SHENANDOAH — Restoration and resurfacing of state Route 924 through Shenandoah will now also include replacement of traffic signals.

The announcement of the $1 million signal upgrade was made during Monday’s borough council meeting by President Leo Pietkiewicz.

The council adopted a resolution to authorize Pietkiewicz to submit the application for traffic signal approval to the state Department of Transportation, which pays for signal upgrades.

He gave credit for action on the signals to borough consultant and secretary Joseph L. Palubinsky, a former longtime borough manager.

“They will be replaced during the paving,” Pietkiewicz said. “Joe really worked hard in my absence due to my work schedule. It’s $1 million in improvements.”

The signals are located along Main Street (Route 924) at Oak, Centre, Lloyd, Coal and Washington streets.

The resurfacing project, announced in 2016, involves a 2-inch milling and overlay and resurfacing of the highway from the northern Frackville borough line north for approximately 4.7 miles to the Route 924-Ringtown Boulevard split at the top of Locust Mountain.

PennDOT Engineering District 5 Press Officer Ronald J. Young Jr. said Tuesday the project is in final design and should be placed out for bids early next year, with construction likely to begin in mid- to late spring. The cost is estimated at $7 million to $9 million, and the work will take two or three construction seasons, Young said.

“We will not have more definitive timeframes until there is a contract awarded,” he said.

The project, which involves work in Shenandoah and Gilberton boroughs and Mahanoy and West Mahanoy townships, also includes construction of American with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps at “appropriate intersection locations,” Young said.

The project’s timing is related to replacement of the Route 924 bridge in Gilberton. Construction began earlier this year on the southbound lanes, and that is expected to be completed before winter. Work on the northbound side will resume in spring.

In other business

• The council passed a resolution adopting written procedures for how professional services are chosen for the borough’s pension plans in order to comply with Act 44 of 2009 and a recommendation from the state auditor general. The procedures would apply if the council decides to move a pension plan from one financial institution to another, Pietkiewicz said.

• Pietkiewicz asked the council about timbering borough-owned property in Brandonville, East Union Township, at the Pumping Station dam. The work would be done by King’s Sawmill, Spring Glen. He said proceeds would go into the general fund. The council approved the project.

• The council voted to make $1 offers on each of four county repository sale properties for the purpose of demolition or rehabilitation. The properties are at 412 E. Arlington St., 414 E. Arlington St., 422 W. Cherry St. and 322 Furnace St.

• The council approved changing auditing/accounting firms from Patton & Co. to Jones & Co., Pottsville.

• Mayor Andrew Szczyglak reminded residents that trick-or-treat night is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.

“I ask that people be cautious because kids will be walking the streets and they should slow down,” he said.

• Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian, pastor of Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Church, made a written request to allow the San Diego De Alcala procession to be held by the parish’s Spanish ministry beginning at 11 a.m. Nov. 16. Bocian asked for permission for the procession to travel from West Cherry to South Gilbert to West Oak to South Jardin streets and back to the church and for a police escort. The council approved the request.

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

POTTSVILLE — Instead of going to trial, a Port Clinton man admitted Tuesday to a Schuylkill County judge that he committed all 10 crimes with which he was charged, while in another courtroom, a Mahanoy City man was acquitted of the two charges against him.

Mark A. Lischak, 60, pleaded guilty to seven counts of prohibited possession of firearm and one count each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judge Charles M. Miller, who was to have presided over Lischak’s trial, instead accepted his plea, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and scheduled the defendant’s sentencing for 2 p.m. Dec. 10.

State police at Reading alleged that Lischak possessed 37 grams of methamphetamine, six long guns, a revolver, baggies and a digital scale at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 18.

“Numerous items of contraband were located and seized,” according to the Affidavit of Probable Cause police filed.

Police said Lischak took responsibility for all contraband on the property.

Members of the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force participated in the search of the property.

Police said Lischak pleaded guilty to burglary on Sept. 23, 1987, in Berks County Court. On Nov. 18, 1987, President Judge Forrest G. Schaeffer sentenced Lischak to serve nine to 29 months in prison and pay costs, a $100 fine and $3,909.04 restitution.

That conviction makes it unlawful for him to possess any firearms, according to police.

Reading police alleged Lischak committed that burglary on March 21, 1987.

Meanwhile, a Schuylkill County jury deliberated approximately two hours before finding James T. Nalesnik, 41, of Mahanoy City, not guilty of two counts of criminal mischief.

State police at Frackville had charged Nalesnik with damaging a vehicle and a swimming pool on Aug. 3, 2018.

First Assistant District Attorney Michael J. Stine said in his closing argument that Nalesnik went to a bar and told his cousin, Corey Smuller, what he had done.

“There’s no evidence that she has any motive to lie to you,” Stine said of Smuller. “How does she just know this?”

However, jurors accepted the closing argument of Assistant Public Defender Lora J. McDonald, Nalesnik’s lawyer, that no one called police even after the defendant said he had committed the crime.

“There wasn’t a whole lot of evidence” that Nalesnik actually committed the crime, she said.

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-366-9240

An eighth-ounce of bud costs $123,456 if you order online from medical cannabis dispensary Justice Grown Pennsylvania.

It’s a creative deterrent to stop patients from placing orders online amid widespread shortage of dry leaf medical cannabis.

Demand has outpaced supply ever since state regulators opened up raw cannabis sales for approved patients last August. That and other factors came to a head this week for Justice Grown when it had to throttle sales for an option that costs significantly less than concentrated products such as vape cartridges and tinctures.

Justice Grown owner Abbe Kruger, who has dispensaries in Dickson City and Edwardsville, said the listing was for information only and that online orders will not be processed.

Fluctuate daily

Kruger’s dispensaries have limited supply that can fluctuate daily. She’s preventing orders in excess of what they can fill when patients arrive to pick up.

On Tuesday, Justice Grown had only one dry leaf strain by one company on its online Edwardsville menu — a CBD hybrid called “The Wife” by grower/processor Terrapin.

That company had been at the front lines pushing regulators to allow more product to be allocated for bud.

“They’re starting to modify the program, starting to allow for more cultivation,” Terrapin spokesman Peter Marcus said. “My guess is within the next year you’re going to see it open up a lot more.”

At the end of September, the state health department walked back an order limiting dry leaf production to 50% of companies’ total output, department spokesman Nate Wardle said in an email.

“DOH (the health department) is doing a really good job in terms of increasing supply that hopefully will come into balance shortly,” said Jonathon Goldrath, co-founder of the White Haven grower/processor Standard Farms.

The health department recently streamlined its expansion, and Standard Farms is doubling its capacity, he said.

200,000 registered

An estimated 200,000-plus Pennsylvanians are registered in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program. The number jumped after July when the health department added anxiety and Tourette syndrome to the list of diseases now treatable with cannabis.

But the DOH got hasty when it added those diseases, critics say, without ensuring producers were ready for the influx.

“Nobody gives anybody a prescription for opioids and sends them to a pharmacy knowing that the pharmacy isn’t going to have the prescription,” said Jeff Riedy, director with the cannabis advocacy organization Lehigh Valley NORML.

Contact the writer: joconnell@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9131

4 charged after found at property

POTTSVILLE — Four people were jailed after being arrested by city police in relation to an incident at 413 W. Laurel Blvd. around 7:50 a.m. Sunday.

Police said officers were called to the property for a report of an open door on a vacant property and while searching the building, found Jacob Schopfer, 26; Gage Harkins, 19; Michelle Murphy, 46; and Jenna Rupp, 20, on the second and third floors. Police said all four were detained and the property owner confirmed no one had permission to be inside the residence.

Patrolman Anna Flail charged each with felony criminal mischief. They were arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to each post 10% of $5,000 bail, police said.

Man charged with assault

POTTSVILLE — A Saint Clair man was jailed after being arrested Saturday by city police for an assault.

Officers were called to the 600 block of North Centre Street around 8:25 a.m. and spoke to a 26-year-old Pottsville woman who said that Anthony Koles, 31, injured her by throwing a piece of art canvas that struck her in the right eye. The woman had visible injuries, police said.

Patrolman Lynnsay Bauman charged Koles with simple assault and harassment.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10% of $10,000 bail, police said.

DUI checkpoints set in county

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

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

POTTSVILLE — Extra security protocols will remain in effect at the Pottsville Area High School until the person responsible for writing a threat found Tuesday is identified and in custody.

Dr. Jeffrey Zwiebel, superintendent, said that after the threat was discovered it was decided to place restrictions on students entering the high school building.

Effective Wednesday morning Zwiebel said students were not allowed to enter with backpacks or large bags and also not allowed to wear baggy clothing.

The additional security measures were put into place after a handwritten threat was discovered on a bathroom stall in the high school building Tuesday afternoon.

Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said the short, printed message read “3-2-1” and that a “Boom!!” would occur on Oct. 23.

After being informed of the threat, the chief said the high school was completely searched by K-9 units from the Pennsylvania State Police and Capital Police, as well as Pottsville Police officers and determined to be free of any hazardous devices.

In addition, Wojciechowsky said the building and grounds were secured for the duration of the evening Tuesday until the start of classes Wednesday morning.

Zwiebel said despite the inconvenience of the additional security measures classes resumed Wednesday as usual.

“The students and the staff have been great,” he said. “All in all we were back to normal.”

Wojciechowsky said the investigation into identifying the person who wrote the message is continuing and that additional information will be released when it is available.

Zwiebel said that parents will be notified through the district’s Skyward notification system when the temporary restrictions are lifted. When that will be is not known.

“The restrictions will remain in effect until the student who made the threat is identified and in custody, safety is out main priority,” Zwiebel said.

fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013

Geisinger Medical Center, Danville

To Joshua Jay Hickey and Mary Beth McGinnis, Pottsville, a son, Sept. 26. Grandparents are April Gallagher, Ephrata, Richard Dronitsky, Palo Alto, Cathy Bale, Pottsville, Jay William Hickey, Newton, N.J., Agnes Dallos, Newton, N.J., and Corey Flecha, Pottsville.

To Thomas and Stacey Lucas Zarcufsky, Frackville, a son, Oct. 18. Grandparents are Michael and Eva Lucas, Ashland.

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street

To Richard Frymyer and Jennifer Maloney, Hamburg, a daughter, Sept. 27.

Two weeks ago, this column discussed ways you can help nonprofits during the holiday season. There are so many, that it couldn’t be fit into one column. Here are a few more suggestions:

The next few months can be a lonely time for those living in nursing and long-term care homes. Perhaps you or your organization would like to visit residents and present them with a travel size lotion, fresh-made cookies, or a small poinsettia. Facilities may also welcome bingo prizes for gaming. Do you have a special talent like magic or playing a musical instrument? Why not share them for a day of entertainment? Call your local nursing home to see if they have any holiday donation needs or suggestions.

Art center and theater calendars will be filled with activities, shows and events through the new year and they could use extra hands. These are a great opportunity to get the whole family involved.

Some service organizations provide hot meals and could use food donations or some extra “cooks” or servers.

The Knights of Columbus Council 431 in Pottsville will be hosting its annual Thanksgiving Day meals. This will be the 12th year the council has worked with volunteer and community partners to cook, prepare, pack and deliver meals, averaging more than 1,500 per year. Volunteers, particularly drivers, are needed. Call 570-617-1714 if you’d like to help.

The Salvation Army Pottsville Corps aides hundreds of families each holiday season and you can help by donating a few hours of your time. They’re looking for help with packing their annual Thanksgiving and Christmas meal baskets, for the Thanksgiving Day meal, and extra hands for the Toy Shop on Dec. 16 and 17, as well as kettle bell ringers. Call Envoy Brad Harris at 570-622-5252 if you’d like to help with any of these programs.

Mentioned before but worth the reminder, food pantries will see an increase in the number of consumers in need of holiday food. Why not buy an extra package of a holiday staple for someone in need. Cranberry sauce, boxed stuffing mix, canned gravy and veggies, boxed instant mashed potatoes and a box of decorative cookies are popular seasonal items. Contact your local food pantry to see what their needs are.

The holidays not only bring out our giving spirit, they also reveal community needs. A few hours of your time or a small donation can bring a little joy to others this holiday. What a nice gift.

The Penn State Master Gardeners are hosting a wreath and swag workshop at 10 a.m. Nov. 9 at Evergreen Acres in Auburn. Register to learn about them, and how to keep them fresh and beautiful for $5. Purchase a swag supply package for $10 or a wreath package for $20 and create your own project. Space is limited and registration deadline is Nov. 1. Call 570-622-4225 or email schuylkillmg@psu.edu for details.

The Pottsville Free Public Library invites you to Coffee with the Cops: Let’s Talk About Safety, an informal discussion with Pottsville Chief of Police Wojciechowsky and Capt. Morrow, at 9 a.m. Nov. 7. Call 570-622-8880 for details.

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.

PINE GROVE — Little brown bats set up maternity ward colonies where they roost with other mothers while each one raises a single pup.

Fellas get kicked out.

Steph Stronsick, president and founder of Pennsylvania Bat Rescue, shared that tidbit and other facts about bats during a special program Wednesday at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park Clubhouse.

She also dispelled some common misconceptions, explaining bats are not blind, they normally are very docile creatures and only a small percentage of them carry rabies. Regardless, they should not be picked up.

“We rescue about 200 bats per year, and only about five of them test positive for rabies,” said Stronsick, who’s also a licensed bat rehabilitator from Berks County.

Denise Donmoyer, Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association president, introduced Stronsick. PBR’s visit was coordinated by the association and made possible, in part, with a grant from the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation and the Reidler Family Charitable Fund.

Larry Burkert and his wife, Joan, were among the 25 people who attended.

“We used to have bats in our neighborhood, but we don’t see them anymore,” Burkert, of Cumbola, said following Stronsick’s presentation. “It was interesting. I like the idea that they eat all those mosquitoes and gnats,” he said.

One little brown bat can devour 1,200 mosquitoes in just one hour. There are nine bat species in Pennsylvania , 43 species in the U.S., and 1,400 bat species in the world, according to Stronsick.

“Bats are the only mammals with flight capability,” she said, noting that they are not rodents. Bats are from the Chiroptera order, with Chiroptera meaning “hand wing.” Their bones are not hollow, like birds, but are solid. They also have a thumb and fingers that are elongated.

Stronsick brought along a live, 1 1/2-year-old big brown bat. It suffered from a metabolic bone disorder because the person who tried to rescue it did not have the appropriate formula for the bat to receive necessary nutrition. It is unable to fly.

Andrew Primeau, 5, excitedly sat near the front during the presentation and asked several questions about vampire bats and conservation.

“He loves animals, especially dinosaurs. He watches Wild Kratts,” his father, Dave Primeau, of Pine Grove, said. His wife, Sascha, sent him a text about the program, so he decided to bring his son, he said.

Primeau actually completed an Eagle Scout project nearly 20 years ago with another rehabilitator, Peggy Hentz, of Red Creek Wildlife Center. He said he constructed a pen for juvenile water foul.

PBR has a mission of conservation, education and rehabilitation, according to Stronsick. She spoke of challenges that bats face, including the White Nose Syndrome epidemic, animal predators and man-made hazards like cars and wind turbines.

The White Nose Syndrome is everywhere in Pennsylvania, she said. PBR has been working cooperatively with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to address the fungal disease. Bats wake up to scratch and groom while they should be hibernating when they have the disease, and they usually starve or become dehydrated, she said. Nearly 7 million bats have been killed by the disease since it was discovered in New York in 2006, according to Stronsick.

October is Bat Appreciation Month. The last week of the month is also known as National Bat Week. Stronsick said Gov. Tom Wolf has proclaimed the state’s support of bat week.

The rescue’s website, pabatrescue.org, tells people what to do if a bat is found indoors or outside. According to the website, “Your goal is to get the bat to leave on its own. Do not attempt to touch or pick up the bat.

“Although rabies is carried in less than 0.5% of all bats, any mammal can potentially carry the rabies virus. For your safety and the bat’s, please contact a professional wildlife rehabilitator if you find an injured bat or if a bat will not leave your residence on its own,” the site says.

Stronsick provided resource material, showed an appropriate-chambered bat house and recommended the children’s book, “The Secret Life of the Little Brown Bat,” by Laurence Pringle.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Altamont

The Altamont Fire Company Auxiliary will have a soup sale, pickup-only, beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday. The cost is $6 per quart and $3.50 per pint and the variety includes bean, broccoli cheese, halupki, French onion, chili and chicken noodle. For more information, call 570-874-4384.

Frackville

The Frackville Halloween parade, sponsored by the Frackville Recreation Board and Elks Lodge 1533, will begin with registration at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Arch Street Park. There will be light refreshments and costume prizes for youngsters up to age 12. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held inside Good Will Hose Company.

Friedensburg

St. John’s Reformed Church, 17 Chestnut St., will have a Chinese auction from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, email gigi1213@comcast.net.

Orwigsburg

Congregational Free Church of Christ, 81 McKeans Ridge Road, is taking advance orders for a sub sale with pickup set for 10:30 a.m. Nov. 7. Subs are $5 each and the variety includes Italian, ham or turkey. To order, call 570-366-2049 by Nov. 3.

Pottsville

Guz’s Charitable Project will host its seventh annual event Saturday at the Barefield Recreational Complex, 823 Terry Reiley Way. The project’s mission is to raise awareness of the repercussions of distracted driving, specifically texting and driving, in memory of David Guzick, who was killed on March 12, 2013, by a distracted driver. Each year the Guzick family chooses a local nonprofit that can benefit from its efforts. This year, in addition to the Drog Off Day, there will also be a cornhole tournament. For more, visit Guz’s annual Charitable Project on Facebook.

Pottsville

First Baptist Church, 701 Mahantongo St., will have Soup and Stuff, an indoor food and yard sale, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Homemade soups available for advance order include chicken noodle, chili, ham/bean, broccoli/cheese and vegetable beef at $7 per quart. There will also be baked goods and gently used and new items. For more information, call 570-622-4749.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Rotary Club recently feted high school students of the month Anna Lieberman and Jake Ferhat of Nativity BVM, Reilly Babcock and Noah Fredericks of Pottsville Area and Regina Yeung and Dominic Pizzico of Minersville Area. The students told Rotarians about their school and community activities and plans for the future.

Saint Clair

A bean soup sale will be held beginning at 10 a.m. Nov. 2 in St. Michael Church Hall, North Morris Street. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-429-2138.

Saint Clair

A gift card bingo for the Blue Mountain High School Class of 2020 will be held Nov. 24 at the Saint Clair Lions Club, 227 S. Mill St. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and bingo will begin at 1 p.m. Food, raffles and 50/50s will be on sale. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. All are welcome. For tickets or more information, call 570-527-5787 or 570-640-6152.

Zion Grove

Mount Zion Lutheran Church and Thrivent Financial will hold a hoagie sale Nov. 3. Hoagies will be made at the church and be available for pickup between 2 and 3 p.m. The cost is $5 and orders are due by Friday. To order, call Kathy at 570-384-3367 or Deb at 570-889-5401 or see any church member. The variety includes regular with or without onions and turkey with or without onions (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, dressing and mayonnaise are on the side). Checks for hoagies and monetary donations should be made payable to Mount Zion Lutheran Church. Proceeds will benefit Robin Baker of Mountain Grove, who has been hospitalized for 10 days and has undergone surgery and received a partial liver implant via donor Angela Speakes, sale organizers said in a release. The money will be used to assist with a post-surgery caregiver, medical and hospital expenses.

POTTSVILLE — A Mount Carbon motorist faces possible prison time after a Schuylkill County jury found him guilty Wednesday of fleeing from a police officer in February in Pottsville.

Aaron J. Booterbaugh, 29, is guilty of fleeing or eluding police, the jury of eight women and four men decided after deliberating approximately two hours, about as long as the rest of the trial. Booterbaugh did not react to the verdict.

Judge James P. Goodman, who presided over the one-day trial, found Booterbaugh guilty of driving under suspension-DUI related, reckless driving and failure to stop at red signal. He also ordered preparation of a presentence investigation, kept Booterbaugh’s bail at $5,000 unsecured and scheduled sentencing for 11 a.m. Dec. 12.

Pottsville police charged Booterbaugh with fleeing police in a blue Dodge Dakota pickup truck on Feb. 9.

Sgt. John H. Mohl, the prosecuting officer, testified he was parked near the A-Plus mini-market when he saw Booterbaugh run the red light at Route 61 and East Norwegian Street. He said he promptly started the pursuit, which led to the chase that went all the way to Cressona and Hillside roads.

Booterbaugh drove recklessly, according to Mohl.

“The operator did not have control of his vehicle,” Mohl said.

He also said he obtained Booterbaugh’s photo and went to Mount Carbon.

Mohl also said he did not turn on his body camera because he was in his patrol car and it would not have shown anything useful. He also said city police cars are not equipped with dash cameras.

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

The state Senate on Wednesday approved bipartisan legislation to provide security grants to faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations, Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, announced in a news release.

Argall, who sponsored similar legislation earlier this year, said House Bill 859 would make grants available to faith-based institutions and nonprofits that serve individuals, groups or institutions listed by the FBI as at-risk for hate crime incidents.

The program is similar to the School Safety Security Grant Program that helps schools meet a variety of security needs.

Argall said he introduced legislation this year to expand the program and led legislative efforts to add funding for private schools.

“We have made a lot of progress toward protecting our schools and providing a safer environment for young people, especially in the past two years in the Senate,” Argall was quoted in the release. “This bill allows us to apply the same approach — and the same protections — to residents of our communities who suffer from the greatest risks of violence.”

Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $150,000. Faith-based institutions and nonprofits could utilize the grant dollars for a variety of security planning, equipment and technology needs, including metal detectors, surveillance cameras, emergency communications equipment, electronic locksets, threat assessments and building upgrades.

The amended version of House Bill 859 returns to the House for further consideration.

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill County commissioners said Wednesday they want as many people, especially young ones, as possible to participate in Saturday’s Make A Difference Day service projects.

“We live in a great community,” commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said during the proclamation of Saturday as Make a Difference Day.

In the proclamation, all three commissioners urged that as many citizens as possible find a community service project in which to participate that day.

Janice Johnston, director of Community Volunteers in Action, which is the coordinating agency for the day’s activities, said anyone who participates should find plenty of company.

“We have a large participation this year,” she said. “We want to thank everybody.”

The county has been participating in the day’s events since 1996, with 2,407 projects completed, Johnston said. An additional 107 projects are on this year’s agenda, she said.

Also at the meeting, the commissioners entered into four purchase of service agreements on behalf of Children & Youth Services, each of which will run through June 30, 2020.

• Adelphoi Village, Latrobe, will provide transitional living for 4208.49 per day, shelter at $248.42 per day and diagnostic evaluation at $2,730 per evaluation.

• Justice Works, Pittsburgh, will provide family finding at $65 per hour, STOPP at $80 per hour and FGDM at $3,000 per conference.

• Stepping Stones, Reading, will provide infant foster care at $46.67 per day, traditional foster care at $44.67 per day and specialized foster care at $51.67 per day. This is an addendum to an existing contract.

• Summit Academy, Pittsburgh, will provide a residential program at $162.48 per day, female residential program at $226.72 per day and shelter program at $289.63 per day.

Additionally, the commissioners approved a supplemental budget appropriation of $137,417 for the debt service fund. Director of Finance Paul E. Buber said the money already is available and will be used for a payment due Nov. 1.

“All long-term debt payments are made out of this fund,” including the most recent bond issue of $12,250,000, Buber said. Of that bond issue, $10,750,000 was earmarked for refinancing and $1.5 million for the purchase of new voting machines required by state law, he said.

Buber said he would not speculate on what recent proposals to help counties pay for new voting machines might mean financially for the county, since the money is not yet in hand.

Also, the commissioners approved the following budget adjustments for the indicated agencies.

• $48,489 for Children & Youth

• $19,770 for Drug & Alcohol

• $750 for Human Resources

• $55,000 for Liquid Fuels

• $10,000 for Public Works

• $350 for Tax Assessment

• $2,150 for Tax Claim Bureau

Buber said all adjustments involved only moving money.

“We are not increasing overall spending,” he said.

He said the $55,000 budget adjustment for Liquid Fuels was for repair of a traffic signal at Route 61 and South Centre Street in North Manheim Township near the Mount Carbon Arch. The county must pay the cost up front, but will be reimbursed by its insurer for all but the $5,000 deductible on its insurance policy, Buber said.

In other business, the commissioners:

• Appointed Mark J. Scarbinsky, Saint Clair, to a one-year term on the Highridge Improvement District Authority, effective Jan. 1, 2020.

• Approved a cooperation agreement with Delano Township for a demolition project at 13-14 Trenton St., Trenton. County Administrator Gary R. Bender said the property is a double house, and both parts will be demolished.

• Extended to Oct. 31 the contract with Arro Consulting Inc. for engineering services concerning the Community Development Block Grant storm water project on Hazle Street in Delano Township, and approved a change order with Blue Ridge Excavating and Hauling reducing the cost of the project by $470 to $58,385.

“It’s adjacent to the municipal building,” Bender said.

• Approved the hiring of Nicole Yeastedt, Minersville, as a county caseworker 1 for Children & Youth Services, effective Monday. The Salary Board also approved her hourly pay rate of $17.7923.

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

James K. Reiley

POTTSVILLE — A former Shenandoah man charged by Pottsville police with producing a Civil Action document with a computer printed signature of Schuylkill County President Judge William Baldwin waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley.

Joseph V. Jusinski, 39, who now lives at 501 S. Middle St., Frackville, was arrested by Pottsville police Patrolman Grant Yoder and charged with one felony count of forgery.

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

Yoder charged Jusinski with producing the civil document given to Pottsville attorney Stephen Carpenito. The letter containing the unauthorized signature of Baldwin referred to a previous letter as well as money owed through a judgment to be paid to Jusinski’s daughter, Yoder said.

Other court cases included:

Tyler J. Hall, 19, of 637 E. Centre St., Mahanoy City; Hall pleaded guilty to a charge of defiant trespass and prosecutors withdrew a charge of criminal trespass.

Jessica L. Yerger, 19, of 45 W. Division St., Apt. 3, Dover, Delaware; Yerger pleaded guilty to a charge of defiant trespass and prosecutors withdrew a charge of criminal trespass.

Montana D. Edmondson, 20, of 5 Becker St., Schuylkill Haven; waived for court: corruption of minors.

Richard Arrigo, 27, of 825 Fairview St., Pottsville; waived for court: criminal trespass.

Richard A. Dronitsky, 27, of 51 E. Savory St., Palo Alto; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance and no rear lights.

Thomas R. Weikel, 43, of 410 E. Market St., Apt. 2, Pottsville; waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jessica L. Collins, 35, of 511A W. Mahanotongo St., Pottsville; held for court: aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment.

Nicole M. Ervolino, 36, of 403 W. Arch St., Suite A, Pottsville; held for court: retail theft.

Donald E. Dower Jr., 28, of 11 Fidler Court, Pine Grove; waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving a vehicle without a valid inspection and making repairs to or selling offensive weapons.

Celedonia M. Hunt, 46, of 720 Mine St., Pottsville; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, careless driving and no headlights.

Brad Czimcharo, 44, of 107 Centre St., Box 8, Port Clinton; waived for court: DUI, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, disregard for single traffic lane, careless driving and turning movements and required signals.

Hunter C. Stewart, 24, of 87 Bitting Road, Alburtis; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI-controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and obscured or covered plates.

Theodore F. Lecher, 34, of 20 Silver Creek Road, New Philadelphia; waived for court: DUI, DUI-high rate, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and no headlights.

Tiffany Ann Mozloom, 36, of 713 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville; dismissed: endangering the welfare of children.

Ryan Lee Tomczyk, 33, of 906 W. Race St., Pottsville; Tomczyk pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and prosecutors withdrew a charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Brandon S. Fritz, 36, of SCI/Frackville, Frackville; Fritz pleaded guilty to charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia and prosecutors withdrew charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana, DUI-controlled substance and no rear lights.

David S. Herman, 27, of 1213 W. Market St., Pottsville; Herman pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct and prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana.

James J. Hossler Jr., 37, of 713 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville; waived for court: fleeing or attempting to elude police, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving without insurance, no headlights, period for requiring lighted lamps, driving the wrong way, reckless driving, careless driving and duties at a stop sign.

Victor Green, 27, of 217 Fairview St., Pottsville; held for court: possession of a controlled substance, corruption of minors and interference with the custody of children.

Peter J. Ouschick, 64, of 819 Centre St., Ashland; waived for court: criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property, trespass by motor vehicle, driving with an alcohol level of 0.02% or higher while under license suspension and driving without insurance.

Robert S. Sedlak, 50, of 229 N. Ninth St., Pottsville; wiaved for court: simple assault and harassment.

Kevin A. Gradwell, 34, of 2119 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville; waived for court: DUI, DUI-controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and careless driving.

Nicole M. Finken, 40, of 429 E. Arch St., Pottsville; waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

William A. O’Shaughnessy, 39, of 318 S. Nichols St., Saint Clair; held for court: possession of a controlled substance.

Steven B. Reed Jr., 38, of 1024 W. Race St., Pottsville; waived for court: simple assault, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thomas G. Colton Jr., 47, of 20 Water St., Apt. 4, New Philadelphia; waived for court: accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and not yielding at a roadway.

Shauntay Wilkins, 41, of 210 N. Second St., Apt. Third Floor, Pottsville; waived for court: theft of leased property.

Tyvonne Wade Conrad, 27, of 223 Fairview St., Pottsville; waived for court: criminal trespass.

Tobi Metz, 37, of 420 E. Second Mountain Road, Schuylkill Haven; held for court: making repairs to or selling offensive weapons, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kimberly Ann Cole, 33, of 232 Boyer St., Johnstown; withdrawn: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Alexander A. Loweth, 63, of 734 Seneca St., Pottsville; waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate and careless driving.

Wayne Gavenas, 38, of 741 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

The following people entered guilty pleas according to arrangements with the Schuylkill County district attorney’s office:

Cody D. Donmoyer, 25, of 157 Sweet Arrow Lake Road, Pine Grove; possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and improper sun screening.

Edward J. Polusky Jr., 54, LKA 320 W. Market St., Apt. 4, Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Daniel P. Peletsky Jr., 38, of 714 W. Mahantongo St., Apt. 6, Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jennifer Romaine Abdo, 35, of 213 W, Market St., Apt. D-06, Market Square Apartments; possession of a controlled substance.

Shawn M. Cicero Jr., 25, of 718 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance.

Angela Eye, 31, of 917 Fairmount St., Pottsville; possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dennis C. Shafe, 34, of 112 S. 12th St., Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance.

Ricky Lee Smith, 25, of 1556 Fair Road, Schuylkill Haven; driving an unregistered vehicle, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Ronald C. Wilson, 25, of 803 Pinewood Drive, Pottsville; possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Kashif “Kash” Emmit Harris, 32, of 810 W. Race St., Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

(Staff writer Frank Andruscavage compiled this report)

Marriages

Bradlee L. Levan, Linden, Virginia, and Allison S. Meaney, Linden, Virginia.

Cesare Picone, Tamaqua, and Lucia Bombolino, Tamaqua.

Jason Keiser, Huntingdon, and Naomi M. Diane Justice, Paralowie, South Australia, Australia.

Eric M. Hampford, Pottsville, and Kaley M. Ebling, Pottsville.

Joshua S. Carl Sr., Pottsville, and Bryanna A. Sands, Pottsville.

Isaac J. Price, Pottsville, and Brandi Lyn Schell, Pottsville.

Rory S. Hardenstine, Altamonte Springs, Florida, and Nicole L. Koppenhaver, Altamonte Springs, Florida.

Brian D. Tuscher, Fleetwood, and Adele Shelley Lian Torres, Shamokin.

Divorces granted

Jena Wank, Tamaqua, from Joshua Wank, Tamaqua.

Maria Cancel, Tamaqua, from Carl Townes, Easton.

Quinn Lickman, Orwigsburg, from Rita Pepat, Harrisburg.

Charles K. Miller, Pine Grove, from Kimberly Miller, Mount Holly Springs.

Suzanne Frantz, Orwigsburg, from Glenn Frantz, Orwigsburg.

Edward Hossler, Tremont, from Danielle Ann Hossler, Tremont.

Laycek Theis, Pottsville, from Jesse L. Theis, Alburtis.

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County wants more than $1.2 million from the Community Development Block Grant program, which officials said Wednesday helps all municipalities stay healthy.

The commissioners voted Wednesday to apply for $1,215,644 in fiscal year 2019 from the program.

“It allows us to work with local communities toward making improvements in our local areas,” commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said of the program, which the county administers on behalf of its municipalities.

The county will submit the application to the state Department of Community and Economic Development and will administer the program. County Administrator Gary R. Bender is optimistic the entire submission will get a green light from DCED.

“It’s rare that something gets changed,” he said.

Thirteen county municipalities are asking for money, much of which will go toward demolition or rehabilitation of single-family, owner-occupied housing.

“The review that’s done on these is extensive,” Halcovage said. “They’re for the good of the county.”

Bender said nine of those municipalities are entitled communities, meaning they have populations of more than 4,000 and automatically qualify for money under certain conditions. He noted that this shows the importance of responding to the Census, as Frackville lost its status as such a community because its population fell under 4,000, thereby costing it an $85,000 share of such money.

He also said the money traditionally has been used to make municipalities more livable.

“Historically, the communities have been focused on stormwater, water and sewer projects over the years,” Bender said.

Bender said the most noteworthy CDBG project is the improvement to the water system, which was old and leaky, in the area of Joliett and Keffers in Porter Township. Similar successful ones include old and leaky water systems in Cass and Schuylkill townships, and the stormwater project in Girardville, he said.

Tamaqua is the municipality seeking the most money this year, asking for $121,544 for demolition and street improvements. Butler Township, Schuylkill Haven, Shenandoah and Wayne Township also are each seeking more than $100,000.

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

Municipalities seeking CDBG money:

RINGTOWN — A new business will open in the near future in downtown Ringtown that makes use of a former bank building and turns it into a place to enjoy life moments, business events and more.

The Red Brick on Main plans to open its doors to the public from 5 to 6:15 p.m. on Halloween, hosting a magic show by Eddy Ray, the busiest magician and illusionist in Pennsylvania. Tickets are $9 at the door.

The building at 16 W. Main St., originally First National Bank, and later M&T Bank, has been vacant since M&T closed its doors in 2012. Borough resident Chris Brokenshire saw the empty building and wanted to put it to good use rather than having it sit idle.

After some consideration and contacts with the real estate firm, he finalized the purchase in April and has been working on it.

Some people in the region may recognize Brokenshire’s name. In addition to being a Ringtown borough councilman, he developed and marketed “Boilo — Traditional Flavored Hot Toddy Mix.”

Brokenshire gave a tour of the building Tuesday to show what work has been done and speak of different ideas. Also on hand was Holly Haddad, of Saint Clair, who worked on the decorative accents to enhance the interior spaces.

The tour included a look into two bank vaults, each on different floors. The walls of the public area have outdoor photos taken by Brokenshire’s son, Teigan, showing different aspects of the Ringtown Valley.

Brokenshire was asked why he decided to purchase the building.

“It’s been up for sale forever,” he said. “I would sit in the pizza shop across the street and I would dream about what could be done with it and wished I could own it someday.”

When the building was posted for sale, he checked into it and found the price to be too high. He waited for a time and tried again.

“I was sitting at home and had a beer and went to the computer and made an offer. The worst they could say is no, but they said yes,” Brokenshire said. “We had 30 days and didn’t have time to think. It was either get it at a good price or just let it go. We bought it and figured we would either rent it out or do something with it. We thought it was too nice to let it just sit here and rot.”

Brokenshire said one idea was to have it as a professional office.

“There were a whole bunch of different ideas and actually it’s still evolving,” he said. “We tore the counters out and when we looked at it then, it looked like a nice hall. Holly decorated it and look at it. I’m the owner, but I couldn’t do it without my dad (Allen Brokenshire) and Holly. We would just work on it whenever we could.”

Brokenshire said the room can handle 50 people. There are chafing dishes/warmer trays for people who want to have an event catered, and refrigerators will soon be delivered.

The hall can be rented for special small venue events, such as birthday parties, weddings and corporate events. Brokenshire looks to work with other businesses in the area that can provide a larger package of activities, such as horse rides.

“It’s nice. It’s different. It’s good for this end of the mountain,” Brokenshire said. “And we don’t know what it’s going to turn into tomorrow because we’re just going forward. We do have a lot of ideas. We welcome the community. Just kind of stay tuned. I think there is probably more to come.”

To learn more about Eddy Ray, go to his website at eddyraymagic.com.

To book an event or for more information, call 570-581-6642 or email redbrickonmain@hotmail.com. The website is www.redbrickonmain.com, and there is a Facebook page.

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

A Pottsville native is going from regional TV sports anchor to a national audience with Fox.

Fox Nation, an on-demand subscription-based streaming service, has signed Kacie McDonnell as a lifestyle and sports host, John Finley, executive vice president of the platform, announced Thursday.

The 29-year-old Nativity BVM graduate will make her debut at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

“I am beyond grateful for this opportunity,” she was quoted in a news release. “It’s an absolute dream to join the innovative team at Fox Nation. I am looking forward to growing a relationship with the platform’s loyal subscribers and creating the entertaining and informative content our viewers enjoy.”

McDonnell will offer viewers lifestyle and sporting content across the platform. At the Patriot Awards, she will serve as a co-host of The Red Carpet Show alongside Abby Hornacek. The event will honor military veterans, first responders and other inspirational everyday heroes.

“We are looking forward to having Kacie join us as part of the Fox Nation family. Her background and extensive knowledge in sports brings an exciting element that we are looking forward to exploring for our subscribers,” Finley was quoted in the news release.

Her parents, Ken and Michele McDonnell, live in Pottsville. Her mother was sharing the news on Facebook on Thursday.

“We’re incredibly proud to share some great news,” she wrote. “Kacie will be headed to New York City.”

Michele McDonnell said by phone that her daughter will be working at an office at the Fox headquarters in New York. She is expecting to make an appearance on the “Fox and Friends” morning show as part of her move to the network.

Kacie McDonnell worked for Fox Philly following graduation from Villanova University with a degree in communications, and most recently worked for New England Sports Network as a sports anchor covering professional sports across Boston.

Fox Nation is a direct-to-consumer on-demand streaming service designed to complement the Fox News Channel experience with a members-only destination for its most passionate and loyal fans. The product includes daily short-form conservative opinion programming, historic documentaries and investigative series from a multitude of Fox News personalities.

A fitness center and an arts and crafts store are going to occupy two-thirds of the former Kmart space in the Laurel Mall near Hazleton, its on-site management said Wednesday.

Rocco Arruzzo, the mall’s business operations manager, said Hobby Lobby — a large arts and crafts retailer — is expected to take about 55,000 square feet of the space, and Planet Fitness, a national fitness club chain, will take another 25,000 square feet.

Meanwhile, negotiations are underway with another retailer to take the remaining 25,000 square feet of the anchor space.

Arruzzo said it is “99%” sure the stores are coming, but leases have not yet been signed. “It will be official in the next two weeks,” Arruzzo said.

Arruzzo on May 1 became regional manager for the Fairlane Village mall north of Pottsville.

Meanwhile, there are other tenants coming and going in the Laurel Mall Arruzzo said.

J Zapata, who operates a popular Mexican food truck in the area, is taking the former Salad Delight/Cookfellas/Dino’s Pizza space at the mall’s center court as of Nov. 1,” Arruzzo said of the new restaurant.

Outside the mall, the three-year project to open Bogart’s sports bar and restaurant has been suspended.

“The mall has taken back possession of the space” where an off-track horse race betting operation had existed for a few years, Arruzzo said. “We are negotiating with another restauranteur to take the space.”

Also in the strip space outside the mall, Genovese’s Deli is slated to open next week, Arruzzo said.

Contact the writer: jdino@standardspeaker.com 570-501-3585

ASHLAND — Miriam “Mim” Maurer will be at the keyboard of the church organ on Sunday, doing what she has been doing for the past 70 years — and with no signs of stopping.

The Ashland musician began playing for worship services when she was 21 in 1949. Now 91, she continues to play at Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ. She has outlasted nine pastors, including the Rev. Rex Thomas, who was there for 30 years.

As with most churches in recent years, the congregations are smaller, the choirs even smaller. But as long as Maurer can get to the church, those attending will hear her music.

“This has been just a part of my life every Sunday, and also Thursday night choir practice,” Maurer said. “I just did it. There was no ever thinking that I’m not going to do it.”

She will play at the 10 a.m. worship service Sunday, with a special treat: her daughters, Pamela Gressens, Ashland, and Debra Ondeyka, Fanwood, New Jersey, will sing a duet.

“They do a beautiful job. It’s a soprano and alto, and their voices really blend,” she said. “I never taught them anything about singing. They took lessons from Ruth Kyler. They both play the piano.”

Maurer also has a son, Ronald Jr. Her husband, Ronald Sr., died five years ago.

Living room piano

Maurer spoke about her music in her living room, where she has a Kimball piano. The piano bench had some sheet music on the seat, and the inside is filled with classic sheet music.

She began playing piano about age 7, when she was in the second grade at Ashland Elementary School at Centre and 17th streets, where the Turkey Hill convenience store is today. Her first contact with a piano came after her parents, Richard and Ida Proctor, were given a piano from Richard’s aunt, Vera Mills. Maurer and her sister, Hazel, began taking lessons from Bonita Price, who began teaching her to play the organ as well.

When she was in seventh grade, Maurer joined the school orchestra under the director of professor of music Roy Steele. Her first piano accompaniments were at her church, then Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. She graduated from Ashland High School in 1946, and three years later she began playing in church, which was the largest Protestant church in the borough.

There was a brief period recently when she was not able to play due to a serious accident.

“In May of 2015 I was hit by a pickup truck down at Ninth and Centre streets,” she said. “I started walking across the street and the light was OK. It turned when I was halfway across the street and the driver just ignored it. I was bored that day and decided to walk downtown, went to the bank and then headed toward the post office.”

She takes the accident in stride.

“Hey, I got a helicopter ride. I was at the hospital and nursing homes that whole month of May,” she said. “I didn’t play the organ for three or four months, the longest that I didn’t play in my life.”

75 sounds good

Maurer has seen many senior and junior choir members sing to her organ accompaniment over the decades.

“Those kids are grown up, they’re married, they have children, some have grandchildren. (Church member) Barry Spieles said to me on Sunday that I played for the weddings of his four daughters,” she said. “Barry comes to me after every service and tells me thanks for being there.”

Maurer has no plans to stop playing. She was asked what she thought about playing until her 75th anniversary.

“Well, 75 does sound good, doesn’t it?” Maurer said.

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