Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael O’Pake and the Schuylkill County detectives are asking the public to help them locate a man who failed to appear in court as required last year.

Detectives said Joseph Michael Klusman, 28, failed to appear at the Schuylkill County Courthouse on July 11, 2019, for arraignment court. The original charges against Klusman are felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor simple assault, detectives said.

Klusman is described as being white, about 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighing about 120 pounds.

He has a last known address of 2 Sunbury St., Apt. 3, in Minersville.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Klusman or any other fugitive in Schuylkill County is asked to call the district attorney’s office at 570-628-1350 or Schuylkill County Tip Line at 570-624-3988.

Information can also be sent by email to dadd@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

In addition, detectives said anyone who may see or come in contact with Klusman should call the Schuylkill County Communications Center or their local police department immediately.

All information received will remain confidential.

A list of Schuylkill County bench warrants is available on the Schuylkill County website at www.co.schuylkill.pa.us.

Detectives said 59 fugitives were taken into custody during the month of May, bringing the total to date for 2020 to 396.

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

Shenandoah Valley

In a year that was cut short by the pandemic coronavirus, students, especially seniors, were deprived of the recognition that they deserved for accomplishments they achieved throughout their high school years. One such student is Kaitlyn Karpovich,who joined the Shenandoah Valley Band at age 9 where she became intrigued with the French horn.

In her freshman year, she facilitated her interest by taking private lessons with Richard Fries, former band director at Pottsville Area High School. While in junior high school, she was mentored by Walter Choplick, and in sen-ior high school by John Shoener. With each passing year, she became more and more proficient with her mastery of the French horn.

Throughout her career, from 2016-20, she auditioned and was selected to participate in 24 interscholastic festivals sponsored by the Pennsylvania Music Education Association on the county, district, regional and state levels, more than any musician in the school’s history.

In recognition of her outstanding musical ability, she became the recipient of the following awards that would have normally have been presented at the spring band concert held in May, but like other school events, unfortunately, had to be canceled. Her awards include the John Philip Sousa Marine Corps Band Award, Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, Gloria & Walter Choplick Music Award, Michael Reese Memorial Scholarship, Shenandoah Valley Wall of Fame Award, the Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence, Shenandoah Valley Alumni Band Scholarship, the Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey Memorial Award, Tina Putalonis Memorial Scholarship Award and the United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award.

Kaitlyn, who is also the 2020 Shenandoah Valley High School class valedictorian, SV band president member of the SV Chapter of the National Honor Society, will attend Villanova University and major in physics.

In addition to Kaitlyn, Darren Krill was selected as a Shenandoah Valley Wall of Fame recipient. Both students were selected by the SV faculty for their outstanding academic performance.

Darren will attend Bloomsburg University and major in pre-law political science.

Each student will be awarded $250 each.

Mahanoy Area

Payton J. Martin, a student at Mahanoy Area High School and a daughter of Mahanoy Education Association members Kristopher and Josette Bet, was one of five students chosen by the Eastern Region PSEA to receive a $1,000 scholarship to further her education.

The Eastern Region PSEA is awarding a handful of graduating high school seniors for the fourth consecutive year, and this year’s winners were chosen from more than 70 applicants whose parents, guardians or stepparents are members who work in a public school in one of the five counties represented. To be eligible for an Eastern PSEA Student Scholarship, a student must attend a public school and her or his parent must be an Eastern Region PSEA member.

In lieu of the traditional scholarship banquet and awards ceremony, which was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 crisis, the 2020 recipients were instead featured on social media.

Payton plans to pursue a major in actuarial science/mathematics. Her interests include volunteering both with school activities and community groups. She has served as volleyball team captain, chair of Mahanoy Area’s 1st Mini-THON and FBLA president.

Frackville

The Sons of American Legion Post 398 will have its annual food sale beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13, takeout only, at Whippoorwill dam, Morea Road. For more information, email Ann Marie Wycheck at annmariewycheck@gmail.com.

Mahanoy City

Anyone wanting information about the cancelation of the St. Teresa of Calcutta Golden Age group’s planned Aug. 16-21 trip to South Carolina and Georgia should call Elizabeth at 570-773-1753. The group will try to reschedule for June 2021.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Dr. Michael Dawson from Marilyn Bane, Theresa and Ercole Lacianca, Dr. Solomon C. Luo, Joanna Schuster; for Roy Thomas from Art and Jean Bernd, Patricia Fessler, William and Tammy Steinhart III, Jean Ann Towle; for Bill Malarkey from Mr. and Mrs. Robert Blue; for Karen Hampford from Diane Mick, Dr. William R. Davidson; for Edith Yuengling from Stephen Lilienthal; for Erika Seasock from Carol Otto and Harold Vine; for Jean Marie Haag from Dr. William R. Davidson; for Ralph and Peggy Jaeger from Barb Miller, Elaine Miller, Elizabeth Boyer, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Blue, Lillian K. Hobbs, David and Christine Ambrose, Dr. William R. Davidson, Paula and Tom Ney, Molly B. Guers, Scott and Deneice Krater, Harlan and Susan West, Joanne Yuengling, John, Cathy, and Hannah Kostick, Bill and MaryAnn Pugh, Jean Ann Towle, the staff and board of trustees of the Pottsville Free Public Library. The library also acknowledged the following honors contribution: For Edith Khayatt from Stephen M. Lilientahl.

Saint Clair

The Saint Clair Senior Citizens groups will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at the Saint Clair Lions Club, 259 McCord Ave. Members should bring their own lunches and wear masks, according to a release.

Police investigate soda pouring

GIRARDVILLE — State police at Frackville are investigating a criminal mischief incident that happened at 255 Preston Ave. between 9:30 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Police said Gary Klinger reported someone poured soda on his 2004 Chevrolet and 2006 Chrysler.

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

Man says someone damaged building

NEW PHILADELPHIA — A burglary that happened on Mountain Road in Blythe Township between midnight May 31 and 9 a.m. Tuesday is being investigated by state police at Frackville.

Police said an Orwigsburg man reported someone forced entry and damaged the exterior of an outbuilding and equipment stored inside.

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

Man allegedly drove while impaired

SHENANDOAH — A Pottsville man is facing charges by state police at Frackville after a traffic stop at East Centre and South Emerick streets around 7:30 p.m. May 29.

Police said they stopped a vehicle driven by Romeo Murray, 21, and found the man displaying signs of being impaired and also in possession of a controlled substance.

He was taken into custody for DUI, police said.

‘Donuts’ damage lot, baseball field

HAMBURG — State police at Hamburg are investigated a criminal mischief incident that happened at 756 Onyx Cave Road in Perry Township, Berks County, between 8:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. May 25.

Police said someone damaged the parking lot and baseball field at the Perry Township Recreational Area by doing “donuts” with a vehicle and also scattering rubbish, including the remnants of fireworks, on the baseball field.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at the Hamburg station.

Man allegedly aimed gun at car

LYKENS — A Lykens man was charged with assault and other offenses by state police at Lykens after a road rage incident at South Crossroads Road and Route 25 in this Dauphin County community around 9:50 p.m. Saturday.

Police said they received a call about the incident involving a firearm and learned a 48-year-old woman, a 16-year-old girl and three other children were traveling north on Route 25 just outside Berrysburg when a vehicle approached them from behind at a high rate of speed and began tailgating them.

The woman pulled over to allow the car to pass when the driver — Benjamin Mallett, 22 — stopped in the middle of both lanes on South Crossroads Road, exited his vehicle and approached the other vehicle brandishing a firearm.

Mallett then pointed the weapon at the driver’s head before fleeing the scene.

He was subsequently charged with terroristic threats, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct, harassment and multiple traffic violations, police said.

Man charged with harassment at shop

PINE GROVE — Pine Grove police filed charges of harassment against a borough man stemming from a recent incident at a business in the 100 block of North Tulpehocken Street.

Police said the business owner reported Jamie Koch entered and, while awaiting service, began watching a pornographic video on his cellphone with the volume turned all the way up.

While watching the video, police said, Koch began to make vulgar sexual statements toward the owner and then went to the bathroom and left the door open, turned and exposed his genital area to the owner.

The owner had to physically escort Koch out of the business, police said.

Koch will now have to answer to the charge at a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge David Rossi, Tremont, at a later date.

Woman not injured after dodging bear

HALIFAX — A Halifax woman escaped injury when the 2011 Jeep Wrangler she was driving crashed after she tried to avoid hitting a bear on Dividing Ridge Road, just north of Powells Valley Road in Wayne Township, Dauphin County, around 6:20 a.m. Wednesday.

State police at Lykens said Tracy Edkin, 33, was driving north when the bear entered the roadway.

The woman, police said, swerved to avoid the bear, went off the road and struck a utility pole.

Police: Man crashed looking at GPS

HAMBURG — State police at Hamburg investigated a crash that happened on Route 143, just north of Ontelaunee Trail in Windsor Township, Berks County, around 10:05 a.m. Tuesday.

Police said Scott Hunsicker, 32, of Bethlehem, was driving a 2014 Ford Econoline van north when he looked down to see his GPS, veered to the right and went off the road and struck a PennDOT sign.

The van continued northeast and struck a utility pole, knocking the pole over and causing wires to fall to the ground, police said.

As a result of the crash, police said, Hunsicker was cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Police investigate stolen bicycle

HALIFAX — A theft that happened at 36 McClellan Road in Halifax Township, Dauphin County, between April 20 and May 20 is being investigated by state police at Lykens.

Police said someone stole a bicycle owned by a 13-year-old Halifax girl and fled.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 717-362-8700.

HAZLETON — People outraged by the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minnesota protested in the heart of Hazleton on Saturday.

At firstm they trickled into Memorial Park carrying signs and donning face masks, some of which said, “I can’t breathe,” which was among the last words Floyd uttered.

The crowd quickly grew from a handful to upward of 200. Faces of all colors quickly filled the small park.

Their signs, some on cardboard, read “Black Lives Matter,” and various other sayings seeking justice and equality for everyone and change now.

Organizer Annie Mendez filmed the crowd and encouraged people to come to join her and the others, as people drove by honking horns. Off to the side a family sat in the grass under the trees, while a little girl turned cartwheels.

“I’m here to get justice for George Floyd’s murder. To make sure everyone understands that there is a real issue with police brutality in this country and how white police officers are treating black men and women,” said Hazleton resident Zachery Smith.

“It’s not right when someone is senselessly murdered for no reason. (An officer committing a murder) should be arrested on the spot and not placed on paid administrative leave and get to see their family,” he said.

A short distance away, Nina Ancharski, of Wilkes-Barre, stood in a small group talking. Saturday’s protest wasn’t her first. She also attended one in her town the previous weekend, she said.

“It’s been long enough that our black communities have been suffering at the hands of police brutality. It’s time that police face ramifications for continuously killing unarmed people of color over and over again,” she said. “It’s time to be an ally for our communities.”

A car parked alongside the park and a woman yelled, “That’s what I’m talking about, Hazleton.”

One of the organizers, Bob Curry, called people over toward the loud speakers, but the microphone barely captured his voice.

“We all understand the gravity of this moment,” he said. “We may be having tough conversations today. It’s time for all of us to have those tough conversations.”

Fifty years ago, Curry recalled watching in horror as some of the great minds of the time were murdered one by one. John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.

“What has changed? Fifty years later, we’re facing the same issues. The only thing that changes is the names,” he said.

Curry said his generation failed to bring change, but today’s young people must succeed.

“This time feels different,” he said. “This time must be different. This madness must end now.”

Curry acknowledged that Congressman Matt Cartwright was in the crowd and with them.

Speaker Alex Mendez asked everyone to take a knee, and the crowd did. He said people were afraid to come to this gathering.

“No one should be afraid to come out here and speak,” he said.

Other speakers also talked about fear. The fear of seeing their son or father shot, and not having to live in fear. Others talked about color not mattering and needing to be better and anti-racist.

“Say their name,” Kim Umbriac said, but added there were too many to say that day as a man held up a sign with the names behind her. “Black lives matter. All lives matter.”

Speaker Jamie Longazel called out a city council member for calling the would-be protesters looters before they even gathered.

“Everyone wants peace,” he said. “If we’re going to have peace, it’s going to be on the people’s terms.”

Organizers asked the crowd to stay to one side of Church Street as they walked to City Hall to conclude the program. City firefighters had been positioned nearby throughout the gathering. They blocked traffic to allow protesters to walk down the street.

There was no police presence during the protest, but a few city cruisers did drive by the gathering. Streets along City Hall were also closed.

They chanted, “Black Lives Matter” and “No Justice. No Peace” as they walked en masse toward City Hall. The crowd flooded Church Street and the sidewalk in front of City Hall, as speakers and organizers stood on the steps above them.

“We are a beautiful, diverse community here in Hazleton,” said Annie Mendez. “I’m proud to be a member of this community. You’re all bad asses. Thank you for standing up for what is right. We cannot stay silent.”

She called for accountability and equal rights, and acknowledged that the people in this community are the essential workers who kept America running and shouldn’t be expendable.

“We are one. We are a force,” she said. “We are a diverse community in Hazleton. This is what America is. America is diverse. The power is the people and we are the people.”

Organizers asked everyone to take a knee or bow their heads for a moment of silence. The crowd that roared into cheers, chants and applause minutes earlier fell absolutely silent.

Only the sound of protest signs blowing in the breeze, a bird singing and light traffic on Broad Street could be heard in the first of few minutes.

Then, soft sobbing could be heard from the steps of City Hall, as the silence approached 8 minutes, 49 seconds, the time that an officer held his knee on Floyd’s neck, ending his life.

Contact the writer: kmonitz@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3589

Ninety-seven Schuylkill County fire departments and EMS companies will soon be receiving grants from the annual Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, according to state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, and state Reps. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, Mahanoy City; Mike Tobash, R-125, Pottsville; and Jerry Knowles, R-124, Rush Township.

The program, facilitated by the Office of the State Fire Commission, provides funding to local first responders for eligible projects such as facility upgrades, new equipment purchases, training for new recruits and others that help assure preparedness.

“These grants are well-deserved, and I am thankful that so many local companies will benefit from this program,” Argall was quoted in a news release.

“In the best of times, fundraising can be challenging for our volunteer first responders. The COVID-19 pandemic has made that task extremely difficult,” Goodman said.

Tobash noted the reliance on first responders “during trying times,” and Knowles noted the need to provides these organizations the tools they need for such work.

The grants are going to organizations in every corner of the county, from Ashland to Andreas, Schuylkill Haven to Shenandoah, Tamaqua to Tower City. They range from a low of about $9,000 to as much as $27,000, with many in the $12,000 range.

Legislation was recently signed into law that would provide an additional $50 million in grants to assist fire and EMS companies with costs incurred due to the pandemic. The bill would appropriate money from the federal CARES Act to the same fire and EMS companies that were eligible to receive funding from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program.

If anyone knows cleanliness, it is the beauty industry.

And the mom-and-pop hair salon is better equipped to operate safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, operators say, than a big-box salon.

So why are the small shops still closed?

That’s what several local operators are asking.

Salons can’t reopen until the green phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s red-yellow-green reopening system.

Tony Dorso, a 47-year veteran of the industry who opened his fourth salon in Conyngham in February, said the small, professional operator is designed for this.

“We go through extensive training, in initial schooling, and a constant thing beyond that, in terms of sanitation and being aware of infectious diseases,” he said. “One client at a time, with time in between. The doorknobs will be sanitized inside and out after each client comes in. There will be 15-minute buffer periods between each client. If you look across the industry, in the states where salons are allowed to be open, this is what is being practiced.”

Bernie Gombeda, another local operator, said beauticians have to know cleanliness.

“Having a state license and being well-versed in sanitation is not only during a pandemic,” she said. “We do this on a regular basis, not just now. ... It’s in our laws; if we have a contagious disease, we are not allowed to work.”

Gombeda also made the argument that the industry is crucial to mental health.

“Beauty is about an attitude,” she said. “The people have had it. It has been almost three months now. People have gray roots 3 inches out. They are not feeling good about themselves.”

Katie Kadelak, a native of Drums who manages a large salon in the Rittenhouse section of Philadelphia, agreed.

“We are essential, not only for hygiene purposes, but the last time I checked, making people beautiful is good for mental health,” she said. “I have had intensive salon education in infection control and how to properly sanitize things in a salon setting.”

The stylists mentioned Barbicide, the blue liquid on a stylist’s stand used to sanitize combs.

“The new stuff that has been out for the last eight, 10 years can kill AIDS,” Dorso said.

Dorso criticized Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of House Bill 2459, which he said would have allowed salons to open.

“What the state barber board and beauty board should have done is gone to the Legislature and said this is what we want to do. Put it in the bill and see if you can change Wolf’s mind. They didn’t. I think it is politics as usual. Our state boards have not been proactive with this in any way, shape or form,” he said.

Laura Weis, a spokesperson for the governor, said, “The Department of State has received information and recommendations on reopening from licensees and the boards and have shared that information with the governor’s office. Review and discussions of these recommendations are ongoing.”

Contact the writer:

jdino@standardspeaker.com;
570-501-3585

BARNESVILLE — Saturday was the first day that visitors to the two state parks in Schuylkill County could go for a swim.

Tuscarora and Locust Lake state parks were opened for swimming through the phased opening of all parks announced May 28 by Gov. Tom Wolf and by state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.

Pennsylvania has 121 state parks, and 20 forest districts. All 58 state park beaches opened to swimming on Saturday. State park pools will remain closed through at least June 12, with most in counties designated yellow and green reopening June 13.

According to a DCNR media release, capacity at beaches and pools is limited to 50% of the normal facility capacity. Mitigation measures are in place, including restricting visitor parking, controlling facility access, social distancing and the wearing of face masks when not in the water. All Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance remains in effect.

The parks are the top two tourist attractions in the county, with people coming to the park for many activities that include boating, fishing, hiking and nature programs.

The parks had visitors arriving in the morning, though those who came to the water were there to boat and fish, while others just stopped by to sit and enjoy the silence, the glimmer of the water and the bright sun.

Saturday also meant the first day for new park manager Nick Sulzer, whose last assignment was assistant park manager at Hickory Run State Park. Sulzer, 30, was learning about the two parks under his management, assisted by park ranger Mary Lupacchini, who has worked at both parks since 2018.

“Boating has been allowed for awhile, but people were allowed to moor their boats,” Lupacchini said.

“The park has always been open to passive recreation,” Sulzer said. “We’re following CDC guidelines and, of course, the governor’s reopening plan. We’re opening the beach to 50% capacity. We still recommend to visitors to wear masks while on the sand and in the grass. They obviously don’t have to wear them when swimming.”

When asked about the number of visitors coming to parks as compared to normal times, Lupacchini said, “We’ve seen a huge increase in visitors and camping. There are a lot of people coming out and they would all do well on their hikes by staying away from each other. People want to get out and about and are tired of sitting at home.”

Lupacchini added that even with the 50% capacity limitation, there should not be a problem of reaching it after looking at previous years of usage.

“When we go to green, we’ll have some things to add, such as public programs,” Sulzer said.

The boat launch area was busy with boats being put out on the water for fishing. People who wanted to fish from the shore also came with their families. Adela Berrios, of Tamaqua, brought young family members who were all smiles and ready to do some fishing.

“We just want to get out and enjoy it,” said Berrios, who has lived in Tamaqua for five years and been coming to the park regularly over those years. The children like to fish. Sometimes we go over to the other side to barbecue.”

When asked why she likes to come, Berrios immediately said, “The fresh air and the peacefulness, and my kids like to be around the woods.”

Keith and Kathy Wunderlich, of Hometown, brought their daughter, Amanda, for some fishing. The Tamaqua Area student was all smiles as she walked with her parents down to the lake.

“We fish from the shore,” Keith Wunderlich said. “We’re meeting her (Kathy) brother and their kids, who are 5 and 2.”

“It’s just for a day to get out of the house,” Kathy Wunderlich said.

“We’ve been doing this for years and years,” Keith Wunderlich said. “I like it here. It’s nice and quiet.”

The Slane family of Tamaqua also arrived after 10 a.m. for fishing, using a different part of the shore to settle in. Brianne Slane walked with her daughter, Brenna, 2, while her husband, Ryan Slane, was with son, Brayden, 5, who was holding a new fishing pole.

“We’ve been coming here every weekend to go fishing,” Brianne Slane said. “It’s become our new fun event. We’ve haven’t been doing any swimming here recently.”

To help avoid exposure to COVID-19 and still enjoy the outdoors:

• Don’t hike or recreate in groups — go with those under the same roof, and adhere to social distancing (stay 6 feet apart).

• Wear a mask.

• Take hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly.

• Avoid touching your face, eyes and nose

• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow

• If you are sick, stay home.

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

PennDOT has several projects planned for Schuylkill County roadways this week, according to Sean A. Brown, safety press officer for PennDOT Engineering District 5, Allentown.

The projects, to be done from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., include:

• Bridge sweeping and flushing Monday on Interstate 81 South in Mahanoy Township between Exit 131 (Route 54) and Exit 124 (Route 61) with southbound lane restrictions.

• Bridge sweeping and flushing Tuesday on I-81 South in Ryan Township between Exit 124 (Route 61) and Exit 131 (Route 54) with southbound lane restrictions.

• Crack sealing Monday through Thursday on I-81 in Foster and Frailey townships with restrictions.

• Roadway reflector installation from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday on I-81 between Exit 119 (Highridge Park Road) and Exit 124 (Route 61) with lane restrictions in both directions.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. For more information, go to www.twitter.com/511PAAllentown.

Even if you’re new to stargazing, no doubt you’ve seen the seven bright stars that outline the Big Dipper, and this time of year they are easy to find. After sunset look for the Big Dipper in the high northwestern Pottsville sky, dangling diagonally by its handle. Believe it or not, the Big Dipper is not officially a constellation. It’s referred to by astronomers as an “asterism.” The best way I can define an asterism is a well-known, easy-to-see star pattern which is usually part of a larger actual constellation.

In the case of the Big Dipper, it’s part of the official constellation known by both its Latin name, Ursa Major, and its English moniker, the Big Bear. Ursa Major is one of the largest constellations in the heavens, and the Big Dipper is the brightest part of it. This is a great time to see the entire Big Bear because it’s so high in the sky. Even in light polluted areas you still have a really good chance seeing it. It might take a bit of work and imagination. I also highly recommend a comfortable lawn chair to lie back on. That will make it much easier on your neck and back!

Start your celestial Big Bear hunt using the Big Dipper. The handle of the dipper outlines the unusually long tail of the bear, and the four stars that outline the pot are the bear’s rear end. Look below and a little to the left of the pot section for three dimmer stars forming a skinny triangle.

That triangle allegedly outlines the Big Bear’s head. That’s one of the dimmest parts of the Big Bear, so once you see it you’re on your way. From that skinny triangle, look to the left and slightly upward for two stars right next to each other that should jump right out at you. These are Talitha and Al Kapra, and they mark the bear’s front paw. Between the front paw stars and the triangular head is a star that makes up the bear’s front knee. Congratulations, you’ve discovered one of the front legs of Ursa Major. The other front leg is not traced out by any stars. Your imagination will have to take care of that!

There are two curved lines of stars that outline the Bear’s back legs, but the leg in the foreground is much easier to see. Unless you’re in the dark countryside, I wouldn’t even bother with the other back leg. Its stars are just too faint. To see the back leg in the foreground, go back to Talitha and Al Kapra (that make up the front paw) and gaze straight up from them to find two more closely hugging moderately bright stars.

Those are Tanis Borealis and Tanis Australis that make up the back paw. They’re not quite as close to each other as Talitha and Al Kapra, but they’re still in a pretty close embrace. From Tanis Borealis and Tanis Australis, look for two more stars that form a curved line to the upper right that links up with the bright star Phecda, the corner of the Big Dipper’s pot (or the rear end of Ursa Major). Once you see this rear leg, you’ve done it. You’ve just seen the entire Big Bear, one of the largest constellations in the heavens!

The seven stars that make up the Little Dipper are the same seven that outline the Little Bear, otherwise known as Ursa Minor. The Little Dipper is not nearly as easy to see as the Big Dipper, especially if you’re viewing from light polluted areas.

The best way to see the Little Dipper, or Little Bear, is to find Polaris the North Star at the end of the handle of the Little Dipper, or the end of the tail of the Little Bear. Polaris is not the brightest star in our sky, but it is a very significant one. That’s because it shines directly above the Earth’s North Pole. As the Earth spins on its axis once every 24 hours, it appears to us that all of the stars in the sky whirl around the North Star in the same period. I call it the “Lynchpin” of the sky. Use Dubhe and Merak, the two bright stars in the pot of the Big Dipper, as pointer stars to Polaris. The North Star should be about three of your fist-widths at arm’s length to the lower right of Dubhe and Merak.

The Little Dipper will be below the Big Dipper in the early evening this time of year and is standing on its handle. Again, Polaris is at the end of the handle. The next brightest stars you see to the upper right of Polaris are Kochab and Pherkad. The line between these stars makes up the outer edge of the Little Dipper’s pot opposite the handle. Your mission, and it’s not an easy one, is to find the four very dim stars between Polaris and Kochab/Pherkad that make up the rest of the pot and handle of the Little Dipper.

Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, the Bears of the sky, have quite a story that I’ll tell you in next week’s Starwatch.

(Lynch, an amateur astronomer and professional broadcast meteorologist, can be reached at mikewlynch@comcast.net)

West Virginia

Lake Wynonah resident Christina Durick graduated in May summa cum laude (GPA 3.92) from West Virginia University with a Master of Arts and Certification Program in Secondary Education (German).

She was named to the president’s list for the spring semester. Her current enrollment is Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at West Virginia.

She will be a full-time graduate teaching assistant for the World Languages, Literature and Linguistics Department at West Virginia in the fall. Her future plan is to attend a summer 2021 Spanish Intensive Language Program at the Institute for Central American Development Studies in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Christina is an active member of the West Virginia National Guard and graduate of Schuylkill Haven Area High School. She is a daughter of retired Army Maj. Mark Durick and Myong Durick, of Lake Wynonah, Auburn.

ORWIGSBURG — Support for someone who cares for the sick in trying times can be shown with a kind word, a hug, a kiss or, in some cases, the “vroom! vroom!” of motorcycle engines.

On Saturday, a “Healthcare Heroes Motorcycle Parade” was held to celebrate the work and sacrifices made by those who serve in hospitals, nursing and personal care homes and others in the medical field during the COVID-19 pandemic — risking their own health and lives in caring for others.

The parade was hosted by Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson. The motorcycles left the dealership and traveled to seven facilities — Orwigsburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Seton Manor Inc., both of Orwigsburg; both Lehigh Valley Health Network hospitals in Pottsville; Providence Place in Pottsville; Luther Ridge at Seiders Hill in Pottsville, and Geisinger-St. Luke’s Hospital, Orwigsburg. The course was about 37 miles long.

As the parade went through different areas, the bikers were accompanied by fire trucks from different companies.

Motorcycles were lining up after 11 a.m. in front of the dealership. Many riders brought companions to ride with them. About a half hour before the kickstands went up, Geoff Bogotuik, general manager for the Harley-Davidson dealership and Schaeffer’s Motor Sports, updated the riders. About 10 minutes before the start, he gave some last minute instructions.

According to marketing assistant Kim Weist, the parade had 63 motorcycles.

“This was an idea that Kim and I discussed,” Bogotuik said. “We have always been community active in trying to show our support for charities. We want to show our thanks. We kicked it around and thought this was an idea to show those workers who have put their lives on the front line since day one. We know there are others out there, such as firefighters and emergency response teams, but those in health care are not always thought of and that’s why we came up with this.”

Bogotuik said many of the riders are customers and it became a family event with them along.

“We wanted them to show their support are seven different locations,” he said. “We wanted to say thanks. We asked through Facebook messaging and social media to support us as we ride by. We asked people to bring signs.”

Weist contacted the hospitals and nursing homes before the event to explain what was going on.

“When I did call the nursing homes the other day, the health care workers were more excited about getting their residents outside or line them up in the windows,” Weist said. “Again, they’re not worried about themselves, but they’re thinking about their residents first.”

Ready for the ride was Joe Schmieder, of Centralia, who is president of Deer Lake H.O.G. Chapter, a local motorcycle group. H.O.G. stands for Harley Owners Group. In addition to his connection with the group, he had other reasons in wanting to participate.

“My sister-in-law is a respiratory therapist down at the University of Pennsylvania, so she’s been right in the middle of it,” Schmieder said. “The other reason is I have a lot of respect for those who have worked through all this, especially taking care of the people more in need that I am. That’s why I’m here — to show support.”

Walter and Alix Jarrett, of Lake Wynonah, shared a ride.

“I read about it on Facebook and we wanted to show our support to our nurses and doctors, who are very important,” Walter Jarrett said.

“It is a great day,” Alix Jarrett said.

One motorcycle was loaded with food donated by Schaeffer’s customers. The food was dropped off at the end of the parade for the Orwigsburg Lions Club, which was holding a food drive on Saturday for the Orwigsburg Area Food Pantry.

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

POTTSVILLE — Three women failed to appear Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court and were sentenced to prison as soon as they are found.

Leianni S. Crawford, 33, of Bronx, New York, Amanda N. Deysher, 24, of Schuylkill Haven, and Kayla M. Hoover, 29, of Tamaqua, each had her probation revoked by Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin, who also said he would issue a bench warrant for each woman.

Dolbin ruled Crawford violated her probation by not reporting to her supervising officer, moving without permission, committing crimes, using drugs, failing a drug test and not making payments on her court-ordered costs and fees.

Dolbin placed Crawford back on probation for 12 months and also sentenced her to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation.

Crawford originally pleaded guilty on Aug. 16, 2019, to criminal mischief, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of theft and criminal trespass. At the time, Dolbin placed her on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced her to pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and a $166.08 bench warrant fee.

State police at Frackville alleged Crawford damaged property on July 25, 2018, in Schuylkill Township.

In the second case, Dolbin sentenced Deysher to serve four to 12 months in prison and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation. He revoked her probation after finding Deysher had violated it by failing to report to her supervising officer and committing new crimes.

Deysher originally pleaded guilty on March 6, 2019, to possession of drug paraphernalia, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana. At that time, Dolbin placed Deysher on probation for six months, and also sentenced her to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, a $50 CJEA payment and a $50 bench warrant fee.

Shenandoah police charged Deysher with possessing paraphernalia on Dec. 2, 2017, in the borough.

In the third case, Dolbin ruled Hoover violated her probation by failing to report to her supervising officer and not making any payments on her court-ordered costs and fees. He sentenced Hoover to serve three to six months in prison.

Hoover originally pleaded guilty on March 19 to possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Prosecutors withdrew charges of disorderly conduct, scattering rubbish and public drunkenness.

At that time, Dolbin placed Hoover on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced her to pay costs, a $50 fine, a $100 SAEF payment and a $50 CJEA payment.

Tamaqua police charged Hoover with possessing drugs and paraphernalia on July 23, 2019, in the borough.

Also on Wednesday, Judge Charles M. Miller found Amy L. Lazur, 39, of Cressona, guilty of indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom, and sentenced her to pay costs and a $250 fine.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had charged Lazur with violating a protection from abuse order that her estranged husband, John Lazur, had obtained against her, by going to his house in May.

“I didn’t let her come over to the house,” John Lazur testified.

Also in court Wednesday, Judge Jacqueline L. Russell revoked the probation of Matthew R. Bittner, 24, of McAdoo, and sentenced him to serve one to 12 months in prison, pay costs, a $100 SAEF payment and a $50 CJEA payment, undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and perform 20 hours community service.

Russell ruled that Bittner, who also did not appear for his hearing, violated his probation by failing to report to his supervising officer and not making any payments on his court-ordered costs and fees.

Bittner originally pleaded guilty on July 30, 2019, before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, to possession of drug paraphernalia. At that time, Bayer placed Bittner on probation for 12 months and also sentenced him to pay costs and a $100 SAEF payment.

McAdoo police originally charged Bittner with possessing paraphernalia on May 8, 2019.

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

The coronavirus pandemic pushed back the traditional tax filing deadline three months to July 15, but millions of people throughout the U.S. still haven’t filed their 2019 tax returns, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

As a result, accountants and tax preparers are gearing up for the tax season. Mark Mihalka, who operates 11 Liberty Tax Service locations throughout Northeast Pennsylvania with his brother Joe, said offices are open at limited hours and by appointment to help people file their tax returns.

When Gov. Tom Wolf ordered nonessential businesses shut down in March, he originally included accountants and tax preparation services in his list.

Liberty Tax Services initially served customers remotely until Wolf later revised his mandatory shutdown order and allowed tax preparers and accountants to resume operations.

For the safety of clients and staff, Mihalka said he still encourages drop-off service or scheduling an appointment to meet with tax professionals.

With Luzerne and Lackawanna counties now in the yellow phase of the governor’s reopening plan, he expects people will be moving around more now.

“We’re busier last year than this time but nothing crazy,” Mihalka said. “They can come into the office. They’re allowed to do that.”

Mihalka said if people didn’t file their tax returns and they are due refunds, they should.

People need to file tax returns for 2018 and/or 2019 to receive stimulus checks, which amount to $1,200 for adults, $2,400 for married couples and an additional $500 for dependents under age 17.

If some people did not file their tax returns and have not received their stimulus checks or do not get them by the end of the year, Mihalka said they will get them when they file their 2020 tax returns.

“I recommend filing if you want to get it sooner than next year,” he said.

He also encourages people to e-file their tax returns because he said the paper processing system at the IRS is not running yet.

“They have a pile of paper returns that were mailed in that need to be processed,” he said. “I’ve been talking to people who mailed their return in and they never got their stimulus check because it was never processed.”

Contact the writer:

dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com;

570-821-2115;

@CVAllabaugh on Twitter

Schuylkill United Way distributed hand sanitizer Wednesday from the parking area at the Big Impact Group’s office in Reedsville.

Hand sanitizer was purchased by Schuylkill United Way from Paradigm Labs in Pine Grove and given to partner agencies and school districts. 

A total of 5,186 7-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer spray and 136 refill gallon jugs were given out. 

Tamaqua borough crews are readying the Howard D. Buehler Memorial Pool at Bungalow Park for the upcoming swim season.

Plans are to open it following state approval during the yellow phase, said borough Councilwoman Mary Linkevich during a virtual meeting Wednesday.

Linkevich said she’s not sure when procedures and protocols will be in order but expects the pool will open in mid-June.

Season and daily pass fees will remain the same, and Borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt said 70 have applied already.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing, not as many folks will be allowed at the pool. Applicants must be residents of the Tamaqua Area or Panther Valley school districts.

In keeping with the pool reopening, the council hired Ben Turrano and Jacob Rudy as assistant pool managers at a rate of $15 per hour, and Kailyn Erbe and Ethan Turrano as head lifeguards at $11 per hour.

In addition, the council purchased cleaning solvents and decontamination materials to deep clean the pool.

“It’s a necessary cost of doing business this year,” council President David Mace said of the approximate $4,500 cost.

In an unrelated matter, the borough’s street department will begin preparing Owl Creek Road for an upcoming oil and chip project. Crews are milling, patching holes and sealing cracks, Steigerwalt said. The work will likely take a few weeks.

The council also voted to buy a new HVAC unit for the council chambers from Larry McCullion and Son Electrical Services, Summit Hill, for $9,750. Steigerwalt noted that the current unit is not working.

The police department will participate in a Narcan giveaway from 1 to 3 p.m. today from the Tamaqua Area School District administration building. The drug is administered to victims who have overdosed on opioids.

Police Chief Henry Woods said the department was contacted by the state attorney general’s office to gauge its interest in distributing Narcan.

“This giveaway, in my opinion, is a very good idea. You’ll have grandparents, parents. If someone knows someone who is suffering from (addiction), it is great to have on hand,” Woods said.

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

ASHLAND — Many churches reopened their doors Sunday for public worship, much to the delight of pastors and parishioners who have missed gathering together for months.

It was March 15 that most churches held their last public worship services due to the social distancing restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without public worship available, the churches did what they could to bring worship services and other activities to people’s homes through the internet, either through a livestreaming broadcast or by watching a recording of the service at a later time.

In addition to many Protestant denominations this Sunday, all Pennsylvania parishes of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia reopened on June 6 and 7 for Divine Liturgies and other services.

The parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown were given permission to reopen June 1, which many did by celebrating Mass that day. This past weekend was the first for those churches to celebrate Saturday vigil and Sunday Masses/Divine Liturgies, though the obligation for Catholics to attend has not been restored and is an option whether or not to attend.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Ashland welcomed about 30 people to its 9 a.m. service, its first one since mid-March. Church council President Michael Zahodnick has been anticipating the chance to attend a public service again.

“It’s a good feeling,” Zahodnick said. “I think everybody has been waiting for it. People are a little stir crazy and wanting to get back into a normal routine, and for a lot of people this is the start of their week by coming to church on Sunday. It sets the tone for the week. It’s been a hard few months for the church having the doors closed.”

The first service was announced to the community with the ringing of the bell. David Beil pulled the rope to sound the bell for a worship service for the first time since March.

“It’s great. It’s very good,” said member Warren “Nick” Lane, of Ashland.

The Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil, pastor, celebrated an abbreviated service, with pianist/organist Lindsey Snyder providing music. There were no altar servers or choir members in the service.

“We want to make this the best and most comfortable experience in the midst of everything. We are here. Together,” Heckman-Beil said to the congregation before the service began.

She reviewed some of the changes and adjustments made to the service. People were required to wear masks and certain pews were closed to allow for proper social distancing. Signs were hung at the ends of the closed pews that provided instruction with some humor: “This pew is saved, so you will have to wait till you get to Heaven to sit in it.” “Jesus sat the 5,000 down in rows, but not the rows with yellow tape.” “The Lord maketh us to lie down in green pastures. This is a pew, not a pasture. Move along to the next one.” “You will find me when you seek me, just not this pew. Keep seeking.” “Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born, and we still wouldn’t let him sit in this pew if he was here. Find somewhere else.”

After the service, Connie Wydra, of Butler Township, expressed her happiness to return to church services.

“This is so awesome,” Wydra said. “It’s good that we can come out and be part of the congregation again. I watched the streaming service and that was a great idea because it got out to us. It was there and it brought a certain amount of comfort. Pastor Dana put her heart into it to make sure that everybody could be contacted.”

The Lavelle Church of the Nazarene resumed Sunday worship services last week on Pentecost Sunday. In order to assure that social distancing could be maintained, the church held two Sunday services, one at 9:30 a.m. and the other at 11 a.m., instead of the normal 10:45 a.m.

“Everything went well last week,” the Rev. Jeremy Smallwood, pastor, said of the May 31 services. “We’re tip-toeing into the shallow end is how we’re doing it, and a lot of our people are too. Last week I believe we had about 25 people in both services combined.”

Smallwood said the livestream services have been drawing several hundred viewers. He said that for some who are thinking about attending a service, the front door can feel intimidating, so the streaming services make it more comfortable to attend and could lead to participating in a public one.

“The number of people viewing the services has always been strong,” he said.

Dr. Phil Breen, of Lavelle, was happy about the return of public worship, though he has not been a stranger to the church over the past few months.

“I’m thrilled about coming back for services, but the pastor has been leaving the church opened and I’ve been here probably three days a week by myself to pray,” Breen said. “There is a Bible verse that they said unto me that we are going to the house of the Lord. It’s not only a happy thing for me, it’s an obligation, and it’s also my obligation to tell you about it too.”

Heather Reibsome, of Mount Carmel, attended with her husband, Jim Reibsome, who is the young adult minister and presented the Bible readings and prayers during the Sunday service.

“It is nice to be back,” Heather Reibsome said. “We watched it at home, but it’s nice to see and be with people.”

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

Pottsville

The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Ralph and Peggy Jaeger from Bob and Peggy Allen, Ed and Mary Hauck, Mark and Melanie Fels, Tish Malarkey, C. Palmer and Suzanne Dolbin, the Bohorad family, Gerard and Sandra Griesbaum, Joe and Debbie Ferhat, Maryanne Conway, Dale and Kay Schoeneman, Anita and Marty Dwyer, Al and Pinkey Marshall, Thomas and Diana Beausang, George and Sue Bendle Yannaccone, Jim and Ann Marie Yacobacci and family, Mark Lacianca; for Peggy Perron from Linda and Ronald Pellish, Joe and Debbie Ferhat, Joanne Yuengling; for Patricia Gatley from Mary Pierlott, Nancy Buchinski, Adrienne Ruscavage, Frances Lorenz, Patricia Geirsson, Mary Ann Uranium, Thomas and Diana Beausang; for Pat Fedorick and Kathy Walters from Colleen Zelinsky; for Maryls J. “Molly” Jones from Diane Mick; for Cleonna A. Picus from Molly B. Guers; for Dr. Michael Dawson from Ms. Sarah Casey; for Peggy Jaeger, Donna George and Peggy Perron from Barry Siple and Kristine Miller-Siple. The library also acknowledged the following honors contribution: for John Consugar from Robyn Consugar.

Primrose

A takeout-only ham and halupki dinner is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose, Route 901. To order, or for information on the menu and pricing, call 570-544-4581.

Shenandoah

Columbia Hose Company No. 1, 742 W. Centre St., will have a takeout-only bleenie and halushki sale beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 20. There will be free local delivery with $15 minimum orders. Large advance orders are due by Thursday, June 18. To order or for more information, call 570-462-9574.

Gary Hornberger, Hegins Township supervisor and secretary/treasurer, tendered his resignation Wednesday.

“Due to a change in my personal circumstances, I am submitting my resignation as Hegins Township Supervisor, effective June 5, 2020. It has been a pleasure to serve with each of you,” Hornberger said in his letter. The board approved advertising to seek his replacement. Hornberger will remain as secretary until someone is hired.

The board also agreed to keep the Tri-Valley Community Pool closed this year — a decision that was made at last month’s meeting — and to conduct repairs to the pool’s decking where sections have been sinking.

In other business, supervisors adopted a social media policy resolution by a 4-1 vote, with Supervisor Brad Carl opposed. The policy applies to all supervisors and employees of the township. They are “prohibited from using the township’s social media sites, including its website, webpage and Facebook page, to post any township business except through the chairperson of the board of supervisors or secretary.”

“Anyone wishing to post something must do so by providing the information to the chairperson or secretary. All content must be pre-approved by a majority of the board of supervisors before it may be posted,” the policy states.

The posting of inappropriate information or information considered by law to be confidential is prohibited. Anyone with questions can check with the township’s Right to Know officer. The policy became effective Wednesday.

In other action, the board approved:

• Hornberger’s treasurer’s report for May 2020, which showed income of $265,831.56; expenses, $46,732.81; general fund balance, $708,786.78; and PLGIT fund balance, $182,631.80.

• Police Chief Beau Yarmush’s monthly report for May, showing 138 calls to service, 17 offense/incidents, one misdemeanor arrest, one felony arrest, one reportable accident, 20 traffic citations and 15 warnings issued. Total patrol mileage was 1,580.

• A three-year electricity contract with Freepoint Energy Solutions LLC for a fixed rate of $0.06567 per kWh; and a three-year contract with Constellation NewEnergy Inc. for a fixed rate of $0.04829 per kWh. The contracts cover different electricity needs in the township, including street lights and building utilities.

• Zoning Officer Allan Swab’s May report, listing four zoning permits and four building permits for a total of $630.

• Code Enforcement Officer Ed Wenger’s report from Light-Heigel & Associates Inc. Wenger reported a notice of violation was issued to the owner at 1469 E. Main St. for rubbish, weeds and motor vehicles. Notices were also issued to 9 Hemlock St. for weeds and grass; 422 Broad St. and 464 Good Spring Road for weeds, rubbish and unsafe premises. A Center Street property owner brought the structure up to code after receiving a notice in February, according to Wenger. Two other property owners at 1469 E. Main St. and 236 Fountain Road failed to obtain a Uniform Construction Code building permit prior to construction.

• Offering a thank you to Gratz Bank for donating $1,000 to purchase food, Hunstinger Farms Inc. for donating 78 10-pound bags of potatoes, and Twin Valley Farmer’s Exchange for donating 70 dozen eggs for distribution at the Tri-Valley Food Pantry in May.

Contact the writer: vterwilliger@republicanherald.com

Instead of hosting its annual carnival this week, the Hegins Valley Fire Rescue is selling beverage mugs and has been holding dinners to boost coffers.

Chief Chad Richards showed samples of the $6 glass mugs Friday at the fire station. The fire department’s main source of fundraising held annually at Hegins Park, the carnival was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re going to lose between $20,000 and $25,000,” Richards said.

The 200 mugs, which were ordered well in advance of the event, feature the June 10-13, 2020, canceled date, as well as the fire company name and an image of the Red Thin Line Flag, in remembrance of firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty.

Richards said HVFR made the decision to cancel in May.

“We had to go by what the governor put out at the time, and think about if people were going to be comfortable wearing a mask and social distancing while at the carnival,” Richards said. “It will go on next year.”

Carnival supporters will miss out on entertainment like Flamin’ Dick and the Hot Rods, Toolshed Jack, Sapphire and D.J. Dan Poletti; parade, games and food vendors.

Although the fire department “doesn’t spend foolishly,” Richards said HVFR will have to be stricter with its budgeting due to the loss of income. In the meantime, the department will apply for emergency services relief funds when the application becomes available to submit.

The fire department receives a $4,000 donation from Hegins Township, and also receives a portion of Barry Township’s annual firemen’s relief fund, he said.

Richards also presented a proposed billing ordinance Wednesday that he would like Hegins Township supervisors to adopt. The ordinance would help HVFR get insurance company reimbursement for the incidents where it responds. HVFR uses Pennsylvania Fire Recovery as its billing agency.

“Some of the insurance companies are asking for a billing ordinance before they let the funds go,” Richards said.

HVFR responds to an average of 100 calls annually and has about 60 members, including 20 (fire-line) firefighters, life members, active members and junior members.

Richards said the fire department dinners have been held this spring and through this month, but will probably halt in July and August, before resuming again in the fall. The meals are available for pre-orders and curbside pickup.

To order a mug, call 570-985-3714 or 570-653-1261; or visit the HVFR Facebook page for details on upcoming dinners.

Contact the writer: vterwilliger@republicanherald.com