GIRARDVILLE — Complaints against the Rangers Hose Company of violating an ordinance by using fill on its property in a floodplain without permission will be corrected, according to fire company officials.

On Dec. 11, the Borough of Girardville received an email from Emergency Management Specialist C. Julius Lockhart with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s regional office in Philadelphia informing the borough of the violation of a section of Ordinance 2014-2 that includes “setting forth certain minimum requirements for new construction and development within areas of the Borough of Girardville which are subject to flooding.”

Lockhart wrote, “I’m emailing you regarding complaints we have received from concerned residents in your community regarding the placement of fill in the floodplain to house fire trucks and other vehicles. Per your floodplain ordinance, fill is prohibited in the floodplain and no variance shall be granted. Based on the address, the development is in the floodway, which is not allowed, and if it is allowed, required a Department of Environmental Protection permit.”

The property in question is across the street from the fire station, 6 E. Ogden St.

“If this is a confirmed violation, the violation must be corrected and the fill must be removed from the floodplain,” Lockhart said in his email.

Borough Council President/Acting Mayor Robert Krick confirmed the email from Lockhart and has been in contact with him.

“Our attorney (solicitor Christopher Riedlinger) contacted them ... and that we had the intention of sending a notice of violation,” Krick said. “We plan to send out the notice of violation (to the fire company) before the end of the year or quicker. The solicitor and the engineer have the authorization to draw up the notice of violation, and I understand they’re cooperating with the federal agency and the state to make sure that it’s correct.”

Krick said there has not been any contact with the Rangers about the matter.

“It’s the borough’s responsibility to enforce it since it is a borough ordinance, when the floodplain was adopted and was mandated by the feds,” Krick said. “The penalty comes in if the borough doesn’t enforce it, then there are sanctions against the borough.”

The property in question originally held houses and businesses that were demolished over time. The individual lots were purchased by the fire company, many through county repository sales, and combined as one property.

Rangers Fire Chief Frank Zangari was asked about the matter and said nothing was said when work was being done.

“First of all, the municipality knew about that lot for almost three years and they said nothing,” Zangari said. “They have no floodplain (manager) to go to. The original lot had row homes in the front, an ice cream parlor on the Ogden Street side corner, and on the East A Street corner was Fetter’s Dairy, and in the back was six more row houses. The parking lot had earth put in their by a contractor, not paid by the Rangers Hose Company. The municipality was aware of it and nothing was done.”

Zangari added, “If we needed a DEP permit and nobody told us about it, we’ll get it.”

Rangers fire company Treasurer and Assistant Fire Chief Heath Ressler is involved with property matters.

“Three years ago we hired a surveyor and acquired quite a few lots through donations or through repository through the county and put the lots together into one giant lot,” Ressler said.

Ressler said that when the idea arose about putting fill on the property, he said the county zoning office was contacted.

“Frank (Zangari) checked with county zoning because we thought it was a zoning issue, and we were told there is no problem about putting fill there,” Ressler said. “Nothing was ever said that you couldn’t put fill in the area. When it comes to the floodplain, I didn’t think about it and nobody said a word that you couldn’t do it.”

Ressler said the borough council was asked about the property issue several months ago, with Ressler and fellow fire company member and Mayor-Elect Michael Zangari asking for something in writing about the matter. Ressler said no correspondence was received.

Ressler was able to get a copy of the 27-page Ordinance 2014-2 and read it through.

“After reading the ordinance, we are in violation. I agree,” Ressler said. “There are a couple of problems. The ordinance does allow for fill if there is a permit. It comes back to the government management of Girardville borough. There is supposed to be a floodplain manager.”

He said since the borough has no floodplain manager, the council president by default becomes the floodplain manager and has the authority to say someone is in violation.

“We got the fill for free. We finally have a nice parking lot. Nobody said a word when the work was being done,” Ressler said. “We didn’t do anything intentional to go against the ordinance. Nobody from borough council ever said there was an ordinance that we couldn’t do it. It was done in full view and it was up to council to enforce their own ordinance, which they did not. We did not plan to intentionally hurt anybody.”

Ressler said the fire company will do what is necessary to correct the issue.

“There is a remediation and a process to go through to get the proper permits and that’s what we plan to do,” Ressler said. “There is an ordinance and we have to come into compliance if we ever want to put a structure there and move ahead to put an engine room or something else across the street.”

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

POTTSVILLE — The city’s firefighters are getting a Christmas gift from a well-known regional business.

Boscov’s department store at Fairlane Village mall on Thursday donated 192 pairs of winter, thermal socks to the Pottsville Fire Department.

Billie Sollars, store manager, said the socks are Heat Holders and given in both men’s and women’s sizes.

The socks’ packaging claim they are “The Warmest Thermal Sock.”

Sollars and assistant store manager Sandy Ferrari gave the socks to Pottsville Fire Chief James Misstishin.

“These will be a tremendous asset,” the chief said.

Misstishin said he will distribute the socks to each of the city’s seven fire stations. He said the thermal socks are an important article of clothing for volunteers due to the cold winters in the northeast. He said the donation will outfit the entire department of 125 active firefighters, not counting assistant chiefs and fire police officers.

“We run out of our houses when the alarm sounds and we often forget crucial things,” he said, referring to proper clothing.

“By having these, each of our firefighters will have warm socks in their boots to help protect them when they’re out there on the streets,” Misstishin said.

“The fire department does a lot, not only for us but for the community,” Sollars said. “This is just a little something we can do to give back to them.”

“We just want the firefighters to know that we appreciate all they do to help,” she said.

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

FRACKVILLE — The state police Computer Crime Unit arrested an Ashland man Thursday on child pornography and other charges.

Bradley Scott Lerch, who turns 40 today, of 207 N. Ninth St., Apt. 4, was charged with 10 felony counts of sexual abuse of children, one felony count of criminal use of a communications facility and one misdemeanor count each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to court records, state police troopers Brian Kundick and Nicholas Cortese said that on Oct. 7, information was received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding child pornography and forwarded it to the computer crime unit on Nov. 13. Lerch was identified through a Yahoo account and investigators discovered he viewed and/or uploaded eight files that depicted child pornography.

Around 6:10 a.m. Thursday, a search warrant was executed at Lerch’s apartment where police found six images and four videos depicting child pornography on his computer.

When asked if he ever looks at pornography on the internet, Lerch said he did when he was younger. Asked if he ever viewed child pornography, he said “things” popped up while he was looking at pornography.

He also admitted saving the images of child pornography on his computer, police said.

While searching his apartment, police found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

During his arraignment before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, Lerch said he understood the criminal complaint filed against him and that he is unemployed, lives alone and has no children.

When discussing bail, Kundick said he had no problem with Hale setting unsecured bail because Lerch had cooperated throughout the investigation.

Hale, however, did not agree, explaining that the seriousness of the charges requires secured bail.

“I cannot give him unsecured bail on these felony offenses,” she said.

Addressing Lerch, the judge said, “you’re charged with some very serious child pornography crimes here.”

Hale explained to Lerch that in the eyes of the law he is innocent until proved guilty. She then set bail at $75,000 straight cash and ordered the man remanded to Schuylkill County Prison.

“I have a duty to protect the community and any potential victims,” Hale said to Lerch. “I feel that the bail is appropriate.”

Lerch will now have to appear for a preliminary hearing at 9:20 a.m. Jan. 2 before Hale in her Frackville courtroom.

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

Yuengling this week announced another affiliation with a professional sports team.

The company is now an official partner of the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, where the NHL team plays its home hockey games.

The Pottsville-based brewery, America’s oldest, and the Devils on Wednesday unveiled the Yuengling 1829 Grill, a 13,000-square-foot Yuengling-branded restaurant located on Prudential Center’s Infiniti Suite Level, prior to the Devils game against the Anaheim Ducks.

Debbie Yuengling, employee engagement and culture manager, attended the grand opening with various Devils alumni and officials. Yuengling offered a complimentary beer tasting and “tap takeover” during the ceremony for Devils fans with access to the suite.

Through the multi-year partnership, the Devils and Prudential Center will support and promote Yuengling’s Lagers for Heroes program, which seeks ways to support and show appreciation to veterans and their families. Yuengling will select 12 military veterans to receive four Yuengling 1829 Grill ledge seats to future Devils games, along with an upgraded VIP experience, complimentary dining and more.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to team up with the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center. Yuengling is always looking for opportunities to foster relationships with respected companies who have strong ties to the community,” Yuengling, a sixth-generation member of the family, was quoted in a company press release, noting the brewery’s 190th anniversary in 2019.

Adam Davis, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment’s chief commercial officer, said this is Yuengling’s first branded restaurant and bar location in a professional sports venue.

Yuengling, meanwhile, already has other investments in professional sports with existing partnerships with the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Wings and Indiana Pacers, and an individual partnership with MLB All-Star Aaron Nola.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Residents will not see any borough tax increases in 2020.

By unanimous vote, a $14,568,975 budget was approved at the council’s meeting Wednesday. Among the taxes is a 4.75 millage rate, a 1% earned income tax, a $52 local services tax and a 1.5% reality transfer tax.

The council also approved a new trash collection contract.

Last month, the borough rescinded bids from County Waste, Tremont, and Tamaqua Transfer, West Penn Township, for the collection of the residents’ trash. According to council member Jerry Bowman, even Tamaqua Transfer, the low bidder, was thought to be too high, so the council agreed to re-advertise.

This month, the borough received bids from County Waste for $1,335,000 for a three-year contract, or $445,000 yearly for three years, and one from JP Mascara and Sons, Reading, at $2,293,704 for a three-year contract.

The borough awarded the contract to County Waste.

In other business, Scott Kramer of RBC Capital Markets, New York, reviewed the status of a $9 million plus loan at 2% the borough is applying for to fund its project — the foot bridge to Island Park — and the borough’s existing debt.

Peter Edelman of the law firm of Stevens and Lee, Reading, briefly explained the ordinance required to make the loan.

The following residents were reappointed to the various committees: D. Edward Dress, planning commission; Terry Bensinger, recreation board; John Williams, recreation board; Paul Olson, vacancy board; Michael Bubeck, police pension fund; and Robert McBreen, housing board of appeals. Their current terms all expire Jan. 1, 2020.

There are currently four vacant board seats to be filled. They are the municipal authority, the police civil service commission and two on the zoning hearing board. The council agreed to advertise the positions and noted that anyone interested in the seats should submit a letter.

The board approved the municipal authority meeting dates, which are held the second Wednesday of February, April, June, August, October and December.

Board members each took the opportunity to thank retiring member Roger Spotts for his 18 years of service to the borough. Some related stories about the help Spotts gave them when they joined the board.

Spotts took advantage of the opportunity to thank the borough residents for the opportunity to serve the borough for 18 years. He noted that he was also thankful the borough is in such good financial shape as reported by Kramer.

“It’s a nice place to live and work,” Spotts said.

POTTSVILLE — Fewer people in Schuylkill County will go hungry during the Christmas season, as the Pottsville Lions Club said Thursday it had raised more than $1,100 in its 2019 Pennies for People campaign.

“We’ve got a lot this year,” Jerry Enders, president of the club’s charities division, said as he and several other participants in the campaign loaded the money — all $1,101.57 of it — into a wheelbarrow and took it into CACL Federal Credit Union. “We have it in buckets.”

All the money will go to Schuylkill Community Action, which will use it to buy at least $5,000 worth of food to distribute to needy county citizens.

“The money raised from the Pennies for People campaign will go to support the 18 local food pantries in the Schuylkill Food Network,” said David Young, director of planning for Schuylkill Community Action. “The money will be used to purchase food from the Helping Harvest Food Bank at extremely low costs.”

Enders said Schuylkill Community Action can buy food from the food bank for around 20% of its usual cost.

Club members smile as they braved Thursday’s cold weather to help Enders take the cash to the credit union.

“It’s one of our charities that we do for the community,” said David Krishingner, first vice president of the club.

This is the fifth year the club has conducted the fundraising campaign, all proceeds of which stay in the area. Club members placed containers in numerous businesses and other buildings in and around the city for people to deposit their change and, in a few cases, bills.

The club raised $1,002 in last year’s campaign.

According to club members, the campaign enables more people to enjoy the Christmas season.

“We felt that there was a need in the community,” said Linda Bradbury-DaRosa, financial secretary for the club.

Enders said the club started Pennies for People separately from the food drive, but the former grew large enough for the club to combine the campaigns.

Josh Burgess, chief operations officer for the credit union, said CACL is enthusiastic about participating in the campaign.

“We really love the community,” he said. “We’ve been working with Jerry for years on this. It’s just an amazing campaign.”

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

Ashland

The borough office will be closed Wednesdays, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Wednesday and Thursday trash pickups will be one day later both weeks, according to a borough release. For more information, all 570-875-2411.

Frackville

A community prayer blitz is set for 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, at Living Waters Church of God, 155 S. Balliet St. In a release, Lauren Boorujy said all congregations are invited to pray for “our communities, families, state and the nation.” For more information, call 570-462-0374.

McAdoo

The borough has issued a reminder for residents to keep clear paths to their water and electric meters throughout the winter season to provide easy access for the borough workers to read the meters.

Mount Carbon

The Mount Carbon Fire Company, 122 Main St., will have a free Christmas Eve Meal in the Skook with Santa on hand from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24. In a release, Jessica Marcolla said the company is still looking for volunteers and donations for the event. For more information, call 570-622-1504.

Pottsville

During a recent meeting of the Pottsville Rotary Club, the feature involved the Avenues Choir in a program of holiday music. The effort was described as “outstanding” and “enthusiastic” in the Rotary bulletin.

Pottsville

The Buck Fever Rod & Gun Club, 825 Ravine St., will feature music by After Dark from 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Dec. 21. The cover charge is $6. For more information, call 570-622-0760.

Saint Clair

The Doris Chizmar Salon, 415 S. Second St., is giving free scarfs to those in need until supplies run out. For more information, call 570-429-0303.

Saint Clair

A pork-and-sauerkraut dinner is set for 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, at the local Lions Club, Lawton Street and McCord Avenue. The cost is $9.50 per meal and people may eat at the site or take meals out. Local delivery will be available. For more information, call 570-429-9939. The club is accepting reservations for its New Year’s Eve bingo. The cost is $40 per person, which includes dinner, packet, beverage, setups and dessert (BYOB). Extra packets and specials will be available. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. with dinner upon arrival; bingo will start at 9:30 p.m. For reservations or more information, call 570-429-0549.

Schuylkill Haven

St. Mark’s “Browns” Church, 151 Summer Hill Road, will host a fundraiser at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, for the Pottsville Area Music Alumni Brass Ensemble with a 90-minute program of Christmas music. Free-will offerings will be accepted for the ensemble’s endowment fund to help musicians who need instruments but may not be able to afford them. Cake, coffee and fellowship will follow the program. All money raised will go into the endowment fund. For more information, call 570-640-7748.

Shenandoah

The Divine Power of Christ Church, 38 E. Oak St., will have a community coat giveaway from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, in the church hall. In a release, Pastor Marcus Alvarez said all are welcome. He said the coats were donated by the Shenandoah branch of M&T Bank through the bank’s annual coat drive, which was a huge success this year. For more information about the drive, call Mark J. Bernardyn, bank vice president and senior manager, at 570-462-2734.

Shenandoah

A teen challenge and dinner is set for 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5, at Restoration Fellowship Church, 201 W. Oak St. In a release, Lauren Boorujy said the Teen Challenge Prison Team will minister in songs, skits and testimonies regarding freedom from addiction. A luncheon buffet will follow. For more information, call 570-462-0374.

What are you missing this Christmas?

Maybe it’s some rock ’n’ roll to fill the air with electric Christmas cheer.

The Cardinal Band Boosters will sponsor its third annual A Rock ’n’ Roll Christmas at 7 p.m. today at Pine Grove Area High School, 101 School St., Pine Grove.

The show, which benefits the PGAHS band, is comprised of local adult and student musicians performing a variety of rock ’n’ roll Christmas songs, said Ken Gibson, band director and event organizer.

“It’s a bunch of local musicians, and we come together and we play, you know, rock ’n’ roll Christmas tunes. Some of it is TSO (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), but then other stuff from like Bon Jovi, U2 and just all kinds of different bands, Bruce Springstein,” he said.

Gibson said there will be 11 adult local musicians and his 11-year-old son will again be on drums. Student musicians will include Jordan Zerbe, an eighth-grade vocalist.

Ten to 15 students, one of whom has been with the concert for all three years and plays in the high school band, will perform in the two-hour show, he said.

This year’s show has a deeper connection to the band and the community.

“It’s not just me being the band director, but two of the main musicians that are playing are parents of band kids,” Gibson said.

One of the singers, he added, is a teacher in the elementary school.

“So, it’s really connected to Pine Grove,” he said.

With the help of the musicians, the show continues to grow.

“Last year was bigger than we thought it would get; we had over 500 people in attendance,” he said. “And all the proceeds go right to the (PGAHS) band.”

Participants are given a small monetary gift, though they never ask for it, Gibson said.

“They just do it to support us,” he said.

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the high school office, at the door or online at pgacardinalband.com. For more information, call Gibson at 570-294-3313 or the high school at 570-345-2731.

Contact the writer: cwertz@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6004

FRACKVILLE — State police at Frackville are investigating what they are calling the operation of a large-scale burglary and theft ring.

Police said the people involved may have been involved in burglaries and thefts over the past 12 months that happened in Schuylkill, Luzerne, Lebanon, Berks, Carbon and Columbia counties.

Police from the Frackville station have recovered numerous suspected stolen items including tractors, car trailers, utility trailers, various power tools, snow blowers, lawn mowers, weed eaters, pressure washers, lawn vacuums, propane cylinders, fuel cans, table saws, tool boxes, chain saws and other various lawn and garden and garage tools and equipment.

Anyone with information related to the thefts of any of the items listed, or similar items, is asked to call police at the Frackville station at 570-874-5300 and refer to incident PA2019-1664270.

All information will remain confidential if requested.

POTTSVILLE — A Coaldale man is headed to prison after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him Dec. 12, on a driving under the influence charge arising from a June 2018 incident.

Paul Yeager, 48, must serve 90 days to five years in prison, pay costs, a $1,500 fine, $176 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Hospital Network, and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, Judge James P. Goodman decided.

Goodman made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. Jan. 13, 2020, to give Yeager time to file an appeal, something Joseph P. Nahas Jr., Frackville, the defendant’s lawyer, indicated he will do.

In a one-day nonjury trial, Goodman found Yeager guilty on Oct. 25 of DUI. Coaldale police had charged that Yeager was DUI on June 8, 2018, in the borough.

Also on Dec. 12, Goodman sentenced Aaron J. Booterbaugh, 29, of Mount Carbon, to serve 60 to 120 days in prison and 12 months on probation, and pay costs and $225 in fines. Goodman made the sentence effective on Dec. 30.

Goodman presided over Booterbaugh’s one-day trial, in which a jury found the defendant guilty on Oct. 23 of fleeing or eluding police, driving under suspension-DUI related, reckless driving and failure to stop at red signal.

Pottsville police had charged Booterbaugh with fleeing them and committing the vehicle offenses on Feb. 9 in the city.

In another Dec. 12 case, Nicole J. Schiano, 38, of Minersville, pleaded guilty to DUI and careless driving. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of failure to drive at a safe speed.

Goodman accepted Schiano’s plea and sentenced her to spend 72 hours to six months in prison with immediate parole, pay costs, $1,025 in fines, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $400 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, and perform 10 hours community service.

Coaldale police charged that Schiano was DUI and drove carelessly on Dec. 21, 2015, in the borough.

Also on Dec. 12, Goodman revoked the probation of Carina E. Leach, 22, of Quakake, but deferred sentencing to give the defendant time to apply for Drug Treatment Court.

Leach, who admitted violating her probation by committing new crimes and using drugs, originally pleaded guilty on Feb. 27 to possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors withdrew charges of simple assault and harassment.

At that time, Goodman placed her on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced her to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Tamaqua police charged Leach with possessing paraphernalia on July 5, 2018, in the borough.

Finally, in another Thursday case, Goodman revoked the probation and parole of Ryan M. Shoup, 22, of Mahanoy City, recommitted him to prison, and ordered him to serve two additional years on probation and undergo mental health and drug and alcohol evaluations. Shoup cannot apply for reparole until April 17, 2020, and could remain behind bars until Sept. 27, 2020.

Shoup admitted violating his probation and parole by committing new crimes, which aggravated Goodman.

“You’re under supervision and you can’t go getting arrested,” Goodman admonished Shoup. “Stay out of trouble.”

Shoup originally pleaded guilty on Sept. 12, 2018, to aggravated assault, possessing instrument of crime and false reports to law enforcement. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault and one count each of recklessly endangering another person and possession of drug paraphernalia.

At that time, Judge John E. Domalakes sentenced Shoup to serve nine to 23 months in prison and two additional years on probation, pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Mahanoy City police charged Shoup with committing his crimes on April 20, 2018, in the borough.

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

Pottsville police arrested a corrections officer at the Schuylkill County Prison and charged him with smuggling methamphetamine into the jail.

Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said the arrest of John Joseph Roshannon III, 29, of Pottsville, is the result of an investigation that began on Dec. 13 when Warden Eugene Berdanier reported evidence that a corrections officer was involved in bringing controlled substances into the prison and giving them to inmates while he was on duty.

Detectives Joseph Krammes and Joseph Welsh then worked cooperatively with prison officials to review and document available evidence of the criminal acts, Wojciechowsky said.

According to the chief, on Thursday, Roshannon came to Pottsville City Hall for an interview with investigators, during which Roshannon admitted to bringing methamphetamine into the prison and delivering it to an inmate on at least two occasions.

As a result, Krammes prepared a criminal complaint against Roshannon, charging him with two felony counts of bringing contraband, methamphetamine, into the prison; two felony counts each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and delivery of a controlled substance; and two misdemeanor counts each of possession of a controlled substance and recklessly endangering another person.

Roshannon was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to the county prison unable to post $50,000 straight cash bail.

Wojciechowsky said the investigation into the incidents is ongoing.

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

MAHANOY CITY — The Mahanoy Area school board approved Wednesday the replacement of the synthetic track and field event areas at Mahanoy Alumni Stadium at a cost of just over $400,000.

The school board approved a proposal from Beynon Sports, Hunt Valley, Maryland, to install a BSS-200 system, mill existing asphalt, install 1 1/2 inches of new 9 1/2 mm HMA wearing course and installation of a 4-inch sock underdrain at a cost of $399,000 plus 1% for bonding costs.

According to the Beynon Sports website, the BSS-200 system “builds on Beynon’s proven design of basemat structural spray systems by providing an additional impermeable seal layer to keep rain and snow from passing through the basemat into the subbase.”

The work was procured under the COSTARS contract for recreation and fitness equipment and will be paid from the district’s Capital Reserve Fund.

Business Administrator John J. Hurst said the synthetic track was installed 15 years ago in 2004.

“The track is about at the end of its useful life,” Hurst said. “It is about use and age, but we also had a problem with the delaminating from the asphalt, which is why we’re putting in that sock drain, like a french drain, around the perimeter of the track to try to get the water to go into that as opposed to seeping up through the asphalt and creating air pockets.”

Hurst added, “In addition to that, the track itself is just getting worn from use, but we do need to address that water issue. The original track had a 10-year life, and what we did to extend that life is to resurface it about four years ago. That work was a recoating, while this work is an actual replacement.”

The work is expected to start at the end of track season during this school year, probably at the end of May 2020.

In other business, the school board approved the Act 1 resolution not to raise taxes in excess of the state-assigned Act 1 index of 4% for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Act 1 requires school districts to limit tax increases to the level set by an inflation index. If the school board plans a tax increase above the index, it must be approved by voters in a referendum or the school district must obtain certain referendum exceptions from either the state Department of Education or a court of common pleas. The 4% is equivalent to about 2 mills, Hurst said.

The school board approval was not a vote to raise taxes, but a statement the school district will not go above the index if the situation would arise to increase property taxes.

The school board acted on the following agenda items:

• Extended the current bus and van buy-back program with Brighbill Body Works, Lebanon, for one year (2020-21) with an option for an additional two years after the first year.

• Approved homebound instruction for a high school student retroactive from Dec. 10 for approximately six to eight weeks. Homebound instructor is Jacqueline O’Boyle, Nesquehoning, at the hourly rate of $25.75 for a maximum of five hours per week.

• Approved a quote of $8,500 from Biros Utilities Inc., Sheppton, for the baseball field drainage project.

• Approved the resignation of David Holman as head varsity football coach, effective Dec. 11.

• Approved Thomas Sheeler, Delano, as a mathematics teacher retroactive to Dec. 3 to approximately Jan. 20 or until the last student day of the 2019-20 school year at a daily rate of $300 for the purpose of covering a Family Medical Leave Act leave.

• Appointed James Kane, Barnesville, as a mentor for the current school year at a salary of $500.

• Approved Robert Darosh, Pottsville, as a special education teaching assistant at an hourly rate of $10 retroactive to Dec. 6.

• Accepted the retirement of Sharon Burke as full-time food staff coordinator, with Feb. 20 as her last day of employment. In a subsequent action, the board approved Diane Forgotch, Mahanoy City, as food staff coordinator at hourly rate of $13.64 beginning March 2. Forgotch will receive all benefits associated with the Mahanoy Area Education Support Personnel Association collective bargaining agreement.

The school board approved the following staff to the following co-curricular positions and salaries for the 2020-21 school year beginning July 1:

• Head varsity cross country coach-coed: Jennifer Zilker, Frackville, $3,861.68; assistant varsity cross country-coed: Robert Wiscount, Mar Lin, $3,089.34.

• Head varsity golf coach: Joseph Orsulak, New Ringgold, $3,861.68; assistant varsity golf coach: Luke Morgan, Tamaqua, $3,089.34.

• Head varsity volleyball coach: Jason Green, Kunkletown, $3,861.68; assistant varsity/head JV volleyball coach: Emilee Barkus, Mahanoy City, $3,089.34.

• Weightlifting coach-fall: Nathan Fegley, Barnesville, $1,120.81.

The school board also approved the following coaches effective Jan. 2, 2020, until June 30, 2021:

• Head varsity football coach: Paul Babinsky, Barnesville, $5,524.

• Assistant varsity football coaches at salaries of $3,567.21: John McGroarty, New Boston; Samuel Quick, Mahanoy City; Joseph Kane, Mahanoy City; and Patrick Morgans, Tamaqua.

• Junior high head football coach: Dean Starkey, $3,089.34.

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

POTTSVILLE — A Schuylkill County judge on Wednesday ruled two men had violated protection from abuse orders.

Charles R. Dalton, 70, of Port Carbon, and Stanley J. Roskosky, 47, of Auburn, are each guilty of indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom, Senior Judge D. Michael Stine ruled.

Stine sentenced Dalton to pay costs and a $300 fine, and serve 25 days in prison, a term he already has completed.

Pottsville police charged Dalton with violating the order against him on Nov. 24 in the city.

As for Roskosky, Stine sentenced him to pay costs and a $300 fine, spend 180 days on probation and undergo a mental health evaluation.

Port Carbon police had charged Roskosky with violating the order against him on Nov. 26 in the borough.

Also in the county court, President Judge William E. Baldwin sentenced Jose L. Amaro Lopez, 52, of Schuylkill Haven, on Friday to spend 30 days in prison, 90 days house arrest with electronic surveillance, 30 days alcohol monitoring, seven months strict supervision and four years probation, pay costs, $2,500 in fines and $600 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, and perform 30 hours community service.

Lopez pleaded guilty on Nov. 22 to two separate charges of driving under the influence. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of driving without a license and one count each of possession of a controlled substance, improper driving without lights, failure to stop at red signal, disregarding traffic lane, failure to drive at a safe speed, careless driving, operating vehicle without required financial responsibility and displaying plate or card in improper vehicle.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Lopez was DUI on Sept. 17, 2018, while Pottsville police alleged he was DUI on Oct. 28, 2018.

In another Friday case, Baldwin sentenced Victoria A. Jago, 38, of Ashland, to spend 15 days on house arrest with electronic monitoring, 45 days strict supervision and four months probation, pay costs, a $1,000 fine and a $100 SAEF payment, and perform 10 hours community service.

Jago pleaded guilty on Nov. 22 to DUI, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of driving unregistered vehicle and careless driving. State police at Frackville alleged Jago was DUI on Dec. 29, 2018.

Also on Friday, Baldwin sentenced Gregory R. Stanalonis, 28, of Shenandoah. to serve 30 days in prison, 90 days house arrest with electronic monitoring, 30 days alcohol monitoring, seven months strict supervision and four years probation, pay costs, $1,525 in fines, a $100 SAEF payment and $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network, and perform 20 hours community service. He made the sentence effective on Jan. 2, 2020.

Stanalonis pleaded guilty on Nov. 22 to DUI and disregarding traffic lane, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of careless driving. The state police Bureau of Criminal Investigation alleged Stanalonis was DUI on June 26, 2018.

In another county case, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin dismissed an appeal filed by Brian H. Dunlap, 42, of New Philadelphia, when the defendant failed to appear for his Dec. 11 hearing.

Dolbin thereby reinstated Dunlap’s conviction by Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, on Sept. 4 of a charge of cruelty to animals. Dolbin also reinstated the sentence imposed by Plachko on Dunlap to pay costs and a $300 fine.

New Philadelphia police had charged Dunlap with committing his crime on June 12 in the borough. Dunlap had appealed Plachko’s ruling on Sept. 10.

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

The teacher whose employment was terminated Dec. 9 at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, Mar Lin, has been identified as James R. Lyden. He was a special education instructor/emotional support elementary teacher who had worked at the IU 29 for more than 16 years.

The Republican-Herald had requested the information about the employee from the IU 29 board under the Sunshine Act, and the IU 29 administration provided it Friday.

Board directors had voted 8-0 for Lyden’s termination at their Dec. 9 meeting. Directors Joseph Buchanon, David Frew, Michelle Vesay and Larry Wittig were absent. At that time, the person fired was only identified by the board as a “full-time professional employee at the Maple Avenue Campus,” and by an employee number.

Lyden was employed with the IU 29 from Oct. 10, 2003, to Dec. 9, 2019, and his salary was $57,399, according to information provided by Shannon Brennan, IU 29 assistant executive director.

“A substitute teacher is currently filling that role at the standard sub rate as per our contract with ESS,” Brennan said about filling the vacancy.

The Right to Know Law requires agencies to release records that illustrate when a public employee is fired or demoted, according to Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, Harrisburg.

An employee’s name, job title, salary and length of service are public record under the law, although the law does not require a school to provide reasons for the termination or demotion, and the IU 29 has not in this case.

“The Sunshine Act requires public agencies, like school boards, to offer an opportunity for meaningful public comment prior to all official action (votes). The public can’t possibly offer meaningful comment if they don’t know who is subject to the vote,” Melewsky said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — The city council voted Friday to approve a 2020 budget of more than $9.2 million that contains a 2-mill tax hike, which is the first increase in five years.

The council’s 3-0 vote — members Dorothy Botto and Edmund Jones were absent — means higher tax bills for city property owners, although Mayor James T. Muldowney said the increase was the smallest possible one that could be enacted without affecting necessary services.

Muldowney also said at the 10-minute council meeting, which attracted only a handful of citizens and produced no negative reaction to the $9,261,726 spending package, that the tax increase means there will be no layoffs.

As a result, the 2020 tax rate will come to 21.18 mills, or $21.18 per $1,000 of assessed value. The budget includes $9,261,726 in revenue and expenses, along with a Special Purpose Library Tax of 0.29 mills, or 0.29 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

Councilmen Mark Atkinson and Joseph J. Devine joined Muldowney in voting for the budget and tax hike.

On Nov. 27, the council agreed on the budget tentatively. At that time, Atkinson said city officials had been cutting budgets for five years, but that had meant cutting services. Doing so again would have meant layoffs, he said.

After the meeting, a copy of the budget was available for public inspection in City Clerk Lisa M. Shuman’s office.

Overall expenses will rise by $461,826 next year, Atkinson said. Revenue decreased by $5,280 due to an increase in the number and value of county-held properties, which are not taxable.

Health care costs will rise by 5% next year, compared to 9.2% this year. Pension payments also increased due to mortality estimates.

The budget initially included $9,161,904 in expenses and $8,895,204 in revenue. Atkinson said the gap between revenue and expenses was closed with $366,522 in revenue from the real estate tax hike and donations.

Also, the budget includes contractual raises of 50 to 60 cents per hour for members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union in Units 1 and 2. Members of the Fraternal Order of Police union will receive a 2.75% salary increase and 2% management wage increase.

Atkinson said property and liability insurance premiums increased by $2,077, while workers’ compensation premiums decreased for the second year in a row by $10,248.

Also, the budget includes $100,000 from city reserves for a new vehicle for the police department and a new truck for the roads department.

Additional expenses in the budget are $40,235 for the city Parks Department, $18,000 to buy a new police car, $22,000 to buy a drone for the police and fire departments, $5,763 in fire department contributions, $12,824 in management wages and $1,000 to buy a copy machine.

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

Lansford

A Slovak Christmas program, presented by Coal Region Catholics for Change, will be broadcast at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, on Radio WLSH 1410 AM. The carols, according to a release from Robert Hackash, were originally sponsored by St. Michael Church, Lansford.

Minersville

The Minersville Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Joan Fisher Reedy from Barb and Al Munster, Ellen Valent; for Betty Barrett from Nancy and Joe Butensky and Jessie and Ryan Weachock; for Wally Androshick from Regina Kleeman; for Irene Novotny from Ellen Valent; for Coach Glen Belmont from Rick and Barb Pielacha; for Gary E. Purcell from Barb and Al Munster, Debbie Cherrybon, Michael Hertz; for Ann Bowman from Regina Kleeman; for Joe Budresky from Regina Kleeman; for Bobbi Jo Wrona from Regina Kleeman; for Mary Jane Hammer from Ann Marie Studlack, Jim and Gina Bohorad, Mike and Ellen Franko; for Evelyn Moran from Rick and Barb Pielacha; for Helen Drey from Ray and Karen Stabinski; for Linda Chapman from John and Gloria Capik; for Kelly Moran from Ellen Valent, Vaughn Shinkus, Rita Tamalavage, Dave Studlack, Regina Kleeman, Russ and Anne Frantz; for Joseph Gleason from Russ and Anne Frantz; for Mary and Joseph Canfield from Brian Canfield; for Nancy Lymaster from Dave Studlack and family, Russ and Anne Frantz, Ellen Valent; for Mary Anne Genovese from Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Genovese and family, Rev. Phyllis Wolford, Patricia and John Kutch, Richard and Melanie Wade, John and Diane Harvilla, Debbie Cherrybon, Ellen Valent, Gloria and Bob Rushanan, Vince and Sharyn Narkiewicz, Mae Andrews, Catherine Brilla, Jeanine Cola; for Josephine Sitkus from Rosann, Jerry, and Michael Sitkus; for Steve Sitkus from Jerry Sitkus; for Martha Franko from Diane Sinkovich; for Daniel Polansky from Maryann Polansky; for Wanda J. O’Brien from Thomas O’Brien; for Mackenzie O’Brien from Thomas O’Brien; for Bernie and Edith Lescavage from Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Lescavage and family; for The Foran Girls from The Gardens at York Terrace; for Joseph and Mary Canfield from Brian Canfield; for Ellsworth and Betty Morgan from Ellen Valent; for Fred Valent from Ellen Valent. The library also acknowledged and honor donation for Attorney and Mrs. Joseph Holochuck by Marie E. Wanchick.

Port Carbon

The Port Carbon Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial donations: For John Kuperavage Sr. by Vince and Karen Kuperavage; for Harold “Sam” Rupert by Teenie Rupert; for Vincent Sheaffer by Diana Depauli; for Sophie Karmazin and Al Elchisak by Mike Karmazin; for deceased members of the Chaklos family by Joe and Kathy Chaklos; for Billy Siegfried by Mim and Bill Siegfried; for Elizabeth Haley by Steve Haley; for Leah and Butch Renninger by Shawn Tomas; for Peter Yonchuck by Judy Thomas; for Joseph and Wanda Tray by James and Janet Conville; for Mary Louise May Dehappart by H. Clifford Dehappart; for Patricia Piccioni by Maria and Jayson Caresta; for Margaret Shay by Diane Billingham; for Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lescavage by Nancy Lescavage; for Tony and Betty Melincavage by the Mels; for Peter Yonchuck by Walter and Carolyn Yonchuk. The library also acknowledged the following donations from: The Coleman family, Linda and Martin Smith, Mark and Ann Cook, Marie Trout, Bruce Billingham, Brian and Cathy Buchinsky, Mike and Mary Melincavage.

Pottsville

First Baptist Church, 701 Mahantongo St., will have a free movie night with snacks from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3. Children under 16 must be accompanied by adults. For more information, call 570-622-4749.

Tamaqua

A Christmas musical, arranged and orchestrated by Russell Mauldin, will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, at Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church, Valley and Catawissa roads, Lewistown Valley. All are welcome to attend. For directions or more information, call 570-617-2702.

Weston

The Nuremberg-Weston Volunteer Fire Company holds breakfasts from 8 a.m. to noon the first Sunday of the month in the firehouse, 459 Hazle St. Take-outs are available, everyone is welcome to participate.

Incorrect title

Lynn Brown is the Washington Township mechanic/public works coordinator. His title was wrong in Thursday’s edition.

TOWER CITY — A live Nativity scene was on display Friday at Christ United Methodist Church.

Among the participants were Ella Peterson as an angel; Tanya High, as Mary; and Brad High as Joseph.

POTTSVILLE — Mark O’Hearn, the director of music at First United Methodist Church, is excited about the “Service of Nine Lessons and Carols,” which will be performed from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday at his church.

The concert will feature a renowned harpist from the Harrisburg Symphony, Louis Lynch, and a massed choir of 40 people from Schuylkill County churches.

“We also welcome Mrs. Katherine Crusi, who has sung over the world, including Wales and Austria, as our soprano soloist,” O’Hearn said.

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was first held on Christmas Eve 1918 at King’s College in Cambridge, England. It was planned to provide a more imaginative worship service during the Advent season. Sometime in the early 1930s, the BBC began broadcasting the service on the World Service. It is estimated that millions of listeners tune in every year.

Nine lessons are read beginning with the creation story and ending with the birth of Christ. Each lesson is then paired with special choral anthems and carols that complement the readings.

“We hope this concert will continue in the future and will help our community,” O’Hearn said. “We are also in the process of restoring our Four Manuel Ruffatti Pipe Organ — some cool facts, the World Renowned Organist Diane Bish gave a recital in Pottsville in 1976, when the organ was last redone.

“We are hoping also the funds from the concert will go towards this instrument and we are hoping to have Diane back for a dedicatory recital when the work is completed in the next two-three years.

Sunday’s concert will be held in memory of Arlene Klinger, who was a noted member of the church and the community.

POTTSVILLE — A little bit of engineering went a long, long way for Hot Wheels enthusiasts Friday who celebrated setting a Guinness World Record.

Alfred Benesch & Co. was officially notified of its world title status on Dec. 6, for having the longest Hot Wheels track — at 2,176 feet 2 inches. Nearly 100 people, from company employees to their children, were involved in the effort this summer, which successfully sent a Hot Wheels toy car down that length of track.

“I don’t know if I was more excited, or if they were,” Engineer John Knecht said of hearing the news, along with his twin children, Jack and Allison.

On Aug. 24, Benesch set up the track on an approved, closed stretch of Beurys Road in Foster Township, just off Route 901 near Lavelle. A red and yellow Hot Wheels car Jack dubbed the “Cyber Speeder” traversed the entire track without jumping off course, eventually resulting in Benesch winning the title.

Knecht, a member of Benesch’s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, and fellow employees and their children gathered at the Pottsville engineering firm Friday where the official, framed certificate from Guinness is on now display.

Jack and Allison Knecht re-enacted the chant they sang about breaking the record as they played with the toy cars and pieces of track.

“I helped with putting the cars back on the track, if they came off,” Hadley Heyer, 8, of Lavelle, said of her role during the test attempts.

The North Schuylkill Elementary third-grader helped construct the finish line for the track and was at the office celebration Friday with her father, Howard Heyer, a senior project engineer.

“They learned about the effects of gravity on the track. When we did a test run the week before, we found areas where it was too fast, or where we needed to slow it down,” her dad said.

Jennifer Kowalonek’s three children, Claire, Alyza and Francis, were part of the history-making crew.

“I was really happy for all of the kids and for John. They all worked so hard to accomplish this,” she said.

Kowalonek, a Benesch project manager, watched the record-breaking run this summer.

“You could just feel the excitement. They ran a golf cart down alongside of it, and it felt very official. It was a good science, technology, engineering and math exercise for them. They had to think about how to place the track to get it to go in one, full swoop. The dynamics were great for them,” she said.

Aspen and Carter Tohill, 12, and 8, respectively, also tackled the challenge. They are the children of Jim Tohill, a project engineer from Port Carbon.

“I was excited,” Aspen said of the record, admitting the grey truck that she had placed on the track had crashed. Carter, meanwhile, tried a green stealth vehicle.

“The conditions were perfect early on. They saw how the conditions could affect the track. Everything was in our favor that morning and the timing was perfect,” the elder Tohill said.

Knecht said once the sun hit the plastic track, it started buckling due to thermal expansion. “It was a good learning experience for them,” Knecht said.

Marketing assistant Brianne Gurniak created a special body design for a White Tesla Hot Wheels car, which featured the company’s green orb and Benesch logo. Families were presented with the toy car as a memento, and they could also purchase a piece of the winning track to include with their home display.

Knecht said he was worried about the longevity of Benesch’s record when someone told him about 2018 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Joey Logano also breaking the record.

“My heart just sank when I heard that,” Knecht said.

However, he later learned that Benesch’s record would stand, because Logano’s attempt this November came in at over 1,941 feet, however, that was before Benesch’s August attempt had been officially confirmed by Guinness. Logano did beat the prior record held by Mattel Inc., Russia, at 1,838-feet and 3.05-inches on Aug. 25, 2018.

Benesch’s record is listed on the Guinness World Records website, guinnessworldrecords.com. The Guinness World Records book for 2020 has already been published, so it is not listed there. There may be a possibility that Benesch’s information could be included in the 2021 book edition, Knecht said. He will be submitting information and additional photos for possible inclusion, but there’s no guarantee.

Knecht said there’s already talk of another record-setting attempt on the horizon. It would be engineering related, however, Knecht said he couldn’t elaborate on the next proposed challenge just yet.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-600