Laura Quick and Dr. Gary Wegman each think they can represent the 9th District better than incumbent U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, as the two Democrats boosted their positions Wednesday during an online town hall meeting.

Sponsored by the progressive group Schuylkill Indivisible, listeners heard the candidates say they would be more practical and less partisan than Meuser, a Luzerne County Republican businessman and former state secretary of revenue from Dallas who was first elected in 2018.

Although they are running against each other in the June 2 primary election, Quick and Wegman stated similar views, criticizing the Trump administration as well as Meuser, whom each wants to unseat in the Nov. 3 General Election.

Quick, of Palmyra, and Wegman, of the Reading area, are running their second campaigns to represent the 9th District, a heavily Republican area that includes all of Carbon, Columbia, Lebanon, Montour and Schuylkill counties and parts of Berks, Luzerne and Northumberland counties. In 2018, each sought the Democratic nomination, which was won by Denny Wolff, a Columbia County Democrat who lost to Meuser.

Wegman, a dentist and farmer, said health care is his top issue, saying a better system would have lessened the damage from the coronavirus pandemic.

“Gary Wegman will never allow people to have to choose between prescriptions and groceries,” he said.

Wegman said the country must make fighting the virus its immediate goal.

“We need a test that can produce a result within 24 hours, and states should not have to fight each other for medical supplies,” he said.

Quick and Wegman each boosted infrastructure as a way to get money into the economy and reduce the national debt. The former advocated a National Infrastructure Bank to supply the funding to employ approximately 25 million people, while the latter said the government will get back $4 for every $1 it invests in infrastructure.

Each candidate supported emergency federal funding for states, saying it is needed to bail them out.

“I believe this is the next order of business,” Wegman said. “We need to accept the severity of what we’re up against.”

“These are unprecedented times,” Quick said. “All the states are suffering at different levels.”

Also, each criticized President Trump for his response to the pandemic.

“We were late to the party,” Quick said.

“We received exactly what we planned for,” Wegman said.

Neither said stressing saving lives will mean economic suffering.

“It’s not an either/or situation,” Quick said.

“We all have to be pro-life here,” Wegman said.

Also, each said American economic policy will have to change as a result of the pandemic, adding that they believe economic inequality must change.

“Our economy has a long way to go,” Wegman said. “Fix the tax law.”

Quick said there is too much of a gap between the incomes of corporate leaders and their employees.

“They can pay their employees better,” she said.

Reached after the town hall, Meuser said Quick and Wegman are each out of touch with the district.

“They’re for a socialist agenda,” he said. “I’m for a (Make America Great Again) agenda.”

Meuser also said the spending bills already have provided states with $150 billion, including $5 billion for Pennsylvania.

“This was all done with the president’s plan,” he said. “The legislation we drew up is very comprehensive.”

He noted that neither Quick nor Wegman has any government experience.

Meuser said with respect to Trump that the day the president announced an emergency, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., urged people to visit Chinatown in her home city of San Francisco, while a week later, New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo downplayed the coronavirus problem.

“Facts are facts and fiction is fiction,” Meuser said.

He also said he could not participate in Wednesday’s town hall because of at least two dozen other commitments, but did say he would meet with the members.

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

During this pandemic and social distancing, so many people are aghast at news reports, firsthand accounts from health workers, images of empty store shelves and thoughts of the well-being of themselves and their loved ones. But amid the fog of helplessness rises the question: How can I help?

If you have heard yourself think or even speak this question, then look no further than your own interests. Some volunteer ideas will have to wait until after closed organizations reopen, while some may be able to begin now. Consider organizations which you have frequented and are interested in seeing survive and thrive after these shutdowns.

For example, do you semi-regularly check out materials from your local library? If so, then call them after they reopen and see how you can volunteer your time or talents. Follow them on their website or Facebook to stay current with their schedule and needs. Are you interested in local history? Then do the same for local historical societies and museums.

Did you or a loved one receive excellent care from a specific nursing home, hospital or hospice provider? Perhaps you could write thank-you cards to staff who continue their work during these overwhelming times. Or write cards to nursing home residents who currently receive no visitors and cannot even socialize much with each other.

When facilities reopen to visitors and volunteers, consider becoming a volunteer to assist the activities staff, share your artistic or musical talents, visit residents/patients or help out in a hospital gift shop. Or perhaps you could join the Ombudsman program, managed by MidPenn Legal Services, to ensure that residents of long-term care facilities have a voice and an advocate.

Do you like working with children? Look into the nonprofit Child Development Inc. to provide assistance and care for young children in the Headstart program or in day cares throughout the county. Or perhaps you could become a pen pal to a fifth-grade student in the county.

Are you organized and efficient? Then don’t let your perfectly assembled closets, drawers and shelves, that no one ever sees, be your only achievement. Almost every nonprofit organization in the county, who will likely be catching up after months of all or partial shutdown, could use your clerical help after reopening to volunteers. Share your magic with them.

And let’s not forget the obvious. Perhaps you can support a pet organization or two financially. Nonprofits who are unable to hold their usual fundraisers may be dipping below the expected revenue by now. Even small donations add up.

And organizations that support at-risk populations — the elderly, mentally ill, addicted, homeless, abused — never totally shut down. So they may also welcome donations of food, toiletries, hygiene items and more. Contact Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services, Service Access and Management Inc., Clinical Outcomes Group Inc., Servants to All or Schuylkill Women in Crisis to learn what they may be accepting at this time.

Volunteers come in all ages. You are never too young or too old to volunteer.

If you would like to look further into any of the above mentioned volunteer possibilities, call Darla Troutman, RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) coordinator, at 570-622-3103. If you are age 55 or older, Troutman can tell you more about RSVP as well. But either way, volunteers of any age are, and will, be needed.

RSVP is part of Senior Corps, a component of the federal Corporation for National and Community Service, and is under the local sponsorship of Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services. RSVP is part of the Schuylkill County Volunteer Program which also includes Community Volunteers in Action (CVIA).

Travel will definitely be different in a post-pandemic world and, more than ever, people will want to stay healthy on the road.

It is likely that there will be new restrictions and health policies at resorts, on airplanes and for cruises, but regardless of these new measures, travelers can take steps on their own to maintain their health while on vacation or traveling for business.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Transportation Security Administration have robust guidelines for staying safe and healthy on the road that includes practical advice for individuals.

Hand washing will be an activity that people do more frequently and will be reminded to do in many situations. The TSA is encouraging travelers to wash their hands before and after security and is allowing people to bring 12-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer with them through security.

Masks will also likely be a necessity when you are on the road.

The CDC has issued new guidelines for wearing a mask and many cities are encouraging people to wear masks whenever they go out. While travel is discouraged at the moment, when leisure and business travel do resume, it is likely that mask-wearing will continue to be encouraged so it is wise to at least plan to have and bring an appropriate face covering with you.

Assessing your own well-being will also be a key measure in determining fitness to travel. The CDC advises travelers to know their own health status before they make travel plans. This will likely become more important than ever and proof of wellness could even be required.

Making an appointment with a doctor at least one month before departing on a trip is currently recommended by the CDC.

While travelers are on the road, they should make sure they maintain their health by eating right, staying hydrated and exercising regularly. These steps will help keep the immune system in tip-top shape to fight off viruses should someone be exposed.

Travelers may want to pack zinc lozenges, which can provide a boost to the immune system when you are feeling rundown. Zinc is not a cure for COVID-19 but is beneficial for reducing cold symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose or muscle aches.

In addition to packing supplements, travelers should make sure that they bring essential medications and a great enough supply to last for their entire trip and probably a bit longer in case of an emergency.

One of the things that people are going to be very vigilant about after this pandemic is keeping personal spaces clean. Antibacterial wipes are going to be a key travel companion in addition to hand sanitizer once this health crisis is over. Travelers can use them to wipe down tray tables, door handles, surfaces in hotel rooms and just about anything that you touch while on the road.

Viruses are invisible but they can be combatted, and these are just a few ways travelers can take control of their health and well-being once it is safe to travel again.

TRAVELPULSE is a leading travel authority on the web, providing consumer travel news and insider tips and advice for an ever-changing travel world. Read more stories at travel

pulse.com.

A Cressona man suspected of robbing convenience stores at gunpoint in Schuylkill and Berks counties remained in jail Wednesday after being denied bail on unrelated charges for allegedly fleeing state police troopers and crashing into a cruiser on Tuesday.

The pursuit, involving John James Bennett Jr., 32, of 39 Ash St., began around 12:50 p.m. on Route 443 in Wayne Township and ended on Panther Valley Road in North Manheim Township, just north of the Cressona borough line.

State Police Trooper Justin Bedford of the Schuylkill Haven station charged Bennett with one felony count of fleeing or attempting to elude police; four misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person; two summary counts of stop and yield sign violations; and one summary count each of driving on the wrong side of the road, not driving on roadways laned for traffic, driving at an unsafe speed, careless driving and reckless driving.

Bennett was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, who denied bail and ordered Bennett committed to Schuylkill County Prison.

Although bail is usually granted in all cases except homicide, Plachko said his decision was based on state police investigating Bennett for the armed robberies of at least five convenient stores.

“I denied bail because state police said the defendant is the prime suspect in crimes in Schuylkill and Berks counties,” Plachko said.

He also said Bennett has a substantial criminal history, including arrests for burglary, forgery, drugs and assault.

The most recent robbery Bennett is believed to have committed was around 12:30 a.m. Monday at the U.S. Gas Station in Strausstown, Berks County.

Like in the other four robberies in Schuylkill County, police believe Bennett entered the business, pulled out a pistol and demanded money from the clerk.

Bennett is also believed to have also committed robberies that began around 9:15 p.m. Saturday at the Mobil Gas Station in Cressona, followed by a robbery at the Speedway Gas Station in Pine Grove Township at 6:10 a.m. Saturday and a robbery at the Auburn Food Mart a short time later at 6:55 a.m.

A fourth robbery happened during the early morning hours Sunday at Vista Fuel on Route 61 in Schuylkill Haven. Schuylkill Haven police are investigating that robbery.

The incident leading to Bennett’s arrest began when Bedford was on patrol on Route 443 and Bennett passed him in the opposite direction traveling west.

In paperwork filed with the court, Bedford said he identified Bennett and knew he did not have a valid driver’s license. The trooper said he was aware the Mercedes Benz driven by Bennett matched the description of the suspect vehicle in numerous armed robberies.

Bedford said he attempted to stop the vehicle, but Bennett fled on Route 443 at a high rate of speed, continued onto Front Street and failed to stop at the intersection of Sweet Arrow Lake Road. The driver continued to flee north on Panther Valley Road, where he went off the road, drove into farmland and eventually got back onto the highway, almost hitting another trooper’s vehicle head on.

Bennett continued on Panther Valley Road at a high rate of speed and eventually rammed into an unmarked state police cruiser that had its emergency lights activated and was being used to block the highway, Bedford said.

After hitting the unmarked cruiser, Bennett fled on foot but was tackled by a bystander who saw police chasing him. Bennett was detained and taken into custody.

As part of the investigation into the robberies, police obtained search warrants for Bennett’s vehicle and residence from Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

Authorities are also working to see if Bennett is connected to two other armed robberies last week

The Uni Mart Exxon store at 528 Altamont Blvd. in West Mahanoy Township was robbed around 5 p.m. April 20, while the Turkey Hill Minit Mart on Route 901 in Lavelle, Butler Township, was robbed around 1:35 a.m. the following day.

In each of the seven robberies, police reports indicate similar skin color and height of the suspect.

Hamburg police detail incidents

HAMBURG — Hamburg police reported responded to approximately 66 calls for assistance between April 10 and 16.

The calls for service included one abandoned vehicle, one civil issue, one domestic incident, one fire, one hazardous materials incident and one lost property incident.

Among the most notable incidents was a trespassing incident at the Hamburg Watershed around 7 a.m. April 12.

Officers found eight people trespassing and arrested all for trespassing. Those charged were Michael Grothusen, 54, of Erdenheim; Christian Beasley, 28, of New York; Emilia Folkerts, 19, of New Jersey; William Lauzon, 23, of New Jersey; Duncan McLeod, 23, of Florida; James Conte, 23, of New Jersey; Elise Beasley, 23, of New Jersey; and Nina Conte, 21, of Kempton, police said.

On April 10, police said, a theft was reported by a woman who said an ex-boyfriend left her residence with several items that belonged or her with the intent to sell them.

Police said the items were returned and the incident resolved without the need of an arrest.

Finally, police said they investigated another trespass incident at the Hamburg Watershed around 7:40 a.m. April 13.

As a result, police said, they charged Noel Karpa, 20, of Summit Hill, and Hunter White, 23, of Bethel, with trespassing.

Marriage licenses

Bernard J. Stuetz, Philadelphia, and Abigail S. Kennedy, Philadelphia.

Michael B. Maley, Seltzer, and Michele M. Reimert, Seltzer.

Ryan O. Bender, Unity, Wisconsin, and Bethany C. Fox, Lebanon.

Eldon L. Martin, Newberg, and Charlene R. Musser, Newmanstown.

Benjamin T. White, Tamaqua, and Katelyn S. Sprenkle, Tamaqua.

Austin J. Good, Lititz, and Brittany Rae Zimmerman, Lititz.

Joshua D. Ney, Berwick, and Lauren E. Yost, Turbotville.

Luke J. Bellum, Bloomsburg, and Heather Ann Weiss, Bloomsburg.

Dominic M. Sonon, Cressona, and Lauren M. Rhody, Cressona.

Eric A. Galaske, Malvern, and Hannah E. Filler, Malvern.

Nathan L. Musser, Richland, and Melody R. High, Myerstown.

Joseph R. Zimmerman, Ephrata, and Erma J. Leinbach, East Earl.

Joseph S. Sittler, Hamburg, and Abigail J. Kesselmeyer, Hamburg.

Curvin R. Zimmerman, Ephrata, and Elaine L. Zimmerman, Denver.

Michael J. Roy, Catawissa, and Kaila M. Augustine, Catawissa.

John E. Tinney, Auburn, and Kristina T. Gregory, Auburn.

Gregory M. Nyce, Perkasie, and Lauren N. Hale, Perkasie.

Joseph R. Bowman, West Chester, and Brianna K. Foulds, Macungie.

Shawn C. Nolt, Lititz, and Rebecca M. Wheeler, Womelsdorf.

Shannon Joel Eby, Kenton, Ohio, and Shana L. Kreider, Lancaster.

Scott N. Reed, Mountain Top, and Damaris Ciungan, Mountain Top.

Navraj Shergill, Coatesville, and Casey Madtes, Coatesville.

Justin C. Eisenhart, Ashland, and Samantha M. Pruce, Ashland.

Justin E. Jeffries, Lititz, and Melissa B. Fraver, Lititz.

Russell N. Burd, Hazleton, and Gricelis Fernandez, Hazleton.

Jericho D. Rockmore, Valley View, and Kendra L. Moyer, Valley View.

Michael N. Nolt, Leola, and Joy Stauffer, New Holland.

Harold L. Rote, Columbia, and Ashley R. Weir, Columbia.

Jonathan L. Jorgensen Schwartz, Wallkill, New York, and Katelyn C. Moffitt, Walnutport.

Jay D. Newswanger, Morgantown, and Linda F. Newswanger, Narvon.

Frank N. Pritz, Ephrata, and Pamela S. Verbash, Ephrata.

Steven D. Slavinsky, Shenandoah, and Holly Anne Smith, Shenandoah.

Colton L. Musser, Newmanstown, and Sheila J. Nolt, Bernville.

Ethan M. Martin, Ephrata, and Janette Gehman Auker, Ephrata.

Bryan L. Adams, Strasburg, and Crystal L. Reese, Strasburg.

Earl W. Oberholtzer, Ephrata, and Ida Newswanger Zimmerman, Ephrata.

Nicholas S. Minnich, Coaldale, and Alycia M. Hertzke, Coaldale.

Luis E. Ochoa, Allentown, and Angela M. Bartley, Allentown.

Adam J. Gilbert, Drums, and Allyson N. Smith, Drums.

Randy Lee Boyer, Tamaqua, and Sherry Lynn Rausch, Tamaqua.

Zachary Polinsky, Slatington, and Carlie A. Griffiths, Slatington.

Christopher A. Herring, Schuylkill Haven, and Amanda Marie Morris, Schuylkill Haven.

Alexander J. Patterson, Pottsville, and Phyllis R. Munch, Pottsville.

Benjamin F. Ehlinger, Minersville, and Mandy S. Jones, Minersville.

Ramon Pelaez, Shenandoah, and Lydia E. Flores, Shenandoah.

Robert J. Melusky, Pottsville, and Nichole A. Plachko, Pottsville.

COVID-19 testing sites around the region:

CARBON COUNTY

Lehigh Valley Health Network, 528 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m./Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; virtual encounter preferred, on-site provider for limited assessment if in-person evaluation needed or warranted.

St. Lukes Hospital, 211 N. 12th St., Lehighton.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

Geisinger Community Medical Center, 1800 Mulberry St., Scranton, Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Geisinger, 4004 Birney Ave, Moosic, Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; testing for health care employees only.

LEHIGH COUNTY

Lehigh Valley Health Network, 6451 Village Lane, Macungie, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m./Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; virtual encounter preferred, on-site provider for limited assessment if in-person evaluation needed or warranted.

Lehigh Valley Health Network, 1730 W. Chew St., Allentown, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m./Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; virtual encounter preferred, on-site provider for limited assessment if in-person evaluation needed or warranted.

Lehigh Valley Health Network, 2604 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m./Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; virtual encounter preferred, on-site provider for limited assessment if in-person evaluation needed or warranted.

Lehigh Valley Health Network, 2741 MacArthur Road, Whitehall, Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; virtual encounter preferred, on-site provider for limited assessment if in-person evaluation needed or warranted.

West End CareNow, 501 Cetronia Road, Allentown, 2200 St. Luke’s Blvd., Easton, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bethlehem-Care North, 153 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Hospital, 301 N. Fourth St., Allentown, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

St. Luke’s Care Now, Macungie, 2550 Route 100, Suite 110, Macungie, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

St. Luke’s Care Now — Whitehall, 2042 MacArthur Road, Whitehall, Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

LUZERNE COUNTY

Geisinger Wyoming Valley, 6 Wildflower Drive, Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Geisinger Nanticoke, 128 E. Main St., Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Lehigh Valley Health Network, 128 W. 14th St., Hazleton, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m./Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; virtual encounter preferred, on-site provider for limited assessment if in-person evaluation needed or warranted.

Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Twp., preregistration for testing is required one day in advance of testing. No on-site registration is available. Testing is by appointment only.

Rite Aid, 20 S. River St., Plains Twp.

MONROE COUNTY

Lehigh Valley Health Network, 292 Frantz Road, Stroudsburg, Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; virtual encounter preferred/on-site provider for limited assessment if in-person evaluation needed or warranted.

Lehigh Valley Health Network, 1655 W. Main St., Stroudsburg, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m./Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; virtual encounter preferred, on-site provider for limited assessment if in-person evaluation needed or warranted.

Brodheadsville Health Center, 111 Route 715, Brodheadsville, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m./Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

Lehigh Valley Health Network, 863 Nazareth Pike, Nazareth, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m./ Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; virtual encounter preferred, on-site provider for limited assessment if in-person evaluation needed or warranted.

St. Luke’s Hospital — Anderson, 2200 St. Luke’s Blvd., Easton, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

St. Luke’s Care Now — Bethlehem, 153 Broadhead Road, Bethlehem, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

PIKE COUNTY

Dingman Medical Center, 1592 Route 739, Dingmans Ferry.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

Lehigh Valley Health Network, 35 Sillyman St., Cressona, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m./ Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; virtual encounter preferred, on-site provider for limited assessment if in-person evaluation needed or warranted.

West Penn Care Now, 2092 W. Penn Pike, New Ringgold, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

NO TESTING SITES in Susquehanna, Wayne or Wyoming counties.

Cars drove up to Yuengling’s beer drop, a thank you to health care workers, on Tuesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street in Pottsville.

Jessica Seiders and Debbie Yuengling were among those helping to unpack and distribute six-packs of Yuengling Flight.

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill is one of 17 counties in central and northeastern Pennsylvania scheduled to be hit today and Friday with heavy rain, and that could mean flooding in certain places.

“We’ll get some local flooding,” county Emergency Management Coordinator John Matz said Wednesday after looking at the forecast. “We passed that information along.”

The National Weather Service has predicted 1.5 to 3 inches of rain will fall today in the region. That could mean flooding in urban areas, along with places where there is poor drainage, according to the service.

When flooding occurs in the county, it is seldom a surprise, Matz said.

“They all know where it’s going to flood,” he said.

Matz said people should follow sensible steps to protect themselves when they see floodwaters.

“(Don’t) drive through water that’s across the roadway,” he said. “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Matz also said people should not walk across a watery road.

“You don’t know whether a sinkhole opened up,” he said.

Furthermore, storm sewer systems can be overwhelmed by flood waters, thereby leading to perilous traveling conditions, according to Matz.

David Sattizahn, emergency management coordinator for Pine Grove, a flood-prone area, could not be reached Wednesday for comment.

Other counties where the service predicts such flooding include four that border Schuylkill — Columbia, Dauphin, Lebanon and Northumberland — plus Adams, Cumberland, Juniata, Lancaster, Montour, Lycoming. Perry, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union and York.

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

A loudspeaker microphone from one Tower City assisted living facility sat idle until Josh Kobel got a hold of it.

As activities director at Heritage Mills Personal Care and Memory Assist Center, Kobel launched a radio show April 13 from the fictitious “WQHM.”

He delivers tidbits like a sing-a-long song, weather outlooks, menus, announcements, the Pledge of Allegiance, a word of the day and historical fun facts.

“I took all that and morphed it into a radio show,” Kobel, 32, of Halifax, said. “I did it for the residents and the staff, too. The way we’ve all done our jobs has changed,” he said, noting the need for 6 feet of social distancing.

The idea came about after a fellow staff member at the 846 E. Wiconisco St. facility asked Kobel if he would like to use the microphone to help call bingo games. Residents could hear the call and still be safely distanced from each other in their room doorways. The radio show was initially going to run once or twice a week, but Kobel has tried to expand it to include every weekday. He gathers ideas from websites like Holiday Insights, History.com and History.net. He is also a musical director and actor with the Twin Valley Players performance group and sings at least one song daily for the 11:45 a.m. show.

Like a short-order cook, he uses what he describes as “diner slang” to announce the day’s menu. Eggs, for instance, are called “potential chickens,” barbecued ribs are “Adam’s loss in sauce.”

Some of the song offerings Kobel has included are “White Cliffs of Dover,” “How Much is That Doggie in the Window” and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

Residents like the show and he’s received a positive response, he said.

“They already know I’m a pretty weird guy. They think it’s funny. I hear them singing along.”

Kobel’s standard sign-off is: “Keep a song in your heart, keep a smile on your face and always keep something beautiful in your mind.”

Contact the writer: vterwilliger@republicanherald.com

The state Department of Agriculture on Wednesday reviewed the Food and Drug Administration’s temporary policy regarding nutrition labeling during the COVID-19 public health crisis and provided clarity behind new items for sale in Pennsylvania’s grocery stores and restaurants.

“As restaurants comply with orders to offer carry-out services only, many find themselves with excess prepared food and ingredients,” state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said in a news release. “In an effort to curb food waste, state food safety inspectors will allow restaurants and food manufacturers the flexibility to sell bulk foods and ingredients to their customers without the usual labeling requirements.”

This temporary policy by the FDA allows restaurants to sell ingredients and bulk prepared foods direct to consumers, and allows food manufacturers to distribute foods intended for restaurant-use to grocery stores for purchase by consumers. This means grocery shoppers may see industrial sized bags of soup or other prepared items, with non-traditional nutrition information labels. Eggs by the flat, instead of by the dozen, have also been approved by a separate guidance document from the FDA. This temporary flexibility also allows restaurants to sell meal kits or raw ingredients in addition to their regular menu of takeout items.

Similar to recognizing a need for decreased food labeling requirements, the FDA issued guidance offering restaurants and retail food establishments flexibility for menu labeling. Under normal circumstances, restaurants and retail food establishments that are a part of a chain of 20 or more locations must provide nutrition information (calorie declarations) for standard menu items. Recognizing that business practices have been required to change as a result of COVID-19 — including modified menus, printed takeout menus, or online portals — the FDA will not object to restaurants that do not meet requirements.

These federal policies will remain in effect, and enforced as such by Pennsylvania’s food safety inspectors, for the duration of the public health emergency related to COVID-19.

Pennsylvanians are encouraged to support local restaurants visiting CarryoutPA, a website with a comprehensive list restaurants offering takeout, curbside, or delivery services during the state’s stay-at-home order.

The Wolf administration is making immediate changes to the Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant Program intended to help ensure food banks are adequately supplied and that harvested crops are kept from spoiling or otherwise going to waste.

Changes to the grant solicitation process, reported in a news release on Tuesday, include:

• Closing the round of grant eligibility on May 8 to review applications and deliver awards as soon as possible.

• Expanding the list of potential partners beyond retailers and wholesalers to also include farms, processors and cooperatives.

• Removing pre-application meeting requirements to expedite applications.

The changes to the program are effective immediately.

The $4 million grant program is an opportunity for the charitable food system to apply for up to $200,000 in grant funding offered through the new Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant Program. This funding is available for Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations for grant assistance for the proper management and operation of food waste reduction pursuant to the Pennsylvania Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act of 1988, Act 101.

Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations such as food banks, shelters and soup kitchens to cover the costs of equipment purchases necessary to prepare, transport and store food acquired from retailers, wholesalers, farms, processors and cooperatives. Examples of eligible equipment include refrigerated or non-refrigerated box trucks, industrial-sized refrigerators, pallet jacks and/or dollies. Installation and shipping costs will also be eligible for support.

Part of the application requires identification of what food retailers, wholesalers, farms, processors and cooperatives will be partners.

“Making these changes will help us get more food to the people who need it and help prevent harvested crops from spoiling or otherwise going to waste,” state DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell said in the release.

SHENANDOAH — Closed more than a month, Kowalonek’s Kielbasy Shop will reopen this morning with new rules intended to keep employees and an expected crowd of thankful customers safe.

The 109-year-old business was last opened on March 21 as the busiest time of the year approached for Easter. The large crowds at that time is in fact what led the owners to close amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Kowalonek’s announced its reopening Tuesday in a Facebook video that included owner Mark Kowalonek, his wife, Linda, daughter Jessica Kowalonek Hannis and son Luke Kowalonek.

“We’re gearing up,” Hannis said in the video. “At this point, we believe we’re facing a new normal here.”

She said there was too much uncertainty at Easter.

“We really faced the threat of a lot of people coming,” she said. She noted how at Easter, and Christmastime, long lines form outside of the shop, while inside customers are close to each other while being waited on.

There will likely be a crowd today, too, “but we think we are more confident in handling it,” Hannis said. “We’ve installed plexiglass on our counter so there is a barrier between us and the customers. We will be accepting pre-orders.”

She said procedures may change from day to day, especially in the first few days, but that they will work to serve everyone as safely as possible while keeping employees safe, too.

“That is our goal,” she said.

Hannis said employees have been preparing since mid-week.

“We’ve been working a few hours every day to start prepping up,” she said. “Everyone will be in early Friday morning. At this point, I’m fearful that we won’t be able to guarantee product, so we’re only going to take orders day to day.”

The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday and Monday and will reopen Tuesday.

New rules

The following rules have been designed to make for a smooth process for customers and employees:

• Masks are required.

• Wash hands before entering the building. There will be a handwashing station outside.

• Wait outside until the doorbell sounds. After the doorbell sounds, one customer may enter. Up to four customers will be allowed inside at any one time — one customer per clerk.

• Form a spacious line outside while waiting. The six-foot distancing guideline will be observed.

• Call-ahead orders will be accepted for that day only. Orders will be accepted by phone 570-462-1263 or Facebook Messenger (do not leave orders on the answering machine.)

• If a call-ahead order is placed, wait outside for the doorbell to ring, then give the clerk your order name.

• Be kind. Remember this is new to everyone.

Hannis said of customers waiting to come back, “The support has been overwhelming. We’ve gotten some really great feedback from the community.”

The two other “Kielbasi Kings” of Shenandoah, the Capitol Food Market and Lucky’s Corner Deli & Kielbasi Shop, remained open as they have more space allowing social distancing among customers and employees. Lucky’s also has a drive-through window.

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

Robber or shopper?

Gov. Tom Wolf’s mandate that everyone wear a face mask inside businesses during the coronavirus outbreak has created extra stress for some convenience store workers.

Clerks are asking themselves if the person who just entered is there to buy or break the law.

Upping the ante locally is the fact that there have been seven armed robberies in Schuylkill and northern Berks counties in the past 10 days.

Tiffany Becker, manager at the Valero store on South Main Street in Shenandoah, said with the mask required, nothing can be done, except for clerks to exercise greater caution.

“We just keep our eyes open and be a little more alert,” she said. “It’s even hard to recognize our regular customers at times.”

When someone enters who they don’t recognize, the stress level rises.

“I take a second look, especially when it’s someone I’ve never seen before,” Becker said. “I’m not going to lie.”

Brittany Bowen works at the store when it opens at 5 a.m. Being alone when it is dark and there is little traffic compounds the worry.

“What scares us the most is that we’re at the end of town; even with the lights, it’s very dark,” Bowen said.

Both women said that, in the past, if someone entered the store wearing a mask, they knew the intent was almost certainly bad. But with everyone wearing a mask, there is simply no way of knowing what might happen. Will the person pull out a gun or knife?

‘Perfect storm’ of trouble

Frackville Police Chief Richard Bell said the state of the economy, along with everyone wearing a mask, “is brewing into the perfect storm.”

While the recent string of robberies, including one in neighboring West Mahanoy Township, probably would have occurred even without the mask mandate, he said the rule helps robbers.

“It makes it easier for criminals to hide their identities; essentially, everyone is hiding their identities,” he said. “This is the perfect opportunity for criminals to blend in.”

And that applies whether it’s a store robbery, thefts from vehicles, criminal mischief or vandalism. In all cases, criminals can conceal their identities from security cameras and witnesses.

“As far as law enforcement goes, this is a difficult time,” Bell said.

Bell said he and other law enforcement officials are hoping that as the COVID-19 threats subside, the mask order will be lifted.

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

After the disease reached Pennsylvania, researchers and field workers acted to slow its spread.

Their plan relied on testing, mapping and quarantines, but they faced challenges.

Individuals could transmit the disease before showing symptoms.

There was no vaccine or treatment.

And infected deer refused to stay 6 feet apart.

Yes, deer.

Pennsylvania whitetails have been infected with chronic wasting disease, or CWD, for the past eight years, but efforts to control that epidemic are similar to those deployed against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The diseases have different causes, modes of transmission and prognosis.

But once established, the diseases move alike.

“CWD and COVID-19 appear to spread in contagious diffusion, outward from a source or initial infection,” said Courtney Colley, a Pennsylvania Game Commission employee who has spent years explaining CWD to the public.

With CWD, the spread is slower.

Wildlife biologists watched it ooze north and east from Colorado, where it began in 1967. It moved through 22 states and Canadian provinces before arriving in Pennsylvania.

The first Pennsylvania deer farm where it showed up in Adams County was quarantined by the state Department of Agriculture and the game commission set up a disease management area around the farm and in areas where the disease spread.

Now three other disease management areas cover nearly 10,000 square miles in 24 counties.

CWD affects cervids, a family of species that includes deer, moose, caribou and elk. While scientists don’t think it can pass to people, the game commission recommends that hunters wear gloves when field dressing deer and refrain from shooting deer that look sick.

Deer with CWD stagger, drool and urinate frequently.

Colley compared other facets of the two diseases, both of which are tracked by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Quarantines on deer farms last five years because 18 to 24 months typically pass before infected deer show symptoms.

People exposed to COVID-19 have been sequestering themselves for 14 days, the incubation period.

Most people with COVID-19, perhaps 80%, develop only mild symptoms of fever, breathing difficulty and coughing, whereas all deer that contract CWD die.

COVID-19 is transmitted through aerosols released when people cough, sneeze or even talk. People also can become infected by touching a contaminated surface such as metal and plastic on which the virus can live for three to four days and then touching their faces.

Deer pass CWD through saliva, feces and urine, whereas prions — misshaped proteins that cause the disease — can live for years in soil and withstand freezing and extreme heat.

Governments have established travel bans to slow the spread of COVID-19. Likewise, the game commission prohibited importing parts of deer like the brain and spinal cord, which can spread disease, into Pennsylvania or out of disease management areas.

“With CWD, when human behaviors are not contributing, it is slow progressing, but (with) human-related movements you can see it jump 100 miles in a month. The same with COVID-19, people flying to new countries or the type of ability we have to move great distances, we’re increasing the progression,” Colley said.

Tests help identify where the disease has spread. The game commission tests deer hunted or killed by vehicles in management areas and takes random samples of deer at butcher shops in the rest of the state. The commission had to add a second lab to handle all the tests.

Similarly, Lehigh Valley Health Network opened a second site for testing patients with COVID-19 in Hazleton.

Scientists tracking both diseases hope for faster tests. Deer only can be tested after death so wildlife biologists seek a test that works on living animals, whereas doctors await a COVID-19 test that shows results in minutes rather than days.

After the game commission detects CWD, it lets hunters take more deer in the area and occasionally sends in certified hunters to cull deer within a mile or two of new areas where the disease appeared.

“That may seem harsh, but actually is reducing the contact rate between infected and uninfected,” Colley said. Deer, after all, don’t keep a social distance.

But the game commission achieved one success through quarantine.

The disease management area around the first deer farm where CWD showed up in 2012 has been disbanded.

Contact the writer: kjackson@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3587

Schuylkill County officials expressed relief Thursday that the state seems more willing to consider county data rather than only regional numbers in its decision to ease business restrictions and social distancing mandates related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Making decisions on a county-by-county basis, local officials say, will help the area’s recovery.

“It will allow us to reopen sooner, not later,” said state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, whose district includes the entire county.

Schuylkill County is in the state Department of Health’s Southeast health district, which is comprised primarily of Philadelphia and its suburbs. Three counties in it, Philadelphia, Montgomery and Delaware, have the top three totals of coronavirus cases and deaths in Pennsylvania, according to the department, and Schuylkill officials fear that region will be the last to reopen.

The districts, which have long existed to guide the state’s public health work, were announced last Friday as the measurement tool for reopening.

“We’re not satisfied that we’ve been lumped in with the Southeast,” state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, Pottsville, said.

Department Press Secretary Nate Wardle said the plan will not be bound by the districts.

“We are taking a regional approach ... we are not bound by that particular scheme,” Wardle said. “The regions being looked at will likely start with the health regions but not beholden to them.”

Argall credited state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, Mahanoy City, with helping to change Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan. Goodman said the county’s ties primarily are with Northeast Pennsylvania.

“I’m really happy the way everything worked out,” Goodman said. “Within a minute of seeing that map, I was on the phone.”

Goodman said he thinks the Northern Tier, which includes many of the counties that border New York, probably will be the first area to reopen. However, he said Wolf should be announcing the details today.

State Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, Rush Township, agreed that the new approach will be an improvement.

“While the exact nature of the data is mostly unknown, I am optimistic that this county-by-county approach is more appropriate to Schuylkill County,” he said. “Schuylkill County has lessening case counts, available beds in hospital facilities, minimal cases in nursing homes and no cases in the two state prisons.”

Later Thursday, however, the state announced the latest case numbers and Schuylkill had its highest single-day jump to date at 25.

Task force formed

The commissioners announced the formation and initial meeting of the 29-member Schuylkill County Response, Recovery and Renewal Task Force to help the return to normalcy and prosperity.

Robert S. Carl Jr., president and CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, is a task force member. He said the policy change and formation of the task force are good for the county.

“This is going to come down to how the counties respond and prepare,” Carl said. “I think moving forward, we want to try to speak with one voice.”

Commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said the task force will help everyone.

“Our job ... is to make sure we’re putting our best foot forward,” he said. “If we do this properly... it’s going to show that we have a unified front for doing what’s best for the citizens of the county. It pretty much has every group represented.”

Halcovage and commissioners Gary J. Hess and Barron “Boots” Hetherington presented a united front in the announcement.

“(Members) will gather information, suggestions and concerns from their respective disciplines, allowing the task force to develop a common operating framework for the mitigation of the situation in the county,” the commissioners said in the announcement.

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

POTTSVILLE — A Girardville man is headed to state prison after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him Monday in three cases.

Peter K. Nicholas, 33, must serve nine months to five years in a state correctional institution, President Judge William E. Baldwin decided.

Baldwin imposed the sentence after removing Nicholas from the intermediate punishment program, whose rules the defendant admitted violating by using drugs and paraphernalia.

Nicholas originally pleaded guilty on Jan. 7 to driving under the influence and possession of drug paraphernalia in two cases and three counts of possession of a controlled substance in the third case. At that time, Baldwin placed Nicholas in the intermediate punishment program for 12 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs, $2,500 in fines, $300 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $302 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Harrisburg.

Frackville borough police alleged Nicholas was DUI on Aug. 24, 2018, and possessed drugs on July 15, 2018, while state police at Frackville alleged he was DUI on Aug. 3, 2019.

Nicholas already is an inmate at Schuylkill County Prison, and Baldwin conducted the hearing by videoconference.

Also on Monday, Judge Charles M. Miller revoked the probation of Angelo Seritti, 34, of Mahanoy City, but delayed sentencing to allow the defendant to apply for admission to the Schuylkill County Drug Treatment Court.

Seritti, who admitted violating his probation by being arrested on new charges and failing a drug test, originally pleaded guilty on June 26, 2019, to possession of drug paraphernalia. At that time, Miller placed him on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs, a $100 SAEF payment and a $50 CJEA payment.

Mahanoy City police charged Seritti with possessing paraphernalia on Nov. 10, 2018, in the borough.

Seritti already is an inmate at Schuylkill County Prison, and Miller conducted the hearing by videoconference.

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

Good morning!

Effective today, you’ll notice some changes we’ve made in the layout of The Republican-Herald.

These are due mostly to changes in the particular pages that can now be printed in color. For instance, Page A2 will no longer be color, so we moved the daily weather map back a few pages in section A. However, Page A3 is now a color page, so you may see more color ads on that page, along with important and interesting news stories and features. We have also updated the look of several other inside pages.

One other note on the weather: The daily WBRE Weather Wise forecast is now part of the larger weather graphic, so look for it there.

Also, all of our pages are now numbered by section, Page A5 instead of just 5, for example. The A and B section identification had previously existed only in our Sunday edition.

Finally, hopefully in the near feature, we plan the return of our Friday “This Weekend” section with calendar listings of all the fun events in Schuylkill County. As soon as businesses are back and local weekend events are open to the public, we will resume publishing that section.

One more note pertaining to our Sunday edition. The Community Connections section starting this week will be named Schuylkill Living.

Thanks for reading The Republican-Herald. Stay safe!

Mike Joyce Publisher

Hegins Twp. police cite 1 in crash

VALLEY VIEW — Hegins Township police investigated a crash that happened in the 1100 block of West Main Street around 4:05 p.m. April 24.

Police said their investigation determined an 18-year-old Pottsville woman entered West Main Street from a private driveway in a 2014 Subaru Impreza and drove into the path of a 2008 Subaru Outback that was being driven west by a 25-year-old Tremont man.

As a result of the crash, police said, the Pottsville woman, whom they did not identify, was cited for vehicles entering or crossing a roadway.

Man arrested for felony theft

WILLIAMSTOWN — A Williamstown man was arrested by state police at Lykens after an incident in the 9000 block of Route 209 in Williams Township, Dauphin County, on Monday.

State police said their criminal investigation unit found Kenneth B. Derr, 55, of 128 W. Broad St., in possession of a stolen 30-foot tow behind Coachman camper valued at $7,900 owned by a Spring Glen man.

State police said they charged Derr with one felony count each of theft and receiving stolen property.

He was taken to the Dauphin County Judicial Center for arraignment and will now have to answer to the charges against him before Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Margerum, Elizabethville.

Man allegedly had drugs in traffic stop

WILLIAMSTOWN — State police at Lykens charged an 18-year-old borough man after an incident in the area of 201 W. Market St. in this Dauphin County community around 7:25 p.m. Sunday.

State police said they stopped a vehicle driven by Dylan Leinbach, knowing the man did not have a valid driver’s license.

During the stop, police said, Leinbach was found to be in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Margerum, Elizabethville, state police said.

Tower City woman charged for trespass

WILLIAMSTOWN — A 26-year-old Tower City woman was charged with criminal trespass by state police at Lykens after an incident at 506 W. Market St. in Williams Township, Dauphin County, around 9:05 a.m. Monday.

State police said Chelsea Hoover entered the home of Thomas Dauberman without permission.

The charge against Hoover was filed with Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Margerum, Elizabethville.

Police investigate home robbery

AUBURN — State police at Schuylkill Haven investigated a robbery that happened on Green Tree Drive in West Brunswick Township between 7 and 10 p.m. April 16.

State police said Clayton Pepe, 31, of Auburn, forced his way into the home of a 26-year-old Auburn woman, struck the woman and then tried to strangle her in an attempt to take her cellphone and keys to her vehicle.

Pepe was able to forcibly remove the items and at some point, police said, the woman was able to retrieve some of her belongings and leave the home.

Pepe was taken into custody on an arrest warrant as a result of the incident, police said.

Police investigate theft by deception

LLEWELLYN — A theft by deception incident that happened on Laudemans Lane in Branch Township is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Police said they were contacted by a 59-year-old Tremont woman on April 20 reporting she was contacted by someone posing as her boss asking her to purchase $400 to $500 on iTunes and EBay.

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

Police find man dead while serving warrant

SUMMIT STATION — State police executing a warrant at a home in Wayne Township on Wednesday found the man they were looking for dead inside from an apparent drug overdose.

Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III identified the man as Justin Wolfe and said he was born in 1991.

Moylan said the man was pronounced dead at the scene by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Albert Barnes at 11:46 a.m.

Moylan said a virtual autopsy was conducted on Wolfe Wednesday night and that additional toxicology testing is planned.

“We’re doing a complete workup on the death of a young person,” the coroner said, adding that the death is “strongly suspicious for drug poisoning.”

At the request of state police, Moylan said a full autopsy will be conducted Tuesday in Dauphin County by forensic pathologist Dr. Wayne Ross.

POTTSVILLE — Three candidates closely split the Schuylkill County Bar Association’s judicial preference vote Thursday, with a magisterial district judge narrowly edging two Pottsville lawyers in the polling.

Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, of Frackville, drew 145 votes from association members, while Mark A. Barket received 141 and Edward M. Brennan drew 101.

“The results kind of speak for themselves,” association President Michael J. Stine said Thursday.

All three are seeking to serve out the rest of the term of John E. Domalakes, a Republican who retired earlier this year.

“Judge Domalakes was an exceptional jurist during his tenure on the bench so I am especially humbled and honored by the trust and confidence the bar association has placed in me. I have deep respect for the other members who submitted their names for consideration. We are extremely fortunate in Schuylkill County that we have outstanding bar members and a strong, active association whose work does not go unnoticed. I humbly thank the members for the support shown to me,” Hale said.

Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf has the power to nominate someone to fill out Domalakes’ term. However, Stine said that is not mandatory.

“He doesn’t have to fill the vacancy,” Stine said of Wolf. If Wolf did not make an appointment, the vacancy would be filled in the 2021 General Election on Nov. 2, he said.

Wolf’s nominee would have to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled state Senate.

Chester C. “Pete” Corse Jr., chairman of the association’s judicial committee, said they sent a letter to Wolf advising him that the association would be voting on its suggestion for a replacement. He said the ballots were mailed Feb. 24 and counted April 21.

The number of attorneys voting in the association’s poll was good, Stine said.

“We sent out the ballots ... in late March,” Stine said. “I think we had a pretty strong showing.”

Barket said he is happy there was a vote.

“I appreciate all those who were able to vote and the committee who did the balloting process, especially association Executive Director Charlotte M. Green,” Barket said.

Brennan could not be reached Thursday for comment on the vote.

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