Pottsville

The National Alliance on Mental Health is offering free Family to Family classes for residents of Schuylkill County. The 12-week course, for which sessions go at 6 p.m. Thursdays through April 25, is for family members and caregivers, 18 and older, of people living with a mental health condition. The sessions are held in Conference Room B at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill S. Jackson Street. The effort, according to a release, is an opportunity for families to gain information, insight, understanding and empowerment. All material is provided free. For more information or to register, call 570-527-0002 or 267-414-4870.

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah Area Free Public Library, Washington and Main streets, is starting a book club. The first meeting is set for 2 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and the first book focus will be “The Library Book” by Susan Orlean. The book, according to a library press release, is a recent bestseller and a Reese’s Book Club pick. “The book begins with the story of the fire at the Los Angeles Public Library and the mystery that still surrounds it,” according to the release. People interested in becoming part of the book club are asked to call 570-462-9829 or 570-889-8685. The library will reserve several copies of the book for those interested, on a first-come basis. Story/craft time at the library will be held from 11 a.m. to noon March 2. The library now has a collection of Spanish language books, both fiction and nonfiction. It also has available copies of the book “Lithuanians in America.”

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah Valley High School Student Council is conducting a drive to provide members of the United States military with various items that would not necessarily be available at their deployment locations around the world. The collection drive is sponsored by “Operation Gratitude,” a nonprofit group that ships more than 200,000 care packages to men and women currently serving in the military, according to a release from Robert C. Yudinsky, school district public relations director. The students assume the responsibility for the collection, packaging and shipment of the items collected. They call the project “Helping Our Heroes” and are collecting items not only for currently deployed military members, but also for their families, wounded and discharged veterans and first responders. Anyone wishing to help can do so by dropping off any of the listed items to various collection spots located throughout the community. Items being sought include all-purpose wipes (single and 30-count packs or less), batteries (AA and/or AAA), deodorant (travel size, non-aerosol), drink mix (individual serving packets), gum, hand warmers, jerky (individual bags), lip balm, pencils (mechanical preferred size), playing cards, powder (travel size), puzzle books (7-by-10-inch), socks (black crew length), sunscreen (travel size, non-aerosol). Dropoff sites include the Shenandoah Senior Living Community, Vernalis’ Restaurant, the four Shenandoah banks (BB&T, Santander, First National and M&T), the Shenandoah Valley High School and elementary administrative offices, Kowalonek’s Kielbasy Shop, The Pizza Shop, Jean’s News Stand, Lucky’s Deli, the Downtown Shenandoah Inc. office and, in Pottsville, the Schuylkill Transportation System terminal at Union Station. Donations will be accepted until the end of February, when items collected will be packaged and mailed to Operation Gratitude. Any financial contributions will be used to offset the cost of shipping. Checks should be made payable to: SV Student Council. For more information, call Anthony Pytko, student council adviser, at 570-462-1957.

Tamaqua

Fitness and safety are the focuses of programs on the spring agenda at the Tamaqua Salvation Army building, 150 W. Broad St. Fall prevention workshops will measure a participant’s fall risk through a variety of screenings and show people what they can do to reduce risks. The program, which will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 15 and 18, has no fee and includes a course booklet. To register in advance by April 12, call 570-624-3017.

Tremont

Grand slam bingo is set for 5 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Tremont Firehouse to benefit the Pine Grove Area Lady Cardinals Softball Team. Tickets are $35 each. There will be 20 games of bingo, specials and raffles. For tickets or more information, call 570-449-7949.

ORWIGSBURG — A borough woman who works in the construction business announced Thursday that she is running for the Republican nomination for prothonotary.

Bridget McGowan Miller, 58, said she wants to make sure the office serves the people of Schuylkill County as well as possible.

“I believe government should be efficient, transparent and customer service oriented,” Miller said. “This will be my pledge to the taxpayers of Schuylkill County.”

The current prothonotary is David J. Dutcavich, a Minersville Republican.

Miller has served as vice president of Dave Miller & Sons Inc., a builder and general contractor, for 20 years. Before that, she worked in banking and mortgage lending for 20 years.

“I look forward to putting my experience to work for the people of Schuylkill County,” she said.

Born in Port Carbon, Miller is a lifelong county resident and a graduate of Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville. She is married to Dave Miller.

The primary election will be held on May 21.

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

Deeds

Ashland — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Center Street Land Trust; 1210 Centre St.; $999.

Butler Township — Daniel T. and Bonnie L. Sisko to Trisha A. Wolfe; 199 Runge Road; $1.

Daniel T. and Bonnie L. Sisko to Tiffany A. Deitz and Daniel T. Sisko Jr.; 40 Dutch Road; $1.

Coaldale — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Gehringer Realty Inc.; 55 E. Ridge St.; $1,300.

East Union Township — Michael Daka to Jason Nevadomsky and Danielle Carman; 183-185 Fourth St., Oneida; $35,675.

Mahanoy City — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Larissa M. Dominguez-Jimenez; 721 E. Mahanoy Ave.; $1,286.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Larissa M. Dominguez-Jimenez; 525 E. Mahanoy Ave.; $1,700.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Joseph and Lynn Gallo; 512 W. South St.; $1,270.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Larissa M. Dominguez-Jimenez;423 W. Spruce St.; $1,285.

Minersville — Ellamae Krusnoski to Johanny Altagracia Vialet and Tolentino Vialet Rodriguez; property on Laurel Street; $20,000.

New Philadelphia — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Reizu Realty Co.; 246 Valley St.; $1,244.

Pine Grove — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to LRZ Ltd.; 38 High St.; $21,500.

Porter Township — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Richard W. Doyle; 210 E. Wiconisco St., Muir; $1.

Pottsville — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Nicholas G. Kriton; 805 W. Norwegian St.; $2,100.

Schuylkill Haven — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Lee R. Fessler Jr.; 773 N. Garfield Ave.; $1,454.

Konchooy Family Trust to Mert Mustafa Basar; property on North Margaretta Street; $37,000.

Shenandoah — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Real Capital Group LLC; 332 E. Mount Vernon St.; $1,199.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Gehringer Realty Inc.; 310 W. Cherry St.; $1,224.

Tamaqua — Durbin Wagner to Tamaqua Investments LLC; 450 E. Broad St.; $27,500.

American Home Heating Inc. to Lori Miller and Sheila Davison-Bray; 15 Route 309 North; $160,000.

SHAMOKIN (TNS) — A Shenandoah man’s bail was revoked Friday and he will remain in prison on third-degree murder charges following the death of a Shenandoah woman in a car accident last year in Northumberland County.

Magisterial District Judge John Gembic revoked bail for Christopher Weston, 37, during an arraignment Friday morning. He faces 27 counts, including third-degree murder, homicide by vehicle while under the influence and aggravated assault. Trooper Raymond Snarski filed charges last week.

Police said Weston was high on methamphetamine when he “nodded off” and crashed a Mitsubishi Montero on April 11, 2018, along Snydertown Road. Kaylee V. Pukiewicz, 21, died at the scene.

Witnesses told police during the crash investigation they saw a man, later identified as Weston, run into the woods with a gun moments after the crash. Police said Weston was en route to sell methamphetamine before he crashed.

Weston has two cases pending in Schuylkill County Court.

In one, he is charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, false identification to law enforcement, driving under suspension-DUI related and improper display of inspection certificate. Frackville police charged him with committing those crimes on July 20, 2018, in the borough.

In the other, he is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest, escape, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension and driving under suspension-DUI related. State police at Frackville charged him with committing those crimes on Nov. 28, 2017.

Weston also has a record in Schuylkill County.

He pleaded guilty on Aug. 26, 2010, to conspiracy. At that time, Judge John E. Domalakes placed him on probation for 18 months and also sentenced him to pay costs

He also pleaded guilty on March 23, 2011, to driving under the influence, accident involving death or personal injury and DUI while suspended in one case and hindering apprehension in another. At that time, Judge Jacqueline L. Russell sentenced him to serve one to five years in prison, pay costs, $2,500 in fines, $300 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $100 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $1,327.30 restitution, and perform 40 hours community service.

Tamaqua police alleged he was DUI on Oct. 29, 2009, in the borough, while Pottsville police charged him with hindering apprehension on June 18, 2010, in the city.

(Republican-Herald staff writer Peter E. Bortner contributed to this report)

MINERSVILLE — A man was jailed after being found with methamphetamine with a street value of $46,000 Friday morning.

Members of the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police and officers from Frackville and Butler Township executed a search and seizure warrant at a home in Cass Township and found illegal narcotics and other items.

Among the items seized were 460 grams of methamphetamine with the $46,000 street value, four grams of cocaine worth $400, one firearm and drug paraphernalia items used for the packaging, repackaging and ingestion of controlled substances.

As a result, detectives said, Carl Johnson, 46, was charged with violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act and Pennsylvania Crimes Code.

The charges included possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-cocaine, possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance-cocaine, persons not to possess, use, sell or transfer firearms and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Johnson was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $75,000 straight cash bail.

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

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — A group of Penn State Schuylkill students envisions making a world of difference for others.

They launched a chapter of Habitat for Humanity in January — making them only the second PSU campus chapter. The other is at University Park.

“We live in an area with a lot of need,” Marla Stoner, a senior biology major from Pine Grove, said.

Stoner, who serves as chapter president, has traveled with other HFH chapters renovating homes in Florida and Portugal.

“I’ve seen the impact it has on the whole community. To be able to bring that to Schuylkill County will be wonderful … It gives hope,” Stoner said.

Chapter members met Friday with Timothy J. Daley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Berks County, Reading, and Penny Hummel, director of family services and volunteer coordinator for the Berks organization.

Bryan Valentine, PSU director of student affairs who’s also co-adviser of the University Park HFH chapter, coordinated the local meeting. In order to have a campus chapter, there must be a HFH affiliate to support them, according to Habitat for Humanity International guidelines. The Berks HFH was the closest affiliate to the campus in Schuylkill Haven, and was excited to work with the PSU Schuylkill chapter, Hummel said.

“We couldn’t have done it without them,” Valentine said.

Although there was a Schuylkill HFH affiliate years before, it dissolved. The hope is to eventually bring an affiliate back to the county, which could then work in conjunction with the campus chapter.

Valentine hopes there could one day be joint building projects with multiple campuses involved. About 35 students are part of the PSU Schuylkill HFH chapter.

“My advice to you is to do nothing ordinary,” Daley told those gathered for Friday’s luncheon at the Creekside Corner within the campus’ Hidden Stream Cafe.

Daley, who has family hailing from Girardville, said Schuylkill County business developers like Nobel “Bud” Quandel and Craig Shields may be willing to look at what can be done collectively in the home building/renovation market. He suggested the local chapter assess what the needs are here, and be creative in developing resources and getting the word out.

A HFH store, called ReStore, at 5370 Allentown Pike in Temple, Berks County, may also be a funding source for the Schuylkill campus chapter. If chapter members volunteer to work at the store on a Saturday, for instance, they can earn a percentage of sales, Daley said.

“What you’re doing is critically important,” Daley said.

Over the past two years, PSU Schuylkill students have traveled to Portugal, Quebec, and Florida, and many will be participating in a service trip to Poland this May, according to Samantha Bower, PSU desktop publications and digital media specialist.

Chapter member Nico Granito said an admissions officer told him joining Habitat would be a fun and life changing experience — and it was. He was on the HFH trip to Florida.

“We worked with other kids from southern Illinois, and with the family. I made a lot of friends and it was nice. I still keep in touch with them,” Granito, a senior business administration major from Orwigsburg, said. “Personally, I wake up grateful for everything I have. To be able to give back to someone else would mean the world to me. I get just as much out of it, so it’s a mutual benefit.”

The Berks affiliate has a first-time home buyer program and has recently completed homes on Oley, Fourth and Elm streets in Reading. HFH homes slated to be completed early this year are along Tulpehocken Street in Reading.

HFH of Berks County will be undertaking its largest project to date. Multiple new homes and renovations will soon begin on the Buttonwood Gateway project, located near Buttonwood Street in Reading.

According to a HFH brochure, “90 percent of surveyed Habitat homeowners in 44 U.S. cities said they could not have owned a home without help from Habitat. Research shows lower teen pregnancy rates, better test scores and higher high school graduation rates for children of homeowners.

“Homeowners are more likely to be involved in community civic engagements, local elections, and volunteer work compared to renters.”

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

MAHANOY CITY — The public will have the opportunity to learn more about Mahanoy City possibly becoming a home rule community at an informational presentation next Tuesday.

The presentation will be held at 6 p.m. before the regular monthly meeting of the Mahanoy City Borough Council by representatives of the Pennsylvania Economy League. The meeting location has been changed to Mahanoy Area High School’s large group instruction room, which is located near the district and high school administrative offices.

The proposed change to adopting a home rule charter is part of the process to help the borough recover from being financially distressed.

“We (PEL) will be presenting as coordinator a public presentation for information purposes because the council will consider an ordinance to put the question on whether or not to have a government study commission on May’s ballot,” PEL Executive Director Gerald Cross said Thursday. “It’s really just an information session. We’ll answer questions from the public, of course.”

Borough officials decided in 2015 to seek help as a distressed community through Act 47, which is the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act. According to the description in the legislation that was passed in Harrisburg in 1987 (amended in 2014), the act empowers the state Department of Community and Economic Development “to assist municipalities in avoiding financial distress; declare certain municipalities as financially distressed; providing for the restructuring of debt of financially distressed municipalities; limiting the ability of financially distressed municipalities to obtain government funding; authorizing municipalities to participate in federal debt adjustment actions and bankruptcy actions under certain circumstances; authorizing certain taxes; and providing for the disincorporation of municipalities and the establishment of unincorporated service districts.”

The Act 47 plan had the borough being approved in late 2016 for an $800,000 no-interest state loan to be paid over 10 years. The borough used the proceeds to satisfy outstanding expenses in 2016 fiscal year and provide stability in the 2017 budget year.

The recovery plan also includes the following initiatives:

• Increasing the collection rate for real estate taxes through various means, such as the face value period and the penalty period to encourage more timely payments.

• Increase the frequency of delinquent tax sales.

• Consider delinquent tax lien sales.

• Reduce the occupational assessment tax from $52.50 to zero.

• Consider forming a home rule study commission.

The Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, an office of DCED, explains the home rule concept in a 108-page booklet available for download at dced.pa.gov. In the “Meaning of Home Rule” section, it says:

“The basic concept of home rule is relatively simple. The basic authority to act in municipal affairs is transferred from state law, as set forth by the General Assembly, to a local charter, adopted and amended by the voters.

“This basic point has been explained by government study commissioners to their voters. ‘Home rule means shifting of responsibility for local government from the State Legislature to the local community ... a borough choosing home rule can tailor its governmental organization and powers to suit its special needs. Commissions often liken a charter to a local constitution for the municipality. It is a body of law, a framework within which the local council can adopt, adapt and administer legislation and regulations for the conduct of business and the maintenance of order and progress.’

“But home rule does not set a municipality adrift from the rest of the state. It is subject to restrictions found in the United States and Pennsylvania constitutions and in state laws applicable to home rule municipalities. Local autonomy under home rule is a limited independence, but the thrust has been changed. Local governments without home rule can only act where specifically authorized by state law; home rule municipalities can act anywhere except where they are specifically limited by state law.”

One of the major aspects of Act 47 that the borough took advantage of was being able to increase the Earned Income Tax rate, which is normally 1 percent, with 1/2 percent going to the borough and the other half to the Mahanoy Area School District. Act 47 permitted the borough to petition the county court to increase the EIT rate to two percent, with 1 1/2 percent distributed to the borough and the remaining 1/2 percent to the school district.

“The recovery plan calls for home rule to be considered because the borough, under its recovery plan, has an earned income tax rate of 2 percent, which is allowed under Act 47,” Cross said. “But once the borough leaves Act 47 because there is a maximum time (five years) you can be in Act 47, the borough will lose the revenue. The borough will then have to decide how do you replace that revenue. One way would be to raise property taxes, which does not get you all the way to a balanced budget. The alternative to that is you would have to cut expenses, which means services. Or you can consider home rule, which is a government study commission, and that is an elected board of people who will recommend whether or not to use home rule. They would then write a home rule charter, which would allow the borough to maintain the current tax structure under Act 47. The borough would have to make the choice over the next few years how it wants to proceed with the tax base.”

Cross said that the entire process could take up to 20 months. The borough has until 2021 when the Act 47 five-year term is over.

“We need to start sooner than later,” Cross said.

The ordinance the borough council will consider after the information session and during its regular meeting authorizes the Schuylkill County Board of Elections to submit to the electors of the borough the following question of electing a government study commission on the May 21 ballot as follows:

“Shall a government study commission of seven (7) members be elected to study the existing form of government of the Borough of Mahanoy City, to consider the advisability of the adoption of a home rule charter, and if advisable, to draft and to recommend a home rule charter?”

As for who will be one the study commission, borough residents can submit their names to have their names placed on the ballot in a similar procedure as for any candidates.

“First the voters have to say yes or no to the question, and at the same time they also vote for the candidates,” Cross said. “As for the candidates for the elected positions, you have to go out and circulate a petition just like any other elected office, and if you get enough people signing the petition, the name will appear on the ballot with the government study commission.”

The proposed ordinance is available for inspection at the borough hall and the Schuylkill County Law Library.

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

POTTSVILLE — A Lehigh County man did not possess drugs or paraphernalia in February 2018 in Pottsville, a Schuylkill County jury decided on Friday.

After deliberating approximately one hour, the jury of seven women and five men found Saye N. Kilipko Jr., 29, of Macungie, not guilty of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Kilipko did not react to the verdict.

Pottsville police had charged Kilipko with possessing drugs and paraphernalia on Feb. 24, 2018.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin presided over the one-day trial. Assistant District Attorney Claude A.L. Shields prosecuted the case against Kilipko, who was represented by Assistant Public Defender Andrea L. Thompson.

Also in the county court, Dolbin placed Heather L. Muthler, 37, of Lock Haven, on probation for 30 months, and also sentenced her to pay costs, a $500 fine, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and perform 100 hours community service.

Muthler pleaded guilty on Nov. 14, 2018, to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possessing instrument of crime. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of conspiracy and one count each of possession of contraband/controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

State police at Frackville charged Muthler with committing her crimes on Aug. 29, 2015, in Mahanoy Township.

Also in the county court, Dolbin recently placed George S. Beaver, 61, of Shamokin, on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment and perform 50 hours community service.

Beaver pleaded guilty on Nov. 14, 2018, to defiant trespass, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of scattering rubbish. Shenandoah police charged Beaver with trespassing in the borough on April 30, 2018.

In another recent case, Dolbin sentenced Miles V. Whitney, 30, of Spring Grove, to spend 24 months in the state intermediate punishment program, which combines imprisonment in a state correctional institution with substance abuse treatment.

Whitney had pleaded guilty on Aug. 24, 2018, to receiving stolen property, driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI while suspended and speeding.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged that Whitney committed his crimes on May 26, 2017, in Tremont Township.

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

Ashland

Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ will have a free soup-and-sandwich lunch beginning at 11 a.m. Feb. 20. The church has the free lunches on the third Wednesday of every month. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-875-2700. A penny auction to benefit the church is set for March 3. Doors will open at 1 p.m. and the auction will begin at 2 p.m. Entrance is $2 plus a new unwrapped gift. Refreshments will be available following the auction. Call the aforementioned number for more information.

Frackville

Friendship Fire Company, Englewood, will have a pizza sale, baked or unbaked, from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 22. The cost for a cheese topping pizza is $11. Extra toppings are $1.50 per topping and a garbage pie is $18. To order or for more information, call the company at 570-874-4030.

Pine Grove

The Pine Grove Area School District will have registration for 2019-20 kindergarten students as follows: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. March 4-8 and 5 to 7 p.m. March 7 in the elementary school lobby. Items needed for registration include a birth certificate, hospital or Baptismal record showing student is 5 years old by Sept. 1; immunization records and proof of residency. It is recommended, according to a release, that children not accompany parents/guardians to the registration.

Pine Grove

A Break the Ice country music dance is scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m. March 1 at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. Admission is $10 at the door; a disc jockey will provide music. For tickets or more information, call Susan at 570-624-3018.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Public Library will host the Super Smash Brothers Ultimate Tournament beginning at 10 a.m. Feb. 23. There will be snacks and surprises for participants, who are asked to register by calling 570-622-8880, Ext. 12, or emailing potchild@pottsvillelibrary.org. The library thanked the First Federal Charitable Foundation for a video gaming grant. People are invited to play air hockey, cornhole, foosball, table tennis and video games on the library’s PlayStation 4, Xbox One or Nintendo Switch for ages 6-11 at 4 p.m. Feb. 28.

Pottsville

The annual Capt. Jason B. Jones Day of Caring is set to begin at 9 a.m. May 10, when volunteers will donate their time at health and human service agencies throughout Schuylkill County to complete a project, ranging from painting to gardening, general cleanup and similar activities. To participate or for more information, call Schuylkill United Way at 570-622-6421. The event is open to individual people and organizations.

Pottsville

NAMI, the county’s “voice on serious mental illness,” meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Pottsville Senior Community Center, 201 N. Centre St. A program and support group are available at each meeting. “Anyone interested in mental illness, especially families and friends of persons with a serious mental illness, are encouraged to attend,” Colleen Kelly said in a release.

Schuylkill Haven

The Schuylkill Haven Area School District is conducting its annual kindergarten screening for students who will be age 5 on or before Sept. 1. Parents and guardians are requested to call the elementary center at 570-385-6731 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to register a child for the screening process, which will be held March 11-15. All children need to be registered before they can be screened, according to a district release.

Schuylkill Haven

The Council of Churches Schuylkill Haven and Vicinity is hosting a Community Unity Service at 3 p.m. Sunday at First United Church of Christ, Route 61, in Schuylkill Haven. The event is part of Christian Unity Week Celebrations in the area.

Tamaqua

A support group for grandparents who are parenting for the second time around will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday and March 12 at Hope & Coffee, 137 Pine St. Meetings, in conjunction with Raiders StepUP Tamaqua, will be at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. The sessions are free. “Meet others, share your experiences while supporting one another through struggles and triumphs,” organizers said in an event flier. For more information, call Hope & Coffee at 570-225-7600.

WEST HAZLETON — Pension reform has benefitted all Pennsylvanians by reducing the amount taxpayers will pay retired public employees, state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, told approximately 100 business leaders at a Legislative Roundtable event at the Top of the 80’s restaurant.

“It has been a major shift to defined contribution,” Tobash, of Pottsville, told the business executives. “As people come into the state service, they will have at least half in defined contribution.”

The legislators also discussed what they believe would be desirable changes in education, regulations and taxes, the last one including updates on the annual efforts to eliminate property taxes.

“We need to shift away from the homeowners,” said state Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-122, a Carbon County Republican. “That’s the number one thing I hear.”

State Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, Rush Township, who also supports eliminating property taxes, warned everyone that the task will be difficult.

“Many of our colleagues don’t agree,” said Knowles, a former Tamaqua mayor and Schuylkill County commissioner. “I will continue to try to push to make it happen.”

The Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Association sponsored the roundtable, one of several events that bring together business and political leaders to discuss issues. Headquartered in Pottsville, the association also has an office in Hazleton.

The size and costs of state government also raised hackles among the legislators.

“We have 153,000 regulatory restrictions in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said state Rep. Tarah Toohil, R-116, a Luzerne County Republican who urged that the state adopt a sunset provision for them. “We have the highest corporate net income tax.”

State Sen. John Gordner, R-27, a Columbia County Republican, said he is glad Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf has learned that there is no support for broad-based tax increases. However, he also expressed dismay that Wolf still supports a tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas producers.

“We are the only state with a local impact fee” that has resulted in $1.7 billion going to counties most affected by the industry, he said. “They pay every other tax that every business pays.”

Gordner said he also supports a law that would require re-examination of regulations approximately every five years.

Concerning welfare reform, Tobash said the laws need to be tightened to ensure able-bodied people are working.

“We’ve got a welfare system that doesn’t encourage people to go to work,” he said.

Legislators also criticized Wolf’s proposal to require every county to buy new voting machines. They said that while the cost will total between $125 million and $1590 million, the state is proposing to contribute only $15 million.

“As a former county commissioner, I always recognized that elections were my responsibility. It’s an unfunded mandate,” he said. “Let’s talk about voter fraud in the City of Philadelphia.”

Toohil and state Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R-120, another Luzerne County Republican, noted that their county recently bought new voting machines that could become obsolete before their time.

Heffley reminded everyone that a recent study determined that as many as 50,000 illegal immigrants vote in the state, which is a violation of the law, and that a voter identification statute could solve that problem.

Talking about energy, legislators boosted the production of coal, which has been a regional staple for almost two centuries.

“All I ever asked for is a level playing field” for coal and other industries, Knowles said.

Toohil said coal is a vital part of a diversity in energy sources.

“I’m a coal girl,” she said. “Coal gets left behind.”

Gordner also boosted the nuclear power industry, reminding everyone that it produces 42 percent of Pennsylvania’s electricity, and does so 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

“It’s important to our overall grid,” he said.

Concerning education, Heffley said the state needs to match up what students learn with the overall job market. Furthermore, he said, college costs should be kept under control, and school should compete for students instead of the other way around.

High schools and community colleges should form partnerships and dual enrollments to help students either transfer credits or start earning them before going on to higher education, Heffley said.

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

Woman allegedly stole from employer

MINERSVILLE — Minersville police have filed charges against a borough woman after she allegedly stole money while working at Miners Tavern last month.

Heather M. Wehr, 36, of 657 Pine Hill St., was charged with one count each of theft and receiving stolen property.

Police said that on Jan. 26 Lisa Maccarone, owner of the tavern, contacted officers to report that she caught Wehr, one of her bartenders, stealing money from the cash register while working.

Wehr stole a total of $25, including $10 at one time, $10 at another time and finally $5.

Video surveillance images also showed Wehr making change in the drawer but not logging sales in the computer, police said.

Police said that Wehr also gave free drinks and short changed the register, resulting in the total theft of about $60.

Maccarone said she confronted Wehr about the thefts and the woman replied, “It is what it is,” police said.

Police said a warrant has been obtained for Wehr’s arrest.

Businesses cited for liquor violations

ALLENTOWN — Eight Schuylkill County businesses have been cited by the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for various infractions of the state Liquor Law.

They included:

The Compass Rose, 10 Oak St., Frackville; failing to have the board approved manager complete the required training within 180 days after approval.

The Station House Inc., 101 Willing St., Branch Township; allowing smoking in a public place where smoking is prohibited.

JB Washington Hotel LLC, 201 Sunbury St., Minersville; failing to notify the Liquor Control Board within 15 days of a change of manager.

ARP Beverages, 704 Claremont Ave., Hometown, Rush Township; selling or permitting the sale of alcohol to a minor and maintaining insufficient food items, utensils and dishes required for a bona fide licensed restaurant.

Mundy’s Pub, 256 Cedar St., Tamaqua; selling or permitting the sale of alcohol to a minor and maintaining insufficient food items, utensils and dishes required for a bona fide licensed restaurant.

The Veterans Home Association of Valley View, 125 W. Main St., Box 276, Hegins Township; selling alcoholic beverages to nonmembers.

Argento Bros. Inc., 272 Claremont Ave, RR4, Rush Township; selling or allowing the sale of alcohol to a minor.

Martinas Castle LLC, 200 S. Second St., Saint Clair; failing to adhere to the conditions of an agreement entered into with the Liquor Control Board placing additional restrictions on the licensee.

The charges will be brought before an administrative law judge who can impose penalties ranging from $50 to $1,000 for minor offenses and up to $5,000 for more serious offenses.

The judge can mandate training for the license in an effort to educate them on the requirements of being a licensee and impose a license suspension or revocation.

Deeds

Ashland — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to John P. Grosser; 720 Brock St.; $250.

Auburn and Pine Grove — Brian K. and Elizabeth M. Moyer to Brian K. Moyer; 120 and 124-126 Market St. and 218RR Maple St.; $1.

Barry Township — Ryan A. and Amanda F. Wagner to Joseph J. and Linda F. Motley; 3.724-acre property on Mabel Road; $37,000.

East Union Township — Abdul-Ghafur Faiz to East Union Township; 75 percent interest in 939 Center St., Sheppton; $1.

Kathleen A. Hoystrich, individually and as administratrix of the Estate of Roger J. Hoystrich, Roger J. Hoystrich Jr., Kimberly Davidson, Lynn Wolk and Ryan Hoystrich to East Union Township; 25 percent interest in 939 Center St., Sheppton; $1.

Juan Abreu to East Union Township; 941 Center St., Sheppton; $1.

Frackville — Acorn Estates LLC to Rupal Ben A Barot; 137 S. Middle St.; $10,000.

Hegins Township — Daniel E. Bixler, by attorney in fact Elvis D. Bixler, to Frederick A. and Rebecca A. Shetterly; property on Maple Street, Valley View; $87,000.

Wendy J. Brandt to Ansh & Milap LLC; 110 N. Goodspring Road, Hegins; $335,000.

Kline Township — Dorothy Fudge to Christopher R.A. Fudge; property on North Street; $1.

Most definitely love is in the air this time of year, especially in the night air under a starry sky, even if your starry skies are partially obscured by city lights. Take that special someone you love for a stroll under the celestial sea. It can be very romantic, provided you’re bundled up, but hopefully the love between you will also heat up the night.

I want to share with you the best love story I know of in the Pottsville night sky. It’s the sappy saga of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia and their never-ending celestial romance. Cassiopeia is one of the brightest constellations in the night sky, and this time of year it’s easy to spot. Just look for the diagonally hanging “W” or “M” arrangement of stars in the northwestern sky. Cassiopeia’s stars are as bright as the stars in the Big Dipper. Cepheus the King is a little more challenging to find, but unless you’re blitzed with urban light pollution you should be able to see it. Just look below Cassiopeia for five stars that outline a house with a steep roof leaning slightly to the right (nothing to do with its politics). The star at the apex of the roof is fairly close to Polaris the North Star.

This story certainly doesn’t start out as a love story, but hang in there. Love is on the way! According to Greek legend, Cassiopeia and her husband, King Cepheus, were the royalty that ruled ancient Ethiopia. King Cepheus was a mellow dude who liked a good time. He loved to go fishing and hunting with his buddies and hang out at the bars. He just enjoyed life.

Queen Cassiopeia was anything but mellow. She was a totally self-absorbed, type “A” tyrant who single-handedly ran the kingdom with an iron fist! She was also a very beautiful woman with a very high opinion of herself. In fact, whenever I gaze on Cassiopeia in the heavens I think of the old Carly Simon song, “You’re so Vain.” She was also just like the queen in Snow White who did the “mirror, mirror on the wall” thing. She unashamedly paraded along the streets, boasting of her beauty to peasants and the elite alike.

She would belt out, “I am the most beautiful woman in the world!” over and over again. Everyone, of course, had to bow in adoration or wind up with their head chopped off! Cassiopeia’s ego grew exponentially until she became impossible to live with. Maybe that’s why her husband, King Cepheus, hung out with his buddies and didn’t spend much time in the royal court. Despite her despicable personality, Cepheus still loved his wife very much, believe it or not.

One day when Cassiopeia was walking along the seashore and her opinion of herself was going off the scale, she got herself and the kingdom in a real mess. She impulsively blurted out at Poseidon, the god of the sea, that she was more beautiful than Poseidon’s wife and all 10 of his daughters put together. Poseidon, like a lot of the gods in Greek mythology, was very thin-skinned and went nuts when he heard this. He drudged up a giant sea monster and sent it on a mission to destroy the entire kingdom of Ethiopia. This was the closest thing at the time to a nuclear bomb!

Cassiopeia dodged this bullet by offering to sacrifice her daughter, Princess Andromeda, to the sea monster in order to pacify him and spare the kingdom. Nice mom! As it turned out, the Greek hero Perseus rescued Andromeda and killed the giant sea monster, but that’s a story for another day.

Despite this close call, Cassiopeia didn’t learn her lesson. She doubled down on her vanity and one day she really went over the top. Early one morning, she shook her fist in the direction of Mount Olympus, home of the hierarchy of the Greek gods and goddesses, and screamed at the top of her royal lungs that she was even more beautiful than Hera, the queen of the gods.

Hera possessed an ego on strong steroids that made Cassiopeia’s ego look like kid’s stuff! Hera was enraged and shot down from Mount Olympus. The you-know-what hit the fan! Hera got right into Cassiopeia’s face with her piercing green eyes and confronted her. Violently waving her finger, Hera asked Cassiopeia if she really, really thought that she had better looks than Hera’s godly self. Cassiopeia was not intimidated. She repeated her claim even louder into Hera’s face.

This verbal skirmish quickly turned to physical violence. Hera grabbed some rope and tied up Cassiopeia in her throne. She then launched Cassiopeia, throne and all, so high into the sky that she got stuck in the stars, hanging nearly upside down but held in by the ropes. Hera then belted back to a shocked and stunned Cassiopeia, “So you think you’re so beautiful? Now you show the entire world how beautiful you think you are for all eternity.” We can see Cassiopeia still tied up in her throne against her will to this day.

Now finally, here’s the love angle of this long tale. Cepheus came home after a day of chariot racing with his buddies. When he arrived home at the castle his aides informed him of his wife’s fate. Cepheus went crazy with grief. He was heartsick at the prospect of going through the rest of his life without his beloved queen, bloated ego and all. Cepheus called out to Mount Olympus to his fishing buddy Zeus, who also happened to be the king of the gods. He begged Zeus to send him up to the stars to be with his wife and share her celestial exile. As much as Zeus wanted to help Cepheus, he was afraid of ticking off his wife Hera. Do you blame him?

Cepheus, though, wouldn’t let up on the king of the gods. The tears flooded out of his eyes and he started to scream like a baby. Zeus couldn’t take it anymore and flung his friend with pinpoint precision up to the stars, landing right next to his wife. Despite their predicament, the love between them exploded. To this night, they’re still clinging to each other in the stars, more in love than ever.

Make sure you cling to the one you love!

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

DeSales

Averi Jordan, Frackville, made the dean’s list for the fall semester at DeSales University, Center Valley.

A nursing major, she is a daughter of Ron and Robyn Jordan, Frackville, and a 2018 graduate of North Schuylkill High School.

Bloomsburg

Caitlin Sternick, Pottsville, was named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Bloomsburg University.

A speech pathology audiology major, she is a daughter of Jerry and Anita Sternick, Pottsville, and a 2018 graduate of Minersville Area High School.

McCloskey Nursing

The following students made the director’s academic honor list for the Fall term at the completion of the Nursing 100 and Nursing 101 courses:

Danj Andrews, Nicole Attinger, Leigh Beach, Stacy Bray, Kaitlyn Calvert, Anya Essler, Julia Jefferson, Alison Koch, Brandi Lawton, Alexys Long, Amanda Mason, Mason Motko, Brianna Picarelli, Laci Quick, Samantha Riffon, Julia Shellhamer, Marissa Slifko, Jordan Sypeck, Andrew Turlis, Kelly Walinchus, Aleksandra Williams, Sarah Wood.

The following students made the director’s academic honor list at the completion of Nursing 200 course:

Alyssa Abrachinsky and Jennifer Sanchez.

The following students made the director’s academic honor list at the completion of Nursing 201 course:

Shawna Bernotas, Leah Bucher, Mikayla Dietrich, Lauren Gross, Marissa Klinger, Gabrielle Lorady, Sarah Palerino, Corey Pronio, Janine Schaffer, Mary Toolen, Tucker Yost.

Misericordia

The following local students made the dean’s list for the fall semester at Misericordia University, Dallas Luzerne County:

Alexis Baddick, Tamaqua; Katie Bowman, Hegins; Molly Clemson, Tamaqua; Brittany Cory, Minersville; Justin Gerber, Schuylkill Haven; Bailey Hartung, Andreas; Taylor Header, Ashland; Breann Hunsinger, Kelayres; David Kunkel, Tamaqua; Lindsay Lord, Frackville; Nathan Macdonald, New Ringgold; Annette Ritzko, Coaldale; Allison Stine, Pottsville; Rebecca Witmer, Valley View; Alexa Wolfgang, Hegins.

Slippery Rock

The following local residents made the dean’s list for the fall semester at Slippery Rock University:

Danika Beers, New Ringgold; Jacob Gillette, Schuylkill Haven; Michael Hayes, Barnesville; Hannah Nestor, Lykens; Kayla Ray, Ashland.

POTTSVILLE — Virginia Reber, of Schuylkill Haven, came searching for a missing piece of her family’s history Saturday at the 20th annual Schuylkill County History Faire.

Hosted by the Schuylkill County Coalition of Historical Societies and Museums, the event at the Fairlane Village mall drew a steady line of visitors. Some brought artifacts, hoping to find them a new home or determine their origins; others sought genealogical ties.

Orphan case

In Reber’s case, her husband, Pete, and her cousin, Nancy Sborz, of Berwick, joined her. The cousins were hoping to make connections at the History Faire to learn more about their grandmothers, Josephine and Catherine McCord, who were among seven McCord children taken to the original orphanage in Orwigsburg in 1908.

“My family’s buried at St. Ambrose Cemetery, but we just don’t know where,” Reber said as she visited the Orwigsburg Historical Society booth and spoke with Jennifer Bowen, president and coalition founder. Oftentimes, when orphans passed away many of them were interred without a headstone, Reber discovered.

“I’d like to find out where my family’s buried,” she said, hoping to get more information before Memorial Day so her loved ones’ graves could be honored with crosses or flowers.

Their grandmothers’ sister, Marietta McCord, was one of the first of the McCord children to pass away, Reber said, but that was all the information they had. Anyone with additional details can email her husband at 196LIBVN@comcast.net, she said.

‘Buried past’

Francis J. Burke, author of “Schuylkill County’s Buried Past,” greeted history buffs and autographed copies of his book, which Burke said was in its third printing. The publication, published by the Orwigsburg Historical Society, chronicles the archaeological digs of Burke, a Mar Lin native historian and archeologist, and highlights Schuylkill County artifacts.

One of his famous finds in the county was a sandstone Lenape petroglyph believed to represent “Mesingw” or “Living Solid Face.”

Book sales were brisk, he said.

“Most of them ask me how I excavated this and how I find them,” Burke said.

The society also offered history books by author John Hoptak.

“There’s been a good turnout. This event is always held on the second Saturday in February and people put it on their calendar to attend each year. It’s a great location and is a plus for the businesses,” Bowen said.

The History Faire has also provided a great networking opportunity, she said.

Someone from Auburn donated an item from one of the mechanic shops in Orwigsburg to the society, while another person who was moving brought a box of memorabilia to donate.

Bowen balks at the notion that history only interests the older set.

“We just had a 16-year-old girl come through who was interested in her genealogy. I also do a lot of tours for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and they just love it,” she said.

A remnant of a Centre Turnpike marker that was found along Brickhill Road in Orwigsburg was also on display Saturday. There were 18 historical societies or museums slated to participate in the faire; two were unable to attend.

Racing remembrances

Mike Clay, of Minersville, Lee Reading, of Pottsville, and Bruce Boyer, of Pine Grove, manned the Coal Region Racing booth.

Clay said several drivers and race families will become part of the county’s history as hall of fame inductees. Coal Region Racing will be inducting 26 people into its hall of fame at a banquet April 6 at the Landingville Fire Company. Those recognized will receive certificates from the racing organization and will also garner a proclamation from the Schuylkill County commissioners.

At one time, there were as many as 15 dirt race tracks in the county, among the most tracks of anywhere in the state, Reading said. A stream of curious onlookers watched one of the eight DVDs available for sale that the organization compiled from videos contributed by race fans. Others stopped by to reminisce.

“A lot of them were telling us stories about the tracks they were on. Some of them had old pieces that they didn’t know what to do with or they threw them away. We told them to bring them to us,” Reading said.

One of the items on display was a former seat from the Hippodrome Theater in Pottsville. Once taken from the closed movie house, the chair found new life as a spectator seat at one of the local race tracks.

Coal Region Racing has a new website at www.coalregionracing.com. For more information, call Clay at 570-294-2669.

Volunteers welcome

Dave Derbes, a board member with the Schuylkill County Historical Society in Pottsville, said many faire visitors showed interest in the Centre Turnpike artist depiction by Nannette Brophy Murphy and in the postage cards the county society had available.

“We’re in need of volunteers and we need to educate our youngsters about the history of Schuylkill County,” Derbes, of Pottsville, said. Examples of duties where volunteers could assist include scanning photos, helping with genealogy research and with developing Power Point presentations, he said.

Saint Clair excursions

Meanwhile, the Saint Clair Community & Historical Society was making plans for an outing this summer. The group will sponsor a bus trip to the Revolutionary Museum in Philadelphia, according to Cathy Satterwhite, treasurer. Dawn Morris Bicht serves as society president.

Satterwhite, and Bill Van Stone, society board member, showed visitors some of the featured items on display. They included panoramic-style photos from World War I of soldiers and sailors and Red Cross nurses; more than 300 Hometown Hero banners shown on an electronic rotating frame, honoring Saint Clair’s military service members; sesquicentennial and centennial commemorative booklets; and memorabilia from the former Saint Clair Saints with the fleur-de-lis motif.

One collection was devoted to Admiral Joel T. Boone, 1889 to 1974, the physician to three U.S. presidents and namesake for Boone Park in the borough.

“He always used to come back to Saint Clair to vote,” Satterwhite said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

MAHANOY CITY — The planned replacement of the water valves at the main intersection in Mahanoy City was discussed at the January meeting of the Mahanoy Township Authority.

The authority, which provides water service to Mahanoy City, Gilberton and parts of Mahanoy Township, was awarded last September a Commonwealth Finance Authority Small Systems Grant for $151,155 for the project. The total estimated project cost is $216,000, with the remaining amount covered by MTA general funds as required by the grant program.

During the meeting, Alfred Benesch & Co. project manager James J. Rhoades Jr. said in his report that the replacement project at Main and Centre streets will require a study in the area to determine costs more exactly.

“We conducted a field view with Mr. (Joseph) Fegley Dec. 12 to discuss the approach to complete the project,” Rhoades said, referring to authority general manager Joseph R. Fegley. “Due to the unknown condition of the majority of the valves, we are obtaining quotes on non-intrusive subsurface utility engineering options to confirm subsurface pipe and valve locations. As requested by the board, we will subsequently include cost estimates for replacement of all valves in the intersection.”

At a previous meeting, Rhoades explained the valve replacement will help the authority in its operations when there is a need to turn water service off to certain areas. He explained the proposed project includes the replacement of four large valves and associated piping at the intersection of Main and Centre streets. The valves are the primary control mechanisms for flow of water into the borough. Currently, the deficient valves do not allow for proper isolation of the system and requires shutdowns that cut water from local businesses, as well as residential customers.

The replacing of the old valves will help limit water service interruptions when maintenance work is required, along with improving safety due to better water supply for firefighting. The valves are the main hub of the borough water system.

According to Fegley, two of the four valves at the intersection do not hold and the system cannot be shut down. There was a water system project in the area in 2008 when the valves were to be replaced, but there were not enough funds available.

The malfunctioning valves limit the authority’s ability to shut off water service to a specific area when a major break occurs. There are two water mains that come into the borough along Main Street to Centre Street, then branch off in four directions. A major water leak a few years ago led to water service being interrupted to the entire borough due to the malfunctioning valves. If all valves were working, the water service interruptions could have been limited to a few blocks.

In another section of his report, Rhoades said the operation and maintenance permit acknowledgment for the Lofty Dam Rehabilitation Project was forwarded to the state Department of Environmental Protection following the authority’s meeting in December. Refilling of the dam began in December and is being monitored in accordance with the approved refilling plan by MTA staff. After a review of the December refilling record keeping, Rhoades said the rate of filling is going according to plan and commended the MTA staff on the diligent oversight maintaining an appropriate filling rate.

“We assume that a retainer task will be set up to continue the assistance with the refilling and for us to complete the monthly embankment inspection as required in the permit conditions which we anticipate to commence in February or March if the refilling continues at its current rate,” Rhoades said.

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

Shenandoah Rotary

Kaylin Najda, daughter of Michael and Heather Najda, Shenandoah, was named student of the month for December 2018 by the Shenandoah Rotary Club.

A senior at Shenandoah Valley High School, Kaylin is enrolled in the academic curriculum. She is a four-year member of the volleyball team, a cheerleader for three years and will participate in track this spring season.

Kaylin serves as class secretary and is a member of the yearbook staff, National Honor Society and float committee. She was spring queen and a member of the 2018 homecoming court. She does morning announcements and is part of the gifted program.

In the community, Kaylin has volunteered for the Hookies block party for four years and helps at the Shenandoah Valley midget and varsity football games.

She plans to attend college and become a nurse practicioner. She has applied to Bloomsburg University and planned to apply to King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, the University of Scranton and Drexel University, Philadelphia.

Pine Grove Area

Amanda Schaeffer and Gaige Krammes were nam-ed January students of the month at Pine Grove Area High School.

Amanda is a daughter of Robert and Lisa Schaeffer of Pine Grove. Her high school activities include varsity softball, varsity club, National Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, FBLA, accounting club, ski club and prom committee.

She plans to attend a four-year college majoring in accounting while continuing her softball career.

Gaige is a son of Bradley and Tammy Krammes of Pine Grove. His high school activities include JROTC, vo-tech, SkillsUSA and the School to Work program.

He plans to go to college for sports management and become a football coach or sports announcer.

POTTSVILLE — Terry Alexander, director of St. Patrick Soup Kitchen, said the generosity of the community is the reason they are still able to help others.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the soup kitchen, having opened March 26, 1984, at 504 Mahantongo St. The building was built in 1850 by R.C. Luther, a vice president of the former Philadelphia & Reading Coal and Iron Co., and later was a Jewish Community Center before its current use, Alexander said.

“The generosity and the compassion of the community are the heart and soul of the soup kitchen,” Alexander said.

Monsignor Edward O’Connor said he is thankful to the community for their support.

“It’s a blessing to be able to serve those in need,” he said.

The soup kitchen got its start after a priest noticed hunger in the community. He went to a meeting of the former Council of Catholic Women to ask for help, Alexander said. The council and the Sisters of St. Joseph then took steps to turn the idea of a soup kitchen into reality, Alexander said.

Women from the council and Sisters of St. Joseph were the first cooks.

Rosemary Cairns was the director of the soup kitchen for more than 25 years before she retired in December 2015, Alexander said. Alexander has been the director since Jan. 1, 2016, when the soup kitchen became part of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown.

Currently, more than 100 volunteers give back to the community by helping with the soup kitchen.

“I have people volunteering from all walks of life,” Alexander said.

The soup kitchen opens at 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon Saturday and Sunday. It is not open Friday because the Salvation Army of Pottsville provides a meal that day.

In 2018, the soup kitchen served more than 11,000 meals. Alexander said no one leaves hungry.

“We never run out of food ever,” she said.

Donations from the community — small and large — make it possible to feed those who need of a meal.

“We could not do what we do without them,” she said.

For example, Giant, Walmart, Aldi and other corporations are generous with donations, she said.

Alexander said she has never been asked to write a receipt for donations.

In addition, a food pantry is open Wednesday and Thursday after the meal. Those in need are welcome to take food like baked goods.

Alexander said she doesn’t know how they plan to celebrate the anniversary but she is looking forward to providing meals to those who come through the doors.

“My heart smiles everyday,” she said.

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

Deeds

Minersville — John and Judith A. Ruddy to Jacquelyn Rymarkiewicz; 601-603 School St.; $1.

Norwegian Township — Frederick J. Swantner to Frederick J. and Josephine Swantner; 856 Water St.; $1.

Elaine M. Peters and Joseph Wilcosky to Elaine M. Peters and Joseph and Kimberly Wilcosky; 141 Mill Creek Ave.; $1.

Norwegian Township and Pottsville — Schuylco Coal Inc. to DocHouse Holdings LLC; easement on two properties; $18,000.

Palo Alto — Michael P. Acinapura to Jeffrey Villanueva; 230 Bacon St.; $9,500.

Port Carbon — Bank of America NA to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; 44 Coal St.; $1.

Pottsville — Bob’s Laurel Blvd LLC to Robert J. Sidella; 311 Laurel St.; $1.

Bob’s Laurel Blvd LLC to Robert J. Sidella; 309 Laurel St.; $1.

Nelson E. and Marie Womer to Nelson E. and Marie Womer, Christine Womer, Stacey A. Odogwu, Michelle Hashin and Kyle M. Womer; 1907 W. Market St.; $1.

Saint Clair — Charles Lorimer to Robert and Michele Hahn; 318 Arnot St.; $26,000.

Schuylkill Haven — CR 2018 LLC to Charles Lorimer; 12 Parkway; $37,000.

Shenandoah — Kathleen Adams and Barbara Ann J. Felegi, administratrix of the Estate of Edward M. Felegi, to Karen Arias; property on East Coal Street; $18,000.

Upper Mahantongo Township — Jeff A. Wertz to Kevin E. Schlegel; 10.188-acre property on Mahantongo Mountain Road; $1.

After arriving stateside following three years at sea during World War II, Haydn Evans left his Navy barracks in Washington state and didn’t come back for three days. He had some much-deserved partying to do.

When he finally returned from being AWOL, he got to the naval base just in time to see his shipmates hopping aboard a train bound for the East Coast. With no time to retrieve his belongings, he jumped aboard, too.

Among the items left behind was a personalized Bible sent to him by the Forty Fort United Methodist Church. He wouldn’t see it again for 73 years. In early December, a fellow veteran, Charlie Webb from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, who possessed the Bible, contacted the church and was eventually put in touch with Evans.

“I got it back. So that was 70-some years?” Evans, 94, said recently. “I’m not a very religious guy, but it was nice it was returned to me, that he wanted me to have it back.”

Webb’s friend from the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Hattiesburg bought the Bible on eBay years ago and later gave it to Webb. Webb, 68, used to carry the Bible with him in his VFW Honor Guard uniform pocket.

One day while flipping through it, he saw Evans’ name and decided to try to reunite the Bible with Evans’ family, unsure if the World War II veteran was still alive.

“It dawned on me, I am going to go online and try to find some family or, through the luck of God, find Mr. Evans himself,” Webb said in a phone call.

He had little luck searching online, so he called Evans’ church in Forty Fort. He asked the woman who answered if she knew of Evans or any of his family.

“She said, ‘Yea, I had lunch with Mr. Evans yesterday,’ ” Webb recalled.

Webb then made arrangements to send the Bible to Evans, who now lives in Wesley Village in Jenkins Township, Luzerne County.

After the war, Evans started working as a printer at The Times Leader newspaper, where his father worked. He was one of the nearly 200 people who went on strike and formed The Citizens’ Voice in 1978. He retired in 1987.

Evans, who served aboard the USS New Jersey battleship in the Pacific, said the returned Bible has a sentimental value to him.

“I had it on the ship all during the war,” he said.

Evans said his ship survived many battles.

“I had a gunner down below me. He blew up a twin-engine bomber right in front of us. If he didn’t hit it, it would have hit us,” Evans said.

After the war, Evans’ ship docked at Naval Station Bremerton in Bremerton, Washington, near Seattle, on New Years Eve 1946.

“The whole gang went out on liberty. I was a bad boy. I went AWOL, I guess you can call it. It was a couple of days until I got back to the base,” Evans recalled. “As I got back, the guys I came home with were all coming out and boarding the train to go home. I didn’t even know where the hell the barracks was. So I just got in line and on the train. My sea bags were left in the barracks, along with Bible. I didn’t see it again until December.”

Contact the writer: bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com; 570-821-2055