Man arrested for criminal mischief

MAHANOY CITY — A borough man was arrested by Mahanoy City police and charged with criminal mischief on each of two separate incidents.

Police charged Thomas A. Heiser, 39, of 532 W. Pine St., for using red paint to draw a swastika and write a profanity on the Dollar General Store, 701 W. Centre St. on Dec. 11.

Then, on Jan. 1, police charged Heiser with committing the same mischief to the Dollar General Store.

Charges against Heiser were filed with Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

2 charged with Walmart thefts

SAINT CLAIR — Two people were charged with retail theft by Saint Clair police after separate incidents at Walmart.

Police said Marissa Nicole Pettit was charged for stealing items valued at $168.71 on Aug. 1 and Kimberly M. Peletsky, 34, of Saint Clair, charged with stealing items valued at $7.14 on Dec. 12.

Police said charges against the two were filed with Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

Woman allegedly had paraphernalia

SAINT CLAIR — A Middleport woman was arrested by Saint Clair police and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after an incident at South Second and Russell streets around 7:05 p.m. Jan. 18.

Police said officers on patrol saw Adriane Rodgers, 31, and took her into custody on outstanding warrants from the Schuylkill County district attorney’s office.

A subsequent search revealed the woman was in possession of a glass pipe commonly used to ingest methamphetamine, police said.

The charge against Rodgers was filed with Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

Police: Man in custody had drugs

CRESSONA — A Pottsville man was arrested by state police at Schuylkill Haven and charged with possession of a controlled substance after an incident at Red Horse and Glenworth roads in North Manheim Township around 12:50 p.m. Jan. 13.

Police said James Tokonitz, 34, was at the scene when it was discovered he had an active bench warrant for his arrest.

When taken into custody, it was discovered Tokonitz was in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

Police: 8-year-old involved in assault

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN —State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating an indecent assault incident that happened between July 1 and Dec. 31.

Police only said the assault involved an 8-year-old boy and that it happened in Wayne Township.

No other information was provided by police.

3 escape injury in 3-vehicle accident

CRESSONA — Three people escaped injury in a three-vehicle crash that happened on Route 901, North Sillyman Street, around 5:20 p.m. Jan. 22.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Brandon Melfi, 26, of Harrisburg, was driving a 2018 Nissan Maxima south when he ran into the back of a 2002 Jeep Wrangler driven by Carter Scherer, 19, of Elysburg, who was stopped in traffic.

The impact pushed the Scherer vehicle into the back of a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer driven by Dakota Keller, 24, of Summit Station, police said.

As a result of the crash, police said, Melfi will be cited for following too closely.

Police charge 2 in November theft

HAMBURG — Charges are pending against two Schuylkill Haven residents by Tilden Township police after an incident at Walmart, 1800 Tilden Ridge Drive, in November.

Police said charges of retail theft and conspiracy were filed against Francis Letcavage, 42, and Nicole Keefer, 34, with Magisterial District Judge Kim Bagenstose, Hamburg.

Police said the charges are the result of an incident at the business around 2:37 p.m. Nov. 28.

Police said that on Dec. 9, they were contacted by store security regarding a Nov. 28 retail theft and video images showed a man and woman entering the store with a shopping cart after arriving in the same vehicle.

A short time later, the man and woman were seen at the self checkout scanning in merchandise valued at $761.

Police said the man left the store with the full shopping cart while the woman stayed behind at the checkout and scanned a bank card that was declined.

The woman exited the store without paying and both left the area in the same vehicle they arrived in, police said.

Police said that on Jan. 15, photos of the man, woman and their vehicle were posted on social media in an attempt to learn their identity and, three days later, information from multiple sources identified the two as Letcavage and Keefer.

Both will now have to appear for preliminary hearings on March 2 before Bagenstose in her Hamburg courtroom, police said.

Disorderly results in warrant arrest

SAINT CLAIR — Two men were arrested by Saint Clair police and charged with disorderly conduct after an incident a home at 320 Cherry St. around 5:30 a.m. Jan. 27.

Police said officers were called to the home by neighbors who reported a loud disturbance and found Alfred Manuel Sosa, 24, and Korian Lugo-Santiago, 29, making unreasonable noise during a verbal discussion.

Police said their investigation determined that Sosa was wanted by the Luzerne County Sheriff’s Department for an outstanding criminal arrest warrant.

Sosa was taken into custody and committed to the Schuylkill County Prison on the warrant, police said. Both men will now have answer to the disorderly conduct charge before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

Woman charged with theft

SAINT CLAIR — Saint Clair police filed charges against a Tuscarora woman in connection with an Aug. 1 incident at Walmart.

Police said Marissa Nicole Pettit, 25, stole items valued at $168.71 around 5:15 p.m.

Pettit was charged with retail theft and will now have to answer before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, police said.

Police: Man made threats to officers

SAINT CLAIR — A Pottsville man was jailed after being arrested by Saint Clair police after an incident at 745 Pottsville-Saint Clair Highway around 11:15 p.m. Jan. 24.

Police said officers were called to the area after neighbors said Clint Cavanaugh, 45, was screaming obscenities, smashing items inside the home and banging loudly on his neighbor’s common wall.

Police said Cavanaugh refused to open the door and made threats toward the officers by saying, “I’m going to get my gun.”

Officers then forced their way into the home and took Cavanaugh into custody without incident.

Cavanaugh was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon on charge of harassment and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10% of $25,000 bail, police said.

Man cited after Union Twp. crash

RINGTOWN — A Harrisburg man suffered suspected minor injuries when the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox he was driving crashed on Breisch Road in Union Township around 10:25 p.m. Tuesday.

State police at Frackville said Trenson Bourjolly, 34, was driving west when he failed to drive in a curve and drove up an embankment, causing his vehicle to roll onto its roof and come to a stop in the westbound lane.

Police said Bourjolly was taken to a hospital by Shenandoah EMS and, as a result of the crash, will be cited for driving at an unsafe speed.

Police: Part stolen from vehicles

ALTAMONT — West Mahanoy Township police are investigating a theft that happened in the Altamont section of the township between Jan. 24 and Tuesday.

Police said someone went to a business and stole several catalytic converters from vehicles that were parked in the parking lot.

Anyone with information is asked to call Mahanoy Township police at 570-462-2360.

2 charged after vehicle argument

BRANDONVILLE — Two men were charged with harassment by state police at Frackville after an incident at 54 Second Blvd. in East Union Township around 1:50 a.m. Thursday.

Police said Bradley Dye, 26, and Jason Wetzel, 45, both of Ringtown, were charged after they pushed and grabbed each other during an argument over borrowing vehicle.

Charges against both will be filed with Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

The Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association and Schuylkill Conservation District are again selling quality tree seedlings.

The organizations said trees increase property value, enhance wildlife habitat, beautify the landscape and improve the environment, and can provide a source of income.

Proceeds from the sale support Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, just outside of Pine Grove off Route 443. The park offers recreational, social and educational opportunities for people of all ages.

Almost 510,000 tree seedlings have been sold over the years, with offerings available for those with small yards or large tracts of land.

Evergreens offered include: Concolor fir, Norway spruce, Scotch pine and Eastern redcedar. These trees are considered excellent ornamentals or Christmas trees and are good for windbreaks, landscaping and dense screens.

Hardwoods for sale include: pin oak, winterberry, white flowering dogwood, American sweetgum, red maple, Osage orange, American beech, elderberry and gingko. These are trees and shrubs that will compliment any mix of evergreens and are beautiful year-round.

Order forms can be downloaded at www.sweetarrowlake.com or request a form or more information by contacting Patrick “Porcupine Pat” McKinney at porcupinepat@yahoo.com or 570-391-3326. Or contact Denise Donmoyer at 570-345-8952 or nightowl57@verizon.net.

Deadline to order is Wednesday, April 1, or until supplies last. Pick up date is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 25, at the county park.

PINE GROVE — Grover the Groundhog received a round of hurrahs Sunday at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park Clubhouse, as he predicted an early spring.

The woodchuck, of the taxidermy type, did not see his shadow, according to Robert “Bob” Evanchalk, retired county parks and recreation supervisor, who read Grover’s prediction.

About 85 people joined Sunday afternoon for Grover’s prognostication, and a chicken pot-pie meal, followed by musical entertainment from Matthew Dodd, of Mechanicsburg. The 14th annual event was coordinated by the Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association.

Grover’s vision for an early spring matches that of Punxsutawney Phil’s this year.

Grover and his “wife,” Sweet Arrow Sue, sported football and cheerleading garb, respectively, as they sat upon a decorated table at the clubhouse. The Pine Grove groundhog also predicted a Superbowl win for the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I’m glad that there may be an early spring,” said Madeline Schuettler, of Pottsville, Schuylkill County Fair Queen. Schuettler, and fellow 2019 fair royalty, Princess Kassidy Balulis, of Seltzer, and Little Miss Madison Purcell, from McKeansburg, took part in the annual celebration.

“We’re happy to be here, learning and celebrating Pennsylvania heritage,” Schuettler said.

“He was really a lot of fun,” she said of Dodd’s performance. “I liked how he used the songs that we knew and changed the words, adding something in about groundhogs.”

The royal trio will appear together again on Saturday, Feb. 8, for Winterfest in Pottsville.

Madison’s mother, Nicole Purcell, brought along her other children, Elias, 6, and Rowan, 3, and Madison’s grandmother, Brenda Comishock, all of McKeansburg.

“With my daughter being the Little Miss, we try to get to as many events as we can, especially those that may be related to agriculture. It’s pretty exciting. Not everyone is aware of what we have in the area,” Nicole Purcell said.

Kathy Krammes and Demetrius Kasmari, of Valley View, also enjoyed the Groundhog Day celebration with family.

“It’s a nice time to get together,” Krammes said, noting she appreciated Dodd’s songs. “He’s wonderful. He’s so versatile and really appeals to all ages.”

Dodd played the banjo and mandolin while singing songs which focused on all forms of weather, Pennsylvania lore and of course, groundhogs. Dodd’s offerings included a groundhog take on the song, “Wild Thing,” a toss back to Elvis with “You Ain’t Nothing But a Groundhog,” and “I Can See Clearly Now.”

Artist and author Margery Wheeler Mattox, of Pine Grove, said she also enjoyed Dodd’s music and had heard him perform before. She and a few friends got up to dance to some of his tunes. The “Pennsylvania Polka” drew a few fans to the make-shift dance floor to shake off some of winter’s doldrums.

In announcing Grover’s insight, Evanchalk read a verse written by “anonymous,” aka Carol Keesey, a SALCA member. She is known for her tongue-in-cheek rhymes every year about Grover, which highlight social thoughts of the day with a dash of humor.

Keesey said she was pleased with Saturday’s turnout.

Since Groundhog Day fell on a Sunday this year, SALCA decided to have the celebration and Chinese auction a little later in the day at 1 p.m., instead of in the morning hours, to avoid a conflict with those who would be attending church. Next year, the 15th annual celebration will return to the morning hours, according to Evanchalk.

SALCA President Denise Donmoyer thanked guests for their support and announced auction prize winners.

The Pine Grove Grundsau Lodge 5 began the Groundhog Day event, and partnered with SALCA to bring the festivities to the county, until the lodge disbanded a few years ago and SALCA continued the tradition. “Grundsau” means “groundhog” in Pennsylvania Dutch/German.

For more on Matthew Dodd, visit the website songsandstories.homestead.com.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

With the Iowa caucuses set to kick off the voting today in the 2020 presidential election, some local analysts and political operatives wonder if the Democratic race will be competitive by the time Pennsylvania’s primary rolls around in April.

Usually it’s not, but could this be the year when Pennsylvania matters?

The polls are tight and several well-funded candidates, including a multibillionaire, are primed for a long-drawn primary battle that could spill into Pennsylvania and beyond, Dr. Benjamin Toll, an assistant professor at Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, said.

“There’s more and more of a chance we will have an impact on who becomes the nominee,” Toll said.

Still, it’s unlikely Pennsylvania will play a pivotal role, he said.

When Pennsylvanians vote April 28, along with voters from five other states, a clear front runner will likely have emerged since 34 states and several U.S. territories will have already voted — representing a significant number of the delegates up for grabs, Toll said.

However, as it did in 2016, Pennsylvania will play a crucial role in the General Election pitting the eventual Democratic nominee against the Republican, he said.

“Locally and in Pennsylvania, it’s going to be hard for whoever the nominee is to beat (President Donald) Trump. Certainly President Trump will win the vote in Luzerne County without much doubt,” Toll said. “I live in Harveys Lake and I can’t tell you how many Trump signs I pass driving home from Wilkes-Barre.”

The battle begins

The Democratic Iowa caucuses are the “most closely contested” in many years, Toll said. In addition, the Democratic party is “more split than it has been in many cycles.”

The two Iowa frontrunners appear to be former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders although several others are in striking distance of winning delegates, such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a billionaire funding his own campaign, isn’t competing in Iowa and other early-voting states, but instead is pouring millions of dollars into 16 states voting on “Super Tuesday,” which is March 3.

Ed Mitchell, a veteran political consultant from Luzerne County, thinks Sanders, Biden, Warren and Buttigieg all have a chance of winning Iowa and gaining momentum in the race.

“Right now they say Sanders has the most momentum and Warren has the best organization,” Mitchell said. “Buttigieg has been getting the biggest crowds. Biden has the advantage of having been the vice president, having exposure and experience.”

Mitchell thinks there’s a “slim chance Pennsylvania could matter in April.”

“By Super Tuesday at least one of those top four will drop out,” Mitchell said.

Bloomberg, who is rising in the polls nationally, is the wild card, he said.

“What does he do in terms of getting delegates with all the money he’s spending? He has a ground game. He’s paying people and paying some people very well, up to $20,000 to $25,000 a month. That’s unheard of,” Mitchell said.

Each state awards delegates to candidates who get at least 15% of the vote. California has the most delegates with 415, followed by New York with 274, Texas with 228, Florida with 219 and Pennsylvania with 186.

Of the 3,939 delegates up for grabs, the candidate who gets to a majority — or 1,980 delegates — secures the nomination. Should no candidate obtain a majority, a candidate would be decided at the Democratic National Convention in July by a process known as a brokered convention.

Traditionally, if a candidate won both the Iowa caucuses and the next contest, the New Hampshire primary, they went on to easily capture the nomination, Mitchell said.

“I don’t think that’s going to be the case this year,” Mitchell said.

Sanders seems to be in the best position to sweep the first two contests, according to polling.

That would give him momentum, but not the usual lock on the nomination, as Sanders and chief rival, Northeast Pennsylvania native Joe Biden, have very divergent viewpoints that likely will split the vote and prolong the primary, Mitchell said.

The fight for NEPA

While Democrats nationally are gearing up for a potentially bruising primary, local party members say they are working to reverse the results of 2016 — when President Donald Trump routed Hillary Clinton in Luzerne County on his way to winning Pennsylvania and the White House.

Meanwhile, local Republicans say support for Trump has never been stronger and they are working on an even bigger victory in 2020.

Kathy Bozinski, chairwoman of the Luzerne County Democratic Party, said the main goal is defeating Trump this year and electing a Democratic president.

“I think changes at the very highest levels of government are necessary if we want to see working class people, the middle class move forward,” Bozinski said. “I hope the current president is a one-term president.”

In the 2016 election, Trump defeated Clinton 58% to 39% in Luzerne County, where Democrats have a significant registration advantage. Trump garnered 78,303 votes compared to 52,092 for Clinton, a rout that helped deliver Pennsylvania and the presidency to the billionaire businessman.

Bozinski knows Trump still has a large following in Luzerne County, but noted the county still has a large “Democrat majority.”

Getting new voters, particularly young people and members of growing minority communities who support Democrat ideals, to the polls will be key, she said.

“We have strategies, which will depend on who the candidate is,” Bozinski said.

Lynette Villano, vice chairwoman of the Luzerne County Republican Party, said Trump will win locally and nationally regardless of the Democratic nominee.

“I just think he has such a record to run on,” Villano said.

Villano thinks the impeachment proceedings brought about by the House Democrats have backfired.

“It’s made Trump supporters more excited to work for and defend the president,” Villano said.

Villano said she’s never seen the local Republican party more energized. The Luzerne County Young Republicans has record membership, Republican women events are flourishing and Democrats continue to switch parties, she said.

She knows Republicans will still be at a registration disadvantage in November and Trump will need Democrats to vote for him again.

“Let’s face it, if Democrats didn’t support him in 2016, he wouldn’t have won,” Villano said. “I think he’s gained support, rather than lost support. I don’t see anyone who supported him in 2016 that won’t support him this year.”

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

POTTSVILLE — Jurors, lawyers, police officers and defendants will pack the Schuylkill County Courthouse for the next two weeks, as the February criminal court term starts today with four trials, including one dealing with an alleged robbery.

“It’s absolutely, by far,” the busiest criminal court term since he took office, District Attorney Michael A. O’Pake said Friday as the 26th jury was being selected for the two-week term.

O’Pake said there are a couple reasons for the long list of trials.

“We’re moving cases through the system quicker,” due to a number of changes instituted during the last year, he said.

That has good and bad effects, according to O’Pake.

“It’s having the desired result of closure more quickly,” but also brings defendants who are going to trial to the forefront, he said.

O’Pake said another factor is holding firm on guilty plea offers.

“Our office has set a deadline by which negotiated pleas had to be accepted,” he said. “Those deadlines have passed.”

Of today’s four trials, one involves Saye N. Kilikpo Jr., 30, of Macungie, Lehigh County, who is charged with robbery, conspiracy, corruption of minors, theft, receiving stolen property, possession of prohibited offensive weapon, simple assault and two counts each of aggravated assault and possessing instrument of crime.

Pottsville police charged Kilikpo with robbing and assaulting Trent Schaeffer around 12:50 a.m. July 9, 2019, at 906 W. Race St. in the city.

Police said Kilikpo put a black handgun under Schaeffer’s chin and told his alleged co-conspirator, a juvenile, to take the alleged victim’s cellphone and wallet. Schaeffer knocked the gun from Kilikpo’s hand, but the defendant managed to slash him across the face, police said.

President Judge William E. Baldwin is slated to preside over the trial. Assistant District Attorney Claude A.L. Shields is prosecuting the case against Kilikpo, who is being defended by Jeffrey M. Markosky, Mahanoy City.

Also scheduled to go on trial today is Brad D. Murphy, 37, of Tamaqua, who is charged with statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent exposure, corruption of minors and indecent assault.

Tamaqua police have charged Murphy with sexually assaulting an 11-year-old boy on Sept. 1, 2018, in the borough. Police said he was one of four men who sexually assaulted the boy.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin is scheduled to preside over Murphy’s trial. Assistant District Attorney Jennifer N. Foose is prosecuting Murphy, who is being defended by Christine A. Holman, Tamaqua.

The other two defendants going on trial today are:

• Sukori L. Butler, 36, of Shenandoah, who has been charged by Shenandoah police with strangulation, harassment, disorderly conduct and two counts of simple assault.

• Seth W. Valentine, 39, of Tamaqua, who has been charged by Tamaqua police with theft and receiving stolen property.

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

Defendants

Name: Saye N. Kilikpo Jr.

Age: 30

Residence: Macungie, Lehigh County

Charges: Robbery, conspiracy, corruption of minors, theft, receiving stolen property, possession of prohibited offensive weapon, simple assault and two counts each of aggravated assault and possessing instrument of crime

•

Name: Brad D. Murphy

Age: 37

Residence: Tamaqua

Charges: Statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent exposure, corruption of minors and indecent assault

Llewellyn

Events to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes for seriously ill children, are set for Saturday, Feb. 29, featuring the Mad Batters softball team hosting an all-day event that will begin with a polar plunge and include a bake sale and an after-party with music by the band Sapphire at the Good Intent Hose Company, 12 Silverton Road, according to a release from Michele Scribbick, community outreach specialist with Commuter Services of Pennsylvania. For more information, email Scribbick at Michele.scribbick@aecom.com or Michele.scribbick@pacommuterservices.org. Scribbick said the event is meant to raise money for and awareness of Make-A-Wish and its mission.

Mount Carmel

The Mahoney Brothers, billed as the “World’s Greatest Impersonation Show,” will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 29, in the Mount Carmel Area High School Auditorium, according to a release from Joe Cesari, Kulpmont. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. For tickets or more information, call Cesari at 570-373-3561.

Orwigsburg

The Blue Mountain High School Drama Club will present “Fiddler on the Roof Jr.” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 17 and 18, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the middle school. All are welcome to attend. For tickets, people may go online to http://our.show/blue-mountain-middle-school/19881. More information also is available from Jennifer S. DiSante via email to jsdisante@bmsd.org.

Pine Grove

Buddy’s Babes Make-A-Wish softball team will sponsor a “Lucky Draw” Chinese auction Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21 and 22, at the Thirsty Lizard Lounge, 87 Tremont Road. Proceeds, according to a release from Tim Gaynord, proceeds will go toward granting a wish or wishes. The event will go from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with tickets drawn at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22; people need not be present to win. Tickets are $5 each and people may buy four sheets and get one free. For more information, call 570-573-5298. More information also is available at the event’s facebook page.

Pottsville

Jodee Blanco, a bullying survivor, expert, advocate and author of a New York Times best-selling book, “Please Stop Laughing at Me,” is giving a series of presentations for parents and children at Catholic schools in the Diocese of Allentown, with the presentations free and open to the public. In Schuylkill County, the presentation will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, at Nativity BVM High School, One Lawton’s Hill. Blanco, according to a diocesan press release, is a nationally known author and expert on school bullying. Blanco also will give a seminar for diocesan Catholic school leaders at an upcoming in-service day. For more information on Blanco, visit her website at www.jodeeblanco.com.

Shenandoah

The Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens group held installation of officers on Jan. 8 during which Dolores Micko, group president for the past 12 years, turned the gavel over to the new president, Betty Swartz. Elaine Trackim took over as vice president for another term. The secretary is Mary Ann Pronio, the treasurer is Fran Domkus and the chaplain is Winnie Mohutsky. Catherine Toborowski became a new trustee, taking over for Irene Avenoso. Returning trustees include Jenny Navitsky and Ann Marie Segal. Leo Treshock became the new sergeant-at-arms, replacing Joe Wallace. Following the ceremony, members enjoyed lunch and played bingo, according to a release from Pronio. The group meets at 1 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at its 225 N. Market St. headquarters. New members — people 55 and older — are welcome to join. Dues are $5 per year.

Shenandoah

Greater Shenandoah area veterans officer and organizer Joe Chowanes recently announced upcoming local veterans’ meeting as follows: Anthony P. Damato American Legion “Medal of Honor” Post 792, at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, in the post home, 116 N. Main St., officers meet at 7:30 p.m.; AMVETS Post 7, 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Damato post; Catholic War Veterans Post 1107, 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14 at the 201 W. Cherry St. quarters of Knights of Columbus Francis Cardinal Brennan Council 618. For more information, call Chowanes at 570-462-9560.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH — A Mahanoy City woman charged with breaking into a home in that community and then fleeing police appeared for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Victoria S. Anderson, 24, of 401 E. Mahanoy Ave., was arrested by Mahanoy City police Patrolman Thomas Rentschler and charged with escape, resisting arrest and criminal trespass stemming from the Jan. 15 incident at 1125 E. Centre St.

Anderson waived her right to a hearing on the escape charge and prosecutors withdrew the remaining two offenses.

Rentschler charged Anderson with entering the home without permission and resisted being taken into custody when officers arrived.

At one point, Rentschler said, Anderson fled while on the front porch of the home and was taken into custody after leading officers on a chase that covered about 1 1/2 blocks.

Other court cases included:

Rha-Jeea Zakarri Lovett, 20, of 630 E. Centre St., Mahanoy City; waived for court: burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, aggravated assault, theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment and robbery.

Rhakiyyah Lovett, 40, of 630 E. Centre St., Mahanoy City; waived for court: burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, aggravated assault, theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment and robbery.

Jacob A. Shopfer, 26, homeless, Mahanoy City; Shopfer pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia and prosecutors withdrew a charge of loitering and prowling at night.

Kody M. Frank, 27, of 1218 Pottsville St., Pottsville; held for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, DUI-controlled substance, period for requiring lighted lamps, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bovilar De Los Santos Martinez, 35, of 219 W. Cherry St., Shenandoah; dismissed: terroristic threats and harassment.

Eliny Eliza Grajales, 21, of 2 N. Third St., Apt. 5, Pottsville; waived for court: possession of marijuana, DUI-controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and period for requiring lighted lamps.

Dennis Deaver, 45, of 186 Virginia Ave., Shenandoah; withdrawn: strangulation, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Marie A. Ebert, 50, of 27 E. Main St., Tremont; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI-controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and driving a vehicle without a valid inspection.

Douglas J. Shartel Jr., 38, of 398 N. Main St., Third Floor Apt., Wilkes-Barre; held for court; DUI-controlled substance, having an alcohol level of 0.02-percent or greater second offense, disregard for single traffic lane, exceeding the speed limit, careless driving, endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robert B. Kowalski, 26, of 8308 Temple Road, Philadelphia; held for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mark J. Mensinger Jr., 37, of 37 North St., Box 72, Oneida; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance.

Dennis J. Antonelli Jr., 40, of 12 W. Brandon St., Box 133, Sheppton; withdrawn: recklessly endangering another person.

Chirag Dahyabhal Patel, 45, of 974 Centre St., Sheppton; withdrawn: simple assault and harassment.

Daniel A. Martin, 44, of 407 W. South St., Mahanoy City; waived for court: false identification to law enforcement and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Hillary Jo Sullivan, 39, of 530 W. Centre St., Mahanoy City; held for court: DUI-controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and driving a vehicle without a valid inspection.

Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA — A Tamaqua man charged with assaulting several people outside of a Tamaqua tavern on Dec. 15 appeared for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Thomas L. Williams III, 39, of 232 W. Spruce St. was arrested by Tamaqua police Patrolman Karl Harig and charged with four counts of simple assault and one count of disorderly conduct.

Bayer dismissed one count of simple assault and ordered the remaining four charges held for Schuylkill County Court, where Williams can plead guilty or enter a not guilty plea and request a trial.

Harig charged Williams with a 1:40 a.m. incident at the Pine Street Pub, where he began yelling at people inside the bar, prompting them to leave. Williams also exited and, according to the victims, began swinging and hitting people, causing injuries to two women, Harig said.

Other court cases included:

Christian A. Melendez, 26, of 213 E. Broad St., Apt. 5, Tamaqua; held for court: simple assault and disorderly conduct.

Sirjames J. Smith, 39, of 52 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill; waived for court: theft of leased property.

Victor J. Pranxcavage, 56, of 527 Pine Hill St., Minersville; held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Debra A. Schreffler, 50, of 611 E. Elm St., Tamaqua; waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Crystal A. Heffelfinger, 38, of 224 W. Bertsch St., Lansford; waived for court: driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Justin M. Samler, 27, of 139 Pine St., Box 259, Beaver Meadows; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving a vehicle without a valid inspection and no rear lights.

Matthew L. Ketchledge, 33, LKA 84 Hunter St., Apt. 4, Tamaqua; waived for court: retail theft.

David S. Moerder, 70, of 128 Clay St., Tamaqua; held for court: theft of property lost, mislaid or delivered by mistake.

Jason Shiffert, 39, of 9 E. Ruddle St., Coaldale; waived for court: simple assault, terroristic threats and harassment.

Amy Louise Sanchez, 50, of 120 W. Fourth St., Hazleton; waived for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Kevin T. Heiser, 40, of 430 Hazle St., Tamaqua; waived for court: endangering the welfare of children.

James Lewis, 51, of 173 W. Ridge St., Apt. 5, Lansford; held for court: driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Alicia C. Hunsinger, 25, of 6 S. Lehigh St., Rear, Tamaqua; waived for court: possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and duties at a stop sign.

Christopher D. Girard, 38, of 135 Snyder Ave., McAdoo; waived for court: simple assault and harassment.

Brandon E. Outridge, 21, of 569 Marion Lane, Brodheadsville; waived for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Gary L. Scott Jr., 33, of 135 E. High St., Coaldale; waived for court: indecent assault and harassment.

Bruce Smith Jr., 34, of 6 E. High St., Second Floor, Coaldale; held for court: aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.

Luis G. Morales, 27, of 425 N. Railroad St., Apt. 3, Tamaqua; waived for court: burglary, criminal trespass, simple assault, theft, criminal attempt to commit burglary, criminal attempt to commit criminal trespass, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Deborah J. Goetz, 61, of 107 Tamaqua St., Hazleton; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance and careless driving.

Bonnie Lee McDermott, 25, of 1 James St., Box 62, Kelayres; waived for court: DUI, DUI-controlled substance and turning movements and required signals.

Jonathan M. Burget, 42, of 109 W. Grant St., McAdoo; dismissed: possession of a controlled substance. Held for court: DUI-controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and parking improperly on two way highways.

Robert C. Hibbler, 69, of 324 Lincoln St., Suite 3, Tamaqua; waived for court: criminal attempt to commit criminal trespass, defiant trespass, criminal mischief and public drunkenness.

Robert Levy, 50, of 311 W. Abbott St., Lansford; dismissed: simple assault. Waived for court: terroristic threats, harassment and disorderly conduct.

Christopher Keer, 30, of 23 W. Ruddle St., Coaldale; held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael A. Kline, 48, of 188 Main St., Pottsville; waived for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Brian D. Reyes, 23, of 856 N. Locust St., Hazleton; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance and illegal turns.

John J. Sediva Jr., 50, of 303 N. Elm St., Summit Hill; withdrawn: possession of a controlled substance. Waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, careless driving and restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Mario J. Mascola, 64, of 23 W. Ruddle St., Coaldale; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Danyal Lynn Whiteash, 33, of 23 W. Ruddle St., Coaldale; held for court: driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and illegally operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock.

James B. Hill, 36, of 338 Tresckow Road, McAdoo; waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Destiny L. Miskiewicz, 28, of 338 Tresckow Road, McAdoo; waived for court: conspiracy, possession of a small amount of marijuana and criminal use of a communications facility.

Walter F. Englert, 51, of 1101 Lehigh St., Tamaqua; waived for court: operating a vehicle without a valid inspection, no rear lights and altered, forged or counterfeit title, registration or insurance.

(Staff writer Frank Andruscavage compiled this report)

Taylor Picone a 31-year- old, longtime Pennsylvania resident, and currently serving captain with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard announced this month that he will seek to represent the 124th District in Pennsylvania’s General Assembly in 2020 as a Democrat.

The district includes parts of Berks, Schuylkill, and Carbon counties and is currently represented by Jerry Knowles, R-124, Rush Township, who has largely run unopposed.

Among his reasons for seeking election were recognizing the current lack of proactive leadership and representation for all constituents, as well as the need for a fresh perspective to represent the voices of the 124th District, according to a press release.

In addition to his 13 years with the National Guard, Taylor spent four years working at the United States Property and Fiscal Office for Pennsylvania and most recently worked for Norfolk Southern Railroad in Harrisburg.

Taylor is currently studying for a master’s degree in public administration at Villanova University.

He resides in Windsor Township with his wife, Carrie, who he met and married at Valley Forge Military Academy, the same academy where they both earned their commissions into the Army.

Taylor has served on assignments that include emergency response for natural disasters in Pennsylvania, Texas and Florida, special security events such as Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia in 2015, and an overseas deployment in 2012-13.

Taylor believes it is important that his generation start to get involved in problem solving for our world.

His generation has shouldered incredible burdens, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, rising costs of college and prescription drugs, stagnant wages and disappearing jobs from small communities, according to a press release.

Taylor believes it is his responsibility to start putting his generation into positions where these problems are being debated and solved.

According to the release, he recognizes that “age does not determine the value of your voice, but it often influences what your voice is talking about, and if my generation does not get involved, that is nobody’s fault but our own.”

Taylor wants to ensure that Pennsylvania is not left behind. He believes we are at a critical decision point for the future of Pennsylvania’s rural economy. Whether we embark on a proactive approach or not, will matter exponentially in the future. He recognizes that we need to find a balance between honoring our heritage and being on the leading front of new industries.

“People are frustrated that they are being left behind as their jobs leave. While we talk about eliminating fossil fuels and growing the renewable energy industry, those new jobs aren’t coming to coal country! I will fight to bring opportunities to the 124th,” Taylor was quoted in the release.

To learn more about Taylor and his candidacy, you can visit www.PiconeForPA.com, as well as join him on facebook at www.facebook.com/PiconeForPA. The campaign has set an initial fundraising goal of $20,000. Contributions to the campaign can be made at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/picone-for-pa-1.

Man cited after crashing into pole

BARNESVILLE — A Barnesville man escaped injury when the 2016 Hyundai Sonata he was driving crashed on Ball Diamond Road in Ryan Township around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday.

State police at Frackville said Joel T. Garber was driving east and reported closing his eyes while yawning, causing him to go off the road and hit a utility pole.

Police said that as a result of the crash, Garber will be cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Traffic stop leads to drug charges

MOUNT LAFFEE — A New Philadelphia man is facing drug charges by state police at Frackville after a traffic stop at West Mount Laffee and Valley roads in Cass Township around 8:20 p.m. Tuesday.

Police said they stopped a vehicle driven by Kenneth Yoder, 41, for an equipment violation and conducted a probable cause search, resulting in the discovery of a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Police said the appropriate charges will be filed with Magisterial District Judge David Rossi, Tremont.

Police investigate windshield damage

GIRARDVILLE — State police at Frackville are investigating a criminal mischief incident that happened at 145 W. Ogden St. around 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Police said someone damaged the windshield of a pickup truck owned by a Mahanoy City man while it was parked in front of the residence.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-874-5300.

Woman jailed for assaulting man

MIDDLEPORT — A 54-year-old Middleport woman was jailed after being arrested by state police at Frackville for an assault that happened on Nicholas Street around 2:45 p.m. Jan. 27.

Police said they were called to the area and spoke to a 52-year-old Phoenixville man who reported being struck two times by Dorothy Foti and also being the victim of threats made by the woman.

Police said Foti was taken into custody and found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

The woman was arraigned on assault and other charges by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10% of $15,000 bail.

Domestic incident ends in arrest

NUREMBERG — A Nuremberg man was jailed after being arrested by state police at Frackville and charged with simple assault and harassment after a domestic incident at 33 W. Brush St. around 8:55 p.m. Jan. 25.

Police said when they arrived at the home, several people reported Jeremy Schlauch, 42, was fighting with them and struck two men several times.

Schlauch was taken into custody, arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10% of $25,000 bail, police said.

Woman charged with scattering rubbish

DELANO — State police at Frackville filed charges of scattering rubbish against a 54-year-old New Boston woman after an incident on Jan. 24, near the junction of Interstate 81 and Grier Avenue in Delano Township.

Police on routine patrol found discarded garbage and a subsequent investigation determined the bags were thrown there by Renee Saylor.

The charge against Saylor was filed with Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, police said.

Chamber seeks

awards nominees

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Awards Committee is seeking candidates for the annual Business Woman, Business Man, Entrepreneur, Young Professional, For-Profit Organization and Nonprofit Organization of the Year awards.

The nomination form — available online at files.constantcontact.com/37d99ece001/2f399636-aa15-481d-91a7-69730e830dd7.pdf — has been simplified, making it easier to nominate a person or organization, according to a chamber flier.

People are asked to download the form and make their nominations. The deadline for submission of nominations is Friday, March 6. The award winners will be announced at the Friday, May 1, annual luncheon with the awards presented at the June 10 awards breakfast.

For more information, call the chamber office at 570-622-1942/800-755-1942.

Nominees sought for chamber board

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Nominating Committee is seeking candidates to be placed on the ballot for the chamber board of directors for the July 1 to June 30, 2022, term.

People interested in being placed on the ballot or wanting to nominate someone who would make a good board member should advise Robert S. Carl Jr., chamber president, at rcarl@schuylkillchamber.com, no later than Friday, March 6, according to a chamber flier.

Submission should include an introductory email of interest with nominee background information as well as a completed “Board of Directors Commitment Form,” which can be found online at files.constantcontact.com/37d99ece001/cff54b8b-155d-4ae9-aea5-d476301bf2e4.pdf. All information, including background information, reason for chamber leadership interest and history of past involvement with the chamber, will be considered, according to the flier.

The nominating committee will review all interested nominees or nominations submitted by members.

For more information, call the chamber office at 570-622-1942/800-755-1942.

Ribbon-cutting

on tap in Haven

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — A ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony is slated for 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, for Main Street Moonshine, 101 W. Main St., according to a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce flier.

The event will include light refreshments and samplings.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to the chamber’s Samantha Chivinski by calling 570-622-1942 or emailing to schivinski@schuylkillchamber.com.

DSI to sell soup,

sausage hoagies

SHENANDOAH — The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., 116 N. Main St., will have a soup and sausage hoagie sale beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13.

Soup will be $6 per quart and $3 per pint and the variety will include New England clam chowder, chicken noodle, beef vegetable, split pea, pasta fagiole, kielbasi, potato cheese and chili. Sausage hoagies will be $3.50 each.

To order or for more information, call the DSI office at 570-462-2060.

LionLaunch sponsors business initiatives

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs are being invited to strengthen their business skills by attending programs sponsored by Penn State Schuylkill LionLaunch, according to a release.

LionLaunch is part of the university’s statewide initiative, Invent Penn State, aimed at spurring economic growth throughout the commonwealth. The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., 116 N. Main St., Shenandoah, is a LionLaunch partner. The local LionLaunch office is at Penn State Schuylkill, 200 University Drive, A-13, Schuylkill Haven.

Susan Williams is the LionLaunch program coordinator and is based at A-13, Penn State Schuylkill Campus. To RSVP for programs, people should email her at sxw831@psu.edu or call 570-385-6065.

• A Supervision Essentials series certificate course aimed at improving management skills has spring and summer sessions on tap with two eight-week sessions via Penn State Schuylkill Campus. Email or call Williams for more information.

• Practical Spanish for the workplace, Spanish I, Tuesdays, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 25-April 7 and Spanish II, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 14-May 26.

The LionLaunch “Let’s Do Lunch with the Experts” agenda includes:

• Building your marketing framework from the ground up presented by Emily Gordon, owner of The Bridal Studio, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10.

• Why Should I Network Even When I Don’t Need Anything, presented by Gina Whalen, MBA, instructor and program coordinator of business, Penn State Schuylkill, Feb. 24.

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, presented by Patty Shoener, MBA, alumni relations and stewardship officer instructor of Business, Penn State Schuylkill, March 23.

• Types of business entities: Pros, cons and what is best for your business, presented by attorney Ben Forbes of Williamson, Friedburg and Jones LLC, Pottsville.

Lunches are from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in 100 Classroom Building on Schuylkill Campus.

LionLaunch also is accepting applications for the fourth annual business plan competition set for March 12.

Chamber updates mixers, seminars

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce has upcoming sessions on its agenda. People may register for all chamber programs online at www.schuylkillchamber.com or by calling 570-622-1942. The chamber headquarters and the SEDCO/chamber conference center are at Union Station, 1 Progress Circle, Suite 201, Pottsville, PA 17901.

The agenda includes:

• Fire & Ice Ball, 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 28, Orwigsburg Veterans Community Memorial Hall; sponsorships available.

• 102nd annual luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 1, Seasons Restaurant at Mountain Valley Golf Course, Barnesville, sponsored by Riverview Bank, with speaker Robert J. Darling, retired from U.S. Marine Corps and a public speaker on crisis leadership.

Hazleton chamber schedules mixer

HAZLETON — The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce’s first networking mixer for 2020 is set for Thursday, Feb. 6, at Antonia’s Jewelry & Repair, 289 Airport Road, Hazle Township.

In a release, the chamber’s Leann Fallabel said Billig-Helmes Insurance will co-host the event and all chamber members, guests, employees and co-workers, are invited.

Reservations are required. People may register on the online chamber calendar of events at www.hazletonchamber.org, call the chamber office at 570-455-1509 or email lfallabel@hazletonchamber.org.

MAEA outlines

upcoming offerings

POTTSVILLE — The Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Association, 250 One Norwegian Plaza, offers a variety of discussions, training sessions, classes and other activities. For more information about offerings or to register for MAEA events, email Christine Robbins at crobbins@nepamaea.com or call 570-622-0992 or email Nancy McCloskey at nmccloskey@nepamaea.com. More information also is available at the MAEA website at www.nepamaea.com.

Upcoming sessions include:

• Root cause analysis training, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at Top of the 80s restaurant near Hazleton.

• Lead worker two-day training, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 17 and 24, Top of the 80s restaurant near Hazleton.

• Human resources certificate series beginning 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Top of the 80s restaurant near Hazleton.

• Maintenance roundtable to save money and energy, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Top of the 80s restaurant near Hazleton.

• Annual installation of officers, noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, Schuylkill Country Club, Orwigsburg.

• Announcement of human resources professional of the year and recognition of completion of the MAEA certificate series, noon to 1:30 p.m. March 10, Schuylkill Country Club, Orwigsburg.

• MAEA Excellence Awards dinner, Tuesday, May 5, Mountain Valley Clubhouse, Barnesville, starting 5 p.m.

• MAEA Summer golf outing, Friday, June 12, with 1 p.m. shotgun start at Mountain Valley Golf Course, Barnesville.

Foreign investors

must report to FSA

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County Farm Service Agency Committee has issued a reminder that foreign investors who buy, sell or hold a direct or indirect interest in U.S. agricultural land must report their holdings and transactions to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

Failure to timely file an accurate report, according to an FSA release, can result in a penalty with fines up to 25% of the fair market value of the agricultural land. Foreign persons who are buying or selling land must report the transaction within 90 days of the date of the transaction.

The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 became effective on Feb. 2, 1979, according to the release.

For more information, foreign investors should contact their local FSA. The Schuylkill County FSA office is at 1104 Ag Center Drive, Pottsville, PA 17901, call 570-622-1555, Ext. 3337. More information also is available online at www.fsa.usda.gov.

Business plan

competition set

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The fourth annual business plan competition by Penn State Schuylkill LionLaunch is set for 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at the Student Community Center on Penn State Schuylkill Campus.

People who plan to open or expand a small business can participate in competition for a chance to earn up to $5,000 in startup money. The $100 application fee may be waived for LionLaunch Business Boot Camp participants.

For more information or to apply, call 570-385-6065 or go online to schuylkill.psu.edu/bpc.

Expressions offers Bake Shop VI items

SHENANDOAH — Expressions, a thrift/variety store at 114 N. Main St., run by Pottsville-based Avenues, formerly United Cerebral Palsy, is a satellite location for the sale of products by artisan bread baker Bake Shop VI, Pottsville.

Expressions offers Bake Shop VI’s baked goods and breads.

Expressions’ hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. It also has seasonal weekend hours.

To reach the store, call 570-462-6252 or email shenexpr@avenuesofpa.org.

Deeds

Ashland — Christine A. Kenesky, individually and as attorney in fact for Wilbur B. Kenesky, to 639 Chestnut Holdings LLC; 601 Centre St.; $92,000.

Eldercare Solutions Inc., guardian of the person and Estate of William Proctor, to Michael and Sandra Kitsock; 116-118 S. Ninth St.; $18,500.

Blythe Township — Rebecca Sue Bonila to Zach Bortz; 74 Water St., Cumbola; $8,500.

Coaldale — Amy L. Paules to Ryan J. and Kelly L. Suchy; 127 E. Ridge St.; $38,200.

Frackville — Michael Daka to Stephanie L. Nenstiel; 524 W. Chestnut St.; $57,000.

George A. Anthony to George A. and Nicole F. Anthony; property on Second Street; $1.

Girardville — Bristi Chiles to Bernard M. Adams; 333 W. Main St.; $970.56.

Mahanoy City — Joseph R. and Christine A. Lawrence to Christine A. Lawrence; 136 E. Market St.; $1.

McAdoo — Marilyn F. Wolfe to Rafael E. Contreras Polanco; 315 E. Grant St.; $119,900.

Richard G. and Jennie L. Kmec to Richard G. and Jennie L. Kmec; 25 E. Adams St.; $1.

Orwigsburg — Wells Fargo Bank NA to Secretary of Veterans Affairs; 110 Ronald Ave.; $10.

Ryan Township — Raymond E. III and Nancy T. Grosser to James C. Neifert; 38 Rosemont Ave., Barnesville; $234,000.

Schuylkill Haven — Robert H. Kempes Jr. to Verbendo Property Management LLC; 113 E. Main St.; $81,000.

Syletta L. Noecker to Erech J. Noecker; 318 St. John St.; $1.

Kim A. Sherman to Kim A. and Dolores Sherman; 422 Dock St.; $1.

Jeffrey David Walter Hull to Darlene Gregitis; 306 E. Union St.; $77,000.

Calvin and Barbara A. Shappell to Danielle M. Mengel; 217 Haven St.; $110,000.

POTTSVILLE — Instead of going to trial Monday in Schuylkill County Court, a Tamaqua man charged with sexually assaulting a teenage boy entered a program that could allow him to emerge from the incident with no criminal record.

Brad D. Murphy, 37, one of four men to have been charged with engaging in sexual contact with the boy, will be the only one not to have a criminal record as a result.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, admitted Murphy, who was charged with statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent exposure, corruption of minors and indecent assault, into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program for one year. Dolbin had been scheduled to preside over Murphy’s trial.

Like others admitted into the program, Murphy must pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, comply with directives from the court and the Adult Probation and Parole Office, and perform community service.

If Murphy completes the program successfully, all charges against him will be dismissed and he can petition the court to have his record expunged. However, if Murphy does not complete the program successfully, he will be removed from it and his case returned to the trial list.

Tamaqua police had charge Murphy with having contact with the boy on Sept. 1, 2018.

District Attorney Michael A. O’Pake said allowing Murphy to enter the ARD program was unfortunate but necessary.

He said that before the pretrial conference for the case, Murphy made challenges to the admissibility of evidence prosecutors wanted to present. In particular, according to O’Pake, the inability of the boy to identify Murphy, and ramifications of that in presenting and admitting other evidence at trial, as discussed at the conference, played a major role in the decision to allow Murphy into the program.

“It appears as though those rulings would have been adverse to the case,” O’Pake said.

As a result, he would have been “severely hampered (in his) ability to prosecute” the case, O’Pake said.

The three other men, including two well-known community figures, who were arrested all have pleaded guilty:

• Former Port Carbon Borough Councilman Charles R. Joy Jr., 60, pleaded guilty July 3, 2019, to indecent exposure and indecent assault, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of statutory sexual assault, IDSI and corruption of minors. President Judge William E. Baldwin sentenced Joy to spend three to 23 months in prison, plus an additional three years on probation, pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment, and perform 10 hours community service.

• Dale Schimpf, 72, of Frackville, a local scholastic band director, pleaded guilty Oct. 14, 2019, to statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors and indecent exposure, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of IDSI, criminal solicitation and indecent assault. Baldwin sentenced him to serve three to six years in a state correctional institution, plus four additional years on probation, pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

• Matthew Delgado, 29, of Tamaqua, pleaded guilty Oct. 2, 2019, to two counts each of indecent assault and indecent exposure and one of corruption of minors, with prosecutors withdrawing two counts each of statutory sexual assault and IDSI. Judge James P. Goodman sentenced Delgado to serve nine to 23 months in prison and an additional five years probation, pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

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

HOMETOWN — Marian Catholic High School students said goodbye to a classmate who passed away Friday after a brave seven-month fight for her life.

They gathered Monday afternoon at the school for a Mass to remember 17-year-old Lexi Marie Tessitore.

“She is in the hands of God now,” the Rev. Brian Miller said during the Mass.

Lexi, of Sugarloaf Township, was involved in a serious crash July 6 along Route 924 near Sheppton. She had multiple brain bleeds, severe brain trauma and diffuse axonal injury, or the shearing of the brain’s connective nerve fibers, which left her comatose. In addition, she suffered multiple facial and skull fractures, a collapsed lung, broken clavicle and broken pelvis after her car crashed into a tree.

Shards of glass were lodged in each of her lungs. She underwent many surgeries during her treatment at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown.

“To say goodbye to somebody at such an early age, for some of you, the wound is very direct,” Miller said. “You knew her. Others might not know her but still (her passing) may have opened up other wounds, other tragedies in your life.”

He asked for prayers for Lexi and her family.

“We pray for her so that she can pray for us because that’s what saints do,” Miller said. “They pray and intercede for us.”

Lexi split her time between living with her father, Chris Tessitore, and his wife, Noelle, in Sugarloaf Township, and her mother, Renee (McCarthy) Tessitore and her fiancé, Ed Bartashus, in Schuylkill Haven.

School Principal Jean Susko presented Renee with a donation from students and faculty.

“In our hearts, we will always remember Lexi,” Susko said.

The school also presented Renee a large card made and signed by the student body.

On Sunday, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help the family with funeral costs. According to the post, the family had planned for Lexi to return home.

“Several major expenses were incurred including the purchase of a wheelchair van just last week,” it read. “As many of you may know a GoFundMe Campaign was created after the initial car accident. All of that money, along with $10,000 of addition expense was utilized to purchase the wheelchair van.”

According to her obituary, Lexi was the “most loving child and grew into a beautiful, free spirited teenager as strong and loving as they come.”

She loved the beach and animals.

“In her 17 short years of life, she truly taught her family all about unconditional love,” according to the obituary.

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

Frackville

Elks Lodge 1533, 307 S. Third St., is sponsoring a bus trip to Sight and Sound Theater for a presentation of “Queen Esther” on Saturday, Oct. 10. The cost is $135 per person and tickets include deluxe motor coach, Hershey Farms smorgasbord and theater tickets. The bus will depart at 10 a.m. from the lodge with lunch at noon and showtime at 3 p.m. Reservations are due by Saturday, Aug. 15. For reservations or more information, call 570-573-1363 or go online to www.facebook.com/FrackvilleElksLodge.

Llewellyn

Good Intent Hose Company, 12 Silverton Road, will feature “Love Drag Show Spectacular” from 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Feb. 15. Admission is $10; the bar and kitchen will be open. To reserve tickets, call 570-544-9974.

Mahanoy City

The Mahanoy City Public Library is sponsoring a fundraiser trip to Mohegan Sun Casino on Thursday, March 19. The cost is $27 per person (cash only). The casino rebate is $25 slot play and $5 food voucher with valid photo ID. The bus will leave at 9 a.m. from the former Service Electric, Centre Street, and depart from the casino at 4 p.m. for the return trip. To make reservations or for more information, all 570-773-3365, 570-778-6956 or 570-929-1012.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial donations: For Sara L. Rile from Judith A. Rile, D.Ed.; for David Wixted from Bob and Kathy Verbosh; for Hilda Lamb from Joanne Yuengling, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Eroh. The library also acknowledged the following honors donation: for the Pottsville Free Public Library Board of Trustees from Bill and Sarah Casey.

Pottsville

Pottsville Area High School Class of 1970 is looking for the following classmates for its 50-year class reunion: Clara (Hummel) Moran, Diana Jones, Carol (Kline) Miller, Frederick Young, Sheila Rippy, Michael Dorsey, Beverly Skrincosky, Ann Marie (Wagner) Jones, Cheryl Wertz, Brenda Wilson, Christine (Yoder) Wilson and Janet (Thomas) Hoffecker. Anyone with the information is asked to call Bill Pugh at 570-573-1773 or Paul Dimmerling at 570-573-5046.

Shenandoah

The Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens group, 225 N. Market St., meets at 1 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month. Betty Swartz is the group’s president. New members — people 55 and older — are welcome to join. Dues are $5 per year. For more information, call the center at 570-462-3115.

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah Valley High School Drama Club will present the Broadway musical “Sweet Charity,” to be performed the weekend of Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 24-26 in the high school auditorium. The musical, according to a club release, is famous for favorites such as “Hey, Big Spender,” “If My Friends Can See Me Now” and “Rhythm of Life.” Choreography will be crafted in remembrance of “the great Bob Fosse,” according to the release. For more information, call Robert C. Yudinsky, the school’s public information coordinator, at 570-462-2609 or email bobyudin@hotmail.com.

Summit Station

The second annual Chinese auction will be held Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, at the Summit Station Fire Company, 88 Firehouse Road. The shop-and-drop will be from 4 to 8 p.m. April 24 and the drawing will be at 3 p.m. April 25 with doors opening at 9 a.m. for an additional shop/drop. Refreshments will be available both days; all are welcome. Tickets are $5 for a sheet of 25 or five sheets for $20 with additional ticket prices for larger prizes, according to an event release. For more information, call 570-754-3491.

Tower City

Fall prevention workshops will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, and Thursday, March 19, at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 427 Dietrich Ave. People’s fall risk will be measured through screenings and people will learn what they can do to minimize the risks. There is no cost for the program, which includes a course booklet. To register by March 13, call Jenny at 570-624-3017.

POTTSVILLE — As Saye N. “Stacks” Kilipko Jr. expressionlessly stared straight ahead Monday, he heard a Schuylkill County jury return its verdict that he was guilty of seven charges stemming from robbing a man at a party in July 2019 in Pottsville.

Kilipko, 30, of Macungie, is guilty of robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault, corruption of minors, theft, possessing instrument of crime and simple assault, and not guilty of receiving stolen property, the jury of eight women and four men decided after deliberating more than an hour.

President Judge William E. Baldwin, who presided over the one-day trial, revoked Kilipko’s bail, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and said he would schedule sentencing at a later date.

The jury reached its verdict in spite of another witness testifying he had committed the crime.

Pottsville police charged Kilipko with slashing Trent Schaeffer in the cheek, and he and his co-conspirator, Kameerah R. Able-Clark, a juvenile, with taking the victim’s cellphone and wallet, in the early morning hours of July 9, 2019, at a residence on Race Street.

“Stacks reached around and cut me,” Schaeffer testified while wearing a state prison jumpsuit indicating his status as an inmate at State Correctional Institution/Frackville. “Blood was gushing out I was really scared.”

Schaeffer also said Kilipko had pointed a gun at his chin earlier in the evening, but that he does not know where the gun ended up. Police have said they do not know what happened to the gun.

“I never had a gun pulled on me before,” Schaeffer said.

When cross-examined by Jeffrey M. Markosky, Mahanoy City, Kilipko’s lawyer, Schaeffer said he went to the residence to sell drugs and started talking with Kilipko as soon as he arrived.

Patrolman Tina M. Sullivan, the prosecuting officer, testified that she saw Schaeffer in the hospital.

“He had a very large deep laceration on his cheek,” she said.

“What was his demeanor?” Assistant District Attorney Claude A.L. Shields asked Sullivan.

“Terrified,” she answered.

Cory McCabe, Schaeffer’s cousin and Kilipko’s friend, testified she went to the residence with Schaeffer, Corinne Dietrich and Steven Rhoades and saw the defendant put a gun under her cousin’s chin.

“We all ran out of the house,” she said.

Able-Clark also testified Kilipko sliced Schaeffer with the knife and later tried to cover his tracks.

“I saw him pouring bleach on a knife in a bucket” and throwing away clothes, she said.

Able-Clark also said she originally told Sullivan she was not at the site of the incident.

Dietrich also said Kilipko, whom she did not know, had a gun.

Testifying for Kilipko, Justin Androsko tried to assume responsibility for the crimes, saying he, not the defendant, committed them.

In his closing argument, Markosky said the prosecution witnesses were inconsistent on crucial aspects of the case.

“The witnesses that were called were not believable” and do not support a guilty verdict, he said.

Furthermore, Markosky said, Able-Clark had something to gain in testifying for the prosecution before her case is settled.

However, jurors accepted the closing argument of Shields that the evidence all pointed to Kilipko.

“Every one ... said it was this particular witness on this particular place at this particular time,” he said. “There’s no case of mistaken identity.”

Neither Markosky nor Shields referred to any specifics of Androsko’s testimony during closing arguments.

Markosky declined to comment on the case after the verdict. Shields said it was a hard one to try.

“It was a difficult case,” he said. “There were a lot of moving parts to it.”

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

Saye N. Kilipko Jr.

• Age: 30

• Residence: Macungie

• Verdict: Guilty of robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault, corruption of minors, theft, possessing instrument of crime and simple assault, and not guilty of receiving stolen property

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street

To Lester and April McGovern Bowman, Branchdale, a son, Jan. 2.

MINERSVILLE — Work is underway to install new traffic signals and crosswalks, with a goal of improved safety.

Borough officials received two “Green Light Go” grants from the state Department of Transportation in May 2017 toward the effort.

One is a $181,920 grant to upgrade traffic signals at eight intersections along Sunbury Street (Route 901) and another, for $308,270, is for pedestrian crosswalk improvements and installation of an overspeed warning device, which electronically displays a driver’s speed above the posted speed limit. It will be installed on Sunbury Street west of Sixth Street.

Officials also plan to install new video devices at the traffic light posts to help with traffic flow and make the crosswalks compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It’s work Borough Manager Robert Mahalchick is excited to see completed.

“It’s going to be fantastic,” he said Monday. “It will alleviate frustrations about having to wait at traffic signals.”

He added that traffic is particularly heavy heading south from the nearby Highridge Business Park in Foster Township.

Work began Jan. 27 at the corner of Sunbury and Sixth streets. A crew was busy upgrading the crosswalks Monday morning.

Mahalchick said borough officials needed easements from three property owners on Sixth Street, a process that delayed the project for three years.

The grants are among four the borough has received to revitalize its downtown area in the past four years.

In November, the borough was granted a $736,000 Multimodal Transportation Grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development to put in new sidewalks, curbs and decorative street lights. The improvements will take place on four blocks of Sunbury Street from borough hall on Delaware Street to Third Street.

Mahalchick said the “Green Light Go” grants are “another step in revitalizing Minersville.”

Contact the writer: clee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6028; @Cleespot on Twitter

Monday’s “March for Property Tax Elimination and School Funding Modernization” in the Harrisburg Capitol Rotunda sent a strong message to legislators that change is needed, according to a Pottsville man who participated.

Stephen Moyer, 64, of 1200 Chestnut St., said he and other attendees were pleased with the turnout, which was estimated at 100 to 200 people.

“We need to get the word out and we need to get the politicians behind us. They know something has to be done,” he said, noting that some 10,000 people lost their homes last year because of an inability to pay their property taxes.

The fact that so many people took the time to attend the march should be a sign that property owners are looking for change, Moyer said, and he and others hope that will happen in 2020.

“If it’s going to happen it should happen this year, because this is an election year,” he said. “This was a start.”

‘Long road ahead’

Activists coordinated the march as a way of asking lawmakers to again consider the elimination of school property taxes through Senate Bill 76. It would add 1%to both the state sales tax and earned income tax to replace the revenue lost from elimination of the school property tax.

Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, and Sen. John DiSanto, R-15, New Bloomfield, have sponsored the legislation.

Argall noted the 8 a.m. start on the morning after the Super Bowl in recognizing a good turnout at the rally.

He said Senate Bill 76 would be a tremendous asset to property owners, but noted strong opposition from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and the Pennsylvania State Education Association. Those organizations have argued against total elimination of the property tax, saying it would merely create additional, higher tax burdens for other taxpayers and destabilize funding for public education, and suggesting instead that the local tax base be diversified to reduce the burden of property taxes.

“We have a long road ahead of us,” Argall said Monday.

He said he will continue to push to have the bill become law, however, and that it’s the number one topic he’s asked about by constituents.

Applying the 1% increases in sales and earned income taxes is the fair solution, he believes.

“We have people who can’t afford to pay their school taxes and they could lose their homes; that’s just not right,” he said.

Hearing next week

The next step in the process for Senate Bill 76 is Feb. 12 when the state Senate Majority Policy Committee meets in Perry County to review school property tax elimination efforts.

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

POTTSVILLE — A measure to cut funding for charter schools in the state was praised by the Pottsville Area School District superintendent but seen as punishing by the executive director of a charter school in the city.

Gov. Tom Wolf is proposing changing the state’s charter school laws to help save public schools. In his state budget address Tuesday, he announced a plan that would reduce the amount of money school districts have to pay when a student chooses to attend a charter school.

Under the proposal, a tiered special education funding formula would be applied to charter schools. It would also include a statewide tuition rate for cyber charter schools.

The proposal would save school districts about $280 million each year.

The measure was met with outrage by charter school advocates. Nicolle Hutchinson, executive director of Gillingham Charter School on Howard Avenue, said she believes the changes would punish charter schools.

“We already get less money from the state, and if the law goes into effect, we’ll get even less,” she said.

Hutchinson in the past cited state data for the 2018 fiscal year that shows the average revenue per student at a district school was $17,531 while at a public charter school it was $14,878.

Hutchinson said she agrees the law needs to be updated but disagrees on what the governor is proposing.

“We’re already at a disadvantage and trying to follow the law,” she said. “This law will make things tougher.”

The school serves 253 students in grades K-12 from across the county on-site, 75% of whom are eligible to receive a free and reduced lunch and 30% who have an individualized education plan. Hutchinson said there are 44 students on the school’s wait list.

She said with less funding, it is harder to serve students’ needs.

In a statement, Ana Meyers, executive director of the PA Coalition of Public Charter Schools, called the proposal “a new level of hypocrisy.”

“Charter school students and their families are not second-class citizens. These parents pay their taxes and their children attend a PA-designated public school,” she said. “There is no reason why charter school students deserve less financial support than their district peers.”

‘Time to act’

Meanwhile, public school leaders and the state teachers union are applauding the drive to change charter school funding. They cite current charter school reimbursement rates that vary widely across the state and are blamed for bankrupting local districts.

Pottsville Area Superintendent Jeffrey S. Zwiebel said that, since 2008, the district has spent nearly $18 million on charter and cyber charter schools.

“We applaud Gov. Wolf for making reforms to those laws a priority,” the superintendent said. “This mandate, along with continued rising special education and pension costs, is unsustainable.”

Zwiebel pointed to a June 2019 school district budget report prepared by the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators and Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials that found that “(school districts’) fiscal stress will continue, the burden on taxpayers will grow and educational opportunities for students will diminish without changes.”

“The time for the General Assembly to act is now, for both students and taxpayers,” he said. “Further inaction on this issue will have devastating consequences.”

In creating its own cyber charter school — the Tide Virtual Campus — for the 2019-20 school year, Pottsville Area said the average cost for a student enrolled in the Tide campus is about $4,500 compared to other cyber schools that can cost the district between $10,000 and $25,000.

The cost of students’ “virtual” attendance at cyber schools versus that of attendance at “brick-and-mortar” schools is often frequently raised by public school officials.

In a statement on Tuesday, Pennsylvania State Education Association President Rich Askey praised the proposal.

“Gov. Wolf’s charter school reform plan is a significant step toward the kinds of reforms that PSEA has been encouraging for years,” he said. “It’s long past time that we fund charter and cyber charter schools in a way that is fair, transparent, and accountable.”

The proposal was also applauded by state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, who is co-sponsoring a bipartisan charter school reform bill with state Sen. Judy Schwank, D-11, Fleetwood.

“I am hopeful that these measures can be approved in the near future to benefit our students — charter school students and other public school students,” Argall said.

Full-day kindergarten

In addition to charter school reform, the governor is also proposing giving an additional $100 million in funding to public schools and $25 million in funding for special education.

Wolf said he wants to give $30 million for early childhood education and expand full-day kindergarten to all Pennsylvania students. The measures were praised by state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, Mahanoy City.

“(The governor’s) proposal for universal, free, full-day kindergarten, and a $30 million increase for high-quality early childhood education programs will give kids from across the county a better start on their education,” he was quoted in a news release.

Contact the writer: clee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6028; @Cleespot on Twitter

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — A Saint Clair motorist is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Monday on charges he was under the influence of drugs when he drove in August 2019 in West Brunswick Township.

Michael C. Jones, 48, of 204 N. Nicholas St., faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, speeding and careless driving.

After Jones waived his right to the hearing, Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over all charges for court. Ferrier allowed the defendant to remain free on $2,500 unsecured bail pending further court proceedings.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Jones was DUI when he drove his white 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier 70 mph in a 55 mph zone at 1:07 a.m. Aug. 15 at Centre Turnpike (Route 61) and Summer Valley Road (Route 895) in Molino.

Police said Jones had several types of drugs, a bundle of plastic bags, a scale, two spoons with residue and a straw with residue in the car with him.

Jones also failed field sobriety tests, according to police. A blood alcohol test revealed Jones had amphetamines and methamphetamine in his system, police said.

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

George E. Hampton, 49, of 121 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City; DUI, disregarding traffic lane, speeding, careless driving and driving with unsecured load; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Zachary J. Howe, 27, of 352 E. Bacon St., Palo Alto; theft of leased property; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Brandon L. Krobert, 22, of 317 Coal St., Port Carbon; corruption of minors; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

George J. Love III, 51, of 250 Whitetail Crossing Road, Tamaqua; DUI and driving over divider; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Jonathan C. Nush, 43, of 275 Schuylkill Mountain Road, Schuylkill Haven; one count each of DUI and disregarding traffic lane and two each of accident involving damage to unattended vehicle or property and reckless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Brandon M. Starr, 37, of 145 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven; endangering the welfare of children and resisting arrest; charges held for court after preliminary hearing.

Each defendant has the option in the county court of pleading not guilty and demanding a jury trial or pleading guilty.

(Staff writer Peter E. Bortner compiled this report)