James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — Two men await Schuylkill County Court action after each waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Tuesday on a charge that they possessed stolen property in October 2018 in Wayne Township.

Devon Krammes, 21, of 10 Hilltop Mobile Home Park, Schuylkill Haven, and John R. Werbacher Jr., 20, of 1074 Indian Cove, Lake Wynonah, Auburn, are each charged with receiving stolen property. Prosecutors withdrew charges of burglary, criminal trespass and theft against each man.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged that each man possessed an Xbox One X game system, a jar holding $30 in change, a bag holding $20 in antique money and a black safe on Oct. 29-30, 2018, in Lake Wynonah.

Krammes is free on $5,000 percentage cash bail, while Werbacher is free on $10,000 percentage cash bail.

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

Johnathan M. Beck, 27, of 3755 Sweet Arrow Lake Road, Pine Grove; aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, accident involving death or personal injury, DUI, careless driving, failure to stop and give information, accident involving damage to unattended vehicle or property, failure to notify police of accident and two counts of disregarding traffic lane; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence and accident involving death or personal injury withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Ralph J. Castellano Jr., 60, of 40 Spehrley Lane, New Ringgold; DUI, DUI while suspended and no rear lights; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges of DUI and no rear lights withdrawn, other charge bound over for court.

Colton J. Cryts, 23, of 2 Wildflower Drive, Schuylkill Haven; DUI, disregarding traffic lane, careless driving and violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages; charges held for court after preliminary hearing.

Timothy E. Ginther, 47, of 15 Centre Lane, Orwigsburg; DUI and adulteration or misbranding of a controlled substance; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge of adulteration or misbranding of a controlled substance withdrawn, other charge bound over for court.

Brandon L. Krobert, 21, of 3445 Sweet Arrow Lake Road, Pine Grove; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana withdrawn, other charge bound over for court.

Melvin E. Letcher, 60, of 15 River Road, New Ringgold; DUI and improper turning movements; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Jessica V. Peavy, 30, of 507 N. Second St., Lebanon; possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Taylor L. Skwait, 24, of 2005 Long Run Road, Schuylkill Haven; DUI and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Taylor R. Weigand, 26, of 1680 Mount Hope Ave., Pottsville; DUI, disregarding traffic lane, careless driving and possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge of DUI withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

(Staff writer Peter E. Bortner compiled this report)

ASHLAND - Fire destroyed five buildings, including a business, while several others were damaged on the borough's main street early Sunday morning.

Firefighters were called around 3:40 a.m. to the 100 block of West Centre Street for a report of a house fire and found the back of several buildings engulfed in flames.

Ashland fire Chief Philip Groody immediately called for a second alarm and then a third alarm as the fire began to spread to the east and west.

The M & M Sandwich Shop at 100 W. Centre St. along with homes at 102, 104, 106 and 108 W. Centre St were destroyed. Damage was also done to 110 and 112 W. Centre St. as firefighters tried to stop flames from spreading to the west.

Crews from Schuylkill and Northumberland counties worked for two hours to bring the fire under control and no injuries were immediately reported.

For more information please check back or see Monday's Republican-Herald.

GIRARDVILLE — The Girardville St. Patrick’s Parade Committee is still accepting registrations for floats, vendors and participants for the 16th annual parade, which commences promptly at noon Saturday.

The giant parade will feature several divisions and at least 11 bands with numerous additional floats, antique vehicles and special entries. The theme of this year’s parade is the “Salute to the Girardville Good Times Club,” with the grand marshals being members of the club that has supported civic and youth activities in Girardville for many years, including the annual Halloween and Santa parades.

Official parade T-shirts and parade books will be available in front of the Hibernian House on parade day.

Parade day activities begin at 10 a.m. with an Irish Mass at St. Vincent Worship Center, Second Street and Mahanoy Avenue, in Girardville. An outdoor celebration will follow the parade at the Hibernian House at Beech and Line streets.

Any vendors or organizations interested in participating in the parade can register online at www.girardvilleirishparade.com or by calling Joseph Wayne, parade chairman, at 570-590-1826 or Joanne Kitsock at 570-617-0400. Borough residents requesting portable bathrooms for the parade should contact Wayne.

Wayne reminds all residents and visitors that roads entering the borough will be closed by fire police at 11 a.m. and will remain closed until after the parade.

McADOO — A borough playground will be getting new equipment, thanks to a grant from a local foundation.

Children will get to choose what equipment they would like most on the playground.

The Remembering Ryanne Cara Foundation is granting the borough $15,000 for the equipment and another $3,000 for soft costs, such as installation.

Brian Earley, president of the foundation, said McAdoo’s playground at Veterans Memorial Park is a lot like the foundation’s original project, the playground at Whispering Willows Park in Conyng-ham.

“Your playground was chosen because it is very comparable to Whispering Willows,” Earley said. “You have the baseball field there. When Little League is going on, I’m sure that park is filled with kids from 3 or 4 o’clock in the afternoon on. That’s what we found with Whispering Willows. During the baseball season, that park is used and it is used hard. Kids need a playground where kids can be kids.”

Earley said he has been having ongoing conversations with borough councilwomen Mary Labert and Marion DeBalko about the playground.

DeBalko agreed the new equipment will be used a lot.

“It is a perfect location between the Little League field and the school,” DeBalko said.

“We thank you very much,” she said to Earley. “I’m so pleased that you considered McAdoo for this project. I’m sure volunteers will come through to make it a lot nicer up there. The Cara family is wonderful. This is much appreciated.”

Labert was also thankful.

“We thank you very, very much,” she said. “We’ve been trying to do so much with recreation, but there just isn’t the money to do it. Without your help, we wouldn’t be able to do it.”

After she spoke, the council applauded Earley.

“In the conversations we had about what type of equipment we should get, no one really knew,” Earley said. “I threw an idea out. Why don’t we let the kids at the McAdoo (-Kelayres Elementary/Middle) School tell us what type of playground equipment they would like to see? We will have the kids write a 100-word essay on what type of equipment they want at the playground — swings, merry-go-round, teeter-totters, things to climb on — and why they want that type of equipment. Whoever writes the best essay will get a $100 gift certificate for a McAdoo restaurant so they and their family can go for dinner.”

Earley said he and his wife, Denise, will sponsor the prize, but it will be up to the principal and guidance counselors to decide the age group.

He told McAdoo council members the story of how the foundation began after Ryanne Cara, daughter of Matthew and Vanessa Cara, passed away at the age of 4.

“One of their fondest memories was taking her to Whispering Willows Park,” Earley said of the Caras. “Conyngham is no different than McAdoo. It is tough to get grant dollars because you are a small community. The playground equipment down there was most of the stuff I played on when I was a kid. So they wanted to install some new playground equipment, bring the playground up to today’s standards and add some additional equipment.”

About 15 people, including Earley, got together, obtained the 501(c)3 nonprofit designation and set up the foundation.

“We were overwhelmed by the support that came in from the community,” Earley said. “We were able to complete the playground within one year. They (the Caras) decided they wanted to give back to not just the Conyngham community, but to communities throughout the entire Hazleton area.”

After funding Whispering Willows, the foundation added playground equipment at Joe LaRock Recreational Field in Sugarloaf Township and reached out to other communities that might be in need of funding for equipment, Earley said.

He said he will work with DeBalko and Labert, who he “knew from my days on the school board,” on the McAdoo project.

The essay contest is not set up yet, and someone will have to install the equipment, Earley said.

The foundation will hold a fundraiser, an all-terrain vehicle ride, on June 2 at the LaRock recreational complex in Sugarloaf Township.

“It’s on a 10-mile course,” Earley said. “There are challenging parts and beautiful scenery. You will see deer, turkeys and spots where you can stop.”

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

Barnesville

The Active Christian Teens In Our Neighborhood Youth Group, Mahanoy City, will sponsor lunch with the Easter Bunny from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Richard Roman Catholic Church Hall. Proceeds will benefit the Missions in Africa. All are invited for a lunch of a hotdog, chips, pickles and beverage. Tickets are $5 each. All children will receive a gift from the Easter Bunny. Games of chance and face painting will be available for an additional cost. For more information, call Debbie at 570-773-0813. All ages welcome.

Frackville

The Frackville Rotary Club will host its annual Omega health screen by Quest Diagnostics from 7 to 9:30 a.m. April 6 at the Frackville Senior Citizens Center, 130 E. Frack St. The cost is $60, which includes chemistry and coronary risk profiles and complete blood count. Optional tests include PSA, $25; TSH, $25 and Vitamin D, $35. To register in advance, call 800-776-6342 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Hazleton

A group called Survivors after Suicide meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at Catholic Social Services, 200 W. Chapel St., according to a release. The site is the old Kennedy and Lucadamo building. No fees are charged in the gatherings. Organizers said in the release that the “open grief group” welcomes survivors in any stage of the grieving process. “Participants enter the group, leave and return as they feel the need,” according to the release. For more information, call 570-455-1521.

Orwigsburg

Advance tickets are available for the Schuylkill Ballet Theatre’s presentation of “Charlie’s Chocolate Adventure,” featuring a “sensory friendly” performance at 7 p.m. April 12, and performances at 7 p.m. April 13 and 3 p.m. April 14 at the Blue Mountain High School auditorium. Advance tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and students and $6 for children ages 3-10. Tickets are available online at www.schuylkillballet.com/ticket-store or by calling 570-617-5616.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Rotary Club recently honored students of the month as follows: Minersville Area, February, Sarah Leibig and Collyn Harley and March, Nicole Andregic and David Kriston; Nativity BVM, February, Ben Patton and Hadrian Vaupel and March, Haley Zimerofsky and Michael Bilansky; Pottsville Area, March, Alexa Cesari and Peter Zimerofsky. The Civil War Battle of the Crater and the role of Schuylkill County miners will be the focus during a joint meeting of the Rotary and the Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers on March 27. The program will be by David Williams, mining engineer with the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Saint Clair

St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church will host “the incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney” on April 12. According to a release, the Shrine of Ars, France, has made “this major relic” available for a national tour in the United States, hosted by the Knights of Columbus. The reception of the relic at the local church is at noon and will include Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Alfred A. Schlert, bishop of the Diocese of Allentown. Veneration of the first-class relic, prayers and other devotions will be held throughout the day. All are welcome.

Schuylkill Haven

From Sunday wings and breakfasts to taco Tuesdays and Friday bingo games, Rainbow Hose Company has a full agenda in 2019, according to Jennifer L. Michael, company public relations spokeswoman. For more information on company activities, call Kaitlyn at 570-516-7194 or Jen at 570-573-4133.

Tamaqua

The Lewistown Valley Garden Club will have its first official meeting of the year at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the social hall of Zion Church of the Lewistown Valley. Meetings will then be held at the church at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month. Each meeting will include a program and the judging of arrangements and specimens. The arrangement category for the March meeting will be a jonquil or yellow flower in a blue container or with a blue accessory. This month’s specimen is a forced branch. For more information about the club, call Judy at 570-386-4783 or Louise at 570-467-3400.

HOMETOWN — Renovations will get underway soon at Grier City Park.

When it’s all said and done, the Rush Township park will have a new pavilion, handicapped-accessible restrooms and improved playground equipment.

The first phase of the project will be partially covered by a grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. At their regular meeting Thursday, the township supervisors committed a $20,000 match in funds and in-kind services to the project.

According to Supervisor Robert Leibensperger, the township has already upgraded the park’s electrical system.

The upcoming work — which is part of Phase 1 — includes some land excavation and the relocation of current playground equipment.

Down the road, the township plans to install new play sets and replace the aging pavilion. Outhouses will be replaced by restroom facilities that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Leibensperger said the park hosts a summer feeding program for school students. Organized activities, such as frequent movie nights, are also held summers from the park.

Donations toward the park work are appreciated, he noted.

In other business, the supervisors:

• Approved the purchase of a 2019 police vehicle from New Holland Auto for $27,487. Equipment from the department’s former cruiser will be installed in it, resulting in an almost $15,000 savings.

• Announced that the township’s Easter egg hunt will be held beginning at noon April 13 from Miller Park. The event is open to children ages 2 to 10 years and pre-registration is required by stopping by the township building at 104 Mahanoy Ave. or calling 570-668-2938. There will be prizes and light refreshments. Volunteers are also needed. The rain date is April 20.

• Accepted the resignation of Kelly Chicarelli, administrative assistant.

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

Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA — A Tamaqua man charged with assaulting his wife inside their home on March 8 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial district Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Jerry J. Feathers, 38, of 124 Race St., was arrested by Tamaqua police Patrolman Anthony Stanell and charged with one count each of simple assault and harassment.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Feathers will now have to answer to both charges against him in Schuylkill County Court.

Stanell said Feathers assaulted his wife, Amber, around 12:20 p.m. March 8, by throwing her down the steps and punching her in the face, causing visible injuries.

Other court cases included:

Ursula Loch, 59, of 255 Cedar St., Tamaqua; held for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Matthew S. Haydt, 31, of 2135 57 Road, Kunkletown; waived for court: criminal trespass, burglary, theft and receiving stolen property.

Joseph M. Leone, 36, of 302 S. Second St., Saint Clair; waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sally Ann Thomas, 63, of 224 Deep Hole Road, Drums; waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate, disregard for single traffic lane and careless driving.

Kiona Lee Newell, 20, of 905 North St., Weatherly; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, no headlights and driving a vehicle without a valid inspection.

Brad E. Welker, 37, of 326 N. Columbia St., Tamaqua; waived for court: false swearing-misleading a public servant and making repairs to or selling offensive weapons.

Nevin S. Holben, 23, of 215 Ridge Cup Road, New Ringgold; waived for court: driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Adam Chilli, 30, of 5251 Shumerville Road, Emmaus; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Scott Hampton, 54, of 135 W. Cottage Ave., Tamaqua; held for court: resisting arrest, no rear lights, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Andy Concepcion, 19, of 105 N. Broad St., West Hazleton; waived for court: identity theft, possessing an access device knowing it was counterfeit or altered, receiving stolen property, retail theft, conspiracy and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Daifrel Pena, 24, of 519 Ridge Ave., West Hazleton; waived for court: identity theft, possessing an access device knowing it was counterfeit or altered, receiving stolen property, retail theft, conspiracy and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Andy De Jesus Rosario, 19, of 105 N. Broad St., West Hazleton; waived for court: identity theft, possessing an access device knowing it was counterfeit or altered, receiving stolen property, retail theft and conspiracy.

Deivis Rosario Fernandez, 39, of 123 E. Chestnut St., Hazleton; waived for court; identity theft, possessing an access device knowing it was counterfeit or altered, receiving stolen property, retail theft and conspiracy.

Danca Wilkins-Rodriguez, 25, of 105 Hazleton Apartments, Hazle Township; waived for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Casey Ann Breznak, 24, of 22 W. 14th St., Hazleton; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana, no headlights, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Stephen J. Orlando, 27, of 106 Maple Drive, Drums; held for court: retail theft, conspiracy and receiving stolen property.

Amy Jean Fayock, 38, of 406 W. Columbus St., Shenandoah; held for court: retail theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Kimberly J. Halye, 32, of 7 Avenue D, Schuylkill Haven; held for court: retail theft.

Jendaya Lee Williams-Shelfield, 24, of 1812 Locust St., Norristown; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and duty of drivers in emergency response areas.

Jonathan M. Burget, 41, of 109 W. Grant St., McAdoo; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Matthew W. Elison, 18, of 208 E. Hazard St., Summit Hill; held for court: DUI-highest rate, DUI, DUI-minor, driving without a license, careless driving and minors prohibited from driving with alcohol in their system.

Angelo Maldonado Sr., 29, of 233 N. Broad St., West Hazleton; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

James K. Reiley

POTTSVILLE — A Shenandoah man charged with a theft in Pottsville on Jan. 1 had charges against him held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley.

Robert W. Haines, 26, LKA 109 E. Centre St., was arrested by Pottsville police Cpl. Charles Webber and charged with one count each of theft and receiving stolen property.

Reiley determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered both charges against Haines held for Schuylkill County Court.

Webber charged Haines with stealing the registration plate off of a vehicle in the area of 523 E. Arch St.

The registration plate was discovered on Jan. 4 on a vehicle that was found on Reading Anthracite property in Cass Township by Cass Township police.

When interviewed, Webber said, Haines admitted stealing the plate and placing it on a different vehicle saying, “I needed to go somewhere.”

Other court cases included:

Ronald G. Kemfort Jr., 44, of 357 Crooked Hill Road, Hummelstown; held for court: DUI, DUI-high rate and obedience to traffic control devices.

David S. Herman, 26, of 1213 W. Market St., Pottsville; dismissed because the victim did not appear: simple assault and conspiracy.

Richard M. Lapan, 50, of 212 W. Market St., Apt. A, Pottsville; dismissed because the victim did not appear: simple assault and conspiracy.

Ryan Lee Tomczyk, 32, of 906 W. Race St., Pottsville; waived for court: forgery, theft by deception and receiving stolen property.

Stephen J. Barrett, 47, of 212 W. Market St., Apt. A, Pottsville; dismissed because the victim did not appear: simple assault and conspiracy.

Everett P. Metcalf, 45, of 337 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville; held for court: possession of a controlled substance.

Three people entered guilty pleas in accordance with the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office.

Caitlyn R. Rich, 25, of 435 E. Norwegian St., Apt. 1, Pottsville, pleaded guilty to charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; Keith E. Wykle, 30, of 511 N. Seventh St., Pottsville, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance; and Kashif “Kash” E. Harris, 31, of 810 W. Race St., Pottsville, also pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH — A Quakake man charged by Mahanoy City police for illegally possessing a firearm on Jan. 11 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Patrolman Thomas Rentschler charged James N. Pester, 49, of 19 W. Main St., with one count of firearms not to be carried without a license.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Pester will now have to answer to the charge against him in Schuylkill County Court.

Rentschler said he was called to the parking lot of the Cocoa Hut store on East Centre Street around 1:35 a.m. to assist EMS with a chest pain call and found Pester inside a vehicle with a double barrel shotgun on the passenger’s side floor and seat.

Pester was also found to be in possession of a loaded .22-caliber handgun in his coat pocket as well as several knives. Rentschler said a subsequent check revealed that Pester did not have a permit to carry the handgun.

Other court cases included:

Kelly M. Thompson, 49, of 1901 Plymouth St., Apt. 1, Philadelphia; withdrawn: conspiracy.

Stephen Rivera, 29, of 607 Winters Ave., Hazle Township; held for court: DUI-highest rate, driving with an alcohol level of 0.02-percent or higher while under license suspension and parking improperly on two way highways.

Dakota J. Winder, 18, of 28 Youngman Lane, Bloomsburg; withdrawn: possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Edward F. Barnes, 43, of 1227 Walnut St., Ashland; dismissed: criminal mischief.

Matthew S. Galarza, 23, of 205 W. Centre St., Apt. 2, Shenandoah; withdrawn: strangulation, terroristic threats, unlawful restraint, harassment and criminal mischief.

Two people also entered guilty pleas in accordance with the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office.

Joshua J. Mooney, 31, of 7 S. Main St., Gilberton, pleaded guilt to a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia while prosecutors withdrew a charge of false identification to law enforcement; and Hector M. Alvarez, 68, of 219 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City, pleaded guilty to charges of careless driving, disregard for single traffic lane and disorderly conduct.

(Staff writer Frank Andruscavage compiled this report)

FRACKVILLE — A memorial wall, an enclosed seating area, a pergola and trees are among the options being discussed for a proposed park at the center of the borough.

On Sunday, the public was invited to attend a presentation at the Frackville Elks to see what a park at 51 S. Lehigh Ave., across from Turkey Hill, could be.

“It’s not set in stone. It’s very preliminary,” Helen Miernicki, a borough council member and member of the borough’s Economic Development Task Force, said.

Tim Hill, owner of Season’s Art Landscape Design, West Brunswick Township, talked about the design he worked on this winter. Money from a fundraiser paid for the work. The plan incorporates features the borough would like to see, including an area for the borough to install a Christmas tree, which can be removed, much like Pottsville did recently in Garfield Square. Other possibilities include a seating area bordered by a 2-foot high wall on the Lehigh Avenue side and benches with arborvitae trees behind them to provide a buffer to the area. Boulders placed in the park can add to the natural feel, Hill said. A 12-foot high memorial wall along the north side, which is beside a nearby house, that could incorporate the borough’s history and serve as a reminder of the sacrifice of those in the military is part of the plan. Handicapped parking in the back can also be incorporated. Other additions include commemoration of the region’s coal history.

Miernicki said the vacant lot, which the borough owns, is “a focal point in town” and should be treated as such.

“We needed a plan to start submitting for funding,” she said.

Hill estimated the cost for the project at $150,000 to $200,000.

Borough residents said they are willing to donate their services to make the Central Park project a reality, Miernicki said. A name has not been chosen for the park. She said the borough wanted something to provide “a positive image” for the area. Residents need a place to socialize and enjoy their surroundings, she said.

“We wanted as natural and as low maintenance as possible,” Miernicki said.

Meetings for the Economic Development Task Force are 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Frackville Borough Hall, 42 S. Center St.

For more information, call the borough hall at 570-874-3860.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Deeds

Pottsville — Genotpil LLC to Genotpil LLC; property on West Norwegian Street; $1.

Rush Township — Sharon M. McClure, executrix of the Estate of Frances Marcinko, to Mykel Postupack; 14 Sherwood St., Hometown; $1.

Schuylkill Haven — Richard E. Lehman, executor of the Last Will & Testament of Joan A. Lehman, Melanie M. Dennis and Chris R. Lehman to Richard E. Lehman and Chris R. Lehman; 306 and 308 W. Columbia St.; $1.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Devon Service LLC; property at East Liberty and St. Peter streets; $1,395.46.

Shenandoah — Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, executor of the Last Will & Testament of Norman P. Grigas, and Jacqueline A. Tym to Jacqueline A. Tym; 227 E. Mount Vernon St.; $1.

Howard George Mekosh to Luis J. Aguilar Arriaga; 324 E. Arlington St.; $1.

Tamaqua — Karen J. Herman, executrix of the Estate of Michael J. McHale, to Michael E. McHale; 256 Cedar St.; $1.

Karen J. Herman, executrix of the Estate of Michael J. McHale, to Michael E. McHale; 11-13 S. Greenwood St.; $1.

Union Township — Douglas Litwhiler to Neil Frank DeLuca; 18 Ferndale Hill Drive, Zion Grove; $52,000.

Walker Township — Linda K. Roberts to Roberts Family Trust; 671 Valley Road; $1.

Washington Township — Theodore A. Kemmerling II and Michael A. Stalnecker, co-executors of the Last Will & Testament of Theodore A. Kemmerling, to Matthew P. and Kira L. Wertz; 24.9-acre property; $124,500.

Marriages

William R. Nebroskie, Pottsville, and Cheyenne Andrews, Pottsville.

Vincenzo V. Marchiano, Middleport, and Amber D. Corby, Middleport.

Bryan H. Murray, Minersville, and Crystal M. Zaharis, Minersville.

Matthew R. Derr, Frackville, and Nilda J. Elvira, Frackville.

Jeffrey L. Houser, Ringtown, and Janice A. Ringo, Ashland.

John A. Walsh Jr., Frackville, and Tabitha M. Farrone, Frackville.

Van D. Vesay Sr., Pottsville, and Jill A. Butensky, Pottsville.

Nathaniel Smith, Frackville, and Kerry Lynn Slack, Reading.

Robert W. Haines, Shenandoah, and April M. Beckford, Shenandoah.

Divorces granted

John Konsavage, Quantico, Virginia, from Caitlin Konsavage, Orwigsburg.

Migdalia Gonzalez, Minersville, from Jaime Gonzalez, Hartford, Connecticut.

Kimberly Scott, Reading, from Dwane Scott, Reading.

Dorothy Oliver, Schuylkill Haven, from Kyle Oliver, Schuylkill Haven.

Edward A. Opella, McAdoo, from Joanne E. Opella, Pottsville.

Christopher Brubaker, no address available, from Melissa Stroumbakis Brubaker, West Reading.

David J. Hoptak, Orwigsburg, from Pamela J. Hoptak, Orwigsburg.

Denise Baddick, Tamaqua, from Peter J. Baddick III, Tamaqua.

POTTSVILLE — The inaugural Putting Fore Pottsville fundraiser earlier this month made $4,300 for the Pottsville Free Public Library.

“I’m very pleased and hopeful next year we will do better,” Jean Towle, director of the Pottsville Free Public Library, said Thursday.

A date has not yet been selected for the event next year, Towle said.

Held March 1 and 2 at the library, visitors could play an 18-hole round of golf. Those attending could also enter a raffle for prizes, including a $50 gift card to Boyer’s Food Markets Inc., Giant, a YMCA Family membership and Yuengling gifts.

Towle said she had lots of positive comments about the event.

“People loved it. People had a good time,” Towle said.

Towle estimated 100 people attended.

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

ASHLAND — Five people are homeless, a business is in ruins and a dog is dead after an early Sunday morning fire on the borough’s main street.

It was 3:34 a.m. when Ashland firefighters were called to the 100 block of West Centre Street for a report of a house fire.

Seven minutes later, Ashland Fire Chief Philip Groody called for a second alarm. Within a few more minutes a third alarm as flames were shooting 50 feet into the air to the rear of 100 through 110 W. Centre St.

Groody said he called for additional help even before he arrived at the scene.

“I called a second alarm from my house,” the chief said, adding that flames were visible blocks away.

Firefighters from surrounding communities, as well as those from neighboring Northumberland and Columbia counties, worked for more than four hours to bring the fire under control.

When the smoke cleared, the M&M Sandwich and Sub Shop, 100-104 W. Centre St. was destroyed as well as homes at 106,108 and 110 W. Centre St.

Homes at 112 and 114 W. Centre St., were damaged as well.

Patricia Daley, disaster captain with the American Red Cross Tri-County Chapter, identified those left homeless:

• 106 W. Centre St. — Linda Slodysko. The woman’s dog died as a result of the fire.

• 108 W. Centre St. — Nicholas Kazemka.

• 110 W. Centre St. — Joseph and Mary Rascavage.

A home at 112 W. Centre St. occupied by Joseph Lawson and an unoccupied home at 114 W. Centre St. were damaged as firefighters cut holes in the roofs to stop the fire from spreading to the west.

Daley said Kazemka was taken to an area hospital for treatment of breathing problems and that the Red Cross will be providing lodging, food and clothing to the other victims.

Groody said two firefighters suffered minor injuries at the scene.

Ashland firefighter Robert Harris suffered an ankle injury and was taken to an area hospital where was treated and released while Mahanoy City firefighter Matt Mlynek also suffered an ankle injury and was evaluated at the scene.

Groody also said a Mount Carmel firefighter suffered a medical emergency after returning to his station and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

State police fire marshal Trooper Jordan Hoffman of the Hamburg station was at the scene Sunday morning to begin working with Groody to determine how the fire started.

Hoffman said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation and that he had not yet made a determination.

“The investigation is just starting,” he said.

Hoffman said he may be back at the scene this morning with fire marshal Trooper John F. Burns of the Frackville station to continue to work to find the cause of the blaze.

While crews knocked the majority of the fire down in about two hours, Groody did not declare the fire under control until 9:37 a.m.

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

ORWIGSBURG — Sunday was a good day for 14 people to paint a patriotic picture and sip some wine while supporting a good cause.

Participants gathered in the community room at Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association through Schaeffer’s and Ride for Life for MDA.

This was the first time for the Paint and Sip Raising Money for MDA, Pat Donlin, coordinator, said. The cost was $25 with art supplies and food provided. Adults could bring their own wine.

The participants could select a stencil to add to their patriotic-themed canvas. An eagle, the Statue of Liberty, a rose and a motorcycle were among the available stencils by request.

“Creating is everyone’s one personal thing,” Donlin said. “No one paints exactly the same.”

Donlin, who painted a lot as a young adult, said she wanted to bring the community together and contribute to a worthwhile cause.

“No experience necessary,” she said.

Amy Luckenbill, Auburn, and her daughter, Hannah, both attended.

“We want to support as many MDA activities as we can,” Amy said.

She said the donations the community gives help those with muscular dystrophy.

While saying, “I’m not very creative,” Amy showed her creative side by capturing the scene with her cellphone. She enjoyed watching her daughter demonstrate her artistic talents by using the two different shades of blue, black, red and white acrylic paint on a white canvas.

Hannah Luckenbill selected a flying pig as her stencil “because they are cute,” she said.

“She loves pigs,” Amy said.

Donlin did her best to alleviate the stress some felt in trying to paint perfectly.

“Just keep going back and forth. There is right or wrong way about it,” she said.

Ethan Pyles, 16, of Reading, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness, gently applied the brush strokes to the canvas.

“He’s going to donate his painting,” his mother, Sandra Katzin, said.

Diagnosed at 6 years old, Ethan tries not to let his condition get the best of him. Even though he can’t walk and must use a wheelchair, he maintains a positive attitude.

“He’s silly. He’s a daredevil,” Katzin said of her son.

Pyles is a MDA Goodwill Ambassador and tells others about his journey to share inspiration, Katzin said.

The MDA Ride for Life XXXII is May 2 through 5 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Champion, Westmoreland County.

To learn more about the MDA, call Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson at 570-366-0143 or visit www.schaeffershd.com.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

ORLANDO, Fla. — He appeared as if a hologram at first — then solid — suddenly there and clear as you or I, at the edge of the forest behind Trish Bishop’s home in Kissimmee.

It was a Thursday in March 2013, the glow of the afternoon tucking in for the day behind the trees. He stood tall, at least 6-foot-3, perhaps 220 pounds and certainly muscular, wearing a formfitting tan-colored uniform, boots and gloves. He lingered by the crape myrtle tree in the middle of the backyard.

When he turned around, it was his face, she remembers, that stopped her.

Bulging eyes jutting so far out of the sockets that Bishop wondered whether he could close them. Skin white as chalk. And a jaw so large, it dispelled any notions the government worker had of the visitor being human.

“If you compare a human jawbone to his, we would be a Chihuahua to a pit bull,” Bishop said.

Paralyzed with fear, she watched as what she believed to be an alien appeared to climb invisible steps, stopping often to snatch glances at her from where she sat on her back porch, fumbling with her phone to appear as though she couldn’t see him.

Her finger was pressed on the number “9” to dial for help.

When he was about 10 feet off the ground, he turned his back to her and pulled himself up — “into a UFO?” she thought — and was gone.

Bishop sat stunned. “I’ve got a freaking alien in my backyard,” she thought.

It would be four years before she told anyone her story, before she’d discover the Mutual Unidentified Flying Objects Network, a nationwide organization 50 years old, and file her report under case number 84886 with the local Florida chapter. But she worried: Who would believe her?

These days, more people than you’d think.

Across restaurants and meeting rooms in the United States, MUFON groups still gather every month to discuss cases like Bishop’s with the enthusiasm that once gripped the nation during the Cold War, when UFO sightings still made a splash on the front page.

The Space Coast group, made up of some former NASA employees and engineers, has 118 members, the largest in the state. Across the U.S. they number 3,500, with additional offices in 42 countries.

For many years, they were alone entertaining UFO theories. No more.

In the past two years, scientists, politicians and professionals have increasingly been willing to touch the taboo subject and perhaps lend a little credence to those who still believe.

In December 2017, The New York Times uncovered that the U.S. had gone so far as to fund a secret, $22 million, five-year project to study UFO claims.

Since then, respected researchers, from the chairman of Harvard University’s astronomy department to at least one scientist at NASA, have come out with theories, albeit controversial ones, that suggest closer study of the role extraterrestrials may play in certain phenomena.

What’s changed, said Robert Powell, an executive board member on the nonprofit Scientific Coalition for Ufology, is our understanding of the universe. As scientists have discovered more Earth-like exoplanets and begun to delve into the options for interstellar travel — one idea includes using a laser-propelled, microchip-shaped probe — the conversation has been shifting.

“We still think of ourselves, as a species, as the center of everything,” Powell said. “Once you … at least start to discuss interstellar travel, you have to admit that, if there is intelligent life out there, then they have to be able to travel interstellar, too.”

The challenge with UFO and alien sightings has always been the lack of evidence. Bishop said she was too scared to take a photo of her alien. Little to no consequential evidence exists in other cases.

Psychology can explain some of it. Common explanations include people projecting their unconscious desires onto something, or a predisposition to believe in conspiracy theories informing what people think they saw, said Alvin Wang, a psychology professor at the University of Central Florida.

People who believe they witnessed something may seek out others who reaffirm that belief, like “being in an echo chamber,” Wang said.

“People tend to hold on to that particularly if it fits in with their worldview and their belief system that there are other beings that inhabit the universe,” Wang said. “And they get … confirmation support, when they are members of a UFO believers community.”

But Bishop stands by what she said she saw. She works a government security job with three area contractors and said she has no reason to lie.

And she’s on the hunt for ET now. After reporting her case in 2017, she bought three hunting trackers on eBay and set them up in her backyard. They’re motion activated, and sometimes they’ll go off in the night and capture 6,000 images — but there’s nothing in the frame. She once caught a Tic Tac-shaped blur in the sky she believes to be a UFO.

“I just think it’s a belief thing until you actually see them,” Bishop said. “You always gotta wonder.”

Some people, like Kathleen Marden, have been wondering all their lives.

It was September 1961 when the then 13-year-old got the call: Her aunt, Betty Hill, and her uncle, Barney Hill, said they’d seen a UFO on their drive through the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

Betty’s dress was torn and Barney’s shoes were scuffed. There were two hours they couldn’t account for and Barney was sure he’d seen eight to 11 figures dressed in black shiny uniforms that were “somehow not human,” said Marden, who now lives outside Orlando.

It wasn’t until the Hills were put through a hypnosis session by Boston psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Simon that their stories of being taken into a UFO and physically examined were revealed.

“They were interested in the skin, in the skeletal structure, in the joints,” said Marden, MUFON’s director of experiencer research. “They examined their hands, they took their shoes off, they examined their feet, they did tests on them that appear to be testing their nervous systems, as well.”

The Hills’ alleged abduction was made public in 1965 — and the story gripped the nation. “Did They Seize Couple?” the Boston Traveler posited. “I Was Quizzed in ‘Space Ship,’  ” read another headline.

Marden has dedicated her life to uncovering the truth behind what she says was government tampering with the Hills’ case and has written four books about her aunt and uncle and flying saucers. She’s seen the change in perception about UFOs in the public and scientific community firsthand.

“I absolutely do think that there is a shift, that people are giving more credence to this than they did in the past,” she said, pointing to the 2017 New York Times story on the Pentagon’s Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program as the turning point.

The program was run by military intelligence official Luis Elizondo and put together at the request of then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. It ran from 2007 to 2012 in partnership with businessman Robert Bigelow’s company Bigelow Aerospace, which studied cases of American military personnel observing unknown objects.

One case in particular garnered attention when it was declassified because videos showed a craft with no apparent propulsion moving at alarmingly fast speeds. It was filmed in 2004 by two Navy F/A-18F fighter jets off the coast of San Diego.

Navy pilot Commander David Fravor, who witnessed the Tic Tac-shaped craft, told The Washington Post in late 2017 that he maintained it was “something not from Earth.”

Then came Harvard’s astronomy department chair, Avi Loeb, a renowned scientist whom Time magazine named one of the 25 most influential people in space in 2012.

He, along with colleague Shmuel Bialy, wrote in Astrophysical Journal Letters that a thin interstellar object seen passing through our solar system called Oumuamua “is a lightsail, flowing in interstellar space as a debris from an advanced technological equipment.”

Loeb went a step further, theorizing that, “alternatively, a more exotic scenario is that Oumuamua may be a fully operational probe sent intentionally to Earth vicinity by an alien civilization.” The theory has provoked the ire of the scientific community, but Loeb has stood by it.

Is it aliens, for sure? Loeb can’t say. He just says he can’t find another explanation.

MAHANOY CITY — She may have had a day in federal court, but a Mahanoy Area student may have missed the chance to learn an important lesson vital for survival in the workplace.

On Monday, the district released a statement on the ruling last week by a federal judge against the school district for violating the free speech rights of a student. The law firm of Levin Legal Group, P.C., Huntingdon Valley, represented the school district in the case and was authorized to release a statement on behalf of the school district. In part of the release, the firm quotes education expert Dr. Lawrence Mussoline, who made a case that the rules against disrespecting a school teach character and that the student’s behavior would not help her in the real world of employment.

“A premise underpinning all extracurricular disrespect rules is the fact that student athletes including cheerleaders have the privilege of wearing the uniform with the school name and school colors and discrediting anyone equates to discrediting the school and the community. Typically, the school and the community are often thought of as being one in the same. Because of the bifurcation of school attendance and extracurricular rules, schools are able to teach critical life skills to students participating in extracurricular activities that they would not be able to teach within the guaranteed property right of the mandatory attendance laws governing K-12 schooling. It is through these extracurricular rules that we impart very important life skills. For example, if B.L. were hired by a private company after graduation from college and she were to post on social media online the exact message she posted about the school and cheer squad with respect to her private employer, she would be rightfully disciplined if not fired,” the release says.

Last Thursday, Senior U.S. District Judge A. Richard Caputo of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania issued his ruling that the civil rights of student B.L. were violated. The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania media release announcing the ruling on Friday stated the school district “violated the free speech rights of a student when the school removed her from the cheerleading squad in 2017 for off-campus expression. The student, who was in tenth grade at the time, had posted a ‘snap’ to the popular social media platform Snapchat that, using expletives, expressed her frustration with the school and with cheerleading. She was punished under cheerleading team rules that prohibit ‘disrespect’ and prohibit posting any ‘negative information’ about cheerleading online.”

“B.L.’s words were constitutionally protected,” Caputo wrote.

The student, who is known by her initials in court filings because she is a minor, was reinstated to the cheerleading team after winning a temporary restraining order in September 2017. Now in 11th grade, she continues to participate in cheerleading, according to the ACLU.

In explaining its argument, Levin Legal Group said, “The school board determined it was their obligation to support the coaches’ decision to remove B.L. from the cheerleading team until the end of the school year for not following the cheerleading rules. B.L. agreed to these rules before joining the team and was given the opportunity to try out again the following year. The school board firmly believes that extracurricular activities are not a right. They are a privilege and coaches have the authority to make rules for their activity. School boards and administration need to support their coaches when rules are broken.”

“In defense of the case, the school district retained an educational expert, Dr. Lawrence Mussoline. He has 38 years of experience in public education, has a doctorate in education, and has been a superintendent in several school districts, including the highly successful Downingtown Area School District where he was responsible for its STEM academy, one of the best public high schools in the nation.”

Mussonline was also Pine Grove Area superintendent from 1998 to 2005.

“On Thursday, March 21, 2019, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania ruled that the school district violated the constitutional free speech rights of a cheerleader who violated the coaches’ rules when she made a crude gesture and statement on social media that was in violation of the cheerleading rules which she and her parent agreed to follow. The school district is disappointed in the decision but has not yet made a decision whether to appeal.”

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

POTTSVILLE — A former Tamaqua man will not have to serve time in prison after admitting Monday to a Schuylkill County judge that he indecently assaulted a cable television worker who came to his residence on a service call.

Frederick W. Strohl, 54, of Edwardsville, pleaded guilty to indecent assault, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of harassment.

Judge James P. Goodman accepted Strohl’s plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, placed him on probation for two years. Goodman also sentenced him to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, have no contact with the victim and undergo a sex offender evaluation.

Also, Goodman ruled that Strohl is a Tier 1 offender under Megan’s Law and must register with authorities for 15 years.

Tamaqua police alleged that Strohl grabbed the private area of the worker, who is a man, on March 28, 2018, after the man had completed his service call at the defendant’s residence and was turning around to go to his truck.

“Sorry if you’re offended” was what Strohl said to the man, according to prosecutors.

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

The Megan’s Law sanctions to which Strohl will be subject require him to provide his name, address, Social Security number, telephone numbers, photograph, employment, any schools he might attend, registration of any vehicles he owns and other information to the Pennsylvania State Police for the next 15 years. Any further violation of the sanctions would be an additional crime and subject Strohl to another prosecution.

Megan’s Law was enacted in Pennsylvania, numerous other states and at the federal level after the July 29, 1994, murder of Megan Nicole Kanka, 7, in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. Jesse Timmendequas, Kanka’s killer, was one of her neighbors and a twice-convicted sex offender; his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment after New Jersey enacted legislation to abolish the death penalty in that state.

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

POTTSVILLE — Local political leaders on Monday accepted the conclusion of special counsel Robert Mueller that President Donald Trump did not conspire with Russians to try to influence the 2016 election.

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9, whose district includes all of Schuylkill County, said the conclusion was obvious and correct.

“After an extensive two-year investigation, it is now clear without any doubt that what the president has said all along is true. There was no collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia,” Meuser said.

Mueller, a former FBI director, began his investigation in May 2017 of alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia in the 2016 election, in which Trump defeated Hillary Clinton for the presidency, a result that surprised many people.

The report said there was no evidence of collusion, which had been the main point of the investigation. It said there was conflicting evidence on whether Trump obstructed justice, although Mueller did not recommend that the president be prosecuted and Attorney General William Barr said he and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein have concluded the evidence is insufficient to prove obstruction in court.

Meuser said there should be no question about Mueller’s exoneration of Trump on the question of collusion.

“Mueller had access to every witness, all the relevant information, and came to this conclusion,” he said. “This was the thorough investigation that the Democrats tried to litigate themselves in the media.”

However, Meuser also said the Democrats will not let the matter rest and politics will take over.

“Make no mistake, the Democrats will continue to pursue investigations of the president for purely political reasons,” he said. “As Republican (House Minority) Leader Kevin McCarthy said, ‘Democratic leaders have acted irresponsibly and threw caution to the wind to damage and distract from the work the Trump administration is doing on behalf of our fellow citizens. While this conclusion is an embarrassment to those Democrats, it is more discouraging to think of the opportunity costs to our country.’ ”

State Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, whose district also includes all of Schuylkill County, believes the release of the report should mean a shift in the national political scene, although he is not optimistic that it will.

“I’m hopeful that the report’s conclusion will encourage both Republicans and Democrats to find common ground on a few critical issues in Washington,” he said. “The partisan climate where I work in Harrisburg is difficult, but from what I understand, in Washington, it’s almost impossible to get anything accomplished.”

Schuylkill County Commissioner Frank J. Staudenmeier, a Butler Township Republican, agreed that the investigation should become secondary to legislative work to improve the country.

“I was pleased to hear that there was no collusion in the election, and I certainly feel that way whether the president was a Republican or Democrat,” he said. “We absolutely can’t tolerate other countries influencing any of our elections.”

Staudenmeier said Washington’s priority should revert to enacting laws that will improve the country.

“Hopefully now, Washington can get back to doing the job that the American people want them to do, working for a better tomorrow and the future of our children,” he said.

Meuser said the Democrats’ efforts to investigate the matter further are doomed to failure.

“They can grasp at straws, but no investigation they conduct will have the scope or depth of special counsel Mueller’s,” he said.

Efforts to obtain comments for this story from county Commissioner Gary J. Hess and state Reps. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, Jerry Knowles, R-124, and Mike Tobash, R-125, were unsuccessful.

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

Ashland

The Ashland Public Library is having a ticket book fundraiser with the Reading Fightin’ Phils. The cost is $27 for a book of six general admission tickets for all regular season home games scheduled after May 12. Order forms are available at the library until April 26. For more information, call 570-875-3175.

Frackville

A fundraiser for Ashland fire victims, sponsored by the Frackville Elks Lodge with support from the Ashland Elks Lodge, is set for 7 to 11 p.m. April 6 at the Frackville lodge, 307 S. Third St. It will feature entertainment by the band Sakes Alive and by disc jockey Mike Goodman. The cover is $10 and a cash bar will be available. There will also be raffles, a Chinese auction, 50/50 and a food buffet. All money raised from the cover, raffles, auction and 50/50 will be donated to the fire victims.

Lansford

The Panther Valley Public Library has preschool story hours beginning at 10 a.m. every Tuesday, open to children ages 3-5. Participants enjoy a story, do a craft and have a snack.

Minersville

A Christian Passover dinner, “Jesus is the Passover Lamb,” will be held at 6 p.m. April 18 at Community Mission Church, 336 N. Front St., according to a release from Pastor Bob Alonge. The event will be a traditional Seder dinner “with teachings from a Christian perspective,” Alonge said in a release. People wishing to attend must RSVP by April 10 by calling or texting Caryn DiBrico at 570-933-2273. Volunteers are needed to help with food and setup/cleanup. Alonge can be reached by calling 570-617-4620.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Free Public Library will host a free volunteer fair from 4 to 7 p.m. April 9 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13 to “help people learn how to make the community stronger by working together,” according to an event release. Organizations that wish to take part should contact Becki at potref@pottsvillelibrary.org or by phone at 570-622-8880, Ext. 11. The registration deadline for organizations is April 2. No registration is required for individuals to attend. Organizations thus far signed up for one or both days include American Red Cross/Tri-County Chapter, Ashland Public Library, Community Volunteers in Action, Friends of the Pottsville Library, Hospice for All Seasons, J.W. Cooper Community Center, Lifelong Learning Center, Pottsville Rotary, RSVP of Schuylkill County, Schuylkill County Historical Society, Schuylkill Women in Crisis and Servants to All.

Pottsville

Schuylkill County Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans Court Theresa Santai Gaffney reported 76 estates were processed during February. There also were 18 marriage licenses issued, $424,314.58 in Inheritance tax remitted to the state and $16,540.25 collected in county fees.

Ringtown

The St. Mary Roman Catholic Church Choir is taking orders for homemade shoo-fly pies and homemade “Just Crusts” for bakers who have difficulty rolling crusts. Pies are $8 each and an eight-inch crust is $2. Orders will be accepted until Friday; pickups will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 2 in the church rectory. To order or for more information, call the church rectory at 570-889-3850 or Marie at 570-889-3825.

Shenandoah

Knights of Columbus Francis Cardinal Brennan Council 618, 201 W. Cherry St., will sponsor a devil crab or fish dinner on Good Friday, April 19, with pickups set for 1 to 5 p.m. Meals also include fries, string beans, coleslaw and dessert. The cost is $9 per meal. Free delivery will be available in Shenandoah, Frackville and Mahanoy City. To order, call 570-462-1430 or 570-590-1188.

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah Community Walk/Run Against Cancer will begin at 9 a.m. May 4 along the Rotary Way walking path at Shenandoah Valley High School. The annual event is in memory of the late Shenandoah Attorney Kathleen Palubinsky. There will also be a basket raffle, resources and healthy snacks. All are welcome to participate. For more information, call Tricia Palubinsky at 570-590-1433.

POTTSVILLE — A Dauphin County man will not have to serve time behind bars after admitting Friday to a Schuylkill County judge that he exposed himself in March 2018.

Daniel P. Lenker, 25, of Williamstown, pleaded guilty to indecent exposure, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of indecent assault and corruption of minors.

President Judge William E. Baldwin accepted the plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, placed Lenker on probation for five years, and also sentenced him to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account. He also ordered Lenker to have no contact with the victim.

Tower City police charged Lenker with exposing himself on March 18, 2018, in the borough.

Baldwin on Friday also accepted pleas from, and imposed the indicated sentences on, the following people:

Shateek D. Anderson, 34, of Troy, New York; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; two to 12 months in prison, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $50 CJEA payment, with sentence effective at 10 a.m. April 12.

Judith J. Creitz, 54, of Auburn; driving under suspension-DUI related; 90 days in prison and a $1,000 fine. Prosecutors withdrew charges of driving under the influence and careless driving.

Jennifer S. Hilbert, 43, of Gap; theft by deception; 25 days to 23 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment and $611.19 restitution, with sentence effective at 9 a.m. April 4. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of receiving stolen property.

Joseph S. Sears, 26, of Pottsville; simple assault; 18 months probation and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of simple assault and a charge or terroristic threats.

Harry L. Wolfgang, 48, of Pottsville; criminal trespass; two to 23 months in prison, 12 months consecutive probation, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities, with sentence effective at 9 a.m. April 22. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of open lewdness.

All defendants who were sentenced must pay costs as a part of their sentences.

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

NEW PHILADELPHIA — The outdoors became the classroom for Saint Clair Area Elementary/Middle School students on Monday.

Students in grades 6-8 released 15 brook trout they had been raising in their classroom since November into the Schuylkill River. They also set free 50 rainbow trout for the first day of regional trout season this Saturday. The rainbow trout were donated by Schuylkill Headwaters.

“Be gone, fishy,” said Logan Searfoss, 12, a seventh-grader, as he poured the scaly contents of a plastic cup into the stream.

Logan said he enjoys fishing, something he did last weekend.

“I don’t want them to get eaten right away,” he said of the brook trout, which measured 1 to 2 inches.

He was one of about 40 students with an interest in the environment at the James S. Clark Little League Field.

The trout the students released were among 78 live eggs the school received as part of Trout in the Classroom, a program made possible by the state Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited. This is the fourth year the students have taken part in the program. Students cared for the fish by feeding them, testing water conditions and other needed activities.

Kennice Goodman, 12, a seventh-grader, wanted her fish to enjoy its freedom.

“It felt good. Now they will be in a bigger area to swim,” she said.

Another seventh-grader, Wyatt Masser, 13, wished his fish a long life.

“Good luck, buddy,” he said.

Before releasing the rainbow trout into the river, John Bondura, manager of the Schuylkill Headwaters trout-stocking program, talked about the species, specifically the role of various fish body parts.

“The fins are like the steering wheel of a car. The tail is actually the propeller of the fish,” Bondura said.

He said a rainbow trout will always have black spots on its tail.

After Bondura’s 10-minute presentation, two students carried a bucket to the river and dropped in the rainbow trout.

Tyler Kristoff, 13, a seventh-grader, enjoys the outdoors to “look at life and have fun.”

Alaina Sninski, 13, also a seventh-grader, said that contributing to the ecosystem by releasing the fish is worthwhile.

“I thought it was cool. It was awesome. When you get to release a fish, it’s really fun,” she said.

To contribute to the trout stocking program, call Schuylkill Headwaters at 570-277-6249 or Trout Unlimited 570-573-7076. Trout Unlimited is helping to sell $10 buttons that go toward buying fish for the program.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

LANSFORD — It wasn’t a tour that showcased the best of the borough.

Starting at a school that’s been closed for years on East Bertsch Street, a group walked Monday morning through a narrow lot where the Elks Club had been torn down and finished in front of vacant buildings on East Ridge Street.

Empty buildings are what Gov. Tom Wolf wanted to see as he touted a plan to return spaces to use with money from natural gas companies.

Taxing natural gas during the next four years, the governor said, could pump $4.5 billion into a fund to open businesses, demolish, rebuild or remodel buildings, enhance infrastructure and internet access plus recover from floods and other disasters.

“We’re not telling you what to do. We’re saying, ‘Here’s money. Let’s figure out how we can work together to rebuild Pennsylvania,’ ” Wolf said.

Since taking office five years ago, Wolf failed to get the Republican-led Legislature to approve a severance tax on natural gas producers, which do pay user fees.

Setting the tax apart from the budget through a plan that Wolf calls Restore Pennsylvania, however, might appeal to more lawmakers.

A similar plan passed the Senate last year, and Sen. John Yudichak, D-14, Plymouth Township, said some Republicans signed on as co-sponsors this year.

“This is not a Democratic or Republican idea,” Yudichak said while standing next to the governor. “It’s a good idea for Pennsylvania.”

Wolf said he wants a strong gas industry and a tax rate in accord with those of other states.

“I don’t want to do anything that is going to hurt the gas companies. On the other hand, blighted communities, constant flooding, lack of access to broadband — that’s not going to help anybody. We all want communities that we can live in that are attractive,” he said. “So many communities like this are looking for ways to get back on their feet. It turns out that the communities with the biggest needs are the ones with the least resources.”

In the borough, the population has fallen nearly 10 percent since 2000, and 25 percent of housing units are vacant, according to the most recent Census estimates, which say incomes are lower and the poverty rate is higher than the state average.

Jared Soto, borough council president and governor’s tour guide, said last month St. Luke’s University Health Network opened a clinic, providing a boost to the economy of the borough and the health of residents.

“We’re trying to piggyback off that,” Soto said.

The Elks lot, now covered by gravel, could become a green space or historic park and setting for a farmer’s market,

Reviving former business districts takes sustained effort, said Paul Macknosky, regional director for the state Department of Community and Economic Development. Macknosky pointed to Pittston, which formed a plan for its business district 20 years ago and has been renovating block by block when funds became available.

Jim Thorpe was one of the first communities to remake its downtown through the state’s Main Street program, Kathy Henderson, economic development director for the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development, said.

Henderson said aspects of the governor’s plan to improve infrastructure could help, for examples, at the junction of Interstates 476 and 80 or address flood insurance rates in Weissport, which hamper business.

Marlyn Kissner, the chamber’s executive director, said a grant from the Lehigh Valley Foundation paid for a streetscape project in the borough. New signs and trash receptacles have also helped spruce up the area.

She said the chamber will sponsor a seminar on ways to address blight and try to be a “connector and conduit” to help local businesses and groups find solutions.

Monday’s tour was exciting, Kissner said, because it showed the governor is “paying attention to Lansford and Carbon County.”

Contact the writer: kjackson@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3587