TAMAQUA — Tamaqua Area school board directors were poised to give the go-ahead to a solar energy project during a special meeting held Tuesday.

And while the motion for an agreement with GreenWorks Development was initially seconded, Director Eileen Meiser then moved to table it. Her motion was seconded by Director Thomas Rottet.

As a result, a vote on the agreement with the Harrisburg solar energy company will happen during the board’s regular monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the middle school’s large group instruction room.

“We will act on it next week,” board President Larry Wittig said.

Prior to the special meeting, the board discussed contracts in a one-hour, 20-minute executive session. Directors Mark Rother, Melanie Dillman and Bryan Miller were absent.

The board has been in discussions with GreenWorks Development regarding putting solar arrays on district-owned properties.

Representatives from Tamaqua and West Penn Township — two of the municipalities that could benefit from the project — also sat in on previous discussions.

And while West Penn officials weren’t on hand for this week’s meeting, Tamaqua borough sent four representatives.

After directors adjourned the special meeting, council President David Mace noted that the borough is discussing its own project and asked whether it might be able to install solar arrays on district-owned property.

“In our own conversations with the consultant you’re using we’ve determined that we really have an opportunity to do a project of our own,” Mace said.

The borough, he said, would likely look at installing solar panels near the borough’s water tank and near the entrance to the Tamaqua Elementary School.

“We have an electric service there that can be our connection point for the larger of the two arrays” near the water tower, Mace said.

Consultants determined that there is enough land for borough and district projects, he said.

“Right now, this has only been discussed in committee on our end. It hasn’t been brought to the full council for any kind of vote,” Mace said.

He’s hoping that the borough could hash out a land use agreement with the district. After the meeting, Wittig said that he believed it would be a possibility.

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

MAHANOY CITY — The Mahanoy City Borough Council took action at Tuesday’s meeting on three agenda items involving the ongoing Kaier’s Park playground project that will be soon going into Phase II.

The 0.3-acre park is located at the site of the former Kaier Brewery building, which was demolished in March 2017. A ceremonial groundbreaking was held on Aug. 15, 2018, for the community park and playground at the intersection of North Main Street and Park Place Road, with work on Phase I to prepare the site beginning not long afterward. Sidewalks and playground equipment were installed this year.

Chilewski Enterprises, Fleetwood, is the general contractor.

The borough council acted on the following agenda items related to the project:

• Approved a change order from Chilewski for a reduction from $332,897.70 to $308,701.93.

• Approved Payment No. 6 to Chilewski for $37,752,24 on Phase I.

• Approved purchasing outdoor fitness equipment for the park from GameTime, Fort Payne, Alabama, for $23,487.12. The company is a state-approved COSTARS company.

Alfred Benesch & Co. project engineer Daniel P. Cook explained the next phase of the park project.

“This project is partially funded by a $40,000 DCNR (state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) grant and the remainder by Schuylkill County Community Development Block Grant and the borough,” Cook explained. “This phase of the project will continue upon the improvements of the Phase I project currently being finalized, which included the ADA site access, streetscaping, new pavilion, 5-12-year-old play structure and flag pole, and will include the installation of new fitness equipment for teens and adults and will include a rubber safety surface. Future phases of the project will include an additional play structure for younger children, smaller ground elements, and site lighting.”

The park and playground project is part of Phase IV of the borough’s Central Business District Streetscape Revitalization Program. Phase III of the downtown revitalization initiative was completed on Centre Street in 2014.

Even though not completed, the park will be open from time to time, according to Borough Manager Cindy Soley.

“We are going to open Kaier’s Park temporarily. It might be shut down here and there when they start up Phase II just for some things,” Soley said.

In other business, the borough council adopted Ordinance 2-2019 approving an additional parking regulation prohibiting parking from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the north side of the unit block West Pine Street adjacent to Agosti’s Food Store on South Main Street. According to the ordinance, the borough council recognized the need for the additional parking restriction due to increased commercial traffic in the area and for the safety and welfare of the public.

The borough council also approved a 90-day study for proposed stop signs at the intersections of Second and Market streets and at Linden and Pine streets.

“We’ve received some complaints about people going too fast,” Chief of Police Mark Wiekrykas said. “The resolution allows us to put up some experimental signs for a 90-day period without having to go through enacting an ordinance. At the end of the 90 days, we’ll revisit that to see if people like it, and the borough can look at making it permanent.”

Mayor Dennis Wiessner was required to break a tie on a motion for the purchase of a time clock for employees. When put to a vote, Thomas McCabe and Diane Rachuck voted in favor, while Vice President Francis Burke and Patricia Mullins voted against. The 2-2 tie put the decision into the mayor’s hands, who immediately voted in favor. The motion by McCabe included limiting the purchase to no more than $2,000.

The borough council acted on the following agenda items:

• Approved Kovatch Ford Inc., Nesquehoning, to make engine repairs to the Ford Expedition police vehicle at a cost of $2,500.

• Approved the police department to reapply for participation in the North Central Highway Safety Network program.

• Authorized the re-advertising of the position of police/code clerk.

• Approved real estate agent and commercial appraiser William Person, Lehighton, to conduct an appraisal on the former McCann School of Business and Technology, which is owned by the borough and is being considered for sale.

• Approved a request from Schuylkill County Office of Solid Waste and Recycling coordinator Joseph Scribbick to have the borough host the annual fall cleanup at the vacant lot next to the Mahanoy City Elks Lodge 695 on Sept. 12 and 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Approved Resolution 2019-9 authorizing borough secretary Angela Hughes to be the borough liaison to Berkheimer Tax Innovations for sharing confidential online tax information.

• Accepted the high bid of $1,575 from Janice Shield for the purchase of the street department’s 2008 Ford Expedition.

• Approved the Schuylkill County Land Bank side yard applications for vacant lots at 46-48 B St. and 412 W. Mahanoy St.

• Approved the final fuel payment distribution for 2019 to the five borough fire companies. Each fire company is allotted by the borough $1,840 per year for fuel, divided into two payments of $920.

• Approved four requests from West End Fire & Rescue Company to participate in upcoming parades in Tamaqua (2), Shenandoah and Nuremberg.

The council approved the following county repository sales:

• 502 E. Railroad St. — Bidder is Schuylkill County Land Bank for $500.

• 0 E. Spruce St. — Bidder is Charles Freil for $1,223.

• 510 W. South St. — Bidder is Larissa Dominques Jimenez for $1,004.

• 231 E. South St. — Bidder is Ricard John Davis for $1,240.

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

PHILADELPHIA — The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday added anxiety disorders and Tourette’s syndrome to the list of health conditions that qualify for treatment using medical marijuana.

The conditions were approved after a recommendation by the state Medical Marijuana Advisory Board and a review of research by Health Secretary Rachel Levine. Anxiety and Tourette’s will join the state’s list of 21 serious ailments July 21. Other qualifying illnesses include terminal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain and multiple sclerosis.

“I did not take this decision lightly,” Levine said in a statement. “For both conditions, medical marijuana is not first-line treatment and should not replace traditional therapies but should be used in conjunction with them, when recommended by a physician.”

Levine’s announcement came before a marijuana “summit” she called Thursday to discuss the marijuana medical research with representatives of eight Pennsylvania universities and recently approved cannabis producers who will partner with the schools.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting more than 18% of the population every year, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. By that measure, some 1.73 million Pennsylvanians might qualify to participate in the state’s 2-year-old marijuana program, that has seen over 137,000 residents sign up.

Patients with anxiety disorders should continue to pursue counseling and therapy to manage their illness, Levine said, adding that medical marijuana strains with low THC and greater CBD content seem to be more effective for the treatment of anxiety. THC is the compound in cannabis that produces the feeling of being high, but can also trigger anxiety. CBD is thought to moderate the effects of THC, though there is insufficient scientific evidence.

Levine said medical marijuana is not recommended to treat children and adolescents with anxiety disorders, as their brains are still developing.

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive involuntary movements and vocalizations known as tics. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 200,000 Americans have the most severe form of Tourette’s.

To participate in the program, interested patients must apply to the Department of Health for a medical marijuana card and receive a doctor’s recommendation — similar to a prescription. The doctor must have taken a four-hour course on marijuana and been approved by the state.

Which medical conditions qualify in Pa.?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known

as Lou Gehrig’s disease; anxiety disorders (beginning July 21), autism, cancer, Crohn’s disease, damage to central nervous system tissue, dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Huntington’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, intractable seizures, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, neuropathies, opioid use disorder, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic or intractable pain from neuropathy, sickle cell anemia, terminal illness, Tourette’s syndrome (beginning July 21).

POTTSVILLE — Road closures will be in effect today in the city to accommodate the Yuengling 190th anniversary celebration.

These closures began at 6 a.m. Friday and will remain in effect until approximately noon Sunday.

• Laurel Boulevard: Centre Street to Terry Reiley Way.

• Arch Street parking lot: closed.

Closures starting at 6 a.m. today. These streets will be opened by approximately 8 p.m. today:

• Mahantango Street: South Sixth to South Second streets.

• South Second Street: Mahantango to West Norwegian streets.

• North Second Street: West Norwegian to West Market streets.

• West Norwegian Street: North Centre to South Third streets.

Closures starting at 6 a.m. today. These streets will be opened by approximately 6 a.m. Sunday:

• Progress Avenue: East Norwegian Street to Giant Markets.

• Laurel Boulevard: North Centre Street to Terry Reiley Way.

• East Race Street: North Centre Street to Progress Avenue.

• East Arch Street: North Centre Street to Terry Reiley Way.

• East Market Street: North Centre Street to Progress Avenue.

• Capitol Parking Deck: closed. All vehicles must be removed.

Route 61, Route 209, North and South Centre streets and East and West Market streets may be congested during the event due to increased traffic, but will remain open to through traffic.

Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA — A borough woman who struck a Tamaqua police officer on April 6, had charges against her held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Kimberly Ann Fahringer, 50, of 639 E. Broad St., was arrested by Tamaqua police Patrolman Frederick Lahovski Jr. and charged with two counts each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia and one count each of simple assault, criminal mischief and resisting arrest.

Bayer determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered all seven charges against Fahringer to Schuylkill County Court, where she can either plead guilty or enter a not guilty plea and request a trial.

Lahovski charged Fahringer stemming from an incident at her home where he was called for domestic disturbance and saw, in plain sight on a table, a knife and a mirror with white powder residue.

When told she was being placed under arrest, Lahovski said Fahringer resisted, and struck an officer on the left side of his face, knocking his glasses off and breaking them.

The powder on the mirror tested positive for methamphetamine, Lahovski said.

Other court cases included:

Dennis L. Nedley Jr., 36, of 250 W. Howard Ave., Coaldale; held for court; driving a vehicle without a valid inspection, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brian S. Fritz, 42, of 8 Town Hill Road, Apt. 4, Forest City; held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Aaron J. Neff, 23, of 185 Greenwood St., Coaldale; held for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Elizabeth J. Ostrowski, 49, of 72 Lakeside Ave., Delano; held for court: DUI-controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Thomas A. Mundie Jr., 36, of 253 S. 4th St., Minersville; held for court: possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

David J. Rossi

TREMONT — A Valley View man charged with assaulting a woman in Hegins Township on June 15 appeared for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi.

Brandon D. Ruch, 44, of 1051 W. Main St., was arrested by Hegins Township police Sgt. Matthew Dillman and charged with strangulation, simple assault and harassment.

Prosecutors withdrew the strangulation charge and Ruch waived the remaining two offenses to Schuylkill County Court, where he can now plead guilty or enter a not guilty plea and request a jury trial.

Dillman charged Ruch with assaulting Tiffany Hunsinger at his home during an argument at his home.

During the argument, Dillman said Ruch threw chewing tobacco in the woman’s face, choked her, pulled some of her hair out and threw her to the ground, causing injuries.

Other court cases included:

Steve A. Lucas, 47, of 14 Second St., Tremont; waived for court: flight to avoid apprehension, trial or punishment, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

James D. Beuchler, 39, of 76 Cardinal Road, Pine Grove; held for court; false identification to law enforcement, failure to carry a driver’s license, failure to notify of change of address, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, failure to wear safety belts and driving a vehicle without a valid inspection.

Shannon M. Knudsen, 49, of 105 Oak Grove Road, Pine Grove; held for court: criminal mischief.

Zachary P. Fidler, 34, of 23 Spruce Drive, Pine Grove; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Nicholas R. Chipolet, 67, of 106 Chicks Lane, Bloomsburg; waived for court; DUI, DUI-highest rate, disregard for single traffic lane, careless driving and turning movements and required signals.

Cody J. Veach, 37, of 105 Oak Grove Road, Pine Grove; dismissed: harassment.

Rafael Navarro-Baez, 28, of 3137 Montrose Ave., Laureldale; dismissed: strangulation, simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment.

Ronald D. Bender, 51, of 21 Pine Lane, Pine Grove; withdrawn: simple assault and harassment.

Thomas M. McClusky, 34, of 623 Pine Hill St., Minersville; withdrawn: simple assault and harassment.

Samuel Steffie, 48, of 702 Sunbury Road, Pottsville; dismissed: criminal trespass, simple assault and disorderly conduct.

Theresa M. Urbanek, 55, of 447 S. Mill St., Saint Clair; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nicole Lin Deitzler, 40, of 1801 Church St., Apt. 2, Lebanon; waived for court: theft and theft by failure to make required disposition of funds.

Christina E. Hale

FRACKVILLE — A former Frackville woman charged with falsely accusing her neighbor of smoking marijuana on June 2 waived her right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale.

Tara Marie Speckert, 47, of 2040 N. Main St., Scranton, formerly of 639 Altamont Blvd., Frackville, was arrested by West Mahanoy Township police Patrolman Theodore Buriak Jr. and charged with two counts of false reports and one count of retaliation against a witness or victim.

By waiving her right to a hearing, Speckert will now have to answer to the charges in Schuylkill County Court, where she can plead guilty or enter a not guilty plea and request a jury trial.

Buriak charged Speckert with reporting her neighbors, Jack and Josephine Lipshaw, for smoking marijuana and saying she could smell it through the walls.

The investigation revealed no smell of marijuana was present and that the aroma was from cooking, Buriak said. He added that Speckert made up the charges because she was cited for disorderly conduct and harassment based on information received from the victims.

Other court cases included:

Jessica M. Gualtier, 37, of 123 McKnight St., Box 123, Gordon; withdrawn: accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property, failure to stop and give information or render aid and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked. Held for court: DUI-controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, disregard for single traffic lane, careless driving, failure to stop and give information or render aid and accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property.

Ashley M. Such, 19, of 405 Walnut St., Ashland; withdrawn: conspiracy, criminal trespass, burglary and disorderly conduct.

Caleb J. Harley, 19, of 52 Dries Road, Reading; withdrawn: terroristic threats, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.

David H. Rector, 39, of 132 S. Spencer St., Frackville; dismissed: possession of drug paraphernalia and public drunkenness.

Alec M. Shulski, 20, of 1208 W. Coal St., Shenandoah; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, exceeding the speed limit, careless driving, improper sun screening and operating or permitting operation with unsafe equipment.

Courtney L. Kraemer, 28, of 204 E. Main St., Girardville; waived for court: conspiracy, criminal trespass, burglary, theft and disorderly conduct.

William Logrande, 23, of 1178 W. Centre St., Shenandoah; withdrawn: possession of drug paraphernalia. Waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Christina M. Kline, 39, of 4362 Black Drive, Whitehall; waived for court: driving an unregistered vehicle, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dakota D. Vandermeer, 23, of 57 Centre Ave., Schuylkill Haven; waived for court: simple assault and harassment.

James K. Reiley

POTTSVILLE — A man arrested by Pottsville police for getting into an argument with a woman and then threatening to burn down a house on June 16 has waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James J. Reiley.

Darrell Morrison, 29, of 436 E. Market St., Pottsville, was arrested by Patrolman Braden Jones and charged with arson, aggravated assault, strangulation, endangering the welfare of children, simple assault, terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Morrison will now have to answer to all of the charges against him in Schuylkill County Court, where he can plead guilty or enter a not guilty plea and request a jury trial.

Jones charged Morrison with assaulting a 38-year-old woman by grabbing her by the neck, throwing her against a wall and punching her in the face, while saying he was going to kill her.

When the woman tried to leave, Jones said, Morrison grabbed her by the throat, blocking her airway and also broke two cell phones so she could not call for help.

At one point, Jones said, Morrison picked up a shower curtain that was in the kitchen, placed it on the stove and turned on the burner in order to set the curtain on fire. He also tried to light a towel on fire.

Other court cases included:

Austin H. Zukosky, 21, of 36 Walnut St., Cressona; waived for court; recklessly endangering another person, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a small amount of marijuana and firearms violations.

Jamie P. Robbins, 39, of 317 W. Arch St., Apt. 5, Pottsville; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

George J. Oakum, 26, of 131 S. Spencer St., Frackville; waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate and duties at a stop sign.

Edward A. Koropchak, 40, of SCI/Camp Hill, Camp Hill; waived for court: DUI and driving with a blood alcohol level of .002-percent or higher while under license suspension.

Nichole A. Bradley, 34, of 76 Angel Drive, New Ringgold; waived for court: restrictions on alcoholic beverages, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Earl Bostice Simmons, 67, of SCI/Waymart, Waymart; held for court: aggravated indecent assault of a child, indecent assault of a person less than 13-years-old and corruption of minors.

Carlos Figueroa, 41, of 2434 S. Third St., Whitehall; held for court: possession of a controlled substance.

Rafael A. Maldonado Merced, 56, of 316 E. Arch St., Pottsville; waived or court: criminal trespass, robbery, simple assault, burglary, theft and receiving stolen property.

Kelly J. Snowe Sr., 50, of 13 Market St., Tamaqua; waived for court: accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and disregard for single traffic lane.

Zachary T. Cyr, 26, of 400 W. Mahantongo St., Apt. 8, Pottsville; dismissed: simple assault and harassment.

William M. Hiester, 28, of 315 Chestnut St., Saint Clair; waived for court: retail theft.

Quinton J. Noti, 55, of 208 Dock St., Room 6, Schuylkill Haven; waived for court: theft and receiving stolen property.

Richard Arrigo, 26, of 900 Fairview St., Room 4, Pottsville; waived for court: retail theft.

Devin M. Borrell, 22, of 108 Tuscarora St., Pottsville; waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

(Staff writer Frank

Andruscavage

compiled this report)

Police investigate string of burglaries

MAHANOY CITY — Over the past two weeks, Mahanoy City police reported investigating four residential burglaries that they believe are related to each other.

According to police, the burglaries are most likely related to similar burglaries in Mahanoy Township.

Police Chief Mark J. Wiekrikas said that both departments have been working together to process scenes and follow up on leads and have several persons of interest at this time.

Wiekrikas said evidence from the scenes has also been sent to the state police crime laboratory for analysis and that both departments are waiting for the results.

It is hoped the results will positively identify suspects in the cases, Wiekrykas said.

Both Wiekrykas and Mahanoy Township Police Chief Brandon Alexander are urging residents to call 911 if they hear or see anything suspicious in their neighborhoods.

Police report on crash in Pottsville

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police are investigating a crash that was reported around 9:35 a.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Route 61 and Mill Creek Avenue.

Patrolman Grant Yoder’s investigation determined that a 40-year-old Mahanoy City woman was driving a Subaru Legacy south on Route 61 when she stopped at the intersection.

While stopped, Yoder said, the woman’s car was struck from behind by a Chevrolet Express van being driven south on Route 61 by Paul Dudeck, 59, of Trucksville.

Police said witness accounts were that the light was red for southbound traffic at the time of the crash.

Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene and police said Dudeck was treated for minor injuries by Schuylkill EMS.

SUMMIT STATION — Registration deadlines are fast approaching for the Schuylkill County Fair.

Monday is the pre-registration cutoff date for general exhibits. This deadline is for exhibitors interested in registering items for general exhibits. General exhibits consist of items like eggs, fruit, vegetables, flowers and grains. This same deadline is used for items like cakes, pickles, wine, honey, quilts, photos and woodworking.

These types of items may be pre-registered on the Schuylkill County General Entry Form, which can be found in the premium tabloid or at www.schuylkillfair.com/exhibits.

Questions about entering general exhibits into the fair may be addressed by calling 570-527-0294 or emailing schuylkillfair@gmail.com.

There is a large variety of categories in the premium tabloid for almost anything that can be made, grown, raised or collected. There are listings of classes for fruit, vegetable, flowers, needle crafts, food, wine, grain and arts and crafts to tractor.

The fair is set for July 29 through Aug. 3.

For more information about entertainment and activities, go to www.schuylkillfair.com or Facebook.

POTTSVILLE — The following areas are available to park for today’s Yuengling 190th anniversary party and concert:

VIP parking

Persons with VIP passes for the event may park at the Schuylkill County Jurors Lot, 649 Sanderson St.

City streets

Street parking is available in and around the downtown on a limited basis. Parking can occur at any metered location; care should be exercised not to park in restricted areas. There will be no shuttle bus service offered for street parking. Vehicles parked illegally or dangerously may be towed by order of city police.

Union Street parking lot

Premium parking (walking distance to both venues; no shuttle). $10 per car. 200 E. Union St.

Pottsville Area School District complex

$5 per car. Shuttle service available; Red Route. 1501 Laurel Blvd.

Schuylkill Medical Mall

Free parking. Shuttle service available; Purple Route. 700 Schuylkill Manor Road.

Fairlane Village mall

Free parking. Shuttle service available; Orange Route. Route 61 north of Pottsville.

Empire Beauty School

Free parking. Shuttle service available; Orange Route. Route 61 north of Pottsville.

The fifth annual Old Anthracite Coal Miner’s Film Night at Valley View Park will feature images and memories of the late David A. Lucas, of Hegins.

Lucas, 67, a retired anthracite coal miner, passed away in June following a May 24 car accident that also killed his wife, LaRae.

The free program begins at 8:30 p.m. July 20 at the park at 524 Gap St. A collection for the David A. Lucas Fund will be taken at intermission and counted by representatives of Gratz Bank, who will announce total donations at night’s end.

“David came to every one of our coal miners’ movie nights, and gave an impromptu speech after the first one. About two years ago, he gave me his films,” David Williams, president of the Valley View Park Association, said Wednesday.

Williams, a licensed professional mining engineer and licensed surveyor, had worked with Lucas since 1979 and organized Saturday’s event. It’s an honor for the association to devote this year’s movie night to films from Lucas’ collection, he said.

After consulting with the association board and getting approval from Lucas’ son, David Lucas Jr., Williams said the program came together nicely.

“This event is to honor all anthracite coal miners for their hard work and heritage,” he said.

Lucas had formerly run the D&D Anthracite Coal Co. mine in Hegins, until it closed in 2007, and was also organizer of the annual Independent “Bootleggers” Coal Miners Picnic, which used to be held every August in Hegins. Lucas’ devotion to the industry also extended to the anthracite memorial he constructed in his yard along Route 25.

Saturday’s program will include pictures, video and a musical tribute to Lucas. The Breaker Boys, Stu Richards and Tommy Symons; and Colton Miller are scheduled to perform on the main stage.

The park’s hamburger stand will be open and food items will be available for purchase.

In case of rain, the event will be held in the park’s Buck Stewart Pavilion.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

The 12th Annual Coal Miner’s Heritage Festival is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday on the grounds of the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford, Carbon County. This unique, fun and educational event celebrates Northeast Pennsylvania’s coal region history, ethnic heritage, food, music, art, crafts and customs.

The Coal Miners Heritage Festival is presented by the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford. Admission to the festival grounds and parking are free.

Underground tours of the No. 9 Coal Mine will be available throughout the day for a nominal charge. The guided underground mine tours last approximately 45 minutes and are available throughout the day. The average temperature in the mine is about 52 degrees so a light jacket or sweater are recommended.

The nearby No. 9 Coal Mining Museum, housed in the original 1912 brick miner’s wash shanty, houses one of the largest collections of anthracite coal mining artifacts, tools, photographs and memorabilia in the coal region.

In keeping with the theme, the coal miner’s competition is always the most popular event. Anyone over the age of 16 is invited to participate in the coal shoveling competition, where competitors shovel a pile of coal in the shortest time.

In past years, this had been a very competitive event, drawing participants from all over the region. Trophies will be awarded to the winners. The coal shoveling competition will begin at 2 p.m.

Exhibitors, crafters and vendors will be set up on the grounds surrounding the museum offering a variety of handmade crafts and other items for sale. There will also be a basket raffle tent featuring many donated prizes.

Many interesting and fun exhibits will highlight coal region heritage and culture.

The old time ‘Wash Day’ demonstrations will show the evolution and chore of washing clothes by hand in the coal patch towns.

There will also be an exhibit of artifacts and photos from the 1969 Paramount Pictures movie, “The Molly Maguires” filmed in the coal region.

Many other exhibits, from 19th century death and funeral customs to antique coal region beer trays, will be on display as well.

A variety of great music typically found in the coal region will be featured throughout the day. It includes folk musician and storyteller Van Wagner performing from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The WMGH Polka Program live broadcast with Polka Joe Manjack from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Coal region folk musician Jay Smar will perform from 2:30 until 4:30 p.m. Mountain music man Dave Matsinko will do strolling performances from 1 until 4 p.m. DJ Shawn Frederickson will play other classic coal region music during the day.

Coal region re-enactors will stroll the grounds in their authentic coal patch town outfits dressed as old time coal miners, the miners wives and the wealthy mine owner. They will perform a special skit at 1 p.m.

A display of a few early antique vehicles from the early 1900s will be on the grounds, and a traditional modern home delivery hi-lift coal truck will be displayed.

A variety of homemade, coal region ethnic foods and other popular festival foods will be featured, including Eastern European style halushki, Polish pierogies sautéed in butter, Middle Eastern shish kabobs, Greek gyros, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, deep fried veggies, PA Dutch soft pretzels.

Children’s entertainment will be offered, including the popular old time coal sack races with prizes for the winners, several kiddie amusement rides, a train ride, bounce house and children’s games. Buster the Clown will be on hand making balloon animals, and doing face painting.

Anyone who would like to register as a crafter or vendor can contact Dale at dalefreud@gmail.com or by phone at 610-597-6722.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary recently received a $5,500 grant for general operating purposes from the FirstEnergy Foundation.

“This type of grant supports all of our efforts at Hawk Mountain, from global training and research to welcoming local students and hikers,” Hawk Mountain Director of Development Mary Linkevich said. “We are so thankful for this contribution.”

The grant will contribute to weekend programs, educational workshops and lectures that are offered almost every weekend, in addition to maintaining the 8-mile trail system and supporting long-term raptor-migration monitoring and other global research and education.

“At FirstEnergy, we are proud of our record of environmental stewardship, including our ongoing efforts to help protect ospreys near our power lines,” said Lorna Wisham, president of the FirstEnergy Foundation, said. “Hawk Mountain’s mission aligns with the foundation’s focus to improve the vitality of our communities and promote local and regional economic development.”

Its FirstEnergy’s 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. The FirstEnergy Foundation contributes to local nonprofit organizations to help strengthen the social and economic fabric of our communities.

POTTSVILLE — America’s Oldest Brewery will stage America’s newest party today, as D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. will hold its 190th anniversary celebration from 1 to 10 p.m. across the city.

“It’s awesome,” Debbie Yuengling, the company’s culture and employee engagement manager and one of four daughters of owner Richard L. “Dick” Yuengling Jr. who are involved in operating the business, said after what was “pretty much” the busiest week of her career. “It’s a proud day.”

As the brewery, the city, its business community and others prepare for the celebration, City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said the event should be memorable and a boost for Pottsville.

“There’s a lot of anticipation, a little bit of anxiety,” he said.

Local officials have predicted that between 10,000 and 18,000 people will attend the events, with as many as 30,000 people in the city throughout the day.

Everyone who comes should benefit from good weather, as National Weather Service meteorologist Steve Travis said today’s forecast for Pottsville calls for mostly sunny skies and a high temperature of 87 degrees.

Lots of city employees have been laboring to make sure the party goes as planned, according to Palamar.

“Our streets guys have been working tirelessly,” by cleaning trash, cutting weeds and freshening crosswalks, he said. “That’s really important.”

Palamar said the police department has been planning with other law enforcement personnel to keep the peace, and visitors should have no concerns with respect to that.

“We’ve done that worrying,” he said. “It shouldn’t seem to the general public that it was a problem.”

One of the highlights will be the concert by the New Orleans-based alternative rock band Better Than Ezra, with the city rock band Hooligan as the opening act. Hooligan will take the stage, which will be facing west at Laurel Boulevard and North Progress Avenue, at 6:30 p.m., and Better Than Ezra slated for an 8 p.m. start.

Palamar said the fireworks show, which the city is sponsoring, will be staged by Bixler Pyrotechnics at Nativity BVM High School beginning around 9:45 p.m. after the end of Better Than Ezra’s show, which the Yuengling family is paying for.

Savas Logothetides, executive director of the Pottsville Area Development Corp., estimates that 10,000 to 12,000 people will be able to fill the viewing area.

However, the focus of the party will be the beer that made Pottsville famous, particularly for Trent Platz, of Kansas City, Missouri.

“It’s an amazing beer, family-owned, a great product,” Platz said of Yuengling, which has been his favorite drink since 2008, when he was a student at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. “That’s when Yuengling first started distributing outside the local region. I fell in love with it. I decided I’d drive 1,100 miles for the 190th party.”

Ironically, Platz cannot buy Yuengling in his home state, since the company does not distribute there, so he spent much of Friday loading lots of the product into his car. The closest state to Platz where Yuengling is sold is Arkansas.

In the summer of 2017, he started writing letters to the company.

“By my last count, I’ve written over 200 letters,” he said. Many of the replies have included Yuengling merchandise, including bottle openers, hats, shirts and signs, a lot from Dick Yuengling himself, Platz said.

Platz said he also is impressed with Pottsville.

“It truly is Appalachia, beautiful views, beautiful scenery, small-town friendliness,” he said.

Platz also said he liked the company in general and the brewery tour in particular.

“(The family) stays humble to its roots,” he said. “The brewery tour was amazing,” especially the beer cellars.

In addition to the big stage where Better Than Ezra will perform, there will be two smaller stages. The one on Arch Street will host the band Toolshed Jack from 4 to 6 p.m., while the one on Mahantongo Street will host the band The Boys Upstairs from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Pottsville Business Association President David Clews believes the party will benefit everyone in the city, not just today, but in the future.

“I think it’s going to attract a lot of people to Pottsville. I think it will bring several thousand people to the city,” and many of them should come back, he said. “It’s still our downtown. It’s pretty special.”

Lots of business owners agree with him, Clews said, since they are volunteering to work at the party and help welcome people to the city. PBA members with businesses in the area of the party are planning to be at those businesses to try to attract customers during the event, Clews said.

Debbie Yuengling said one lasting benefit to the city is that 5 percent of this month’s sales at the brewery’s gift shop will be donated to the Pottsville Continued Progress Project, which benefits downtown revitalization.

Like Platz, Debra Gregory, San Diego, crossed the Mississippi to visit the brewery. She did not originally come for the party but said Friday that she might stick around for it after really enjoying the brewery tour.

“It was awesome,” she said. “We liked the big vats. We liked looking at the old historic stuff. The caves were awesome and cool.”

Debbie Yuengling said she will be doing “a little bit of everything” today, and everyone should love the party.

“Enjoy the moment,” she advised. “We’re just super excited.”

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

Kelayres

The Kline Township community digital board project on Market Street has been completed as one of the 2019 community projects. The board is being used to help keep township residents informed of local community news and events. It is maintained by township Supervisor Dale Wesner and is updated every few days with information from local government and nonprofit organizations. The project work was mainly done by township employees to help keep the costs down. Anyone wishing to request information be placed on the new digital board should call Wesner at the township office at 570-929-2195. There is no cost for any nonprofit organization to have an approved advertisement. Each request is subject to coordinator approval. The board of supervisors thanked McAdoo Machine Co. for the material, fabrication and services to make and donate the metal stand for the sign, and Tony Vigna, Gary Perna Sr., Cheryl Wesner, Vincent Chitswara, Joseph Magda and Aaron DeBalko for their assistance during the installation and for support by the Kline Township Municipal Authority.

Orwigsburg

The Orwigsburg Historical Society and Museum, 109 E. Mifflin St., will host Songs and Stories of the American Revolutionary War performed by Matthew Dodd at 7 p.m. Thursday. Dodd will dress in period soldier’s clothing. The event is free and all are welcome. For more information, call 570-617-7809. More information also is available online at www.facebook.com/orwigsburghistory.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial donations: For Rosalie Lehrman from Joseph and Sondra Mendlowitz, Judith Palkovitz; for Kathy Case from Joan Connolly, Robert J. Porter Jr., Charles Underwood, Chester C. Corse Jr., Susan Bendle, Ed and Mary Hauck, Sherrill Silberling, Patsy and Dennis Cresina, Pat Shellhammer, Janet and Marla Terefencko, Fred Brokhoff, Pat and John Kutch, David and Christine Ambrose, Carolyn M. Marconis, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Eroh, Joanne M. Yuengling, Judi and Mike Buchinsky, Jeanie Kline, Letitia Malarkey, Phillip and Patricia Markovich, Margaret and Dick Fenstermacher, Gary and Cathy Cortese, Beth and Clare Boyer, Alberta Maurer, Mary E. Moran, Mary Beth Harvey, Gary and Gail Bedford, Steve and Karen Durkin, Paula and Tom Ney, Frank and Camille Mattera, Carolyn Bernatonis, Gerard and Sandra Griesbaum; for Arlene Olexa from Patricia Markovich, Peggy Kratsas, Mary Lipton; for Dick Wolf from the Allied Artists of Schuylkill County; for Mary Spehrley from Rose Kohutka, Loretta Dalazia, Molly B. Guers. The library also acknowledged the following honors: For Jack Mansell from Dorane Polcrack; for Jean Towle from Debra Eremus, Muench and Company; for members of the 1974 board of the Pottsville Free Public Library: Arthur H. Weston, Howard S. Fernsler, George M. Gebhardt, Lynn Curran, Dr. William Davidson, Ione Geier, Ellen Platt, John D. W. Reiley, Chest A. Dove and Dr. Helen Marshall from Steve Lilienthal.

Shenandoah

The Lithuanian, Slovak and Polish contingents are organizing in preparation for the annual Shenandoah Heritage Day and Parade of Nations to be held Aug. 25. Those interested in walking with the Lithuanian contingent should call Florence Yanall at 570-462-2458. More information about the Slovak contingent is available by calling Mary Ann at 570-462-0883. People interested in participating with the Polish contingent should call the office of Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Parish at 570-462-1968. Lineup for the Parade of Nations will begin at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 25 on North Jardin Street beginning near St. Casimir Church at 229 N. Jardin St., a Divine Mercy Parish Sacred Worship Site. Traditionally more than 20 nationalities involved in Shenandoah’s historical mosaic are represented. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. The marchers will head south on Jardin Street to Cherry Street, east on Cherry to Main Street and north on Main through downtown Shenandoah to Washington Street. Festivities will continue on Main Street after the parade involving a wide variety of ethnic and traditional American food, including the renowned “Hookies” bleenies by the Rescue Hook & Ladder Fire Company, Main and Coal streets. There will also be games, vendors, artists/crafters and entertainers throughout the day. Traditionally, the Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society’s history center at 201 S. Main St. and the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society’s headquarters and museum at 105 S. Jardin St. are open to visitors throughout the event.

Here’s the schedule of activities for Yuengling’s 190th anniversary celebration Saturday in Pottsville.

Food, beer, vendors

• 1 to 6 p.m.: Food and artisan vendors on Mahantongo and Second streets.

• 1 to 6 p.m.: Traditional Lager or another Yuengling brand available at Yuengling Brewery beer garden, Mahantongo Street. Cash only.

• 1 to 10 p.m.: Food, artisan vendors on Progress Avenue.

• 1 to 10 p.m.: Golden Pilsner or another Yuengling brand available at downtown beer garden, Progress Avenue near the main stage. Cash only.

Entertainment

• 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.: The Boys Upstairs, acoustic party music; Yuengling Brewery Stage C, Mahantongo Street.

• 4 to 6 p.m.: Toolshed Jack, up-tempo pop/rock/funk; Arch Street Stage B.

• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Hooligan, rock; opens Main Stage on Progress Avenue.

• 8 to 9:30 p.m.: Better Than Ezra, Main Stage.

• 9:30 to 9:45 p.m.: Fireworks.

NOTE: Outside alcohol will not be permitted within the venues, and all other city ordinances and state laws will be enforced outside the venues.

POTTSVILLE — A Schuylkill Haven man will spend a short time in prison after admitting Wednesday to a Schuylkill County judge that he was on drugs when he drove in September 2018.

Tobi A. Metz, 37, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lane and failure to obey traffic control devices. Prosecutors withdrew charges of driving without a license, failure to drive at a safe speed, careless driving, seat belt violation, operating vehicle without required financial responsibility, operating vehicle without valid inspection, improper display of plate, displaying plate or card in improper vehicle, driving unregistered vehicle and failure to notify of change of address.

Judge Charles M. Miller accepted Metz’s plea and sentenced him to serve 72 hours to six months in prison, pay costs, $1,050 in fines and $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, and perform 10 hours community service.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Metz was DUI on Sept. 14, 2018.

Other defendants who pleaded guilty Wednesday before Miller, the crimes they committed and the sentences the judge imposed included the following people:

Candace L. Colna, 28, of Schuylkill Haven; simple assault; time served to 23 months in prison with immediate parole and $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account. Prosecutors withdrew charges of recklessly endangering another person and harassment.

Joseph C. Ditzel, 37, of Ashland; retail theft; 24 months probation and $50 CJEA payment.

Timothy A. Geiger, 45, of Saint Clair; possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; 24 months probation, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $339 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Riley C. Scull, 24, of Millville; DUI; 72 hours to six months in prison, $1,000 fine, $100 SAEF payment, $4,919.86 restitution and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew charges of driving on sidewalk and reckless driving.

Lamir Walker-Lindsay, 19, of Pottsville; two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation consecutive to current sentence, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $176 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

“Straighten yourself out and don’t let dopes convince you to take dope,” Miller told Walker-Lindsay. “Stay away from this stuff.”

All defendants sentenced by Miller must pay costs as a part of their sentences.

Also on Wednesday in the county court, Aarron Vandaley, 41, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom. Judge James P. Goodman sentenced Vandaley to serve 45 days to six months in prison and pay costs and a $300 fine.

Branch Township police charged Vandaley violated a protection from abuse order on June 21 in the township.

Goodman dismissed a charge of indirect criminal contempt against Ronald J. Hartranft, 40, of McAdoo. McAdoo police had charged him with violating a protection from abuse order on June 19 in the borough.

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

The Schuylkill Intermediate 29 and Schuylkill Technology Center boards approved pay increases for several administrators and staff and also seated two new members.

Michelle Vesay, representing Blue Mountain School District, and Angela DeMario, representing Minersville Area School District, were welcomed at the Monday meeting.

The board approved a 2.75 percent increase for several administrators. Salaries for the 2019-20 school year will be as follows: Executive Director Gregory S. Koons, Ed. D., $131,648; Assistant IU Executive Director and Director of Career and Technical Education Shannon Brennan, $97,612.50; and Business Manager Brittany K. Doyle, $87,627.

The Act 93 employees (other administrative/supervisory) and support staff will receive salary increases of 2.67 percent. That percentage comes from averaging the percent increase at each of the 12 member school districts, according to Brennan.

Meanwhile, the salary hike for educational support personnel at the STC, as per the agreement, is 50 cents per hour.

National exposure

In other business, the STC board granted permission for Stacey Minahan, STC assistant director; and James Gurcsik, STC culinary arts instructor, to attend the School Climate Institute National Conference Aug. 7-9 in New York City. Gurcsik and Minahan will be presenting STC’s School Climate Initiative and its food truck project at the conference.

In other action, the board approved the following 2019-20 budgets: Transportation, $848,481; Extended School Year, $55,615; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA-B Component I, $402,155; IDEA-B, Component II and III, $3,922,812; IDEA-Section (619), $320,929; State Early Intervention, $3,792,023; Day Treatment, $220,500; and Artists in Residence, $10,000.

Grievance dropped

As a follow-up to the board’s June 3 meeting, a grievance that was filed by the early intervention staff in April has been dropped.

“The grievance was dropped by the Teamsters Union on May 23, 2019, since the issue could not be substantiated,” Koons said in an email Thursday.

Ashley Forney, an early intervention speech therapist, read from a prepared statement on behalf of the early intervention staff during the June board meeting.

“Teachers and therapists were reaching and/or exceeding state allowances as early as February. The increased caseloads were a consequence of high staff turnover and the inability to hire replacements,” she said. “Within the past four years, seven speech therapists and three special education teachers chose to take positions elsewhere ... The high turnover rate is directly related to caseload numbers, paperwork, travel and salary,” Forney said.

The IU average is one teacher and two aides for every 10 children. “We also provide integrated therapy and usually have at least one therapist in the classroom. Efforts have been made to shift the current teacher responsibility of assessments to management positions. As a result, the staff will be able to increase their direct service time with students,” Koons said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Deeds

East Union Township — Ricardo Rueda to Alicia L. Castro; property at Market and Franklin streets, Sheppton; $125,000.

Enrico and Mary Digenova to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 124ER, Eagle Rock; $9,000.

Justeen Dado, by attorney in fact Deborah Dado, to John D. Marks; two properties in Sheppton; $65,000.

Eldred Township — K&K Health Care LLC to Green Valley Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Property Co. LLC; 5.54-acre property at township roads TR-505 and TR-411; $1,000,000.

McAdoo — Patricia Smith to Lourdes Perez; 345 S. Kennedy Drive; $93,000.

Norwegian Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to 140619 Portfolio Trust; 203 Walnut St., Mar Lin; $19,001.

Rita Meadows to Rita Meadows and Robert and Karen Dittmar; 313 Main St., Seltzer; $1.

Pine Grove Township — TKC CXCII LLC to FDI Postal Properties I LLC; 3.593-acre property on Route 443; $3,756,952.

Porter Township — Karen Breech, administratrix of the Estate of Joshua W. Hoppes, to Harold Eugene Hemrick III; 221 Dietrich Ave., Orwin; $95,000.

Pottsville — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to JMAC Realty LLC; 1240 Mount Hope Ave.; $48,641.

Schuylkill Haven — M23 LLC to Antonio Batista Jimenez; 127 St. James St.; $15,000.

South Manheim Township — Robert J. Jr. and Lisa M. Yanek to Lisa M. Yanek; 1054 Schuylkill Mountain Road; $1.

Tamaqua — Seth Keller to Sun Smart Holdings LLC; 545 Elm St.; $27,500.

Washington Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to JMAC Realty LLC; 32 Wild Cherry Road; $145,130.

Wayne Township — Douglas K. and Ellen M. Burnhauser to Victor M. and Canniel Yuhas; 139 Rolling View Drive; $335,000.

West Mahanoy Township — Donald Smith to 724 Fountain St LLC; 181 Ohio Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $125,000.

West Penn Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to JMAC Realty LLC; 120 Walnut Lane, Andreas; $51,501.

Michael T. Hosak Jr., Theodore A. and Deborah Patrick and Albert J. Jr. and Rafe Patrick to Michael T. Hosak Jr., Theodore A. Patrick and Rafe Patrick; 91.76-acre property on Township Road 785; $1.

Karen Moyer, substitute executrix of the Estate of Robert A. Arner and executrix of the Estate of Florence Arner, and Dean Arner to Dean Arner; 1.5-acre property on Route 309; $1.

Marriage licenses

Brian J. Yackenchick, Auburn, and Kelly J. Klusman, Auburn.

Brandon L. Jones, Pottsville, and Amanda I. Parker, Pottsville.

Robert H. Dohner, Schuylkill Haven, and Amy Beth Geiger, Schuylkill Haven.

Kelly W. Ketchum, Frackville, and Larissa Ann Borzok, Frackville.

Peter Deangelo, Tamaqua, and Julie Lynn Swenson, Tamaqua.

Charles J. Bobinis, Minersville, and Jamie Jo Bowers, Saint Clair.

Richard D. Fritz, Gordon, and Careen Anne Caulfield, Gordon.

Shawn W. Kellett, Auburn, and Christin N. Heim, Auburn.

Andrew J. Baranko, McAdoo, and Shanna Lyn Letcher, Hazleton.

Benavides Villarreal Cruz, Tamaqua, and Debra M. Rogers, Tamaqua.

Dakota M. Deaven, Schuylkill Haven, and Cassie Lynn Kershner, Pine Grove.

Michael J. Tracy, Tamaqua, and Parbatie Basdeo, Tamaqua.

Alex M. Sule, Saint Clair, and Jessica S. Wapinsky, Saint Clair.

Thomas P. Bolich, Pottsville, and Jomarie Navarro, Pottsville.

Michael L. Piontkowski, Saint Clair, and Bonnie A. Angst, Saint Clair.

Francis J. Rupp Jr., Schuylkill Haven, and Miranda S. Hedemann, Schuylkill Haven.

Divorces granted

Charles Harter, Ashland, from Penny Herb, Ashland.

Allen J. Jones, Renovo, from Judy F. Finch, Tremont.

Sarah Delp, Tremont, from Benjamin Delp, Schuylkill Haven.

Michael Galavage, Tremont, from Stacie Galavage, Tremont.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The 16 children who were part of the first week of the Kid’s Summer Camp at The Arts Barn finished on Friday, having fun, learning something about nature’s habitats and taking pride in their artistic accomplishment.

The Arts Barn offers summer camps in June and July for children ages 3 to 11, with this month holding three five-day camps. The first was for ages 5 to 7. Next week’s camp is for 8 to 11, and the third week beginning July 22 is for children 3 to 4 years old. All camps are from 9 a.m. to noon.

Kayla Cresswell is the new youth education coordinator who is managing the camps. Her smile shows that she is enjoying the camp as much as the children. When she spoke with The Republican-Herald, the children were doing an outside activity.

“They’re on a scavenger hunt right now,” Cresswell said. “They each have an adventure hunt paper, and they’re looking for things like two types of weeds, a flower, sticks, rocks and other things. They will then place them on our ‘Nature Mural.’ ”

Each camp week has its own theme, with this past week being “Habitats and Animals.”

“The first day, we did ocean projects. We had desert projects. We didn’t do any arctic projects, but we did talk about it. We did the rain forest,” Cresswell said. “Next week’s theme for the 8-to-11 children is ‘Wanderlust,’ which is adventures around the world. It’s really cool. We did that last month. And the following week is for the 3-and-4-year olds and that theme is ‘The Great Outdoors.’ ”

Cresswell spoke about what the property has for the children to enjoy and learn.

“We have so much outside for them,” she said. “We can pick blueberries at the bushes down there. We do nature walks around the pond, which has huge catfish. The kids love to check out the catfish. We have two horses in the barn that they visit everyday. There are two cats named Artsy and Barney. We do our projects, and we do our science experiments, which we try to do two of them each week. Kids love science and science experiments.”

There are high school students who volunteer for the camps.

On Friday, the children showcase their art for their family and friends. They each receive a cloth carrying bag to take the works they did during the week with them.

The Arts Barn Gallery is an art gallery of 130 local Pennsylvania artists and artisans displaying fine arts and crafts in a unique country setting. Artwork includes paintings, drawings, sculpture, woodworking, traditional rug hooking, baskets, jewelry, fused glass, pottery, hand-knitted items, blacksmith art, quilts, photography, metal sculptures, rock painting, handpainted silk and leatherwork.

The education center hosts special guests for the camps, such as Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary, Mrs. U’s Reptile Zoo Revue, and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, among others.

The Arts Barn founder and director Deborah Cooper, Schuylkill Haven, said the children’s camp was started to get children involved in art and science and more, making the site a very unique place.

“We’re very unusual in what we do,” Cooper said. “We’re very different from the art center, and yet we partner with them. Twice a year, we work together. In December, we all partner together to do an arts tour through the whole county. We all work together to support each other.”

Lauren Traver, of Schuylkill Haven, had her daughter, Chloe, 5, at the camp, which Chloe seemed to be enjoying herself. Her mother said attending the camp is a positive activity for her daughter.

“I love it. My son did it a couple of years ago, and since she was of age, I wanted her to try it,” Traver said. “It’s a lot of fun and she had a great time. There were animals and butterflies. This place is in a perfect spot. It’s a great program.”

To learn more about The Arts Barn Gallery and education center, go to theartsbarn.com or call 570-366-8736.

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

Lebanon Valley

The following local residents made the dean’s list for the spring semester at Lebanon Valley College, Annville:

Megan Bisco, Barnesville, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology, is a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School; Rileigh Jo Evitts,Auburn, received a bachelor’s in neuroscience and is a Schuylkill Haven Area High School graduate; James Garraway, Frackville, pursuing a bachelor’s in biochemistry and molecular biology, is a graduate of North Schuylkill High School; MacKenzie Hasenauer, Pine Grove, pursuing a bachelor’s in exercise science, is a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School; Rayanne Hawk, Tower City, pursuing a bachelor’s in early childhood education, is a graduate of Williams Valley High School; George Hegedus, New Ringgold, pursuing a bachelor’s in music education, is a graduate of Tamaqua Area High School; Tessa Heim, Schuylkill Haven, pursuing a bachelor’s in early childhood education and special education, is a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School; Andrea Iacoviello, Andreas, pursuing a bachelor’s in exercise science, is a graduate of Tamaqua Area High School; Jennifer Kaufman, Pine Grove, pursuing a bachelor’s in biology, is a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School; Geoffrey Kaufman, Pine Grove, pursuing a bachelor’s in business administration, is a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School; Maggie Kergick, Frackville, received a bachelor’s in English and is a graduate of North Schuylkill High School; Chloe Kline, Port Carbon, pursuing a bachelor’s in art and visual culture and English, is a graduate of Pottsville Area High School; Edward Kolonsky, Shenandoah, pursuing a bachelor’s in actuarial science, is a graduate of Marian Catholic High School; Rebecca Kutz, Pine Grove, pursuing a bachelor’s in accounting, is a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School; Courtney Levy, Mahanoy City, pursuing a bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders, is a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School; Jasmine Locke, Ashland, pursuing a bachelor’s in psychology, is a graduate of North Schuylkill High School; Jeremey Markiewicz, Mahanoy City, pursuing a bachelor’s in early childhood education and special education, is a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School; Kira Marlow, Ashland, pursuing a bachelor’s in exercise science, is a graduate of North Schuylkill High School; Patrick McMullen, Tamaqua, pursuing a bachelor’s in biology, is a graduate of Tamaqua Area High School; Paige Mealing, Schuylkill Haven, received a bachelor’s in biology, is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School; Christopher Miller, Tamaqua, pursuing a bachelor’s in biology, is a graduate of Tamaqua Area High School; Bryce Moyer, Schuylkill Haven, pursuing a bachelor’s in biology, is a graduate of Schuylkill Haven Area High School; Hannah Nestor, Ashland, pursuing a bachelor’s and doctor of physical therapy in exercise science and physical therapy, is a graduate of North Schuylkill High School; Sofia Pascuzzo, Schuylkill Haven, pursuing a bachelor’s in digital communications, is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School; Kyle Patrick, Tamaqua, pursuing a bachelor’s in biochemistry and molecular biology, is a graduate of Tamaqua Area High School; Rose Reid, Tamaqua, pursuing bachelors’ in music education and music, is a graduate of Marian Catholic High School; Whittni Reisch, Lykens, received a bachelor’s in early childhood education, is a graduate of Upper Dauphin Area High School; Laurel Reynolds, Pine Grove, pursuing a bachelor’s in criminal justice and psychology, is a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School; Faith Roberts, New Ringgold, pursuing a bachelor’s in music education, is a graduate of Tamaqua Area High School; Brent Schuetrum, Schuylkill Haven, received a bachelor’s in biology, is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School; Stephanie Senglar, Frackville, pursuing a bachelor’s in English, is a graduate of North Schuylkill High School; Sierra Sheriff, Auburn, pursuing a bachelor’s in art and visual culture and psychology, is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School; Melissa Sorensen, Tower City, pursuing a bachelor’s in English, is a graduate of Williams Valley High School; Cassandra Thomas, Ashland, pursuing a bachelor’s in biology, is a graduate of North Schuylkill High School; Aaron Tranquillo, Pottsville, pursuing a doctor of physical therapy, is a graduate of Pottsville Area High School; Aimee Walborn, Tower City, pursuing a bachelor’s in medical technology, is a graduate of Williams Valley High School; Kate Whelski, Tower City, pursuing a bachelor’s in exercise science, is a graduate of Williams Valley High School; Tianna Yanoscak, Williamstown, pursuing a bachelor’s and doctor of physical therapy in exercise science and physical therapy, is a graduate of Williams Valley High School; James Zilinski, Elizabethville, pursuing a bachelor’s in computer and data science, is a graduate of Upper Dauphin Area High School.

Southern N.H.

Tadd Shiffer, Pine Grove, was named to Southern New Hampshire University’s winter 2019 dean’s list. The term runs from January to May.

DeSales

Averi Jordan, Frackville, was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at DeSales University, Center Valley.

She is a daughter of Ron and Robyn Jordan and a 2018 graduate of North Schuylkill High School.

Susquehanna

The following local residents made the dean’s list for the spring semester at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove:

Rachael Cataldo, of Ashland, a communications major in the Class of 2021, is a 2017 graduate of North Schuylkill High School and a daughter of Joseph and Beth Cataldo.

Alexander Morgan, Valley View, a creative writing major in the Class of 2021, is a 2017 graduate of Commonwealth Charter Academy graduate and a son of Blaine and Lillie Morgan.

Kara Pytko, Minersville, a biology major in the Class of 2019, is a 2015 graduate of Minersville Area High School and a daughter of Bernard and Kathleen Pytko.

Megan Schadle, Tower City, a neuroscience major in the Class of 2020, is a 2016 graduate of Williams Valley High School and a daughter of Penni and Mark Schadle.

Tyler Shadle, Tower City, a music education major in the Class of 2022, is a 2018 graduate of Williams Valley High School and a son of Kenneth and Melissa Shadle.

Emily Steinhilber, Orwigsburg, a biology major in the Class of 2019, is a 2015 graduate of Blue Mountain High School and a daughter of Dave and Tara Steinhilber.

Tyler Troup, Ashland, a graphic design major in the Class of 2020, is a 2016 graduate of North Schuylkill High School and a son of Sue McCormick and Randy Troup.

Anthony Wojcie-chowsky, Pottsville, an English literature and environmental studies major in the Class of 2020, is a 2016 graduate of Pottsville Area High School and a son of Richard and Heather Wojciechowsky.

Adeline Wolfe, Elizabethville, a mathematics-secondary education major in the Class of 2020, is a 2016 graduate of Upper Dauphin Area High School and a daughter of Tom and Dawn Wolfe.

Misericordia

The following local residents earned degrees during spring commencement ceremonies at Misericordia University, Dallas, Luzerne County:

Katie Bowman, Hegins, bachelor’s in health science; Hannah Corbacio, Pottsville, master’s in occupational therapy; Brittany Cory, Minersville, bachelor’s in medical imaging; Bailey Hartung, Tamaqua, bachelor’s in health science; Taylor Header, Ashland, bachelor’s in health science; Abigail Kayes, Shenandoah, master’s in occupational therapy; David Kunkel, Tamaqua, bachelor’s in biology; Molly Noon, Ashland, master’s in occupational therapy; Annette Ritzko, Coaldale, bachelor’s in health science; Allison Stine, Pottsville, bachelor of science in nursing; Kayla Tiley, Valley View, master’s in organizational management.

Penn State

Michael Edward Potts, Schuylkill Haven, graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in environmental resource management from Penn State University, University Park campus.

Michael made the Dean’s list all eight semesters during his college career and is a Schreyer Honor Scholar. While earning his degree, he received the President’s Freshman Award, Provost Award, was a Schuylkill Honor Scholar and earned a College of Agricultural Sciences Undergraduate Research Award.

Michael plans to pursue a career in water mitigation.

He is a son of Kevin and Carol Ann Potts.