Police: Man jailed for hitting woman

POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville man was jailed after Pottsville police were called for a report of a disturbance in the 1700 block of West Norwegian Street around 1 a.m. Saturday.

At the scene, police said, officers spoke to a 38-year-old Pottsville woman who said Darwyn G. Knight, 27, assaulted her by hitting her in the face with his right elbow and grabbing her by the hair and neck.

Police said the woman had visible physical injuries, including a swollen red and bruised lump on her left cheek bone and eye consistent with the information provided.

Knight was taken into custody and charged with simple assault pursuant and subsequently charged by Patrolman Tina Sullivan with simple assault and harassment.

He was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10 percent of $25,000 bail, police said.

Police investigate Route 61 accident

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police investigated a crash that was reported around 10:10 p.m. Friday at Route 61 and East Norwegian Street.

Police said Patrolman Joel Methven determined that Brandon Fees, 24, of Pottsville, was driving a 2001 Dodge Durango with three passengers — a 21-year-old Port Carbon man, a 19-year-old Port Carbon woman and a 20-year-old Pottsville woman.

Police said Fees was in the left lane of Route 61 facing south at the intersection while a 2013 Scion 1Q being driven by a 68-year-old Pottsville woman was in the left lane of Route 61 traveling north, approaching the intersection and continuing north.

Police said Fees turned left across Route 61 in an attempt to travel on East Norwegian Street and collided with the oncoming vehicle.

Police said the woman driving the Scion was treated at the scene by Schuylkill EMS and then taken to a medical facility for treatment.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene and as a result of the crash, Methven will be citing Fees under the Vehicle Code for vehicles turning left.

Pottsville firefighters assisted at the scene.

Man charged with corruption of minors

POTTSVILLE — A Schuylkill Haven man was charged with corruption of minors by Pottsville police after an incident on Aug. 10 involving a 14-year-old girl.

Police said they were contacted by the mother of the girl who reported she had been solicited for nude photos.

A subsequent investigation determined that Montana David Edmondson, 20, exchanged messages with the juvenile, including “Can I please see you nude” and “just one and I’ll stop asking,” police said.

The messages continued and eventually included “the faster you do it, it will all stop” and “If you don’t I’m killing your boyfriend,” police said.

On Aug. 14, police said, Edmondson was interviewed by Detective Kirk Becker and Patrolman Grant Yoder and admitted sending the messages and being aware that the juvenile’s approximate age was 14.

The investigation into the incident is continuing, police said.

Man cited after 1-vehicle crash

GOODSPRING — Hegins Township police investigated a crash that happened in the 200 block of North Goodspring Road around 10:30 a.m. Aug. 13.

Police said David High, 66, of Pitman, was driving a GMC pickup truck north when, for some reason, he veered into the southbound lane and continued until he struck a guiderail and came to a stop.

As a result of the crash, police said, High was cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Woman allegedly paid with bad checks

VALLEY VIEW — A Valley View woman was charged by Hegins Township police with bad checks after incidents in June.

Police said Emily Osborne, 26, allegedly wrote the victim a check in the amount of $975, knowing that it would not be honored by the issuing financial institution.

As a result, police said, Osborne was charged with misdemeanor bad checks and will have to answer before Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont.

Police investigate Hegins Twp. burglary

HEGINS — Hegins Township police are investigating a burglary that was reported at 417 Pine Drive on Aug. 20.

Police said the victim reported someone forced their way into campers and a shed on the property and stole a chainsaw and other items.

The thefts, police said, happened between February and August.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hegins Township police at 570-682-3133.

Police announce DUI checkpoints

POTTSVILLE — The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced that sobriety checkpoints and roving DUI patrols will be conducted now through Sept. 3 on routes 61, 183, 901, 209, 1006, 309, 1008, 443, 895, 125, 25, 924 and 54.

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

Police investigate Butler Twp. burglary

ASHLAND — Butler Township police are investigating a burglary that happened at 86 Main St. on Aug. 1.

Police said someone entered the property around 1 p.m. and removed an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the area undetected.

Anyone with information is asked to call Butler Township Police at 570-875-4131.

Coaldale man cited for littering carton

Tamaqua police said a witness saw Joel L. Johnson, 53, put an iced tea carton in the flower garden at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, 125 Pine St., on Aug. 14 at 2 p.m.

Inside the carton was $10, and a woman came by to pick it up, while the witness continued to watch, police said.

The woman was on the phone with Johnson when police arrived and an officer told her to tell him he would be cited for scattering rubbish.

On Sept. 28, rain or shine, the Hahn 30th Anniversary Reunion Muster will be held in Hamburg, bringing together lovers of Hahn fire apparatus as well as former employees of the company.

The event, co-sponsored by the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society and the Union Fire Company No. 1, Hamburg, is held every five years since the closing of Hahn Motors, Hamburg, in December 1989.

This year, the muster will be at the Hamburg Fire Company Field House, Rear 127 S. Fourth St., and features a flea market from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., a Hahn fire apparatus parade from 11 a.m. to noon and a brotherhood social from noon to 4 p.m.

Ned Beck, Auburn, a trustee with the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society, is a former Hahn employee and the proud owner of a 1973 Hahn fire engine that once served the Borough of Gordon.

Beck said he was able to buy the truck from a private collector in Virginville.

The fire engine, he said, holds a special place in his heart.

“When I first started at Hahn in January of 1973, this was the first truck that I worked on,” Beck said Tuesday while shining the pump panel in preparation for the muster.

Beck said he worked for Hahn until the facility shut down in December 1989 and looks forward to the musters, not only to see Hahn fire apparatus but also to get together with his former co-workers.

At one time, Beck said, Hahn Motors employed about 100 people with 40 percent of them traveling from Schuylkill County.

He said Hahn Motors began operations in 1898 making wagons and, eventually, went to motorized vehicles.

It had locations in Leesport, where it started, moved to Allentown for a short time and finally relocated to its headquarters in Hamburg in 1932.

Beck said the facility at one time made aerial fire apparatus and, between 1959 and 1962, manufactured Mack fire trucks.

Mack later had its headquarters in the Allentown area, he said.

A former Auburn fire chief, Beck said fire apparatus is expected to come from throughout Pennsylvania as well as surrounding states.

Hahn Motors, although known for making fire apparatus that sold in Pennsylvania, had several larger contracts and provided fire apparatus to the cities of Boston and Detroit as well as Washington, D.C.

Beck said he is reaching out to former employees as well as collectors and lovers of Hahn fire apparatus to attend the muster.

Anyone needing information can call Beck at 570-691-8977 or Lori Rausch at 570-366-1801.

The deadline to register a vehicle to participate in the muster is Saturday.

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

Girardville

A wing night will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Rangers Hose Company, 6 E. Ogden St. Wings are $10 per dozen, fries are $3 and fries with any wing sauce are $4. Wing flavors include hot, mild, honey mustard, ranch, spicy ranch, hot garlic, barbecue, garlic parm, teriyaki and hot honey. People may eat at the firehouse or take food items out. Beverages will also be available. Wing nights will also be held Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14. For more information, call 570-276-1406.

Mahanoy City

Elks Lodge 695, 135 E. Centre St., will have a meat bingo Sept. 14. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and games will begin at 7:30 p.m. Food will be on sale during the games. The cost is $1 per card. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-773-0629.

Orwigsburg

A free spaghetti dinner and health fair will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 8 at 215 N. Warren St. The fair title is “Passport to begin Healthy, Wealthy and Wise” and will include the dinner, more than 20 vendors, plus children’s activities, magician Jon Bonner, free screenings, speakers and other activities. More information is available online at www.stpaulsorwigsburg.org or by calling 570-449-5021.

Pottsville

A chicken barbecue will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 7 in the parking lot of Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 W. Arch St., to benefit the Adopt a Child effort. Meals are $9 each and include a half barbecued chicken, baked potato, roll and applesauce. Pickups will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the church office and after each church service. For more information, call 570-622-9910.

Pottsville

Diakon Community Services is sponsoring a trip on Oct. 14 to Atlantic City Resorts to benefit the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services Agency Fund. The cost is $40 per person with a $25 rebate. The bus will depart at 8 a.m. to Minersville and from the Giant Market at the Cressona Mall at 8:15 a.m. For reservations or more information, call Julie at 570-544-5231 or Millie at 570-628-5413.

Ringtown

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Main Street, will have a beef braciole takeout-only meal from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 11. The menu will include stuffing wrapped in beef, baked potato, veggie, coleslaw, roll/butter and dessert. The cost is $10 per meal. The event sponsor is the church social ministry. Tickets are available from committee members or by calling the church office at 570-889-5203.

Schuylkill Haven

The 2020 campaign kickoff breakfast for United Way Schuylkill County is set for 8 a.m. Sept. 6 in the Health and Wellness Building on Penn State Schuylkill Campus, 200 University Drive. The breakfast will be catered by Hess Catering and the cost is $20. People are asked to RSVP by Friday by emailing Terri Conville at adminasst@schuylkillunitedway.org. RSVPs may also be mailed to 9 N. Centre St., Suite 301, Pottsville, PA 17901, or faxed to 570-622-7424. The speakers will be Courtney Fasnacht, executive director, Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Council Inc. YES Program, and Samantha Robbins, 2019 YES Program graduate.

Schuylkill Haven

Manbeck’s Zion Evangelical Congregational Church, 110 Wild Cherry Road, will have a pig roast from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 7 with meals including pork, filling, vegetables and dessert with takeouts and baked goods available. The cost is $7 general and $5 for children ages 3 to 12. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-345-3033.

Schuylkill Haven

The September First Saturday open house at the Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway, is set for 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 7. Featured artists will be Artist Hallways, Mike McCord, Studio 317 and Artist Association, Studio 319. A special event in the main gallery will be the Schuylkill County Quilters Guild Quilt Spectacular, a private event with admission of $5. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-732-3728 or go online to walkinartcenter.org.

FRACKVILLE — Progress continues at the Cherry Street Commons housing development in the borough in preparations for tenants by the end of September.

Employees of Charles W. Grimm Construction Inc., Waymart, the general contractor, were on site Tuesday putting the finishing touches on the almost-completed three-story building with six units while inspectors checked to make sure everything was in compliance for occupancy permits to be issued.

The multimillion dollar development began six years ago as a public-private partnership that will consist of 17 units, of which one will be one bedroom unit, 11 two-bedroom units and five three-bedroom units. One one-bedroom and one two-bedroom unit will be wheelchair and hearing/vision impaired accessible units. All units are handicapped accessible from the outside.

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held in June 2018 at the site that is located between the unit blocks of South Mahanoy Street and South Railroad Avenue from East Frack to East Oak streets. The property is one block east of the unit block of South Lehigh Avenue and behind the Frackville American Legion Post 398.

Patricia O’Connor, of Frackville, is the chief operating officer of Par-King Inc., the developer of the project. She provided a tour of the site on Tuesday. One of the three residential buildings is almost completed, with the other two under construction. Upstreet Architects, Indiana, Pennsylvania, designed the buildings and development, which includes a gazebo for outdoor activities.

The site also includes a single-story community center, which is basically completed, that will have a community room, kitchen, common laundry facilities and office space for Catholic Social Services for managing resident affairs with the social part of the property. The Housing Authority of Northumberland County will manage the facilities part of the property.

O’Connor spoke of some highlights of the units in the first building.

“That first one, No. 20, is the one I love the best,” O’Connor said. “That’s the handicapped or visually and hearing impaired unit. One the doorbell rings, lights go on. If something happens in the kitchen, lights flash. There are all kinds of different ways to alert people who have some type of sense impairment.”

No. 20 is a one-bedroom unit, followed by four two-bedroom units, with the unit at the other end of the row having three bedrooms. In another building will be a two-bedroom handicapped unit.

“It looks like they’re getting ready for the inspections today,” she said, noting the inspectors on the grounds. “We’d like to get the certificates of occupancy by the end of the month so people can get in by the middle of September or by Oct. 1.”

O’Connor said there has been much interest by people about the development.

“We’ve had quite a few inquiries,” O’Connor said. “As a matter of fact, we’ve had 28 different people apply for just the handicapped unit alone. The Northumberland County authority is taking care of the rentals only because Schuylkill County (Housing Authority) opted not to do it, because they don’t have that kind of service.”

O’Connor said each residential unit has at least a full bathroom and a powder room.

The community center has an open room for various activities.

“In this big room here, which also has a kitchen, people can schedule its use for birthday parties or a shower, or community meetings,” she said.

There has been much landscaping around the buildings. Behind each unit is a storage ring and a small patio. One highlight pointed out by O’Connor was the large energy-efficient windows that allow much natural light into each apartment.

“The windows are beautiful. They all meet code, and if there is some kind of an issue, a person can exit to get out in any kind of emergency,” O’Connor said. “There is recessed lighting in all the ceilings and they’re all carpeted. There is electric heat and central air. They are all Energy Star efficient, which is another certification we need for the final inspection. They’re all radon tested.”

As for the rental cost, she said, “It all depends on a person’s income. They’re all based on income. The lowest income parameters are for the two handicap units. People have to meet a certain income standard in order to qualify.”

She said the housing authority is doing a third interview for the three-bedroom unit. The two-bedroom units in the first building are rented, O’Connor said.

The total project cost, including private investment, is $4,929,562. Cherry Street Commons buildings will consist of over 50,000 total square feet when completed on the 1.15-acre site. The total construction cost, which includes demolition of four vacant dilapidated and condemned structures, site and land improvements is about $4 million.

Funding has come from the variety of sources, including tax credits and a loan through the PennHOMES program administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Financing Agency. The tax credit awarded through the highly competitive process totals $387,383 and a loan through PennHOMES of $921,308, which were awarded to the project in July 2016.

Other funding sources are the Schuylkill County Affordable Housing Trust Fund and private equity from Alliant Capital LTD, of Palm Beach, Florida. Construction financing is being provided by Peoples Security Bank and Trust, Allentown.

Inquiries into leasing and income requirements can be made to the management office at 570-339-5844.

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

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County prosecutors have withdrawn charges against eight defendants.

Those defendants, and the charges against them, included the following people:

Benjamin J. Amely, 30, of Pottsville; receiving stolen property.

Harry E. Cartwright Jr., 56, of Pottsville; simple assault and harassment.

David L. Collazo, 32, of Girardville; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Anthony T. Heffelfinger, 43, of Coaldale; possession of a controlled substance and failure to comply with exhaust requirements.

Mark J. Mensinger Jr., 36, of Sheppton; terroristic threats, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Nicholas A. Mosher, 35, of Shenandoah; simple assault and harassment.

John F. Neidlinger Jr., 44, of Pottsville; theft by deception and receiving stolen property.

Jose L. Santiago, 47, of Coaldale; driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia and improper turning movements.

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

Deeds

Butler Township — Gregory N. Tatusko and Madeline N. Paulonis, individually and as co-executors of the Estate of Nicholas John Tatusko, to Madeline N. and Joseph M. Paulonis; 100 N. Fifth St., Englewood; $1.

Cass Township — Richard B. and Susan K. Jochems to James L. Frehafer and Jamie Pogera; 903 Sunbury Road, Primrose; $96,000.

Cressona — Jodi A. Staller to Federal National Mortgage Association; 34 Cherry St.; $1.

East Union Township — Edwin II and Christin Downes to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 154WS, Eagle Rock; $6,500.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Karima and Erik Massamba; Lot 1WSS, Eagle Rock; $36,259.

Gordon — Rattling Run LP to Lloyd R. Hampton; property on McKnight Street; $1.

Hegins Township — Chad M. and Kylene S. Rodichok to Ryan S. Reidler and Devoureaux M. Williams; 214 Willow St., Valley View; $119,000.

Kline Township — Stephen J. and Teresa P. Sheer to Natalie Sheer, Stephen Sheer Jr., Scott Sheer and Francis Sheer; two properties; $1.

New Philadelphia — Coal Ridge Rentals LLC to Rise Against LLC; property at Clay and Leonard streets; $120,000.

North Manheim Township — Craig P. and Geradette A. Hunt to Frederick J. III and Karen Liebner; 712 Centerfield Drive, Chestnut Hill; $233,000.

North Union Township — Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Teddy Aquino and Renante A. Punsalan; Lot 84EA, Eagle Rock; $43,329.

Norwegian Township — Earl J. Jr. and Diane D. Buehner to Gregory P. and Mary Jo Jonczak; 111 Evergreen Drive; $365,000.

Estate of Raymond G. Williams to Michael Downey; 552 Maple St.; $170,000.

Pine Grove — John H. and Marian E. Ziegler to John H. and Marian E. Ziegler and Ashley L. Ziegler; 59 N. Tulpehocken St.; $1.

Pottsville — Pires Albino to Keila Mariam Ramos; 571 S. Centre St.; $7,000.

Stephen L. Zucal to Fatima Altagracia Mendez Mendez; 613 W. Arch St.; $11,000.

Ringtown — Anthony E. Kankowski to Damian R. Sharp; 133-135 W. Main St.; $1.

Saint Clair — William G. Schwab, trustee in bankruptcy, to Christopher F. Chiarlanza; 134 N. Third St.; $5,100.

Shenandoah — Carol Pukavage to Carol Pukavage and Robert Pukavage; 100 E. Lloyd St.; $1.

Jacqueline Markiewicz and Joyce L. Reba, co-executirces of the Last Will & Testament of Julia T. Craven, to Homework and Design LLC; 133 S. White St.; $16,000.

Richard Steven Mero Zambrano to Esterlina Rodriguez Frias and Rafael Cuello Leyba; 20 N. Union St.; $500.

Shenandoah and West Mahanoy Township — Melissa A. and Michael R. Magnotta to Pedro Santiago; 427 W. Washington St.; $7,000.

South Manheim Township — Joan L. Douglas, by attorney in fact Donna Jo Oehling, to Heather and Matthew Fischl and Eric and Lori Oehling; 650 Wynonah Drive, Lake Wynonah; $1.

Tamaqua — Timothy J. Murphy and William G. Schwab, trustee in bankruptcy, to Anthony S. and Kathleen M. Odorizzi; 234 W. Elm St.; $122,000.

Union Township — Glenn D. Matejick, by attorney in fact Valerie S. Matejick, to Valerie S. Matejick; 299 Little Mountain Road; $1.

Washington Township — Robert Zenzinger to Bonita D. Maurer and Harvey H. Barry; 15 Muskee Lane, Sweet Arrow Lake; $6,500.

James Woodby to Brianna L. and Lorin A. Treichler; 41 Wild Cherry Road; $219,000.

Suzanne Mont and Lisa Hoak to Lisa Hoak; property on Lake Drive, Sweet Arrow Lake; $1.

Wayne Township — Scott L. Minnich, Steven M. Minnich, Jane M. Baudoin and Janet H. Stoyer to Aaronfaye Associates LP; four properties; $305,000.

Lee L. II and Reba I. Llewellyn to Pamela F. and Fredrick M. Meusel; 211 Luckenbill Road; $90,000.

David K. and Joy E. Marks to Charles W. and Anne M. Besterman and Carolyn J. and Matthew G. Wilson; 487 Sarni Cove, Lake Wynonah; $345,000.

Helen M. Hendy to Denise Brennan; 332 Pawnee Drive, Lake Wynonah; $170,000.

West Brunswick Township — Rotonda Real Estate Co. Inc. to Darlene Porrino; 2201 Village Road, Pinebrook; $175,900.

Longview Construction LLC to Metz Properties LLC; 513 W. Pheasant Run Road; $45,000.

West Mahanoy Township — Kenneth P. and Elaine J. Mentusky to Kevin J. Mentusky; 255 S. Line St., Altamont; $1.

West Penn Township — Justin S. Magluilo to Matthew Edmonds and Kayla Marie Hope; 92 Mill Drive; $299,000.

Scott Enck to Zachary Reitenauer; 16 S. Tamaqua St., South Tamaqua; $150,000.

The second “Fighting Back” forum will focus on combating the opioid epidemic while addressing concerns about vaping.

The one-hour forum begins at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Marian Catholic High School in Hometown.

“I am looking forward to participating in this conference because the agenda is directly focused on finding solutions for two of the most serious issues impacting our young people,” said state Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, Rush Township. “The illegal use of vaping products by minors and Pennsylvania’s opioid epidemic are not isolated, but intertwined.”

The event is sponsored by Lehigh Valley Health Network and is coordinated by the Standard-Speaker, with support from WYLN-TV and SSPTV, and in conjunction with numerous community partners.

Dr. Rebecca Odorizzi will present information on vaping.

“I’m going to talk about the medical effects of vaping in young people,” said Odorizzi, a Tamaqua native whose office is on Route 309 in Hometown.

She said more studies are being done on vaping, which is the inhalation of a vapor created by an electronic cigarette or other device.

“It can be dangerous,” Odorizzi said. In fact, the first reported death tied to vaping in the United States was confirmed Friday by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Knowles agreed that vaping is dangerous.

“Medical experts continue to warn about the unproven safety benefits of vaping products, especially when it comes to negative effects of nicotine and other deadly toxins on the developing adolescent brain. There are also growing concerns that vaping products lead to dangerous experimentation with other potentially lethal substances such as heroin and opioids,” he said.

State Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-122, Lower Towamensing Township, also plans to attend.

“I think forums like this are important. It’s important for us to do anything we can to get the message out about opioids and how addictive they are,” Heffley said. “We’ve attended these types of forums in Harrisburg, in Carbon County and across the state with the (House Republican) Policy Committee.”

Heffley is hoping for a nice turnout.

“Knowledge is probably the most important thing in this battle against opioids. It’s important for everyone to know how addictive they are,” he said. “Furthermore, the forum will let people know that there are services available to those who are addicted.”

Other speakers include:

• Eileen Panzarella, director of prevention education for Pathway to Recovery. The Hazleton-based organization works in schools, from pre-school through high school, and throughout the community on a daily basis toward drug abuse prevention. In addition to prevention, Panzarella said her message is one about hope.

• Amy Diehl, prevention and tobacco treatment specialist for Pathway to Recovery. She conducts drug and nicotine prevention programs in local schools and is a certified nicotine cessation instructor who leads community cessation groups.

• Michael Fanjoy, vice president of clinical services at Adult and Teen Challenge of Pennsylvania, a drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation treatment center based in Rehrersburg, Berks County. Fanjoy has been involved with Adult and Teen Challenge since 2003, when he said he experienced life transformation through its program. He holds certifications as a minister, advanced addictions counselor and certified clinical supervisor while also practicing as a licensed professional counselor.

• Dan Salvagno, a counselor with Adult and Teen Challenge. A former opioid addict, Salvagno said the organization was his 10th attempt at treatment but the first in a long-term, faith-based residential setting. He was able to turn his life around and now, some 13 years later as a husband and father, Salvagno helps others fight addiction through the organization’s continuum of care.

The forum will take its message directly to a student body by having it at Marian during the school day, and the session will be recorded and the video made available to other schools in the region for use in assemblies or classrooms.

Those wishing to attend are asked to register by calling Standard-Speaker operations manager John Patton at 570-501-3505. They may also email questions to him at jpatton@standardspeaker.com.

The first forum, “Fighting Back: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery from the Opioid Epidemic,” was held in May at the Wiltsie Center at Hazleton Elementary/Middle School. A third “Fighting Back” public forum is planned in the continuing effort to stem the tide of drug abuse and addiction.

Blue Mountain Elementary East students — grades kindergarten, 1 and 2 — will have their first day of school on Sept. 5. at St. Ambrose Elementary School in Schuylkill Haven. Kindergarten orientation will be held there at 5 p.m. Tuesday and Back to School Night for kindergarten will follow orientation. Back to School Night for grades 1 and 2 will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Tuesday.

There have been no changes to the schedule for Blue Mountain Elementary Cressona. Back to School Night for grades 3, 4 and 5 will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today. Those students will start school on Tuesday.

The Crimson Tide Foundation is seeking corporate sponsorships for programs to benefit Pottsville Area School District students and hopes a state tax credit incentive will enable more businesses to become involved.

John H. Liddle, foundation president, said Tuesday that the foundation would be renewing its yearly application in November for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program, or EITC.

“The foundation is a tax exempt, 501(c)3, which gives our donors federal tax credits. EITC is a state program where donors get state tax credits. You must present them with a program that you’re going to use the EITC money to fund,” Liddle said of the Department of Economic and Community Development, which reviews the applications.

In the foundation’s case, it hopes to use money generated to upgrade the district’s publications program.

This will be the third year the foundation is applying to become an approved Educational Improvement Organization, to be an EITC participant and recipient of donated funds.

Any business wishing to donate to an EITC-approved organization must also submit an application to DCED to become an approved, certified contributor. Then, that company would become eligible to receive the state tax credits.

“Tax credits may be applied against the tax liability of a business for the tax year in which the contribution was made,” according to the DCED website, dced.pa.gov.

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Tax credits equal up to 75 percent of a contribution, up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year. That can be increased to 90 percent of the contribution, if the business agrees to provide the same amount for two consecutive tax years, the DCED website states.

Liddle noted that the foundation is not part of the school district, but is an independent organization governed by its own board of directors.

Since 2011, the foundation has contributed more than $130,000 to 22 projects at PASD. Those funds have been used for the library, school safety, John S. Clarke playground, digital media, piano keyboards, solar telescope and scholarships.

“We’re trying to get some other projects approved,” Liddle said.

More on the nonprofit organization can be found at ctidefoundation.com.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — An audit trail shows that a Pine Grove woman stole thousands of dollars from her employer, a certified public accountant testified Tuesday in Schuylkill County Court.

“I believe she was altering invoices and taking off fees,” Antoinette Everdale said of Carrie M. Aungst, 51, who is on trial on charges of theft and receiving stolen property.

Aungst occasionally conferred with her lawyer, Michael J. Fiorillo, Pottsville, on the first day of her trial before a jury and Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin. The trial is scheduled to resume at 9 a.m. today with Fiorillo presenting his case.

State police at Schuylkill Haven allege Aungst stole $26,527.76 in money and gifts from Pine Grove Auto Sales, 78 Suedberg Road, while she worked there in 2016 and 2017. Prosecutors allege that in numerous transactions, she altered invoices to remove notary fees, which she then pocketed.

“Consistently, the notary income is what’s missing from these,” Everdale said after reviewing a spreadsheet. “Carrie changed an invoice ... removing the notary fee income.”

The changes did not affect the balancing of the cash register, because they were invoices as opposed to receipts, according to Everdale.

Cindy Motter, owner of Pine Grove Auto Sales, testified that Aungst removed money from the cash register and took it herself.

“There’s no reason to take cash back out of the register,” she said as Assistant District Attorney Thomas J. Campion Jr. played the tapes for the jury. “There was no money put in the safe. The money was put in her pocket.”

Motter said Aungst had the ability to change, and even delete, transactions from the records, thereby enabling her to take the money without being initially suspected.

Aungst was a notary public, and she took fees that she generated while at work, Motter said.

“Does that fee belong to Pine Grove Auto Sales?” Campion asked Motter.

“Yes, if (Aungst is) clocked in,” she answered.

Motter also testified that the company selling office supplies to Pine Grove Auto Sales would give it gifts when the amounts bought reached a certain figure.

“Do you know what happened to these items?” Campion asked.

“At the time, I had no idea,” but she later learned Aungst took them, Motter replied.

“They weren’t just available for anyone to take?”

“No.”

When cross-examined by Fiorillo, Motter acknowledged that 46 of the altered invoices have dates that were the same as Aungst’s vacation days, saying she thinks they were changed.

She also said she has submitted a claim to her insurance company for the losses.

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

Carrie M. Aungst

· Age: 51

· Residence: Pine Grove

· Charges: Theft and receiving stolen property

Officers and members of Girardville American Legion Post 309 are trying to comprehend that their vice commander has been charged with shooting and killing another man — a friend of his — early Monday.

Post Commander Joseph Yackera said defendant Michael F. Grady, 36, of Gordon, and victim Steven Joshua Molina, 24, of Ashland, were regulars at the post home and always got along.

“Him (Molina) and Mike (Grady) were like family; they were very close,” Yackera said.

“I know this is not him,” he said of Grady’s alleged actions, which resulted in the death of Molina via a single shotgun blast to the neck.

The shooting happened around 4 a.m. at Grady’s home at 604 Hobart St. Butler Township. Police Patrolman Shawn Butler charged Grady with one felony count each of criminal homicide and aggravated assault and three misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person.

Grady is in Schuylkill County Prison without the option for bail.

‘Easygoing’ Marine

Yackera said Grady, a Marine Corps veteran, got along with everyone, in and out of the post home.

“He was an easygoing guy, a guy who was fun to be around,” Yackera said.

Moreover, he said Grady was pivotal in rebuilding the Girardville American Legion post.

Yackera said he and Grady served in the armed forces at the same time.

“He was a Marine, and I was in the Army,” Yackera said.

He said Grady suffered a back injury and was on disability. He had served as a recruiter for the Marines for two or three years.

“He loved the service. He was an American through and through,” Yackera said. “He loved this country.”

Yackera said he and other members of the post are waiting to see what happens to Grady as the case moves through the judicial system.

“I believe this was a tragic accident. We’re standing by him and still trying to grasp what happened,” the commander said.

The fact that Grady was drinking alcohol at the time of the shooting is an example of a bad decision that turned tragic, Yackera said.

“It’s a foolish thing to play with guns when you’re drinking,” he said. “It’s a shame a kid had to lose his life.”

No matter what happens legally to Grady, Yackera said, the incident will stay with him forever.

“He has to live with this the rest of his life,” he said.

‘Asking for a tragedy’

Frackville Police Chief Richard Bell emphasized the dangers of handling a loaded weapon when consuming alcohol.

“You’re asking for a tragedy to happen,” Bell said.

In his complaint, Butler said Grady retrieved the shotgun that killed Molina from a gun safe but did not say if the weapon was already loaded. As he walked toward Molina, the gun discharged.

The chief said people often keep loaded weapons in gun safes or cabinets so they are safely stored and yet easily accessible for self-defense.

Others, Bell said, unload weapons before putting them in storage.

“It’s a matter of personal preference,” he said.

Grady is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on the homicide and other charges at 10 a.m. Sept. 4, before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville.

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

MINERSVILLE — A search warrant executed at a borough home Tuesday night led to seven people being jailed, charges filed against three others, including a juvenile, and a warrant issued for yet another man.

Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers, the arresting officer, said officers converged on 109 S. Second St. around 8:30 p.m. after the warrant was obtained by investigations related to illegal narcotics in the borough.

Arrested and all facing the same charges of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, forgery, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia were:

Christ James Natale Jr., 18, of 109 S. Second St., Minersville.

David J. Natale Sr., 50, of 209 S. Second St., Minersville.

Kyle S. Landis, 18, of 21 S. Delaware Ave., Minersville.

Jacob D. Mason, 21, of 1155 Bunting St., Minersville.

Justin M. Colna, 18, of 1047 Maple St., Pottsville.

Joseph S. Mitchell, 18, of 312 Laurel St., Minersville.

Justin E. Androsko, 23, of 604 Pottsville St., Minersville.

Alyson Mae Galen, 24, of 710 Ravine St., Pottsville.

Meanwhile, Christ J. Natale Sr., 45, of 109 S. Second St., Minersville, whom police are seeking, is facing the same charges

Brandon A. Scinto, 24, of 81 Spring St., Pottsville, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and forgery.

All those taken into custody were arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, who set bail at $150,000 straight cash for Natale Jr. and David Natale and $50,000 straight cash for Androsko. All three were committed to Schuylkill County Prison.

Committed to prison in lieu of 10 percent of $25,000 bail were Landis, Mason, Colna and Mitchell, while Galen was released on $25,000 unsecured bail.

Bowers said a warrant was obtained for Christ Natale Sr.

Also, charges of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, forgery, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia were filed with Schuylkill County juvenile authorities against a 16-year-old girl.

When the warrant was served, Bowers said everyone was taken into custody in the home with the exception of Christ Natale Sr., who is the homeowner, and Scinto.

The charges against Scinto were filed with Plachko’s office.

As the home was being searched, Scinto entered and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, police said.

He said officers found large amounts of cash, marijuana, soil, an air scrubber and light sources along with live marijuana plants, methamphetamine and various items of drug paraphernalia including digital scales.

All those charged, with the exception of the juvenile, will now have to appear for preliminary hearings before Plachko in his Port Carbon courtroom.

Assisting in the service of the warrant were Minersville Police, officers from New Philadelphia and Foster Township and Schuylkill County sheriff’s deputies.

fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013

An environmental company hired to conduct a wildlife study in Hegins Township was fined $1,000 and charged with disturbing an active bald eagle nest.

The study was required for a natural gas pipeline corporation’s application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Williams wants to erect a 31,000-horsepower gas compressor station in the township as part of its Leidy South Project. It is proposed on approximately 105 acres near Deep Creek Road and Bridge Road, with the facility itself covering 23 acres.

“I can confirm that Ecology and Environment Inc. did receive a citation for activities associated with the bald eagle wildlife survey conducted in the spring of 2019 near our potential compressor station location in Hegins Township,” Christopher L. Stockton, Williams spokesman, said Wednesday.

“We have reviewed the guidance provided by the Pennsylvania Game Warden with our environmental consultant and modified processes to ensure any future monitoring is non-invasive and in accord with acceptable procedures,” he said.

According to a field report dated Aug. 16 from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, “Schuylkill County Game Warden Jason Macunas reports that an environmental agency conducting a bald eagle study in Hegins Township recently pleaded guilty to charges related to disturbing an active eagle nest. The agency was hired by an energy company to conduct the study, but their actions were invasive to the point that it caused the pair of eagles to abandon the nest.”

Stockton said Williams learned of the allegations in the spring. Ecology and Environment Inc. is an experienced environmental consultant with which Williams has worked on many past projects, he said.

“It is always our goal to ensure all survey work is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner and in compliance with all applicable regulations and procedures.”

A docket from the office of Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, of Tremont, shows Ecology and Environment Inc. entered a guilty plea to a charge of “drive or disturb game” on July 9 and paid the $1,000 fine. The offense was detected March 18, 2019.

Jeff Schwartz, of Hegins, owns property nearby Williams’ proposed compressor site. He said his family has watched bald eagles nesting there for at least seven years. The huge nest can be seen from the main road, he said.

“We’ve watched them and have seen them flying around the creek and fishing for fish,” Schwartz said.

Meanwhile, Williams’ certificate application for the proposed Leidy South Project was filed with FERC in July. The FERC is currently reviewing that application and Williams expects the agency to release its Environmental Assessment of the project sometime next spring.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Food is available for the needy at the “Little Free Pantry,” a small structure placed in the courtyard outside Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church that’s modeled after the “Little Free Library” concept, where people are encouraged to take a book and leave a book.

The difference for the Little Free Pantry is that those taking food aren’t expected to leave any behind.

The wooden structure, which has glass on three sides, including for the door, is about 2 feet high and 18 inches wide and deep, and sits atop a 4-by-4-inch post. It was installed earlier this week by church members, who borrowed the idea from other churches after hearing about it from Pastor David Rowe.

The box was purchased on Amazon, while a barrel filled with concrete as part of the base was purchased at Lowe’s and a church member donated the post.

“Once the word gets out, I’m hoping it will be a blessing,” said Linda Covert, social ministries chairperson, who painted the words Little Free Pantry on the outside of the box. “There’s going to be a time that someone comes by and needs it.”

Items currently stocked inside now include peanut butter, baked beans and sliced peaches. Food will continually be restocked.

Church members realize there will be those who take advantage of the generosity, but know that the needy will also benefit.

Rowe said it’s common for homeless people to stop at the church and ask for food.

The pantry can serve as an option for those in need who can’t get to the Schuylkill Haven Food Pantry or other providers of free food during their hours.

Meanwhile, food is also available at Jerusalem Evangelical during office hours, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and while staff are on-site on Sundays.

Part of larger initiative

The Little Free Pantry is part of “God’s Work. Our Hands” Sunday, an initiative by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America that aims to share God’s love and inspire the community. The day is celebrated the second Sunday in September. A $250 grant through the nonprofit Thrivent Financial paid for most of the items and some of the remaining funds will be used for a community event from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at the church to talk about the pantry. Free ice cream, giveaways and games are planned.

Pantry hours

The Schuylkill Haven pantry, which is open from 1 to 4 p.m. on the third Friday of each month, is located in the basement of the Walk In Art Center, 110 W. Columbia St., and sponsored by the Council of Churches Schuylkill Haven and Vicinity.

Schuylkill Community Action, Pottsville, also provides food to the pantry, as it does for pantries throughout the county as part of the Schuylkill County Food Distribution Network.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

PORT CARBON — Yuengling Oktoberfest has the same taste, but a brand new packaging look.

Debbie Yuengling, culture and employee engagement manager of D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc., said fans of the seasonal beer, which was introduced in 2011, will notice the same “orange fall autumn appeal,” but a cleaner image.

“A couple years ago we had some package changes for other core brands, so we wanted to update Oktoberfest so that it would line up with the rest of our portfolio,” she said Wednesday.

The change corresponds with this year’s 190th anniversary of the noted Pottsville-based brewery. The in-house graphics design department came up with the idea over a period of months, Yuengling said.

Among the changes is the border of the label is orange instead of brown. The bald eagle used as part of the Yuengling logo is a lighter brown compared to the previous darker shade. The updated eagle is reflective of the change the company made in its packaging over the past 18 months.

The name of the beer is in yellow lettering with an orange background. Also, the new label mentions the beer is a genuine Marzan-style Oktoberfest.

The medium-bodied beer has a spicy malt flavor and Tettnang and Hallertau hops and a “really rich caramel and copper color with a sweet malty flavor,” Yuengling said.

Locally, customers can buy it at Weis and Giant, and local restaurants in 12-ounce bottles or draft. It is sold as a six pack, 12 pack or 24 pack in 22 states and is available from mid-August into October.

“It’s one of my favorite beers that we make,” Yuengling said.

She said the Yuengling family and all employees are appreciative of the community support.

“They’ve been extremely supportive for us with the 190th anniversary this year coming out to see us with the concert this summer, with all of our events that we’ve had,” she said, adding, “and we still should have a few more events up our sleeve for the rest of the year.”

She wouldn’t elaborate, but said nothing compared to the July 13 daylong, citywide bash is planned.

“We are excited for this year; it has been really great for us,” she said. “The residents of the city, the consumers have been out there celebrating the anniversary, so we are very excited.”

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Deeds

Kline Township — Robert and Rita Ann Novak to Annette Novak Leberfinger, Karen M. Krupa and Suzette M. Browne; 8 Cedar St.; $1.

North Manheim Township — Country Squire Restaurant and Motel LLC to 300 Route 61 LLC; 300 Route 61 South; $646,500.

North Union Township — Rocco Colantuono to Michael Colantuono, trustee of the Rocco Colantuono 2019 Irrevocable Trust; 525 Lake Valley Drive; $1.

Pine Grove Township — Patrick S. and Marie A. Lally to Patrick S. Lally; 181 Sweet Arrow Lake Road; $1.

Pottsville — Santander Bank NA to Satish M. Parmanand; 377 Peacock St.; $6,900.

John J. and Susan R. Cantwell to Christopher L. and Stephanie M. Painter; 1 Oak Terrace Lane; $262,500.

315 Main Street Middleburgh LLC to Pottsville Property Group LLC; 318-320 W. Market St.; $190,000.

Ringtown — M. Gail Christman to Eugene Christman III and M. Gail Christman, trustees of the Joint Revocable Trust of Eugene Christman III and M. Gail Christman; 512 S. Shenandoah Road; $1.

Rush Township — Anita Yuskauskas and Christopher P. Fink to Florence C. Bubel; 26 Wayne Ave., Hometown; $1.

POTTSVILLE — Carrie M. Aungst did not steal more than $20,000 from her Pine Grove Township employer in 2016 and 2017, a Schuylkill County jury decided Wednesday.

Aungst, 51, of Pine Grove, cried with joy and hugged her lawyer as the jury of seven men and five women, following deliberations lasting more than an hour, pronounced her not guilty of theft and receiving stolen property.

“There was no meat on the bone of this case,” Michael J. Fiorillo, Pottsville, Aungst’s lawyer, said after the verdict, which ended the two-day trial over which Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin presided.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Aungst with stealing $26,527.76 from Pine Grove Auto Sales, 78 Suedberg Road, while she worked there. Prosecutors said that in numerous transactions, she altered invoices to delete notary fees, which she pocketed.

However, Daniel P. Ryan, a certified forensic accountant, testified Wednesday for the defense that he disagreed with the claim that the accounting invoices used by the company cannot be recreated. An existing invoice can be created and the old one deleted, according to Ryan.

Furthermore, he said, a dummy invoice can be created and the old one deleted.

Prosecutors had maintained Aungst had to have altered the original invoices, because they could not have been deleted.

Also on Wednesday, Sylvia Paddock, Aungst’s sister, testified she accompanied her on vacations in July 2016 and July 2017, each of which included dates when the defendant was alleged to have stolen money. She said Aungst did not have a computer on either of those vacations.

Another defense witness, Charles Aungst, the defendant’s son, testified that he tried to return several items prosecutors had alleged his mother had stolen, and pick up some of her possessions at the office but was rebuffed.

“She said she would not sign anything,” he said of Cindy Motter, owner of Pine Grove Auto Sales.

Fiorillo said his client was happy with the result.

“We’re very pleased with the jury’s verdict,” he said. “I think they weighed the evidence appropriately.”

Assistant District Attorney Thomas J. Campion Jr. could not be reached for comment after the verdict.

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

Defendant: Carrie M. Aungst

Age: 51

Residence: Pine Grove

Verdict: Not guilty of theft and receiving stolen property

Blue Mountain Elementary West students — grades kindergarten, 1 and 2 — will have their first day of school on Sept. 5 at St. Ambrose Elementary School in Schuylkill Haven. Kindergarten orientation will be held there at 5 p.m. Tuesday, and Back to School Night for grades 1 and 2 will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the school.

There have been no changes to the schedule for Blue Mountain Elementary Cressona. Back to School Night for grades 3, 4 and 5 was held Wednesday. Those students will start school on Tuesday.

HAZLETON — A Mahanoy City woman faces endangerment charges after leaving two children unattended in a vehicle with more than 100 bags of heroin while Hazleton police said she used fentanyl in a convenience store rest room Tuesday afternoon.

City police responded to the Heights EZ Stop at 419 S. Poplar St. at 5:19 p.m. for a woman in a rest room for 20 minutes and not coming out. Upon arrival, officers observed a 2-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy in the back seat of a silver Honda Accord, police said.

The officers spoke with the vehicle’s owner, Nicole Paskovich, 29, who stated she wasn’t sure how long she was in the bathroom, while other people at the location said she was there for 20 minutes, police said.

Paskovich told police that she used three bags of fentanyl while in the rest room and admitted to having heroin in the vehicle, police said. Officers recovered 105 bags of heroin and a small amount of methamphetamine as well as an uncapped needle from the vehicle, police said.

Paskovich was taken into custody and charged with endangering the welfare of a minor, two counts; possession of a controlled substance, two counts; and possession of drug paraphernalia, court papers said. She was arraigned Wednesday morning and committed to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 bail.

The children were taken into protective custody and placed with Luzerne County Children & Youth Services.

“We will never accept this type of behavior in our city that endangers the welfare of children and the illegal possession of narcotics,” Police Chief Jerry Speziale said.