ASHLAND — One man escaped serious injuries when the tractor-trailer he was driving crashed around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Memorial Boulevard and East Center Street.

Ashland Police Chief Gerard Daley said at the scene he found a tractor-trailer hauling a forklift overturned into a construction site.

Daley said the driver of the truck — Tarren Melshawn Philek Robinson, 23, of South Carolina — reported driving down Memorial Boulevard from Centralia into Ashland and trying to turn east onto Center Street when he lost control, causing the truck to flip onto its side.

Daley said the driver told him he was not injured and that the brakes “went to the floor” when he pressed them.

While gathering the driver’s information, Daley said, Robinson collapsed to the ground complaining of severe pain and was subsequently taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, by Ashland EMS.

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

Altamont

The Altamont Fire Company, 215 S. Green St., will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Sept. 22 at the firehouse. The cost is $9 per person and all are welcome. There will be a full breakfast menu, including a wide range of omelets and pancakes. For more information, email jabroniw@gmail.com.

Frackville

Friendship Fire Company, 147 N. Seventh St., will have a theme basket auction by the auxiliary with a shop-and-drop set for 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 5 and the auction beginning at 2 p.m. Oct. 6. Doors will open at noon Oct. 6. Homemade food will be available the day of the auction. The cost is $6 per sheet; other higher value tables will have tickets available. For more information, call 570-874-3531.

Mahanoy City

The Good American Hose Company, 738 E. Mahanoy Ave., will have a roast beef dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The cost is $10 and meals will also include mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetable, salad bar, bread/butter, beverage and dessert. Takeouts will be available. For more information, call 570-773-3473.

Mahanoy City

First United Methodist Church, 400 E. Mahanoy Ave., will have a roast beef dinner by the church women from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 22. Tickets are $10 each and meals include roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, dessert and beverage. People may eat at the site or take meals out. Local delivery will be available. Proceeds will benefit the Angel Tree Program for Mahanoy Area students. For tickets or more information, call 570 205-8221, 570 773-2734 or 570 778-3252.

Minersville

An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday at the Good Shepherd Building, 301 Heffner St. People 17 and older (16 with parental consent), weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are urged to donate blood. Walk-ins are welcome. To arrange for an appointment, call 800-733-2767.

Pine Grove

An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Pine Grove Ambulance station, 46 Spruce St. People 17 and older (16 with parental consent), weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are urged to donate blood. Walk-ins are welcome. To arrange for an appointment, call 800-733-2767.

Pottsville

The Schuylkill County Historical Society will present “The Greely Expedition: A Pottsville Man’s Journey to the Arctic and Disaster,” at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the society headquarters, 305 N. Centre St. Historian Stu Richards will tell the story of Ralph Ellison’s experience in the 1881 expedition that led to a life-and-death struggle and alleged cannibalism, according to an event press release. Admission is free for society members and $5 for nonmembers. For more information, call the society at 570-622-7540.

Pottsville

St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church will have a theme basket and prize auction from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 28 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 29 in the parish center, 313 Mahantongo St. The drawing will begin at 2 p.m. Sept. 29. The event, according to a release, will feature thousands of dollars in theme baskets and prizes. All are welcome.

Shenandoah

In conjunction with the 2018 Schuylkill County Fall Cleanup, the borough will provide its residents with collection assistance. Borough council President Leo Pietkiewicz said in a release any resident wanting to dispose of scrap tires, appliances, chairs, sofas or any other bulky items must register at the borough hall by Tuesday. The only fees charged will be those set by the county for the type of material being disposed. The collection and delivery of the material to the host site will be provided free of charge by the borough. Material for disposal must be placed at curbside. The scheduled dates for the collections are Thursday, Friday, Sept. 19 and 20. For more information, call the borough hall at 570-462-1918.

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street

To Edward and Alicia Ellison Bickowski, Girardville, a son, Aug. 21.

PRIMROSE — The service of hundreds of volunteers was recognized during the 35th anniversary appreciation brunch for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Schuylkill County on Tuesday morning at St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose.

Honored were those who spend their free time throughout the year helping others and those who support such efforts through governmental, financial and organizational involvement.

RSVP Volunteer Resources Coordinator Darla Troutman thanked the approximately 200 volunteers who attended.

“We estimate that you provide about a quarter-million dollars of services to communities in Schuylkill County if we had to pay. To me that is a phenomenal number,” Troutman said. “That’s tens of thousands of hours a year contributed by almost 350 RSVP volunteers.”

She noted there are families involved, including husbands, wives, parents and their adult children.

“It is really heartwarming to see,” she said.

RSVP is part of the National Service Senior Corps that includes volunteer opportunities for people age 55 and up. Efforts locally include packaging or delivering Meals on Wheels, driving seniors to medical appointments or for groceries, volunteering at libraries, historical societies, schools, museums and nursing homes, assisting the American Red Cross and Miller-Keystone Blood Center, writing to students through the Intergenerational Pen Pal Program and more.

RSVP is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and is under the local sponsorship of the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services.

‘You are heroes’

Troutman thanked county commissioners George F. Halcovage, Frank Staudenmeier and Gary Hess, all in attendance, for county support and thanked businesses, organizations and individuals for contributions to the brunch. Halcovage called the volunteers heroes, noting the recognition of heroes on 9/11, too.

“You all know that Michael D. Ferugio lost his life going back in to one of the Twin Towers to help those who needed to get out,” he said about the Palo Alto native. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice.

“We were talking before about the number of hours that are given by you as volunteers. It’s over 30,000 hours a year,” he continued. “The time and effort that you give in making a difference in people’s lives is absolutely amazing. You are heroes.”

Service hours, years

Pins and certificates were distributed based on each volunteer’s number of hours and number of years volunteering. They were announced by the commissioners:

• Gold awards (service of 500 to 3,999 hours): Mary Donton, Charlotte Grauf, Florence Hollick, Clare Lorence, Mary Anne Pautienus and Rae Thompson.

• Silver awards (250 to 499 hours): William Foran, Gail Frantz, Rose Galuska, Marilou Hoppe, Barbara Peters, John Sterner, John Sullivan and Paula Worrall.

• Bronze Awards (100 to 249 hours): Lester Andescavage, Eileen Barlow, Dianne Boczkowski, Barbara Cheddar, Ed Cope, John Herring, Terry Kessler, Kathy Kraft, Tina Liem, Mary Anne Little, Peter Reynolds, Linda Truskowsky and Natalie Yurickones.

Years of service milestones were also recognized:

• 21 to 29 years: Constance Danatzko, Mary Agnes DiCasimirro, Marie George, Thomas George, Joan Gower, Anne Jacavage, Joan Knipe, Phyllis Lane, Catherine Leibel, Shirley McCord, Elizabeth Morgans, Eleanor Stefansky, Phyllis Strause, Elizabeth Tracey, Rose Yost and Loretta Zienkiewicz.

• 15 to 20 years: Marie Beauchamp, Richard Berger, Carol Bowen, David Bowen, Kathryn Boyer, Terry Boyer, Kathy Burda, Elizabeth Chelak, Donna Cooper, JoAnn Gerber, Karen Gibson, Kathleen Hohman, Philip Houm, Emily Kerschner, Edward Klauger, Marie Loy, Barbara Meusel, Marie Mikita, Florence Miller, Sylvia Nabholz, Shirley Recla, Maureen Seltzer, Kathleen Sherman, Patricia Skelson, George Smith, Richard Steiger, George Troxell, Mary Ann Uranium, Ellen Valent, Joanne Yarrish, Jo-Ann Young, Natalie Yurickones and John Zukas.

• 10 years: Louise Chicora, Shirley German, Mary Goncalves, Doris Klint, Ann Marcin, Barry Martin, Kay Moyer, Diane Rowlands, David Swirsky, Darlene Zechman and Robert Zechman.

• Five years: Francis Flexer, Jack Freed, Gloria Koback, Tina Liem, Clare Lorence, Theresa Luckenbill, Letitia Malarkey, Ann Marie Miller, Carol Ryan, John Sullivan and Ann Zimmerman.

To learn more about the RSVP program, contact Troutman at 570-622-3103.

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-462-4058

FRACKVILLE — It was a time of fun Saturday as the Frackville Elks Lodge held its summer festival with profits going to community activities.

The mixture of craft show, Chinese auction and food truck festival was held for the second time at Elks property at Arch and Third streets with 50 registered vendors, up from 40 last year.

The Pop’s Original Screamer Sauce food truck returned with its homemade hot sauce, burgers and sandwiches to go with it, and was joined by The Rolling Macaroni truck.

Bean soup, cooked by Elks who are PERs, or past exalted rulers, was a popular attraction. The men toiled over three black kettles.

Elks Leading Knight William Cickavage credited bartender and Elks Tiler Jackie Yanchulis for the idea and the effort.

“She’s the brains behind all this,” he said. “She’s in charge and basically does 90% of the work.”

“We decided we wanted to do it and get the community more involved,” Yanchulis said. “We have a lot going on. This year we’re doing snow cones and we have a new food truck. We just try to do a little bit more.”

Yanchulis said whatever is raised, after expenses, goes to the community.

“We do a lot with the veterans and the children here. Wherever we can help out, we do,” she said, noting plans for a trunk or treat.

Saturday was also the day for the townwide yard sale, sponsored by the Frackville Recreation Board, with many homeowners participating.

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

Marriages

Charles P. Naradko, Port Carbon, and Maddylin J. Snyder, Port Carbon.

Mark V. Ruben-Regnier, Tremont, and Jenny Lee Lempfert, Tremont.

Sean D. Black, Pottsville, and Christine M. Turolis, Pottsville.

Ryan F. Smith, Saint Clair, and Bridget Ann Kelly, Saint Clair.

Douglas S. Nuske, Pine Grove, and Sara Ann Kolvites, Pine Grove.

Amanda Lee Walton, Pine Grove, and Amanda Lynn Duffy, Pine Grove.

Ricky A. Ney, Tremont, and Kristen B. Land, Tremont.

Timothy D. Schimpf, Schuylkill Haven, and Lisa Ann Primeau, Schuylkill Haven.

Bryce A. Long, Orwigsburg, and Ashley A. Moyer, Orwigsburg.

Danien W. Lewis, Frackville, and Haley M. Jackson, Frackville.

Scott D. Cramer, Schuylkill Haven, and Jessica A. Dabashinsky, Schuylkill Haven.

Jordan A. Howell, Schuylkill Haven, and Tiffany R. Meade, Schuylkill Haven.

Ned A. Beck, Auburn, and Patti L. Himmelberger, Auburn.

Michael J. Longenberber Jr., Charlottesville, Virginia, from Amber N. Wagner, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Clarence M. Wetzel. Shenandoah, and Rhiannon Hennessy, Shenandoah.

David O. Morgan, Schuylkill Haven, and Amber Lee Cooper, Schuylkill Haven.

Jason D. Emery, New Ringgold, and Rachel Anne Bosack, New Ringgold.

Michael J. Peleschak, Pottsville, and Carissa M. Artz, Pottsville.

Gerald E. Daley Jr., Pottsville, and Alicia Shirl Ann Dannenhower, Pottsville.

Isaac J. Brubaker, Seven Valleys, and Sarah G. Zimmerman, Pine Grove.

Ronald J. Deluca, Shenandoah, and Mamie June Simcox, Shenandoah.

Divorces

Eric Orach, Tamaqua, from Lori Orach, Tamaqua.

Krystal Hallick, New Philadelphia, from Christopher Hallick, New Philadelphia.

ORWIGSBURG — A Cressona man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday for allegedly breaking into a nearby shed in December 2018 and stealing a mountain bike.

Paul T. Pepe, 29, of 86 Pottsville St., faces charges of burglary, criminal trespass, receiving stolen property, theft and criminal mischief. Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over all charges for court against Pepe after the defendant waived his right to the hearing.

State police at Schuylkill Haven filed the charges against Pepe as the result of an incident on Dec. 20, 2018, at 41 River St., Cressona.

At 9:30 a.m. on that date, according to police, Pepe broke into the shed at that property, which is owned by Jenifer M. Houtz. Houtz saw Pepe looking in her shed, went outside, recognized the defendant and asked him what he was doing there, police said.

Pepe then left the scene, police said.

Houtz went to the shed and discovered her pink and black Schwinn mountain bike was gone, according to police.

Police said they went to Pepe’s residence and found the bike. The bike was white, but the paint still was wet, and when some was rubbed off, the original pink and black colors showed through, police said.

Houtz identified the bike, which still had a Velcro pouch attached to it, as hers, although a bottle holder and rack were missing, according to police.

Pepe denied stealing the bike, saying he got it at an auction, but he would not identify which auction, police said.

He did say he was on Houtz’s property, but denied taking anything, adding that he was only going to the bathroom, police said.

Ferrier allowed Pepe to remain free on $10,000 percentage bail pending further court proceedings. Pepe will have the option to plead guilty or plead not guilty and demand a jury trial.

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

Defendant: Paul T. Pepe

Age: 29

Residence: Cressona

Charges: Burglary, criminal trespass, receiving stolen property, theft and criminal mischief

Marriages

Charles P. Naradko, Port Carbon, and Maddylin J. Snyder, Port Carbon.

Mark V. Ruben-Regnier, Tremont, and Jenny Lee Lempfert, Tremont.

Sean D. Black, Pottsville, and Christine M. Turolis, Pottsville.

Ryan F. Smith, Saint Clair, and Bridget Ann Kelly, Saint Clair.

Douglas S. Nuske, Pine Grove, and Sara Ann Kolvites, Pine Grove.

Amanda Lee Walton, Pine Grove, and Amanda Lynn Duffy, Pine Grove.

Ricky A. Ney, Tremont, and Kristen B. Land, Tremont.

Timothy D. Schimpf, Schuylkill Haven, and Lisa Ann Primeau, Schuylkill Haven.

Bryce A. Long, Orwigsburg, and Ashley A. Moyer, Orwigsburg.

Danien W. Lewis, Frackville, and Haley M. Jackson, Frackville.

Scott D. Cramer, Schuylkill Haven, and Jessica A. Dabashinsky, Schuylkill Haven.

Jordan A. Howell, Schuylkill Haven, and Tiffany R. Meade, Schuylkill Haven.

Ned A. Beck, Auburn, and Patti L. Himmelberger, Auburn.

Michael J. Longenberber Jr., Charlottesville, Virginia, from Amber N. Wagner, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Clarence M. Wetzel, Shenandoah, and Rhiannon Hennessy, Shenandoah.

David O. Morgan, Schuylkill Haven, and Amber Lee Cooper, Schuylkill Haven.

Jason D. Emery, New Ringgold, and Rachel Anne Bosack, New Ringgold.

Michael J. Peleschak, Pottsville, and Carissa M. Artz, Pottsville.

Gerald E. Daley Jr., Pottsville, and Alicia Shirl Ann Dannenhower, Pottsville.

Isaac J. Brubaker, Seven Valleys, and Sarah G. Zimmerman, Pine Grove.

Ronald J. Deluca, Shenandoah, and Mamie June Simcox, Shenandoah.

Divorces

Eric Orach, Tamaqua, from Lori Orach, Tamaqua.

Krystal Hallick, New Philadelphia, from Christopher Hallick, New Philadelphia.

Deeds

Barry Township — Joseph J. and Linda F. Motley to Michael D. and Deann M. Rys; 253 Middle Road; $310,000.

Butler Township — Black Rock Rentals LLC to Russel A. Trout; 113 N. Sixth St., Englewood; $80,000.

Federal National Mortgage Association to Jason E. and Sheila E. Quick; 11 Gordon Road; $115,500.

Delano Township — Alan James Inc. to UFP Real Estate LLC; property on Schultz Drive, Delano; $1.

Alan James Inc. to UFP Real Estate LLC; 9 Schultz Drive, Delano; $2,100,000.

East Union Township — Kevin and Brunilda Queroli to Mary E. and William Bernard Jeffries; 10 E. Players Way, Eagle Rock; $370,000.

Michael W. and Lisa J. Ghetti to Russell D. and Sarah Jean Williams; 39 Maverick Way, Eagle Rock; $240,000.

Frackville — Avani Brahmbhatt to Rupal Ben A. and Vimal Barot; 150 S. Lehigh Ave.; $15,000.

Girardville — Bryan J. and Esther M. Kimmel to Bryan J. and Esther M. Kimmel, Nathaniel Kimmel and Travis Kimmel; 12 N. Richard St.; $1.

Mahanoy City — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Richard John Davis; 231 E. South St.; $1,240.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Larissa M. Dominguez Jimenez; 510 W. South St.; $1,004.

Minersville — F.&A. Associates to F.&A. Associates; two properties; $1.

Orwigsburg — Charles M. Ross to Matthew Joseph Bensinger and Ashley Susan Yeakley; 319 W. Market St.; $126,000.

Pine Grove — Michael R. Hughes to Jessica Pacenta; 23 Laurel St.; $60,000.

Pine Grove Township — Jason S. and Cheryl Fultz to William C. Grove; 2.13-acre property; $179,900.

Timothy A. and Mary E. Zimmerman to Allen Zimmerman; property on Mexico Road; $16,500.

John E. Bender Jr. to Ming N. and Jennie Vu; two properties; $40,000.

Pottsville — Elizabeth Lou Torpey, by attorney in fact the Rev. James M. Torpey, to Erika Alexandra Montalvan and Eric Shane Price; 323 Highland Drive, Forest Hills; $120,000.

Seth Blankenhorn to Monique N. Brennan; 6 York Farm Road; $55,000.

Daniel R. Fromme, individually and as executor under the Last Will & Testament of Margaret A. Fromme, to Stephen L. Zucal; 607 W. Arch St.; $23,000.

Beth Ann Jones to Hugo Leon; 17B Cottage Hill West; $200,000.

Rush Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Anthony R. D’Amico; 147 Lake Drive, Lake Hauto; $100,001.

Shenandoah — Jason B. Ennis to Larry R. Miller and Roberta Fisher; 321 S. Jardin St.; $19,000.

South Manheim Township — Michael D. Rys to Jason Nye and Savannah Smith; 1558 Wynonah Drive, Lake Wynonah; $189,900.

Tamaqua — Julie McHugh to Colby R. and Chelsea M. McHugh; 441 E. Elm St.; $1.

Tremont Township — Gene Miller and Renee Bohr, administrators of the Estate of Marsha A. Miller, to Joshua Wamble; 97 Molleystown Road, Molleystown; $20,000.

Washington Township — Michael R. Olt to Aaron L. Rittenbaugh; 3.88766-acre property on Fidlers Road; $1.

Wayne Township — Peter and Shirley Koury and Michael J. Koury to Kyle T. and Jill Beveridge; 31 Deiberts Valley Road; $275,000.

He has no appetite for Congress, but will work to ensure Italian-made foods have their place at the table when it comes to offering protection from American tariff policies.

Lou Barletta will lead American Italian Food Coalition, a consortium that will work to spare Italian-made pasta, coffee, biscuits and wafers from U.S. tariff policies, the coalition announced Tuesday.

“I’m a proud Italian-American, and Italy has stood side by side with the United States for centuries,” Barletta said in a news release. “Italian American communities are part of our own history. That’s why I’m leading this coalition, because while I understand the president’s position on tariffs, Italy shouldn’t be punished for the actions of other European countries.”

The AIFC is comprised of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers and trade associations that work to ensure Italian products are accessible to American consumers.

Barletta said Italy should not be on the U.S. Trade Representative’s retaliatory tariff list, since it is not a party to the Airbus consortium.

“Tariffs are complex economic policies that should be applied with scalpel-like precision,” Barletta said. “We’re confident we can work with the Trump administration to accomplish the objectives of the administration without unfairly targeting Italian companies.”

Barletta, a former councilman and mayor of Hazleton, served eight years in Congress. He said last week that he was not entertaining a bid for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020.

Barletta decided not to run for re-election to Congress in 2018 and instead fell short in a bid for a U.S. Senate seat held by Bob Casey.

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — An Orwigsburg man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday on charges that he stole eight checks and made them out to himself, taking nearly $3,000 in the process.

William J. Fessler, 22, of 219 Overlook Terrace, faces charges of forgery, theft, theft by deception and receiving stolen property, all of which Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over for court after the defendant waived his right to the hearing.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Fessler with stealing the checks at various times between Jan. 15 and April 1 from the West Brunswick Township home of Tammy Jo Bryniarski. Although Bryniarski had the checks, they were from an account belonging to her father, Robert Lerch, police said.

Police said Fessler had done work at Bryniarski’s house and had full access to it.

Fessler then made out the checks for a total of $2,950 and kept the money, according to police.

Police said Fessler admitted taking the checks, using the money to buy items and knowing what he had done was wrong.

Fessler is free on $5,000 unsecured bail pending further court proceedings.

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

Amani A. Alston, 22, of 614 N. Shamokin St. Apt. 301, Shamokin; driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lane and seat belt violation; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Sarah M. Bennett, 29, of 622 N. Garfield Ave. Apt. 3E, Schuylkill Haven; endangering the welfare of children; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Hunter T. Carter, 19, of 113 W. Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven; possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI and no rear lights; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge of DUI withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Carl A. Cattau Jr., 47, of 1024 Hilltop Road, Leesport; DUI, improper sunscreening and speeding; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Karen M. Geiger, 42, of 303 Broad St., Saint Clair; DUI, careless driving and violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Robert A. Nye, 51, of 2317 Wynonah Drive, Lake Wynonah, Auburn; DUI, careless driving, violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages and violation of hazard regulation; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Courtney D. Prentice, 32,of 621 N. Centre St., Pottsville; DUI, driving unregistered vehicle, driving under suspension and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Yusufu, K. Rawls, 35, of 10149 Apt. 2, Philadelphia; possession of a small amount of marijuana, DUI and speeding; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

(Staff writer Peter E. Bortner compiled this report)

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans commemorated 9/11 with solemn ceremonies and vows Wednesday to “never forget” 18 years after the deadliest terror attacks on American soil.

A crowd of victims’ relatives assembled at ground zero, where the observance began Wednesday with a moment of silence and tolling bells at 8:46 a.m. — the moment when a hijacked plane slammed into the World Trade Center’s north tower.

“As long as the city will gift us this moment, I will be here,” Margie Miller said at the ground zero ceremony, which she attends every year. She lost her husband, Joel.

“Because I feel like if we don’t come, they don’t need to do it. And I want people to remember,” said Miller, of Baldwin, on Long Island. After so many years of anniversaries, she has come to know other victims’ relatives, and to appreciate being with them.

“There’s smiles in between the tears that say we didn’t do this journey on our own. That we were here for each other. And that’s the piece that I think we get from being here,” she said.

President Donald Trump was expected to join an observance at the Pentagon. Vice President Mike Pence was scheduled to speak at the third attack site, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Former President George W. Bush, the commander-in-chief at the time of the 2001 attacks, was due at an afternoon wreath-laying at the Pentagon.

The nation is still grappling with the aftermath of 9/11 at ground zero, in Congress and beyond. The attacks’ aftermath is visible from airport security checkpoints to Afghanistan. A rocket exploded at the U.S. embassy as the anniversary began in Afghanistan, where a post-9/11 invasion has become America’s longest war.

The anniversary ceremonies center on remembering the nearly 3,000 people killed when hijacked planes rammed into the trade center, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville on Sept. 11, 2001. All those victims’ names are read aloud at the ground zero ceremony.

But there has been growing awareness in recent years of the suffering of another group of people tied to the tragedy: firefighters, police and others who died or fell ill after exposure to the wreckage and the toxins unleashed in it.

While research continues into whether those illnesses are tied to 9/11 toxins, a victims compensation fund for people with potentially Sept. 11-related health problems has awarded more than $5.5 billion so far. Over 51,000 people have applied.

After years of legislative gridlock, dwindling money in the fund and fervent activism by ailing first responders and their advocates, Congress this summer made sure the fund won’t run dry . Trump, a Republican and a New Yorker who was in the city on 9/11, signed the measure in July.

The sick gained new recognition this year at the memorial plaza at ground zero, where the new 9/11 Memorial Glade was dedicated this spring.

The tribute features six large stacks of granite inlaid with salvaged trade center steel, with a dedication “to those whose actions in our time of need led to their injury, sickness, and death.” No one is named specifically.

Some 9/11 memorials elsewhere already included sickened rescue, recovery and cleanup workers, and there is a remembrance wall entirely focused on them in Nesconset, on Long Island. But those who fell ill or were injured, and their families, say having a tribute at ground zero carries special significance.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced Monday that its 9/11 memorial will close next week for electrical and lighting work. The project, expected to take until late May, includes repairs to lighting glitches in the shallow reflecting pools under the memorial benches.

Sept. 11 is known not only as a day for remembrance and patriotism, but also as a day of service. People around the country continue to volunteer at food banks, schools, home-building projects, park cleanups and other charitable endeavors on and near the anniversary.

FRACKVILLE — Authorities have withdrawn the most serious charges against the vice commander of the Girardville American Legion Post, citing a lack of intent in the fatal shooting of another man last month.

Michael Grady, 36, of 604 Hobart St., Gordon, was scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Wednesday on one felony count each of criminal homicide and aggravated assault and three misdemeanors of recklessly endangering another person. Prosecutors withdrew the two felonies but added a charge of involuntary manslaughter, a misdemeanor.

Grady then waived his right to a hearing on the new charge and the three original misdemeanors.

Butler Township Police Patrolman Shawn Butler charged Grady, a Marine Corps veteran, with shooting and killing Steven Joshua Molina, 24, of Ashland, around 4 a.m. Aug. 26 inside Grady’s home, where the two and others were drinking.

Grady’s attorney, Douglas Taglieri, said prosecutors essentially withdrew any charge connected to homicide.

“We’re certainly satisfied that the district attorney’s office agreed to drop the murder charges,” Taglieri said. “Mr. Grady is currently not charged with any intentional crime.”

Assistant district attorney Thomas Pellish said withdrawing the most serious charges was the right decision.

“There was no intent involved,” he said of Grady’s actions.

Bail established

After conferring with Pellish and Taglieri, Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, set bail at $100,000 cash. Grady, who was then recommitted to Schuylkill County Prison, would have to petition a county judge for a reduction in bail.

Hale also placed conditions should Grady post bail: he must surrender any firearms and refrain from consuming alcohol and illegal drugs.

On the day of the shooting, Grady was jailed without bail, which cannot be set by a district judge when a criminal homicide statute is involved.

Grady was described by a friend in the days following the shooting as an “easygoing” man who had been pivotal in rebuilding the Girardville American Legion post. Molina was also a regular at the post.

Day of drinking

In arrest papers, Butler said the shooting happened as Grady, Molina, Grady’s wife, Jennifer, Charles Hutnick III and David E. Thomas III were at the residence.

Michael Grady told police he had been at the legion the day before and left at 12:30 a.m. Aug. 26 after consuming about 10 beers. He said he, Molina, Hutnick and Thomas went to Molina’s house and after one beer there went to his Hobart Street house and continued drinking.

Butler said Molina asked to see Michael Grady’s shotgun, and Grady retrieved it from a safe.

Police said Michael Grady returned to the room holding the weapon “in a safe manner” at a 45 degree angle facing Molina and that as Grady approached the sofa where Molina was sitting the weapon was moved to a parallel angle, discharged and hit Molina in the neck.

Michael Grady will now have to answer to the charges against him in Schuylkill County Court, where he can plead guilty or plead not guilty and request a trial.

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

Anthony Navarro-Velez was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court to serve 121 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin.

Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley also ordered Navarro-Velez, 34, of Shenandoah, to serve five years on supervised release following his prison sentence and to forfeit firearms and his share of cash seized during the investigation, according to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed.

Navarro-Velez previously pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy during 2014 and 2015, admitting that he and others distributed between 1 and 3 kilograms of heroin, which is equivalent to approximately 40,000 to 120,000 retail bags of heroin. The heroin was obtained from suppliers in Hazleton and Paterson, New Jersey, a news release from Freed’s office states.

Navarro-Velez was indicted by a grand jury in May 2016 as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, members of the Pennsylvania State Police and Shenandoah police.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.

Elizabethville

Barbara Adams, sharing her recollections of a one-room schoolhouse, will be featured at 7 p.m. Monday by the Elizabethville Area Historical Society at its museum, 100 E. Main St. The public is welcome to attend. More information about the society is available at its website at http://www.elizabethvillehistory.org or at Facebook: Elizabethville Area Historical Society.

Frackville

St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, 414 W. Oak St., will have its annual fall craft/vendor and food truck festival from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28. The event, according to a flier, will feature a wide variety of crafters and vendors with big-name wares as well as food and disc jockey entertainment. All are welcome. For more information, email awycheck@verizon.net.

New Philadelphia

AMVETS Post 256, 41 Silver Creek Road, will meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 26 for discussion of the upcoming year, Thomas Hill said in a release. For more information, call 570-277-6031.

Port Carbon

Good Will Fire Company No. 1, 88 Washington St., will have a car show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 21 (rain date Sept. 22), with registration at $10 from 9 a.m. to noon, Washington and Jackson streets. Judging will be from noon to 3 p.m. Participants should enter from Pike Street and follow the signs. There will be awards for the top 25 plus Firemen’s Choice. The event will also include a basket auction, 50/50 drawing, breakfast and lunch and music by disc jockey Kevin Sibbett. For more information, call Kathy Jenkins at 570-640-8858 or emailing her at katej53@aol.com.

Pottsville

The Gabriel Youth Orchestra will have its initial open rehearsal from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Pottsville Area School District’s D.H.H. Lengel Middle School Auditorium. Music/school students in grades 7 through 12 — 5 through 12 for string players — who play string, wind, brass and percussion instruments are needed to fill the orchestra for this year’s season, according to a release from John P. Shoener, music director and conductor. The open rehearsal is an opportunity for students to see if they like the symphonic setting and are interested in auditioning the following week. Audition material will be distributed along with the season’s schedule of required rehearsals and performances. Permission slips will also be available the evening of the open rehearsal and are required for students to participate in the auditions. There is a nominal participation fee for each accepted orchestra member, which may be defrayed through minimal fundraising, Shoener said in the release. The Gabriel Youth Orchestra is an outreach of the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble, which is set for the beginning of its 13th season. The Gabriel Youth Orchestra is marking its 10th season. Interested students may also get an application form from most school music teachers in the county or from many county private music teachers or by contacting Joan M. Koslosky, GYO administrator, at 570-640-4156 or via email at gce@gabrielensemble.org. More information also is available online at www.gabrielensemble.org or Facebook: Gabriel Youth Orchestra.

Schuylkill Haven

The Pottsville Gymnastics & Theatrical Center Inc. will present “Lil’ Bits of Broadway” at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Schuylkill Haven Area High School Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for people 17 and younger. For more information, call 570-449-1293.

Shenandoah

Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Parish will sponsor takeout-only monthly dinners with A&C Catering through November with pickups from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a new site, the parish’s St. Casimir Church Hall, 229 N. Jardin St., priest entrance. The first dinner is set for Sunday. It will feature a half-chicken meal with baked potato, corn on cob, coleslaw, roll/butter at $8 per meal. The deadline to order was Sept. 8. The next meal, a ham or turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, roll and butter, is $7.75 per meal and will be held Oct. 13 with an order deadline of Oct. 6. The third meal, chicken breast or roast beef with mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, roll and butter for $7.75, will be held Nov. 17 with an order deadline of Nov. 10. There will also be a meatball or sausage hoagie or porketta sandwich sale on Sept. 28 with pickups from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at St. Stephen Hall. The cost is $5 and the deadline for returns is Sept. 22. Hoagies include peppers and onions. All are welcome. For more information, call the parish office at 570-462-1968.

ORWIGSBURG — By November, the public will get an opportunity to tour the first new hospital to open in Schuylkill County in more than 90 years.

About 70 members attending the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce breakfast Wednesday got a sneak peak at some of the details of the Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital, an acute care facility being constructed along Route 61 in Orwigsburg.

Keynote speaker Gabe Kamarousky, president of the new hospital, said it’s nearly 85% complete. Geisinger St. Luke, sponsored the breakfast gathering at the Schuylkill Country Club.

“Today, together, we offer a continuity of care and advancement in technology and a connection with our community that Geisinger St. Luke’s really has respect for,” Kamarousky said. “Compassionate, patient-centered care will be the standard for practicing medicine right here in Schuylkill County led by our extraordinary teams.”

John Powers, of Ashland Technologies, welcomed guests and offered opening remarks on behalf of the chamber before introducing Kamarousky.

Samantha Chivinski, event and development director for the chamber, offered the invocation and led a moment of silence in remembrance of 9/11.

The 80-bed facility is expected to open sometime in November. As a joint venture between St. Luke’s University Health Network and Geisinger, it’s the first time in Pennsylvania history that two health care systems have collaborated to build a new hospital, according to a GSL brochure.

GSL’s mission statement is a simple one, according to Kamarousky: “To care for the sick and injured and improve our community’s health, regardless of the ability to pay.”

Kamarousky, who grew up in Schuylkill County and moved back here with his family, said he’s “thrilled to be working with great people, great colleagues and friends.”

Facility integration

He spoke about the GSL board structure, campus layout and community outreach underway.

Some inquiries have been about how patient information is going to integrate with local campuses and other Geisinger clinics in the region.

“There’s been about 35,000 man hours just with IT to make sure that when you leave a facility, the information will integrate back to your home campus,” Kamarousky said.

A patient information software system, Epic, will be used.

The hospital, which is being built on 34 acres, is across the street from the Geisinger Medical Office building, which is already at capacity, according to Kamarousky. So GSL decided to build another medical office building, also along Route 61. Physicians’ practices will be among the services to occupy that new office space. That new building may be open by early spring or in May.

The three-story hospital will include 13 emergency department beds at the time the facility opens; 40 planned medical surgical beds on the second floor; 24 medical surgery unit beds and six intensive care unit beds on the third floor.

Initially, there will be two operating rooms and one procedure room, but there will eventually be four operating rooms.

Smart TVs and iPad access

Private patient rooms will include smart televisions and technology called MyChart Bedside, which will have iPad access. This will enable patients to have better communication with their health care team by providing the patient’s chart on a large screen at the foot of their bed.

St. Luke’s said it has been able to work with General Electric at the corporate level and its programs have become a showcase for others around the world to learn how to complete a new procedure, for instance, or use new software.

Anesthesiology, cardiology, critical care, emergency medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery, gynecology, hematology, oncology, nephrology, orthopedic surgery, radiology and urology will be among the patient services offered at the new hospital. Additional services are planned.

Dr. Mark Lischner, vice president of medical affairs, is a critical care physician and an anesthesiologist. He offered an overview of GSL services.

“One of our goals is when a family member gets sick, or a patient gets sick, we want to bring the highest level of care possible to that patient in the hospital, so that they don’t have to leave the area to get their care. ... Obviously, we’re not going to be able to do everything here. But, we’re going to do everything we can to keep families in the community, patients in the community, so that they can get their care at this facility,” Lischner said.

Community Day set

A Community Day will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, when the hospital at 100 Paramount Blvd., will be open to the public. More details on the event will follow, said Monica Walborn, GSL director of marketing and public relations.

Two audience members asked what kinds of insurance will be accepted at the hospital and if senior programs or geriatric care will be offered.

Most major insurances will be accepted, according to Walborn.

As far as the geriatric care, that’s something that GSL is vetting right now, she said.

Kamarousky recognized colleagues and several members of the GSL team. In addition to Lischner and Walborn, they were: Wendy Lazo, president of St. Luke’s Miners Campus; Dr. Hans Zukerman, Geisinger department director of community medicine for Schuylkill County; Erin Martinez, GSL vice president of patient care services; and Micah Gursky, St. Luke’s director of business development.

Also recognized were Megan Post, operation manager Geisinger Health; Jeannine Brown, St. Luke’s physician liaison; Sally Hagar, Geisinger physician liaison; John Grabusky, Geisinger community coordinator; and Angela Morgan, St. Luke’s school and community liaison.

The hospital project has brought in 200 construction jobs over the past year and a half, and more than 180 new GSL jobs have been filled. GSL is 60 percent staffed, Kamarousky said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

The state Liquor Control Board announced the return of more than $2.4 million in licensing fees to 1,379 municipalities in which licensees are located, including $28,650 for Schuylkill County.

Twice a year, as required by law, the board returns the fees. Municipalities have flexibility in allocating and spending the money to meet local needs.

The PLCB oversees the regulation of more than 15,000 retail liquor licenses statewide, including restaurants, clubs and hotels. Licensees pay liquor license fees ranging from $125 to $700, depending on the type of license and the population of the municipality in which the license is located, as part of the annual license renewal or validation process, as well as in conjunction with approval of certain new applications.

The current dispersal period represents licensing fees paid from Feb. 1 to July 31.

Over the last five fiscal years, the PLCB has returned $22.4 million in fees to municipalities. The recipients include:

• City: Pottsville: $4,600.

• Boroughs: Ashland, $1,050; Cressona, $400; Deer Lake, $150; Frackville, $1,200; Gilberton, $150; Girardville, $600; Gordon, $150; Landingville, $150; Mahanoy City, $1,200; Middleport, $300; Minersville, $1,000; Mount Carbon, $150; New Philadelphia, $150; New Ringgold, $150; Orwigsburg, $400; Palo Alto, $150; Pine Grove, $800; Port Carbon, $400; Port Clinton $150; Ringtown, $150; Saint Clair, $600; Schuylkill Haven, $300; Shenandoah, $2,450; Tamaqua, $2,150; Tower City, $150; and Tremont, $50.

• Townships: Blythe, $300; Branch, $200; Butler, $400; East Brunswick, $200; East Norwegian, $600; East Union, $400; Eldred, $150; Foster, $150; Hegins, $250; Kline, $150; Mahanoy, $200; New Castle, $300; North Manheim, $1,200; Norwegian, $650; Pine Grove, $400; Porter, $150; Rush, $450; Ryan, $800; Union, $200; Washington, $400; Wayne, $650; West Brunswick, $400; West Mahanoy, $250; and West Penn, $650.

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill County Council for the Arts is cleaning out its attic.

On Saturday, the nonprofit will hold a silent art auction at its headquarters at the Yuengling Mansion, 1440 Mahantongo St., putting paintings, drawings, pottery and other items on the block.

“Most of it was in storage on the third floor,” Kathy Connelly, SCAA member, said Wednesday.

While the SCAA hopes to make a buck, acting Executive Director Lisa Gillespie said the auction is mainly so the creations can fulfill their purpose.

“This is to raise money, but it also just to clear it out. There is so much being wasted,” she said. “The art should be hung. People should have art in their lives. It’s not doing anyone any good stuck up in the attic.”

Over the years, the organization has accumulated the works and, having limited space to display them, most are not appreciated. Among the works up for auction are works by former students of the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. The students used to come to the city to paint and sketch, frequently depicting coal region scenery. Gillespie said she contacted the school for permission to sell the pieces left behind.

There are also works by local artists, including one by the late Dave Naydock, a Pottsville artist whose work gained widespread notice across the state.

There will 24 pieces of art in Saturday’s auction. Along with that, SCAA is auctioning 12 pieces of pottery and selling prints, unframed pieces, old maps, drawing, sketches and other things. Wine and cheese will be served as refreshments.

The art is on display at the mansion.

The auction will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with bidding ending at 8 p.m. Small pieces will start at $50 and large ones at $100. Payment is expected at the time of purchase.

After the current batch is sold, about 100 items, future auctions are will be considered, Gillespie said

“I could do one more, if not two more, depending on how this one goes,” she said.

SCCA held an auction in May that raised about $600.

Contact the writer bsmith@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6005

Summer may be ending, but Schuylkill County comes alive in the crisp fall weather. There will be so many seasonal events, you won’t know where to go first.

“Peter Pan Jr.-The Musical” will be performed 7 p.m. Sept. 20 and 2 and 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at Tamaqua Community Arts Center. It is fun for the whole family. Order tickets online at www.tamaquaarts.thundertix.com.

The World of Honey Bees will be presented at 2 p.m. Sept. 21 at Sweet Arrow Lake, Pine Grove. Learn about the life cycle, necessary equipment, techniques and challenges facing one of our most important pollinators. The program is weather permitting and live bees in a sealed hive will be shown.

If you like interactive entertainment, here are two that will challenge you as well as keep you entertained:

Calling all goons and molls. A blind pig will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 20 at Good Intent Hose Company No. 1, Llewellyn. Mums the word or you’ll alert the coppers and spend a stint in the big house. In other words, a 1920s themed speakeasy murder mystery dinner is in the works by the festive ladies of the auxiliary. Someone killed the Big Boss at the Red-headed Speakeasy. Put on your best rags and join a night of fun, food, games and murder. Can you finger the thug? You’ll need the secret “password” for entry which will be provided with ticket purchase. Flapper and gangster period attire is encouraged. Choice of meal included with $35 ticket and period cocktails will be available. Seating is limited to 100. The deadline for tickets is Friday. Tickets will not be sold at the door. For tickets, call Mickey at 570-573-0588 or order them online at www.llewellynhose.com. This evening sounds incredibly fun.

Have you ever survived an escape room? They are becoming quite popular with all ages. The Pottsville Free Public Library has one for the Halloween season. Haunted High Escape Room will be held 6 p.m. Oct. 17 for ages 12 to 17 and at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 of ages 18 and older. A premise is that a cursed box that forced the old high school to close has reappeared. Solve its mystery before it’s too late. Space is limited, so register early by calling 570-622-8880 or email potchild@potsvillelibrary.org. A $5 donation is suggested per family or group.

The programs of Servants to All Homeless Shelter in Pottsville are tailored to foster self-reliance and sustainability to the homeless in the county, thus enabling them to make positive life choices. They invite you to an upcoming donation and hands-on event.

This year, they’re the beneficiary of Guz’s seventh annual Charitable Project on Oct. 26 at Barefield Recreational Complex in Pottsville. The event will include a drop-off for donations and a cornhole tournament. Wish list items for donations are backpacks, men’s and women’s undergarments, umbrella, hoodies, shampoo, canned food (preferably pop top), granola and protein bars, personal care items such as razors and toothpaste, disposable paper plates and cutlery, toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, shoes for men and women and reading glasses. Monetary donations and checks will also be accepted. You can register for the tournament at www.guzscharitableproject.com or get more details by calling the shelter at 570-728-2917.

For those who would like to participate in Make A Difference Day next month but don’t yet have any project ideas, we have two ready-made projects available for “adoption.”

Horses and Horizons could use help with their end-of-season tack and lesson cleaning at its New Ringgold facility. CareNet of Schuylkill County/Real Options is looking for donations of specific baby and mom items for young families. If you or your group are interested in “adopting” either of these projects, call this office at 570-628-1426 or email jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

Remember, no project is too small and every effort helps someone. You can find the registration form on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Feel free to call us at 570-628-1426 or email jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us with questions or for project ideas. We hope you’ll join thousands of your neighbors in Schuylkill County’s 24th year of participation.

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.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The family of the late Michael David Ferugio and members of the Penn State Schuylkill family gathered on campus Wednesday morning to remember the fallen heroes of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Formerly of Palo Alto, Ferugio, 37, was attending a meeting at Aon Corporation on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center South Tower that morning. An insurance broker living in Brooklyn with his wife, Susan, he was a proud graduate of the Penn State Class of 1987 and had started his post-secondary education at the Schuylkill campus.

The remembrance began at 8:45 a.m. and was held near the Ferugio Tree, a large blue spruce dedicated in his honor on Sept. 11, 2002. The sidewalk that leads to the tree was lined on both sides with American flags.

Moderator and campus Chancellor Patrick M. Jones introduced Ferugio’s sister, Joan M. Koslosky, of Cressona, who attended with another sister, Gayle F. Sleva, of Allentown. Koslosky spoke of her brother and his kind and personable ways, and his great love for Penn State.

“When they asked me to speak, I was very happy because I was so afraid that Mike was going to be forgotten,” Koslosky said. “Looking around at everyone and with this being the first time in so many years, he isn’t forgotten.”

‘Everyday Americans’

Jones called for a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., the time when the first plane struck the North Tower, and at 9:03 a.m., the time the South Tower was struck.

“At this time (8:46) 18 years ago today, most Americans watched our televisions in shock as smoke billowed atop One World Trade Center,” Jones said. “American Airlines Flight 11 had crashed into it and we did not know why. Later we would learn that Flight 11 and three other passenger airliners had been hijacked by terrorists intent on using the planes as weapons to strike symbols of American power.”

He noted how the “everyday Americans” aboard Flight 93, which would crash near Shanksville, sacrificed the lives of 90 on that plane but saved “countless others” by not allowing it to also be used as a weapon in Washington, D.C.

“Armed with nothing more than boiling water, plates, a rolling food cart and a fire extinguisher, (they) stormed the cockpit to overtake the terrorists and thwart their plans, thus mounting the first counterattack of our 18-year-long global war on terror,” Jones said.

He said it was a day that saw people come together, no matter their background, race or religion.

“On that horrific day and those that immediately followed, the best of our character shone forth,” Jones said. “We were brave, selfless, caring, kind and generous. We were bolstered by the support and loyalty of our allies.”

Michael’s ‘Dash’

Koslosky, who noted her brother “truly loved” Penn State, read a poem entitled “The Dash” by Ron Tranmer, and explained how the words fit Michael.

“Michael’s ‘Dash’ was bright and strong,” she said. “He loved everyone.”

She noted that her and Gayle are the only living members of their immediate family.

“We remember. Our children remember. My friends and her friends remember,” she said. “On any given day, we can walk and meet someone who Mike knew and they’ll always have a story for us. He always had a smile and always had a kind word.”

She added, “A long time ago, Al (her husband) and I were out listening to music, and I looked over and saw tears in his eyes. I didn’t know why. I asked what was wrong and he said, ‘I thought we would have more time.’ We were listening to James Taylor’s ‘Fire and Rain’ (which includes the line, ‘I always thought that I’d see you again.’) It’s amazing what kind of messages we get out of songs.”

Koslosky spoke about her brother’s confirmation and having chosen a mantra: “I will do a kind act every day.”

“Michael did try to do that, and if anyone needed help, and if he could, he would,” Koslosky said.

In concluding her remarks, Koslosky led the “Prayer to St. Michael.”

“May God bless America and all of you who have joined us today in honoring Michael and the other victims of 9/11,” she said.

Do as Mike would

Jones asked the audience to “go forward” as Ferugio would have wanted “and as we aspire to live as Penn Staters.”

“Let us be kind and caring, welcoming and generous, and dedicated to making our world a better place,” he said.

The singing of the alma mater was led by instructor of corporate communications Janelle L.H. Gruber, which was followed by everyone saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Shortly afterward, everyone spontaneously began singing “God Bless America” as they turned toward an American flag.

After the program, Jones was asked about the need to remind people about what happened that day, especially those students attending their freshman year at Penn State who were born in 2001.

“All of our traditional age students, those from 18 to 21 years old, have only known us being at war since they were tiny tots at the time,” Jones said. “We had a certain life experience, and certainly I did growing up in the ’60s and ’70s. Sept. 11 was certainly the Pearl Harbor of our generation.”

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

SUGARLOAF — The case of a missing man is now a homicide investigation.

Citing the ongoing investigation, Trooper Deanna Piekanski of the Wyoming barracks said she was unable to release any more details such as why the investigation into the disappearance of William “Billy” Morse III was determined to be homicide.

He was last seen about 15 months ago.

Hours earlier Wednesday morning, more than 50 local, county, state and federal law enforcement officers converged on Morse’s home at 170 Hollow Road — a residence he shared with his estranged wife.

Their vehicles lined the quiet rural two-lane road so officers could take a closer look at the home.

Police of the Wyoming barracks said they developed additional information surrounding the case and obtained a sealed search warrant for the home.

The public is unable to view the search warrant details until it is unsealed.

Police also searched other undisclosed locations in southern Luzerne County.

Sources said they planned to be at the home all day Wednesday and likely into today.

Morse was last seen at his property June 11, 2018, and was reported missing June 20, 2018.

A $10,000 reward is being offered for information that leads police to him.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation joined the investigation, some of them wearing blue T-shirts that read evidence response team.

The Pennsylvania State Police Mobile Command Unit was set up in his driveway.

Police dogs were brought in to examine the property.

From the road, investigators could be seen bringing dogs to search an area inside and outside of a detached garage/barn next to his home Wednesday morning.

They sifted through brush and other spots on the well-maintained property and appeared to be eyeing a blue tarp and taking photographs on the land.

Woods surround the sides and rear of the home and a small stream that connects to the Nescopeck Creek trickles in front of it.

Law enforcement set up around the home after daybreak. Joining the FBI and state police were Sugarloaf Township police and Luzerne County Detectives.

“I’m hoping they find something. That’s all,” said Dawn Whitfield, a neighbor.

She knew Morse to be a kind person who twice helped her out by cutting grass and brush on her property.

Whitfield at first thought he left the home for a few days, but as the days dragged on to a longer time frame, concern gripped her.

“Very worrisome,” she said as investigators lugged gear, including pop-up tents onto the Morse property.

Though the road to the Morse home was open to traffic during the day, sometime around noon, it was closed with yellow crime scene tape.

State police at Wyoming wouldn’t comment on why they were heading the investigation.

The particulars

• Morse was 59 when he was last seen.

• His friend, Jeff Bonacci, held a news conference Monday seeking information on his disappearance and justice. He believed foul play was involved and wasn’t optimistic Morse was alive.

• Morse was last seen wearing a red golf shirt, blue jeans and a baseball cap, and getting into a dark pickup truck in his driveway.

• He is 6 feet tall, roughly 200 pounds with 5 o’clock shadow facial hair.

• During that news conference, Bonacci displayed what he believed was the last photo of Morse, which Bonacci’s wife, Maryann, snapped at a bridge dedication in Jim Thorpe earlier in the day of June 11.

• Bonacci said after Morse left the bridge ceremony, he stopped in Hazleton to talk about raising money for the Mauch Chunk Opera House where he volunteered and returned home.

• Morse’s son apparently saw his father get into a dark pickup truck in his driveway that afternoon.

• Anyone with information on the case can call police at 570-697-2000 or email Trooper Edward Urban at eurban@pa.gov. Tips can also be submitted through PA Crime Stoppers 800-4PA-TIPS or online at crimewatchpa.com.

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