A beloved Schuylkill County restaurant that closed six and a half years ago due to a fire is nearing a rebirth in Lehigh County.

Madeline’s, which operated from 2007 to 2012 at 1100 E. Market St. in Orwigsburg, is set to be reimagined next month in Fogelsville.

“We expect to be open at the end of March, assuming all goes as planned,” a Feb. 9 post on the business’ Facebook page reads.

Husband and wife owners Jay and Nadine King last March broke ground on the restaurant, located just off Route 100 at 1250 Turnstone Drive, next to the Weis Plaza.

The two-story restaurant, featuring a tagline of “where friends gather,” will feature a 125-seat dining room on the ground floor and banquet space for about 75 people on the second floor, Nadine told The Morning Call last year.

“We’re excited to be coming to Fogelsville,” Nadine said. “We’ll be able to host corporate meetings, small weddings, birthday parties and other private events.”

The original Madeline’s, known for its “casual, fine dining with creative, gourmet flair,” extensive wine menu and top-notch service, was heavily damaged by a June 2012 fire that started in a utility closet on the outside deck.

The restaurant was beloved by locals as well as visitors, including customers of Cabela’s sporting goods store near Hamburg, about eight miles south of the restaurant.

In a 2009 Morning Call restaurant review, freelance reviewer Susan Gottshall found “real ingenuity” with Madeline’s seasonal menu.

While dining with a companion, she described a quail appetizer as “delectable,” a black and blue New York strip steak as “wonderfully dense with layered, rich flavor” and house-made German chocolate cake as “too good to be forgotten.”

“Hands down, my favorite was the cinnamon-glazed, grilled pork chop ($24.95),” Gottshall wrote. “The 12-ounce chop was lightly coated with the spice, finished with cinnamon cream sauce and garnished with prosciutto-wrapped figs.”

The new Madeline’s, with a burgundy, green and mustard yellow color scheme, will feature seasonal selections and a mix of new dishes and old favorites, said Nadine, who recalled the crab cakes, steaks and lamb entrees as being especially big sellers.

There will be a bar, outdoor patio and second-floor balcony.

The restaurant is currently accepting reservations for private parties scheduled after May 1.

Contact the writer: ryan.kneller@mcall.com

POTTSVILLE — A Berks County woman is the new leader of a group of Schuylkill County human services agencies, as the commissioners chose her at Wednesday’s meeting for the position.

Elaine Gilbert, Sinking Spring, will head the Mental Health/Developmental Services/Drug & Alcohol agency, the commissioners decided.

“She’s very energetic. She’s very focused,” commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said after the meeting. “We’re looking forward to working with her. It’s a very important job.”

Gilbert, who will start work on Tuesday, replaces Dan McGrory, who retired.

County Administrator Gary R. Bender said four people applied for the job. The Civil Service Commission screened them, with a four-member committee interviewing the three deemed by the commission to be qualified.

Halcovage said that committee, which included Bender, Lisa M. Stevens, executive director of Children & Youth Services, Deborah Twigg, human resources director, and Paul Straka, a former assistant county administrator, recommended Gilbert.

“They felt that she was the best person,” he said. “We had some candidates from within.”

The county Salary Board, which consists of the commissioners and Controller Christy Joy, approved an annual salary of $82,213 for Gilbert, who had been with the Bethany Children’s Home, Womelsdorf.

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

Schuylkill Haven man killed in crash

GIBSON — A Schuylkill Haven man was killed Saturday when the off-road vehicle he was driving crashed in Susquehanna County.

State police at Gibson said Benjamin R. Sippel, 25, was driving a 2015 E-Z-Go RGR 900 XP west on Carter Road in Rush Township when he lost control, causing the vehicle to roll over.

Sippel was ejected from the vehicle and died from injuries suffered in the crash.

His passenger — Matthew C. Sozio, 21, of Yardley — was not hurt, police said, adding that neither of the men was searing seat belts.

Mount Carbon man attempts to flee

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police charged a Mount Carbon man after an incident that began around 2:20 a.m. Saturday.

Police said that Sgt. John Mohl tried to stop a blue Dodge Durango for an equipment violation and when he activated his emergency lights, the driver, later identified as Aaron Jay Booterbaugh, 28, initially stopped in the parking lot of the Dunkin Donuts at Route 61 and Mauch Chunk Street.

However, Botterbaugh then fled in his vehicle traveling through the parking lot at a high rate of speed toward Mauch Chunk Street and then west toward South Centre Street.

At the intersection with South Centre Street, police said, the man disregarded a red light in his direction of travel, proceeded through the intersection and then drove south on South Centre Street before turning west onto Morris Street and south onto Hotel Street and Cressona Road.

While on Cressona Road, police said, Booterbaugh continued to travel at a high rate of speed while disregarding the inherent dangers of the roadway, traveled into the oncoming lane of traffic while negotiating curves and then turned off the paved roadway to an unpaved road leading to Sharp Mountain where the pursuit was terminated.

The subsequent investigation allowed Mohl to identify Booterbaugh as the driver and resulted in him being charged with fleeing or attempting to elude police, reckless driving, driving with a suspended or revoked license-DUI related and traffic control signal violations.

An arrest warrant was obtained and on Monday, Booterbaugh voluntarily turned himself in at the office of Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

He was arraigned on the charges and released on $5,000 unsecured bail pending further court action.

Hydrant damaged in Hegins Twp. crash

HEGINS — Hegins Township police investigated a one-vehicle crash that happened around 9:25 a.m. Feb. 4 in the 300 block of South Goodspring Road.

Police said William Hoffman, of Pine Grove, was driving a 2019 Jeep north on South Goodspring Road when he veered from the northbound lane, crossed into the southbound lane of traffic and then exited the roadway and struck a fire hydrant.

The force of the impact caused the fire hydrant to snap from its base and the right front wheel of the Jeep separated from the vehicle that came to a stop about 107 feet away from point of impact with the fire hydrant, police said.

Police said that Hoffman will be cited for driving at an unsafe speed and not driving on roadways laned for traffic, and that his vehicle was towed from the scene.

Woman cited for crash into pole

VALLEY VIEW — A crash that happened in the 1700 block of West Main Street around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday was investigated by Hegins Township police.

Police said Jessica Dellinger, of Lykens, was driving a 2012 Toyota pickup truck west on West Main Street when she drove through snow and ice on the road, causing her to lose control.

The truck veered across the eastbound lane, went off the road and struck a telephone pole, police said.

As a result of the crash, police said, Dellinger was cited for driving at an unsafe speed.

POTTSVILLE — Incumbent Republican Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court Theresa Santai Gaffney announced Thursday that she will seek re-election this year to her third four-year term in her position.

“It has been a great honor to serve the people of Schuylkill County and I will continue to strive to be a good steward of the taxpayers’ money, to generate revenue and work together to better improve our community,” she said.

Gaffney said during her tenure, her office has collected almost $58 million in revenue and handled it properly. That included $55,849,416.15 in inheritance tax collections and $2,101,086.94 in county fees collected.

She noted that county Controller Christy D. Joy reported that she has “timely and accurately recorded, deposited, reported and remitted collections in all material respects,” and has not recommended any changes in her procedures.

The register of wills and clerk of the Orphans’ Court collects inheritance taxes and keeps records of estates opened in the county.

Gaffney said she has converted her office to a new and better computer system, added online service and started to accept credit cards to increase convenience for customers. The office also converted to a state-regulated guardianship system that changes filing processes and offers help to guardians, she said.

“Policy and procedures, checks and balances are key to the transparency of any office,” Gaffney said.

A veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, Gaffney is a member of St. Patrick Church, Catholic War Veterans Post 1089, the American Legion, the Pennsylvania Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court Association, Schuylkill County NRA Committee, Friedensburg Fish and Game, Schuylkill County Sportsmen’s Association, Schuylkill United Way, Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and Pottsville Business Association, the advisory boards of Salvation Army Pottsville Corps, Schuylkill Community Action, Schuylkill County Fair and the Servants to All homeless shelter, and has served as president of the Pottsville Kiwanis and vice president of Business and Professional Women,

The Pennsylvania Family Institute also has presented her with its Power of One Award.

Another thing on which Gaffney wants to work is increasing the office’s commission on the inheritance tax collected. The office received $401,791.07 from the state for the collections, and she said the rate has not changed since 1986.

“A greater percentage of the money that is earned in Schuylkill County should stay in Schuylkill County,” Gaffney said.

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

An intimate play about two lovers meeting for their yearly, traditional tryst will be presented this weekend at a city theater, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

“Same Time, Next Year,” by Bernard Slade, will be held at 7 p.m. today and Saturday at the Majestic Theatre, 209 N. Centre St., Pottsville, according to Lisa Gillespie, executive director at the theater and director of the play. Tickets for the production, sponsored by the Maid’s Quarters, cost $15 and can be purchased at the door, by calling 570-628-4647 or by visiting www.brownpapertickets.com.

The play “is set in a small inn in California, spanning the years from 1950-1975. It is the story of two people who first come together over dinner at the inn, and then begin a 25-year affair that consists of them meeting once a year on the same weekend at the same inn. The scenes consist of the changes in their lives over the five years between meetings, years 1951, 1956, 1961, 1965, 1970 and 1975. The only characters in the play are George and Doris, played by Al Miscannon and Barb Poncelet,” Gillespie said in an email.

The play first premiered on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on March 13, 1975, according to the licensing company’s website, www.samuelfrench.com.

In the March 14, 1975, edition of The New York Times, Clive Barnes extolled the play as having “wit, compassion, a sense of humor and a feel for nostalgia — who could ask for anything more? It restores one’s faith in the possibility of a commercially styled Broadway hit — for here is a play clearly geared for popularity that does not for one moment talk down to its audience. Here is an old-fashioned, well-made play that is well made in a new way and for new times. It is an evening of unadulterated fun—all right then, adulterated fun.”

The play went on to win the 1975 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New American Play and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play.

Other upcoming events at the Majestic, according to Gillespie, will be “Little Mermaid, Jr.” from Feb. 22-34; monthly free movies sponsored by M&T Bank; and “Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-time” to be held March 8-10.

For more information, visit www.majestictheater.net.

Contact the writer: dprosick@republicanherald.com

TAMAQUA — Five municipal police departments, three of their officers and two Pennsylvania State Police stations were honored Thursday for their efforts on cracking down on aggressive driving.

The awards were presented at the Tamaqua Municipal Building by representatives of the state Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Project.

Robin A. Rivera, the Highway Safety Network Region 3 law enforcement liaison, commended the officers and their departments for their ongoing efforts to curb aggressive driving and for trying to make highways in their respective jurisdictions safer.

Receiving the 2017-18 Aggressive Driving Awards were Tamaqua police Patrolman Jeremy Sborz, currently a Schuylkill County Deputy Sheriff; Rush Township police Patrolman Michael Weaver; and West Penn Township police Patrolman Todd Woodward.

In addition to the three officers, police departments were recognized for their efforts on stopping aggressive driving.

They were Butler Township police, Pottsville police, Rush Township police, Tamaqua police and West Penn Township police.

State police stations at Schuylkill Haven and Frackville were also recognized.

Representing their departments were Rush Township Police Chief Kenneth Zipovsky, West Penn Township Police Chief Brian Johnson and Tamaqua Police Chief Henry Woods.

Representatives from the state police, Pottsville and Butler Township were unable to attend.

In addition to receiving the Aggressive Driving Award, Sborz, Woodward and Weaver were presented citations by state Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, Rush Township, on behalf of him and state Sen. David Argall.

Knowles recalled serving as a patrolman in Tamaqua from 1972 to 1979.

Touching on aggressive driving, Knowles said he travels to the state capital in Harrisburg on a regular basis and frequently deals with aggressive drivers.

“I’ve seen it all,” he said referring to people speeding, weaving in and out of traffic and at times drinking a coffee and talking on a cellphone while behind the wheel.

“It is a very serious problem that we have to deal with,” Knowles said.

When police departments refer to aggressive drivers, the term does not necessarily mean those who drive while angry but also includes other behavior that can increase the risk of a crash.

They are excessive speeding, racing to beat red lights, failing to stop completely at stop signs, tailgating or following too closely, passing illegally on the right, weaving in and out of traffic and failure to yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles.

Knowles said that even though he has been out of law enforcement for almost 40 years, officers today face many of the same problems as well as other crimes that are increasing such as the use of illegal narcotics.

“The culture and attitude toward police has changed over the years,” Knowles said adding that police often get an undeserving “bad rap” for decisions they make while protecting others.

He commended the officers in attendance and told them to keep up the good work and stay safe.

After presenting the certificates, Knowles closed by thanking the officers for their dedication to the safety of people who travel on Pennsylvania’s highways.

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

WILKES-BARRE — The McAdoo man accused of threatening President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to state burglary charges and then told the presiding judge to “go (expletive) yourself.”

Shawn Richard Christy, 27, is facing burglary and theft-related charges alleging he broke into his uncle’s Butler Township, Luzerne County, home in July while on the run from U.S. Marshals, who were seeking him on federal charges alleging he threatened the president on Facebook.

In court Thursday, Christy entered his plea and told Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Vough he would not be applying for a public defender.

“You want to represent yourself?” Vough asked.

“Yes,” Christy said.

Christy then requested a change of venue, alleging Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis has a conflict of interest in the case. Vough directed him to file a written motion.

“I’m going to expect you to follow the rules of evidence, just like any attorney,” Vough said.

The judge appointed defense attorney Mary Deady to be Christy’s “legal adviser” and set a trial date of April 1.

“Just be prepared, sir,” Vough said.

As the brief hearing neared its end, Christy inquired about a petition for bail reduction. Court records show a pro se bail reduction petition was filed Jan. 31 but that no copies were forwarded to the parties.

Vough said the court had not received the stamped petition and that it is Christy’s responsibility to file documents correctly. Christy responded by telling the judge to “go (expletive) yourself” as sheriff’s deputies escorted him to the side of the courtroom.

Vough directed deputies to take Christy back to the Lackawanna County Prison.

“I can’t wait to see you April 1,” Vough said.

Prosecutors allege Christy broke into his uncle’s home on Klinger Road on July 25, while he was on the run from U.S. Marshals. His uncle found two handwritten notes on the kitchen table — one to Christy’s parents and another to his uncle, according to prosecutors.

“I am sorry I had to hit you up but I have some rather bad people after me,” read the note to Christy’s uncle, which was signed “SRC.” “I’d rather go out with some firepower.”

A search of the home revealed a Ruger P85 9 mm pistol, an AMT .380-caliber pistol and a Smith & Wesson .22-caliber revolver had been stolen, prosecutors said. U.S. Marshals found the AMT in Christy’s possession when he was arrested, and authorities recovered a note in which Christy detailed where he had left the revolver in Kentucky, according to prosecutors.

Representing himself at a preliminary hearing in December, Christy unsuccessfully tried twice to have the charges dismissed.

He is also facing a dozen charges in federal court related to threats on the president and other crimes he is accused of committing while on the run.

Christy was originally indicted in July on four counts but eluded capture for months in a high-profile search. He was eventually captured Sept. 21 in Ohio.

Christy, who has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, is being detained pending trial at the Lackawanna County Prison.

Contact the writer:

jhalpin@citizensvoice.com; 570-821-2058

POTTSVILLE — Ashley Leibig decided it was better to plead no contest Thursday before a Schuylkill County judge to several charges after she allegedly hit and killed a man with her van than to risk a jury trial.

Jurors were waiting to be called into Courtroom 2 but Judge Jacqueline L. Russell told them around 11:15 a.m. that a general plea agreement had been reached.

“There would have been no resolution without your coming in,” Russell said.

Leibig, 31, of Ashland, pleaded to a felony charge of accident involving death/injury while not properly licensed, a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence, which was amended to include a minor in the vehicle and a summary charge of reckless driving. Russell accepted the plea and will order a presentence investigation and sentence Leibig in the future.

“It will be up to me to what the appropriate sentence will be,” Russell said.

Russell said the maximum sentence for accident involving death or personal injury is seven years while the maximum DUI charge is five years.

Russell said prosecutors will withdraw all other charges as part of the agreement.

Ashland police charged Leibig with homicide by vehicle while DUI, homicide by vehicle, DUI, recklessly endangering another person, driving under suspension, failure to yield right of way to pedestrian, reckless driving, careless driving and two charges of accidents involving death or personal injury.

Police said Leibig was driving a van when she hit pedestrian Walter Bogus, 85, of Coal Township, shortly after 7 p.m. Dec. 11, 2015, at 19th and West Centre streets in the borough. Senior Deputy Attorney General Nathan Boob, who was prosecuting the case said Leibig’s license was suspended July 8, 2015.

“She did strike and ultimately kill Walter Bogus,” Boob said.

Leibig also had marijuana in her system, he said

The state attorney general’s office prosecuted the case because First Assistant District Attorney Michael J. Stine represented Leibig when he was the chief public defender.

Before accepting Leibig’s plea Russell asked her numerous questions about it and if she understood what she was doing. Leibig said she did.

Russell asked her why Leibig wished to plead, to which she responded, “because I feel it is in the best interest all around considering everything.”

Leibig is represented by Assistant Public Defender Debra A. Smith.

At the preliminary hearing in September 2016, Ashland Patrolman Brandon Cohick testified that Leibig had left the scene, called 911 and later returned.

By pleading no contest, Leibig did not admit to committing the crimes, but offered no defense to them, acknowledged prosecutors could produce sufficient evidence to prove her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and agreed to be sentenced as if she had pleaded guilty or been found guilty.

Boob, Smith and family members of Bogus declined comment.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

RINGTOWN — With the reappraisal completed on the former Ringtown Area Elementary Center property, the Ringtown Borough Council will proceed to request a reassessment for taxes by the county.

The school property procedures were discussed at Monday’s borough council meeting. The reappraisal was approved at the January meeting with Frank D. Gownley, Pottsville, retained for the work.

“We got the appraisal back and we approved a motion to have a bid package so we can put out an offering for whoever may be interested in it,” council President Julian Milewski said.

The reappraisal was prompted because the prior appraisal was done in 2011 and it was important to find whether the property value had increased or decreased during the past eight years.

The bid package will be prepared by Marshall, Bohorad, Thornburg, Price & Campion P.C., represented by borough solicitor S. John Price, and Alfred Benesch & Co., represented by project manager Jacqueline A. Peleschak.

“We started the proceedings (on the bid package) because it’s something that doesn’t happen overnight,” Milewski said.

Milewski said the reassessment is needed before the request for bids is advertised. Gownely suggested the borough apply for a reassessment of the building and grounds.

“The borough is exempt from taxes on the building, but the previous value of the building was around $400,000, so if someone bought the building, that’s what they would be paying taxes on,” he said. “Well, the new valuation is much reduced. It’s just over $100,000. The key here is that whoever buys it would pay taxes on the original number. So we’re going to have it reassessed with the county.”

The borough council voted to approve submitting the reassessment request to the county.

“When we put the bid package, we hope to find someone seriously interested,” Milewski said.

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 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 longstanding 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 the current appraisal and reassessment, the borough will try again to find a buyer.

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

POTTSVILLE — Roy M. Hogan Jr. will spend years, if not decades, behind state prison bars after a Schuylkill County jury found him guilty Thursday of trying to kill two people, and assaulting a third, in a bloody night of terror in March 2018 at a Schuylkill Haven home.

Hogan, 25, of Reading, formerly of Cressona, did not react as the jury of 11 men and one woman pronounced him guilty of two counts each of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, criminal trespass and possessing instrument of crime, four of recklessly endangering another person and one each of burglary and simple assault.

The same jury, which deliberated about two hours before reaching its verdict, found Hogan, who had testified in his own defense earlier in the day, not guilty of one additional count each of attempted homicide and aggravated assault.

President Judge William E. Baldwin, who presided over Hogan’s three-day trial, revoked the defendant’s $300,000 total straight cash bail, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and said he would schedule sentencing at a later date.

Assistant District Attorney A.J. Serina, who prosecuted the case, said he would seek a “very lengthy sentence” for Hogan, who was returned to prison immediately after the verdict.

“This was an extremely heinous crime,” he said.

Schuylkill Haven police charged Hogan with twice breaking into the 406 Orchard Ave. home of Brooke C. Ditzler in the early morning hours of March 18, 2018. The second time, police alleged, Hogan stabbed Andrew S. Matlock and Michael Seltzer multiple times each and Mallory L. Geiger once.

Matlock and Seltzer each had to be flown by helicopter to Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading, for treatment of their injuries. Trauma physicians had testified on Wednesday that each man could have died from his injuries.

Hogan did not deny breaking into the home of Ditzler, his ex-girlfriend, but testified he only wanted to talk with her. He said in the second break-in, he did not know Geiger, Matlock and Seltzer were there.

He said he carried the one knife in order to try to commit “suicide by cop,” by going after a police officer with it and forcing him to fatally shoot him.

Furthermore, he said he was surprised by Matlock and Seltzer, and fought with them in self defense.

“Did you stab (Matlock) while (he was) asleep in the recliner?” Assistant Public Defender Christopher M. Riedlinger, Hogan’s lawyer, asked his client.

“No,” Hogan answered.

He also said he did not attack Seltzer.

“I kept trying to get him off me,” Hogan said. “I ended up stabbing Michael Seltzer to get him off me.”

Then, Hogan said, he told the two men to leave the house, picked up another knife and told Geiger to leave. She went to the kitchen, Hogan said, leaving him alone with Ditzler.

Hogan said he saw police Patrolman William I. Horn Jr., the prosecuting officer, through glass in the door, prompting him to run away.

When cross-examined by Serina, Hogan said he knew there were two court orders against him that forbade contact with Ditzler, and that his disobedience of them could have landed him in prison.

Serina cast doubt on Hogan’s statement that he had the knife to try for a suicide by cop defense, noting that he did not take the chance when he had it.

“Instead of waiting for the police to shoot you, you ran away?” Serina asked.

“Yes ... I wanted to talk to (Ditzler) first,” Hogan answered. “I didn’t hear (Horn) yelling at me.”

Three of Hogan’s friends, William Murphy, Joshua Fernandez and Ryan Esser, each testified as character witnesses, saying he had a reputation of not being a violent person.

“Everyone I knew thought very highly of Roy,” Esser said.

Christopher Murphy, who was with Hogan on March 17, 2018, said the defendant was a little sad, but not angry, and actually had a fairly good time that night.

In his closing argument, Riedlinger conceded that his client was guilty of both charges of criminal trespass, but not all of the other charges, particularly the attempted homicides.

Riedlinger said Ditzler’s, Geiger’s, Matlock’s and Seltzer’s stories have changed over time, and their first versions closely paralleled Hogan’s testimony. He said that is evidence that Hogan testified truthfully and the quartet have changed their stories to mesh with each other instead of the truth.

“The stories of the commonwealth witnesses are changing over time,” Riedlinger said.

Riedlinger also said Matlock and Seltzer were wrong about when they were stabbed and that after the break-in, the incident resembled a fight. He said that even though Hogan originally was wrong in entering the house, he was entitled to defend himself because he never intended to harm anyone except himself.

“If his intent was to kill these people, why didn’t he do it the first time?” Riedlinger said. “He just wanted to get out of the house. He had no intention of committing any other crimes. In his mind, he was defending himself.”

However, jurors accepted Serina’s argument that the witnesses’ discrepancies on details does not make them wrong on the big picture.

“We don’t live our lives memorizing the small details,” he said. “You heard the screams, you heard the terror. This was about life or death for these four young people. They were trying to survive.”

Serina said Hogan wanted to do more than just talk to Ditzler, since he was risking prison by violating the court orders.

“The defendant broke in not once, but twice, and he stabbed multiple people,” Serina said.

Serina said Hogan’s explanation of suicide by cop was nonsense, since he did not do it when he had the chance.

“The first thing he does, he runs out the door,” he said of the defendant. “You’re running because you did something wrong.”

Hogan’s intention was clear, according to Serina.

“Not only does the defendant stab Michael, he stabs Andrew and he stabs Mallory,” he said.

Serina said the results are clear: Matlock has numbness in his neck, Seltzer’s arm never will fully function again and Geiger has a scar.

“The defendant inflicted 12 knife wounds on other human beings,” he said.

After the verdict, Riedlinger declined to comment on the case. In addition to saying prosecutors will seek a lengthy sentence, Serina praised the jury.

“We are very appreciative of the jury and the time they put into this case,” Serina said. “We’re thankful they returned the verdict they did and the victims got the justice they deserved.”

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

Defendant: Roy M. Hogan Jr.

Age: 25

Residence: Reading, formerly of Cressona

Verdict: Guilty of two counts each of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, criminal trespass and possessing instrument of crime, four of recklessly endangering another person and one each of burglary and simple assault, not guilty of one additional count each of attempted homicide and aggravated assault

TOWER CITY — The Williams Valley school board Thursday hired Diane Best to be the incoming superintendent.

Best, of Landingville, will earn $110,000 annually, and her three-year contract with the district runs from April 13, 2019, to June 30, 2022. She will replace Diane M. Niederriter, who is retiring in April.

The board voted 7-1-1 for Best, with director Tracey Minnich opposed and the newly sworn-in director, James Monger, abstaining.

Monger was sworn in by Nicholas Quinn, district solicitor. Monger fills the vacancy left by Tedd Johns in Region VIII, Reinerton, Muir and Mountain areas. His term runs from Feb. 14 through Dec. 1, 2019.

In other business, the board approved a retirement incentive for members of the Williams Valley Education Association and the district administration. Minnich was opposed.

To qualify for one of the incentives, the employee must meet the following criteria:

• Been employed for a minimum of 20 years of uninterrupted service by the Williams Valley School District.

• Have a minimum of 30 years of credited service in the Public School Employees Retirement System, or be 60 years of age by June 30, 2019, and retiring through the PSERS system.

• Provide written notification to the board of directors by May 31, 2019, and retire by June 30, 2019. The employee must notify the board of the type of incentive requested.

There are two insurance incentives for retiring — one at 100 percent and the other at 75 percent. They are 100 percent of the cost of the employee-only full group insurance (medical, RX, dental and vision) for five years immediately after retiring or until Medicare eligible, with the employee contributing the PSERS premium assistance of $100 to the employer every month while receiving the benefit; or 75 percent of the cost of the employee-only full group insurance for seven years immediately after retiring or until Medicare eligible.

In other action, the board approved:

• Replacement of the bell/intercom system proposal for the high school from Dauphin DataCom, of Harrisburg. The cost to the district is $99,626.14, paid from the capital reserve fund. The company is a COSTARS vendor.

• The resignation of full-time custodian Harry Raudenbush, effective March 1.

• Hiring Craig Warfel, of Williamstown, as the full-time, first shift custodian/maintenance with an effective start date of Feb. 18, or when released from his current employer, pending receipt of clearances and a completed physical. A 60-day probationary period will be served and upon successful completion, an hourly rate increase will be given. No pay rate was listed on the agenda.

• Revisions to the 2018-19 school calendar, changing the following dates from Act 80/inservice days to snow make-up days: today and March 15.

• Several personnel items, including a volunteer coach, long-term substitute teacher, cafeteria employees, guest teachers and substitute custodian.

• The 2019 Summer Science Enrichment Program for the elementary school from June 10-27 with a “Natural Disasters” theme.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Steve Martin and Martin Short on their own have amassed millions of fans, earned numerous industry awards and gained status as legends of the comedy world.

And now, audiences have the unique opportunity to catch the pair together in their latest comedy tour, “Now You See Them, Soon You Won’t.”

Coming to Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, at 8 p.m. today, the duo will perform alongside Grammy-winning bluegrass group the Steep Canyon Rangers and Paul Shaffer, former band leader for David Letterman’s show.

“I think our initial goal (when) we started out, it was more of a lark, interviewing each other at a comedy festival in Chicago,” Short explained in December by phone from Los Angeles, joined in the call by Martin in New York. “And we were reminded of this kind of chemistry we have, and it was so much fun. We did it again and said, ‘Hey, this should evolve into a show.’ I think the show has evolved terrifically.”

Short and Martin have appeared together in several films during their long careers, including the pair of “Father of the Bride” films in the 1990s and 1986’s “¡Three Amigos!” They also filmed a stop on their first version of their comedy tour, “Steve Martin and Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget For the Rest of Your Life,” available on Netflix.

When asked why they seem to have such a strong chemistry together, Martin stepped right up.

“Chemicals,” he joked.

“I think the audience is aware that our friendship, our kidding around, our insulting each other, is all in great affection for each other,” Short added on a more serious note.

Martin said they wanted to preserve their show through Netflix, but they also knew “it was time to move away from some of that material” and update it. While Martin said the new show follows “very much the same formula” — mixing comedy, music and personal stories — audiences can expect new material in this stop.

“We’ve changed it up quite a bit,” he said.

When they first put the tour together, Martin said finding the right balance was trial-and-error, with them ending up picking the best elements. Short said he hopes that sharing personal stories makes the audience feel as though they were having “a dinner party with us and everybody’s telling stories with us that’s loose and casual and more personal in that respect.”

And since he and Short are both musical, Martin said, incorporating music into the show is “so natural.”

“Marty’s a great, great singer,” Martin said. “I mean, people don’t even know, and Marty’s very sensible about it.”

While it is hard to say what bits gain the biggest responses from the audience without giving away the show, Martin said, “I think the rule of thumb in this show is that if something doesn’t get a big response from the audience comedically, it gets cut. So we’re trying to keep a level where the laughs continue from beginning to end.”

In addition to laughs, the comedians hopefully will receive a warm welcome to the city like Martin experienced during his last stop in Northeast Pennsylvania. During his 2013 stop in Wilkes-Barre, Martin lost his wallet while bicycling around the city. A good samaritan — who wished to remain anonymous — returned the comic’s wallet to the box office before the show. The area native received a personal and public thank you from Martin.

“I had a great bit of fortune in your city today. Did you see this in the news? That is a slow news day,” Martin said during his 2013 show. “I didn’t even have a joke for him. I said, ‘Oh, thank you.’... My impression of Wilkes-Barre is everyone is 100 percent honest, all of the time.”

While Martin spent much of his early career as a stand-up comic, he moved away from that for many years. But getting back out there on stage with a live audience has “really been great,” he said, adding that he thinks of a live show as “analog.”

“I mean, (when) you’re on Twitter or something like that, everything can go wrong with just (a) word,” Martin said. “And here, you know ... they paid the money for the ticket. It’s an almost two-hour show, and I don’t know, it feels much more comfortable to me to appeal to 30,000 people in a room than 20 million on the internet.”

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

POTTSVILLE — A Minersville man charged with sexual crimes involving a child is among those scheduled to enter not guilty pleas during arraignments Thursday in Schuylkill County Court.

Luis A. Quinones, 29, currently an inmate at the Schuylkill County Prison, is charged with rape of a child, statutory sexual assault being 11 years older, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, aggravated indecent assault of a person under the age of 13, sexual assault and indecent assault of a person under the age of 18.

Minersville police Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers arrested Quinones on Sept. 14, 2018, for incidents that allegedly happened at a home in the 600 block of Lewis Street between January 2015 and March 2017.

Bowers said his investigation began in March of 2018 when he received an allegation of child sexual abuse from Schuylkill County Children & Youth Services after a 5-year-old girl reported that on multiple times Quinones came to her bedroom and the two would play a game called “Babes.”

The child said that Quinones would remove all her clothing, then remove his clothing and then perform an inappropriate act on her, Bowers said.

Others scheduled to appear in arraignment court are:

Debra A. Graeff, 45, of 200 Pennsylvania Ave., Shenandoah; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Theodore R. Stang Sr., 54, of 146 W. Ogden St., Girardville; possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and intimidation of witnesses or victims.

Joelle E. Boris, 27, of 1631 W. Norwegian St., Apt. 1, Pottsville; burglary, conspiracy, criminal trespass, corruption of minors, theft and receiving stolen property.

Joshua J. Mooney, 31, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; theft, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

Susan E. Vidal, 56, of 57 Schuylkill St., Cressona; driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Daniel G. Benjamin, 30, of 55 Lost Creek Road, Lost Creek; driving under the influence of drugs and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Terrance J. Karpovich, 63, of 200 E. Coal St., Shenandoah; DUI, DUI-high rate, careless driving and driving on the wrong side of the road.

Jarrett D. Kohr, 29, of 67 Pleasant Valley Road, Pine Grove; DUI, DUI-highest rate, not driving on roadways laned for traffic, driving at an unsafe speed and careless driving.

James R. McCabe Jr., 26, of 116 Hollow Road, Ringtown; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tyler M. Miller, 18, of 1790 Chestnut St., New Ringgold; driving under the influence of drugs, driving on the wrong side of the road and careless driving.

Dallas J. Elsdon, 25, of 222 Jackson St., Apt. 1W, Port Carbon; driving under the influence of drugs.

Dakota H. Brode, 20, of 107 Biddle St., Gordon; driving under the influence of drugs, exceeding the speed limit and drivers required to be licensed.

Monica A. Jeronis, 44, of 317 Pine Blvd., Orwigsburg; driving under the influence of drugs, exceeding the speed limit, not driving on roadways laned for traffic and restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Casey R. Watson, 25, of 6 Knotts Road, Schuylkill Haven; DUI, DUI-highest rate, careless driving and not driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Aaron L. Macker, 36, of 45 W. Phillips St., Coaldale; driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Edward L. Harley, 48, of 35 White Lane, Pottsville; firearms not to be carried without a license, driving under the influence of drugs, display of registration plate-obscured license, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brendon J. Hasara, 47, of 735 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City; theft, receiving stolen property and simple trespass.

Ronald J. Renninger, 54, of 2271 W. Mahantongo St., Pottsville; DUI, driving under the influence of drugs, turning movements and required signals, general lighting requirements, driving a vehicle without an official Certificate of Inspection, driving without insurance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Samantha B. Sherwood, 31, of 708 W. Laurel Blvd., Pottsville; DUI, DUI-high rate and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sonya L. Stefanick, 47, of 307 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City; driving under the influence of drugs, theft of services and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Julie E. Circelli, 20, of 307 Highland Drive, Pottsville; DUI, not driving on roadways laned for traffic, driving at an unsafe speed, careless driving and restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Raymond S. Morgan, 29, of 321 Blue Mountain Drive, New Ringgold; terroristic threats, stalking and harassment.

Marissa R. Cook, 26, of 544 Forest Lane, Pottsville; driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance and minimum speed regulations.

Samuel C. Smolar, 29, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joshua D. Kopinetz, 32, of 864 Valley Road, Pottsville; burglary, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property, access device fraud, fleeing or attempting to elude police, driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving at an unsafe speed, reckless driving, careless driving and driving without insurance.

Carlton O. Beckford, 43, of 237 N. Balliet St., Frackville; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael G. Sinko, 29, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; sales of firearms, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Amanda A. Mabry, 34, of 65 High Road, Pottsville; retail theft.

Melissa A. Daley, 27, of 210 Carbon St., Minersville; conspiracy, delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Amber L. O’Neil, 34, of 67 Center Ave., Schuylkill Haven; conspiracy.

Stacey C. Hutsko, 45, of 216 Middle St., Minersville; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Judith A. Essler, 53, of 31 Laurel St., Minersville; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Candace L. Colna, 28, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; simple assault, harassment and recklessly endangering another person.

Kodie A. Dufour, 29, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; theft and receiving stolen property.

Scott D. Schaeffer, 49, of 414 Prospect St., Orwigsburg; driving under the influence of drugs and turning movements and required signals.

Monica A. Jeronis, 44, of 317 Pine Blvd., Orwigsburg; theft and receiving stolen property.

Bradley A. Bordner, 34, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; theft, receiving stolen property and defiant trespass.

Galen J. Vandermeer Jr., 45, of 27 E. Main St., Apt. 2, Schuylkill Haven; retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Steven T. Griffin, 46, of 527 Laurel Terrace, Pottsville; risking a catastrophe, recklessly endangering another person and dangerous burning.

Kalynn M. Sikora, 27, of 204 1/2 Schuylkill Ave., Pottsville; endangering the welfare of a child.

Patti J. Sikora, 48, of 204 1/2 Schuylkill Ave., Pottsville; endangering the welfare of a child.

Krysten B. Kelly, 25, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; aggravated assault on police, resisting arrest, defiant trespass, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Kelly M. Bevan, 53, of 61 New St., Pottsville; criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Jason J. Eiler, 34, of 320 N. 10th St., Pottsville; possession of a weapon on school property, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Edward H. Higginbotham, 28, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; theft, receiving stolen property and drivers required to be licensed.

David T. Gaskins, 30, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; persons not to possess or use firearms, firearms not to be carried without a license, possessing instruments of crime, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and a Pottsville city ordinance violation.

Robert W. Enloe, 30, of 128 W. Ogden St., Girardville; receiving stolen property and theft from a motor vehicle.

Troy A. Varner, 25, of 1 Woodland Drive, Box 23A, Marienville; aggravated assault on police, aggravated harassment by prisoner, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.

Jonathan M. Kramer, 39, of 507 Pine Hill Drive, Pine Grove; theft of services.

Victoria A. Livinghouse, 19, of 215B E. Grand Ave., Tower City; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Barry L. Reed, 43, of 136 W. Railroad St., Tremont; simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.

Avery A. Gebhard, 24, of 133 W. Laurel St., Tremont; simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.

David G. Jimenez, 28, of 234 W. Penn St., Shenandoah; possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, drivers required to be licensed and driving a vehicle without an official Certificate of Inspection.

Devon E. Adubato, 28, of 217 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City; possession of drug paraphernalia, burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal trespass.

Robert Wentworth, 37, of 226 E. Centre St., Shenandoah; simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.

Etienne Barksdale, 35, of 116 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City; persons not to possess or use firearms, terroristic threats, possessing instruments of crime, possession of drug paraphernalia and simple assault.

Korey R. Wronski, 29, of SCI/Chester, Chester; burglary, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Melissa A. Kuczynski, 30, of 239 E. Centre St., Shenandoah; defiant trespass.

Angelo Seritti, 33, of 1233 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Aaron P. Lorah, 30, of 44 Main Blvd., Ringtown; simple assault and harassment.

Gregory M. Hoats, 49, of 102 Snow Ridge Circle, Zion Grove; aggravated assault, simple assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

Michael J. O’Boyle, 39, of 32 N. White St., Shenandoah; aggravated assault on police, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Lillian Birkmier, 49, of 124 Gay St., Tamaqua; theft, receiving stolen property, criminal attempt to commit theft and criminal attempt to commit receiving stolen property.

Vincent M. Santangelo, 21, of 84 N. Berne St., Schuylkill Haven; aggravated assault, strangulation, simple assault and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Danielle B. Breidigan, 36, of 59 Grant St., Schuylkill Haven; burglary, theft and criminal mischief.

Susan Hummel, 55, of 201 Centre Ave., Apt. 6, Schuylkill Haven; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Angel L. Gonzalez-Soler, 33, of 265 S. Wayne St., Orwigsburg; endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest.

Danielle Kapes, 38, of 312 W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City; possession of a controlled substance.

Oscar C. Pacheco, 33, of 12 N. Union St., Shenandoah; simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Jason J. Eiler, 34, of 320 N. 10th St., Pottsville; recklessly endangering another person, possession of a small amount of marijuana, public drunkenness, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joseph E. Boris, 50, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; delivery of a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

David J. Rich, 45, of 709 W. Market St., Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance.

Kenneth M. Foss, 28, of 145 Chamberlaine Ave., Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dylan A. Wilkinson, 19, of 512 N. Centre St., Pottsville; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tamara L. Eiler, 38, of 320 N. 10th St., Pottsville; possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

James R. Seigfried, 28, of 83 Harris Ave., Pine Grove; terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and criminal use of a communications facility.

Willie J. Brown Jr., 45, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, conspiracy, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shanalee M. Brevett, 41, of 210 Carbon St., Minersville; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, conspiracy, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Harold J. Royal, 63, of 114 Sunbury St., Apt. 2, Minersville; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Michael G. Sinko, 29, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Paulette S. Stable, 47, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Margaret E. Thomas, 60, 610 Lewis St., Minersville; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Gerald A. Sinko II, 27, of 346 High Road, Second Floor, Minersville; conspiracy.

Ashley A. Fritz, 34, of 178 Suedberg Road, Pine Grove; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jose F. Cabrera Jr., 27, of 63 N. Lake Drive, Pottsville; retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Christopher W. Sullivan, 42, of 537 Hotel St., Pottsville; accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property, not driving on roadways laned for traffic and failure to use safety belts.

James P. Robbins, 39, of 284 N. Eighth St., Pottsville; retail theft.

James P. Crawley Sr., 44, of 333 New Castle St., Minersville; unsworn falsification to authorities.

Frederick R. Edwards, 35, of 15 S. Chestnut St., Shenandoah; flight to avoid apprehension, trial or punishment, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, criminal mischief and harassment.

Michael J. Wronski, 21, of 414 Roosevelt Drive, New Boston; possession of drug paraphernalia and turning movements and required signals.

Walter D. Navitsky Jr., 60, of 114 N. Main St., Apt. 3, Shenandoah; theft, receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Donald L. Darrisaw, 29, of SCI/Mahanoy, Frackville; aggravated assault on police, simple assault and harassment.

Meghan E. McClintock, 31, of 443 Lewis St., Minersville; possession of drug paraphernalia and general lighting requirements.

Michael A. Klinger, 30, of 39 Middle St., Locustdale; aggravated assault, strangulation, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault, harassment and recklessly endangering another person.

Angel L. Feliciano, 34, of 137 Pioneer Road, Shenandoah; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possessing instruments of crime, terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault and criminal mischief.

Carlito Ross, 24, of SCI/Mahanoy, Frackville; conspiracy, contraband-controlled substance by inmate, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kasey D. Prutzman, 27, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Paul A. Daubert Jr., 34, of 34 Spittler Road, Pine Grove; harassment and disorderly conduct.

William C. Wolfgram, 37, of 133 Vaux Ave., Tremont; simple assault and harassment.

Elizabeth A. Treshock, 33, of 803 W. Washington St., Frackville; defiant trespass, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Francis E. Ney, 34, of 246 Ohio Ave., Shenandoah; stalking, recklessly endangering another person, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and harassment.

Kyle A. Rockwell, 31, of 245 Preston Ave., Girardville; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, drivers required to be licensed, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robert D. Ditzler, 61, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, persons not to possess or use firearms, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kyle T. Putalavage, 30, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

David J. Thomas, 34, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communications facility.

Charles S. Brilla Jr., 49, of 304 Southview Drive, Schuylkill Haven; criminal mischief and simple trespass.

Ryan T. Aker, 19, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Tonya A. Stahler, 31, of 10 Crystal Lane, Barnesville; false reports, false identification to law enforcement, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving following registration suspension.

Steven B. Campbell, 49, of 217 Rowe St., Tamaqua; operation following registration suspension, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Andrew P. Masscotte, 24, of 216 Owl Creek Road, Tamaqua; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, drivers required to be licensed, stop and yield sign violations, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Andrea C. Landis-Mamadjanov, 32, of 409 New Castle St., Apt. B, Minersville; conspiracy.

Beverly A. Masser, 58, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; retail theft, driving under the influence of drugs, careless driving, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving without insurance, operation following registration suspension and receiving stolen property.

Marc F. Dougherty, 46, of 425 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah; simple assault and harassment.

Randy R. Lesher, 48, of 559 E. Second Mountain Road, Schuylkill Haven; resisting arrest and harassment.

Nicholas L. Schlottman, 21, of 204 Dusty Lane, Hamburg; strangulation, simple assault and harassment.

Ashley Fick, 25, of 630 Rock Road, Pine Grove; disorderly conduct, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Timothy Kreiser, 30, of 100 S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove; possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.

Jeremy Matz, 18, of 29 Schumacher Ave., Suite 1A, Schuylkill Haven; corruption of minors.

Kristina Little, 31, of 32 N. Mill St., Apt. C, Saint Clair; possession of drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct and careless driving.

James F. Connolly, 52, of 212 S. Third St., Saint Clair; possession of drug paraphernalia and maximum speed limits.

Joseph R. Sippel Jr., 31, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; access device fraud, theft and receiving stolen property.

Jean M. Rodrian, 34, of 112 S. 12th St., Apt. 2, Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance.

Charles S. Williams Sr., 44, of 409 E. Arch St., Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

William D. Cole Jr., 38, of 800-16 N. Second St., Pottsville; false reports.

William S. Walters, 42, of 1249 W. Market St., Pottsville; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Robert L. Johnson, 41, of 715 W. Arch St., Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance.

Cheyenne M. Krause, 21, of 638 N. Centre St., Pottsville; criminal mischief.

Dylan C. Pogera, 19, of 614 N. Centre St., Pottsville; accidents involving damage to attended vehicle or property.

Heather E. Osowski, 33, of 528 Jefferson St., Pottsville; theft, receiving stolen property and drivers required to be licensed.

Roberto E. Figueroa, 39, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; simple assault and harassment.

Joshua D. Kopinetz, 31, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; persons not to possess or use firearms, altered, forged or counterfeit documents and plates, fraudulent use or removal of a registration plate, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Charles J. Callahan, 37, of 300 Lewis St., Apt. 302, Minersville; false reports.

Anna Heckman, 59, of 552 Laurel Terrace, Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Braxton J. Moore, 36, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, strangulation, unlawful restraint, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault and harassment.

Anthony M. Clark, 34, of 22 E. Ridge St., Coaldale; simple assault and harassment.

Patrick R. Ryan, 24, of 221 ½ Brown St., Tamaqua; receiving stolen property.

Justin M. Neff, 33, of 216 N. Greenwood St., Tamaqua; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Robert J. Macharsky, 45, of 65 Hunter St., Apt. 2A, Tamaqua; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Anthony L. Keiper, 32, of 701 Fairview St., Tamaqua; simple assault, harassment and public drunkenness.

Tyler A. Stevens, 21, of 95 Raven Run Road, Lost Creek; retail theft.

Daniel M. Jefferson, 23, of 7 N. Second St., Saint Clair; simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, reckless driving and obedience to authorized persons directing traffic.

David M. Willis, 51, of 529 E. Mahanoy Ave., Girardville; burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property.

Christina M. Brennan, 35, of 49 Water St., New Philadelphia; aggravated assault on a person less than 13, endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Cordaro Rhodes, 31, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; conspiracy, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception and possession of a controlled substance.

Zachary G. Brooke, 26, of 124 E. Centre St., Apt. 2B, Shenandoah; recklessly endangering another person, harassment and disorderly conduct.

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

Ashland

Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ will have a free soup-and-sandwich lunch beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday. 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 action 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.

Hegins

Quest Diagnostics will have a community health screening program at Tri-Valley High School, 155 E. Main St., on March 2, sponsored by the Tri-Valley FBLA. The cost is $60 for a comprehensive metabolic profile with optional additional tests at additional fees. To register or for more information, call 800-776-6342 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Mahanoy City

Registration/screening for kindergarten in the Mahanoy Area School District will be 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. April 1 and 2 for the 2019-20 school year by appointment only. For an appointment or more information, call the elementary office at 570-773-3443, Ext. 4038 or 4039. Children who will be entering first grade but did not attend kindergarten also must register at this time. For kindergarten, children must be 5 years old before Sept. 1; for first grade, 6 years old before Sept. 1. For registration, children will need a birth certificate, immunization records verified by a doctor and two forms of proof of residency. More information is available online at www.mabears.net. It will be necessary for children to attend the registration as they will also be screened for kindergarten.

Pottsville

“Same Time, Next Year” by Bernard Slade will be presented at 7 p.m. today and Saturday at the Majestic Theater, North Centre Street, sponsored by The Maid’s Quarters, 402 S. Centre St. Tickets are $15 each and are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 570-628-4647. More information about the theater is available at www.majestictheater.net.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Annette Lieberman by Diana and Tom Beausang; for Claude Lord by Dr. William R. Davidson, Philanthropic Club; for Donald W. Helbig by Gwen Gentile; for Frances K. Miller by Kristine Muller-Siple; for Janet Kleffman by Joe and Debbie Ferhat, Diana and Tom Beausang; for Kathleen Barone Bound by Molly B. Guers; for Mary Dimmerling by Diane Mick; for My Pap Pap by Steven Shoup and Sarah Jones; for Norma Corse by Attorney David and Diana Rattigan, Charles and Lynne Bressi, Diana and Tom Beausang, Dr. William R. Davidson, James J. Cooksey, Mrs. Joanne M. Yuengling; for Russell and Rosalie Imschweiler by Robin and Diane Imschweiler; for Russell Imschweiler by Jason Southerland and Joe Gumbis (Diversity Packaging); for Ruth Y. Davidson by Dr. William R. Davidson. The library also acknowledged the following honors: For Addison Boran by Ed and Mary Hauck; for Emmi Boran by Ed and Mary Hauck; for Tenley Boran by Ed and Mary Hauck; for Apollonia Hauk by Ed and Mary Hauck; for Helen Curry by Susan Dougherty; for Lisa and Walter von Ahn by Steve Lilienthal; for Fran Lorenz by Diana and Tom Beausang; for Michael and Jen by M.A. Uranium; for Chris and Dave Ambrose by Sara T. Casey; for Penny Alexis Pfluger by Tony and Mary Jane DiCello.

Tamaqua

A huge Chinese auction for The CancerTelethon.org will be held March 24 at the Tamaqua Area High School Gymnasium. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and the auction will begin at 2:30 p.m. There will be a shop-and-drop from 6 to 8 p.m. March 23. The auction will feature “hundreds of prizes from local businesses,” organizers said in an event release. There will also be food on sale, 50/50 raffles, a bake sale and live radio broadcast with Polka Joe Manjack and the “Magic Polka Machine” on Magic 105.5. The site is accessible to the handicapped and ample seating and parking will be available, according to the release. All money raised will benefit the American Cancer Society. Chinese auction tickets will be sold at the door at $5 for a sheet of tickets. Ticket “insurance” will be available for those who can’t stay; high-value prize tickets can be bought prior to the event and holders will not need to be present to win. Those tickets are $1 for three chances and are available online at www.cancertelethon.org/auction. For more information, call 570-645-4228.

FRACKVILLE — The Frackville Borough Council and the public heard information about what is planned construction of the new community swimming pool during the council’s Wednesday meeting.

President/CEO Brent Boyer and construction bid document designer Thomas Reed of Aquatic Facility Design Inc., Millersburg, made the presentation with the use of diagrams explaining what will be included in the project, which is estimated at $1,425,000, depending on what options will be included based on bids that will be received on the pool construction as the base and three options.

Also working with the project is the borough’s consulting engineering firm, which is Entech Engineering Inc. Entech and Aquatic have been working together in moving the design forward.

The project has received two major state grants totaling $942,000. The borough was awarded in December 2017 a $742,000 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources through its Community Conservation Partnerships Program. The program is funded through the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93), the Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener 1) and several federal funding sources.

Prior to the DCNR grant, the borough received a $200,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

The pool project has also received generous donations from local community groups. The remainder of the project cost will come through a loan from Miners Bank. Fundraisers are being held frequently to raise additional funds where possible.

Boyer was the main presenter, explaining that his company designs aquatic centers only. In the region, the company has been involved with the swimming pools in Pottsville, Minersville and Berwick, and is currently working on a project in Bloomsburg.

“We were grateful a couple of years ago to be chosen to work with your pool,” Boyer said. “We did a feasibility study to find out what was wrong with your facility and what it would take to bring it up to state and what your community needs. All that finally led to this day.”

Boyer said different designs were reviewed by the borough and the local community committee, originally the Frackville Pool Committee, which was later incorporated as Frackville Public Spaces Inc., which is a federal 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

“We’re now at the point that later on this spring you would be, if it’s council’s will, placing your project to bid,” Boyer said.

The current pool was constructed in 1978 and was not opened in 2015 due to deterioration in the walls. Three of the six pool walls had pulled away, and the south and west walls have cracks large enough to fit a hand into them. All of the filtration buckets are also cracked.

While repairs could have been made in 2015, an evaluation by professionals determined that the underlying problems would still exist and most likely reappear in 2016. The borough council decided to keep the pool closed and begin to look into options to replace it.

“When we were brought in as part of the study, we looked at that and saw that 99.9 percent of your pool has to be scrapped and replaced,” Boyer said.

Boyer said the plan was to design a pool facility at the same location at Memorial Park that would be up-to-date with new amenities for today and future generations in Frackville and the area.

“It’s larger than the old pool but basically the same shape,” he said, showing the design on a projection screen. “This pool will have a beach-style entry, and anyone not familiar with that, it means that you just walk from the deck down in the water. There is no drop down. Over in this area is the children’s section with 18 inches of water and it replaces your wading pool. We did that because it saves space and money. It’s a pretty common design these days.”

He said there is a children’s slide and water spray features.

“There is a spray that people can go under that sprays water vertically and horizontally,” Reed said. “There is a starfish and seashell that also have sprays, so there are a lot of things that they can climb around and under to get wet without going underwater.”

“There are also floating animal features that are a challenge and are very popular,” Boyer said.

There will be diving area, a climbing area and a slide.

“So the idea is that there is something for every age group,” Boyer said. “It is designed as a leisure recreation pool with lots to do so you can come there and not be bored.”

There are grassy areas around the pool. The bath houses will be brand new and up to modern standards and designs. Some members of the public asked questions about making small adjustments, which Boyer said will be considered and brought back to the borough for additional input.

The new pool and pool area will be able to accommodate 383 patrons, an increase over the current 263-patron capacity.

Boyer said the new design will have a wall thickness of 16 inches, and the construction will address problems with movement of the structure to prevent what occurred with the current pool.

After the meeting, borough solicitor Mark Semanchik provided some background on the timetable and what must be done before bidding is solicited.

“The grant funds require pre-approvals before we go out to bid, before we award contracts, so tonight’s presentation was a step in that direction,” Semanchik said. “Concurrent with making this presentation to borough council, a package has been sent to DCNR to start their review process of the final design. Before we go out to bid, the final design has to be approved by borough council and approved by DCNR. We’re hoping that it’s something that happens later this month or early next month. The goal is to get bids out on the street by the end of March, reviewing bids in April and awarding a contract no later by May, so that a notice to proceed can occur later in May, but definitely by the beginning of June. We’re looking at a year of construction, and hopefully by Memorial Day weekend in 2020 we’ll have the grand opening.”

Semanchik said much of the success of the project so far goes to Karen Domalakes, a former borough councilwoman who continues to lead the pool committee, and Entech senior project manager Donald Cuff and all of the community support for the project.

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

POTTSVILLE — Five children were among the 39 homeless counted as part of the point-in-time count recently.

Members from the Local Housing Options Team, comprised of members of county service agencies and nonprofits, and volunteers took part in the count, which is always the fourth Wednesday in January. The count was conducted Jan. 23 and concluded Feb. 1, and is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Results are then sent to HUD. There were numerous sites people could stop to get help, be connected with services and complete a survey. The survey included questions such as where people slept Jan. 23.

Gerald Achenbach, executive director of Service Access Management, said Wednesday of the children, three were with one family and two with another. All were from Pottsville, he said. Two of the children were 5 years old, while the others were 7, 9 and 14.

“This is rare,” he said of finding children among the homeless, adding it only happened once during a prior count.

As required under state law, Children & Youth were called. If children might be in danger — in this instance due to lack of appropriate housing — guidelines must be followed. The families got to stay together and were provided temporary housing, Achenbach said

He said one family with children was living in a place that had no heat. The other family was moving from place to place to find shelter.

Achenbach appreciated that the parents sought help.

“We applaud them for that,” Achenbach said.

He said the parents were doing what they could to keep their family together.

“They knew they were taking a risk by approaching us,” he said.

Those conducting the count interacted with 349 people, Achenbach said. Of the 39 homeless, 25 were male and 14 female. Housing accommodations were provided to 40 people, Achenbach said. Gift cards, bus passes were among other items also available to those in need.

The youngest person counted as homeless was 5 and the oldest was 76. Achenbach said the 76-year-old was living in an unheated home. The average age of a respondents found homeless was 38.

The homeless said they were living in vehicles, the woods, in parks, under bridges and in abandoned homes. One homeless person was living in someone’s shed.

“We had one person who was squatting in hallways,” Achenbach said.

In 2018, there were 21 people who were found to be homeless during the count. Achenbach said he does not know why the 2018 number is so much lower; however, he said since the count started in 2013, the number of people counted as homeless has been in the thirties.

This year, fliers posted throughout the county mentioned general housing needs instead of just homelessness, Achenbach said. More social media exposure and general awareness about the count also might have increased the responses from the public, he said.

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

A federal judge denied Shawn Christy’s request for separate trials on charges he threatened President Donald Trump and a law enforcement officer and other counts related to his flight to avoid prosecution.

U.S. District Judge Robert D. Mariani rejected a defense argument that holding one trial for the four charges Christy faces for the threats and seven charges he faces for crimes prosecutors say he committed while on the run would violate his right to a fair trial.

Mariani did agree that a 12th count of being a felon in possession of a firearm should be heard separately from the other charges. That count will be heard in a separate trial before the same jury after it renders its verdict on the first 11 counts.

Christy, 27, of McAdoo, was first indicted on July 10 for posting online threats against Trump and Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli. He fled the area and remained on the run until Sept. 21, when he was captured in Ohio.

A second indictment filed Nov. 27 charged Christy with seven more counts for crimes committed as he avoided capture, including the theft of a vehicle that he drove across state lines and the transportation of various stolen firearms across state lines. A third indictment was issued on Dec. 11, adding an additional count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Christy’s attorneys, Federal Public Defender Heidi Freese and Assistant Federal Public Defender Elliot Smith, argued the threat charges and flight charges should be tried separately because the crimes he allegedly committed while on the run could prejudice the jury against him in deciding if he is guilty of the threat charges.

Mariani ruled the escape counts stem from the underlying charges that led Christy to flee, therefore they should be tried together. As for any prejudice to Christy’s defense, Mariani said those concerns can be addressed by instructions he gives jurors regarding their evaluation of the evidence.

Mariani found the felon in possession of a firearm charge must be tried separately, however, because evidence that Christy had a prior felony conviction could improperly influence the jury in deciding the 11 other counts.

Christy’s trial was scheduled to begin on Feb. 25, but Mariani continued it until May 6.

Contact the writer: tbesecker@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9137

Man charged with writing bad checks

MILLERSBURG — A Lykens man was charged with bad checks by state police at Lykens after an incident at Papa John’s Pizza in Upper Paxton Township, Dauphin County, on Dec. 29.

Police said Harry Koons, 40, wrote a check in the amount of $81.66 to the business but the account linked to the check was previously closed.

The charge against Koons was filed with Magisterial District Judge Paul Zozos, Harrisburg.

Man charged with theft of quarters

PINE GROVE — State police at Schuylkill Haven investigated a burglary and theft that happened at 1355 Mountain Road in Washington Township around 8 p.m. Feb. 9.

Police said their investigation determined that Andrew Hamilton, 31, of Pine Grove, entered the home and removed two mason jars filled with about 600 quarters worth $150.

Hamilton was charged with burglary, theft and criminal trespass and will now have to answer before Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont.

Police investigate shovel theft

WILLIAMSTOWN — State police at Lykens are investigating the theft of a coal shovel from a home on East Spruce Street in this Dauphin County community between Jan. 5 and 16.

Police said a Williamstown man reported the theft and described the shovel as being medium height with a yellow wooden handle and flat shovel.

The shovel is valued at $20 and police said the man reported purchasing it in the early 90s.

4 escape injury in 1-vehicle crash

ANNVILLE — Four people escaped injury in a one-vehicle crash that happened on Route 322, Horseshoe Pike, in South Annville Township, Lebanon County, around 12:25 a.m. Tuesday.

State police at Jonestown said Cody Temple, 29, of Ashland, was driving a 2001 Subaru Legacy when he lost control and began to travel off the road.

The man attempted to regain control of the car but was unsuccessful and struck a utility pole, causing it to snap in several locations and cause electrical wires to become lowered, police said.

About 10 minutes after the crash, a PennDOT plow truck came through, made contact with the wires and caused a second utility pole to snap and live wires to fall across the road.

Police said a dark colored SUV drove past both crashes and struck a piece of the downed utility pole.

Police said Temple and his passengers — Joseph Temple, 54, of Ashland; Derek Lutz, 19, of Annville; and, Megan Temple, 26, of Palmyra — all escaped injury and that Temple will be cited for driving at an unsafe speed as a result of the crash.

Police investigate commercial burglary

PINE GROVE — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a commercial burglary that happened at 3675 Sweet Arrow Lake Road in Washington Township between 3 p.m. Feb. 8 and 3 p.m. Monday.

Police said someone broke into a shipping container on the property and stole copper rods before fleeing the scene.

Police ask that anyone with information contact them at 570-754-4600 and refer to incident PA2019-178615.

Two injured in Route 73 crash

BOYERTOWN — A Tamaqua man escaped injury in a three-vehicle crash on Route 73, just east of Tollhouse Road in Earl Township, Berks County, around 8:40 a.m. Monday.

State police at Reading said the crash happened as Joyce Sessions, 51, of Fleetwood, was driving a 2004 Dodge Stratus west when her car spun into the eastbound lane and a 2014 Toyota Camry being driven by Helen Roberson, 67, of East Greenville.

The Roberson vehicle came to a stop in the eastbound lane and was struck from behind by a 2015 Mack tractor-trailer driven by Jeffrey Stamets, 57, of Tamaqua.

Police said that Sessions and Roberson suffered moderate injuries while Stamets was not hurt.

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

Inspection stickers stolen from dealer

SUMMIT STATION — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a commercial burglary that happened at Ulsh Auto Sales, 985 Route 183, Wayne Township, around 6 p.m. Feb. 5.

Police said someone used a crowbar to break open a south side entrance, entered and rummaged through filing cabinets and desks.

The thief or thieves then left the building with multiple inspection stickers valued at $182.50 and about $10,000 in cash, police said.

Police said their investigation is continuing and ask that anyone with information to contact them at 570-754-4600.

Man charged in Walmart theft

SAINT CLAIR — Saint Clair police said Thursday they filed charges against a Valley View man stemming from an incident earlier this year.

Police charged Isaiah J. Osborne, 24, with retail theft for allegedly stealing items valued at $112.97 from the Walmart store on Jan. 18.

The charges against Osborne were filed with Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

The Tamaqua Area School District’s teachers union will amend a lawsuit it filed last year against a controversial policy that would allow teachers to carry guns.

Schuylkill County Court dismissed the union’s lawsuit Monday. The union has 20 days to file an amended complaint with additional information to support its standing to challenge the policy.

“We intend to address the court’s concern by filing an amended complaint within the next few days to support our belief that the possession of firearms by insufficiently trained school personnel poses a danger to our members at school,” Tamaqua Education Association President Frank Wenzel said in a statement. “We believe the additional facts we set forth will support the standing of the Tamaqua Education Association to bring this lawsuit on behalf of its members.”

The union filed the lawsuit on Nov. 4. It alleges that the policy adopted by the Tamaqua Area school board in September violates the Pennsylvania School Code and other laws limiting the use of firearms by public employees.

A second lawsuit was filed earlier this year by district parents and grandparents. It is still before the court.

In January, directors voted to suspend the policy “pending a resolution as to its validity” by the court.

Both lawsuits asked that the policy be dropped. Neither asked for monetary damages.

Under the policy, teachers and administrators would volunteer to become resource officers. They would be trained in the same way as police officers and be paid a stipend for their duties.

The policy would be a first in Pennsylvania. Sixteen other states allow for concealed carry by individual or concealed carry by authorized employees.

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

Ashland

The borough will be closed Monday in observance of Presidents’ Day. For more information, call 5470-875-2411.

Llewellyn

Good Intent Hose Company, 12 Silverton Road, will have a meat bingo from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Doors will open at noon and the kitchen will be open. All are welcome. For more information, email mmbutler67@verizon.net.

Mahanoy City

St. Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church will celebrate St. Joseph Day at the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Masses on March 17 with a St. Joseph Table. In cooperation with Bake Shop VI, Pottsville, the parish will sell loaves of bread designed by baker Brian Setlock. The loaves will be made in the shape of a cross and the staff of St. Joseph. The cost is $8 for the staff (16 ounce) and $10 for the cross (20 ounce). It is a soft Challah bread and will be blessed at the Masses. The deadline to order is noon March 10 by calling Debbie at 570-773-0813 and leaving a message.

Mahanoy City

Elks Lodge 695’s spaghetti-and-meatballs dinner scheduled for Thursday has been canceled, according to a lodge release.

McAdoo

St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church will have a Lenten food sale on Ash Wednesday, March 6. The menu will include pierogies, halushki, a variety of meatless soups, tuna salad sandwiches and baked goods. The kitchen will open at 11 a.m. Patrons will have the option of eating at the church or taking food out. All are welcome.

Nuremberg

The Nuremberg Celebration committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the North Union Township building. New people are always welcome.

Pottsville

Eileen Kuperavage, who has joined Penn State Schuylkill campus as director of development, recently told members of the Pottsville Rotary Club about her background and provided an update about the campus. Kuperavage had previously been at Penn State Hazleton and also guided the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation. She said she has returned to Schuylkill campus, where she began her career as a student, according to the Rotary bulletin. She said the Schuylkill campus was integral in her success. She attended Schuylkill for two years and finished her degree in management and marketing. She said her daughter now attends the Schuylkill campus, and she has a son at Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville. Kuperavage said Penn State University continues to invest in the Schuylkill campus, having just completed a $6.5 million expansion of the Student Community Center. The next major campus project is an update of the STEM Labs, which has a $1 million grant from the J.E. Morgan Foundation and which the campus must match with $1 million. Other needed campus projects, she said, include upgrades to the baseball and soccer field as Penn State Schuylkill is now part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Athletics, she said, continue to be a draw for students and the campus continues to promote its athletic teams. She also said Penn State Schuylkill continues to add four-year degree programs and is expanding its outreach for students. About 70 percent of the students on campus are local commuters. Kuperavage also said the LionLaunch program in Schuylkill Haven continues to support entrepreneurs with programs and grants and that Penn State is in the middle of a major fund drive — “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence.” The campus goal is $5 million, with about half committed to date.

Saint Clair

A Knights of Columbus soup sale will begin at 9 a.m. Feb. 23 to benefit Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville. A variety of soups will be available at $8 per quart. For more information, call 570-617-1578.

Sheppton

The Sheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Company will have its monthly bingo games Sunday with early birds beginning at 1 p.m. For more information, call 570-384-4746.