Marriage licenses

Michael A. Hendershot, Dornsife, and Courtney L. Woodward, Dornsife.

Malik H. Noel, Coal Township, and Tysheen N. Throne, Brookhaven.

David A. Baker, Lancaster, and Gabrielle A. Nabholz, Lancaster.

Neil J. Deluca, Shenandoah, and Barbara Ann Karner, Copley.

Brian V. Mickatavage, Ashland, and Elaine Llewellyn, Ashland.

Matthew M. Zimmerman, Pottsville, and Alexandria P. Barnes, Pottsville.

Derek C. Willing, Tamaqua, and Kori M. Kabilko, Tamaqua.

Aaron Lee Davenport, New Ringgold, and Karena Kay Nothstein, New Ringgold.

Zachary M. Hubler, Hegins, and Kathleen R. Straub, Hegins.

Ryan A. Haines, Pottsville, and Kymberkinn N. Dean, Camp Hill.

Robert G. Rosso, Conway, South Carolina, and Cindy Lou Hamilton, Conway, South Carolina.

Jared R. Orndorff, Pottsville, and Jillian H. Strunk, Pottsville.

Blake D. Bakes, Frackville, and Amanda E. Farver, Frackville.

James E. Vance, Valley View, and Courtney D. Phillips, Valley View.

Ashland

People have the opportunity to clean out their closets and at the same time support Trinity Academy in the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center, Cherry and Chestnut streets, Shenandoah, the lone Catholic pre-K to eighth-grade school for northern Schuylkill County. People will be able to recycle items including shirts, pants, hats, towels, belts, outerwear, scarves, linens, bedding and shoes. Pillows cannot be recycled. An indoor cart is in the cafeteria to accept the items, which will be ultimately sent to areas in North, Central and South America. Trinity Academy will receive a check after the items are weighed and the cart emptied. “We are excited about this outreach project to make textile recycling convenient as well as providing an opportunity to help those less fortunate than ourselves,” school officials said in a bulletin announcement. For more information, call the school at 570-462-3927.

Elizabethville

The Lykens Valley Children’s Museum, 33 S. Market St., is getting ready to celebrate the New Year with a party that will kick off at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, with special STEM and art activities plus all of the museum’s winter-themed, hands-on exhibits. At 3 p.m. there will be a countdown to New Year’s with a ball drop and balloon drop. The party will end at 4 p.m. All are welcome. The event is made possible thanks to Giant and Mid Penn of Halifax. For more information, call 570-809-6379 or go online to lykensvalleychildrensmuseum@gmail.com.

Herndon

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 1473 Urban Road, will begin a free weekly Bible study beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12. It will be led by Dale Wolfe, Paul Nell and Rory Kehler and open to all community members. The format will include a closer look at the “verse of the day” and have an interactive environment for all to share their thoughts and opinions. All feedback will be welcome. Light refreshments will be served at each session. For more information about the study, call Wolfe at 570-758-3755.

Orwigsburg

Salem United Methodist Church, 133 S. Liberty St., will have a free family movie night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, with supper, beverages, snacks and fresh popcorn. All are welcome; the movie feature will be “Smallfoot.” For more information, call 570-449-6533.

Schuylkill Haven

Liberty Fire Company, Columbia and St. James streets, will sponsor an all-you-can-eat chicken pot pie dinner beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. The cost is $9 for adult platters, $8 for quarts and $5 for children’s platters. Platters include homemade chicken pot pie, lettuce with hot bacon dressing, bread and butter, dessert and a beverage. Take-outs are available, as is free delivery in the Schuylkill Haven area, by calling the firehouse at 570-385-3341. The company will also sponsor chicken pot pie dinners on Feb. 1, March 7, April 4 and May 2.

Shenandoah

The board of the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library, 15 W. Washington St., includes Mary Ellen Matunis president; Ashley Carter, vice president; Mary Ann Mickelonis, secretary; Mary Luscavage, treasurer, and members Eve Bauser, Andrea Pytak, Bell Fell, Julie Buchinsky and John Thomas, according to the library’s website at https://www2.iu29.org/shenandoahpl. Theresa Krajcirik is the library director. Library hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Fridays; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The children’s program is held at 11 a.m. the first Saturday of every month. To reach the library, call 570-462-9829 or email to safpl@ptd.net. In addition to Shenandoah Borough, the library also serves the West Mahanoy Township villages of Shenandoah Heights, Weston Place, Raven Run, Brownsville, William Penn, Lost Creek and Lost Creek No. 2 as well as the Mahanoy Township village of Yatesville, a combined population of well over 7,000.

Shenandoah

The Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens group has weekly get-togethers at noon Wednesdays at the senior center, North Market Street. New members are always welcome. For more information, call 570-462-3155.

FRACKVILLE — The Frackville Area Municipal Authority and the state Department of Corrections agreed to a billing adjustment for times when the State Correctional Institution-Frackville exceeds its average monthly sewage flows.

The FAMA board held its meeting on Dec. 18, which was preceded by a workshop that included an executive session on the contract. The particulars of the agreement were discussed with FAMA solicitor Paul G. Domalakes.

Office Manager Rhonda Frantz said the executive session was to discuss a proposal from the prison and about a balance that’s been “outstanding for some time.”

Frantz said the agreement settles the balance of $4,585.53.

The prison is allowed up to 200,000 gallons per day into the sewage system. At the end of the month, the total flow for the month is divided by the number of days, and if the average is more than 200,000, the prison will be billed at $7 per 1,000 gallons for the entire amount of sewage entering the system during the month, not just the excess. If the average is under 200,000 per day, then the regular rate of $6 per 1,000 is used.

Fees remain same

In other business, the board approved the tentative 2020 operating budget, which will finalized at the Jan. 15 meeting.

“There won’t be any rate increases at all,” Frantz said. “FAMA is offering the 10% discount during January and February for those who pay for the year.”

The residential sewer service fee remains at $112.50 per quarter ($450 per year) for the eighth year in a row. The last increase was in 2013 when the quarterly fee was raised from $90 to the current rate.

The board heard a report on the PISTA grit upgrade project. Most of the work has been completed with the installation of the new unit by the general contractor, Derstine Co. Inc., Souderton. The project cost $361,500.

Derstine upgraded the grit pump and raised it due to flooding issues, and upgraded and realigned the grit hopper and discharge location. The first part of the work included the demolition of the former grit system. The project is close to completion, Frantz said.

The board approved a payment of $55,100 to Derstine for work to date.

Water service terminations for delinquent accounts are on hold until April 1.

“It’s a courtesy for anyone throughout the winter months, but they’re still encouraged to pay their delinquent balances and make payments over the next few months so they’re not faced with a water shutoff on April 1,” she said.

Solicitor retained

The board voted to retain the services of Domalakes of the law firm Rubright, Domalakes, Troy and McDonald as authority solicitor. The proposal submitted by Domalakes requested the annual retainer remain at $3,000 with an hourly rate of $100 per hour for time spent on FAMA business outside of regular meetings, plus at additional charge of $10 per lien prepared. The resolution that sets the specific attorney’s fees for filing sheriff sales, filing of liens and satisfactions and other work will control those services.

Frantz said the authority was contacted by QSP Development LLC, Minersville, developer of the Frackville Flats project, about a required collections systems evaluation. The project will involve construction of 30 living units in three-story buildings, available for tenants age 62 and older, at Center and Frack streets, former site of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, school and rectory, all of which have been demolished by the Diocese of Allentown.

“We got a proposal from Don (Cuff of Entech Engineering) to start the study pending the developer placing $5,800 in escrow to FAMA to get the study done,” Frantz said.

She said one of two sections of the Little Mahanoy Creek stream bank that was damaged during a 2018 storm has been repaired by Metzler Forest Products, Reedsville, at a cost of $33,923.73. FAMA will be reimbursed by the state.

The authority received a tenants list from Cherry Street Commons, a 17-unit housing development in Frackville that opened within the past few months. Frantz said 12 units are occupied.

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

ORWIGSBURG — The Holy Family Adult Day Care center will close its doors on Jan. 31 due to decreasing usage.

The facility, operated by Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown, is located in the St. Francis Center in Orwigsburg.

An adult day care is a non-residential service to provide care and companionship for older adults who require supervision and assistance during the day, which allows caregivers to know their family members are cared for while they go to work or attend to other matters.

Director Linda Herb confirmed the planned closure and referred additional questions to the diocesan secretariat for external affairs. Coordinator of Diocesan Mission Promotion Paul G. Wirth responded to questions.

He said the adult day care has been in operation for 30 years, but low attendance has prompted the closure.

“There are currently six adults registered, and there has been as low as three,” he said. “It’s been declining over many years. There just isn’t as much demand as there was for that service.”

He said at that attendance level, “unfortunately, it’s not a viable operation for Catholic Charities.”

Wirth said those who use the center have been kept up to date.

“We told the residents and their families about this and we’ve been working with them to provide other care providers before the center closes,” he said.

The day care employs three full-time and one part-time worker.

“Two of the full-timers have already announced their retirement, and, unfortunately, we can’t retain the other two in another position,” Wirth said.

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

The year is ending. We hope you found it a kind and loving one. As one year ends and a new one begins, it’s a time for reflection. Did you make the most out of the past 12 months? If not, you have the opportunity again as a new year starts, full of promise and opportunity. We wish you and yours a kind and fruitful 2020.

The end of the holiday season ushers in winter events.

Walk In Art Center will once again host two popular new year events.

Its Wedding Expo (formerly Bridal Fair) will be held on Jan. 4. There will be DJs, photographers, jewelers, a fashion show, diamond cake dig and more. Shop and make connections with vendors who can help make your day special.

Corks and Chocolate will take place on Jan. 25 at the center. You’re invited to a day of wine, inspiration, art and chocolate from local wineries and restaurants. Tickets sell for $30 in advance and $40 at the door and can be ordered online at www.walkinartcenter.org.

The Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival presents the Pottsville Winterfest on Jan. 11. There will be live music, local vendors, food trucks, snow play area and a beer garden. Sounds like fun for the whole family.

Legendary author John O’Hara’s 115th birthday is Jan, 31. Schuylkill County couldn’t let such an event go by uncelebrated. Several nonprofits have joined forces to recognize the milestone with events from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1.

Anticipated events are a dramatic reading and discussion of one of his works at the Schuylkill County Historical Society on Jan. 29, a discussion of one of his works at the Pottsville Free Public Library on Jan. 30, a birthday party at the Pottsville Free Public Library and a party and dramatic reading at Pressed Coffee and Books on Jan. 31, a trolley tour by the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau and the Schuylkill County Historical Society, a film and discussion at the Majestic Theater and a cabaret celebration at the Pottsville Free Public Library all on Feb. 1. Note that some of these events are free, while others have a small fee. Contact the host site for details.

Finances can be challenging for libraries who would like to provide more services than the budgets may be able to support. You can help.

Most have a wish list of everyday items that make inexpensive donations that would go far to help their day-to-day operations, special events and arts and crafts programs.

Craft supplies like construction paper, glue sticks, wiggly eyes, paper plates, yarn and string, small bottles of glue, felt, crayons, decorative scissors, colored tissue paper, masking tape, thin ribbon, poster board, rubber bands and paper clips are used by enthusiastic children on a regular basis.

Party supplies including paper cups, plates and bowls, napkins, utensils and table cloths may be appreciated. Library supplies of tissues, paper towels, baby wipes, cleaning supplies and industrial size garbage bags could also be in demand.

Miscellaneous items like gift cards, shoe box storage boxes and gently used children’s and teen’s books may be greatly welcomed. Contact your library for specific donation ideas that would help them through the coming year.

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.

POTTSVILLE — Along with new voting machines, Schuylkill County will have new ballots to put in them, as the commissioners voted Tuesday to advertise for bids for the new papers for citizens to cast their votes.

This will be the first time Schuylkill County will advertise for bids on ballots, County Administrator Gary R. Bender said after the commissioners meeting.

“We never did,” he said. “We always managed to stay under the bid threshold because we printed our own.”

Under the schedule approved by the commissioners, anyone interested in printing the ballots must submit a bid to the office of Controller Christy Joy no later than 3 p.m. Jan. 13. The bids then will be publicly opened and read aloud at 9 a.m. Jan. 15.

The tentative date for accepting the bid and awarding the contract for the ballots is Jan. 22.

New ballots are needed because of a state law mandating the use of voting machines that have a paper trail in the wake of concern over the voting in the 2016 election.

The commissioners at their meeting also approved the necessary agreements with Election Systems & Software LLC for licensing and warranties.

“They’re for the new machines,” commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said of the agreements.

Bender said the ballots will be paper, but he did not know exactly how many would be needed. However, he said there must be at least 15% more ballots than were cast in the county in the 2016 election.

“That’s a state requirement,” Bender said.

Bender also said the vendor who receives the contract must be certified by Election Systems & Software.

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

HECKSCHERVILLE — Authorities are still trying to notify family members of a Venezuelan truck driver killed Monday night when his tractor-trailer crashed in Cass Township.

Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III said the man, whose identity has not been released pending next of kin, died of blunt force trauma to his head, neck and chest.

The man suffered a fractured skull and either died on impact or shortly there after, Moylan said.

The coroner said he ruled the manner of death accidental.

Deputy Coroner Al Barnes said he pronounced the man dead at the scene of the crash at 10:20 p.m.

At present, Barnes said the coroner’s office is only releasing the fact that the man is 60 years old and that he lives in Miami, Florida.

Cass Township police Patrolman William Kantner said the crash happened around 8:55 p.m. as the man was driving a tractor-trailer south on Highridge Park Road, a steep incline that connects Interstate 81 to the north and Valley Road to the south.

Highridge Park Road traveling south has numerous signs posted warning truck drivers of the steep grade and the highway is equipped with a runaway truck ramp near the top of the steep incline.

Kantner said that as the man was descending the hill, he lost control while approaching the “T” intersection with Valley Road.

The truck rolled onto its driver’s side, slid through the intersection and came to a stop facing west on Valley Road on its side, trapping the driver inside.

While sliding, Kantner said, the truck severed a utility pole, causing electrical wires to fall on top of and around it.

Emergency crews had to wait to approach the vehicle and the driver until crews from PPL assured them all electricity to the area was shut off.

Once the electricity was shut off, rescuers from Minersville and Cass Township began extricating the driver and had him out of the vehicle just after midnight.

Kantner said his investigation into the cause of the crash is continuing with assistance from Department of Transportation investigators.

The crash shut down Valley Road for several hours and forced detours of traffic exiting Highridge Industrial Park trying to get to the Pottsville and Minersville areas.

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

BARNESVILLE — A mattress manufacturing plant near Mahanoy City will close Feb. 3, and 59 people will lose their jobs.

The Corsicana Mattress Co. will close the Corsicana Bedding LLC plant along Morea Road that has been operating in Schuylkill County since March 2012. The company, based in Corsicana, Texas, gave written notification in a letter dated Nov. 27 about the closure to the state Department of Labor & Industry’s Bureau of Workforce Development Partnership and Operations.

Employees were notified in person about the permanent closure of the non-union facility on Dec. 3.

The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered-business closing, and Pennsylvania initiates rapid response assistance as soon as information is received that a mass dislocation or plant closure is scheduled.

In the letter to L&I, Corsicana Human Resources Director Carla Weber wrote, “It is with much regret that we inform you that our (Barnesville) plant ... will be closing in early February 2020. The reason for the closure is that we are restructuring our business due to major changes in the industry with the growth of online bed-in-a-box retailers, rise of imports and shrinking footprint of our major brick and mortar customers.”

Weber said on Thursday that production will move to plants in Connecticut, North Carolina and Illinois. The Barnesville plant is the only one in Pennsylvania. Corsicana also has plants in Texas, Florida and Tennessee.

“We will offer a small group of employees other opportunities in our Connecticut facility,” she said.

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

ASHLAND — The borough council formally adopted its 2020 operating budget that holds the line on taxes in the new year.

The borough council approved the spending plan during its Dec. 11 regular meeting. The balanced budget keeps the real estate tax at 26 mills.

Total revenue estimated in 2020 from taxes, fees and other sources is $2,692,658.30 ($2,656,302 in 2019).

Revenues listed in all accounts are (2019 in parentheses):

• General: $1,043,950 ($1,034,837).

• Street Light: $69,600 ($69,600).

• Fire Equipment: $12,572 ($12,572).

• Recreation: $79,830 ($80,330).

• Water: $608,097 ($607,597)

• Sewer: $522,800 ($501,300).

• Sanitation: $240,300 ($232,400).

• Capital Reserve: $14,028 ($14,082).

• State Funds (Liquid Fuels): $101,481 ($103,584).

Total estimated expenditures are $2,674,458.05 ($2,627,193.63 in 2019). Expenditure total in each accounts are:

• General: $1,042,858 ($1,033,971.69)

• Street Light: $63,500 ($63,500).

• Fire Equipment: $10,708 ($10,708).

• Recreation: $76,945.81 ($72,652.65).

• Water: $608,083.61 ($607,293.08).

• Sewer: $521,365.15 ($501,263.64).

• Sanitation: $235,597.14 ($220,404.67).

• Capital Reserve: $14,000 ($14,000).

• State Funds: $101,400 ($103,400).

The expected surplus in the proposed budget is $18,200.

Each real estate tax mill brings in about $22,000. The 26 mills are dedicated to the following accounts:

• General Fund: 20.60 mills.

• Street Light: 2.50 mills.

• Recreation: 2.10 mills.

• Fire Equipment: 0.40 mills.

• Capital Reserve: 0.40 mills.

During the November meeting, the council adopted an ordinance that sets the 2020 real estate tax rate and how the funds are distributed. During that meeting, the council adopted a resolution for a tax anticipation note for a one-year loan of $100,000. The TAN is used to fund operational expenses at the beginning of the year until tax revenues are received, which usually begins in March or April. The loan is from M&T Bank at 3.40% and matures on Dec. 31, 2020.

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

Cressona

A New Year’s Day bingo is set for 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, at Good Will Hose Company, 34 S. Sillyman St. Doors will open at 11 a.m.; admission is $30. There will be 20 games with pots of $100 per game and the last game, $1,000. There will also be door prizes and a dinner.

Elizabethville

The Lykens Valley Children’s Museum, 33 S. Market St., is getting ready to celebrate the New Year with a party that will kick off at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, with special STEM and art activities plus all of the museum’s winter-themed, hands-on exhibits. At 3 p.m., there will be a countdown to New Year’s with a ball drop and balloon drop. The party will end at 4 p.m. All are welcome. The event is made possible thanks to Giant and Mid Penn of Halifax. For more information, call 570-809-6379 or go online to lykensvalleychildrensmuseum@gmail.com.

Frackville

People have the opportunity to clean out their closets and at the same time support Trinity Academy in the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center, Cherry and Chestnut streets, Shenandoah, the lone Catholic pre-K to eighth-grade school for northern Schuylkill County. People will be able to recycle items including shirts, pants, hats, towels, belts, outerwear, scarves, linens, bedding and shoes. Pillows cannot be recycled. An indoor cart is in the cafeteria to accept the items, which will be ultimately sent to areas in North, Central and South America. Trinity Academy will receive a check after the items are weighed and the cart emptied. “We are excited about this outreach project to make textile recycling convenient as well as providing an opportunity to help those less fortunate than ourselves,” school officials said in a bulletin announcement. For more information, call the school at 570-462-3927.

Harrisburg

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation driver license and photos centers, including its full-service center, will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 1, in observance of the New Year holiday, according to a PennDOT press release. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website — www.dmv.pa.gov. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24/7 and include driver’s license and photo ID renewals, vehicle registration renewal, driver-history services, changes of address, driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters, and exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2019 is available on the website under the ““PennDOT Service Center Holiday Closings” link. In the release, PennDOT also reminded motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.

Pottsville

The American Red Cross has said there is an “urgent need” for people to donate blood, especially during the holiday season. A Red Cross blood drive is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Dec. 27, at the mall office in Fairlane Village, 7211 route 61 North. People 17 and older (16 with parental consent), weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are urged to donate blood. Walk-ins are welcome; to make an appointment, call 800-733-2767.

Shenandoah

Borough residents who have delinquent trash bills due will have their services terminated as of Tuesday, Dec. 31, according to Shenandoah Borough Council President Leo Pietkiewicz. For more information, call the borough hall at 570-462-1918.

Shenandoah

Three-cheese blend pierogies are available at the Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Parish office, 108 W. Cherry St., during regular business hours. For more information, call the office at 570-462-1968. People may also email the office at info@dmparish.com.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Senior Citizens organization meets regularly at the Tamaqua YMCA, 1201 E. Broad St. at the former Jamesway Plaza. The site is accessible to the handicapped. The group meets at 1 p.m. every Thursday. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. Meetings normally conclude with refreshments, cards and social games.

Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA — A Maryland man charged with causing a crash in Kline Township that claimed the life of his passenger on Thanksgiving Day had charges against him held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Leon J. Charles, 49, of 3728 Wells Ave., Mount Rainer, was arrested by state police Trooper Joseph Aponick of the Frackville station and charged with aggravated assault while DUI, accidents involving death or injury while not properly licensed, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, homicide by vehicle while DUI, DUI-controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, careless driving, reckless driving, DUI and DUI-high rate.

Bayer determined the commonwealth presented enough evidence to substantiate their case and ordered all charges against Charles held for Schuylkill County Court, where he can plead guilty or enter a not guilty plea and request a trial.

Aponick charged Charles with driving a vehicle north on Interstate 81 near the McAdoo exit around 6 a.m. and going off the road, causing the car to enter the median and roll over.

Charles and his passenger — James Muse, 48, of Glen Allen, Virginia — were extricated from the car and eventually flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, where Muse died the following day, Aponick said.

Other court cases included:

Daisy J. Santiago, 35, of 123 N. Sheridan St., Apt. 2, McAdoo; held for court: riot, failure to disperse upon order of an officer, resisting arrest, defiant trespass, refusing to move-obstructing a highway and disorderly conduct.

Gisneiry Carvajal, 25, LKA 268 E. Patterson St., Lansford; held for court: theft, receiving stolen property and theft by failure to make required disposition of funds.

Gerson M. Yones Tejeda, 29, of 628 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton; withdrawn: possession of marijuana, driving a vehicle without a valid inspection and improper sun screening. Waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Devon Riddick-Dilliard, 24, of 326 E. Snyder Ave., Lansford; held for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Katrina Hollan, 40, of 39 E. Ridge St., Lansford; held for court: possession of a controlled substance.

Latee Crews, 45, of 136 N. Kennedy Drive, McAdoo; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and flight to avoid apprehension, trial or punishment.

Crystal Vick, 22, of 65 Second St., Coaldale; withdrawn: possession of marijuana. Waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without a license and driving a vehicle without a valid inspection.

Stephanie Barron, 38, of 3 Club Drive, Nesquehoning; held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia, exceeding the speed limit and possession of a controlled substance.

Tonya N. Braun, 28, of 252 Clay St., Tamaqua; held for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Jose L. Santiago, 47, of 32 W. Water St., Coaldale; withdrawn: aggravated assault. Waived for court: aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest, disarming a law enforcement officer, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jamie Andre, 43, of 709 Boundary St., West Hazleton; held for court: retail theft.

Phillip Anello, 24, of 10 N. Seventh St., Shamokin; held for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jessica L. Reinhard, 41, of 914 First St., Pottsville; held for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Nathan Blose, 35, of 39 W. Lehigh St., Coaldale; held for court: possession of a firearm prohibited, firearms not to be carried without a license, aggravated assault, simple assault and resisting arrest.

Amanda Welker, 31, of 409 E. Broad St., Apt. 4, Tamaqua; waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance.

Morgan Lee Delvillaggio, 22, of 128 W. White St., Summit Hill; waived for court: DUI and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

James B. Hill, 36, of 10 Cherry St., Tamaqua; waived for court: criminal use of a communications facility, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy and possession of marijuana.

Destiny L. Miskiewicz, 28, of 129 S. Hancock St., McAdoo; waived for court: criminal use of a communications facility, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy and possession of marijuana.

(Staff writer Frank Andruscavage compiled this report)

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County anticipates receiving more hotel tax revenue in 2019 than expected, resulting in the commissioners approving at their meeting Tuesday an additional $66,000 appropriation for the treasurer’s office.

“The treasurer’s office anticipates collecting an additional $66,000,” Director of Finance Paul E. Buber said in proposing a resolution approving the appropriation.

Treasurer Linda L. Marchalk said the money already has been targeted.

“The hotel tax goes (primarily) to the (Schuylkill County) Visitors Bureau,” she said.

However, she said, some of it also goes to the county Fire Academy and the Schuylkill Economic Development Corp.

“It keeps us very busy,” Marchalk said of the tax, which she added can now be paid online.

Marchalk said a significant part of the new money, approximately $24,000, came as a result of the sale of the Country Squire Motel just south of Schuylkill Haven in North Manheim Township. The county had put a lien on the property due to unpaid taxes, she said, so when it was sold, those uncollected levies had to be paid.

Marchalk also said she hopes to collect a similar amount when and if the old Days Inn, also in North Manheim Township but just north of Schuylkill Haven, is sold. That building is not only closed, but was damaged in a March 15 fire that investigators have called an arson.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the commissioners extended their contract with Cougles Recycling Inc., Hamburg, until April 1.

Cougles will continue to accept recycled paper in the form of magazines, junk mail and telephone books, and no. 1 and no. 2 plastics. All such materials come from the county drop-off recycling program.

In another matter, the commissioners approved an addition to the contract with Diakon Child Family & Community Ministries, Middletown, increasing the funding by $181,140 to $1,237,808. The additional money, which comes from the state Department of Aging, will be used for senior community services, meals, health, wellness and home meal delivery.

Also, the commissioners approved these budget adjustments for 2019:

• Children & Youth Services, $1,000

• Controller’s office, $1,800

• Courts, $1,250

• District Attorney’s office, $600

• Domestic Relations Office, $2,000

• Prison, $12,774

• Public Defender’s office, $220

• Sheriff’s office, $2,460

• Treasurer’s office, $300

• Schuylkill County Communications Center, $30

“They’re just fairly routine,” Buber said of the adjustments, which move budgetary authority between line items with no increase in actual spending. In other business, the commissioners:

• Approved six purchase of service agreements on behalf of Children & Youth Services.

• Approved a fee for service contract on behalf of the Office of Senior Services with Benefits Data Trust, Philadelphia, for $48,396. Benefits Data Trust will conduct several projects.

• Approved the appointment of Georgene Fedoriska, Pottsville, to a three-year term, effective Jan. 1, 2020, on the Office of Senior Services Advisory Board.

• Approved the reappointment of Kathy Burda and Mildred Dronitsky, both of Pottsville, to three-year terms on the same board.

• Approved the appointments of Jim Finnegan and Zarina Wahhab, both of Pottsville, to three-year terms on the Retired Senior Volunteer Program Advisory Board.

• Approved the reappointments Marie Beauchamp, Orwigsburg; Carol Bowen, Frackville; Virginia Filozof, Ringtown; Ed Hauck, Pottsville; Carol Heim, Saint Clair; and Dolores Novack, Pottsville, to three-year terms on the same board.

• Approved one-year contracts, effective Jan. 1, with attorneys Michael J. Fiorillo, Pottsville, and Diane Hitzemann, New Ringgold, as custody conciliators/masters, at rates of $150 per conference and $150 per hour for hearings.

• Approved a contract with attorney Mark A. Barket, Pottsville, as a custody conciliation and hearing officer.

• Approved a two-year contract, effective Jan. 1, with TKO Cleaning Services for cleaning the courthouse.

• Approved two additional change orders for contracted work for the Human Services Building.

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

The energy firm proposing a wind turbine farm in Schuylkill County is awaiting a decision on its civil suit filed against the county planning and zoning commission.

Clean Air Generation LLC, of Abington Township, along with Anthracite Ridge LLC, of Wilmington, Delaware, filed the complaint in Schuylkill County Court in October.

CAG owns 12,672 acres in Tremont, Frailey, Porter and Hegins townships under a lease agreement with Rausch Creek Land LP and Rausch Creek Industrial Park LP. The company wants to construct up to 80 wind turbines on those parcels.

The commission administers the county zoning ordinance in Tremont, Frailey and Porter townships, while Hegins has its own zoning hearing board. CAG and Anthracite Ridge, through its consultant, EarthRes, submitted a zoning permit application to the county commission.

“The commission has a legal obligation to review the zoning permit application subject to the provisions of the Schuylkill County Zoning Ordinance, which were in effect on Sept. 11, 2019, the date the zoning permit application was filed.

“The commission’s refusal to accept and act on the zoning permit application leaves plaintiffs without adequate legal remedy,” the complaint states. It was submitted by Charles B. Haws, of the Barley Snyder law firm, Reading.

The complaint argues, in part, that the county zoning ordinance presently allows wind turbines as a permitted use in the I-C (industrial/commercial) and C-M (conservation/mining) districts. As such, the county commissioners “cannot declare the zoning ordinance substantively invalid regarding wind turbines,” because their use is provided for in the county zoning ordinance, according to the complaint.

“My client is willing to work with the county commissioners, the planning commission, the municipalities in which the project is proposed and with other interested parties in order to develop a project that will be mutually beneficial,” Haws wrote in a Sept. 12 correspondence with Glenn T. Roth Jr., first assistant solicitor for the county.

In response, Roth said in a letter dated Sept. 17, “As you are aware, the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners, at its work session on Sept. 4, 2019, exercised their right to declare portions of the Schuylkill County Zoning Ordinance substantively invalid pursuant to Section 609.2 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247, as amended (the MPC).”

In his letter, Roth explained that he was returning to Haws the unfiled correspondence dated Sept. 11, the application and a check for $7,350 that was delivered to the attention of Kyle Kehoe, zoning officer with the county planning and zoning office.

“We are returning this to you as the filing may not be accepted in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners,” Roth’s letter stated.

The complaint, meanwhile, asks the court to enter judgment against the commission and direct it to review the zoning permit application, as required by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Code, applying the zoning ordinance in effect as of Sept. 11, 2019.

The county is working on a curative amendment to its zoning ordinance that addresses not only wind turbines, but also natural gas compressor stations, and dispensing medical marijuana. The ordinance would have no effect on existing wind turbines, or affect any wind turbine allowed on a property as an accessory use.

Meanwhile, the Hegins Township Zoning Hearing board on Dec. 16 unanimously denied a use variance for CAG’s proposed project. Hegins Township supervisors will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, to consider a curative amendment to the township zoning ordinance that will address where wind energy projects are permitted, their installation and construction of facilities in the township.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

FRACKVILLE — Children in three local families had a happier Christmas thanks to the efforts of a borough police patrolman and his wife.

Anthony and Heather Kankowski are in their second year helping deserving children over the holidays, and they are not alone in their efforts.

Last year, Frackville police officers and borough workers chipped in to get Christmas goods. This year, donations from businesses and residents allowed the project to expand, Anthony Kankowski said.

Receiving gifts Tuesday were Clinton and Jennifer Brown and their children, Baylain, 8, and Sabina, 9, of Mahanoy Plane; Nicole Wilner of Frackville and her three children, ages 3, 2 and 1; and Chanequa Vaughan, also of Frackville, and her four children, ages 3, 7, 10 and 12.

The gifts were presented by Santa Claus, portrayed by Dave Kapusnick and Mrs. Claus, Tammy Zipp who brought smiles to the faces of the children simply by walking into their homes.

Last year, a Gilberton family was provided gifts.

Anthony Kankowski said the project gives all involved a good feeling to know they are helping others.

“Times are tough,” he said. “In law enforcement I see it every day, and I just wanted to give something back.”

In addition to toys, the families were given food and gift cards to put toward Christmas meals.

“Sometime we don’t realize how lucky we have it,” Anthony Kankowski said.

Frackville Police Chief Richard Bell and his children, Greyson Bell, 9, and Sadie Monahan, 15, were on hand to help.

Donning an Elf hat, Bell said he fully supports Kankowski in his efforts and hopes the tradition continues for years to come.

In addition to borough police officers and employees, Anthony Kankowski said donations were received from Prime America and Attorney Michael J. O’Connor and Associates, the ladies auxiliary of the Friendship Fire Company, Englewood, the Schuylkill County courthouse and citizens.

“The support we had was tremendous,” he said.

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

Police seek porch pirate woman

MAHANOY CITY — Mahanoy City police said Thursday they are asking for the public to help them identify a woman who stole a package from the porch of a home in the unit block of East Mahanoy Avenue on Monday.

Police said the woman likes to stop and get snacks and lottery tickets before committing her crimes.

Police are asking that anyone with information on the identity of the “porch pirate” to call 570-773-2313.

All information received will remain confidential.

Skateboarders, bicyclists and scooter riders showed off their skills Thursday at Minersville Area Skatepark in Minersville.

The temperatures were mild for late December, hitting nearly 50 degrees according to AccuWeather.

Though a cold front will push through the region today, high temperatures are expected to stay in the low to mid-40s.

Looking ahead, rain is expected Sunday and Monday. There is no snow or ice predicted through New Year’s Day.

SHENANDOAH — The recipe team-up of D.G. Yuengling & Son and Ateeco Inc. launched in early December continues with the release of a new recipe for New Year’s Eve and Super Bowl parties.

“Classic Onion Pierogies with Beer Cheese Dip” is the new taste treat developed by Sheryl Yuengling, one of the four daughters of current brewery owner Richard “Dick” Yuengling Jr.

Yuengling and Ateeco, maker of Mrs. T’s Pierogies in Shenandoah, released their first recipe Dec. 6 called “Lager Battered Mini Pierogies,” which includes Mrs. T’s Mini Cheddar Seasoned with Bacon Pierogies fried in a batter that includes Yuengling Lager. When ready to eat, dip them in a special horseradish sauce also developed through the culinary skills of Sheryl Yuengling, the companies suggest.

Yuengling, founded by David G. Yuengling in 1829 and the oldest brewery in the United States, has been celebrating its 190th anniversary this year. In addition to Sheryl, the order services manager, her three sisters — Debbie, Wendy and Jennifer — represent the sixth generation of the family working in the company.

Ateeco was founded 67 years ago in Shenandoah by Theodore “Ted” Twardzik Sr. using the family recipe of his mother, Mary Twardzik, the original “Mrs. T.” He first sold the pierogies to the Capitol Food Market in Shenandoah in 1952, and the company now produces about 600 million frozen pierogies per year.

The beer cheese dip is a blend of cream cheese, jalapeno, garlic powder, hot sauce, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese and Yuengling Traditional Lager.

“We are very excited to release our second recipe with Yuengling,” Ateeco Assistant Public Relations Manager Meghan Heim said. “Sheryl Yuengling did an awesome job coming up with a recipe that highlights both the Lager and our pierogies. This recipe takes ‘chips and dip’ to the next level.”

On the “& Daughters” blog on the Yuengling website, Sheryl wrote the dip is “a fusion of spices, jalapenos, hot sauce, and our famous Traditional Lager.”

“Whether you bake, fry, or even air fry your Mrs. T’s Pierogies,” she wrote, “this beer cheese is the perfect dip for your game day celebrations or holiday festivities and will be sure to have your loved ones wanting more.”

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

Take the plunge this winter — the Pine Creek Polar Bear Plunge that is — to benefit the Pine Creek Trout Nursery.

The plunge countdown will kick off with Pine Creek Pete, the polar bear, coming down the creek at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the dam behind the Pine Creek Trout Nursery.

Event organizer Jim Reed said he got the idea from a similar event in Harrisburg.

“Harrisburg has been doing that for years — the Polar Bear Plunge down at City Island — and I thought it would be a nice idea to get some fundraising going and it works great. The majority of our working capital comes out of that one event,” he said.

There is a $20 donation to take the plunge, but Reed said it’s not limited to those willing to brave the cold.

“Nonplungers are welcome to come. You don’t have to do the plunge to make the $20 donation. And pets are welcome,” he said.

Since its inception 11 years ago, Reed said the event has taken off and become something for people to look forward to.

“It’s becoming a tradition. I see people from all over the place, out of the area. There’s groups that show each year, the same bunch comes out and shows up,” he said.

The plunge isn’t all that $20 gets donors.

“We do a whole new T-shirt each year featuring Pine Creek Pete and then following the plunge, everybody gets a pork and sauerkraut dinner back at the Valley View Gun Club (50 Gun Club Road, Valley View), which is about maybe an eighth of a mile away. And inside we’ve got entertainment by Remy St. Martin,” Reed sad.

St. Martin is a member of Parrot Beach, the big Jimmy Buffet cover band that plays down at the Jersey shore, but he just does a solo act for this event.

“He’s been coming in for, this is probably about the sixth year he’s been doing about a two-hour show,” he said.

Reed said the plunge has brought good things to the nursery.

“Since we started doing this, we’ve made a lot of improvements to the nursery. We really did, and it’s been beneficial,” he said.

Anyone seeking more information on the plunge may visit the event’s Facebook page, 11th annual Pine Creek Polar Bear Plunge.

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

SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS — Lights and decorations for the Christmas season worked out very well for the Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce.

At its monthly breakfast meeting at Ridgeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, chamber Secretary Betty Ann Bugden, who co-chairs the Christmas light committee with Mark J. Bernardyn and Beth Cataldo, gave details about the annual project, in which the length of Main Street and Girard Park at the north end of the borough are decorated.

She spoke of a story published on Dec. 12 about the chamber project.

“We thank The Republican-Herald for covering our town and putting the story on the front page and bringing us a lot of attention,” Bugden said. “Our town is beautiful.”

The lights were installed for the first time by Nick Milewski, of Shenandoah Heights, who worked with others to get them up on time.

“Nick is willing to work on it for next year,” Bugden said. “He knows the ups and downs and what’s going on. Hopefully we’ll get the trees lit in the park. The decorations are beautiful, but without the trees lit, it’s too dark to walk around. We’re still taking donations.”

Chamber Vice President Louis Truskowsky said he is pleased that Milewski is interested for next year. Previous installers were not available this year and the chamber is grateful for Milewski taking on the task.

“Basically between the volunteers and Nick, they did an outstanding job,” Bugden said.

“Shenandoah has done a magnificent job again this year,” said Thomas Sosar, of Gordon, owner of Sosar Physical Therapy in Shenandoah, Frackville and Hegins.

During the treasurer’s report, Bugden said $2,515 was received in donations in the past month for the lighting project.

“The donations were very limited this year compared to previous years,” she said. “We send out close to 120 letters to business people in the town and about 10% came back this year. We did get a $900 donation from the windmills (Avangrid Renewables). We got $100 from a family and we had a few people who also donated. It will cover the cost.”

The expenses between Nov. 15 and Dec. 10 included the purchase of Gertrude Hawk candy for $691.20 for fundraising, a donation for $150 to Downtown Shenandoah Inc. for the horse-drawn trolley for A Coal Cracker Christmas, a donation of $50 for Toys for Tots, the purchase of replacement lights at $270.95, a payment of $1,300 to Milewski for putting up the lights, and $147.34 for a thank you meal to the volunteers at The Pizza Shop.

Anyone who wants to make a donation can stop at Betty Ann Bugden’s Total Image & Hair Replacement Center, 30 S. Main St., or M&T Bank, 2 S. Main St. Donations via mail can be made by check to the Shenandoah Chamber of Commerce and sent to Bugden’s salon.

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

SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS — Real estate taxes and sewer fees will remain the same in 2020 after the formal adoption of the general operating budget by the West Mahanoy Township supervisors.

Supervisors met Dec. 17 for their regular meeting that also included approval of a collective bargaining agreement with police.

Supervisors voted unanimously for the general budget, balanced at $1,904,540, an increase of $32,540 over the 2018 budget of $1,872,000.

The 2020 spending plan keeps the real estate millage at 7.15, which includes 5.9 mills for general purposes and 1.25 for public safety. Each mill brings in $42,850 in revenue. For every $100 in assessed valuation, taxes are 71.5 cents.

Raises for police

In other business, the supervisors approved a contract with the West Mahanoy Police Department of the Northern Schuylkill Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 25 effective Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022.

“There were few changes (from the previous contract),” Chief of Police Marvin Livergood said.

The contract, which is not yet signed, includes increases of 50 cents per hour and some changes with holidays, the chief said.

Other business

The supervisors were informed through a letter from Entech Engineering Inc. about the Frackville Area Municipal Authority’s proposal to construct a gravity interceptor line on Fireman’s Road in the Altamont section near Frackville and abandon an existing pump station. The new sewer line capacity will allow for future service to commercial and residential development.

The letter was for information only and the supervisors took no action.

Meeting dates for 2020 were approved. The board will hold its reorganization meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6, followed by the monthly meeting. Regular monthly meetings will be held on the third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the municipal building in Shenandoah Heights. The board of auditors will hold its reorganization meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, and the planning commission will reorganize at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13.

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