Deeds

Barry Township — Richard A. and Cheryl L. Weikel to Richard A. and Cheryl L. Weikel; 181 Maplewood Road; $1.

Cressona — Ray L. and Georgene Drey to Ray L. and Georgene Drey; 142 Pottsville St.; $1.

East Union Township — Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Arlene Hanson and Bruce Hart; Lot 3WSS5, Eagle Rock; $39,289.

Frackville — Stefan J. Hawrancik to Tommie McShaw; 18 S. Fourth St.; $7,800.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Matthew Sborz; 149 S. Third St.; $36,000.

Mahanoy City — Country Q LLC to Abdelghafour Hanchouche; 306 E. Market St.; $5,800.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Sandra and Jaime Aguilar; 14 S. D St.; $300.

McAdoo — George and Cindy Kolar to Miguel A. Rosas and Sandra Luna; 6 N. Kennedy Drive; $85,000.

Minersville — David Sborz to Erik C. Nelson; 141 S. Third St.; $69,900.

Timothy G. and Jennifer M. Grube to Tenali Holdings LLC; 130 Westwood St.; $30,000.

North Union Township — Adrian B. and Marilyn S. Deshotel to The Marilyn S. Deshotel Revocable Trust; 50 percent interest on 114 Summit Road, Eagle Rock; $1.

SHENANDOAH — The borough council on Monday approved advertising for bids to upgrade security features at borough hall.

At the January council meeting, council President Leo Pietkiewicz announced that the state Department of Community and Economic Development had approved a grant of $58,500 through the department’s Early Intervention Program to be used for computer hardware and software updates, and to secure the office area. During that meeting, the borough council approved the use of $38,300 of the grant for purchasing computer hardware and software from Freedom Systems Inc., Valley Forge.

Monday’s council action will get the process started to use the remainder of the grant funds for the security upgrades.

“Basically it is to upgrade the security in the office, such as plexiglass in front (of the counter) like the banks have,” Pietkiewicz said after the meeting. “Securing the area coming around the counter. In this day and age, you just don’t know what’s going to happen because of what’s going on in society. We feel that the office people need extra protection.”

Pietkiewicz added, “We’re looking also at a camera system at the main counter to record transactions so we have video recording of payments being made.”

During a committee report, Councilman Gordon Slater spoke about the winter storm expected today and asked residents and businesses about keeping sidewalks and curbs cleared.

“We’re supposed to get another snowstorm on Wednesday and I ask residents to please shovel your walks,” Slater said. “And if your home is near a fire hydrant, keep it clear for the fire department in case they need it.”

Slater then directed his comments to businesses, saying, “We asked the businesses to keep the curbs clear, especially near the corners, because the pedestrians can’t walk across. You can’t block the crosswalks because those with handicaps can’t get across. We were giving out citations during the last storm. Please adhere to the ordinance.”

According to borough ordinance, every person in charge or control of any building or lot of land fronting or abutting on a paved sidewalk, whether as owner tenant, occupant, lessee or otherwise, must remove and clear away or cause to be removed or cleared away, snow and/or ice from a path at least 30 inches in width from so much of said sidewalk as is in front of or abuts on said building or lot of land.

The ordinance states that snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of any fall of snow, sleet or freezing rain. In the event that snow and/or ice has become so hard that it cannot be removed without the likelihood of damage to the sidewalk, the person charged with its removal is required to place enough sand or other abrasive on the sidewalk to make travel reasonably safe, but as soon as weather permits, a path of at least 30 inches in width must be cleared.

In other business, Pietkiewicz said the hole in the cartway at the intersection of Coal and Walnut streets will be addressed in the near future.

“For information on the situation at West Coal Street and Walnut Street, we’ve had the engineering firm down there and it is not a mine subsidence,” Pietkiewicz said. “It’s an old drainage culvert tied into our combined (storm water/sewage) system and we’ll be addressing that as weather permits. We’ll probably put in a small catch basin in and channel it over to the piping of the main system and backfill it.”

Pietkiewicz said that the borough will be doing repairs to fix potholes and other street problems.

“As soon as the weather breaks, we will be aggressively looking to cold patch the major streets. They are in dire need right now, and then reassessing areas for hot patch and proper tar seal,” he said.

Pietkiewicz is the chairman of the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Shenandoah board, a position he was elected to in January during the MABS reorganization. He said the authority will also look into road repairs where the authority had done water main repairs.

“I have directed the water authority to compile a list of openings in the streets so the water authority can go back and properly and professionally patch those going forward and not leaving it just to cold patch,” Pietkiewicz said. “That is the new practice that is going on with the water authority in patching their own openings in the street.”

The borough council acted on the following agenda items:

• Approved the Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau repository sale of 122 N. Jardin St. to Joseph J. Jacko on his bid of $1,500.

• Approved a handicapped parking application at 213 S. West St.

• Approved a request from AARP to pay for a senior citizen to work part-time in the borough office. Borough office manager Mary Lou Buchinsky said the organization has in the past paid for a part-time position for about 20 hours per week to assist in the office. Currently there is no one in that office position.

• Approved placing five properties on the demolition list and proceed through the proper channels for the purchase of those properties. Slater said he and council Vice President Robert D. Mychak toured the borough and identified the buildings that should be razed. The properties in question are 118 N. White St., 104 N. Bower St., 323 Furnace St. (Turkey Run), 138 N. White St. and 422 W. Cherry St.

• Referred to borough Fire Chief Russell Schumack a request made in a letter dated Dec. 15 from then-Girardville Mayor Joseph Catizone Jr., writing on behalf of the Girardville Borough Council and the Ancient Order of Hibernians Jack Kehoe Division, to allow Shenandoah Fire Police to participate in traffic control for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will be held March 30, and work with Girardville Fire Chief Frank Zangari.

• Approved a request from Shenandoah Youth Soccer Association President David Krusinsky to use borough hall for annual sign-ups. The dates are from 6 to 8 p.m. April 22 and 24, and 9 a.m. to noon April 27.

• Approved a request from Iglesia Pentecostal Casa de Oracion II to conduct a free meal to the community in front of the church, 213 W. Oak St., at least once every other month on the second Sunday of the month. Another request by the church for handing out tracts around the community and use a speaker to preach was tabled until consultation with the borough solicitor, who was not able to attend Monday’s meeting.

“We’re going to table the request for public speaking. We don’t want to violate any civil rights under free speech, we’ll refer that to the attorney,” Pietkiewicz said.

• Approved a request from the Shenandoah Borough Recreational Committee for the use of the meeting room from 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 20. Committee Chairman Eric Becker said borough residents are invited to attend the meeting, join the committee or volunteer to help with the annual Easter egg hunt. The hunt will be held at 1 p.m. April 20 at Bicentennial Field for children from ages 1 to 12. Inclement weather moves the event to the American Legion Anthony P. Damato “Medal of Honor” Post 792.

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

Girardville

The Girardville St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee has announced it will sponsor a parade kickoff dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. March 9 at the Fountain Springs Country Inn. The event will feature Irish entertainment, music and a complete dinner. A cash bar will be available. Tickets for the dinner are $30 each, with proceeds benefitting the 2019 parade. To buy tickets in advance, call Joanne Brophy, committee member, at 570-874-0286. Tickets will not be available at the door. The 2019 Girardville St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled to begin at noon March 30.

Orwigsburg

Holy Family Adult Day Care is continuing to accept applications for the day care program, which is located along Route 443 at the former St. Francis Orphanage building. The program is licensed from the state Department of Aging and provides social and activity programs, therapeutic care and support services, according to a Holy Family release. Other benefits include daytime support for caregivers, meeting the special needs of adults with Alzheimer’s disease or stroke who need supervision but not 24-hour care, assistance with medication and personal care. It provides breakfast and cooked lunch with a snack in the afternoon. Anyone 60 or older and who meets program requirements in eligible. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information or to schedule a visit, call 570-366-2924.

Pottsville

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

Ringtown

The Ringtown Valley Senior Citizens group will host an AARP driver safety refresher course March 1. The four-hour refresher course will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the senior center, 104 W. Main St. Drivers completing a driver-safety course prior to 2016 are not eligible to take the four-hour refresher course, which is open to both AARP member and non-AARP members. For more information and to register, call 570-889-3379 or 570-889-5923.

Shenandoah

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

Shenandoah

Shenandoah Valley Elementary School will have its annual Chinese auction from 4 to 8 p.m. March 1 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 2 in the elementary gymnasium. The drawing will take place at 3 p.m. March 2. All are welcome. For more information, call the elementary school at 570-462-2796.

Tamaqua

The American Cancer Society is asking people who have empty baskets that are too nice to be discarded but cluttering their homes to donate them for use for the March 24 auction to be held at the new location, the Tamaqua Area High School gymnasium. The auction will have a shop-and-drop from 6 to 8 p.m. March 23. Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. People who have baskets that “need a good home” are asked to call Mary Ann Dulaney at 570-645-4228 or email madula@ptd.net to arrange a drop-off or pickup at the cancer telethon office, 33 W. Ridge St., Lansford. Any donations for the Chinese auction will also be gratefully accepted.

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — An Orwigsburg woman is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing on charges resulting from his alleged assault against a police office in December 2018 at her residence.

Jaime Sue Cox, 42, of 205 S. Liberty St., faces charges of simple assault and harassment, each of which Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over for court after Cox waived her right to the hearing. Prosecutors withdrew charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest.

Orwigsburg police allege that Cox assaulted Patrolman Brandon Bayer at 2:18 a.m. Dec. 30, 2018.

Police said Cox kicked Bayer in his right leg while he was trying to break up a domestic violence incident. Then, when Bayer tried to arrest and handcuff Cox, she elbowed him in the face, knocking off his glasses and causing a laceration under his right eye, according to police.

Cox is free on $25,000 percentage bail pending further court action.

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

Amanda R. Berger, 38, of 133 Market St., Auburn; possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lane and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Kodie Dufour, 29, address not known; theft and receiving stolen property; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

David J. Donati, 44, of 703 Berne Drive, Auburn; stalking, loitering and prowling at nighttime, defiant trespass and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge of stalking withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Desiree C. Underwood, 38, of Tekoh, Washington; DUI, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Ted A. Voss, 33, of 213 N. George St., Pottsville; DUI, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under suspension; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Wayne J. Walz, 57, of 102 Tennis Ave., Schuylkill Haven; DUI, careless driving and two counts each of disregarding traffic lane and improper turning movements; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge of DUI bound over for court, all other charges withdrawn.

TAMAQUA — A Tamaqua man charged with raping a young girl in the borough between January 2014 and September 2015 had charges against him held for court after an hour-long preliminary hearing Tuesday.

Keith S. McFarland, now 40, of 212 N. Greenwood St., appeared before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer on charges of rape of a child, indecent assault on a person less than 13, indecent exposure and corruption of minors filed by Tamaqua police Cpl. Thomas Rodgers.

After hearing testimony from the child, who is now 8, and her mother, Bayer determined enough evidence was presented by the commonwealth to have all charges held for Schuylkill County Court.

After answering questions that demonstrated she knew the difference between the truth and a lie, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Foose had the girl tell about the events of the sexual assault.

The child testified that she was alone with McFarland in his home where she lived with her mother and two sisters. She said the attack came on an occasion when her mother and two sisters went to McDonalds’ restaurant for food. She said that was why she was alone in the house with McFarland, who then assaulted her on a table.

The child also said she did not tell her mother what happened immediately because she was scared.

Under cross-examination by McFarland’s attorney, former Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman, the child said she got up on the table when told because she “didn’t know what was happening.”

She said she wanted to go to McDonalds’ with her mother and sisters but McFarland did not want her to.

The girl’s mother told the court that the assaults were at a time when she and her children were living with McFarland at his home.

She said that, at that time, her daughter was suffering developmental problems and rarely spoke. The woman also said she was never uncomfortable leaving any of her girls alone with McFarland.

After the two witnesses were finished on the stand, Holman made a motion to dismiss the rape of a child charge saying there was no testimony to show any penetration.

Bayer told Holman that he clearly recalled the girl testifying to that effect.

Holman then withdrew her motion to dismiss and Bayer made his ruling to hold all four charges to court.

After the hearing, McFarland left the courtroom, remaining free after posting $50,000 straight cash bail set by Bayer at the time of his arrest and preliminary arraignment.

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

HOMETOWN — Rush Township police released a photograph of a man wanted in connection with a Monday morning burglary in the township.

Police said they are looking for Matthew Haydt.

Haydt is described as being 31 years old, white, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 155 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

Rush Township Police Chief Kenneth Zipovsky said Haydt is facing charges of burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property.

The chief said that Haydt is currently in the community and is reported to have no permanent address.

Anyone with information regarding Haydt’s whereabouts is urged call Rush Township police by calling 911.

Already taken into custody shortly after the 10:30 a.m. crime was Jasmine Conner, 37, of Lehighton.

Conner was charged with burglary, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.

She was arraigned Monday by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $10,000 bail.

Zipovsky said the incident unfolded when officers were called for a suspicious person in the unit block of Meadow Drive.

It was quickly learned that two people — Conner and Haydt — committed a burglary at that location.

Patrolman Michael Weaver quickly apprehended Conner while Haydt fled the area.

The chief said that all of the property taken in the burglary has been recovered.

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

Most Schuylkill County locations received a few inches of snow Wednesday, followed by an accumulation of up to a quarter inch of ice this morning, according to the National Weather Service, State College.

Although milder weather is on the way, there was the possibility of isolated power outages this morning, according to John Banghoff, NWS meteorologist.

“It’s going to be gusty, with winds at 25 to 30 miles per hour,” Banghoff said.

The freezing rain and ice accumulation, which began about 6 p.m. Wednesday, was slated to end at 2 or 3 a.m. today. At daybreak today, temperatures were forecasted to recover and were predicted to be above freezing, climbing into the 40s. Today, we’ll see decreasing clouds, he said.

Friday’s temperatures will also remain mild, reaching 40 degrees, Banghoff said.

There’s no precipitation predicted again until Sunday, he said.

Meanwhile, county residents got the snow shovels out again Wednesday. The latest storm dumped about 3.5 inches of snow in some areas of the county, including Muir, Banghoff said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Deeds

North Union Township — Adrian B. and Marilyn S. Deshotel to The Adrian B. Deshotel Revocable Trust; 50 percent interest on 114 Summit Road, Eagle Rock; $1.

Palo Alto — Debra Jean McDonald, executrix of the Estate of Angeline Rose Deramo, to Debra Jean McDonald, Ronald Dominick Dermo and Susanne Gloria Dermo; 5 W. Savory St.; $1.

Debra Jean McDonald, Ronald Dominick Dermo and Susanne Gloria Dermo to Debra Jean McDonald; 5 W. Savory St.; $1.

Pine Grove Township — Brenda Beuchler and Debra Joseph, co-executrices of the Last Will & Testament of Monroe A. Kintzel, to V. James Giacovelli; 229 Sweet Arrow Lake Road; $69,000.

Rush Township — Hometown Square LLC to Seitz Brothers Property Holding Inc.; property at Wyoming Street and Claremont Avenue, Hometown; $450,000.

William K. Klotz and William R. Klotz to William K. Klotz; 50 Wayne Ave., Hometown; $1.

Shenandoah — Helen M. Kufrovich, executrix of the Estate of William A. Slezosky, to Kiomara Joaquin; 34 N. White St.; $35,900.

NBC’s “TODAY” will air a segment with Yuengling Brewery’s sixth generation — sisters Jen, Wendy, Debbie and Sheryl Yuengling — this morning.

The segment, part of the show’s new “Behind the Brand” series, follows host Dylan Dreyer as she toured Yuengling and spoke to the sisters about the brewery’s 190-year history and running a family-owned business.

It’s scheduled to air between 9:30 and 9:40 a.m. today, according to Kelly Nguyen, an account executive with Tierney, Philadelphia, and spokeswoman for Yuengling.

NBC’s television crew and Dreyer traveled from New York City to Pottsville on Jan. 31 to visit “America’s Oldest Brewery.” Nguyen shared some behind-the-scenes photos from the “TODAY” show shoot in an email Wednesday.

Some photos feature Dreyer interviewing the Yuengling siblings; others show a “TODAY” show cameraman capturing the canning of Yuengling’s limited-edition 190th anniversary commemorative cans.

“These five commemorative cans pay tribute to Yuengling’s enduring history, and the entrepreneurial spirit and relentless determination that has made it America’s Oldest Brewery. The cans are collectors’ items, and Yuengling is releasing a new can design each month between December 2018 and April 2019,” the company’s website, www.yuengling.com, says.

More information on the brewery and its 190th anniversary celebrations slated for this year can be found at its website.

For Dreyer’s series, visit www.today.com.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

VALLEY VIEW — Beside that kitschy magnet from a favored vacation hot spot could be another refrigerator adornment that may actually save your life.

The Hegins-Valley View Rotary Club and several fire departments and EMS crews in the county’s west end have coordinated a program to make sure you get one for free.

Called the File of Life, it’s a bright, red magnetic plastic pocket that attaches to the refrigerator and contains vital medical information about the home’s residents. It’s designed to streamline the response time of rescuers in the event of an emergency.

“We wanted to do something to help the community. The Rotary Club bought the first 5,000 (pockets) and we also got sponsors,” Robin Otto, club secretary, said. “There’s no proof of residency needed. We’d like to see every household have one of these.”

In addition to the Rotary Club, other sponsors are: Penn Valley Printing & Design Inc.; Klingerstown Fire Company; Mahantongo Fire Company; Mahantongo Valley Ambulance Association; Sacramento Community Fire Company; Gratz Fire Company; Hegins Area Ambulance Association; Hegins Valley Fire Rescue; Phoenix Rehabilitation & Health Services, Gratz; and Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, Pottsville.

“It’s been a combined effort to do this,” Conner Herb, 17, of Valley View, said. Herb, a Tri-Valley High School and Schuylkill Technology Center senior, has served as a liaison with the first responders. He’s a member of the Mahantongo and Sacramento fire departments and also HAAA.

Public meetings have been scheduled to allow people to obtain the free pockets and get assistance if they need help filling out the medical information card inside.

The first public meeting is at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Sacramento Community Fire Company. Other meetings are set for 9 a.m. March 4, also at Sacramento CFC; 6 to 8 p.m. March 13 at HVFR, Hegins; 7 p.m. April 25 at Salem UCC in Klingerstown; and possibly at the HAAA, Valley View, on April 27 at a time to be determined. Other community events, like the Klingerstown Carnival in June, may also be a location to share the life-saving tool.

Otto said this latest program expands a previous effort that HAAA had been conducting at area senior citizens meetings. She said a former rotary member, Douglas Dockey, had introduced the idea to the club.

“We spoke to the first responders in the area and they were very enthusiastic,” she said.

During planning meetings that began last October, the rotary club asked first responders to look at the medical cards to see if there was anything else they’d like to include on them. Otto also asked her niece, Emily Ahlers, MD, an emergency room doctor, to review the medical cards to see what else may be pertinent in an emergency situation, especially if a person is found unconscious.

They included questions like if the patients had any stents, metal in their body, were on a blood thinner, were taking oxygen or had any residual paralysis from a prior condition. The card also lists medications taken, allergies, recent surgeries and other health ailments.

Each person in a household should fill out an individual medical card, but each family only needs one “file” on their refrigerator. All the cards can be placed in there unless they have an exceptionally large family. They should be completed in pencil. A door decal is also placed on the home’s outside door to notify arriving EMTs that a File of Life is available.

Sacramento Community Fire Company Chief Ronald Radel posted a video on the fire department’s Facebook page explaining details of the local effort.

“It doesn’t take long to fill out the card, but it can save a life,” Radel said in a phone conversation Tuesday.

Years ago, people may remember a “vial” program, where similar information was kept in a pill bottle-type container inside of their refrigerators. The problem was “like old leftovers, the vials sometimes got pushed to the back,” and weren’t able to be easily found, according to Radel.

The File of Life Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit corporation that promotes life-saving ideas. It’s “active in 50 states and has been implemented by police, fire, sheriff’s departments, civic groups, senior services, hospitals and medical organizations,” according to the corporation’s website, www.folife.org.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — For ex-prisoners to succeed after their terms behind bars end, they need guidance and support, and a Pottsville-based group told Schuylkill County Prison Board members on Wednesday that it is the one to provide it.

“I feel really hopeful about this,” Brittany Ketchem, the forensic/re-entry case manager with Clinical Outcomes Group Inc., said of the group’s re-entry program, which the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency helped to fund.

Ketchem said the group, popularly known as COGI, provides customized support for the inmates, whom she prefers to call clients instead of offenders.

“I assess the client’s personal needs,” along with their attitudes, beliefs and skills, she said. Ketchem said she assesses them before they leave prison.

COGI also assesses clients’ basic needs, including clothing, food and shelter, along with health care coverage, transportation, legal concerns, children, family and social counseling, education, work skills and life skills, Ketchem said.

Such assessments help not only the clients but society in general, according to Ketchem.

“There are people who are high to moderate risks for re-offending. Many of them require some type of drug and alcohol treatment,” she said. “This high recidivism rate has consequences for everyone.”

She said that according to the state Department of Corrections, 31.1 percent of inmates have a high risk of re-offending, while 43.9 percent have a moderate risk of re-offending.

Ketchem said COGI is a treatment facility, so prospective clients need to have at least one substance abuse problem before the agency will accept them. However, she said 64 percent of released inmates require drug and alcohol treatment, so finding clients is not a problem in that respect.

“We are receiving a steady referral rate,” Ketchem said.

In other business, Warden Eugene Berdanier said Northumberland County has agreed to accept prisoners from Schuylkill County Prison.

“This is an official contract,” Berdanier said.

Northumberland thereby joins Berks, Centre, Columbia and Lackawanna counties, which house one, 31, 28 and eight Schuylkill County inmates, respectively. Snyder County also has housed Schuylkill County inmates.

Berdanier said the county paid $102,591.94 for such temporary housing in January. Schuylkill is outsourcing inmates to other counties in an effort to relieve overcrowding in its own prison.

Berdanier also said that the waterproofing project has been completed, but the new entrance ramp will not be finished until warmer weather arrives and asphalt is available.

Sheriff Joseph G. Groody, who chairs the board’s personnel committee, said he will be making offers to three people, and conditional offers to two, for employment of correctional officers. There are one full-time and eight part-time positions available.

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

Friedensburg

St. John’s Reformed Church, 17 Chestnut St. (off Route 443 behind the fire station), will have a baked ziti dinner fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. March 2 to benefit a family affected by a fire in Port Carbon. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children. All are welcome. More information about the church is available online at sjreformed.com.

Gordon

Citizens Fire Company No. 1 will have a homemade soup and bake sale beginning at 10 a.m. March 2 at the firehouse. The cost is $8 per quart. For more information, call 570-590-9004. On Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. during the Lenten season March 8 through April 5, the company will have Lenten pizza sales, baked or unbaked. The cost is $7 for plain pizza and $8 for pepperoni or mushroom. To order or for more information, call the aforementioned number.

Mahanoy City

St. Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Parish is sponsoring a day trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey, for the St. Patrick’s Day Boardwalk Parade on March 9. Participants will leave at 9 a.m. from the St. Cecilia Chapel, South Catawissa St., and arrive at the Tropicana Casino at 11:45 a.m. The cost is $35, with $25 slot rebate. The bus will depart from Atlantic City at 6:30 p.m. for the return trip. For more information or to reserve a seat call Kathy at 570-773-0378 or Tom 570-773-0838.

Minersville

The Minersville Fire Rescue Company will have a chicken pot pie dinner beginning at 4 p.m. March 2 at the firehouse. Dinners also include a side salad, dessert and beverage. Patrons may eat at the firehouse or take meals out. Dinner are $8 each and quarts of pot pie are $7 each. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-544-9528.

New Philadelphia

AMVETS Post 256 will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 28. For more information, call 570-277-6031.

Pottsville

People who plan to attend the adult mini golf event at the Pottsville Public Library from 6 to 9 p.m. March 1 must buy tickets in advance at the library by Feb. 25. Tickets are $35 per person. Those planning to attend the family mini golf event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 2 may buy tickets on the day of the event. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children under 16.

Pottsville

The Conversation Café, 110 E. Arch St., features conversation from 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays.

Pottsville

Libraries in the Pottsville Library District will join to host “Cupcake War” beginning at noon March 10 at Fairlane Village mall, Route 61. People can register at participating libraries — Ashland, Orwigsburg, Pottsville, Ringtown, Tamaqua or Tremont — by March 4. People can register to be bakers ($10) or tasters/judges ($5). Age categories are under 18 and 18 and older. Bakers will need to bake three dozen of the same flavor cupcakes, which will be judges by display, a single cupcake and taste. Cupcakes will be sold after the competition to the general public at six for $5 to benefit the participating libraries. People can register in advance at one of the participating libraries or register on the day of the event. For more information, call 570-366-1638.

Pottsville

An event titled “Art as Healing: An expressive journey for survivors” will begin at noon March 4 at the Pottsville Free Public Library. The exhibit will be on display until March 11. The library, according the release, has partnered with Schuylkill Women in Crisis for the exhibit that “shows survivors’ artistic expressions of their experiences of abuse transformed into something beautiful.” All of the art to be displayed was created by women and children in art classes at SWiC. The use of art is a means of “empowerment and healing,” organizers said in the release.

Ringtown

A four-hour AARP driver safety refresher course for people who completed a course within the last three years will be held beginning at 11 a.m. March 1 at the Ringtown Area Senior Citizens Center, West Main Street. For more information, call 570-889-5923.

There’s a Chinese proverb that goes like this, “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” I agree. There’s a certain satisfaction one gets from watching something that was gently planted and lovingly nurtured, flourish over time.

Some years ago, I bought about half a dozen bundles of bare root seedlings from the Sweet Arrow Lake Annual Seedling Sale, a joint effort of SAL Conservation Association and the Schuylkill Conservation District. Today, well, not specifically today, but come spring, those baby trees and bushes will be full, lush and beautiful adult versions, some of which are now about 12 feet tall.

More than just providing privacy screening, filling in bare areas and beautifying your property, these sprouts will eventually furnish wildlife habitat, improve the environment, could help you save on home heating and air conditioning costs and may even increase your property value.

SAL is now taking orders for this year’s sale. These plants are unbelievably affordable. Each bundle has five or 10 seedlings and sells for either $8 or $9. That’s about $1 per plant!

Plant choices rotate by year and you may find some wonderful additions to compliment your current landscaping. This year’s offerings are concolor fir, Norway spruce, Eastern white pine, red oak, Sargent crabapple, arrowwood viburnum, silky dogwood and American cranberry. I highly recommend the American cranberry, which were about 2 feet tall at my time of purchase and are now more than twice as tall as myself, provide great screening and the red berries bring beautiful color to a winter white ground cover.

Bare root seedlings are 2 to 4 years old and range in height from about half a foot to 30 inches. You can find plant descriptions, pricing and order forms on the SAL website at www.sweetarrowlake.com or by emailing procupinepat@yahoo.com. Order deadline is April 3, with pick up at SAL on April 27.

The Schuylkill Headwaters Association is excited to announce the 2019 Schuylkill Acts and Impacts application is now available for students in grades 9 through 12 in the Schuylkill River watershed who are interested in environmental science. The program will run from June 15-22. The application can be downloaded directly from the website at www.schuylkillheadwaters.org. Call 570-391-3336 for questions.

Schuylkill On the Move invites you to shake off those winter blahs by enjoying a crisp walk outdoors with “Porcupine Pat” at 10 a.m. Saturday at Sweet Arrow Lake, Pine Grove. Look for winter weeds, winter birds and enjoy the winter scenery on the invigorating stroll. Meet in the clubhouse parking lot.

“Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr.” will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Majestic Theater, Pottsville. Tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4044614 or by calling 570-628-4647.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament will be held at the Pottsville Free Public Library at 10 a.m. Saturday. The tournament is open to children ages 12-17. snacks and refreshments will be provided, along with prizes for participants. Register by calling 570-622-8880 or email potchild@pottsvillelibrary.org.

Art of Escape is taking place at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center each weekend in February. Can you escape the room of your choice by finding clues, solving puzzles, collecting artifacts and other challenging tasks within one hour? Build your own team of four to six members or join another. Fee is $5 per person. Limited number of participants, so register quickly at 570-668-1192 or info@tamaquaarts.org.

Summer reading camp volunteers

Responsibility: Work in a classroom as part of a team to support children who are experiencing challenges with reading. Help to prepare materials, engage the children in hands-on learning activities and games, read to some children one-on-one, accompany them to the library and assist with serving meals and snacks.

Times: 8:15 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. July 8-12.

Skills: Must enjoy working with children, be able to work as part of a team, be reliable, have good communication skills and patience. Some prior experience working with children is helpful, but not necessary. Free Child Abuse and Criminal History Clearances required. A 90-minute online training on recognizing child abuse is required.

Location: Trinity Episcopal Church, Pottsville

Contact: Barbara Tokarz at bpt9@verizon.net or 570-739-4123.

Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Use the preceding contact informaion for those specific opportunities and search other listings on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Find us on Facebook. Call us at 570-628-1426 or email jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

POTTSVILLE — A Minersville man is guilty of violating a protection from abuse order against him, a Schuylkill County judge ruled this month.

Kevin S. Wenner, 37, is guilty of indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom, Senior Judge D. Michael Stine decided.

Stine promptly sentenced Wenner to pay costs and a $300 fine. He also extended the PFA order against Wenner to Nov. 2, 2020.

Reilly Township police charged Wenner with violating the order on Nov. 15, 2018, in the township.

Stine found two other men not guilty of indirect criminal contempt for allegedly violating the PFA orders against them.

Vanardi Legrand Jr., 40, of Mahanoy City, had been charged by Saint Clair police with violating the order against him on Jan. 11 in the borough.

Devin Moerder, 21, of Tamaqua, had been charged by Tamaqua police with violating the order against him on Dec. 4, 2018, in the borough.

Also in the county court, Ryan F. Gallo, 42, of Allentown, pleaded guilty to agricultural trespasser on posted land and possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of scattering rubbish.

Judge Charles M. Miller accepted the plea, and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, placed Gallo on probation for 24 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $432 restitution.

Kline Township police had charged Gallo with trespassing and possessing paraphernalia on July 3, 2017, in the township.

Also in the county court, Melissa Wilson, 41, of Ashland, pleaded guilty to retail theft.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin accepted the plea, and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, placed her on probation for 12 months and also sentenced her to pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Saint Clair police had charged Wilson with committing the theft on Aug. 21, 2017, in the borough.

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

Man escapes injury in I-81 crash

PINE GROVE — A Pine Grove man escaped injury when the 2018 Hyundai SUV he was driving crashed in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81, at mile marker 98.7 in Swatara Township, Lebanon County, around 6:20 a.m. Monday.

State police at Jonestown said William Hoffman, 59, was driving north in the right lane when he fell asleep, causing the vehicle to go off the road and onto the shoulder.

The vehicle then hit the end of a guide rail, continued and hit a state Department of Transportation sign before coming to a stop near a tree line where it became stuck in the mud, police said.

As a result of the crash, police said, Hoffman will be cited for driving on the wrong side of the road.

Woman arrested for retail theft

ASHLAND — A Mount Carmel woman was arrested by Ashland police and charged with retail theft after an incident at Boyer’s Food Market on East Centre Street around 11 a.m. Dec. 27.

Police said Courtney Lynn Adukaitis-Smith, 39, of 202 S. Orange St., entered the store with a man and stole several items before exiting.

Officers stopped the vehicle they fled in a short time later and found the two with stolen items valued at $6.76, including iced tea and an unopened box of pancake mix.

The woman and man, later identified as Justin T. Conner, 33, were taken back to the store where store employees confirmed they were the two responsible for the theft.

Man arrested for unlicensed firearms

MAHANOY CITY — A man was arrested by Mahanoy City police after an incident at 101 E. Centre St. around 1:35 a.m. Jan. 11.

Police said James N. Pester, 49, of 37 Main St., Box 6, Quakake, was charged with firearms not to be carried without a license.

Police said officers were called to the Cocoa Hut store for a report of EMS being called for a man with chest pain.

At the scene, police said, officers went to the vehicle that the man, later identified as Pester, was sitting in and saw a double barrel shotgun on the passenger’s side floor and seat.

In addition to the shotgun, police said, Pester was in possession of a loaded .22-caliber handgun that he had in his front coat pocket.

Police said Pester told the officers he had the weapons because he had been threatened and that a bunch of men want to kill him, accusing him of raping someone.

Man arrested for reckless driving

MAHANOY CITY — A borough man was arrested by Mahanoy City police and charged with reckless driving after an incident in the area of 800 E. Centre St. around 9 p.m. Feb. 2.

Police said officers received a complaint about reckless driving and observed Hector M. Alvarez, 67, of 218 E. Mahanoy City, operating a 1995 Chrysler, almost hitting two vehicles in the 600 block of East Centre Street.

Officers conducted a vehicle stop and observed the man with slurred speech and showing signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Alvarez declined to submit to a blood alcohol test and, police said, a field sobriety test was not performed due to the man’s need to use a cane and the fact that he is not able to use one of his arms due to him suffering a stroke.

Man arrested for trespass incidents

McADOO — A Nuremberg man was arrested by McAdoo police and charged with criminal trespass after incidents earlier this month.

Police said Tyler Palermo, 24, will have to answer to the charge before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua.

Police said Palermo was on Fegley’s Mini Mart property on Feb. 5 and 7 after being verbally told he was not allowed on the property effective Feb. 4.

Man allegedly lied to police, drove off

McADOO — A Bath man was charged by McAdoo police after he tried to flee officers during a traffic stop in the borough on Jan. 31.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle driven by Jacob Youngkin, 28, for tinted windows.

The man identified himself as Jacob Richner, but when a record check showed no such person, Youngkin refused to exit his car and then drove away with his front-seat passenger hanging out of the passenger door waving frantically to officers, police said.

The vehicle turned onto Interstate 81, at which time the Schuylkill County Communications Center received a call from the passenger, police said, adding that the vehicle could not be located.

An investigation revealed that Youngkin was the driver and that his license was suspended, DUI related.

As a result of the incident, police said, they charged Youngkin with fleeing or attempting to elude police, false identification to law enforcement, obstructing the administration of law, careless driving, driving under suspension-DUI related and a violation for the window tint.

Police to charge 3 in Ashland arrest

ASHLAND — Ashland police said charges are pending against a man and woman after officers went to an apartment looking for a wanted person around 12:20 p.m. Tuesday.

Police said officers went to 1004 Centre St. and spoke to Jack Greeves, 42, the man renting the rear apartment.

While speaking with the man, police said, officers saw in plain view on a dining room table an open black box, a cut straw and a mirror that had a white powdery substance on it.

Also visible were two cut straws and about 250 glassine baggies, police said, adding that officers also found Jason Fanelli, 39, who was wanted on a domestic relations warrant, asleep on a couch.

Fanelli emptied his pockets and had a glass tube with burn marks, commonly used to smoke methamphetamine, and a pill bottle containing suspected methamphetamine.

Police said Fanelli was taken to prison on the warrant and that charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance will be filed against him.

Also inside the home was Brian Cyr, 30, who identified himself as Zachary Cyr, and it was learned he was also wanted on an outstanding warrant. Inside a room where Cyr stayed, police said, they found an open safe in plain view that contained about 1,200 empty wax paper baggies, a scale with a white powdery substance on it and two empty glassine baggies.

Cyr will be charged with false identification to law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.

Also in the room was Amber Manhart, who fled out a back door. She is facing charges of possession of drug paraphernalia as well, police said.

POTTSVILLE — The city council authorized Administrator Thomas A. Palamar to transfer two parcels to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pottsville at its recent meeting.

The city properties are 410 W. Norwegian St. and 815 Minersville St.

“It is so small that we couldn’t do anything with it ourselves,” Palamar said of 410 W. Norwegian St. at the Feb. 11 meeting.

As for the other property, the city was going to give it to Schuylkill Women in Crisis. It became available after the city bought the property at a tax claim sale for $1 and used county demolition funding money it received to demolish the property in 2018. The owner died, leaving the property to deteriorate. Palamar said the plan is still to give it to SWIC, but it is easier if it is done through the redevelopment authority.

In other business, the council authorized Palamar to execute an agreement between the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the city related to federal grant money the city will be eligible for because of the Aug. 10-15 flooding. President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration in November. Entities eligible to receive the aid include local governments, authorities, school districts and nonprofits. Applicants can receive up to 75 percent of costs for expenses due to the flooding.

Palamar said the city didn’t have any meetings yet about the money. The city’s damage estimate is $1,479,000. Most of that is related to the damage on Progress Avenue, which has a price tag of $1.3 million.

Also, the council voted to require a form be completed when an entity wants to put a utility pole in the city. The form asks basic information such as who is requesting the pole and contact information.

“We just want to make sure we know who we are dealing with,” Palamar said.

Previously, the city didn’t have the exact contact about a pole installed downtown. A permit was filled out for electrical work on a pole but tracking down the person responsible for the pole took a lot of phone calls, Palamar said.

Meanwhile, the first reading of the change in parking meter rates was read. A second reading is needed. The proposed rate will go up 25 cents to 75 cents per hour in the central business district. The Pottsville Parking Authority voted at its monthly meeting in February to reduce the time given for a quarter to 20 minutes in the central business district. Currently, a quarter will get 30 minutes at the parking meters. Meters are enforced from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The last increase was in March 2003 when rates went up at hundreds of meters in the city from 25 cents for an hour to 25 cents for 30 minutes, according to The Republican-Herald archives.

The following appointments were made to city boards, commissions and authorities effective Feb. 11:

• John Albertini and Charles Taronis reappointed to the zoning hearing board to Jan. 9, 2022

• Mary Ann Conway Gursky reappointed to the Shade Tree Commission to Jan. 9, 2024

• Michael Muncy and Christina Di Cello reappointed to the hospital authority to the first Monday in January 2024

• Frederick Lutkus and Craig Shoener reappointed to the planning commission to Feb. 9, 2023

• Yongcheol Kim reappointed to the board of appeals to February 2022

• Ralph Jaeger reappointed to the historical architectural review board to January 2022

• Jennifer Gavenas and William “Bill” Casey appointed to the Shade Tree Commission to February 2024

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — Financial foresight enabled Schuylkill County authorities to meet contractual obligations to their employees without having to perform monetary tricks, the commissioners announced during their Wednesday work session.

The commissioners approved the transfer of $461,096 to county administration from the contingency fund for back pay obligations to employees for contracts that have been settled recently. The money is payable from the 2018 budget.

However, Director of Finance Paul E. Buber said there is no cause for alarm, since the money already is in the contingency fund.

“This doesn’t increase the actual budget,” Buber said. “We anticipated this.”

Commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. and Commissioner Gary J. Hess approved of Buber’s prudence.

“Thanks for your foresight in this,” Halcovage said.

Also, the commissioners moved forward with two demolition projects, approving a cooperation agreement with Gilberton for 2401-2403 Water St. Each of those houses is in bad shape, according to Michelle O’Connell of the grant writer’s office.

“I believe the one’s fallen in,” O’Connell said.

She also said that while they are not two half-double houses, the buildings are close to each other.

“They’re together,” O’Connell said. “Both of them are coming down.”

In the other project, the county will advertise for the demolition of 15 N. Main St., Shenandoah, under the Community Development Block Grant program. Bids are due in the controller’s office on March 11, will be opened at 9 a.m. March 13, and a tentative award date for the contract has been set for March 20.

“That’s a commercial property,” across the street from Francesco’s restaurant in Shenandoah’s business district, O’Connell said. “It was involved in a fire on Feb. 14, 2016.”

O’Connell said the building at 9-11 N. Main St. already has been demolished.

The commissioners also voted to appoint Robert S. Carl Jr., Orwigsburg, Jeanne B. Porter, West Brunswick Township, and Mark J. Scarbinsky, Saint Clair, as members of the county Board of Elections.

Halcovage said that since all three commissioners are running for re-election this year, none can serve on the board.

In another matter, the commissioners voted to advertise for bids for the unit costs for Narcan/naloxone. Bids for that are due in the controller’s office on March 4, will be opened at 9 a.m. March 6, and a tentative award date for the contract has been set for March 13.

The Narcan and naloxone, each of which is an anti-opioid emergency medication, will be in injectable doses of 2 milligrams and nasal doses of 4 milligrams under the terms of the contract.

Also, the commissioners approved a 2018 budget adjustment of $11,000 for the Office of Senior Services. Buber said the adjustment involves a transfer of money between line items and involves no additional spending.

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

SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS — The West Mahanoy Township supervisors appointed Lauren Amato, of Shenandoah Heights, to fill a vacancy on the board at Tuesday’s regular meeting.

On Feb. 1, Vice Chairman Joseph M. Sweeney, of Lost Creek, died unexpectedly in the fourth year of his six-year term. He was elected as supervisor in the 2015 General Election and sworn in Jan. 4, 2016, and became vice chairman on Jan. 3, 2017. He has previously served as supervisor chairman from Jan. 3, 2006, to Jan. 2, 2009, when he resigned due to health reasons.

A moment of silence was called by board Chairman David “Lucky” Lukashunas in Sweeney’s memory when the meeting began.

“As a supervisor, Joe was the chairman of the safety committee, a voting delegate to the Northern Schuylkill COG, and also served as the liaison to the road crew, the police department and the North Schuylkill Landfill Association at various times through his public service as supervisor for West Mahanoy Township. He will be deeply missed by all,” Lukashunas said.

Supervisors Lukashunas and Joseph Monahan moved on to appoint Amato to the vacancy. Amato was administered the oath of office by Magisterial District Judge Christina Hale, Frackville, after which she took her seat at the supervisors table, which she shares with her husband, James Amato, who is the township solicitor.

In a related matter, Monahan was elected as the new vice chairman.

The supervisors approved advertising an ordinance (2019-2) involving parking restrictions in Shenandoah Heights. The new ordinance will amend parking restriction in Ordinance 2017-2.

The amendment for the new parking restrictions states:

• For the west side of Ringtown Road/Cemetery Road at the intersection with Pennsylvania Avenue and continuing to Schuylkill Avenue.

•For both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue beginning at the intersection of Schuylkill Avenue and continuing to the intersection of Ringtown Road/Cemetery Road, where Weston Place begins.

The exceptions include handicapped parking, temporary parking for 15 minutes on the length of property owned by West Mahanoy Township (190 Pennsylvania Ave.) on the south side of the street at the municipal office. This limited parking is for business conducted at the township office and other services.

Violators will be subject to a fine or penalty of $25.

Formal adoption of the ordinance is expected at the March 20 meeting.

The supervisors also accepted the restitution payment of $15,000 for the emergency demolition by the township of the collapsed property at 275 Ohio Ave. in Shenandoah Heights. The reimbursement was made by owner Larry Gilbert.

On Nov. 19, the roof on the property fell in on itself, prompting the closing of Ohio Avenue and Norton Way due to the fear of further collapse. An outside wall facing the intersection showed signs that it could fall onto Ohio Avenue. The supervisors retained the services of Kass Contracting, Shenandoah, for the demolition.

In other business, the township received a letter from Service Electric Cablevision requesting the commencement of renewal proceedings for the franchise agreement with the township to provide cable TV service. The current 10-year agreement expires at the end of 2019.

The supervisors accepted a letter from road crew employee David Yashinsky notifying them that he plans to retire as of March 29. Lukashunas thanked Yashinsky for his 40-plus years of service to the township and said he will be missed.

The supervisors voted to advertise for a full-time road employee who meets all CDL requirements.

The supervisors approved moving the pension plan management for the uniform and nonuniform plans to CBIZ Investment Advisory Services from Morgan Stanley, which is no longer servicing municipal accounts.

The repository sale of 12 Convent Road, Lost Creek, to Francis Jarinko on his bid of $1,500 was approved by the supervisors.

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

PORT CARBON — Two brothers and a woman were jailed Wednesday after being arrested by Minersville police for stealing a car on Valentine’s Day.

Joseph M. Yurkonis, 25, and Justin M. Yurkonis, 20, both of 506 Tunnel Road, Pottsville, and Kelly Sue Williams, 49, currently homeless, were charged by Patrolman Timothy Walsh for allegedly stealing a 2010 Toyota Tundra from 422 Lytle St. around 6 a.m.

Justin and Joseph Yurkonis were each charged with one felony count each of theft, conspiracy to commit theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy to commit receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit criminal mischief and one misdemeanor count each of theft from a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit theft from a motor vehicle and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Walsh charged Williams with felony crimes of receiving stolen property, conspiracy to commit receiving stolen property, theft from a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit theft from a motor vehicle, criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit criminal mischief and misdemeanor offenses of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko set bail at $50,000 straight cash for each of the three and ordered them committed to Schuylkill County Prison.

Although Williams did not have the number of charges that the Yurkonis brothers had, Plachko said he set her bail the same because she has a record of not showing up for court as required.

“You don’t show up Kelly,” the judge said. “That’s how it goes when you don’t show up, you have a history of not appearing.”

Walsh said police were notified around 6 a.m. by William Yeastedt who reported his Toyota truck was stolen from in front of his home. The man said he was warming the truck up for work and when he came out of his house the vehicle was gone.

On Feb. 15, Walsh said, he learned the stolen truck was seen at Kreiser’s Quick Shop in Tremont being fueled. Video from the business showed the truck pulling in and a man believed to be Joseph Yurkonis and a woman positively identified as Williams getting out and entering the store.

Once inside, Walsh said the video shows Williams stealing sandwiches and food and placing them in her purse while Joseph Yurkonis counts change and pays for $10 in gas.

Later that day, around 11:30 p.m., Walsh said, he learned Williams had an outstanding bench warrant on her and that she and the Yurkonis brothers were at a home at 712 Sunbury St. in Minersville.

Minersville officers, along with those from Cass and Branch townships, went to the home, receiving permission to search the building by the owner and took the brothers and Williams into custody.

A search led to the discovery of the keys to the stolen truck along with numerous tools and personal items valued at more than $500 in clothing owned by the three, Walsh said.

When interviewed, Walsh said, Williams reported the Yurkonis brothers stole the vehicle with Joseph driving. The investigation led to Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers reviewing security video from around the Yeastedt home that showed two men near the vehicle just prior to it being stolen.

Williams went on to report that after stealing the truck, the men picked her up and the three began using the truck and going off roading, Walsh said.

Walsh said that around 12:40 a.m. Saturday, Williams escorted police to a secluded location where the truck was found with a substantial amount of cosmetic and structural damage, which included the transmission being rendered inoperable.

All three will now have to appear for preliminary hearings. Plachko tentatively scheduled the hearings for the Yurkonis brothers for 10 a.m. Tuesday and Williams for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, all in his Port Carbon courtroom.

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

POTTSVILLE — The Pottsville Area School District is investigating an alleged hazing incident by members of the high school football team involving a mentally disabled student.

An undated letter provided to The Republican-Herald, school board members and other media outlets from an anonymous parent says a student on the team told the parent about the incident allegedly taking place during the football season. The allegations noted in the letter include “members of the junior class” exposing themselves to the disabled student, and other details.

Pottsville Area Superintendent Jeffrey S. Zwiebel released a statement Thursday.

“Once the allegations reached my office, I authorized and directed the commencement of a complete, full and detailed investigation,” he said. “The allegations are serious and as a result, the investigation, which is still ongoing, is a high priority. It involves a sport team that happens to have many players and coaches.”

He continued: “There is an obligation to treat all the parties involved fairly and look at any action based on what is actually uncovered during the course of the investigation.”

The anonymous letter also claims coaches were made aware of the situation and nothing was done. It also alleges other hazing incidents, such as urinating on a football uniform and another players’ equipment.

The letter goes on to state that football players are afraid to say anything because they don’t think anything will be done about it.

“As a parent who expects my child to behave in a reputable manor, I am appalled that a coaching staff would accept this behavior from any athlete without reprimand and punishment,” the letter reads. “This behavior is reprehensible. These athletes are preying on a disabled student. Athletes should be held to a higher standard and set an example for others to follow when representing his or her high school.”

John Freund, attorney with King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul LLC, Bethlehem, the firm representing the school district, said the district received a letter about the allegations by mail Feb. 5.

“At that point, the district began immediately investigating the allegations and suggestions of what may have occurred,” Freund said.

Freund said the Pottsville Bureau of Police were notified “very shortly after that and they were given a copy of the letter.” Freund said he didn’t know exactly when the police were notified, but he said it was “within a day or so.”

Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said that on Feb. 7, his department was made aware of the anonymous letter the school district received on Feb. 5 and immediately contacted the family of the person identified as a victim.

“We have remained in close contact with the family and have been asked by them to not initiate a criminal investigation at this time while they work to find a positive resolution with the school district,” the chief said.

Wojciechowsky added, “We are currently respecting their request but assured them we would conduct an independent investigation if and when they desired.”

In the meantime, the chief said Pottsville police are proactively working cooperatively with another agency that has become involved and, as that situation progresses, information will be released when appropriate.

Freund was unable to provide information on any personnel actions resulting from the allegations.

“We are trying to protect everybody’s interest and trying to get to the truth,” Freund said.

The Republican-Herald is not identifying the victim nor the mother.

The mother of the victim said she was aware of the alleged incident.

“I’m aware of the letter. I’ve seen it. I’m aware of the allegations,” she said.

She would not say if she spoke with Zwiebel.

“At this point, they are allegations. I don’t know what happened,” she said.

She said she felt “comfortable” at this point with how the incident was being handled.

“My sole goal is to protect my child,” she said.

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