Deeds

Ashland — Jose Ramos to Santiago J. Ramos; 1833 Walnut St.; $1.

Barry Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 2183 Sunbury Road; $1,237.83.

Butler Township — George A. Daka to Michael Daka; 9 Malones Road; $1.

Cass Township — Edward J. and Sonya Bosack to Edward J. and Sonya Bosack; 11 S. Maple Ave.; $1.

Gary W. Ralston and Lori B. Ralston to Nina L. Ralston; 0.89-acre property on Rose Lane, Primrose; $1.

Edward J. and Sonya Bosack to Edward J. and Sonya Bosack, Edward J. Bosack III and Joshua Bosack; 11 S. Maple Ave.; $1.

East Union Township — Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Arman and Elvira Pineda; Lot 433ER, Eagle Rock; $38,279.

Gondelina and Adonis A. Tibay to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 431ER, Eagle Rock; $7,200.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to M&T Bank; 1 Washington St., Sheppton; $1,397.18.

Frackville — Larry Mabry to Jessica Booth; 311 S. Broad Mountain Ave.; $54,500.

Mahanoy City — David Boczkowski to Jeffrey Bowers; 32 E. Maple St.; $1.

Minersville — Jeffrey Manfred to Connor J. Nettles; 301 Pottsville St.; $43,500.

Pine Grove Township — Herbert C. Hoy to Rose M. Newswanger and Christopher J. Hoy; property on Swopes Valley Road; $1.

David A. and Teena M. Fleisher to Cherryville Properties LLC; 236 Tremont Road, Ravine; $70,000.

Carter K. and Julia A. Krouse to 100818 Portfolio Trust, JMAC Realty LLC and Natural Realty LLC; property on Beuchler Lane; $1,000.

100818 Portfolio Trust, JMAC Realty LLC and Natural Realty LLC to Fredrick L. Colbert; 32 Beuchler Lane; $199,000.

Porter Township — Robert W. and Suzanne E. Tallman to Daniel and Brandy Oliver; two properties in Muir; $8,000.

Pottsville — JZ Homes LLC to Ramona A. Lopez; 514 E. Norwegian St.; $11,500.

Frederick N. Corrado and Frederick N. Corrado Jr. to Schuylkill Properties and Restoration LLC; 524 Greenwood St.; $40,000.

Anna Marie Moyer, executrix of the Estate of Margaret E. Merlino, to Anna Marie Moyer; 318 Mauch Chunk St.; $1.

David C. and Anna Marie Moyer to Deanne Moyer; 318 Mauch Chunk St.; $1.

Susan K. Markel to John W. Paul and Paola Chacon-Paul; 467 Nichols St.; $26,000.

Steven Mattera and Yvonne Mattera to Lisa A. and Jason P. Fessler; 710 Laurel Blvd.; $500.

Ringtown — James L. and Deborah A. Stivers to Deborah A. Stivers; 285 W. Main St.; $1.

Rush Township — Ronald G. Ebenstein to Diane Rose Stocknal; property on Oak Court, Lake Hauto; $1.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to 100818 Portfolio Trust, JMAC Realty LLC and Natural Realty LLC; 96 Lafayette Ave., Hometown; $38,255.

Ryan Township — JLM Real Estate Investments LLC to JLM Real Estate Investments; 700 Barnesville Drive, Barnesville; $1.

Schuylkill Haven — Brian A. Kantner to Matthew J. and Joanna A. Naydock; 112 Paxson Ave.; $73,000.

Cynthia Stateman to Cynthia Stateman and Jeannie D. Thompson; 12 Parkway; $1.

Par Investments LLC to Jonathan W. and Nichole M. Moyer; 30 Stanton St.; $39,000.

Tamaqua — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Chad Jarrah; 108 Market St.; $13,681.

Howard W. Martin II, executor of the Estate of Florina F. Martin, to Joshua Michael Vacula and Katie Lynn Conrad; 521 Washington St.; $25,000.

Stephen J. Swartz, administrator of the Estate of Stephen Swartz, to Michael J. McGinley and Kathryn E. Kropp; property on Elm Street; $100,000.

Mark Richards to Diane R. and William David Sharpless; 528 Arlington St.; $32,000.

Janet E. Mertz to Tameria A. Haas; 9 Cherry St.; $20,000.

Nicole Beckett to Mary Ann Sakusky; 333 Owl Creek Road; $32,156.94.

Rudolph J. and Kay Sheeler to Edward Schaefer; 311 Clark St.; $22,900.

Golden Eye Properties LLC to Carter Werkheiser; 315 N. Elizabeth St.; $125,000.

Upper Mahantongo Township — Nancy L. Masser to Michael R. and Josephine L. Masser; property on Mahantongo Creek; $1.

Washington Township — Herbert C. Hoy to Rose M. Newswanger and Christopher J. Hoy; 2.7158-acre property on Mountain Road; $1.

Wayne Township — Eugene J. and Deborah A. Lehigh to Brian and Cherie Avezzano; 22 Woodlawn Drive; $229,000.

Joshua F. and Sara M.T. Shamonsky to Erin M. Hammer; 1187 Custer Drive, Lake Wynonah; $170,000.

West Brunswick Township — Lester A. and Constance A. Teter to Russel C. Teter and Rory C. Teter; two properties on Terrace Circle; $1.

West Mahanoy Township — Michael George and Matthew George to James A. Heffner Sr; 200 S. Wylam St., Altamont; $60,000.

Alfred A. and Linda M. Markiewicz to Jeffrey George; 208 Schuylkill Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $32,600.

Joseph E. and Joanne M. Cugusi to Jamie M. Cugusi; 7 Lauren Lane; $1.

Joseph E. and Joanne M. Cugusi and Helene A. Gaborek to Joseph and Joanne M. Cugusi; property on Lauren Lane; $1.

Gary and Karen Everett to Craig J. Demko and Kayla N. Derr; 123 S. Wylam St., Altamont; $74,500.

Marriages

Alex P. Burrows, Clarksburg, Maryland, and Drew Elizabeth Rattigan, Clarksburg, Maryland.

Vaughn R. Shuman, Pottsville, and Tori Lynn Schroding, Pottsville.

Bryant M. Wilson, Pottsville, and Hannah Jo Mentzer, Pottsville.

Charles H. Fix Jr., Auburn, and Carly M. Sarge, Auburn.

John D. Mohl, Pottsville, and Sarah J. Wetzel, Pottsville.

Ryan P. Conville, Orwigsburg, and Nicole Ann Lutsey, Orwigsburg.

Aaron E. Bakerofskie, Girardville, and Alexander J. Stahl, Girardville.

Andrew T. Bachert, Pine Grove, and Kassandra A. Kintzel, Pine Grove.

Jesse J. Jordan, Auburn, and Sarah B. Wright, Auburn.

Justin R. McNulty, Pottsville, and Trela M. Eaddy, Pottsville.

Benjamin G. Dutcavich, Minersville, and Desiree T. Palatino, Minersville.

Nicholas Buccieri, Tamaqua, and Teresa E. Daniels, Tamaqua.

Christopher A. Nedeau, Schuylkill Haven, and Rachel A. Kull, Schuylkill Haven.

Joseph P. Lucas, Valley View, and Susan J. Reiner, Valley View.

Arthur M. Kissling Jr., Saint Clair, and Eileeni M. Kenton, Saint Clair.

Daniel S. Fedor, Barnesville, and Tricia K. Zimmerman, Pitman.

Cordin Robert J. Wrona, Pottsville, and Audrey C. Feliciano, Pottsville.

Joshua K. Clauser, Pottsville, and Kelsey J. Amos, Pottsville.

Shawn M. Gracely, Port Carbon, and Kimberly M. Melnick, Port Carbon.

Timothy M. Prock, Frackville, and Abigail M. Wesner, Frackville.

Gabriel M. Allgyer, Whittington, Illinois, and Nancy M. High, Pitman.

Michelet Jn Louis, Pottsville, and Fabiola Romny, Pottsville.

Lawson D. Miller, Auburn, and Katie E. McCarroll, Tamaqua.

Tyler R. Smith, Pine Grove, and Alexa R. Kramer, Pine Grove.

Divorces granted

Marlene Harris, Pottsville, from Michael Harris, Pottsville.

Ruth Krause, Tamaqua, from Robert Krause, Gilbertsville.

Joseph Steranko, Miinersville, from Nicole Steranko, Miinersville.

Anthony Brown, Pottsville, from Felicia Banks, Hampton, Virginia.

Tracy Onea, Nesquehoning, from Viorel Onea, Nesquehoning.

Stephanie Lehman, Schuylkill Haven, from Darrell Schaeffer, New Ringgold.

David A. Plachko

PORT CARBON — A man charged by Minersville police for stalking and threatening his estranged wife over an extended period of time had charges against him held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko.

Anthony J. Scinto, 56, who is homeless, was arrested by Minersville police Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers and charged with 38 felony counts of stalking.

Plachko determined the commonwealth presented enough evidence to support the charges and bound all 38 counts to Schuylkill County Court, where Scinto can plead guilty or enter a not guilty plea and request a trial.

Bowers charged Scinto with incidents between Feb. 21 and April 17, when he either contacted Melissa Scinto or threatened that he was stalking her on social media.

Bowers said James Scinto would stalk the woman’s home, post threats on Facebook about her and her family, post personal information and also make threats toward the woman and her family.

In an unrelated case, Plachko dismissed charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, conspiracy, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving a vehicle without a valid inspection against Scinto and held an additional charge possession of a controlled substance for court.

Other court cases included:

Gary R. Bureau Jr., 34, of 9A Valley St., Brockton; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

David C. Miller Jr., 30, of 232 Valley St., New Philadelphia; waived for court: false identification to law enforcement.

Brandon M. Wallace, 25, of 420 E. Race St., Pottsville; held for court: possession of a controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving a vehicle without a valid inspection and driving without insurance.

Alec F. Ulicny, 26, of 40 Wiggan St., New Philadelphia; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance and no headlights.

Francis P. Levan Sr., 63, of 43 S. Morris St., Saint Clair; waived for court: terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person, propulsion of missiles onto roadways, scattering rubbish, disorderly conduct and defiant trespass.

Justin E. Androsko, 23, of 604 Pottsville St., Minersville; withdrawn: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and forgery. Waived for court: criminal mischief, criminal trespass, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Javier C. Guzman, 48, of 91 E. Vernon St., Summit Hill; waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christopher J. Vrabel, 27, of 86 Washington St., Middleport; entered a guilty plea to a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Timothy A. Reed, 33, of 535 E. Lawton St., Saint Clair; entered a guilty plea to a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Raymond S. Morgan, 30, of 524 N. Delaware Ave., Minersville; dismissed: disorderly conduct. Moved to a nontraffic citation: harassment.

Loren M. Zelonis, 35, no known address; held for court: possession of a controlled substance, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and simple assault.

Amanda S. Hine, 32, of 1639 W. Independence St., Coal Township; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, exceeding the speed limit, careless driving and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

(Staff writer Frank Andruscavage compiled this report)

SHENANDOAH — “Let’s go! Let’s get going! Let’s go! Let’s get going!” was heard from a player, as the ball was dropped at the face-off on Saturday to kick off the Shenandoah Street Hockey League reunion games.

The players were enthusiastic as they played two games on the former St. Casimir Parochial School playground at Main and Washington streets as a fun get-together of renewing friendships and raising funds for their friend, Brian Rooney, who is battling brain cancer.

More than 50 players registered for the games, which is an excellent turnout according to organizers, who spent time on the playground days before the reunion getting the grounds cleaned, removing weeds growing in the cracks that were then filled with macadam, and painting the lines for the rink. The league’s nickname for the playground was “Thunder Dome.”

The street hockey league last came together in 2009 to raise money to purchase automated external defibrillators for the local youth sports leagues. The 2009 reunion proceeded the initial one in 2008 that raised funds for the family of Frank Ulicny Jr., who had passed away from brain cancer.

The organizers were Michael Vernalis and Steve “Junior” Karvois, both of Shenandoah, and Allen Palubinsky, Ringtown, all street hockey veterans.

“We had some great meetings trying to get this organized. It was part of the fun of hanging out with your buddies,” Vernalis said. “It was a lot of work getting the playground ready to go.”

Palubinsky spoke about the reunion and how it was helping someone with cancer.

“There are too many of us who have been affected by cancer,” he said. “My sister dying, people here who have had cancers. It’s unfortunate that we have to come together for these events.”

“My friend died a month ago,” Karvois said.

Karvois started playing street hockey about 30 years ago.

“We played in the ’80s and ’90s,” Karvois said. “I started playing when I was 14 or 15 years old. Mickey Pladus started this. I’ll bet I was in ninth grade. As for getting together, a couple of us were on a fishing trip and we talked about doing the reunion. Then, Brian Rooney got cancer, so then we said if we’re going to do it, there’s a reason to do it and let’s do it. And we’re getting older, so if we’re going to do it, we’d better do it soon.”

The games began at 2 p.m., preceded by a hockey clinic for children at 1 p.m. held by Dr. Sasha Sherry, who has a new dental practice in Shenandoah. Sherry has much experience playing ice hockey, having been a member of the Princeton University and Team USA ice hockey teams.

“I want to teach them the fundamental stuff,” Sherry said. “I want to have a game for them at the end so they can just be free and be kids.”

Speaking about the practice, Sherry said, “They were doing awesome. I brought some extra balls and bought some sticks for them. This way they can fool around in their backyard.”

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

100 years ago — 1919

Cincinnati won the toss for the opening games of the World Series at the meeting of the National Baseball Commission on Monday. The first two games will be played in Cincinnati, the next three in the American league city winning the pennant of that league.

75 years ago — 1944

Reclamation of Army ordnance has begun at the former Alcoa, plant in Cressona. Two freight-car loads of material have been unloaded at the plant and 100 more carloads — some of it taken from a war-zoned ship that docked in New York last Saturday — are on the way.

50 years ago — 1969

Importance of parental participation was stressed at the reorganization committee meeting of St. Ambrose Cub Scout Pack 132, Schuylkill Haven.

25 years ago — 1994

Farmer Allen T. Hinkel wrapped a calloused hand around a large ear of pioneer corn and shucked it in one fluid motion. “This is exceptionally good corn,” he said Wednesday. It is nearly dried out, almost ready to be harvested. “This is the best crop I’ve ever seen since I’ve been farming (for 20 years).” Two ears of corn flourish on every plant, and each stalk is 10 feet high. Usually, Hinkel said, only one ear develops fully on a stalk. “Some guys say they had three cobs on a stalk.” And stalks were only six feet high last year, he said. Hinkel, 36, said the pioneer corn will feed hogs and dairy cows owned by Hinkel Farms, RD1 Ashland, outside Hegins in Barry Township.

Josh Snell lives in a van down by the ocean. He showers at the nearest Planet Fitness gymnasium he

can find.

The 21-year-old from Shavertown, Luzerne County, is on a tour of the nation’s coastlines to promote the protection, cleanup and conservation of the world’s oceans.

Snell is on a mission to “Save the Wave,” a slogan he created that could now be found on a billboard along the North Cross Valley Expressway and on memorabilia he’s selling from the van.

He’s set a goal of raising $1 million to donate to the Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit founded in 1972. He has set up a Go Fund Me account that sends donations directly to the charity, not him.

“It’s amazing how many people don’t recognize the problem,” Snell said. “A lot of people opened their eyes.”

Snell set off on his journey in July after months of preparation and expects to be on the road for at least a year.

He said he started his advocacy about a year ago after learning how much plastic is polluting the ocean.

“I started seeing posts, videos and headlines on it — just shocking content. That got me hooked,” Snell said during a phone call while he was at a New Jersey beach. “I felt like I wanted to do something about it.”

Snell created a 15-minute video in the lead up to his journey. He noted how he self-funded his project from tips he saved from two waiter jobs.

“I was saving for years. I didn’t know what I was saving that money for,” Snell said.

By the time he decided on ocean advocacy, he had accumulated more than $5,000.

Snell started out by going to a local printing shop to get “Save the Wave” hoodies made. He sold 100 of them rather quickly and knew he was on to something.

He then thought of an idea to maximize the profit on each shirt. He visited local thrift shops on half-price days to buy clothing, sometimes getting each piece for less than a dollar. Then he took the second-hand clothing to the printer to get the Save the Wave slogan printed on them.

Snell accumulated a stock of 1,500 Save the Wave items.

“I pick out pieces that are clean, undamaged and plain,” Snell said “That’s been a hit. That’s making me stand out. Every single shirt is different.”

Snell then decided he needed a mobile warehouse for his collection to take on the road. He found an old shuttle van for sale and purchased it for $1,200.

Over the course of several days, Snell invited some handy friends over to convert the back of the van into a living space, office and storage center for his inventory.

On July 15, he hit the road after posting a video about his project on YouTube. You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube by searching “@wavysnell.”

He made it to Portland, Oregon, over the summer then traveled back to the East Coast. He was in Cape May, New Jersey, last week.

Snell said he regularly hosts beach cleanups, where he sells his merchandise and educates people about his cause.

“There’s college kids who have my posters in their dorms. There are toddlers with my name on the back of their shirt. That’s what keeps my going. People are rooting for me,” Snell said.

Snell also tries to participate in pop up shops and other roadside sales.

“Sometimes cops will pick me out for not having the right permits. It’s been a learning process. I never lived on the road before. I’m just getting that part down pat,” Snell said.

Snell said he tries to organize his destinations near a Planet Fitness gym, most of which are open round-the-clock. He has a Black Card, which gives him access to all of the gym’s 700 locations in the United States.

“I just go from gym to gym. I work out and then I shower,” Snell said.

Sometimes he parks his van in the Planet Fitness parking lot to sleep. Oftentimes, he parks on or near the beach for the night.

Snell admitted he’s a little homesick being away from his family and friends for so long.

“That’s been something I had to adjust to — not being social,” Snell said. “I have to remind myself, I am fighting the good fight and this mission is important.”

Contact the writer: bkalinowski@citizen­svoice.com; 570-821-2055

FRACKVILLE — Two Schuylkill County natives have been appointed as Pennsylvania State Police deputy commissioners, the second highest position in the law enforcement agency.

Gov. Tom Wolf confirmed Lt. Col. Scott C. Price, a native and resident of Ashland, as deputy commissioner of administration and professional responsibility and Lt. Col. Edward C. Hoke, a native of Pottsville and resident of Jackson Township near Myerstown in Lebanon County, as deputy commissioner of staff. Both had been performing those duties since last year as acting deputy commissioners, and were promoted from major to lieutenant colonel as part of their positions.

After growing up in Pottsville, Hoke moved to Mar Lin following his marriage, then moved to Lebanon County four years ago. His son, Matthew Hoke, lives in Mar Lin and is a state police trooper.

According to the state police organizational chart, the top position is commissioner, currently held by Col. Robert Evanchick. There are three deputy commissioners. In addition to Price and Hoke, the third position is deputy commissioner of operations and is held by Lt. Col. James E. Degnan, who was also confirmed to the position and promoted at the same time.

Both deputy commissioners stopped at the Frackville station on Thursday to talk about their careers and other topics. Both have served with the state police for 32 years.

Appointments

Price enjoyed visiting the Frackville station, remembering having served three times during his career at the three different buildings in the area. He served from 1993 to 1994 as a trooper in the Criminal Investigation Unit of Troop L; as Troop L Patrol Unit supervisor as corporal from 1995 to 2001; and as Troop L Criminal Investigation supervisor from 2001 to 2003. During that time, he was commended by Schuylkill County Sheriff Francis McAndrew and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Fawcett for quick action to thwart a plot to bomb the Schuylkill County Courthouse.

Changes in station (barracks) locations happen since the stations are leased for 10-year periods.

“This is probably in its lease extension. I was here when we moved here, so it was probably in the late 1990s,” Price said. “This was built bigger at the time than if it would have been built at this time with our current manpower allocation.”

Price said he was appointed as acting deputy commissioner in January 2018 by then Col. Tyree C. Blocker, who retired in March 2018. When Wolf appointed Evanchick as acting commissioner, he kept Price on in the position. Evanchick was confirmed as commissioner by the state Senate on June 4.

Hoke said he was appointed to the acting position in April 2018, a few weeks after Degnan was appointed. Price said he replaced Lt. Col. Lisa Christie upon her retirement. Hoke replaced Lt. Col. Stephen Bucar, who resigned. Degnan replaced Evanchick when he was moved up to acting commissioner.

“Our positions don’t require Senate confirmation but an appointment by the governor,” Price said. “The appointment was made official on Aug. 24. Even though we’ve been with the state police for 32 years, any executive appointments to the governor’s staff have to go through a background investigation and so forth. That was also ongoing in that interim time period.”

Having Price, Hoke and Degnan raised to deputy commissioners on a permanent basis was also approved by Evanchick. Price and Hoke both worked with Evanchick earlier in their careers.

“I served with him when I made sergeant in 2002,” Hoke said. “I was at the Schuylkill Haven barracks at that point, and when I was promoted to sergeant, I was assigned to Troop R in Honesdale, and now Col. Evanchick was lieutenant and was station commander.”

Price said, “Similarly, I followed Ed to Honesdale on my promotion to sergeant, and then Col. Evanchick by then he wasn’t the station commander at the time, but he remained with the troop and I worked with him frequently. Subsequently in Integrity and Professional Standards, he ultimately became the commander there, so I worked with him there. So I worked with him several times during my career.”

At the academy

Hoke was in the 69th academy class at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, Hershey, while Price was in the 70th.

“When I arrived in January of 1988, Ed was already there,” Price said. “It’s a paramilitary academy in terms of the rooms and discipline. Rooms have to be set up in a certain fashion. At our first or second day at the academy, Ed’s room was the room demonstrated to us as being the one you wanted to emulate in terms of the perfect room.”

Hoke said, “The way it worked that if you failed too many room inspections, you didn’t get the opportunity to go home on the weekends, so there was some incentive there to make sure your room was squared away.”

Academy training takes 28 weeks, which has been extended in the 24 years since Hoke and Price attended.

Interest in law enforcement

Both reflected on when they become interested in being part of law enforcement and the state police.

“I remember being in the middle school and at some point we took an aptitude test and one of things that came back to me was showing an interest in being a police officer,” Hoke said. “I remember at the time my father had some friends who were state troopers. I looked up to those guys. I learned about the history of the department and finding out it had been around since 1905 and was something I aspired to.”

Both Hoke and Price have only served with the state police in law enforcement. Price’s interest in becoming a trooper is similar to Hoke’s.

“I was interested in the state police from about the time I was 12 years old. I think so many of us who grew up in the coal region realized that state police had their beginnings here,” Price said. “The genesis and history of the state police had been the coal and iron police. It was the strong history of the state police in the coal region that I had always aspired to from a pretty young age. My first recollection was being in the seventh grade and talking about it with the guidance counselor. From there I started reading books on the state police, one book being ‘The Black Hussars’ that documents the history of the state police in the coal region. From that point forward it was something that I aspired to do.”

Written by journalist Charles A. Boyle, the book tells of the story of when the state police was founded as the first state police force in America in 1905. Immigrant coal miners in the state called them the “Black Hussars” because of their black uniforms and horses when they battled rioting strikers and outlaws, according to the book description.

Eyes on retirement?

Retirement can be taken with 25 years of service. Both men have served for 32 years, and will continue to serve.

“I enjoy what we do. We have great camaraderie in the command staff,” Price said. “We’ve all worked together and it’s a cooperative environment. We’re continuing to progress, to better the state police. Some of things that I oversee, like the training, education and officer safety, that is something that I really enjoy, and this is the first time I’ve had the real opportunity to be integrally involved in the training and education realm. Quite honestly, it is something that I always wanted to do and my desire to do it still hasn’t abated.”

Hoke replied, “I can’t think of anything else in life that I ever wanted to do more than what I am currently doing. To Scott’s point, we’ve had the opportunity to serve most of our careers together at one point or another. It’s such a great organization to be part of. We’re both very proud to be part of the Pennsylvania State Police because of its history and a tip to the men and women who are serving today. We’ve seen a lot of changes in our career and I’ve never been more confident in seeing or knowing that the men and women that we employ today can rise to those challenges.”

Duties

Price explained some of his duties in his position.

“I oversee training and education, both basic and in-service, and MTOPEC, which is Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission, which is a commission under the governor’s jurisdiction, but the day-to-day operational aspects of MTOPEC I oversee,” Price said. “Our Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards is our internal affairs divisions, risk management, and systems and process review, which is essentially a staff inspection division making sure our various functional segments are in compliance with state police policy. And then our department discipline office is involved if there is any type of misconduct of that nature that goes through an internal affairs investigatory process, the discipline process is different from that. I oversee equality and inclusion, so I oversee recruiting, our equal employment opportunity program, diversity to make sure we’re hiring and recruiting the best qualified, most diverse workforce, and then our member assistance program, which is essentially officer wellness. If someone is having some sort of a crisis or personal issues, we have peers in our member assistance program who are trained to assist and have a liaison relationship with the chaplaincy program.”

Hoke said about his duties, “There are five different bureaus under Staff. The Bureau of Forensic Services, which are seven laboratories across the commonwealth, the main lab being in Harrisburg. The Bureau of Research and Development vets everything from equipment to policies to regulations to the different technologies that emerge. The Bureau of Records and Identification, which was Scott’s former bureau, handles Megan’s Law, our criminal history repository of the entire commonwealth and fingerprint repository. There is the Bureau of Staff Services, which is our fiscal division and is responsible for our PSP statewide budget of $1.3 billion.

“There is the Bureau of Communications and Information Services,” Hoke continued. “We are in process of deploying the P25 radio across the commonwealth. That is better than halfway completed at 41 counties. That provides us the ability to have communications with other agencies that we don’t have with our current system. Schuylkill County will be migrating to the P25 possibly by the beginning of 2020. There is a huge advantage to the county 911 centers to embed themselves and get on-board with the P25 program.”

Price said it is interesting to have two Schuylkill County natives who have known each working in the home office in Harrisburg.

“It takes a community to raise a child, and I guess everybody did alright. It kept us out of trouble,” Price said.

Hoke added, “There is a joke in the office that ‘You guys are Skooks.’ And I say, ‘Yes, we are Skooks!’ ”

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

Pine Grove Area

Allison Butler and Travis Anderson have been named students of the month for September for the Pine Grove Area School District.

Allison is a daughter of Ted and Tonya Butler, of Pine Grove. Her high school activities include girls’ varsity basketball, track and field, FFA, Envirothon, student council, National Honor Society, National History Honor Society, art club, recycling club, SADD and student representative to the school board.

She plans to attend a four-year college to continue her education and basketball career.

Travis is a son of Gary and Amy Anderson, of Pine Grove. His high school activities include cross country, wrestling, track and field, National Honor Society and FFA.

He plans to attend college and study agricultural science or business management.

STC

The Schuylkill Technology Center-North Campus, Frackville, announced that Aaron Bakerofskie, of Girardville, was named the August student of the month for the part-time Licensed Practical Nursing Program.

Jackelyn Bass, of Tremont, was presented with the August student of the month award for the full-time Licens-ed Practical Nursing Class.

On new ship

An Ashland native who is a 2000 Mahanoy Area High School graduate is serving in the Navy aboard the service’s newest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford.

Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffery Troutman is a mass communication specialist aboard the carrier homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. As a Navy mass communication specialist, he is responsible for telling the story of the ship through multimedia content management and administration.

Mahanoy City

Elks Lodge 695, 135 E. Centre St., will feature a dance with Skook Jam Band from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the lodge, featuring music from the ’60s through the ’80s. The cost is $7 per person. For more information, call 570-573-2649.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St., will have an event called Rec Room from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 30 for ages 6-11 to play air hockey, cornhole, foosball, table tennis and video games on the library’s PlayStation 4, Xbox One or Nintendo Switch. In a release, the library’s Darren DeArment thanked the First Federal Charitable Foundation for a video gaming grant. For more information, call 570-622-8880.

Saint Clair

Advance orders are being taken for the St. John’s Church annual Welsh cake sale at the Saint Clair Lions Club site, 259 McCord Ave. The cost is $8 per dozen. Orders taken by Oct. 2 will have pickups Oct. 16 at the Lions site. To order or for more information, call 570-429-0549. Local delivery will be available the morning of Oct. 16.

Shenandoah

The annual fall festival will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 29 on the grounds of the Shenandoah Senior Living Community, East Washington Street. The event, according to a release, will include homemade ethnic food, music, face painting and pumpkin painting. A theme basket and gift auction will be held inside the building. Crafters are welcome and should call 570-462-0795 for information. All proceeds from the festival will benefit the Hillside SPCA. The fest will be held inside in the event of rain.

Shenandoah

Knights of Columbus Francis Cardinal Brennan Council 618 sponsors bingo games at the council home, 201 W. Cherry St. Doors open at noon, games begin at 2 p.m. with food/refreshments available. Remaining bingo dates for 2019 include today, Oct 6 and 20, Nov. 3 and 24 and Dec. 8. The public is welcome to participate. For more information, call 570-590-3270 or 570-590-1188.

Shenandoah

A Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Parish event involving a free movie night featuring “St. Francis” will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 2 in the Father Walter J. Ciszek Center along West Cherry Street in the former Annunciation BVM Rectory. Snacks and beverages will be provided. For more information, call the parish office at 570-462-1968.

Shenandoah

The annual Father Walter J. Ciszek Day will be marked on Oct. 20 with a 2 p.m. Mass in St. Casimir Church, 229 N. Jardin St., a sacred worship site of Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Parish. The homilist will be Father Eugene Ritz. Light refreshments will available after Mass in the church hall. Items related to Father Ciszek will be sold and the new Father Walter J. Ciszek Prayer League Center at 218 W. Cherry St. will be open from noon to 1:30 p.m. The late Ciszek, a native of Shenandoah and a son of St. Casimir Church, is a candidate for sainthood. In 1941, he was arrested for alleged espionage for the Vatican, imprisoned and then detained in the former Soviet Union for more than 20 years, during which he prayed, celebrated Divine Liturgy, heard confessions and otherwise ministered to the faithful despite risk to his own safety. He was finally released in 1963 in exchange for two Russian spies. He returned home to a widely heralded Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Casimir Church and then worked at the John XXIII Center at Fordham University in New York. He died on Dec. 8, 1984, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and is buried at the Jesuit Novitiate, Wernersville. Ciszek’s cause for canonization began in the Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passiac and was later transferred to the Diocese of Allentown. It is now at the Vatican in Rome. For more on the prayer league, go online to fwccenter@chszek.org; www.ciszek.org; or www.Facebook.com/FatherWalterCiszek. All are welcome to attend the Oct. 20 Mass and activities. Cakes are needed for the social in St. Casimir Hall that will follow the Mass. Cakes can be dropped off at the hall before Mass. For more information, people should call the parish office at 570-462-1968.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — On July 2, 1968, Air Force Col. Henry A. Tipping embarked on a search-and-rescue mission, looking for a pilot who disappeared over the jungles of Vietnam the previous day.

Born in Mill Creek in 1924, Tipping, a Boy Scout and an athlete, flew planes during World War II and parachuted into Nazi territory. Due to his high rank, he did not have to fly like he did in Vietnam, but he chose to.

On July 2, 1968, Henry Tipping disappeared over Quang Tri, never to be seen again. He was 42 years old.

Tipping was one of 89 Pennsylvanians who went missing in action during the Vietnam War, and the only one from Schuylkill County. Under a pastel sunset Sunday, veterans and their families gathered at the Schuylkill County Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the POW/MIA Candlelight Vigil in their honor, held by the Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 29 of Schuylkill County.

“Every year we do this, and if I’m the last man standing we’ll do this, any way, any how,” Gary Hummel, 68, of Pottsville, said. “As a Vietnam veteran, I feel a responsibility to do whatever I can do as long as I’m vertical and ventilating.”

Guy Wiederhold, post commander, led a prayer.

“We pray that the peaceful shadow of the setting sun will fall upon their graves and that they will not be forgotten. Amen,” Wiederhold, 72, said.

List of names read

Dwight J. Moore, district commander of the Sons of the American Legion of Schuylkill County, and his wife, Amanda, read the 89 names. As each name was called, a bell rang, and a man went down a long line of electric candles, lighting each one.

The list of names went on and on. The line of candles, standing straight as soldiers, continued to grow, illuminating the faces of the veterans who stood behind them.

As the sky grew darker, the candles grew brighter, and the men’s somber faces turned the color of fire.

“Now what we’re going to do is dim the light, and I want you to stare at the light and think of a family member suffering and wandering the whereabouts of an individual,” Wiederhold said.

Of the small band of veterans in attendance, several were unhappy at the turnout. If people have the time to watch football or sit in bars tonight, they agreed, they should be able to go to a half-hour memorial service.

“One of my good friends is up there,” said Joe Lango, 72, of Schuylkill Haven, referring to the memorial’s stone wall of names. His name was Richard Roberts, and he was killed in 1969.

“He was a good kid,” Lango said, sitting with a wooden cane and tubes in his nose. “He was outgoing, he was a real nice guy.”

In Vietnam, Lango was a “river rat,” working on a patrol boat that sprayed Agent Orange.

“It was just a crazy thing,” he said. “Nobody knew it was gonna kill us that bad.”

He discovered that his lung, liver, kidneys, spleen and heart were affected in 2011.

“I don’t harbor any resentment, because I volunteered to go over there, and I’d do it again tomorrow if I had the chance, because nobody else would want to do it,” he said. “If you ask these people, Vietnam vets ...”

“They’d all go,” Joe’s wife, Darlene, 72, said.

“The younger generation today has no idea what it’s like,” Lango said.

Butch Evans also knew some of the men on that wall. A good friend of his, Mark Smith, lost a limb in Vietnam and died after two strokes 20 years ago.

“He was funny, comical,” Evans said. “Someone you could trust alongside.

“We went to school together, played sports together. He got wounded, seriously. He got shrapnel in him.”

Evans and Wiederhold laughed over memories of Mark.

“He was a good old buddy,” Evans said.

Bring them all home

“We have family members who are in the service, so I think it’s important to remember and not forget, and show respect,” said Evans’ girlfriend Gena Minrod, Pottsville, 50, kissing and rocking her 1-year-old grandson, Louie.

“I still believe that we need to bring home those who are still held captive and overseas and held unaccounted for.” Marc Burlile, 62, of Fountain Springs, said.

His cousin, Tommy, was a medic who served in the First Cavalry Division during the Battle of Ia Drang. While responding to injured troops, he was shot and killed on Nov. 15, 1965, four days after his 24th birthday.

“He was a caring individual,” Burlile said. “He spoke up when he felt he had to.”

Burlile arrived in Vietnam in 1976.

“I was on the tail end of ’Nam, but I know this much,” he said. “The ones who came back weren’t well received. I was treated the same. I never fired a shot in anger. I had my clothes torn, spit upon, called every name in the book.”

To Burlie, it’s not about the veterans who were there. It’s about the ones who didn’t make it home.

“Even though I’m not a ’Nam vet, it’s my job to carry out my country’s wishes,” he said. “We need to keep the public aware of this.”

POTTSVILLE — A Philadelphia man will spend more time in a state correctional institution after recently admitting to a Schuylkill County judge that he assaulted a prison guard in March in the county.

Kysim Robinson, 20, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault of officer and simple assault. Prosecutors withdrew assault by prisoner and harassment.

President Judge William E. Baldwin accepted the plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced Robinson to spend 30 to 66 months in a state correctional institution, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Baldwin made the sentence consecutive to one from Delaware County that Robinson already is serving.

State police at Frackville charged Robinson with assaulting Corrections Officer Zachary Weaver on March 26 at SCI/Frackville, where the defendant was an inmate.

Police said Robinson hit Weaver in the head several times with a closed fist, causing him to fall to the ground. Weaver suffered a red and swollen right eye, abrasions to the front and back of his left ear, and redness and swelling to his right elbow and the back of his head, according to police.

Robinson is serving a sentence of two to four years in prison, plus an additional three years on probation, after pleading guilty to robbery on Oct. 1, 2018, in Delaware County Court.

Judge Margaret J. Amoroso, who accepted the plea, dismissed 20 other charges that had been filed against Robinson. As part of Robinson’s sentence, Amoroso ordered Robinson to pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Ridley Township police charged Robinson with committing the robbery on Feb. 14, 2018, in the township.

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

It was a race against the clock for law enforcement in Hazleton on Saturday as they scrambled to collar a city man who they say is responsible for mass shooting and pipe bomb threats at two local schools, Police Chief Jerry Speziale said.

It began Saturday morning when Mayor Jeff Cusat said that he received a “very alarming and threatening” text message and ended later that day — at a time and place chosen by police who apprehended Christian Earl Diehl, 28, without incident, the mayor and police chief said.

The investigation continues, but police said the threat is mitigated.

It’s back to school as usual today for Hazleton Area students and staff, school district Police Chief Ed Harry said.

“The threat is done with,” Harry said Sunday. “He’s locked up. It’s business as usual tomorrow.”

‘Alarming ... detailed’

Cusat said that he received a copy of a text message on Saturday morning from a citizen whose daughter received a “very alarming and threatening text.”

The message, according to police, threatened Arthur Street Elementary School and Hazleton Area High School with a mass shooting, pipe bombs and a possible diversion plan.

Cusat forwarded the message to Speziale and the Hazleton police command staff, who immediately began forming a plan of action.

“It was alarming because it was very detailed,” Cusat said of the text. “It talked about a manifesto, a bomb threat to one school with the intention of being a diversion for an attack on another school.”

Police mobilized early Saturday and began investigating the origin, threat, who was involved, and plans for protecting the public.

Luzerne County Communications Center was notified of the threat and its dispatch system updated should it receive a call for service or response at school facilities, police said. In Hazleton, patrol division supervisors briefed personnel of the threats and coordinated response and tactical plans to protect the public.

City police also contacted Harry, who offered to assist.

The detectives division, meanwhile, began vetting the threat and conducting interviews identifying the telephone facility and origin.

A police detective contacted the Luzerne County District Attorney’s office and Magisterial District Judge Matthew Christopher issued an arrest warrant for Diehl on a Felony 3 charge of threat to use weapons of mass destruction, police said.

Diehl was identified as the alleged originator of the threat, police said.

The department used investigative methods and electronic surveillance in its search for Diehl, who was spotted driving at Sixth and Church streets and arrested at 9:15 p.m. Saturday, police said.

The vehicle he as driving was towed, pending further investigation. He was arraigned and jailed, Speziale said.

“We strategically planned where we would safely apprehend him,” Speziale said. “We didn’t want him getting into a house.”

Lone individual

Speziale said that a detective interviewed Diehl and that while police have “some other investigative steps” to take, they believe he acted alone.

The chief said it was key to apprehending the suspect before the weekend ended.

“Our concern, we didn’t want to get to Monday morning,” Speziale said. “We were fighting against the clock. My thing is, whether this (threat) is real or a hoax, think about the mass shootings around the nation. Do you think those people only wish that theirs was a hoax? It’s unacceptable. There’s no way you can put a community in fear — or a school in fear — not after what we’ve been through as a country.”

Cusat said he’s thankful that a citizen felt comfortable enough to reach out to him.

“Certain people do feel afraid of the police department but yet they feel comfortable with me,” Cusat said. “In this day and age, nothing should be taken lightly. I’m very grateful the public is comfortable in reaching out to me in certain situations.”

Cusat said it’s not the first time the public turned to him for help.

“I make people feel at ease and put them in contact with the proper police officer to handle the situation,” Cusat said.

Extensive response

Speziale said that all aspects of law enforcement — police, courts, the district attorney’s office and school police — rallied to respond.

“Everybody pitched in,” Speziale said. “There are so many different aspects. Between electronic surveillance … the paperwork is endless. A lot of stuff needed to be done.”

Cusat commended police for working hard on the case over multiple shifts. The mayor said Sunday that he believes police are awaiting execution of a search warrant. Interviews and a search of Diehl’s social media accounts yielded “alarming results,” Cusat said.

“The people of Hazleton should be proud of the police department they have,” the mayor said.

Cusat said that some members of the public appeared alarmed that citizens weren’t immediately notified Saturday of the situation.

A different course of action would’ve been taken if school had been in session, he said.

“If it happened to be a school day, a completely different strategy would have been put in place,” Cusat said. “In no way did we intend to put anyone or any child in harm’s way.”

Harry said that while he does not discuss school security measures, he assured the public that “adequate measures are in place every day.”

“We did a security check at the schools,” Harry said Sunday. “We’re doing everything we normally do. We don’t do anything less.”

Contact the writer: sgalski@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3586

BARNESVILLE — Visitors to Tuscarora State Park will notice that the dam’s water level is much lower than usual.

Park Manager Tarah Brugger said it’s part of a repair project.

“We’re doing a small drawdown because we need to do some work on the dam,” she said. “The tower’s trash rack needs to be replaced.”

In all, the water was taken down about 6.5 feet. The drawdown began soon after the Labor Day holiday.

Brugger said crews should be able to start the project this week.

“It’s all rain dependent,” she said, noting that any rainfall would increase the water level and result in delays. But if precipitation stays away, work could be completed over the next few weeks.

After that, Brugger said, the water levels will be brought up. With an average amount of rainfall, she expects that it will be filled by mid-November.

The project isn’t stopping any recreational activities, she added.

“People are still boating and fishing,” Brugger said. “They’re out walking and kayaking.”

The park’s boat launch, however, is not accessible because of the drawdown.

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

POTTSVILLE — Thefts on consecutive days in February recently landed a Tremont woman behind state prison bars.

Kelly S. Williams, 49, pleaded guilty to theft from a motor vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia in the first case and retail theft in the second. Prosecutors withdrew charges of conspiracy, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance.

President Judge William E. Baldwin accepted the plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced Williams to serve six to 24 months in a state correctional institution, pay costs, $100 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $126.78 restitution, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. He made the sentence consecutive to the one Williams already is serving.

Minersville police filed the first case against Williams, alleging she committed the theft from a motor vehicle and possessed paraphernalia on Feb. 14 in the borough. Tremont police filed the second case, alleging Williams committed the other theft on Feb. 15 in that borough.

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

Chase M. Rang, 32, of Frackville; possession of drug paraphernalia; three to 12 months in prison consecutive to his current sentence, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and a $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of a controlled substance and a second count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thomas G. Rehnert, 46, of Auburn; careless driving and public drunkenness; $125 in fines. Prosecutors withdrew charges of driving under the influence, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic and operating vehicle without required registration.

Becky A. Robinson, 43, of New Philadelphia; acquiring or obtaining possession of a controlled substance by misrepresentation, forgery and theft by deception; three years probation, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Adam J. Schaeffer, 30, of Jim Thorpe; two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one each of retail theft and possession of drug paraphernalia; presentence investigation ordered, sentencing scheduled for 10 a.m. Oct. 4.

Jenna E. Skripko, 24, of Middleport; possession of drug paraphernalia; one year probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment.

John Urban, 64, of Shenandoah; two counts of DUI and one each of DUI while suspended, driving under suspension-DUI related, no rear lights, speeding, driving without a license and careless driving; presentence investigation ordered, sentencing scheduled for 10 a.m. Oct. 4.

Kenneth W. Vanhorn, 40, of Mahanoy City; two counts of flight to avoid apprehension or trial; two to 12 months in prison with immediate parole and $100 in CJEA payments. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of failure to yield.

Troy A. Varner, 25, of Marienville; aggravated assault by prisoner; two to four years in a state correctional institution consecutive to current sentence and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew three counts of aggravated assault and two each of recklessly endangering another person and harassment.

Joseph M. Yurkonis, 25, of Pottsville; access device fraud and possession of a controlled substance; one to 12 months in prison consecutive to current sentence, 12 months consecutive probation, $100 SAEF payment and $100 in CJEA payments. Prosecutors withdrew charges of conspiracy and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

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

MINERSVILLE — A towing company that services the large distribution centers along Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County has two new high-tech wreckers that cost some $1.3 million.

Hammer’s Towing’s new units, a 2017 Kenworth rotator wrecker and 2018 Kenworth heavy-duty wrecker, are stationed at the company’s headquarters near Minersville, while additional heavy-duty wreckers are ready to roll from the company’s garage near Pine Grove.

Mark Hammer, owner, said both new vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art computerized controls, allowing the operator to work booms and winches with precision. Both also have safety warning devices that alert the operator that something could go wrong.

“The old days are gone; there’s no more guess work,” he said.

Built in Tennessee

The 2017 rotator machine is basically a combination wrecker and crane. Along with extending vertically and horizontally, it also has the ability to rotate from side to side, hence the name rotator.

Both new wreckers were built by Miller Industries in Tennessee, which sells under the Century name.

Although the vehicles have chassis that are 2017 and 2018, there was an extended manufacturing time to install the towing devices and have them delivered.

“It takes time because each of these is built to our specification,” Hammer said.

The 2018 wrecker, bought at a cost of $500,000, has not yet seen a call because it is still being prepped by Hammer’s employees. The 2017 vehicle cost the company $800,000.

The 2017 rotator is a 75-ton wrecker powered by a Cummings 600-horsepower diesel engine with an 18-speed manual transmission. Its newer counterpart is a 55-ton wrecker powered by a 565-horsepower Cummings diesel and an 18-speed manual transmission.

In all, Hammer said his company operates four heavy-duty wreckers and a rotator from its Minersville location and a rotator and heavy-duty wrecker from its Pine Grove site.

To Jersey and beyond

Although the wreckers get the most visibility when working at the scenes of highway crashes, Hammer said those incidents represent only a small number of calls the massive wreckers roll on.

“You couldn’t survive on just the accident calls,” he said.

Hammer said his towing service contracts with businesses at Highridge Industrial Park, including the Walmart Distribution Center, Wegmans Distribution Center and Penske.

“We basically have the entire top of the mountain,” he said.

Hammer said working with the distribution centers requires traveling not only in and out of Schuylkill County but out of Pennsylvania as well.

“We go to New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland and other states to pick up trucks that have broke down or been in accidents out of the area,” he said.

Other uses

There can be other needs for the wreckers, too.

Recently a heavy-duty wrecker was dispatched to a field in the Lykens area of Dauphin County, where a farm vehicle overturned. On another occasion the rotator machine was in Lavelle to assist in unloading a railroad tender car for welding repairs.

“When it’s done, we’ll go back, lift it on a flatbed truck and it will be on its way to New York,” Hammer said about the tender.

Hammer said he has about $3 million dollars invested in his fleet of wreckers, not counting smaller wreckers and roll-back trucks.

The investment, he said, is good for both his business and Schuylkill County.

Four drivers from Hammer’s Towing have been trained to operate the large wreckers. In addition to knowing how to drive and place the vehicle at a scene of a tow or recovery job, Hammer said there is constant schooling for each driver to ensure safe operations of the vehicles and the best result for the recovery.

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

Barnesville

A golf tournament fundraiser by the Friends of Penn State Schuylkill Athletics support group will have registration at noon Friday with a 1 p.m. shotgun start at Mountain Valley Golf Course, 1021 Brockton Mountain Drive. For more information or to register in advance, go online to sl.psu.edu/athleticsgolf. People may also call 570-385-6115.

Frackville

Zion Lutheran Church, Oak and Nice streets, will have a roast beef dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 9. Tickets are $10 each for adults and $4 for children 10 and younger. Tickets must be bought by Oct. 1 by calling 570-874-1190, according to a release. People may eat at the site or take meals out. Meals also include mashed potatoes/gravy, vegetable, roll/butter, coleslaw and dessert.

Minersville

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Fourth and Lewis streets, will have a Chinese auction, large rummage sale and food and funnel cake sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 16 with a shop-and-drop scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 15, all in the first-floor social hall. The auction will begin at 1 p.m. Nov. 16. Prizes will include a 40-inch smart TV, sports memorabilia, watches and other items. Tickets will be available until the auction time. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-544-6725.

Orwigsburg

An open house to mark the opening of Good Shepherd Physical Therapy, 1260 Centre Turnpike Site 103, is set for 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday. There will be free food, giveaways and wellness screenings, according to a release. For more information, call 888-447-3422 or go online to www.GoodShepherdRehab.org.

Pottsville

Weight loss hypnosis will be featured from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Diakon Living and Learning Center, 118 S. Centre St. People must register by Oct. 3 by calling 570-624-3018. More information is available online at www.diakon.org/ll50 or at www.HypnosisCanHelp.me. Sessions will also be held Oct. 24, Nov. 7 and 14.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St., will feature “Mystery of the Hollow Tree” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10, free for “all curious kids and adults …” In a release, the library’s Darren DeArment said, “A tree fell in a strong windstorm and it was found to be hollow, with an occupant. What attacked this tree from the inside?” Registration is requires by calling 570-622-8880.

Pottsville

A Senior Expo by Diakon Living and Learning will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 15 at Fairlane Village mall. Organizers said in a release it will be a “fun-filled day specially designed for Boomers and beyond.” Admission is free. The expo will feature exhibitors, flu shots, give-aways, massage, cooking demonstrations, music, refreshments and Medicare Park-D comparisons. For more information, call 570-624-3018 or go online to www.diakon.org/LL50.

Schuylkill Haven

A “Borough Day Bash” will be held from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday at the Schuylkill Haven American Legion post, Parkway. It will feature music by the DooDads band beginning at 6:30. The cover charge is $5 and people must be 21 and older to attend the non-smoking event. All proceeds will benefit the veterans, according to an event release. For more information, call 570-385-5013.

Schuylkill Haven

Events for Rainbow Hose Company No. 1 in October include: Taco Tuesdays, 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22; spaghetti dinner, 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 12; wings Saturday, 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 19; breakfast, 7 a.m. to noon Oct. 6 and 20; gun raffle, noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 13; bingo, 7 p.m. Oct. 18.

Shenandoah

The Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens group is sponsoring a trip to Mount Airy Casino on Nov. 12 to see The Diamonds. The cost is $65, which includes $15 slot play and lunch buffet. Pickups will be at the R&J Tours garage in Cressona at 7:35 a.m., Home Depot in Saint Clair at 8 a.m., M&T Bank in Frackville at 8:10, Burger King in Shenandoah at 8:25, Main and Centre in Shenandoah at 8:35 and the senior center in Mahanoy City at 8:50. To register or for more information, call Dolores at 570-462-3222 or Fran at 570-467-0147.

POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville man charged with assaulting a police officer, a physician and an emergency medical technician at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street campus last month waived his right to a preliminary hearing Monday.

Gerald P. Helms, 41, was scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley on charges of three counts each of aggravated assault, simple assault and attempted aggravated assault, as well as two counts of criminal mischief for damage to the officers’ equipment.

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

Pottsville police Patrolman Braden Jones charged Helms with an Aug. 4 incident at the hospital, where he was called around 9 p.m. for a report of a combative person.

Jones said that outside of the hospital, a Mahanoy Township and three Pottsville police officers had to physically subdue Helms, who ignored commands and started a fight with the officers, who eventually got him under control and arrested him.

Jones said he learned that before the arrival of Pottsville police, Helms attacked the Mahanoy Township officer and the EMT who tried to subdue him.

The Mahanoy Township officer used his Taser weapon on Helms, who continued to fight with the officer and EMT as Pottsville police were notified and responded, Jones said.

Jones also said his investigation discovered that Helms assaulted a physician from the hospital during the incident as well.

After waiving his right to a hearing, Helms was returned to Schuylkill County Prison, where he is being held on $50,000 straight cash bail set by on-call Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, at the time of his arrest and preliminary arraignment.

On Monday, Reiley agreed to lower Helms’ bail from the $50,000 straight cash amount to 10% of $10,000 and ordered him not to have any contact with his victims.

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

HEGINS — A Tremont man is free on bail after being arrested by Foster Township police and charged with stealing secondary wire valued at $30,000 over a two-month period.

Police Chief James Nettles said William J. Vesay, 46, of 979 Middle Creek Road, was charged as the result of an investigation into the theft of various sizes of electrical cables from Foster Materials Rock Quarry, 97 Commonwealth Road, in Foster Township.

In addition to the theft, Nettles said Vesay also caused about $40,000 in damage to conveyors at various times in July and August.

Police learned that Vesay was on the property driving a silver Dodge truck during the times the thefts and damage happened, Nettles said.

Search warrants were obtained and served, resulting in the Dodge truck being recovered, along with evidence of copper wire, the chief said.

As a result, Nettles said Vesay was charged with theft of secondary metal, criminal mischief and criminal mischief.

Vesay was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont, and released on $25,000 unsecured bail pending a preliminary hearing.

Several area police departments assisted with the investigation, Nettles said.

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

POTTSVILLE — Terry L. Short recently admitted that prosecutors could prove he burglarized one of his neighbor’s homes in Lake Wynonah in January, and a Schuylkill County judge decided he must spend at least five years behind state prison bars because of it.

Short, 55, of Lake Wynonah, Auburn, pleaded no contest to burglary before Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin. Prosecutors withdrew charges of robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, terroristic threats, unlawful restraint and possessing instrument of crime.

Dolbin accepted the plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced Short to serve five to 10 years in a state correctional institution, pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $6,789.71 restitution to Erie Insurance Co., and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Short with breaking into the 1231 Geronimo Drive residence of Rae Ann Berger at 1:51 p.m. Jan. 9 in the Wayne Township section of the development. Berger was not home when Short originally broke into the house, according to police.

Police said that during the burglary, Short took numerous items from the residence, including jewelry and bottles of alcohol.

When Berger returned home during the burglary, Short pointed a gun at her and forced her to let him in and out of the house, police said.

By pleading no contest, Short did not admit committing the crime but offered no defense to the charges, admitted that prosecutors had enough evidence to prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and agreed to be sentenced as if he had pleaded or been found guilty.

Short has a criminal record going back 20 years that includes an additional burglary.

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

Defendant: Terry L. Short

Age:, 55

Residence: Lake Wynonah, Auburn

Plea: No contest to burglary

Prison sentence: Five to 10 years in a state correctional institution

Aristes

A Chinese auction to benefit the Aristes Fire Company will be held in the firehall, 350 Columbia Ave., with a shop-and-drop from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 5 and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 6 and calling to start at 2 p.m. Oct. 6. People need not be present to win as the prizes will be available at the company’s monthly breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon Oct. 20. Tickets are $5 each. There will be additional special tickets for larger prizes at two for $5 or five for $10. The door prize will be a 50/50 at $1 each. The alcohol table will require a photo ID to claim the prize. Food will be on sale during the events; all are welcome. For more information, email Heather Neel at hneel32@gmail.com.

Pottsville

Frank Jordan, who was the lead singer of Schuylkill County’s Jordan Brothers, will reminisce about his experiences with the celebrated rock group and perform “Heart,” “Give Me Some Lovin’” and other hits on Oct. 5 at the Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St. “A Night with Frank Jordan,” presented by the Schuylkill County Historical Society, will include a happy hour at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is $15 for society members and $20 for the general public. Tickets are available at the society, 305 N. Centre St., or online via the society’s Facebook page.

Pottsville

The Schuylkill County Historical Society will present its annual Haunted History tours of Pottsville throughout October. For the first time, there will be a trolley tour throughout the city, including a trip to the Charles Baber Cemetery at 7 p.m. Oct. 19. Tickets are $15 for society members and $20 for the general public. There is also a choice of two walking tours — The Ghosts of Guinea and Bunker Hill or The Gallows Tour — on Oct. 4, 12, 19 and 26. All walking tours are $10 per adult and $7 per child. For reservations and times for the walking tours, call the society at 570-622-7540. Ticket holders will receive a 15% discount on one item in the society’s gift shop on the evening of the tour.

Pottsville

The Schuylkill County Society for Crippled Children and Shriner’s Hospital for Children-Philadelphia have teamed up to bring needed orthopedic care to children in Schuylkill County. Children up to age 18 are eligible for free orthopedic evaluation at the society’s clinic and “if there is a reasonable possibility they can benefit from the specialized services available at Shriners Hospitals for Children the society will assist our families with the referral process and members of Shriners International will provide necessary transportation at no charge for patients to receive care at the hospital.” Acceptance at Shriners, according to a society press release, is “based solely on a child’s medical needs” and care is “regardless of the families’ ability to pay.” For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the office of the Schuylkill County Society for Crippled Children at 570-622-7170 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Shenandoah

The annual blessing of animals will be held at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 6 at the Washington and Main streets St. Casimir Playground of Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Parish. People must have pets under control at all times. For more information, call the parish office at 570-462-1968.

Summit Station

An antique tractor pull will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the pull will start at 10 a.m. The rain date is Oct. 6. For more information, call 570-617-4263.

Tamaqua

“Out of the Darkness and Into the Light,” involving strategies and tools for faith leaders regarding facing the drug epidemic, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 8 at Zion Lutheran Church, Mauch Chunk and Greenwood streets. Doors will open at 8 a.m. The trainer will be Gregory Krause, director of MARS-ATP, Bethlehem. People must register by Oct. 4 by calling Melissa Kalyan at 570-621-2890, Ext. 104 or going online to www.ziontamaqua.com/out-of-the-darkness.