has an angle plow on its loader, and a backhoe and grader.

“We appreciate people who are kind, courteous and patient,” Coleman, who has served the township for 24 years, said of motorists. “We go out when we have to and are on-call 24/7.” Last year, they were called out to service 77 times, he said.

Coleman said drivers used to be more patient than they are now and communities were more vigilant.

“It used to be that every neighborhood would make sure the fire hydrants were clear. Now, you hardly see any that are,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pine Grove Borough Streets and Water Supervisor Len Clark said crews prepared the borough’s four trucks and mounted plows Thursday. They’d rather get ahead of the storm than wait until the morning hours to finish the preparation and vehicle maintenance, he said.

Road workers are responsible for 9 miles in the borough, but can often put as many as 15 to 50 miles on the vehicles during an average storm, spreading anti-skid material and salt, he said.

“We also have another full-time and a part-time worker who take care of our sidewalks,” Clark said. Clearing the borough-owned sidewalks can include using brooms, shovels, a snow blower and even a small Kubota tractor.

Many of the employees have worked all week long and will probably be working the entire weekend since a storm is expected. After 3:30 p.m., all of the road crew workers are on-call, Clark said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Hit the water, but don’t forget your wetsuit.

Canoers and kayakers once again can take to the Lackawanna River for a chilly ride through Scranton as part of the annual ShiverFest, which raises money for Lackawanna River Conservation Association. The event will take place Saturday, with the Extreme Kayak/Canoe Race starting at noon and an after-party following from 2 to 5 p.m. at Backyard Ale House, 523 Linden St., Scranton.

The race will kick off at the Parker Street Landing (off East Parker Street in Green Ridge) and end at Sweeney’s Beach just off Green Street in the Pine Brook neighborhood.

LRCA Executive Director Bernard McGurl called the race “a lot of fun to watch.”

“We get about 50 participants on the water, so you’re going to see 50 boats getting paddled down the Lackawanna River in the middle of winter,” he added. “And it’s right through the heart of Scranton, so there’s plenty of room to see it on any of the flood control levees. ... There’s lots of places to see it.”

As for those on the water, they seem to enjoy the opportunity to “get out and meet up with some friends and do some crazy wintertime kayaking,” McGurl said, noting that some participants in the past have dressed in costume. Racers must be 18 or older and provide their own watercraft and gear. Race participants can register the day of ShiverFest, but McGurl encourages them to do so in advance.

“We strongly recommend that they have a wetsuit or a drysuit (on), because the water temperature is down in the 30s, and it will get hypothermic if they get in the water,” McGurl said.

Organizers will have a campfire going at the finish line to kickstart the thawing, and then the fun continues at Backyard Ale House, where guests can warm up and enjoy food, drinks, basket raffles, a 50/50 drawing and camaraderie.

The race costs $30 per racer and includes admission to the thaw party. Spectators can view the race for free, but admission to the party for non-racers will cost $20.

“We’re hoping to raise a few hundred dollars at the thaw party,” McGurl said.

Proceeds from ShiverFest benefit LRCA, which recently moved its offices to a former church and rectory in North Scranton, which McGurl said “need lots of modernization and repairs and upgrades.” That includes electrical work and some recent plumping fixes.

“We just did a Giving Tuesday project for our ... program, but (this fundraiser) is going into the general fund, and we really need it because we don’t have a lot of grants at the present time,” McGurl said.

The organization also is working on some bigger cleanup projects along the river, is encouraging local municipalities to unite to create a municipal stormwater authority and is “actively engaged in acquiring some new parcels of land, and that will help further development of the (Lackawanna River) Heritage Trail and our partners,” McGurl said — all projects that could benefit from ShiverFest.

Contact the writer: cwest@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100, ext. 5107

If you go

What: ShiverFest Extreme Kayak/Canoe Race

When: Noon Saturday

Where: Parker Street Landing, off East Parker Street, to Sweeney’s Beach, off Green Street, Scranton

Details: Entry costs $30 per racer and includes a ticket to the post-race Thaw Party. Racers must be 18 or older and provide their own kayak or canoe. Wetsuits are strongly recommended.

What: ShiverFest Thaw Party

When: 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday,

Where: Backyard Ale House, 523 Linden St., Scranton

Details: Admission is free for ShiverFest racers and costs $20 for non-racers.

Proceeds benefit Lackawanna River Conservation Association. Visit lrca.org or call 570-347-6311 for more information.

PINE GROVE — The Pine Grove Area school board Thursday agreed to keep the tax rate for the 2019-20 school year below the Act 1 index as set by the state Department of Education.

The board also decided to withdraw from the Tri-Valley Athletic Association in football; heard a presentation by the district’s JROTC on cadets’ upcoming trip to France; and created a new, part-time behavior support position.

As for financial matters, the Act 1 index is at 3.2 percent this year. Last year, the board approved a real estate tax with a 1-mill increase to 40.75 mills, which is $4.07 on each $100 of assessed valuation. The board adopted a resolution indicating it would not raise the rate above that index by an 8-0 vote. Board Director Wes Ney was absent.

The board also gave the nod on its elementary school upgrade, approving an amendment to a Performance Based Energy Savings Agreement with McClure Co. It consists of phases two and three of the elementary school heating, ventilation and air conditioning project at a cost of just over $2 million. Money for the upgrades will be paid out of the capital projects fund.

As for the league change, the board took the recommendation of its extracurricular committee and decided to withdraw from the Tri-Valley Athletic Association in football at the conclusion of the 2019-20 season; and voted to enter the Schuylkill League in football, beginning with the 2020-21 season. Athletic Director Scott Dimon attended the meeting and answered questions board members had about scheduling and other districts who had voted similarly for the switch.

JROTC outgoing commander Hunter Kielbowick and retired Sgt. 1st Class LeRoy Bates updated the board on the cadets’ planned trip to Normandy, France, in June during the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Bates spoke on behalf of retired Lt. Col. Michael Stefanchik, senior Army instructor, who was unable to attend Thursday’s meeting.

There will be 16 cadets and 19 adults traveling, and so far, the group has collected $6,000 from donors. The JROTC has sent 550 letters to Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts, and will also be contacting legislators about their effort.

Kielbowick, a four-year JROTC member, said he would be enlisting in the Army. He told the board that JROTC teaches leadership skills, in addition to citizenship and civics. Kielbowick highlighted success and growth of the program’s rifle team, drill team and color guard and its community service projects, like roadside cleanups.

Under recommendation by Superintendent Heath W. Renninger, the board approved the creation of a part-time behavior support position, and approved the job description. The position is funded from Monday through Sept. 21, 2019, from a Title IV grant and is an hourly independent position. Renninger said the position would be for no more than 29 hours per week and the support would be for special education and regular education students at the high school and middle school. Eventually, this could help the district determine if there would be need for a full-time position, he said.

Board directors also recognized the following students of the month: seniors, Andrew Griffiths, Tessa Bohn, Cameron Raudabaugh, Nick Christensen, Amanda Schaeffer and Gaige Krammes; and eighth-graders, Gary Pominville, Melanie Love, Katie Herring, Blake Salen, Mary Reiter and William Hall.

In his report on Intermediate Unit 29, Director David Frew recognized the passing of former IU board director and secretary, Jay Hanley, and thanked him for his service.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said today he won’t run for president in 2020.

“2020 is not the time for me to run for president, but it is the right time for me to continue to fight the battles I have fought as U.S. senator and state official,” the Scranton Democrat said in a statement issued about 9 a.m. “I have no doubt that our Democratic Party will nominate a candidate who can win Pennsylvania and the presidency.”

Casey, 58, said he expects 2020 will bring “the most important presidential election of the modern era.” Democrats hope to unseat Republican President Donald Trump next year.

“The middle class and those struggling to climb another rung on the ladder into the middle class have never had more burdens. The Trump administration and Washington Republicans have stacked the deck against them by undermining health care protections, rigging the tax code for the wealthiest and corporate interests and ignoring the high costs of childcare, prescription drugs, and college tuition,” Casey said in his statement.

“Extremist Republicans in the U.S. House and Senate have strongly supported federal budget proposals to turn Medicare into a voucher program and decimate Medicaid, threatening care for our children, seniors, and people with disabilities.”

Casey won election to a third, six-year Senate term in November with a strong showing against Republican U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta of Hazleton. He finished stronger than 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in every county.

Citing that, shortly after the election he said he would think about running for president, but made no moves to do so, such as traveling to early primary and caucus states or organizing a staff.

A Donaldson boy who suffers from a condition that causes his brain to protrude into his spinal canal will be receiving help through a pizza fundraiser.

Nicholas Vesay Jr., the 11-year-old son of Roxanne and Nicholas Vesay, was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation Type 1. He had Chiari decompression brain surgery in October at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, and sees a Chiari specialist from Johns Hopkins.

“It’s been a tough time,” his mother said. “They took the first disc out of his cervical spine, and put a patch in there to hold it (brain) up ... I’d hope there is a cure one day. We were told if we would have waited three more months to do his surgery, he could have become paralyzed and would have needed a catheter.”

Nicholas, a Pine Grove Area Middle School sixth-grader, is now back in school; however, he has restrictions to his activity. He sometimes becomes nauseous; cannot lift anything heavier than five pounds, including a back pack; and is prohibited from bending over at the waist or taking gym class.

There’s currently no cure for Chiari, his mother said, although surgery has been recommended to address symptoms.

“He had problems for about two or three years, and was stiff and had problems with his legs. It wasn’t until they did an MRI that they found it,” Roxanne Vesay said. The disorder can cause a buildup of spinal fluid and curvature of the spine. In another year, Nicholas will receive another MRI. Even with the surgery, it could take up to a year for the fluid to leave his spine.

Roxanne Vesay said her husband’s second cousin also has Chiari and had to have decompression surgery too.

“It could be genetic but they don’t know, and don’t have a whole lot of information about it,” she said.

David A. Lucas, of Hegins, is hosting a pizza sale to assist Nicholas and his family with medical expenses. The sale will be held Super Bowl weekend, Saturday, Feb. 2.

Pizzas cost $8 for plain, $10 for pepperoni and $12 for a special. All orders are due by Jan. 27 and must be paid in advance. To order, call Lucas at 570-682-9140 or the Valley View Gun Club at 570-682-3424. Pickup is between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Feb. 2 at the gun club.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

SHENANDOAH — After a one-month break in December, Downtown Shenandoah Inc. returned to its monthly meeting schedule Tuesday to discuss projects and upcoming events in the near future.

Promotions Committee Chairwoman Anne Taylor started her report on a past holiday event.

“It was a chilly night for our Coal Cracker Christmas and we did move it inside,” Taylor said. “I think it was very successful.”

The 2018 version of the holiday event on Black Friday in November featured the world premiere performance of “You’re Gonna Get Coal for Christmas,” a play written by Dane Rooney. Due to temperatures in the 20s, wind and snow and ice patches in Legion Memorial Garden, where the play was scheduled to be performed by Shenandoah Valley students, the performance was moved into the American Legion Anthony P. Damato “Medal of Honor” Post 792.

The one thing that could not be moved indoors was the free horse-drawn trolley ride, which still drew a long line of riders during the evening despite the low temps. The trolley was filled with passengers including some of the students in the play who sang Christmas carols during the ride.

“It was chilly, but it was nice. I was outside and couldn’t feel my feet,” said DSI President Karen Kenderdine, who helped where people got on the trolley.

The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society created the Black Friday event in 2000 and held it until 2003. After a one-year hiatus, it was picked up by DSI in 2005 and has been held since then without interruption.

In another part of her promotions report, Taylor said preparation will soon begin on the annual Kielbasi Festival.

“We’re ready to start working on Kielbasi Festival and the golf tournament. We’ll start working on those next month,” Taylor said. “This year’s Kielbasi Festival will be May 18.”

Taylor said the December homemade soup sale raised $563 and the January soup sale raised $507.50, which goes to DSI operations. The next soup sale is Feb. 14. To place an order in advance, call the DSI office at 570-462-2060.

In the borough report, Councilman Gordon Slater said the state Department of Transportation plans to install new traffic signals on Main Street at the intersections with Washington, Centre and Oak streets. The traffic signals at Main and Lloyd streets were replaced a few years ago.

The signal replacements are part of the planned PennDOT Route 924 paving project, which will be from Frackville through Shenandoah. The project is expected to be put out on bids in late 2019 to early 2020.

The planning for the innovation center in downtown Shenandoah continues, Kenderdine said. A building fund account will be created for money dedicated to the center, including donations made to the project.

Kenderdine said a meeting was held Monday with DSI officials; state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township; state Rep. Neal P. Goodman’s legislative aide Michael M. McCord; and Pennsylvania Downtown Center Executive Director Bill Fontana and Assistant Director Julie Fitzpatrick.

“We met to talk about our funding opportunities because there are various grants that they are working on,” Kenderdine said.

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

POTTSVILLE — John M. Stutzman broke the rules of both the Schuylkill County Prison and the Schuylkill County Drug Treatment Court, as well as the law, and paid for it on Wednesday, when a judge sentenced him to serve time in state prison for his misdeeds.

Stutzman, 38, of Valley View, must spend two to four years in a state correctional institution, Judge James P. Goodman decided. Goodman also sentenced Stutzman to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Stutzman pleaded guilty to possession of contraband/controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Pottsville police charged Stutzman with smuggling Oxycodone and a syringe into the prison on July 10, 2018.

Stutzman said little during Wednesday’s hearing except that he was entering his plea knowingly and voluntarily and understood its conditions and consequences.

Goodman had expelled Stutzman from drug court on Oct. 4, 2018, for smuggling the Oxycodone into the prison. On that date, he also sentenced Stutzman to serve 18 to 36 months in a state correctional institution in conjunction with two other cases.

Stutzman had tendered his guilty plea in those cases on June 21, 2018, the day he entered the program, to four counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia. Under the rules of the drug court, Goodman accepted the plea immediately after expelling Stutzman from the program.

Pottsville police in the first case charged Stutzman with possessing three types of drugs on Aug. 4, 2017, in the city, while in the second case, Ashland police alleged he possessed drugs and paraphernalia on the same date in the borough.

Goodman made Stutzman’s Wednesday sentence concurrent with the one he imposed in October 2018.

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

John M. Stutzman

· Age: 38

· Residence: Valley View

· Crimes committed: Possession of contraband/controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia

· Prison sentence: Two to four years in a state correctional institution

James K. Reiley

POTTSVILLE — Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley accepted guilty pleas from the following individuals pursuant to agreements with the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office:

Jordan L. Deiter, 31, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; furnishing drug free urine.

David Krapf, 30, of 150 Owl Creek Road, Tamaqua; furnishing drug free urine.

William T. Hesse, 64, of 515 W. Arch St., Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christopher Huth, 33, of 1090 Bunting St., Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jason E. Peiffer, 36, of 612 Oak St., Apt. Floor 2, Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Roberto Antonio Hernandez, 25, of 29 N. West St., Shenandoah; furnishing drug free urine.

Starr A. Kline, LKA 219 N. Centre St., Apt. 1C Rear, Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Donald McLean, 43, of 427 E. Arch St., Pottsville; false identification to law enforcement and possession of a controlled substance.

Michael Bleashka, 45, of 626 W. Race St., Pottsville; theft and disorderly conduct.

Richard Crane Jr., 49, of 601 Roxbury Road, Shippensburg; possession of drug paraphernalia and public drunkenness.

Vincent Angelo, 20, of 313 W. Race St., Pottsville; loitering and prowling at night.

Kenneth E. Smith, 36, of 318 Parkway, Schuylkill Haven; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sabrina Bell, 24, of 138 Lower Railroad St., Girardville; retail theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jessica L. O’Boyle, 30, of 777 N. Centre St., Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Richard A. Caudill, 53, of 10 King St., Apt. 6, Northumberland; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of obedience to traffic control signals.

Eugene P. Hough Jr., 34, of Bucks County Prison, Doylestown; defiant trespass.

Haley N. Mills, 19, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Caitlin R. Rich, 25, of 435 E. Norwegian St., Apt. 1, Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance.

Craig A. Leymeister, 49, of Danville State Hospital, Danville; criminal mischief.

Natasha L. Twigg, 35, of 430 Harrison St., Pottsville; false reports.

Jeffrey T. Leinheiser, 27, of 165 Water St., New Philadelphia; false identification to law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Glenn E. Hoffman Jr., 40, of 171 Fairview St., Pitman; possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors withdrew charges of vehicles turning left and driving without a license.

Justine N. Khan, 22, of 210 N. George St., Apt. 1, Pottsville; possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Mark A. Griffin, 57, of 101 W. Mahantongo St., Apt. 207, Pottsville; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

William R. Michell, 37, of 3261 Summer Valley Road, New Ringgold; possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors withdrew charges of recklessly endangering another person, hanging on a vehicle and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.