POTTSVILLE — A Pine Grove woman left the Schuylkill County Courthouse on Thursday fully free, as a judge dismissed all charges against her.

Dolores Forte, 45, had been charged with 16 counts of forgery and one each of theft and theft by deception. However, President Judge William E. Baldwin, who was presiding over the jury trial, ruled prosecutors produced insufficient evidence to prove any of the charges.

New Philadelphia police had charged Forte with taking the money from Peace, a nonprofit business, on April 1, 2015, in the borough.

Also on Wednesday in the county court, Ryan A. Celani, 34, of Coaldale, who had been scheduled for a jury trial, instead pleaded no contest to possession of a controlled substance.

Judge James P. Goodman, who was to have presided over Celani’s trial, instead ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and scheduled the defendant’s sentencing for 11:45 a.m. March 25.

Coaldale police had charged Celani with possessing drugs on April 25, 2019, in the borough.

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

In another Wednesday case, a jury found Sukori L. Butler, 36, of Shenandoah, not guilty of terroristic threats and simple assault.

Shenandoah police had charged Butler with threatening and assaulting Stephanie Torres on Oct. 31, 2018, in the borough.

Also in the county court, Goodman sentenced Julie E. Circelli, 21, of Pottsville, to spend five days to six months in prison, plus an additional 12 months on probation. Goodman imposed the sentence after removing Circelli from the intermediate punishment program.

Circelli originally pleaded guilty on July 23, 2019, to driving under the influence and disregarding traffic lane in one case, and selling or furnishing liquor to minors in another. Prosecutors withdrew charges of corruption of minors, failure to drive at a safe speed, careless driving and violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

At that time, Goodman placed Circelli in the intermediate punishment program for six months, and also sentenced her to pay costs, $1,525 in fines, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $60 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Pottsville police alleged Circelli provided a minor with liquor on July 1, 2018, in the city, while state police at Schuylkill Haven alleged she was DUI on July 4, 2018, in Palo Alto

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

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County Judge John E. Domalakes said Friday that his career on the bench is coming to an end, and he has no sorrow about his impending retirement.

“I think I’ve had a great career, with no regrets,” Domalakes, 72, of Frackville, said in looking back over 26 years as a judge in the county where he grew up and never thought about leaving permanently.

Health reasons, specifically a knee replacement, made the decision to ride off into the sunset an easy one for Domalakes, whose official last day on the job will be March 6.

“With this knee problem, it seemed like an appropriate time” to retire, he said.

First elected to the county bench in November 1993, Domalakes served since then, winning retention elections in 2003 and 2013. He is leaving his position before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75.

Before being elected judge, Domalakes was a practicing lawyer in Frackville with the firm that is now Rubright, Domalakes, Troy & McDonald. He also had clerked for state Superior Court President G. Harold Watkins, Ashland.

A son of the late John and Jane Domalakes — he is the third of five generations of men named John in his family — the judge said he will miss his comrades on the bench.

“Personally, we get along very well,” he said. “I think they are all hard-working, conscientious people.”

His colleagues also will miss Domalakes.

“It has been an experience that I miss having already,” Judge Jacqueline L. Russell said. “He is an extremely intelligent, knowledgeable man, not only about the law, but a wide array of matters, including history.”

Domalakes said he already has submitted his retirement notices to both Gov. Tom Wolf and the State Employees Retirement System.

Kimberly Bathgate, a spokeswoman for the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, said Wolf can nominate a judge to serve until January 2022, although the nominee must receive two-thirds approval from the state Senate in order to take office. Such a nominee traditionally has been from the same political party as the retiring judge; Domalakes is a Republican.

Bathgate said an election would be held in 2021 to choose a permanent replacement for Domalakes. County court judges serve 10-year terms and, after first being elected, run for retention, as Domalakes did twice, which is a yes-no vote.

Domalakes remembers handling several notable cases, including that of Troy A. Shade, who was convicted of rape due to the use of new technology about which much more has been heard.

“I got one of the first cases involving DNA,” involving Shade, Domalakes said. Shade still is in prison at State Correctional Institution/Retreat in Luzerne County.

To Domalakes, it was a reminder that everything you learn can be useful.

“When I was in college, I was placed in a course in molecular biology, which I had no interest in,” he said. In that class, however, he learned about DNA, which helped him understand what was going on in Shade’s case, he said.

He also remembers one of the first uses of conservatorship in transferring ownership of the former James Nagle Mansion in Buck Run to Foster Township. The state Commonwealth Court upheld his order transferring the property to the township due to its deteriorating condition under the state Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act.

“We did our best to hand down rulings to allow preservation” of the building, which unfortunately has since burned, Domalakes said. “It was a new legal animal.”

Domalakes also remembers murderers who appeared before him, including Stanley E. Kralik and Oliver Trizzari, who beat a man to death with a shovel in Coaldale, and Jarvin M. Huggins, who hid under the stairs of a home in Mahanoy City and beat the owner to death.

He said he had a great life from its beginnings in “the neighborhood of boys” in Frackville, where he still lives.

“Frackville was an ideal place to grow up,” Domalakes said. “We had Scouts, we had Little League, we had all the children’s activities, never a thought of danger. We were the ill-behaved.”

When he went to Allentown College, now DeSales University, Center Valley, as part of its first graduating class, he first became interested in law as a career.

“I had a professor in college by the name of Albert Malone,” Domalakes said. “He told me that if I did anything else with my life, I’d be wasting my God-given talent.”

After graduating from Allentown in 1969, and Dickinson School of Law, Carlisle, in 1972, he had no question of what he would do with his life.

“I always wanted to come back to Schuylkill County. I love Schuylkill County,” he said.

Fortunately, he said, he found the right law firm.

“They were very easy to practice with,” he said. “We each drifted into our own specialty.”

For Domalakes, those specialties were workers’ compensation and municipal law.

There will be no return to practicing law for Domalakes, not with four children and seven grandchildren to visit and many places yet to explore.

“I would like ... steamboat trips down the Mississippi River,” he said.

His wife of almost 50 years, Suzanne, will be his traveling companion.

“It’s an adventure,” she said of their life together. “He was always on the go ... great vacation ideas. He doesn’t forget our anniversary (June 6), either.”

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

John E. Domalakes

Age: 72

Residence: Frackville

Position held: Schuylkill County judge

Education: Allentown College, now DeSales University, bachelor’s degree, 1969; Dickinson School of Law, law degree, 1972

TOWER CITY — The Tower City Fire Company responded to 64 calls in 2019, according to a report given by the company’s government liaison, Marcus Riddell, to the borough council at its Feb. 10 meeting.

The calls included four structure fires, three vehicle fires and two wildfires, and eight were weather related.

The calls required 1,024 man hours, while 1,750 hours were spent for certified training, 1,000 for in-house training and 400 for fundraising.

Riddell, a former council member, also named the 2020 officers: President Jeremiah Deiter; Vice President Mike Keider; Treasurer Jackie Forney; Secretary Nichole Forney and trustees Jeff Forney, Dawson Stauffenberg and Anthony Bowser Jr. Line officers include Chief Mike Keider; Deputy Chief Adam Baker; Assistant Fire Chief Jeremiah Deiter; Chief Engineer Ross Baker; Fire Police Captain Keith Wert and Riddell as lieutenant.

He noted that 2020 started off with an elevator rescue at Heritage Mills, a local nursing home.

Riddell said 10 air packs with built-in thermal imaging cameras to assist with search and rescue — the first in the area — were put into service.

All firefighters will be State Firefighter 1 certified this year in accordance with federal standards, Riddell’s report said.

TV changes

The council held a brief discussion about information it received from Comcast, which will no longer provide service from the York or Harrisburg areas. The channels will be replaced with those from the Wilkes-Barre area. Comcast said the action is in accordance with a government mandate and the company does not plan on doing anything to fight it.

A discussion was also held concerning the control of speeders on Grand Avenue. A digital sign showing a driver’s speed was mentioned, plus the possibility of municipal police being allowed to use radar, which would need state approval.

Secretary Irene Dubbs said the borough had ordered 1,600 pounds of salt for this year. Her request for 25 tons for the 2020-21 winter season was approved.

Dubbs also noted information had been received from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources that its grant program for the period of Jan. 15 through April 22 for parks, recreation facilities and trails is open.

A request from Girardville borough for Tower City fire police to participate in traffic control for its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday, March 28, was approved.

“Bomber” jackets with yellow reflecting stripes were requested by the road crew at a cost of $49 each. After a brief discussion, the council agreed to purchase vests instead since the vests also contain the reflective stripes.

New roadmaster

By unanimous vote, the council approved Robert Fetterhoff as the borough’s roadmaster. President Paul Ruth said current highway foreman Dave Perkins only works four hours per day and is unable to be “on call” to plow snow. Fetterhoff, he said, is more available. Perkins, he added, will continue at his same pay rate.

Councilwoman Chris Reiner reported police logged in 103.7 hours for January.

Streets and equipment

In order to be eligible for liquid fuels money for alleys, they must be at least 16 feet wide. Ruth and Reiner measured alleys in the borough and Church Lane between Sixth and Seventh streets and Ninth and 10th streets is now wide enough to be considered a street. A list of measurements will be included in an amendment to the streets ordinance and will be provided to John Davis, state Department of Transportation’s municipal service supervisor for Carbon and parts of Schuylkill County.

After some discussion, the council members agreed to advertise for bids for a truck and backhoe. Minimum bids will be $800 for the truck and $300 for the backhoe, and they will be opened at the March 9 meeting.

The council approved the Tower City Borough Authority taking out a $2.5 million interim loan from Mid Penn Bank, which will later be transferred to a USDA grant/loan. The borough also approved backing the authority’s loan from Mid Penn.

PINE GROVE — The borough council will enlist the help of Eric Seitzinger of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Schuylkill Haven, for the sale of the Pine Grove Armory.

Councilman Leroy Bates has already spoken with Seitzinger and has taken him through the building, he said at Thursday’s council meeting.

Solicitor Chris Hobbs agreed with the selection of Berkshire Hathaway and explained that Seitzinger would have to advertise for bids. Except for some paperwork, everything could be handled by the realtor.

The council, he said, would still have the option not to accept any of the bids.

Paperwork for the purchase of the police department’s new vehicle was signed. It includes a five-year loan with Fulton Bank that requires an annual payment of $9,494.96. The new Police Ford F150 truck will be purchased from New Holland Ford at the CoSTAR price of $43,606, which includes most of the police extras.

The borough is not the only one getting a new piece of equipment. Hose Hook & Ladder Fire Company Fire Chief David Sattazahn has his eye on a fairly new rescue truck for sale at $380,000 from an Indian reservation in the Midwest. According to Sattazahn, the firefighters had looked at a new one with a $700,000 price tag.

Although the borough is not financially liable for the bill, Sattazahn said he wanted to inform them of the company’s plans and invite them to a public hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 18, to discuss why the purchase of a new truck is needed.

Councilman Lenny Clark said three bidders were at the swimming pool last week to look over the filtration system, which needs repair. He noted it may be more than there is money for.

“If not enough money to do the project, bring that info back to the council,” said Mayor Will Shiffer. “We’ll get the money somehow. The pool is important to the community.”

President Tom Fickinger reported he has been approached by a construction company who would like a piece of borough-owned property for a commercial endeavor. The property is approximately a half-acre and located off Route 443. The board agreed that, without information on what the company wanted it for, a decision would not be made.

Hobbs reminded the council that the property would need to be advertised for bids and the company may not be the winner. He suggested a lease be considered.

The HH&L Fire Company’s year-end report indicates the company responded to 146 incidents during 2019, including nine structure fires and 20 motor vehicle accidents.

Sixty-seven of the calls were in Pine Grove borough, 42 in Washington Township, 22 in Pine Grove Township and a handful in other communities.

The company is beginning its 165th year.

The North End Fire Company’s report for January showed 14 calls. Eleven were in the borough.

The Pine Grove Police Department report for January lists 118 incidents, including 28 incidents responded to by the school resource officer.

A complaint was made by councilman Rod Hiester of speeding in his neighborhood. His request for a three-way stop sign at Fairview and West Pottsville streets was approved. According to Hiester, a small child was nearly struck a few days before the meeting.

According to Clark, the same request was discussed a few years ago and voted down because drivers could have a difficult time slowing down and stopping on the hill during ice and snow events.

Secretary Melissa Dyer said some residents are requesting the recycling center the borough once had behind the borough garage be reopened. The request was tabled for further discussion pending more information.

The council also discussed residents not cleaning up after their dogs and agreed to have signs placed at the canal area.

TREMONT — The borough council discussed several road projects during its February meeting and continues to recover from severe flooding.

One bid was received — and approved — for a dirt and gravel repair of North Crescent Street, considered a “low-volume” road. Arthur “Pat” Aungst Inc.’s bid of $41,400 was less than the $42,000 the Schuylkill Conservation District, whose grant is paying the bill, estimated.

The 2020 bituminous paving project was scheduled for advertising Thursday, Feb. 13 and 20, and will involve repair of several roads damaged by flooding last summer. Bids will be available at the March meeting.

Streets supervisor Jim Scheibley said it took 18 months but the Federal Emergency Management Agency finally came through and advertisement for bids are ready to go out for sidewalks damaged during the flood. Some repairs should be done this spring, but Scheibley has already applied for a six-month extension. Since the parking lot for the church on Spring Street has already been paved by the church, a reimbursement of one-half of the cost will be made by FEMA.

Quality of life issues

Mayor Roger Adams said he continues to work on quality of life violations.

“I’ve hit some snags but I won’t give up,” Adams said about pursuing those not abiding by the ordinance.

He also noted people walking their dogs are not cleaning up after them. Those caught will be cited, he warned.

Abandoned vehicles are also keeping him busy. Owners must understand that moving vehicles from the street into a backyard by the deadline listed on a sticker placed by police does not satisfy the ordinance. Instead, the vehicle must not be seen, he said.

Police can have these vehicles towed at the owners’ expense. For vehicles not towed, the owners will receive a letter stating they have 10 days to remove the vehicle or be fined for each day of noncompliance.

Former enforcement officer Jerry Fasnacht complimented Adams for the work he is doing with the quality of life ordinance.

47 police incidents

The January report shows police handled 47 incidents, 16 of which were the tagging of abandoned vehicles.

Complaints include those about animals, ATVs, trespass and parking. Five each of traffic citations and parking tickets were issued, and police responded to a motor vehicle accident.

$30,000 borrowed

Secretary Shea Lucas said the borough had to borrow $30,000 from a line of credit acquired last summer to pay some bills related to flood cleanup. The amount owed is $284,000.

President Bob Donmoyer added, however, that the $84,000 FEMA is reimbursing the borough for the American Legion removal will be turned over to the bank to pay down the loan.

Donmoyer gave an example of creek dredging last summer and the reimbursement received from FEMA. The dredging was $88,507 while the reimbursement was $12,940, plus, hopefully, $3,000 from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, he said.

“We’re hurting for money,” said Donmoyer, adding that he plans to inform the county conservation district that the borough will be late with its share of money municipalities pay each year toward the long-term flood recovery plan manager’s salary.

He also plans on taking advantage of an offer from the Tremont Ambulance Association to pay $1,500 for an almost-new, 50-gallon oil storage tank that cost the association $3,800. Also, according to Scheibley, the association is willing to wait for the money.

A group formed last year after the flood to raise money for those in need have a family in that category. The group requested use of the Clay Street building to make ham boats on a Sunday for delivery on Monday with proceeds going to the family. The council unanimously agreed and waived the rental fee.

A year-end report from the Tremont Fire Company shows it responded to 16 fire calls in 2019. Calls totaled 128, led by 35 for rescue and EMS.

The fire company is seeking volunteers to help with Lenten fish fries starting Feb. 28.

The borough has a promise of one of last year’s lifeguards, but needs at least two more for the borough pool. Anyone interested should contact the borough office.

POTTSVILLE — A Tamaqua man left Schuylkill County Court a free man on Friday, as a jury acquitted him of two charges, and the judge found him not guilty of a third, stemming from an incident in February 2019.

Edward J. Nesgoda, 52, did not react as the jury of six men and six women pronounced him not guilty of two counts of terroristic threats after deliberating less than an hour.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell, who presided over the one-day trial, also found Nesgoda not guilty of disorderly conduct.

State police at Frackville had charged Nesgoda with committing the crimes on Feb. 6, 2019.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer N. Foose prosecuted the case against Nesgoda, who was represented by Assistant Public Defender William L.J. Burke.

In another recent county court case, Joseph A. Pellegrino, 53, of Allentown, pleaded guilty to criminal trespass, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of theft and receiving stolen property.

President Judge William E. Baldwin sentenced Pellegrino to serve nine to 24 months in a state correctional institution, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. He made the prison sentence consecutive to one the defendant already is serving.

Coaldale police charged Pellegrino with breaking into a building on June 6, 2019, in the borough.

Also in the county court, David C. Rickard, 19, of Schuylkill Haven, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of criminal trespass and receiving stolen property.

Baldwin sentenced Rickard to serve six to 24 months in a state correctional institution, pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Baldwin made the prison sentence consecutive to one Rickard already is serving.

Schuylkill Haven police charged Rickard with breaking into an unoccupied building on July 2, 2019, in the borough.

In another county court case, Dennis Hopkins, 28, of Minersville, pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and loitering and prowling at nighttime. Prosecutors withdrew charges of flight to avoid apprehension or trial, escape and disorderly conduct.

Baldwin placed Hopkins on probation for 18 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment.

Minersville police charged Hopkins with committing his crimes on July 20, 2019, in the borough.

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

PINE GROVE — A simple walk in the woods can reveal many mysteries about the past, if you learn to recognize the visual clues.

Frank Snyder, a retired forester and member of the Schuylkill County Conservancy, led a hike Sunday at Sweet Arrow Lake Park for those interested in learning more about human actions and its impact on forest ecology.

As part of a program called Forest Forensics, sponsored by the Schuylkill County Conservancy, Snyder hiked through the forest showing participants interesting finds that he has discovered on his forest ramblings at the county park.

“Man has an impact on nature, but nature is actually pretty resilient,” said Snyder, who pointed out the many instances where the forest has learned to adapt to change caused by natural events as well as change caused by humans.

Snyder pointed out a small stream meandering through the forest.

Increased surface runoff upstream coupled with a change in the weather — a particularly rainy season, perhaps — created the small gully years ago, he said. Over time, the little stream created its own ecosystem for plant life and other small water-loving creatures like frogs, salamanders and millipedes.

White pine trees, pits and burrows in the ground, fallen trees and trees that grew and bent toward the light were among the many topics Snyder discussed.

At one stop in the hike, Snyder stopped at a manhole cover in the ground, which he said was the cover to a sewer line that provides service to neighboring homes.

This man-made clearing created from the excavation introduced more light into the forest clearing and caused a biological phenomenon called phototropism, said Snyder, pointing out several trees that were leaning inward, a result from bending toward the sunlight.

Further down the forest path, there was a depression in the ground.

These excavations, which are found throughout the county forests, could have been a “bootleg” coal mine entrance or maybe one of the many charcoal making pits created long ago by the early settlers in the region, he said.

A little further through the woods, the group gathered around a huge tree that had toppled over, its roots exposed and a deep depression left behind.

“This was a blow down,” said Snyder, who said that high gusty winds and water-logged earth can cause tall, shallow-rooted trees to suddenly topple over in a storm.

When nature creates these holes in the forest floor it can actually have several beneficial effects for many species of plants, insects and animals, Snyder said.

If the hole fills up with water, it might provide a pool for salamanders and tadpoles to thrive. Insects could live in the soft remains of the rotted wood and attract woodpeckers and other birds that feed on them, he said.

Even small actions by humans can impact the forest ecosystem, said Snyder, pointing out initials someone had carved into the side of a beech tree.

“Cutting into the tree like this, it can actually weaken the tree,” Snyder said. The cut in the tree’s bark can affect the way the tree receives nutrients and make it vulnerable to fungi and burrowing insects, and may even cause the tree to weaken, die and fall over.

Kathy Townley, who lives near the park, said she enjoyed the hike in the woods while learning more about the many ways we impact nature.

“I think we need to encourage our youngsters to learn more about nature through programs like this, to go outdoors, take a walk in the woods, understand and appreciate nature,” she said. “We have to teach our younger generation to take care of our Earth.”

Deeds

Barry Township — Darlene E. Reblock to Eugene M. II and Jennifer L. Yourey; 10.41-acre property on Mill Road; $12,000.

Eugene M. II and Jennifer L. Yourey to Eugene M. II and Jennifer L. Yourey; 53 Mill Road; $1.

East Union Township — Paul and Sheryl G. Ramos to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 8HF4, Eagle Rock; $14,026.54.

Frailey Township — Eugene C. and Mary E. Harner to William C. Dietrich and Bryan K. Dietrich; 6 E. Center St., Donaldson; $20,000.

Hegins Township — Gretchen D. Zerbe to Revolve Capital Group LLC; 1243 W. Main St., Valley View; $1.

Kline Township — Andre J. Jr. and Heather L. Garcia to Fernando Hernandez; property on Bridge Street, South McAdoo; $1.

Anna Mae Schoennagle to Matthew R. Van Sickle; 14 James St., Kelayres; $40,000.

McAdoo — Georgianna Laylo Setser, executrix of the Estate of Stephen J. Laylo, and Keith Laylo to Georgianna Laylo Setser; 16 S. Logan St.; $1.

Minersville — Angie L. and Paul D. Falzarano to Melissa and Harry Pytak; 206 Carbon St.; $50,000.

North Manheim Township — Robert W. Heydt and William G. Heydt to Todd and Sharon Dreher; property in Adamsdale; $25,000.

Shan A. Killian, Margaret J. Killian, Mark C. Killian, Charles P. Killian and Melvia C. Morrow to Margaret J. Killian; property on Gerald Avenue; $1.

Pottsville — Maureen B. Paradee to Cristiana Franco and Luis Rosari Fernandez; 505 W. Arch St.; $12,000.

Saint Clair — Carol A. Chaplick to Lions Homes LLC; 200 N. Nicholas St.; $20,000.

Shenandoah — The Primitive Methodist Church in the United States of America to Judeo-Christian Soldier Ministries Inc.; 106 Jardin St.; $25,000.

South Manheim Township — David J. Reber to David J. Reber Jr., Zachary Reber and Derek Reber; 1297 Summer Hill Road; $1.

Washington Township — Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank, administrator C.T.A. of Estate of Joanne M. Hepler, to Duane P. Hepler; 35 Whitetail Lane; $1.

Steven H. Kurtz to Thomas A. and Erika J. Kurtz; 8 Kurtz Road; $1.

West Brunswick Township — Kevin C. and Dawn S. McElvaney to Kevin C. and Dawn S. McElvaney; 26.16-acre property on Reddale Road; $1.

Kevin C. and Dawn S. McElvaney to Kevin C. and Dawn S. McElvaney; 15.655-acre property on Grove Street; $1.

Kevin C. and Dawn S. McElvaney to Kevin C. and Dawn S. McElvaney; 2-acre property on Reddale Road; $1.

The annual Father-Daughter Dance was held Sunday at the Walk In Art Center in Schuylkill Haven.

The event was sponsored by the First United Methodist Church.

Gilberton

American Hose Company No. 2 of the borough’s Mahanoy Plane section at 2315 High Road will have a Fatso’s Pizza Sale at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, and on Fridays during Lent except for Good Friday. Pizzas are $8 each and $1 extra per topping. To order, people may stop at the firehouse or call 570-874-0248.

Lykens

Game Night at Zion Lutheran Church, Klinger Church Road, is set for 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 14, featuring euchre, pinochle and board games. There will also be food and beverages. For more information, call 570-425-2256. All are welcome.

Mahanoy City

A St. Patrick’s Day Parade benefit bus trip to Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City is set for Saturday, March 14. The bus will depart at 8:30 a.m. from St. Cecilia Chapel, South Catawissa Street, and depart from Atlantic City at 6:30 p.m. for the return trip. The cost is $35 with slot play of $15 and free lunch on the bus. For reservation or more information, call Tom at 570-773- 0838.

Mahanoy City

The Active Christian Teens In Our Neighborhood Youth Group will sponsor lunch with the Easter Bunny from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at St. Teresa of Calcutta Church Hall, 600 W. Mahanoy Ave. Proceeds from the effort will benefit Lucy Verchick, Pottsville, who has a congenital disease called proximal femoral focal deficiency, in which she was born with a little leg. All are invited for a lunch of a hot dog, chips, pickles and drink. Tickets are $5 each. All children will receive a gift from the Easter Bunny. Games of chance and face painting will be available for an additional cost. For more information, call Debbie at 570-773-0813.

Orwigsburg

The 25th annual Schuylkill Women in Crisis Spring Challenge golf event is set for 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 24, at the Schuylkill Country Club, 877 W. Market St. Proceeds will benefit SWIC’s shelter services for victims of intimate partner violence, according to a SWIC release. The cost is $99 per golfer. For more information visit www.s-wic.org or call 570-622-3991.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Rotary Club during a recent meeting welcomed students of the month Emily Peleschak and Jordyn Derbes of Pottsville Area, Jack Piccioni, Briar Riegel, Rory Reiley and Madison Rushannon of Nativity BVM and Alexandria Kroznuskie and Scott Schwalm of Minersville Area. The students told Rotarians about their school and community activities and plans for the future.

Schuylkill Haven

Gabriel Chamber Ensemble’s third annual concert is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 242 Dock St. The performance will feature Merynda Adams on harp, Robin Kani on flute and Chris DiSanto on clarinet. Dana Allaband, violinist, will join the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble Trio. Admission is $15 for senior citizens, $20 for adults and free for students. For more information, call Agnes Maurer, executive director, at 570- 943-2558, email her at gce@gabrielensemble.org, go online to www.gabrielensemble.org or go to Facebook: Gabriel Chamber Ensemble. All are welcome.

Valley View

Several churches of the Tri-Valley Ministerium will again offer midweek worship services throughout the Lenten season, with this year’s theme being The Journeys of Paul. All services will begin at 7 p.m. and light refreshments will be provided afterwards. Offerings will benefit St. John’s Emergency Food Closet in Hegins. Dates and sites for the services are as follows: Wednesday, March 4, St. James, Pitman; March 11, St. Paul’s UCC, Sacramento; March 18, Christ Church, Leck Kill; March 25, Trinity Lutheran, Valley View; April 1, St. John’s UMC, Hegins. To provide more frequent opportunities for people to participate in Holy Communion, several churches of the churches of the ministerium will offer 5:30 p.m. Sunday services throughout Lent, to be held at Benigna’s Winery in Klingerstown. Offerings will benefit God’s Chuckwagon, Shamokin. The preaching schedule is as follows: March 1, Pastor Mark Swanson; March 8, Pastor Krista Keisling; March 15, Pastor Brian Beissel; March 22, Pastor Ray Holland; March 29, Pastor Duane Bardo; April 5, Pastor Mark Rothermel; April 12, Pastor Jonathan Jenkins. For more information, call 570-682-9828.

ELIZABETHVILLE — Washington Township supervisors may decide tonight on a proposal by the Pennsylvania State Police to construct a new Lykens station.

The proposed location for the new police barracks is at Lois Drive and Route 209 in Elizabethville, Dauphin County, and includes a 150-foot outdoor shooting range, helipad, parking lot and additional space, according to plans submitted to the township supervisors.

“I’m concerned about the noise,” Glenn L. Stoneroad, vice chairman, said while overlooking the proposed site Monday.

All three supervisors, Stoneroad, Benjamin B. Brown, chairman, and Gerald Lettich, recently toured the Chambersburg station to see a police barracks with an outdoor firing range in operation, he said.

“In Chambersburg, the closest home, or structure was a quarter mile away. Here, it would be 200 to 300 yards away from the shooting range to the McDonald’s,” Stoneroad said, looking across Route 209 toward the restaurant.

A home and another business, PPL, is within 250 yards, he said.

As far as safety, Stoneroad said state police have addressed that. The shooting range would have 16- to 18-foot banks on the sides, and shooters would be firing away, and in the opposite direction of the McDonald’s restaurant and nearby shopping plaza which has a CVS Pharmacy, MidPenn Bank and Walmart, he said.

“I’d rather see an indoor range,” Stoneroad said. He said he also wondered if shoppers at the plaza would become “desensitized” to the sound of gunfire, and would not be alert if there were an actual dangerous situation in progress.

The front half of the property, which lies along Route 209, is zoned commercial, while the property in the rear half is zoned agriculture, according to Stoneroad. Republic Development Corp., of the (Mexico, Pa.) Mifflinburg area, is the developer for the project, he said. Supervisors made no decision following a conditional use hearing about the station on Feb. 4, and will have the police project on the agenda for tonight’s meeting.

“A larger station is needed for the operations that take place there and also for officer safety upgrades as well as evidence storage,” said Trooper Brent Miller, director of the Communications Office at state police headquarters in Harrisburg, in an email Monday.

The current Lykens station at 301 State Drive has been in operation since Nov. 1, 1998, and serves Washington Township, which does not have its own police force. That site does not have an indoor or an outdoor shooting range that would assist police in their firearms training and certification.

Miller said the square footage for the new station would increase from 6,949 to 9,231. The state police will be leasing their new location. The old lease was not a full-service lease, but the new one will be, according to Miller. A full service lease includes all utilities, electric, water, sewer, snow removal, mowing, etc. Under the old lease everything was paid separately.

The existing lease payment is $10,424 per month, while the new lease payment would be $37,693 per month, according to Miller.

Miller said he was unable to answer other questions about the lease agreement, because his contacts are civilian directors and they had off Monday due to the holiday.

State police provided no projected opening date for the new station.

Meanwhile, it wasn’t that long ago in Schuylkill County that Pennsylvania State Police at Troop L, Reading, officially opened their new substation along Route 183 in Wayne Township.

The new building at 1070 Route 183 South was dedicated in November 2017 and is located about 2 1/2 miles south of the former station, boasting an increase of more than 3,000 square feet of space. The former barracks in Reedsville had served police since 1986.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Police investigate drum deception

TOWER CITY — An incident of theft by deception that happened last month is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Police said on Jan. 22, Christian Balliet, of Tower City, purchased a five-piece Rouge drum set on the internet from Mariever Sale of Filer, Idaho, for $67.38 but when the package came it was a small plastic toy and not the drum set.

Car stolen with rollback sought

MOUNT CARBON — The theft of a 1987 Mazda RX2 from the area of 874 S. Centre St. around 9:30 a.m. Jan. 26 is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Police said Harry Haughney, 71, said someone driving a red International rollback truck loaded the car onto the vehicle without the owner’s permission and drove away.

The driver exited Mount Carbon, going north on Route 61 before turning right onto Tumbling Run Road.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-754-4600.

More than $7,000 stolen in burglary

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a burglary that happened at 934 South Route 183 around 8:50 p.m. Jan. 30.

Police said Bret Ritchie reported someone stole a Night Owl surveillance hard drive valued at $300 and $7,000 in mix matched bills.

The person also caused $350 in damage to an entry door and jam, bedroom window and mirrored closet door.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-754-4600.

Daughter allegedly took mom’s identity

PINE GROVE — A Pine Grove woman will be charged after an incident of theft by deception and identity theft that was reported on Feb. 3.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Lori Fick, 53, reported her daughter, Ashley Fick, 26, tried to open a student loan application in her name for $15,000.

Lori Fick was alerted by her credit report and denied the application, police said.

Charges against Ashley Fick will be filed with Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont, police said.

Information sought on bent antenna

TOWER CITY — A criminal mischief incident that was reported at 1106 E. Grand Ave. around 11:40 a.m. Feb. 10 is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Police said Michelle Keefer reported someone bent the antenna on her 2015 Subaru sometime Feb. 8 or 9.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-754-4600.

Police: Woman stole on six occasions

POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville woman was charged with retail theft by state police at Schuylkill Haven after incidents at the Weis Market at the Pottsville Park Plaza between Jan. 10 and Feb. 10.

Police said Kayla Mock, 37, stole items on six different occasions. The items have a total value of $332.84, police said.

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

Police: Man, woman stole from Adult Shop

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a theft that happened at the Adult Shop on Route 61 in North Manheim Township around 4 p.m. Feb. 11.

Police said a man and woman stolen several items and fled the area in a 2006 Ford super cab pickup truck.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-754-4600.

Man arrested for DUI following crash

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — A Schuylkill Haven man was arrested for DUI, drug possession and summary offenses after a crash at Route 61 and Mount Carbon Arch Road in North Manheim Township around 7 p.m. Feb. 11.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Stephen Lagaza, 58, was driving a 1998 Chevrolet Lumina under the influence when he was involved in a two-vehicle crash.

No injuries were reported and, police said, the charges against Lagaza were filed with Magisterial District Judge James Ferrier, Orwigsburg.

Girl allegedly assaulted teachers

MAR LIN — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating an assault that occurred at Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 in Norwegian Township on Wednesday.

Police said it was reported two teachers — a 38-year-old Minersville man and a 26-year-old Ashland woman — were assaulted by a 10-year-old Mount Carmel girl.

No serious injuries were reported and police said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Police investigate criminal mischief

SAINT CLAIR — A criminal mischief incident that happened in the parking lot of Boscov’s Department store around 3:35 p.m. Wednesday is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Police said Mateo Rivera, 21, of Schuylkill Haven, said his Dodge Dart was vandalized while parked unattended.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-754-4600 and refer to incident PA2020-200855.

Theft from vehicles under investigation

VALLEY VIEW — The theft of items from vehicles on West Walnut Street in Hegins Township on Wednesday is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Police said someone entered a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2011 Toyota van container trailer between 6:30 and 9:45 p.m. and removed multiple pills and a debit card.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-754-4600.

iPhone stolen at sportsman club

TREMONT — The theft of an iPhone 8 that happened around 9:45 p.m. Feb. 1 is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Police said Rachel Mack, of Tremont, reported her telephone was stolen while she was at the Little Run Sportsman Club.

The phone is black with a light pink case and is valued at $400, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-754-4600.

Grass, pole damaged in mischief incident

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — A criminal mischief incident that happened around 7 a.m. Feb. 11 at 1150 Schuylkill Mountain Road in South Manheim Township is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Police said Thomas Fessler, of Schuylkill Haven, said a blue Ford truck entered his driveway from Berne Drive, drove into the rear yard and damaged the grass and a utility pole.

The driver then fled on Berne Drive after causing damages of about $1,100, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-754-4600.

Woman: Someone punctured car tire

PINE GROVE — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a criminal mischief incident at 11 Scenic View Road in Washington Township that was reported around 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Police said Sarah Artz said someone punctured the rear driver’s side tire of her vehicle between 10 p.m. Feb. 10 and 7 p.m. Feb. 11.

Damage was estimated at $100, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-754-4600.

Inmate allegedly attacked at prison

FRACKVILLE — State police at Frackville are investigating a report of an indecent assault that allegedly happened at SCI/Mahanoy on Jan. 19.

Police said an inmate reported being assaulted by another inmate.

No other information on the incident was available.

3 arrested for Walmart thefts

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

Police said Yamayra Garcia-Gonzalez, 39, of Mahanoy City, was charged after stealing items valued at $48.15 on Jan. 24 and Marguerite Ann Deangelis, 49, of Frackville, for altering the bar code on items valued at $74.23 and trying to get them for a lower price.

Finally, police charged Angela M. Lewis, 44, of Auburn, with stealing items valued at $97.43 on Jan. 14.

Charges against all three were filed with Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, police said.

Man charged with public drunkenness

SAINT CLAIR — A Saint Clair man was charged with public drunkenness by Saint Clair police after an incident in the 100 block of West Patterson Street around 8:45 a.m. Feb. 7.

Police said officers found John J. Hulet, 49, lying on the ground under the influence of alcohol to the extent he endangered himself.

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

3 not hurt after striking deer

DEER LAKE — Three people escaped injury when a vehicle struck a deer on Route 61 in the area of 1353 Centre Turnpike in West Brunswick Township around 6:25 p.m. Wednesday.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Beth L. Reinert, 59, of Shenandoah, was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox south in the right lane when she struck the animal, causing her vehicle to become disabled.

Reinert and her passengers — Ethan Sweat, 43, of Schuylkill Haven, and David Charowsky, 61, of Saint Clair — were not hurt, police said.

Police: Crash caused by deer avoidance

BRANDONVILLE — State police at Frackville investigated a one-vehicle crash that happened on Route 924, in the area of 489 Main Blvd., East Union Township, around 4:45 a.m. Feb. 11.

Police said Benjamin Hower, 19, of Shenandoah, was driving a 2014 Nissan Sentra south when he swerved to avoid hitting a deer that entered the highway.

The man’s vehicle struck the deer and went off the road and struck a drainage culvert, police said.

Police said Hower was wearing his seatbelt and was not hurt.

2 escape injury after collision

CRESSONA — Two people escaped injury when their vehicles collided at North Sillyman and Pottsville streets around 4 p.m. Feb. 10.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Connie J. Wright, 63, of Auburn, was driving a 2011 Jeep Patriot south on North Sillyman Street when she tried to make a left turn onto Pottsville Street and struck a 2008 Subaru Impreza that was being driven north on Sillyman Street by Cody Whetstone, 25, of Pottsville.

Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash, police said.

Hegins

The Tri-Valley Lions Club and Valley View American Legion Post 575 will have a ham and dandelion meal from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, March 27, at the club building, 535 E. Main St. The cost is $12 per platter and $6 for children 10 and younger. Takeouts will be available. For tickets or more information, contact any Lions or Legion member or email trivalleylions@yahoo.com or call 570-274-6066.

Mount Carbon

A Pick-A-Ticket prize drawing and vendor show, hosted by the Twisted Sisters Moms for Make-A-Wish softball team, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 13, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Mount Carbon Fire Company No. 1, 122 Main St. Proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish of Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia. For more information, call Deb at 570-622-4390 or Corinne at 570-429-2233.

Pine Grove

Pinegrove Historical Society Stanhope School Restoration Community Day is set for 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Hoss’ Steak and Seafood, Cressona. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the society’s effort to restore the one-room schoolhouse. For a coupon, email tiki5977@verizon.net. People may also go to Pinegrove Historical Society Stanhope School Restoration on Facebook. For more information, call 570-516-2414.

Pottsville

The Schuylkill County Society for Crippled Children will conduct a pediatric orthopedic clinic for children through age 18 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill S. Jackson Street, on Friday, March 6. The clinic is being sponsored in part by the Richard L. Yuengling Jr. Charitable Foundation. Dr. Peter V. Scoles, from Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, will provide free orthopedic evaluations. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the society office at 570-622-7170, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The society is a participating member of Schuylkill United Way, the Ringtown Community Fund and Tri-Valley Charities.

Pottsville

Guy Graybill, author of “Prohibition’s Prince: The Bizarre Life of America’s Millionaire Moonshiner,” will give a talk on life in Schuylkill County when alcohol was illegal, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the Schuylkill County Historical Society headquarters, 305 N. Centre St. Admission is free for society members and $5 for the general public.

Schuylkill Haven

The Southern Schuylkill Garden Club is inviting the public to join club members beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, for the making of hypertufa garden pots in the social room of Jerusalem Lutheran Church. Hypertufa is a lightweight version of stone pots, made of peat moss, sand, perlite and Portland cement over or inside a form, according to a club release. For more information, including cost and particulars, call Kim Morgan at 570-739-2626 or email her at kamorgan11@gmail.com.

Schuylkill Haven

A free session regarding learning about the risks and dangers of vaping is set for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, in the Morgan Auditorium at Penn State Schuylkill Campus, according to a release from Kim Mousseau. While the long-term effects of vaping are still being studied, there are “many well-documented risks, including potential seizure, heart attack, lung damage and death,” according to the release. The presenter will be William Rowan, LPC, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill. For more information, call 570-385-6221 or go online to www.sl.psu.edu.

Shenandoah

The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., 116 N. Main St., will feature a special guest, Cory Nelson of the U.S. Census Bureau, who will “speak about the census and it’s importance,” Mary Luscavage, DSI’s executive director and Main Street Program manager, said in a release. The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. today, Feb. 18, and “we’re asking everyone to attend and bring a friend, neighbor or relative,” Luscavage said. For more information, call DSI at 570-462-2060.

POTTSVILLE — Does the city deserve a makeover from the Home and Garden network? A few Schuylkill County natives thinks so.

John Bushar, owner of Four Cat Media, Pottsville, created a video showcasing the city for a new HGTV show, “Home Town Takeover.” It was created as part of a nationwide contest the network held to find a town in need of a renovation.

The video details Pottsville’s history, from the discovery of a coal seam by hunter Necho Allen in 1790; the city’s founding in 1806; its establishment as the county seat in 1850; a visit by President John F. Kennedy to Garfield Square in 1960 during his run for president; and the city’s downturn as the coal industry dissolved. It features aerial drone footage of the Schuylkill County Courthouse, Yuengling brewery and Centre Street as “Waltz of the Flowers” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky from “The Nutcracker” plays. The Branch Township resident provides narration.

It also features footage of Victorian-era homes along Mahantongo Street and the six-story Thompson Building on Centre and Market streets.

It closes with Bushar telling the network that “we hope this video helps you see the sense of community this area has and gets you interested in helping give us a much-needed makeover.”

The network launched the contest in January. Residents of towns with under 40,000 residents were eligible to apply before Feb. 4. Applicants could submit materials online, including video, showcasing why their town deserves to be on the show.

They were encouraged to highlight aspects of the town that makes it special, such as architecture, local landmarks or a main street.

The new show is a spinoff of the HGTV show “Home Town,” which features hosts Ben and Erin Napier renovating houses in their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi. That show has aired on HGTV since March 2017.

Jennifer Reiner, Palo Alto, came up with the idea to have Pottsville featured on the show after seeing an article online last month.

She saw the criteria and felt the city fit the mold of what the show is looking for.

“Downtown Pottsville is just beautiful, but there’s a few buildings that could use an upgrade,” said Reiner, an author of several cookbooks.

To assist with the project, she contacted Harold Aurand, a history professor at Penn State Schuylkill, and Marie Lutkus, a volunteer at the Schuylkill County Historical Society. Reiner’s friend, Dr. Robert Kimmel, suggested Bushar as a videographer for the project. Aurand wrote the script for the video.

Bushar, a licensed drone pilot, was contacted by Reiner on Jan. 24 about the project and shot footage earlier this month.

As of Monday, the video has received over 6,000 views on YouTube, something Bushar is surprised about.

“The intention was just to submit it to a contest,” he said.

But when he shared it in the Facebook group “Old Downtown Pottsville: Schuylkill County: Frankie’s Smoke Shop,” the number of views it received skyrocketed, Bushar said.

Reiner said as a lifelong county resident, the area has a “rich history and culture” with a number of attractions, including Yuengling brewery, that can attract people to the area.

“A project like this would hopefully bring more businesses downtown and make the area more inviting for tourists and residents,” she said.

Having HGTV makeover the city, Reiner added, “provides a more inviting atmosphere for business.”

Bushar said Yuengling’s brand familiarity makes Pottsville attractive for the network.

“That’s a relatable thing that people watching TV nationally,” he said. “That would help give us visibility.”

He added that Pottsville has a historical legacy that needs to be kept alive. Its residents also have positive attributes.

“We’re a close-knit community. We all have the same heritage and it’s generally a town of kind people,” Bushar said.

Creating the video, he said, has peaked his interest in Pottsville history. Bushar said he plans to work with the county historical society on a longer, more in-depth video detailing Pottsville’s history.

“Home Town Takeover” will air as a six-episode special in 2021.

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

Cade Bleashka traded a single red paperclip for an intricate bracelet. His Bloomsburg University classmate Catherine Jones scored a pack of gum with hers.

Bleashka, of Mahanoy City, and Jones, of Watsontown, are among the 16 students in Dr. Christina Force’s Honors Introduction to Business class attempting to trade the clips for bigger and better items.

“Within about 30 seconds of announcing the assignment, one of my students had listed his paperclip on Craigslist,” Force said.

Students will be allowed seven “trades” and will show their latest scores once a week. Thursday was the first reveal.

“They’ve been going crazy. They want to show me their trades,” Force said.

In addition to Bleashka’s bracelet and Jones’ gum, students bartered for a $20 gift card, a box of chocolates, a chair and water bottles.

The trades will likely only get better.

When the seventh and final trades are complete, they’ll put the items up for public auction. Funds collected will benefit the Hazleton Integration Project, where Force’s students volunteer weekends.

Force modeled the project after hearing about Canadian Kyle MacDonald who traded a red paper clip for a home. His first trade was for a pen, and from there, he lined up a snowmobile, a vacation, outings with celebrities and the house.

“The biggest goal is for them to learn negotiation skills and strategies,” Force said. “They’re also learning about social responsibility and giving back. On Saturdays, some members of my class take a van to help tutor teenage students at the Hazleton Integration Project. They’ve really forged a relationship with the students.”

As students make trades, they will add entries to their trade journals. They will include photos of what they started with and what they traded for.

If they get a really good item, Force said they will be allowed to bank it.

“If they would get something like, for example, an autographed photograph of Danny Hale (the college’s winningest football coach), it would be worth a lot so they would be able to bank that and start over again with a paperclip,” Force said.

She’s guessing that experiences — such as a lunch with the university’s president — would also make for better trades or more money at the silent auction.

“You can also make adjustments to your items. If you traded for an unstained table you can stain it and you’ll likely get more for it,” she said.

Force said enthusiasm for the project is spreading around the campus. She’s received emails from other students who want to participate.

“I want to make this an annual thing,” she said.

The silent auction will be held April 16, with more information to be released in the weeks ahead.

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

Chamber taking awards nominations

TAMAQUA — The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for this year’s Business Person of the Year and the Joseph M. Plasko Citizenship Awards.

Nomination forms are available online at tamaqua.net, or at the chamber office, 37 W. Broad St., which is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays.

All nominations should be sent to chamber@tamaqua.net. For more information, call the office at 570-668-1880

Alvernia University ‘Military Friendly’

READING — Alvernia University, which has a center in Schuylkill County at the Cressona Mall, has achieved Military Friendly status for the eighth consecutive year and is one of just 625 institutions nationwide to receive the designation, according to an Alvernia press release.

With the designation, the university meets benchmarks in areas such as student retention, graduation and job placement as well as for being in good standing with federal programs such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Armed Forces Tuition Assistance Funding, according to the release.

In the last academic year, Alvernia organized military benefits for 64 students, which includes active military, veterans and their family members. Along with tuition assistance and various other benefits, military service members may apply for federal aid, according to the release.

For more about Alvernia, go online to www.alvernia.edu/

Chamber set to meet at Ridgeview

SHENANDOAH — The next meeting of the Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce is set for 8 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Ridgeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Pennsylvania Avenue, Shenandoah Heights.

Dr. Sasha Sherry of Sherry Dental, Centre and Bowers streets, has issued a reminder to those planning to attend to RSVP by emailing to sasha.sherry2010@gmail.com.

Ribbon-cutting at Hillbilly Hooch

ORWIGSBURG — A Hillbilly Hooch ribbon-cutting and opening ceremony are set for 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Bum’s Rush Restaurant & Pub, 655 Route 61, according to a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce flier.

Those planning to attend should RSVP to the chamber’s Samantha Chivinski via email to schivinski@schuylkillchamber.com.

WIAC is ready for craft brew fest

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The Our Haven Foundation Craft Brew Festival 2020 will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Walk In Art Center third-floor main gallery, 220 Parkway, according to a WIAC flier.

The cost is $30 in advance and $35 at the door; $10 for designated driver service. The event is for people 21 and older; identifications will be checked. Tickets are available now and people may register in advance at by going to wwwlwalkinartcenter.org and clicking on Events.

According to the flier, the event will be “an afternoon of learning about and tasting craft beers from many different breweries.”

Hamburg readies for Brew Beer fest

HAMBURG — Craft beer tasking from more than 40 breweries as well as live music will be featured from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 4, during the Art of the Brew Beer Fest at the Hamburg Field House, according to a release from Lori LaPearl of Hamburg’s Our Town Foundation.

The ticket price, $40 in advance, $45 at the door and $10 for designated driver, will include a sampling glass and a meal.

For more information, call 610-562-3106 or email otfmanager@aol.com.

PSU Extension

to host workshop

LEBANON — Dairy, beef, sheep and crop farmers as well as public and private pesticide applicators can earn recertification credits, including nutrient management core and category credits, during Penn State Extension’s Dairy, Livestock and Crops Compliance Conference to be held from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Lebanon Expo Center, 80 Rocherty Road, Lebanon.

There will be eight breakouts with six sessions per breakout for growers to fine-tune what they need to keep compliant with all regulations as well as learn updated practices, according to an event release.

The cost of the conference is $10. For a full list of speakers and to register, go online to https://extension.psu.edu/dairy-crops-compliance or call 877-345-0691. For more information, call Del Voight at 717-639-3586 or email dgv1@psu.edu.

Alzheimer’s group sets program

SHENANDOAH — Effective Communication Strategies, an education program presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community, 101 E. Washington St.

People interested in attending should RSVP to Desiree Dunleavy at 570-462-1908. People may also register online at alz.org/CRF, where they also may explore additional related programs in the region.

Communication, according to a program flier, also includes “sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice and body language” and although people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias may lose the ability to use words, families can find other ways to connect.

VALLEY VIEW — The Hegins-Hubley Authority on Monday selected a Pottsville firm for its Hubley Township water tank replacement project.

Performance Construction Services Inc. was the low bidder at $486,310 and the authority issued “a notice of intent” to award the project to PCS, based on final review of the bid from solicitor Paul J. Datte.

Frederick Ebert, the authority’s engineer, highlighted the bids received. Other bids were as follows: Linde Corp., $488,662; Walabax Construction Services Inc., $488,927; and Doli Construction Corp., $515,009.

While there will be out-of-pocket expenses for the project, the authority received a $403,118 grant to replace the leaking water storage tank through the state Department of Community and Economic Development Small Water and Sewer program.

Director Kenneth Graham was absent.

In other business, Demetrius Kasmari, authority manager, presented the quarterly report ending Dec. 31, 2019, and the financial condition of the authority for the last six months of the year.

Revenues were up; expenses down, according to Kasmari.

Net operating revenues of $303,516 for the six months were $24,000 over budget estimate. The Hubley water sales came in over budget by $6,400, while the Hegins commercial water sales were $4,100 under budget.

Operating expenses totalling $125,800 for the six months were $7,600 under the budget forecast. Commercial and general expenses were $9,200 under the budget forecast.

There was a net income of $66,000 for the six-month period.

In other matters, Datte said the extension for the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority design loan for the joint sewer project with Hegins and Hubley townships had been granted until July 31, 2020. Nothing has been received by the authority from either township on their portion of the guarantee for the PennVEST loan.

The authority also gave the authorization to Kasmari to move forward with an electronic bill payer service through the Gratz Bank. There will be no cost for the electronic service, he said, and the effort could save the authority $375 to $400 per year, including the cost for stamps.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

SHENANDOAH — The investigation by three taxing bodies involving the lack of disbursement by the Borough of Shenandoah was only discussed briefly at Monday’s borough council meeting.

However, when the issue was raised, the comments from the public led into other aspects of how records are kept and funds are used and monitored.

The discovery a few weeks ago by the Shenandoah Valley School District that it had not been receiving payments in lieu of taxes for two properties owned by the Schuylkill County Housing Authority that had been paid led to another discovery that Schuylkill County was also entitled to annual payments.

The investigation of missing payments involves an agreement between the borough and housing authority dating back to Jan. 16, 1967, that would have the authority make annual payments in lieu of taxes for two planned low-income housing projects within the borough. In turn, the borough would provide a share of the payment according to a formula to the school district and the county.

After discovering the housing authority agreement with the borough, district officials contacted the authority for a copy of the 1967 agreement and the payments made to the borough, which were obtained through right-to-know requests. School district officials also contacted the county about the matter and found payments had not been made to it over the years.

All three taxing bodies are currently combing their financial records to find if payments were made or received.

The borough council meeting agenda had nothing on it involving the housing authority payments or any other matter about the issue. During the public portion, resident and tax collector Donna Kulpowicz, who was among more than 20 members of the public, was the first to address the government body. There were no official representatives from the school district or county in attendance.

“I would like the council to publicly acknowledge that I am not in any way involved with this current debacle involving Shenandoah borough management,” Kulpowicz said.

Council President Gordon Slater made the acknowledgment that she is not involved with the situation of the non-payments of the PILOT situation.

“What is the current total debt of the borough?” Kulpowicz asked.

“Donna, we are currently investigating that,” council solicitor James Amato said. “There have been payments disbursed, taxes remitted to the school district and county over the course of several years, but at this point the county, the borough and the school district are working together to finalize that number.”

“I was looking at total debt, not just that,” Kulpowicz said. “Do you know what the total debt for the borough actually is at this time?”

“At this time I can’t answer that,” Slater said. “I’ll check it out for you.”

Kulpowicz also asked for the total debt for the sewer department. She read from a prepared statement:

“For years, council members wanted to change what was happening to our town. They tried to dig in to what was occurring to our infrastructure and declining assets,” Kulpowicz said. “Every time, one way or another, nothing changed because they were either manipulated with incorrect information that was needed to make them change it or not given the information requested, so they just gave up. Reality and common sense says you cannot trust someone who created these problems working or training anyone who will have to correct them.”

Kulpowicz continued, “What has been happening all these years is unacceptable and unfair to the residents of town. You cannot think having someone behind a closed door suggesting or agreeing to raise our taxes and sewer and trash fees will work, because it hasn’t worked ... Many councils before you have been unable to get close to where we are. With the information we currently know, it is this council’s obligation to step up to the plate and just stand there. You must swing the bat and become a working council.”

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

MOUNT PLEASANT — A report of an airplane crash in Reilly Township on Monday morning was unfounded.

A motorist driving on Interstate 81 in the area of mile marker 112 reported seeing what he believed to be an airplane crash into a wooded area. The Schuylkill County Joe Zerbey Airport, Mount Pleasant, is located near the interstate a few miles from Reilly Township.

A supervisor for the Schuylkill County Communications Center said crews searched the area where the plane was said to have gone down by nothing was found, and the search crews were released.

ORWIGSBURG — Tyler L. Diefenderfer thought he had found love, but learned Tuesday he had found only a trip to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing on charges of having sex with an underage girl in 2019 in Schuylkill Haven.

Diefenderfer, 19, of 1505 Main St., Gilberton, is charged with statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault and corruption of minors. Prosecutors withdrew on Tuesday a charge of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse.

Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier then bound over the remaining four charges for court. He allowed Diefenderfer to remain free on $5,000 percentage bail pending further court proceedings.

Schuylkill Haven police charged Diefenderfer with having sexual relations with the 15-year-old girl starting in September 2019.

The girl told police she met Diefenderfer in June 2019 at the Sheetz convenience store in North Manheim Township and they became a couple two months later, in spite of protests from her mother.

However, according to the girl, after they started dating, Diefenderfer began pressuring her to have sex with him and police said she yielded to his demands the following month.

“Tyler became more and more demanding of sex,” according to the affidavit of probable cause the police filed in the case.

Police said Diefenderfer demanded that the girl send him nude photographs of herself, and she did so. Furthermore, Diefenderfer sent her nude photographs of himself, according to police.

The girl said her relationship with Diefenderfer ended Jan. 26, police said.

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

Defendant: Tyler L. Diefenderfer

Age: 19

Residence: Gilberton

Charges: Statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault and corruption of minors