SHENANDOAH — The Shenandoah Senior Living Community was recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association on Tuesday for the education of staff in helping those with dementia.

Representatives from the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association visited the facility to present an “Award of Recognition” plaque that read, “Our staff is trained in the habilitation approach to dementia care, using the ‘Caring for People with Alzheimer’s Disease’ program” as provided by the AA chapter.

The website Alzheimers.net explains, “Habilitation therapy is designed to help people with Alzheimer’s disease improve functional abilities that are hindered by the progression of dementia.”

The master of ceremonies for the presentation was AA Education and Outreach Coordinator Jeffery Dauber of the chapter’s Wilkes-Barre office.

“Today is a celebration of accomplishment and partnership that we have between the Alzheimer’s Association and organizations,” Dauber said. “It’s a celebration of how many people we’ve been able to impact in and around Schuylkill County by this partnership.”

Dauber said there are 5.8 million people in the United States who are suffering with Alzheimer’s and dementia. He added that there are 16.1 million unpaid caregivers.

“Those are us as families and friends,” Dauber said. “Over 22 million people in total are directly affected and impacted by this disease.”

Dauber said as the Baby Boomer generation ages, so will the numbers of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

“The main risk for this disease is age, so as people get over 65 and 70, the impact on this goes up,” he said. “When people are in their 70s, the risk increases, and 30 percent of people who get this disease are in their 80s. There are 78 million Baby Boomers coming down the road to add to the already 5.8 million and 16 million caregivers. It’s enormous.”

The center’s Admissions and Marketing Director Renee Buchanan spoke about partnering with the association.

“Obviously there is a great need in our community, and our facility is the only one that did partner with the Alzheimer’s Association, so we’re very proud of that,” Buchanan said. “We here at Shenandoah Senior Living Community are very fortunate to have three certified dementia practitioners.”

The three are Director of Nursing Erin Passaretti, Director of Therapy Lynne Wootten and Desiree Dunleavy, LPN, who is an AA master trainer, community educator and chairwoman of the Schuylkill Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

“Shenandoah Senior Living Community, with the help of everyone here, has been the top fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association,” Buchanan said.

“It just shows what kind of partnership we can forge in a short period of time,” Dauber said, “That’s all about relationships in understanding what the goal is, which is trying to build awareness, early detection and improving the quality of life for those who are impacted by this disease, whether they have this disease or their caregivers.”

Dauber called center staffers to the front of the room to present the plaque, which was given to Dunleavy.

“Shenandoah Senior Living Community is leading the way with the implementation of evidence-based dementia care, and they provide high-quality care to those living with dementia,” Dauber said.

Dauber presented the plaque to Dunleavy, who accepted on behalf of the facility.

After the program, Dunleavy was asked why she became interested in the training and education through the association.

“My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 63, so it is very close to my heart,” Dunleavy said. “It also helped me with education from the Alzheimer’s Association to help my family understand it better and how to help my grandmother in this disease.”

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life, according to the Alzheimer’s Association website, www.alz.org. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 percent to 80 percent of dementia cases.

Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older. But Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of old age. Approximately 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease (also known as early-onset Alzheimer’s).

Alzheimer’s worsens over time. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors.

The Schuylkill Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, in Pottsville at Union Station. Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and the walk start at 10:30 a.m. The route length is 2 miles. For more information, contact AA Walk and Development Manager Nicole Aiello at 570-266-7209 or nmaiello@alz.org, or Dunleavy at ddunleavy@jdkmgt.com or 570-462-1908.

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

SHENANDOAH — Demolition bids on four properties were accepted by the borough council at Monday’s meeting.

Bids for the 2019 demolition program in the borough were received by the office of Schuylkill County Controller Christy D. Joy by the Aug. 5 deadline and opened on Aug. 8. Four companies submitted bids on four properties, and one submitted bids on two properties.

Council President Leo Pietkiewicz read the bids, announcing that AMC Enterprise, Ashland, submitted the lowest bids on all four properties. The total demolition cost is $47,216. The following properties to be demolished with the use of county Community Development Block Grant funding are:

• 527-529 W. Arlington St. — $18,400.

• 412-414 E. Arlington St. — $10,884.

• 323 Furnace St. — $9,444.

• 118 N. White St. — $8,444.

In order to demolish the private properties, the borough council approved the purchasing of the four properties, along with a fifth property at 422 W. Cherry St., from the Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau for $1 each, plus costs.

Speaking of the 2018 demolition program, Pietkiewicz said, “I just want to highlight that last year we received the most award money through the help of Joseph Palubinsky, borough secretary/treasurer, having all the paperwork in order, and we were able to take down 36 structures through $356,470 in demolition funding thanks to the county program. Palubinsky worked with the county to get those properties down.”

In other business, the borough council accepted bids on this year’s road program. Pietkiewicz announced the low bids received.

“We did have our engineers and street committee review the 2019 street paving projects,” Pietkiewicz said.

The lowest bids, as read by Pietkiewicz, were:

• Ferguson Street from Centre to Lloyd streets: Construction Master Services LLC, Sinking Springs, $44,160.

• Oak Street from West to Chestnut streets: Construction Master Services LLC, $38,794.

• Various paving restorations: New Enterprise Stone and Lime Company Inc., New Enterprise, $22,762.

“At this time, there are some discrepancies that are noted between the specifications and the online bidding system,” he said, asking for a motion to accept the bids pending clarification by the engineers and pending the availability of funds in the liquid fuels account.

In his monthly report, Mayor Andrew Szczyglak asked the borough council to hire retired state Trooper Leo Luciani as a part-time police officer. Szczyglak said Chief of Police George Carado recommended that Luciani be hired.

“George has found him favorable. He is well known to the community,” Szczyglak said. “He is very well respected throughout the county.”

Luciani was hired on a unanimous vote.

In another personnel action, the borough council accepted the retirement letter from wastewater treatment plant operator John Mazack, whose last day is Sept. 27.

“I want to extend our gratitude for his longevity with the borough and his giving us advanced time to help get another person in there,” Pietkiewicz said.

The borough council approved the following agenda items:

• Adopted the Fair Housing Resolution notifying all persons that the borough prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, leasing and financing of housing or land to be used for construction of housing, or in the provision of brokerage services became of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, familial status (families with children), or handicap (disability) as stated by Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Federal Fair Housing Act) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

• Approved a request from Shenandoah Valley Head Varsity Basketball Coach Robert M. Miller for the basketball program and boosters to hold a donation drive at designated intersections from 4:30 to 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 6.

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

Deeds

Barry Township — Jean M. Bylina to Tyler Mathew Bylina; 26 Bass Road, Mountain Valley Lake; $1.

John Francis Brennan to Harold W. High; 32.272-acre property on Route 901.

Coaldale — Eva Bybel Dempsher to Joseph J. Bybell Jr.; 2 W. High St.; $1.

Delano Township — Goliath Properties Inc. to Justine Garcia; 155 Maple St., Delano; $48,000.

Police cite man in crash in Pottsville

POTTSILLE — Pottsville police investigated a crash that happened in the 400 block of Nichols Street around 9 a.m. Saturday.

Police said that Patrolman James Englert found a Ford Focus abandoned partially in the roadway with severe front end damage and the front seat airbags activated.

The driver, identified as James Barlet, was found walking east on Mill Creek Aveneue, away from the accident.

Englert said Barlet reported he had been driving east on Nichols Street on his way to work when he fell asleep and hit the pole.

The man went on to say he was going to notify police when he arrived at his place of employment.

Englert determined that Barlet was driving east on Nichols Street, when he crossed over the center line into the oncoming traffic lane, struck a utility pole, causing it to splinter.

The man then continued forward for about 300 feet before crossing the roadway back into the correct lane of travel before coming to a stop.

Barlet was not hurt, but as a result of the crash, will be cited by Englert for driving with a suspended license and careless driving.

DUI checkpoint conducted locally

ASHLAND — The North Central PA Regional DUI Enforcement Program reported a sobriety checkpoint was conducted in Ashland on Friday by 12 officers from nine departments.

A total of 281 vehicles were contacted, 23 detained and three drivers tested for DUI.

There were no DUI arrests, but officers made 13 traffic arrests, one criminal arrest and issued one seat belt citation and five warning notices.

This checkpoint was part of the North Central PA Regional Sobriety Checkpoint and Expanded DUI/Underage Drinking Enforcement Program funded through the state Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Roving DUI patrols to be conducted

POTTSVILLE — The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced sobriety checkpoints and roving DUI patrols will be conducted now through Monday on routes 61, 183, 901, 209, 1006, 309, 1008, 443, 895, 125, 25, 924 and 54.

Travelers are reminded to call 911 if they suspect a drunk driver or to call, toll-free, 1-888-UNDER21, to report underage drinking.

The enforcement details are part of the North Central PA Regional Sobriety Checkpoint and Expanded DUI/Underage Drinking Enforcement Program funded through the state Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

MAR LIN — A woman’s body was found Tuesday morning in a wooded area of Norwegian Township.

State police at Schuylkill Haven, along with members of the Forensic Services Unit and the Troop L Major Case Team, processed the scene near a property on Walnut Lane, off Maple Avenue.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:48 a.m. by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Albert Barnes, Branch Township.

The Schuylkill County Coroner’s Office transport van arrived at the scene at 9:25 a.m. and left the area at 9:35 a.m. Pottsville police Capt. Steve Guers and detective Kirk Becker arrived at 9:40 a.m. and left a short time later.

Also Tuesday, police obtained search warrants from the office of Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, related to the case. Details of those warrants were not available.

Police first got to the scene during pre-dawn hours and remained there until around 2:30 p.m.

They have not indicated how they think the woman died, and no additional information was available Tuesday.

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

POTTSVILLE — Although they deliberated approximately four hours, Schuylkill County jurors could not decide Tuesday if a Carbon County man raped a child in Tamaqua.

Keith S. McFarland, 40, of Palmerton, did not react when President Judge William E. Baldwin declared a mistrial after the jury of 11 men and one woman said it was “hopelessly deadlocked” on whether the defendant was guilty of the five crimes he was charged with committing.

Baldwin, who presided over McFarland’s one-day trial, sent the jurors home and allowed the defendant to remain free on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Assistant District Attorney Julie A. Werdt said she would consult with District Attorney Michael A. O’Pake before deciding whether to retry McFarland, but otherwise had no comment on the case. Because there was no verdict, McFarland can be retried without violating the constitutional ban on double jeopardy.

Tamaqua police charged McFarland with rape of a child, attempted rape of a child, indecent assault, indecent exposure and corruption of minors. Baldwin allowed prosecutors to add the attempted rape charge at the end of their case.

Police alleged McFarland assaulted the girl, who is now 9 years old, between January 2014 and September 2015 on a table at his borough residence while her mother and two sisters were at McDonald’s getting food.

“He did something bad to me, something to my private parts,” testified the girl, who carried three stuffed animals with her to the witness stand, about McFarland.

The girl identified McFarland as the man who assaulted her and described what occurred, at times almost yelling out her answers.

“Keith told me to pull (my pants) down,” she said.

“Where was his private part?” Werdt asked her.

“On me,” the girl answered.

She also described the picture she drew of what had occurred.

“What’s on your face here?” Werdt asked.

“A sad face,” the girl answered.

“And what’s that on Keith’s face?”

“A happy face.

“Where did it hurt?

“Outside my private part.”

“What did it make you feel like?”

“Scared. I ran upstairs to the bathroom to pull up my pants.”

When cross-examined by Christine A. Holman, Tamaqua, McFarland’s lawyer, the girl said she disliked McFarland but that he had not yelled at her about anything.

Tamaqua police Cpl. Thomas C. Rodgers, the prosecuting officer, testified he did not ask for fingerprint or DNA evidence, because it would have been useless after the lapse of time between the alleged incident and the report.

The girl’s mother testified she used to date McFarland and lived with him for a time. She said none of her daughters, including the alleged victim, complained about McFarland, who would occasionally watch them.

Mcfarland testified that none of the allegations were true.

“Did you do anything to (the girl)?” Holman asked him.

“No, I did not,” he answered.

“Would you ever hurt (her)?”

“No.”

“Would you ever hurt a child?”

“No, I have a son of my own.”

In her closing argument, Holman said the evidence did not support any of the charges against McFarland.

“He is not a monster,” she said. “This did not happen.”

Holman said there was no medical evidence, no real investigation and no attempt to examine the table by police.

“There is no inappropriate behavior” by her client, Holman said.

In her closing argument, Werdt said the pain the girl felt established that McFarland raped her, and it is obvious he exposed himself to her.

“She knows this isn’t good,” Werdt said.

Werdt emphasized the truth the girl’s drawing conveys.

“I think the whole story is told by the frown on her face,” she said. “That’s what she lives with. How do you make that up?”

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

POTTSVILLE — Michael J. Vinanskie admitted Tuesday that he ran a “flophouse” in Saint Clair, but jurors decided Tuesday he did something much worse — possess salable amount of heroin and methamphetamine, plus marijuana and drug paraphernalia, in April 2018.

The jury deliberated a little over an hour before finding Vinanskie, 53, of Saint Clair, guilty of two counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, three counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count each of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell, who presided over Vinanskie’s one-day trial, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and said she would schedule sentencing for a later date. Vinanskie left the courtroom in handcuffs after the verdict.

State police at Reading charged Vinanskie with possessing about 20 grams of heroin, approximately 131 grams of meth, marijuana and paraphernalia on April 26, 2018, when they raided his Saint Clair house.

Trooper Scott M. Grochowski, the prosecuting officer, testified that a purple pouch on the floor was within arm’s reach of Vinanskie. That pouch contained heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, a digital scale, an envelope, glassline packets, resealable baggies and a Suboxone strip, he said.

“All of these items were located in the purple pouch?” Assistant District Attorney A.J. Serina asked Grochowski.

“Yes, they were,” Grochowski answered.

Additionally, Vinanskie had more than $1,800 in cash in his pockets, according to Grochowski.

Pottsville Police Chief Richard J. Wojciechowsky testified that the amounts of heroin and meth indicated an intent to sell it.

“That is an extremely significant amount of meth to be packaged together,” the chief said. “That jumped out at me.”

Wojciechowsky said he had never seen that amount of meth possessed by someone who did not intend to sell it.

“That’s unheard of,” he said.

County Detective Troy Greenawald, a retired state police trooper, testified that Vinanskie also is known as “Meek” or “Meeks,” two names used by callers to a cellphone found on him during the raid.

Vinanskie testified he does not sell drugs.

“Are you a drug dealer?” Hank J. Clarke II, Pottsville, Vinanskie’s lawyer, asked him.

“Absolutely not,” the defendant answered. “I am a drug addict, not a drug dealer.”

Vinanskie said he started using drugs in 2015 after his wife died, and regularly uses heroin and meth. He said his house became a center for the drug culture in Saint Clair.

“I turned it into a flophouse. It was a nonstop revolving door,” he said.

He said other people in the house sold drugs but he did not.

Furthermore, the drugs in the pouch belonged to Claude Kauffman, a friend who is now dead, while the pouch belonged to a woman who was not at the house, according to Vinanskie.

He denied admitting all the drugs were his and said the cash in his pockets was to pay his property taxes and electric bill.

“I took responsibility for my drugs,” he said.

Clarke said in his closing argument that his client possessed drugs, but not with the intent to sell them, and the pouch was not something a 53-year-old man would have.

“It looked like a purse,” he said.

Furthermore, Vinanskie accepted responsibility for what he did and should not be blamed for what other people did, according to Clarke.

However, jurors accepted the closing argument of Serina, who said the evidence as a whole showed Vinanskie committed all the crimes.

Particularly important was that the pouch was right next to Vinanskie, who was able to tell police all about the drugs in it, Serina said.

“This was an individual involved in trafficking of heroin and meth,” he said of Vinanskie. “People beg him for drugs, and he delivers them.”

Clarke declined to comment on the verdict, while Serina said the result was a good one.

“We’re happy that the jury took the time, consulted the evidence and rendered the verdict that they did,” he said. “I’m glad that there’s another drug dealer off the streets.”

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

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — A Pine Grove man was injured when the pickup truck he was driving crashed into the front porches of two homes on West Columbia Street just after 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Sgt. Glenn Firing of the Schuylkill Haven Police Department said William Hessler, 72, was traveling west when his truck went off the street and hit the porch at 460 W. Columbia St., missed a few other porches and struck the porch at 468 W. Columbia St. and came to a stop.

Hessler was alone in his vehicle and was the only one injured, Firing said.

He said Hessler was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, via medical helicopter.

“He doesn’t appear to have any major injuries,” Firing said, noting Hessler was conscious and appeared alert, but that EMS personnel advised he be flown.

Damage was visible to the driver’s side of Hessler’s Chevrolet, which was towed away at about 11:30 a.m.

Firing believes Hessler had a medical emergency that lead to the crash.

Sarah Fisher, a borough resident, said her children heard a loud bang and they looked outside and noticed the crash. She said the fire department used the Jaws of Life to open the driver’s side door. The driver walked away from the vehicle and was placed on a stretcher, she said.

Liberty Fire Company and Schuylkill EMS and fire police also responded.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Arcadia

Collin Boris, Orwigsburg, graduated from Arcadia University, Glenside, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from the School of Global Business.

While a student at Arcadia, Collin studied abroad in London for a semester and had a internship with Parliament. He was also in the honors program, an ambassador and volunteered with the Office of International Affairs.

Collin is attending Temple University Beasley School of Law. He is a son of Diane Boris, Orwigsburg, and John Boris, Reading.

Wilkes

Wilkes University awarded bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees to these local student during their fall commencement ceremonies:

Michelle Davis, of Tamaqua, Master of Science in Education; Madelyn Dolinsky, of Tamaqua, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Eric Geiger, of Schuylkill Haven, Bachelor of Business Administration in Management; Jessica Hertzog, of Orwigsburg, Master of Science in Nursing; Patricia Howell, of Mar Lin, Master of Science in Nursing; Sarah Lesisko, of New Ringgold, Master of Science in Education; Jacqueline McMullen, of Tamaqua, Master of Science in Education; Kristin Petrulsky, of McAdoo, Master of Science in Education; Gianna Salvadore, of Shenandoah, Bachelor of Arts in Middle Level Education; Corey Shadle, of Hegins, Master of Science in Education; Brianna Wentzel, of Saint Clair, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology; Kayla Witmier, of Schuylkill Haven, Master of Science in Education.

Wilkes awarded bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees to these local student during spring commencement ceremonies:

Tyler Bartol, of Auburn, Doctor of Pharmacy in Pharmacy; Anthony Bianco,of Zion Grove, Master of Science in Mathematics; Jade Boris, of Kelayres, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Amanda Boyer, of Ashland, Doctor of Pharmacy in Pharmacy; Michelle Brenneman,of Auburn, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Caitlin Brossman, of Schuylkill Haven, Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Management; Olivia Campion, of Pottsville, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Brianna Johanson, of Middleport, Master of Science in Education; Meghan Kisela, of Schuylkill Haven, Doctor of Pharmacy in Pharmacy; Jena Kramer, of Orwigsburg, Master of Science in Education; Krystina Kubeika, of Pottsville, Master of Science in Education; Christa Mantz, of Coaldale, Master of Science in Education; Laura Misiewicz,of Ashland, Doctor of Pharmacy in Pharmacy; Alyssa Myro, of Orwigsburg, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Rachel Rhody, of Pottsville, Master of Science in Education; Connor Roberts,of New Ringgold, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering; Matthew Seltzer, of Schuylkill Haven, Doctor of Pharmacy in Pharmacy; Katelyn Shaffer,of Lykens, Doctor of Pharmacy in Pharmacy; Erik Staerk, of Zion Grove, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering; Trisha Stetts, of Frackville, Master of Science in Education; Evan Steward, of Frackville, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering; Madison Stine, of Hamburg, Doctor of Pharmacy in Pharmacy; Anne Stramara,of Barnesville, Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing; Alyson Tacury, of Frackville, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology; Noah Troxell, of Andreas, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering; Grace Trutt,of Sheppton, Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing.

East Stroudsburg

The following local students received degrees from East Stroudsburg University:

Zane Bettinger, of Hamburg, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Danielle Etchberger, of New Ringgold, Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology; Jaclyn Giranda, of McAdoo, Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training; Carly Gregas, of Ashland, Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders; Nico Makuta, of McAdoo, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies; Angelo Maskornick, of Ringtown, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Brendan Navin, of Orwigsburg, Master of Science in Exercise Science; Danielle Petritsch, of Shenandoah, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Claudia Smith, Lansford, Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology; Steven Zimmerman, of Pine Grove, Bachelor of Science in Sport Management.

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; Baily 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.

Lebanon Valley

The following local residents earned degrees during spring commencement at Lebanon Valley College, Annville:

Meghan Boran, of Pottsville, Doctor of Physical Therapy in Physical Therapy. A graduate of Pottsville Area High School, she previously received her bachelor’s in health science at LVC; Michelle Brossman, of Auburn, Master in Business Administration; Kelly Bruce, of Orwigsburg, Bachelor of Science in Digital Communications, summa cum laude. Bruce is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School; Meghan Cleary, of Saint Clair, Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science and Mathematics, cum laude. Cleary is a graduate of Pottsville Area High School; Rebecca Evans, of Pine Grove, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Evans is a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School; Rileigh Jo Evitts, of Auburn, Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, magna cum laude. Evitts is a graduate of Schuylkill Haven Area High School; Ryan Fink, of Schuylkill Haven, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Fink is a graduate of Schuylkill Haven Area High School; Geoffrey Kaufman,of Pine Grove, Bachelor of Science in Accounting, summa cum laude. Kaufman is a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School; Maggie Kergick, of Frackville, Bachelor of Arts in English, summa cum laude. Kergick is a graduate of North Schuylkill High School; Courtney Levy, of Mahanoy City, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Levy is a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School; Jeremey Markiewicz, of Mahanoy City, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Markiewicz is a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School; Brett Mars, of Pine Grove, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Mars is a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School; Stephen Mazur, of Frackville, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Economics. Mazur is a graduate of North Schuylkill High School; Paige Mealing, of Schuylkill Haven, Bachelor of Science in Biology, summa cum laude. Mealing is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School; Troy Moyer, of Orwigsburg, Bachelor of Science in Accounting, cum laude. Moyer is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School; Whittni Reisch, of Lykens, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, summa cum laude. Reisch is a graduate of Upper Dauphin Area High School; Derrec Robinson, of Schuylkill Haven, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Robinson is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School; Brent Schuetrum, of Schuylkill Haven, Bachelor of Science in Biology, cum laude. Schuetrum is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School; Alec Soltys, of Schuylkill Haven, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Soltys is a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School; Aaron Tranquillo, of Pottsville, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, magna cum laude. Tranquillo is a graduate of Pottsville Area High School; Scott Werner, of Pine Grove, Bachelor of Arts in Applied History, summa cum laude. Werner is a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School; Michael Wirtz, of Mahanoy City, Doctor of Physical Therapy in Physical Therapy. A graduate of Mahanoy Area High School, Wirtz previously received his Bachelor of Science in Health Science at LVC.

Alvernia

The following local residents earned degrees during spring commencement at Alvernia University, Reading:

Cynthia Dalton, of Orwigsburg, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Main Campus; Abbie McCall, of Pottsville, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Main Campus; Andrew Kelly, of Tamaqua, Bachelor of Arts, Main Campus; Eric Donatti, of Schuylkill Haven, Bachelor of Science, Schuylkill Center; Johnna Shank, of Hamburg, Bachelor of Science, Main Campus, summa cum laude; Alexandra Bambrick, of Schuylkill Haven, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital; Nicole Berzowski, of Mar Lin, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital; Hanna Burnhauser, of New Ringgold, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital; Alison Daullary,of Schuylkill Haven, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital; Samantha Fisher, of Hamburg, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital; Tiffani Geist, of Pottsville, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital; Megan Gibson, of Auburn, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital; Kelsey Gogno, of Pottsville, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital; Kellylynn Hammer, of Pottsville, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital; Chelsea Houck, of Schuylkill Haven, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital; Sydney Lesher, of Hamburg, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital, with high distinction; Jenna Renninger, of Pine Grove, Bachelor of Arts, AU: Online at Alvernia; Diane Rich, of Pottsville, Bachelor of Arts, Schuylkill Center; Ashley Dix, of Frackville, Master of Business Administration, AU: Online at Alvernia; Tiffany Kulpowicz, of Ringtown, Master of Business Administration, Schuylkill Center; Omar Owens, of Pottsville, Master of Business Administration, Schuylkill Center; Elizabeth Milewski, of Ringtown, Master of Education, Schuylkill Center; Jada Alexis, of New Ringgold, Bachelor of Science, Main Campus, cum laude; Julie Bulino, of Pottsville, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science, Main Campus; Kelyn Jones, of Pottsville, Bachelor of Science, Schuylkill Center, summa cum laude; Jay Woodford, of Frackville, Bachelor of Science, Schuylkill Center, magna cum laude; Tara Fegley, of Schuylkill Haven, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital; Sherry Reitz, of Hamburg, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital, with highest distinction; Emily Schuller, of Schuylkill Haven, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital; Rikki Smith, of New Ringgold, Associate of Science, Reading Hospital, with high distinction; Kelsey Amos, of Pottsville, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Main Campus; Kiera Burke, of Barnesville, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Main Campus; Destiny Fertig, of Barnesville, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Main Campus; Jamie Mayeresky, of Minersville, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Main Campus; Shauna Redanauer,of Orwigsburg, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Main Campus; Janelle Witmer, of Pottsville, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Main Campus; Janelle Bowman, of Shenandoah, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, AU: Online at Alvernia, summa cum laude; Joelle Hysock, of Shenandoah, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, AU: Online at Alvernia, cum laude; Tricia Lengel, of Cumbola, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, AU: Online at Alvernia, summa cum laude; Lisa Wilson, of Tower City, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, AU: Online at Alvernia, cum laude; Logan LeVan,of Pine Grove, Bachelor of Science, Main Campus.

Susquehanna

The following local residents earned degrees during spring commencement ceremonies at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove:

Elise Horvath, of Seltzer, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. A 2015 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, she is the daughter of John and Joanne Horvath.

Kara Pytko, of Minersville, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. A 2015 graduate of Minersville Area High School, she is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Pytko.

She received the American Chemical Society Outstanding Scholar Award and the American Chemical Society Outstanding Physical Chemistry Student Award at the annual student awards luncheon. In addition to these awards, Pytko also received departmental honors.

Emily Steinhilber, of Orwigsburg, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. A 2015 graduate of Blue Mountain High School, she is the daughter of Dave and Tara Steinhilber.

Nicholas Trotter, of Schuylkill Haven, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. A 2015 graduate of Pine Grove Area High School, he is the son of Todd Trotter and Carolyn Trotter.

Northampton

The following local graduates received associate degrees, specialized diplomas and certificates from Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, at the spring commencement ceremony:

Lauren Wagner, of Cressona, Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene; Evan Kuperavage, of Cumbola, Associate in Applied Science in Funeral Services Education; Chelsey Miller, of Hamburg, Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene; Sarah Muinos, of Hamburg, Associate in Ap-plied Science in Nursing: RN; Alexis Sterner, of Orwigsburg, Associate in Applied Science in Media Production and a Specialized Diploma in Multimedia; Christie Hutira, of Schuylkill Haven, Associate in Ap-plied Science in Dental Hygiene.

King’s

The following local students graduated this spring from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre:

Erin M. Seliga, of McAdoo, Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction; Mackenzie McGeehan, of Tamaqua, Political Science; Lyle Lyndon Luckenbill, of Pottsville, Finance; Coby J. Thomas, of Orwigsburg, Marketing.

Albright

The following local residents graduated during spring commencement at Albright College, Reading:

Tiffany Brodwyne McDonald, of Cressona, a graduate of Blue Mountain High School, Bachelor of Arts in Digital Studio Art while minoring in European Studies, cum laude; Cody Charles Stetson, of Barnesville, a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School, Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Political Science, cum laude; Trevor Allen Emerich,of Schuylkill Haven, a graduate of Blue Mountain High School, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Management and Marketing; Brooke Elizabeth Miller, of Lykens, a graduate of Williams Valley High School, Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology: Criminology; Katelyn May Vesay, of New Ringgold, a graduate of Blue Mountain High School, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Finance; Jeffrey Michael Yordy, of Cumbola, a graduate of Nativity BVM High School, Bachelor of Arts in Crime and Justice.

Bucknell

Sarah Lombel, of Pottsville, graduated from Bucknell University, Lewisburg.

Cedar Crest

Cedar Crest College, Allentown, celebrated the Class of 2019 at its 149th annual commencement ceremony. Local residents who earned degrees include:

Eden Boyer, of Pottsville; Alexandra Morgan, of Gordon; Carley Roberts, of Pottsville.

Central Penn

Christopher Norkus, of Pottsville, graduated from Central Penn College, Summerdale, and participated in the college’s 137th commencement ceremony at the Forum in Harrisburg.

Norkus received a degree in organizational leadership/Master of Professional Studies.

Gettysburg

Christy Havrilla graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gettysburg College during the college’s 184th commencement ceremony.

York

The following local students graduated from York College of Pennsylvania:

Darryl Andreas, of Barnesville, cum laude, Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations; Benjamin Hinkel, of Ashland, summa cum laude, Bachelor of Arts in International Relations; Christopher Wollyung,of Pottsville, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Scranton

The following local residents earned undergraduate degrees from the University of Scranton:

Rebecca L. Petlansky, of Auburn, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and philosophy, graduating summa cum laude and from its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program programs of excellence.

Kristen L. Clymer, of Mahanoy City, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Local students earning master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Scranton include:

Cody S. Sassaman, of Tamaqua, Master of Science with a major in educational administration; Angela Marie Szczecina, of Hamburg, Master of Science with a major in curriculum and instruction; Aden W. Wolfe, of Ringtown, Master of Science with a major in human resources; Mara C. Wolfe, of Ringtown, earned a Master of Science with a major in rehabilitation counseling. Mara was also honored with an Outstanding Academic Award for her academic achievement in rehabilitation counseling.

Vermont

Kristina O’Donnell, of Elizabethville, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History during commencement ceremonies at the University of Vermont.

Saint Francis

The following local students graduated from Saint Francis University, Loretto:

Brianna Dixon, of Frackville, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Social Work; Shelby Sanko, of McAdoo, Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies; Vanessa Valovage, of Lykens, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics; Alicia Brown, of Pottsville, Bachelor of Science in Social Work; Ethel Santai, of Pine Grove, Doctor of Physical Therapy; Jennifer Kondertavage, of Coaldale, Master of Human Resource Management.

Mississippi

Mitchell Rothermel, of Elizabethville, graduated with a Master of Arts from the University of Mississippi during the university’s 166th commencement.

Eastern Mennonite

Eastern Mennonite University congratulates and recognizes these local students at the Spring 2019 Commencement Ceremony:Tiffany Kintzler, of Lykens, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Shaina Whitecavage, of Ringtown, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing during spring commencement ceremonies at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Moravian

Moravian College, Bethlehen, held commencement exercises on John Makuvek Field on the Main Street campus. The ceremony concluded the 277th academic year at Moravian.

Local students candidates earning degrees are: Gabrielle Fatula, of Mahanoy City, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and Amy Trout, of Spring Glen, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Lehigh

Lehigh University, Bethlehem, awarded the following local residents degrees during sping commencement:

Michael Ulsh, of Auburn, Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics degree with a major in Finance; Bryan Caruso,of Orwigsburg, Bachelor of Science in Materials Science & Engineering degree; Nathan Wagenhoffer, of Gordon, Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in Mechanical Engineering.

Worcester Polytech

Colin Mashack, of Tamaqua, was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering on the Worcester Polytechnic Institute campus quadrangle, during the university’s 151st commencement ceremony.

DeSales

Amanda Wills, of Orwigsburg, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from DeSales University, Center Valley.

She is a daughter of Donna and Al Wills.

Geisinger COM

Makayla Boyle, of Tamaqua, received a Master of Biomedical Sciences degree from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton.

Univ. of Sciences

The following local residents earned degrees from the University of the Sciences, Philadelphia:

Mercedes Shelcusky,of Pottsville, Master of Occupational Therapy; Cassandra Lapotsky, of Ashland, Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies; Leah Evert, of Orwigsburg, summa cum laude Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Studies.

Evert was recognized at a bachelor’s degree conferment ceremony and will continue on in the Doctor of Pharmacy program. She is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, National Honor Society for First-Year Students, and Rho Chi National Honor Society of Pharmacy.

No final decision on

dam removal

An Aug. 8 story about the Kernsville Dam cited DEP as saying the dam would soon be removed. However, DEP is waiting for the Army Corps of Engineers to finish its assessment of the dam, so no final decision has been made.

Univ. of Sciences

The following local residents made the spring semester dean’s list at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia:

Nikki Schnoke, of Schuylkill Haven, a biology student; Leah Evert, of Orwigsburg, a doctor of pharmacy student; Stephanie Mazurek, of McAdoo, doctor of pharmacy student; Sonal Tailor, of Orwigsburg, a master of occupational therapy student; Samuel Siminitus, of Pottsville, pre-pharmacy student.

Muhlenberg

The following area students were named to the spring semester dean’s list at Muhlenberg College, Allentown:

Hannah Betz, of Tamaqua; Paige Jones, of Cressona; Jacob Metcalfe,of Hamburg; Taj Singh, of Orwigsburg.

Baldwin Wallace

The following local students were named to the dean’s list for the spring 2019 semester at Baldwin Wallace University. Berea, Ohio:

Tanner McHugh, of New Ringgold, a graduate of Tamaqua Area High School majoring in marketing; Lauren Tidmore, of Orwigsburg, a graduate of Blue Mountain High School majoring in acting (BFA).

JMU

Hamburg resident, Meredith Browder, of Hamburg, was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia. She is majoring in interdisciplinary liberal studies.

Kelly Romberger, of Valley View, was named to the dean’s list at James Madison University for the spring semester. She is majoring in kinesiology.

York

The following local students were named to dean’s list for the spring semester at York College of Pennsylvania:

Emma Barrett, of Orwigsburg, a junior integrated marketing communications major; Benjamin Hinkel, of Ashland, a senior international relations major; Catherinanne Jones, of Wiconisco, a junior early elementary education major; Jacob McGovern, of Schuylkill Haven, a freshman economics major; Robert Oliver, of New Ringgold, a senior sport management major; Gavin Pascavage, of Ringtown, a senior hospitality management major; Zachary Rebuck, of Tower City, a senior psychology major; Emily Renninger, of Orwigsburg, a junior sport management major; Darian Schlenker, of Hamburg, a sophomore nursing major; Collin Stout, of Hamburg, a sophomore civil engineering major; Andrew Viduszynski, of Pottsville, a junior mechanical engineering major; Nicole Wasserleben, of Tamaqua, a junior psychology major and Christopher Wollyung, of Pottsville, a senior business administration major.

Gettysburg

Jerienne Abercrombie, of Orwigsburg, Steven Hahne, of Tower City, and Christy Havrilla, of McAdoo, made the spring semester dean’s list at Gettysburg College.

Central Penn

The following local students earned dean’s list status for the spring semester at Central Penn College, Summerdale:

Nora Burns, of Tower City; RachaelAnn Dietrich, of Elizabethville; Gina Huntsinger, of Ashland; Karlee Klinger, of Hegins; Heather Leininger, of Pine Grove; Chelsea Maurer, of Hegins; Bradley Oley, of Schuylkill Haven; Ashley Paul, of Elizabethville; Parker Rose, of Pottsville; Lance Wargo, of Tamaqua.

Shippensburg

Rachel N. Idacavage, a junior majoring in criminal justice and a minor in ethnic studies, was named to the dean’s list at Shippensburg University for the spring semester with a 3.9 GPA.

A 2016 graduate of North Schuylkill High School, she is a daughter of Al and Lisa Idacavage and a granddaughter of Ed and Ann Opanel, all of Ringtown.

Cornell

Samantha Puzzi, a student in the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, made the dean’s list for the spring semester.

She is a daughter of Kelly and Joseph Puzzi.

West Chester

Lydia Paulukonis, Girardville, finished her first year at West Chester University and attained the dean’s list for both semesters with a 3.874 GPA in the fall semester and 3.929 GPA in the spring semester.

She is a 2018 graduate of Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville.

Youngstown

Luke Behun, of Auburn, was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio.

Behun is majoring in electric utility technology power plant track.

Millersville

Madisyn Kowalick, Shenandoah, was named to the deans list for the spring semester at Millersville University.

She is a social work major.

Widener

The following local students made the spring semester dean’s list at Widener University, Chester:

Emily Caruso, of Hamburg, robotics engineering; Carter Compinski, of Hamburg, civil engineering; Taylor Horvat, Lansford, chemical engineering; John Hurst, of Barnesville, electrical engineering; Joseph McLaughlin, of Schuylkill Haven, mechanical engineering; Autumn Rautzahn-Calnon, of Tower City, accounting; Kyra Schenk, of Pottsville, nursing; Heather Skinner, of Girardville, nursing; Autumn Tarconish, of Middleport, nursing; Jamie Wolfgang, of Lavelle, management.

Juniata

Abby Schroding was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Juniata College, Huntingdon.

She is daughter of Susan and Kyle Schroding, of New Philadelphia, and a 2017 graduate of Pottsville Area High School.

Albright

The following local students made the dean’s list for the spring semester at Albright College, Reading:

Tiffany McDonald, of Cressona, a graduate of Blue Mountain High School who studied digital studio art with a minor in European studies during the spring semester; Bryana Messerschmidt, of Barnesville, a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School who studied English and secondary education during the spring semester; Skye Hallick, of Cumbol, a graduate of Pottsville Area High School who studied biology during the spring semester; Victoria Baumert, of Hamburg, a graduate of Hamburg Area High School who studied public health and Spanish during the spring semester.

Alvernia

The following students earned the dean’s list for the spring semester at Alvernia University, Reading:

Jada Alexis, of New Ringgold, forensic science; Janelle Bowman, of Shenandoah, nursing-completion; Julie Bulino, of Pottsville, occupational therapy; Kiera Burke, of Barnesville, nursing; Brenda Casserly, of Mahanoy City, business management; Bryana Crawford, of Hamburg, health care science; Brittany Culbert, of Pine Grove, early childhood preK-4 with special education preK-8; Wendy Dalton, of Orwigsburg, criminal justice; Linda Darosa, of Frackville, health care science; Eric Donatti, of Schuylkill Haven, business management; Catherine Dougherty, of Minersville, behavioral health; Catherine Dyszel, of Girardville, behavioral health; Melanie Epting, of Hamburg, medical imaging; Paige Fellows, of Auburn, nursing; Abby Fiorilla, of New Ringgold, occupational therapy; Maddison Fleming, of Pottsville, behavioral health; Maria Gerace, of Orwigsburg, health care administration; Vanessa Gimbor,of Brockton, early childhood preK-4 with special education preK-8; April Good, of Orwigsburg, criminal justice; Taylor Horning, of Pottsville, early childhood preK-4 with special education preK-8; Kelyn Jones, of Pottsville, business management; Lexus Jordan, of Hegins, occupational therapy; Holly Karahuta,of Schuylkill Haven, early childhood preK-4 with special education preK-8; Ashley Landon, of Tower City, early childhood preK-4 with special education preK-8; Sydney Lesher,of Hamburg, applied health; Carly Levan,of Hamburg, forensic science; Logan LeVan, of Pine Grove, sport management; Tanner LeVan, of Pine Grove, athletic training; Haley Macalush, of Tamaqua, mathematics; Rebekah Machamer, of Williamstown, nursing; Stephanie Mazeika, of Ashland, behavioral health; Monique Neider, of Pottsville, criminal justice; Lorraine Ogden, of Ashland, accounting; Brent Reinoehl, of Williamstown, finance; Aimmee Reiter, of Pine Grove, early childhood preK-4 with special education preK-8; Meredith Roth, of Hamburg, psychology; Jessica Schuller, of Friedensburg, medical imaging; Johnna Shank, of Hamburg, marketing; Amber Swank, of Saint Clair, healthcare administration; Haylee Sweigert, of Tower City, health care science; Kaydee Warmkessel, of Schuylkill Haven, human resource management; Kelly Weiss, of Schuylkill Haven, early childhood preK-4 with special education preK-8; Lisa Wilson, of Tower City, nursing-completion; Madelynn Witkus, of Hamburg, occupational therapy; Janelle Witmer, of Pottsville, nursing; Jay Woodford, of Frackville, business management; Jaclyn Zubris, of Mahanoy City, health care science.

Planning nears finish for 11th wine fest

HEGINS — The committee for the Schuylkill County Wine Festival is finalizing plans for the 11th annual event to be held Sept. 1 at Hegins Park.

The festival, organizers said in a release, is always held the Sunday before Labor Day and features live entertainment, food, a host of vendors from Schuylkill County and surrounding areas.

“Attendees enjoy the day of sun and wine under their canopies or around the many benches and tables at the Hegins Park,” according to the release.

For 2019, the committee chose the theme “WINESTOCK: Peace, Love & Wine,” which is also the theme for the annual table decorating contest that gives participants the chance to win one of five wine baskets. Decorators not on the winner’s list will still receive a complimentary bottle of wine from one of the participating wineries, courtesy of the festival’s committee.

New wineries featured this year include King Cole Winery, Schuylkill Haven, and Broad Mountain Vineyard, Elizabethville. The festival will also feature new menu items from The Kempton Kitchen, Kempton. A variety of vendors will offer gourmet food, dips, wine-related merchandise, kettle corn and beef jerky.

Live entertainment is provided by local disc jockey Dan Poletti and 3zz A Crowd on the center stage, while PopStar Drive of Tunkhannock will play two sets of retro and current chart-toppers on the park’s west end stage.

Advanced tickets are set at $12 and $5 for designated drivers. Tickets are currently on sale now with all information available for ordering on the website www.schuylkillwinefestival.com. Admission includes a wine glass, tasting bracelet, wine bottle opener and a free entry into the basket raffle. A free wine tent is on-site for easy storage and pickup of wine purchases.

PennDOT opens

rail grant period

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has opened the application period for the 2019 Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program, according to an announcement from Secretary Leslie S. Richards.

“PennDOT is committed to serving Pennsylvania communities by efficiently moving goods and services across the state,” Richards said in a release. “Our goal is to stimulate a vibrant rail freight network which serves as an economic catalyst, creates jobs and improves the economy.”

Pennsylvania, according to the release, ranks first in the country in the number of operating railroads, with 65, and ranks near the top in total track mileage, with more than 5,600 miles.

Eligible organizations, such as freight railroads, freight railroad-served shippers and economic development entities may apply for funding through either program. Applications for both programs are available on the bureau’s application website,www.dotgrants.penndot.gov/RailFreight/Welcome/Index, until 4 p.m. Aug. 30. Program information is available on the “Rail Freight & Ports” section of “Doing Business” at www.penndot.gov. Application questions should be directed to Bureau of Rail Freight, Ports and Waterways at 717-787-1211.

Food safety

certification

POTTSVILLE — Starting in 2020, the Pennsylvania Food Code will require that the person in charge of a food service operation be a certified food protection manager — and such a person must be onsite at all times during operating hours, which means that at least one employee on each shift must become certified, according to a release from the Penn State Extension.

To help food establishments meet the requirement, Penn State Extension is offering a ServSafe Food Safety Manager Course at Penn State Extension Schuylkill County office, 1202 Ag Center Drive, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 5 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 12. The certification exam will begin at 11 a.m. Sept. 12.

These in-person trainings, taught by certified ServSafe instructors, will help participants learn how to prevent contamination of food by properly receiving, storing, preparing, cooking, cooling and serving the food as well as proper methods of sanitizing foodservice facilities, according to the release.

After completing the course and passing the multiple-choice exam with a 75 percent or higher score, participants will receive a ServSafe Food Protection Manager certificate, good for five years.

The course fee of $185 covers the cost of the most recent edition of the ServSafe Manager book, exam, answer sheet and learning materials. To register, go online to extension.psu.edu/servsafe or call 877-345-0691. For more information about the course, call Andy Hirneisen at 610-378-1327. For information on more ServSafe courses offered in the area, visit extension.psu.edu/servsafe.

Hirneisen said the release that Penn State Extension educators all hold advanced degrees and have received extensive training in food safety. He added, “By taking a course through Penn State Extension, you have access to our wide system of community educators and science-based educational resources.”

SAM exhibit

at Walk In center

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway, has announced an upcoming exhibit in collaboration with Service Access Management, whose mission is “to help people throughout our service area enhance the quality of their lives by effectively and efficiently managing and/or providing needed, accessible and individually satisfying human services.”

The exhibit will be open one day only, from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 7 in Studio 15.

According to a Walk In release, the exhibit will feature up to 30 pieces of art, created by 10 of SAM’s clients.

The Walk In Art Center has a similar mission, in which “we inspire, equip and celebrate artistic and cultural talent,” organizers said in the release.

SAM’s AE quality manager is Krista Smith, 590 Terry Reiley Way, Pottsville. She can be reached by calling 570-621-2700.

MAEA updates agenda of offerings

POTTSVILLE — The locally based Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Association, based at 250 One Norwegian Plaza, offers a variety of discussions, training sessions and classes.

For more information or to register, email Christine Robbins at crobbins@nepamaea.com or call 570-622-0992. More information also is available at the MAEA website at www.nepamaea.com. Some upcoming sessions include:

• Hands-on Excell II and III training the MAEA computer lab, One Norwegian Plaza, Pottsville, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. today. The instructor is Nathan Andrews, process improvement and communications specialist for MAEA. People must specify which class and session they wish to attend when registering. The cost is $110 for MAEA members and $220 for nonmembers.

• Coaching strategies to improve performace training, 9 a.m. to noon Friday at Top of the 80s restaurant near Hazleton, approved for three HRCI recertification credits. The instructor is Cathy Colangelo, certified life and career coach, HR instructor and consultant for MAEA. Those who register three or more participants can receive a 25-percent discount on one participant — for MAEA member companies only. The cost is $100 for MAEA members and $220 for nonmembers.

• Project management training, approved for six business HRCI recertification credits, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday at Top of the 80s restaurant near Hazleton. The instructor will be Nate Andrews, process improvement and communications specialist for MAEA. The, which includes lunch, is $227 for MAEA members and $454 for nonmembers.

• Human resources roundtable on “Navigating the Weeds of Medical Marijuana in the Workplace,” approved for one HRCI human resources certification credit. The presenter will be Jacqueline K. Gallagher of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney P.C. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 29 at the MAEA conference room in One Norwegian Plaza, Pottsville. The cost, which includes lunch, is $40 per participant for MAEA members and $80 per participant for nonmembers.

• Annual Labor and Employment Law Summit, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Capriotti’s Catering, McAdoo. The contact is Christine Robbins.

• MAEA can assist firms with the following safety services: Conduct mock OSHA safety compliance audits; analyze company’s risk, report the findings and offer corrective action; create a safety and compliance program geared specifically for a firm’s operation; supplement an existing program with the latest training modules and compliance information; train management, employees and contractors in the latest safe working concepts; implement a PA Workplace Safety Committee Certification Program to reduce workers’ compensation premiums by five percent each year; monitor company safety performance and trends and make recommendations for remedial action when necessary; conduct follow-up industrial injury reports. For more information, contact Christine Robbins, director of training and development, via aforementioned methods.

• The Lehigh Valley Business Coalition on Healthcare is a multi-state coalition of employers partnering with MAEA to bring employer members together to provide affordable, quality health care for their employees. Members leverage their pooled purchasing power to negotiate exclusive rates and premiums for a range of self-insured and fully insured benefits programs, including: Medial, dental, prescription drug, vision, behavioral health, private exchange and data analytics. In addition to helping members reduce the cost of benefits, LVBCH also works with providers and insurers to improve quality of care. For additional information, call Darlene J. Robbins at 570-622-0992 or email drobbins@nepamaea.com.

• MAEA also offers recorded webinars with agency instructors creating material to meet specific needs. For more about the service, call Christine Robbins at 570-622-0992 or via email to crobbins@nepamaea.com.

• MAEA offers forklift training classroom instruction, which is running and accepting additional participants, according to a release. The effort is approved for six HRCI HR credits and is a prerequisite to be an experienced forklift operator. The cost is $435 for MAEA members and $870 for nonmembers. Use the aforementioned registration methods. The instructor is Steve Bair, occupational safety specialist for MAEA. Robbins can be reached at the aforementioned email and phone number.

OBPA turns eyes

to heritage event

ORWIGSBURG — The Orwigsburg Business and Professional Association is preparing for the annual Orwigsburg Heritage Day celebration to be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Town Square.

Liz Tuturice, with the association’s events committee, said the event will include two live bands, vendors, food trucks, wineries, restaurants, breweries, children’s activities, demonstrations, community organizations/businesses and other entertainment for all ages, including Revolutionary War re-enactors, horse-drawn carriage rides, a bounce house, games, crafts, face painting and vendors.

This year’s entertainment will be by the bands Rhythm & Brews and Tool Shed Jack.

In 2018, Tuturice said, “We had nearly 75 different vendors spread through the town and hope to make this year even larger. We saw nearly 2,000 people that day (in 2018).”

For more on OBPA, 209 N. Warren St, email to orwigsburgbusinesspa@gmail.com or go to on Facebook: Orwigsburg Business and Professional Association.

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill County commissioners on Wednesday approved the settlement of an assessment appeal case that resulted in a Girardville church property receiving a tax exemption.

The Community Mission, 122 N. Line St., will not have to pay real estate taxes this year or in the future under the terms of the settlement it reached with the county, borough and North Schuylkill School District. Such exemptions are provided by law for properties owned by nonprofit entities.

Based in Minersville, the mission, which had filed the assessment appeal, provides food and clothing pantries, worship services, Bible studies and Christian education.

Also, the commissioners approved a revision of the contract with Laura M. Baranko for court reporting services. The new pact provides for Baranko to receive $150 per half day and $325 for a full day of work.

That contract highlights the need for court reporters in Schuylkill County and across the state and country, Court Administrator Lois Wallauer told the commissioners.

“We’re down to three” after having had as many as nine, she said. “There aren’t that many schools that have them anymore.”

Wallauer said there are online courses but the only school close to the county offering a course in court reporting that she knows about is Luzerne County Community College.

Commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr., whose grandfather was a court reporter in the county, agreed that it is getting more difficult to find court reporters, who are needed for every hearing and trial in the county court, as well as at hearings before magisterial district judges. The county has hired retired court reporters on a per diem basis to fill gaps in the schedule.

The commissioners also announced that the fall cleanup and recycling program will be held the weeks of Sept. 9 and 16.

In other business, the commissioners:

• Allowed Mahanoy City to use Community Development Block Grant money from 2016 to help fund the East End Park and Kaier Playground projects. County Administrator Gary R. Bender said the extra money is needed because bids came in higher than expected.

• Approved the establishment by county Treasurer Linda L. Marchalk of a separate bank account that will allow hotel property owners to make direct deposits.

“They can do everything online,” including submitting their hotel tax return, Marchalk said. “The county gets its money quicker.”

• Approved 2019 budget adjustments of $700 for the controller’s office, $795 for the courts and $1,000 for the domestic relations office. Director of Finance Paul E. Buber said there are no increases in actual spending.

“We’re just moving budgetary authority between line items,” he said.

• Approved supplemental budget appropriations for 2019 for $30,000 for the conservation district, $7,905.81 for human resources and $10,000 for the real estate department.

Buber said the $10,000 for the real estate department is to repair the traffic light at routes 61 and 895 in Molino, West Brunswick Township.

• Extended the ending date of the contract with Entech Engineering for services for the Girardville storm water project. Michele O’Connell of the grant writer’s office said the project will affect 13 houses.

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

COALDALE — The Health Resources and Services Administration has awarded St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus a $1 million grant to help combat the opioid crisis, the hospital announced Tuesday.

St. Luke’s was one of 80 grantees in the country and one of only five organizations in Pennsylvania to receive the award.

These funds, part of HRSA’s Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, will be disbursed over three years to strengthen rural communities’ capacity to provide needed substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery services and to build the evidence base for interventions that are effective in rural settings, St. Luke’s said in a release.

“We are grateful for the Health Resources and Services Administration’s financial support of this important, collective effort to improve the health and well-being of our community,” St. Luke’s Miners President Wendy Lazo was quoted in a news release.

According to government data, the St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus patient population is at high risk for substance use disorder, and the prevalence of opioid use disorder, opioid overdoses and opioid overdose mortality are all higher than national rates. Stigma, transportation barriers and treatment cost prevent most patients from accessing resources needed for recovery.

The need for additional resources was established by St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus’ Community Health Needs Assessment, which also identified consortium partners, including the Panther Valley and Tamaqua Area school districts, Child Development Inc. (Head Start) and Schuylkill County’s VISION.

St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus has established a steering committee, consisting of certified recovery specialists and rural partners such as rural health center staff, local treatment and recovery centers and grassroots and faith-based organizations, that will guide all planning efforts and will be instrumental in disseminating prevention, treatment and recovery information on services and resources.

The project is supported by HRSA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

POTTSVILLE — A Coaldale woman returned to prison Aug. 15 after a Schuylkill County judge revoked her parole in a drug-related case resulting from an incident in June 2015 in Tamaqua.

Karen Rimsky, 35, must spend at least three months behind bars, and could stay there until March 25, 2020, Judge James P. Goodman decided.

“Use this time in prison to think about how you’re going to turn your life around,” Goodman told Rimsky, who sat through the hearing wearing a prison jumpsuit.

Rimsky, who admitted violating her parole by failing to report to her supervising officer, moving without permission, failing drug tests, using drugs and failing to complete drug and alcohol treatment, originally pleaded guilty on Sept. 13, 2017, to delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance.

On Nov. 9, 2017, Goodman sentenced Rimsky to serve two to 23 months in prison, pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Tamaqua police had charged her with committing those crimes on June 10, 2015.

“What’s going on?” Goodman asked Rimsky. “You’re still addicted to drugs.”

“I was going through a very bad time in my life,” Rimsky answered.

“How are you going to address your drug problem?”

“Intensive outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment if necessary.”

Also on Aug. 15, Goodman revoked the probation of Samuel C. Smolar, 30, of Tamaqua, and sentenced him to serve four to 12 months in prison and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation.

“Take it seriously and address your issues,” Goodman told Smolar, who wore a prison jumpsuit at the hearing.

Goodman revoked Smolar’s probation after the defendant admitted violating it by failing to report to his supervising officer, failing drug tests and not making payments on his costs and fees.

Smolar originally pleaded guilty on Feb. 27 to possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. At that time, Goodman placed Smolar on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs, a $100 SAEF payment and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Fund.

Rush Township police charged Smolar with possessing drugs and paraphernalia on March 19, 2018, in the township.

“How are you going to address you drug situation?” Goodman asked Smolar.

“Rehab,” he replied.

Also in recent county court action, Joseph M. Yurkonis, 25, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and one of criminal mischief. Prosecutors withdrew charges of receiving stolen property, conspiracy and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

President Judge William E. Baldwin accepted the plea and sentenced Yurkonis to serve six to 24 months in a state correctional institution, pay costs, a $50 CJEA payment and $22,255.12 restitution, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Minersville police alleged Yurkonis committed his crimes on Feb. 14 in the borough.

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

Jaime S. Cox, 42, of Orwigsburg; harassment; $300 fine, $25 restitution and drug and alcohol evaluation. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of simple assault.

Lane A. Leitzel, 19, of Pottsville; arson and theft; one to two years in a state correctional institution, a $50 CJEA payment, $3,177 restitution and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew two additional counts of theft, two counts of receiving stolen property and one count each of defiant trespass and driving without a license.

Kristina M. Little, 32, of Saint Clair; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, a $100 SAEF payment and a $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew charges of disorderly conduct and careless driving.

Mark W. Lucas, 26, of Williamstown; possession of a controlled substance; three to 12 months in prison, a $100 SAEF payment, a $50 CJEA payment and $302 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Harrisburg. Prosecutors withdrew two additional counts of possession of a controlled substance and a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

John Paulino, 32, of Hazleton; retail theft; three to 23 months in prison and a $50 CJEA payment.

Lorraine E. Searfoss, 51, of McAdoo; false reports to law enforcement, accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property and driving under suspension; 12 months probation consecutive to current sentence, $200 fine and a $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of false reports to law enforcement and a charge of abandoning vehicle on highway.

Desirae I. Stabley, 20, of Bloomsburg; disorderly conduct; $50 fine. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of conspiracy.

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

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

Deeds

Hegins Township — Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2015-4 to Timothy J. Cortelyou; 1405 W. Main St., Valley View; $39,900.

Kline Township — Lori A. Kane to Lori A. Kane and Francis W. Petroski; 8 Fifth St., Kelayres; $1.

McAdoo — John Teprovich and Joseph Teprovich to Michael Marchetti; two properties on Garfield Street; $100,100.

North Manheim Township — Paul R. Mengel and James E. Mengel to Stephen Zuk; 18.591-acre property on Old Mill Road; $20,000.

David C. and June C. Weiskircher to Alex Jones and Brittnay Earnest; 39 Builtwell Road, Renninger Haven; $6,000.

North Union Township — Robert M. Jr. and Johnna R. Yurick, Michele M. Galgocy and Nancy Yurick to Gerald A. Strickland; 28-acre property on Legislative Route 53109; $80,000.

Norwegian Township — Crawson Equipment Co. Inc. to Norwegian Township; 2.8-acre property on Birch Road, Mar Lin; $40,000.

Palo Alto — Sa Op Kocher and Elizabeth M. Bentz to Walter S. Donella; 10 Mary St.; $18,500.

Karen Baskin to Tyler J. and Jill L. Hosler; 18 E. Savory St.; $1.

Porter Township — Ladnar Inc. to Darryl Koperna and Justin Koperna; 70.618-acre property; $56,800.

WIEA LLC to Thomas E. Lazarski; 45 S. Bendigo St.; $150,000.

Ryan Township — Thomas Conley to Brian Kolbush; 8 Hartung Lane, Barnesville; $100,000.

Schuylkill Township — James Vilcheck to Margaret A. Vilcheck; 814 Seneca St., Tuscarora; $1.

Shenandoah — Martyna Klama to Giovanni Rojas Ramirez; two properties; $14,000.

Mihaiu Bulat to Domnica Maria Mezdrea; 123 N. West St.; $1.

Thomas D. Gurecki and Theodore G. Gurecki to Thomas D. Gurecki; 117 N. West St.; $1.

Jacqueline C. Fraser to Lewis Ray Messinger; 30 N. West St.; $31,500.

South Manheim Township — Ruggiero Family Limited Partnership to SMM Holdings LLC; 828 Cayuga Cove, Lake Wynonah; $445,000.

Walker Township — Joseph D. and Kimberly J. Shimko to William S. Lawson; 1317 Shady Lane; $46,000.

Wayne Township — Frank C. Csete and George L. Csete, co-trustees of The Margaret K. Csete Family Trust, to Juan R. and Sandra E. Cruz; 1238 Buck Drive, Lake Wynonah; $3,000.

West Mahanoy Township — Janet Greco Moser to William Moser Jr.; 215 Morea Road; $1.

West Penn Township — Honey Badger Investors LLC to Ricky A. and Laurie Dutra; 44 Deere Lane, Andreas; $192,000.

A Tamaqua man faces charges in two counties after over $5,000 worth of CBD oil was stolen from a Berks County home.

Tamaqua police charged Anthony J. Stalgaitis, 37, with a felony for receiving stolen property and he was taken to jail Aug. 13 after failing to post $25,000 bail set by Magisterial District Judge Stephen Bayer, Tamaqua.

He posted the money through a bondsman a few days later, though, ending his jail stay.

According to arrest papers, Bern Township police called Tamaqua officers July 24 in reference to Stalgaitis, a suspect in a burglary they investigated in which a large amount of CBD oil was stolen.

A man later identified as Stalgaitis was attempting to sell those stolen products to a business in Pottsville in the days following the break-in. That business didn’t buy the goods, but did take pictures of the person trying to sell to them and the vehicle they came in, police wrote.

When Bern Township police interviewed Stalgaitis on July 26, he admitted to the theft and turned over 351 items valued at $4,177.

Bern Township police said the home was burglarized twice between April and July, resulting in the victim losing more than $5,000 worth of CBD products. CBD is a nonpsychoactive plant extract.

Felony charges for the Bern Township burglary were filed against Stalgaitis in Berks County on Aug. 13.

Contact the writer: achristman@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3584

If you’re a fan of town festivals, the next few weeks will bring a smile.

Shenandoah’s Heritage Day and Parade of Nations will take place on Saturday, with the parade at 10 a.m. followed by live music, ethnic foods and crafts.

Heritage Day will be celebrated in Orwigsburg from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 7. There will be Revolutionary War re-enactors, horse-drawn carriage rides, bounce house, food trucks, games, crafts, face painting and vendors.

The Hometown Craft Show will be held at the Farmers Market on Sept. 8. Admission and parking are free and it will be held rain or shine.

Minersville Spirit Day is slated for Sept. 8. Food, entertainment and dozens of vendors will be on hand.

Have you participated in an escape room yet? The interactive and challenging events are showing up in libraries everywhere. The Pottsville Free Public Library will host Summer Road Trip Escape Room for ages 6 to 11 at 6 p.m. Aug. 29. The challenge: your parents have taken your phones and tablets during the family vacation. Get them back by completing the challenge. Space is limited, so reserve your spot by calling 570-622-8880 or by emailing potchild@pottsvillelibrary.org. The event is free of charge, but library donations are welcomed.

Since 1996, families, service groups, clubs, organizations, businesses, churches, hospitals, banks, schools and enthusiastic individuals in Schuylkill County have been participating in Make A Difference Day in an effort to improve the quality of life in our communities. Your efforts have helped countless individuals and families, and allowed nonprofits to stretch their limited resources to reach more consumers. You’ve make Schuylkill County a kinder place to live.

The nationwide community service event will take place on Oct. 26. However, we understand that some aren’t available that day or have projects that take longer than one day to complete, so we’ve extended the local event to Oct. 12 to 27. Your entire project does not have to occur one day, but an important part of your project must occur within the local time frame. Registrations are already coming in and we invite you to join the countywide effort.

The ways to help nonprofits and the community are almost innumerable. Think out of the box. Look around your neighborhood to see what you can do. This year, thousands of people and dozens of groups will be volunteering to do projects such as helping a food bank, making simple stuffed bears to soothe children in distress, planting flower bulbs at community welcome signs, doing chores for a homebound neighbor, entertaining nursing home residents, making craft bags for children in pre-school, cleaning a park or sending care packages to local military stationed abroad. These are a few of the creative projects that have been done in the past. No effort is too small and every project helps someone.

If you or your group is struggling to find an idea, may we suggest you consider one of the ready-made projects available for “adoption.”

Horses and Horizons Therapeutic Riding Program could use help with post-season tack and lesson cleaning on Oct. 26. Care Net/Real Options would greatly welcome donations of small baby items, like onesies and personal items for new moms. We have their complete list of items for your convenience. We also have a list of general project ideas. Contact us for information on any of these ideas.

We ask that you kindly register your project so we can better track the number of participants and projects. Registration forms can be printed from our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia, by calling this office at 570-628-1426, or by emailing jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

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

In order to meet growing demand due to its online grocery business, Walmart is hiring 150 people, including order fillers to support its Pottsville regional distribution center.

All applicants are invited to attend a hiring event on Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. at 390 Highridge Park Road, Pottsville. Applicants can also apply for roles at careers.walmart.com. Candidates who apply have the potential for an on-the-spot job offer. The offices serve 150 Walmart stores and 24 Sam’s Clubs throughout the region.

Wages start at $17.95 an hour, and premiums for shift work and weekends can go up to $19.95 an hour. Benefits include medical, vision and dental for full-time associates, as well as paid time off and access to college degrees for $1 a day.

Along with order fillers, Walmart is also looking to hire several truck drivers for the Pottsville distribution center. There are many benefits of driving for Walmart including competitive pay, where newly hired drivers can earn up to $87,500, great benefits and top equipment. To apply to drive for Walmart, please visit drive4walmart.com.

Altamont

The Altamont Fire Company, 215 S. Green St., will host a spaghetti dinner from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at the firehouse, sponsored by the auxiliary. The cost is $9 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Meals include spaghetti, roll and dessert. For more information, call 570-874-4384.

Gilberton

Continental Hose Company No. 3, 229 Main St., will have a hoagie sale beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday. Advance orders and walk-ins are welcome. The cost is $7 per hoagie and the variety includes Italian, regular, ham/cheese and turkey. All orders come with a beverage and chips. To order in advance, call 570-933-0415.

Mahanoy City

The Mahanoy City Public Library is sponsoring a fundraiser trip to Mohegan Sun Casino on Sept. 26. The bus will leave at 9 a.m. from the former Service Electric building and depart from the casino at 4 p.m. for the return trip. The cost is $25 per person, with a casino rebate of $25 slot play and $5 food voucher. For reservations or more information, call 570-773-3365, 570-929-1012 or 570-778-6956.

Minersville

Minersville Fish & Game Club, 1 Live Oaks Road, will feature wings and things from 5 to 8 p.m. today, including wings, burgers, onion rings, fries and similar fare. Prices vary; all are welcome. For more information, call 570-544-3155.

Pottsville

Bill Parulis, chairman of the Pottsville Rotary Club’s Foundation, recently provided Rotarians with updates about the foundation and the Paul Harris program. He presented Paul Harris recognition to Rotarians Jim Cooksey, Chet Arnold and Andy Pope, all of whom reached the next level of participation, according to the Rotary bulletin. Allen Kiefer also will receive recognition for his contribution to the effort. With the club contribution and personal contribution from Jim and Elizabeth Cooksey, the club has contributed $10,000 to a medical clinic in Swaziland for its water supply system. The Martinsburg, West Virginia, club of PDG Mike Hornby also contributed $5,000 for the project. Along with Rotary district matching funds, the total contribution to the project reached $30,000. Over the years, according to Parulis’ presentation, the local club has had 74 Paul Harris Fellows recognized. Club President Frank Peron made a foundation contribution for his birthday.

Pottsville

There will be a “Doggie Swim Party” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the city’s JFK Pool, 990 Yorkfarm Road. The fee is $8 per dog. The Top Dog 2019 winner will be announced and the outing will include a basket auction, 50/50 raffle, vendors, food and other attractions. All proceeds will benefit the Pottsville Dog Park, according to an event release. For more information, call 570-628-4417. More information is available at the event website at http://www.facebook.com/pottsvilledogpark.

Shenandoah

Members of the Polish American Fire Company are being reminded to make Gift Certificate Bonanza raffle returns by Monday for the raffle on Wednesday. In a release, member John Morris said members can make returns after 3 p.m. at the grill or via deposit in the mailbox.

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah Area Free Public Library, Washington and Main streets, is sponsoring a trip to the Sands Casino on Sept. 8. The bus will depart from the library at 9:30 a.m. and from the casino at 4 p.m. for the return trip. To register or for more information, call the library at 570-462-9829 or the office of the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. at 570-462-2060. The library also recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Dennis Stanczyk by Buchinnsky and Pribish families; for Michael Piaskowski by Marty and Mary Ann Kelly; for Anne Marie “Pete” Bosavage by Lois Lomas; for Christ Sacco by Lois Lomas; for Jean Johnson by Bill and Marguerite Fell; for Jack Kilker by Madeline Buchinsky, Joann Pribish and Zach, Hank and Julie Faleski; for Pete Vernalis by Joann Pribish and Zach, Madeline Buchinsky, Helen Beddall; for Andrea Kovalewski by Madeline Buchinsky and family; for Larry Gallagher by Dan and Angie Salvadore.