McADOO — One worker was killed and another seriously injured in an industrial accident Thursday at the former Northeastern Power Station in Kline Township.

McAdoo firefighters were called to 90 Plant Road around 12:50 p.m. for a report of an industrial accident with people trapped.

Fire officials arriving within minutes called for the services of the Schuylkill County Coroner’s Office and also requested a medical helicopter for an additional victim.

Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner David Truskowsky, Mahanoy City, identified the deceased as Dennis Fleming, 32, of Erie. Truskowsky said he pronounced the man dead at 1:06 p.m.

Truskowsky said Fleming’s co-worker and friend — Edward Potter, of Erie — was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, for serious injuries he suffered in the accident.

Truskowsky said the men were dismantling a conveyor belt using a cherry picker-type lift vehicle and were more than 80 feet in the air.

He said the men were on the conveyor belt, secured with safety harnesses, when the belt shifted away from the concrete structure.

The portion of the belt and assembly fell to the ground with the two men still attached to it, Truskowsky said.

“They were still attached to the belt assembly when it hit the ground,” he said.

McAdoo Fire Chief Robert Leshko said the two men were part of a crew of six based in Tennessee who were at the former plant dismantling equipment. The other four workers were not hurt, he said.

Leshko said emergency responders had to take precautions to get to and remove the two men because it appeared that what was left of the conveyor belt was still unstable.

He said the collapse was so forceful that it caused the metal supports for the conveyor belt to be ripped from the ground.

Texas-based Luminant, a subsidiary of Vista Energy, owns the plant, formerly called NEPCO, which stopped operations in 2018.

In addition to firefighters from McAdoo, rescue personnel from Hazle Township and Mahanoy City responded, along with Hometown firefighters who set up a landing zone for the MedEvac helicopter.

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

GILBERTON — Heavy rain Wednesday night into Thursday morning caused flooding that shut down the borough’s main thoroughfare. Officials said Thursday afternoon that Main Street could be closed for as long as two or more days until the water subsides, and residents may need to evacuate.

Water management connected with construction on a bridge is said to be partly to blame for the problem.

Borough Fire Marshal Barry Brassington said calls about the flooding started coming in around 7 a.m. and the water continued to rise throughout the day.

He said firefighters spent several hours pumping from Railroad Street, using large diameter hoses, dumping it back into Mahanoy Creek west of the Route 924 overpass and west of the flooding.

Charles Ross, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Forecast Office in State College, said Mahanoy City and the surrounding areas saw 3.4 inches of rain.

“That’s about the highest level we saw,” he said of the storm that dumped rain in parts of Schuylkill County between 7 p.m. and midnight Wednesday.

The rain continued during the early morning hours Thursday. There were no reports of major flooding or damage elsewhere in the county.

Bridge work blamed

Brassington and Steve Bolusky, Gilberton borough fire chief, said the problem with water backing up is due to the ongoing bridge replacement project on Route 924. Bolusky said construction crews blocked Mahanoy Creek and installed two pipes to channel water around the base of the bridge. When the project is complete, he said crews will remove the pipes and reopen the normal creek flow.

The problem, Bolusky said, is the pipes can’t handle the amount of water from the storm system and mine discharge in the area.

“They’re too small; the water has nowhere to go,” Bolusky said.

Brassington said homes from the 100 to 500 blocks are affected and, if the water continues to rise, residents may have to be evacuated.

Bolusky and Brassington said six large pumps are being brought to the site from New Jersey to supplement one fire truck and two pumps already in use.

Firefighters initially responding were from Gilberton, Girardville, Mahanoy City, Ryan Township, Shenandoah Heights, William Penn, Altamont and Saint Clair.

Daniel J. Malloy, borough council president, is furious about pipes causing the flooding. He said borough officials asked to have a trench dug around them to allow more water to temporarily flow down the creek bed, but that request was denied.

“They refused to take the pipes out or dig a trench,” said Malloy’s wife, Debbie, borough tax collector. “They’re working (on the bridge) and watching all this happen.”

Daniel Malloy said that in the summer of 2006 a major storm system dumped 17 inches of rain, causing flooding in the same area.

The 3 1/2 inches that fell Wednesday and Thursday caused the same amount of flooding, he said.

“This is as bad, if not worse, than it was when we had the 17 inches of rain,” Malloy said. “They stopped the flow of the creek, that’s why we’re where we are right now.”

Red Cross canvassing

Patty Daley, disaster captain for the American Red Cross Tri-County Chapter, said her unit was requested around 11:30 p.m. for its canteen services. She said food and drinks were provided to firefighters.

The Red Cross was planning to canvass the area around 2:30 p.m. to learn the full extent of those affected.

Looking ahead, Ross said nice weather is expected at least today and Saturday.

“It looks good until Sunday,” he said.

More rain Sunday

Depending on the way it tracks, Ross said a storm system could bring another batch of rainy weather into Schuylkill County Sunday into Monday.

Today, it should be mostly sunny and less humid with a high of about 78 and partly sunny and nice on Saturday with a high of about 70 degrees.

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

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill County commissioners on Wednesday approved participation as one of 10 counties in a nationwide program to prevent suicides in rural areas.

“It’s a (Centers for Disease Control) grant” to West Virginia University, said Elaine Gilbert, administrator of the county Mental Health/Developmental Services program. “They wanted ... to work with 10 rural counties to create a program that’s effective.”

County Administrator Gary R. Bender said it is a good idea to participate in the program, which will not cost the county any money.

“Our (suicide) numbers are a little high,” he said.

Gilbert said the county will get $30,000 for its participation in the program.

The commissioners also approved a $300,000 appropriation to the real estate department for completion of the work on County Bridge 140 in Barry Township.

County Engineer Lisa Mahall said this money actually was to be spent last year, but the bridge work was not finished until 2020. The appropriation does not mean any added costs for the county for the bridge, Mahall said.

Also, the commissioners approved a $32,812 contract with Bob Guzick Demolition, Shamokin, to begin work on the demolition of the double house at 117-119 Sunbury St., Minersville.

Bender said Guzick soon will be submitting to the county its performance and payment bonds, plus a certificate of insurance, after which the company can start its work.

“By the end of July, they should be completed,” Bender said.

In another matter, the office of Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, will remain at its current 33 S. Main St. location, as the commissioners renewed the five-year lease on the property, effective July 1, with Thomas J. and Marianne M. McAndrew.

The monthly rent is $2,276.10 for the office and $620.39 for storage space, which is divided among Kilker’s office, the Office of Juvenile Probation and the Office of Adult Probation and Parole.

In other matters, the commissioners:

• Approved a contract with Agrarian Associates to complete the appraisal on the Glenn R. Hetherington Farm in Union Township for an agricultural conservation easement.

• Approved a purchase of service agreement with Berks Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Reading, for regular, prime and emergency per diem rates of $52, $69 and $77, respectively.

• Approved a purchase of service agreement with Northumberland County Children & Youth, Sunbury, for traditional foster care (0-5), traditional foster care (13-18) and specialized foster care at per diem rates of $21, $25 and $37, respectively.

• Approved a purchase of service agreement with York County Youth Development Center, York, for YDC placement at a per diem rate of $375.60.

• Approved the 2020-21 medical assistance transportation program participation grant agreement and assurance of compliance.

• Approved 2020 budget adjustments of $87,178 for Bridge Housing, $,166 for MIS and $6,400 for the Office of Senior Services.

“We are not increasing overall spending,” Director of Finance Paul E. Buber said.

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

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County’s top judge authorized Thursday a limited public reopening of the courthouse, subject to appropriate protections from what he termed the “diminished” threat from the coronavirus pandemic.

In his four-page order, President Judge William E. Baldwin, although extending the county’s judicial emergency until June 29, permitted people to conduct county or court business and observe public proceedings, starting Monday. However, that permission still is strictly controlled.

“The number of visitors or participants admitted at one time to any judicial or county office shall be limited in a manner that allows for appropriate social distancing,” he wrote.

Public access to the courthouse has been closed since the onset of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.

While the public will be able to enter the courthouse, that entry will not be unconditional.

“Everyone shall submit to a noninvasive temperature check ... and no one shall be admitted without wearing a protective face covering,” Baldwin ordered in extending two measures that already are in place. Visitors refusing such measures will not be permitted to enter, he said.

Under the terms of Baldwin’s order:

• The regulations also apply to people entering other county facilities, including the seven magisterial district judges’ offices.

• Visitors who have an elevated temperature or other virus symptoms will be directed by the deputy sheriffs monitoring the entrance to remain outside while Baldwin or another county official is contacted for further instructions.

• Children under 2 and people who cannot wear face coverings due to a medical condition are exempt from that requirement.

• People who enter the buildings must directly leave after the end of the court proceeding or county business for which they came.

• Courthouse employees must stay in their offices unless their duties require them to go to other offices. In such situations, they must return to their office once they complete their duties elsewhere.

• While the courthouse canteen will be open for the sale of food and drink, people may not use the chairs and tables in the area next to the canteen.

• In-person court appearances shall be scheduled to permit social distancing in the courtroom.

• Sheriff Joseph G. Groody and his deputies remain in charge of both the public entrance and the supervision of visitors while they are in the courthouse, and are responsible for assuring compliance with the order.

• During the judicial emergency, each filing office must maintain a drop box at the public entrance under the supervision of deputy sheriffs. The deputies must notify each office when a document is to be filed in the box, and a representative of the office in question must get the document and docket it the day it is placed in the box.

As president judge, Baldwin, like the 59 other Court of Common Pleas president judges in Pennsylvania, has been given the authority to make such rules during the pandemic.

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

Two casinos in Pennsylvania have reopened and another one is reopening today, while nine others remain closed temporarily because of the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s no word yet when the other nine casinos, including Hollywood near Harrisburg and Moheghan Sun near Wilkes-Barre, will reopen.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Executive Director Kevin O’Toole said at an online meeting Wednesday that Lady Luck Casino at Nemacolin will reopen today. Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and the Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington County were the first casinos to reopen, which occurred Tuesday, following the temporary closure of all casinos in mid-March.

These casinos are located in counties in the western part of the state that entered the “green phase” of Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening plan.

O’Toole said the reopenings marked the “beginning of the new normal for the Pennsylvania casino industry and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.”

“Both reopenings went very well,” O’Toole said. “Both casinos complied with the requirements to limit patronage to no more than 50% of capacity.”

As part of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s protocol to ensure health and safety, he said patrons and employees at casinos also are required to wear facial coverings.

“To ensure social distancing between people, limits have been placed on the number of players at each table game and many slot machines were deactivated to separate slot players the appropriate distance,” he said.

Gerry Ahern, Pennsylvania gaming analyst with the Gambling.com Group, said the shutdown has been “devastating” for casinos.

In February, Pennsylvania casinos posted gross revenue from slots and table games of about $277 million. That dropped to $120 million combined in March and zero for April and May, he said.

“The casinos lost out on nearly three months of potential income with the prospects of reduced cash flow for the months that follow as Pennsylvania undoubtedly will take a cautious approach to allowing casinos to run at full capacity,” Ahern said. “Patrons may also be reluctant to return until fears of a coronavirus second wave are either mitigated or a vaccine becomes available.”

Contact the writer: dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com; 570-821-2115

A Shenandoah man will spend more than a decade behind federal prison bars after a judge sentenced him Wednesday for what prosecutors said was his leadership of a conspiracy that resulted in at least two, and perhaps as many as six, pounds of heroin being distributed in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Rhasean “Chicago” Strange, 35, must serve 14 years in a federal correctional institution, plus an additional five years on supervised release, U.S. District Judge Robert D. Mariani ruled. Mariani, Scranton, also ordered Strange to forfeit firearms and his share of the money that investigators seized.

Strange pleaded guilty Jan. 12, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Judge James M. Munley to conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin. Strange admitted he and other conspirators distributed between one and three kilograms of heroin, which is approximately 40,000 to 120,000 bags of the drug, according to prosecutors.

Conspirators obtained the heroin from suppliers in Paterson, New Jersey and Hazleton, prosecutors said.

“Strange ... was the leader of the drug conspiracy and possessed firearms in connection with the criminal activity,” according to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed.

The FBI, Pennsylvania State Police and Shenandoah police investigated the case, according to Freed.

Freed said the case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement, and their communities, to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer. The U.S. Department of Justice reinvigorated the program in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals.

The case also was part of the Heroin Initiative, a districtwide campaign to fight the nationwide heroin epidemic. The initiative targets heroin traffickers across the Middle District of Pennsylvania in an effort by federal, state and local law enforcement to prosecute them.

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

Cressona

Bethany Christian Fellowship, 102 Front St., will have a drive-through chicken barbecue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 20. For more information, including pricing and the menu, call 570-385-0609.

Gilberton

Continental Hose Company No. 3, 229 Main St., will have a hoagie sale beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 13. To order, or for information on pricing and selection, call 570-933-0415.

Pottsville

The Schuylkill County Society for Crippled Children will have a pediatric orthopedic clinic on Friday, July 10, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill S. Jackson Street. The sponsor is OMNOVA Solutions and the clinic is for children through age 18 from the Schuylkill County area. Dr. Peter V. Scoles of Shriners Hospital Philadelphia will be the attending orthopedist. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call the society office at 570-622-7170.

Tremont

The Tremont Fire Company has several items on its upcoming agenda including: Saturday, June 13, drive-through soup sale with pickups 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Monday, June 15, firehouse food night 5 to 7 p.m., takeout-only, call for orders beginning at 4 p.m. To order or for information about menus and pricing, call 570-695-3647.

Container law clarification

Mahanoy City Borough Council on Monday extended the suspension of its open container ordinance for a 30- day period effective June 6.

The suspension, however, is not borough-wide and pertains only to licensed businesses that serve alcohol in an outdoor setting due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

The thought of boarding a confined metal tube bound for the sky probably still terrifies most people.

But an analysis of U.S. Transportation Security Administration traveler checkpoint data shows the number of average daily passengers more than doubled in the first nine days of June alone compared to March. It’s clear more people are getting comfortable booking flights again.

We asked a couple veteran travel agents in Northeast Pennsylvania about what to consider when planning a trip by air as restrictions and tensions over COVID-19 loosen.

Study cancellation policies

Most airlines have expanded them, but not all are created equal.

“Each airline, they’re very similar, but they’re not exact,” said John Madden of Travelworld in Scranton.

Some offer cancellations or changes without penalties, and it’s important to know which ones do.

Though generally speaking it’s diminishing, the COVID-19 pandemic is still changing. Travelers may want to adjust plans or call them off altogether if things get worse or if governments suddenly restrict travel.

Tour companies

To attract more customers, tour operators are offering more lenient cancellation and final payment options, said Lynn Pearl, who owns Professional Travel and Tours Inc. in Dunmore.

Again, not all are created equal, and travelers should inquire about whether they can get some or all of their money back if a vacation needs to be rescheduled.

Time your trip

If you must travel, you might consider doing it sooner rather than later, while everybody else gets comfortable with the idea and airlines and terminals remain sparsely populated.

That said, flight schedules remain limited through June with more available going into September, Madden said. So finding a flight now might prove difficult.

Vacation destinations

“A lot of the tours are not fully operational yet and a lot of the islands are just starting to open up,” Pearl said.

Disney attractions are slowly opening, but Walt Disney World theme parks won’t start opening until July 11. Most cruise companies have docked their boats and won’t book trips until late summer at the earliest.

Iceland anyone?

According to the World Health Organization, the rugged island nation suffered only a glancing blow from COVID-19 with fewer than 2,000 cases. Ten people there died from the disease, and the country has had very few new cases over the last few weeks.

“Iceland is a bright spot. It’s a short flight,” Madden said. “We’ve been running trips for years.”

Contact the writer:

joconnell@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9131;

@jon_oc on Twitter

What to expect

You’ve booked your flight and you’re ready to go. Here’s what you might expect when you hit the airport.

• Airline employees and TSA workers will be wearing masks.

• In addition to kicking off your shoes, and all the other steps at security, expect a temperature check.

• ID expired? No problem. The TSA is accepting expired driver licenses or state identification cards up to a year they expire. The deadline for REAL-ID-compliant driver license cards is now Oct. 1, 2021.

• Airlines are keeping the middle seat open for at least some social distance. Many flights aren’t fully booked anyway.

• What about in-flight service? Meals and snacks might be reduced or missing altogether. If you’re hungry, or expect to be, grab something in the terminal.

Aleksandra Williams’ journey into the health care field evolved from her desire to help others — and by witnessing those caring for her ill child.

Williams, class valedictorian, was one of 34 graduates who received nursing diplomas from the Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill, Pottsville, in a virtual ceremony Thursday.

“I entered nursing because I want to help ill people and their families. I know from my own experiences how to deal with situations when the outcome is unknown,” Williams said in an interview prior to the 123rd commencement. Williams, now of Pottsville, was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

“I have been around nurses my whole life. My mom is a nurse and I have a child in a persistent vegetative state who is being taken care of by nurses. The nurses are my heroes and one day I would like to be someone else’s hero,” Williams said.

The school is marking its 125th anniversary in operation this year.

Lynne L. Hausman, school director, presided over the ceremony. She said this is the largest class she has seen in her 30 years with the program, and since being director in 2016. The class is unique because it completed its last term and clinical requirements online due to the coronavirus pandemic. It’s also the first class to complete a 70-hour Assessment Technologies Institute course, resulting in all students receiving an ATI nurse manager’s certificate, in addition to their nursing diploma, Hausman said in a pre-commencement interview.

Students receiving their nursing diplomas Thursday from the three-year program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN national exam to become a registered nurse. Graduates must schedule their tests through the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing, Hausman said.

Graduates were recognized for their achievements and received at least 24 awards. Last Friday, during a pre-commencement celebration at the school, nursing students had their photos taken, picked up their diploma covers and received their nursing pins, the Nightingale Pledge, flowers and individual cakes made by Momma Millies Bakery in Pottsville.

In a prior interview, graduates were asked about their future plans and their thoughts on entering the nursing field during the coronavirus crisis.

Williams wants to work on a Medical-Surgical Unit. Later in life, she would like to open a residential facility in Schuylkill County for medically fragile children who require ongoing care and medical staff supervision and cannot remain at home or in the hospital for various reasons, she said.

“I admire all health professionals who worked and helped other families during the coronavirus pandemic. Their selfless actions speak louder than the voice. They self-sacrificed for others.

“The pandemic reinforced and brought to light the important role that nurses play in our lives and that the nurses are true heroes. It is just something we don’t think of every day,” Williams said.

Nicole Elizabeth Attinger, of Sunbury, was salutatorian.

Chaplain Robert Voskuhl, director, Spiritual Care Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill, offered the invocation Thursday.

Robert Barraco, chief academic officer from Lehigh Valley Health Network; William Reppy, president, Lehigh Valley Hospital—Schuylkill; and program coordinator Melanie Bendinsky delivered congratulatory remarks. Bendinsky also presented the Class of 2020. Bendinsky, who is retiring after 40 years, received a surprise recognition with a tribute during the virtual commencement.

Kirsten Michelle Kohr, president of the Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania, addressed the graduates, who she described as “family and friends for life.” She thanked family members for their support of all the students.

Student Association President Samantha Josephine Riffon introduced the school’s faculty and thanked them for their wisdom, guidance and knowledge.

Darcy Medica, director of Academic Affairs at Penn State Schuylkill, announced Williams was the student who had the highest average in PSU courses. Students in the nursing program attend one year at PSU, then two years at the school of nursing in Pottsville.

Serving as class officers are President Anya Nicole Essler, Vice President Danj Marie Andrews, Treasurer Kaitlyn A. Calvert and Secretary Sarah E. Wood.

Student Association officers include Riffon, as president; Andrews, vice president; and Williams, secretary/treasurer.

Graduate Marissa Slifko received the Faculty Award for the student who excelled in patient teaching.

“Growing up, I always envisioned myself working in the medical field. I always wanted to be the difference in somebody’s life as I am very caring and compassionate,” Slifko, of Minersville, said.

“I enjoy the challenge and diversity that the nursing profession offers. As I watched nurses make a difference in my loved one’s lives, it reinforced my thoughts of pursuing the nursing profession.

“Health care workers should be considered heroes both during the coronavirus pandemic and after. Day in and day out, they risk their lives in order to save an unimaginable amount of others.

“My perspective on nurses has not changed during this pandemic. This is because I have always viewed nurses as strong, hardworking and selfless individuals who always put the care of others before themselves.

“The pandemic has shined a light on the health care community, highlighting the tireless acts of community preservation and constant care for others. I am excited to join this profession and contribute to the needs of Schuylkill County,” Slifko said.

Her future plans are to begin working and obtain her BSN. She plans to continue her education to become a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics or psychiatric health.

Contact the writer: vterwilliger@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6007

Man faces charges following accident

ASHLAND — An Ashland man is facing charges by state police at Frackville after an accident at 10th and Walnut streets around 8 p.m. Saturday.

State police said Kevin Lawson, 51, was driving south on 10th Street as a 70-year-old Ashland woman was driving west on Walnut Street.

Lawson failed to yield to traffic and drove into the woman’s path. State police said the woman’s vehicle struck the side of the Lawson vehicle.

Lawson was taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for treatment, while the woman was not injured, state police said.

At the scene, state police said, Lawson showed signs of being impaired and that DUI charges are pending the results of a search warrant.

Schuylkill Haven man faces drug charges

NEW RINGGOLD — A Schuylkill Haven man is facing drug charges by state police at Frackville after a traffic stop at Hughes and Koch streets around 7:50 p.m. Saturday.

State police said they stopped a vehicle driven by Tobi Metz, 38, for a traffic violation and found the man to have an active arrest warrant.

Metz was also found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana, state police said.

The man was committed to Schuylkill County Prison on the warrant and is facing charges as a result of the traffic stop.

Wallet found in New Castle Twp.

FRACKVILLE — State police at Frackville reported finding a wallet in the area of 940 Mall Road in New Castle Township around 5:30 p.m. June 3.

State police said anyone with information is asked to call 570-874-5300 and refer to incident PA2020-788338.

Charges filed against Valley View man

VALLEY VIEW — Hegins Township police filed charges against a Valley View man stemming from separate incidents on May 24, 26 and 29.

Police said Daniel Morris Adams Jr. was charged with criminal trespass and defiant trespass stemming from an incident during the morning hours of May 24 at a home on West Maple Street.

Police said Adams was then charged with harassment and disorderly conduct after an incident in an alley to the north of West Maple Street during the afternoon hours.

Then, on May 26, police said, Adams was charged with open lewdness and disorderly conduct after an incident in the alley north of West Maple Street and, on May 29, charged with possession of a controlled substance after an incident on West Mountain Road in Hegins.

Adams will now have to answer to all of the charges before Magisterial District Judge David Rossi, Tremont, police said.

Police looking into criminal mischief

MINERSVILLE — State police at Frackville are investigating a criminal mischief incident that happened around 4 a.m. Saturday on Valley Road in Cass Township.

State police said a Pottsville man reported someone threw a rock at his window and that a witness saw a Jeep driving away from the area after the rock was thrown.

State police said anyone with information is asked to call them at 570-874-5300.

Minor injuries in 1-vehicle crash

DEER LAKE — An Orwigsburg woman suffered minor injuries when the 2013 Ford Explorer she was driving crashed on Lake Front Drive in West Brunswick Township around 11:50 a.m. May 30.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Donna R. Burke, 73, was driving west when she went off the road while negotiating a curve and struck a tree.

The woman’s SUV then overturned and came to a stop on its driver’s side, state police said.

State police said Burke was wearing her seat belt and as a result of the crash will be cited for driving on the wrong side of the road.

Schuylkill EMS and Deer Lake-West Brunswick Township firefighters assisted.

Police looking for lost emergency radio

FRIEDENSBURG — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a lost emergency radio that happened between 10:30 a.m. June 5 and 4:05 p.m. Sunday in the area of Swartz Valley and Luckenbill roads in Wayne Township.

State police said the Friedensburg Fire Company lost a yellow Motorola radio valued at $4,500, and was last seen on the ground just off the roadway.

The radio was not there when fire company members went to retrieve it, state police said.

State police said the radio has since been turned on two times and the emergency button activated but immediately turned off.

State police said anyone with information is asked to call them at 570-754-4600.

Police investigate $1K theft of tools

SPRING GLEN — A theft of tools valued at more than $1,400 from an area of West Main Street and Kushwa Road in Hubley Township that happened between 2:30 p.m. May 22 and 6:15 a.m. May 26 is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

State police said someone stole a DeWalt cordless circular saw, two DeWalt cordless drills, DeWalt 20 volt cordless batteries, a DeWalt dust extractor and a Stihl demo saw.

The items, owned by Quandel Group, Pottsville, are valued at $1,408.

State police said anyone with information is asked to call them at 570-754-4600.

Vehicle disabled after hitting deer

DETURKSVILLE — A Schuylkill Haven man escaped injury when the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox he was driving struck a deer on Route 443, Deturksville Road, in Washington Township, around 6 a.m. Sunday.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Kenneth Breisch, 75, was driving west when he struck the animal that was crossing the roadway.

The man’s vehicle sustained disabling damage and had to be towed from the scene, state police said.

Police looking into criminal mischief

TOWER CITY — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a criminal mischief incident that happened on East Grand Avenue between 3:05 and 5:25 p.m. June 3.

State police said a Tower City man reported someone broke the rear window on his Dodge Caravan, causing $300 in damage, before fleeing.

State police said anyone with information is asked to call them at 570-754-4600.

No injuries in collision with deer

SUMMIT STATION — No injuries were reported by state police at Schuylkill Haven in a one-vehicle crash at Route 183 and Summer Hill Road in Wayne Township around 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said James Fortunato, 28, of Jonestown, was driving a 2019 Dodge Caravan south when a deer jumped from the brush in front of him trying to cross the roadway.

State police said Fortunato swerved to miss the animal but was unable to do so.

Fortunato and his passenger, Bradley Sawecki, 19, of Barnesville, were wearing their seat belts and were not injured, state police said.

Friday, June 19, will be the day Schuylkill County enters the green phase of the recovery from the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said Friday.

“As (the late) Commissioner (Frank J.) Staudenmeier said many times, ‘Today is a great day in Schuylkill County,’ ” Halcovage said.

The move marks a significant lessening, although not complete elimination, of many of the restrictions imposed by Gov. Tom Wolf in March in an effort to battle the coronavirus.

The other counties going green on Friday include Dauphin, Franklin, Huntingdon, Luzerne, Monroe, Perry and Pike. Schuylkill neighbors Carbon, Columbia and Northumberland counties already moved to green, while the state has not given a date for Berks, Lebanon and Lehigh counties to move out of yellow.

After those changes, there will be 13 counties remaining in the yellow phase and none in the red phase, which is the most restrictive.

Halcovage said people still need to follow the remaining restrictions so the recovery can continue.

“As we move forward, we still need to follow the Centers for Disease Control and state Department of Health guidelines and stay safe,” he said.

Halcovage said he is confident progress will continue.

“The commissioners are so proud of the people of Schuylkill County and for all they have been doing through this very difficult time,” he said.

Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Robert S. Carl Jr. said the move will be good for local businesses.

“I obviously am happy,” Carl said. “It shows the county continues to work well and mitigate risks. This is a very good day, a very good announcement.”

Carl said the move to green will be particularly good for small local businesses that sell products similar to ones sold by larger national chain stores.

“They haven’t been able to compete,” he said. “That was not a level playing field.”

Carl said the county will now get back its barber shops, beauty salons and restaurants, all of which are common in the area. However, he said, whether they can survive is problematic.

“The 50% occupancy may not get them to break even,” he said.

While helping to clean up the mess caused by flooding in Gilberton, Emergency Management Coordinator John Matz said he is thankful the county is moving to the green phase.

“I wish it would happen more immediately,” he said, adding that he plans to get a haircut.

Cases growth slows

The announcement comes on a day when DOH reported the largest number of new cases, nine, in the county since an increase of 12 reported June 2.

But the overall increase in the past seven days is the lowest since the county’s first case was reported March 22. The state reported just 21 new cases from Saturday, June 6, to Friday, June 12. The week before that, with 37 new cases, had been the lowest seven-day gain.

The highest weekly gain was 101 from April 4 to 10.

The county as of Friday had 677 cases. An additional death reported Friday brings the county total to 42.

The state criteria on its chart of counties moving from yellow to green includes “stable, decreasing or low confirmed case counts over the past two weeks compared to previous two weeks,” and hospital bed use of 90% or lower per district population.

Lawmakers happy

County lawmakers also are delighted with the announcement of a move to green.

“Today’s announcement is the result of everyone taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus,” said state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123.

While happy with the move, state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, said Wolf waited too long to lift many of his COVID restrictions.

“That’s why Republicans and Democrats voted overwhelmingly this week in Harrisburg to end the governor’s shutdown orders and to begin the process of amending our constitution to prevent this from ever happening again,” Argall said. “He has refused to obey the resolution. Tom Wolf continues to act like a king, not a governor.”

Goodman said restrictions are not as stringent as they have been, and local people should rally behind their neighbors’ businesses.

“Small businesses have suffered, since many of them had to close their doors during the lockdown,” he said. “I hope county residents support the small business community so they can get back on their feet financially.”

Carl agreed, saying local people will start to reap the benefits after suffering the woes of closure for more than three months.

“Everyone will have an opportunity to begin the economic recovery,” he said.

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

As pandemic restrictions loosen, officials in some Schuylkill County communities have announced public pools will be opening for the season.

Pottsville

The pool at the JFK Recreation Facility off York Farm Road will open to the public Thursday, June 18. The date is tentative, based on whether there are leaks or major problems, Pool Manager Noralea Matz said Thursday.

“We don’t foresee any issues,” she said, adding crews began filling the pool Wednesday.

Swimmers can expect some changes, Matz said. Face masks must be worn upon entering, at the concession stand and outside the water if patrons can’t maintain social distancing. They are not required for use in the pool.

Hand sanitizer stations will be installed in bathrooms, at the pool entrance and at the concession stand, and X’s will be placed on the concrete at the entrance and concession stand to allow for social distancing, Matz said. Posters from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will outline proper handwashing practices.

Those arriving with a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking, muscle pain or a headache will not be admitted. It is highly recommended patrons shower and change at home.

They are encouraged to further maintain social distancing when placing towels on the grassy areas around the pool and when they’re in the pool. There will be fewer tables at the concession area, she said, with some being moved into the grass.

“We’re recommending that families use those tables,” Matz said.

She added there may be times people will be asked to move to maintain social distancing.

Season ticket rates remain unchanged from last year, but season passes are not being offered to those who live out of the area this year, although may pay for daily admission, Matz said. Applications are available at www.city.pottsville.pa.us/html/poolpass.htm and can be placed in the dropbox in front of city hall on North Centre Street, with “Attn: City Administrator” on the envelope. When City Hall reopens to the public, applications can be obtained from the administrator’s office.

Matz said she is hoping to offer swimming lessons, but is still figuring out how they will beconducted. This year, 28 lifeguards have been hired, with nine to 12 on duty at a time, she said.

City Council members Monday approved an operation manual for the pool for the summer, based on information from the CDC on considerations for public pools, hot tubs and water playgrounds during the coronavirus pandemic and from the state Department of Health. It establishes rules for staff, pool operation and the concession stand.

Tamaqua

The Howard D. Buehler Memorial Pool at Bungalow Park will open in mid-June on a date that has yet to be determined, according to a press release from Borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt. Season and daily pass fees will remain the same, but the amount of people allowed in will be limited.

Applicants for a pass must reside in the Tamaqua Area or Panther Valley school districts. Ben Turrano and Jacob Rudy have been hired as assistant pool managers.

Minersville

The borough council agreed Tuesday to open the Minersville Community Pool. A date has not been set as officials are trying to get the logistics of opening the pool set, Council President Katielynn Milbrandt said Thursday. Updates can be found on the Minersville Swimming Pool Facebook page, she added.

Pine Grove

The community pool will open this year. A post on the pool’s Facebook page says to check back for an official opening date and additional information.

Not opening

The coronavirus pandemic has forced officials in some municipalities to keep pools closed for the summer, with the Saint Clair, Tri-Valley and Cressona pools not opening this year.

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

Once a county enters the green phase of Pennsylvania’s stoplight-patterned reopening plan, gyms will be free to open their doors to members for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic forced them to close in mid-March.

The green phase might not mean that getting back into a steady workout rhythm will be as easy as riding a (stationary) bike, however. Gyms around the area are advising members to take it slow if needed and keep safety first as they get back to pumping iron or sweating out a tough workout.

“The worst thing we could see is someone get too excited to start exercising again, push themselves too hard, and end up getting hurt,” Brent Oliver, general manager at VIVE Health & Fitness in Kingston, wrote in an email. “(Then) they will need to wait even longer to start exercising.”

No matter an individual’s fitness level, everyone’s personal health figures to be a facility’s top priority as workouts resume. Members will see all sorts of new protocols in place as gyms enter a post-pandemic reality.

At Odyssey Fitness in Wilkes-Barre, earlier closing hours will allow the facility to be cleaned and sanitized, and more hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipe stations will be installed around the workout floor, Fitness Director Crystal Wright said in an email. In addition, group classes are temporarily being moved to the basketball court to allow participants to spread out more.

At VIVE, members will have their temperatures recorded with a nontouch thermometer, the bottom of their shoes sprayed with disinfectant and their hands sanitized. Crunch Fitness in Scranton will have its staff wearing masks and gloves, its equipment spread out and visual markers promoting social distance, General Manager Brad Reiss said.

“When members walk in here,” Reiss said, “they’re going to visibly see that we’re taking their health and their safety as a priority.”

Some individuals may have found ways to stay active during the gyms’ lockdown period through virtual classes, jogs or hikes outdoors, or other forms of exercise. But others may need to treat themselves with as much caution as their gyms are when they return.

Oliver said it’ll be vital to avoid overexertion and recognize one’s limitations.

Those who were mostly sedentary during the last three months may need to take more time to work up to their previous fitness levels. That could include sticking to safer, less-complex exercises at first as the dust falls off.

Wright also suggested setting realistic goals and possibly dropping the total weight or number of repetitions that are used in first workouts back.

Motivation could be its own separate roadblock on the way back to a healthy gym routine. People have been told to stay at home as much as possible for three months and counting, and those habits could be hard to break.

Reiss said Crunch’s team members will be there to give guidance on any concerns members may have, and its Crunch One Kickoff program will be available to help everyone get back into a rhythm.

Accountability could also help, so Reiss recommended finding a workout buddy or joining a group class that looks forward to seeing each other consistently.

“As long as people continue to stay active in some capacity,” Oliver said, “slowly starting their fitness routine again once gyms open shouldn’t cause a problem.”

Contact the writer:

eshultz@citizensvoice.com;

570-821-2054;

@CVEricShultz on Twitter

Tamaqua Area School District Superintendent Ray Kinder Jr. said that in his 25 years with the district, he’s never faced anything like planning to reopen schools following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state Department of Education is requiring each district for primary and secondary education to draft a Health and Safety Plan before students can return.

Plans must take into account Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening guidelines, so school districts in red phase counties must continue remote instruction, for instance. Schools in yellow phase counties would be able to reopen for in-person instruction after July 1, but would have to follow state Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. And while green is the least restrictive, it still encourages social distancing and places limits on large gatherings.

Kinder said school personnel have been measuring classrooms to determine social distancing, and discussing the use of face masks. Because guidelines are always changing, officials have been looking at full- and half-day school, virtual classes and in-school learning.

“This is the heaviest, most intricate puzzle we will be putting together as a school district,” Kinder said during virtual committee meetings Tuesday.

According to information from the education department, schools would have to have a team responsible for COVID-19 mitigation, have plans to protect vulnerable students, have guidelines for wearing masks and plan social distancing measures.

Kinder said the district will develop plans for yellow and green phases. And while the county is no longer in the red phase, the district will develop a red phase plan in case the virus resurfaces.

Plans will be approved by the board and submitted to the education department for review, Kinder said.

Kinder noted that the district is planning to open for typical summer activities such as camps and sports practices assuming Schuylkill County soon enters the least restrictive green phase.

All schools have been ordered to be closed until July 1.

“We are required to have a plan in place for hygiene and minimizing the number of people and trying to make it the safe and healthiest space we can,” Kinder said.

Contact the writer: jwhalen@standardspeaker.com

The city is losing one of its three grocery stores.

The GIANT Co. announced Friday that it has decided to close its Pottsville store at 500 Progress Ave. The store will close permanently at 6 p.m. July 9. 

According to a statement released by the corporation in Carlise, the decision follows an ongoing assessment of GIANT stores.

“The store has not performed to our expectations and after exploring all potential options, none were deemed to be viable for the long term. Based on that and the performance of the store, it no longer makes financial sense to continue operating at this location,” the statement says.

All 68 employees will be offered comparable positions at surrounding stores in Cressona, Hazleton and Lehighton. 

Along with GIANT, Pottsville is served by Boyer’s Food Markets, 2447 W. Market St., and Weis Markets, 500 Pottsville Park Plaza, Norwegian Township, as well as several mini marts and small businesses that sell food.

Unemployment compensation benefits soon will be distributed through debit cards rather than paper checks or direct deposit, state officials said Thursday.

State Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Jerry Oleksiak said after potential fraud was discovered before Memorial Day weekend, the department decided to switch from direct deposit to paper checks to U.S. Bank Reliacards.

The prepaid debit cards will be sent in the mail over the next few weeks rather than direct deposit into recipients’ bank accounts.

An investigation is continuing into fraudulent unemployment compensation claims, Oleksiak said.

Federal and state agencies are investigating fraudulent claims that were made through the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program administered in Pennsylvania.

“We want to assure everyone that no L&I system or data were compromised in fraud attempts,” Oleksiak said during a virtual town hall meeting Thursday. “This is a national scam that’s going on and it impacted Pennsylvania but it was not through Labor & Industry’s systems.”

Susan Dickinson, director of the office of unemployment compensation benefits policy, said checks were sent for the last two weeks as a result of the fraud happening nationwide.

“We’re not fully ready to move back to direct deposit yet,” Dickinson said. “At least we can issue debit cards. Those still go in the mail to you so that’s still a safeguard.”

The debit cards also will allow people to receive their payments faster, she said.

More than $14 billion in unemployment benefits have been paid out in Pennsylvania since the coronavirus shutdown began in mid-March, Oleksiak said.

Since March 15, about 2.5 million unemployment claims have been filed in Pennsylvania.

Dickinson said the unemployment office now has more help to deal with any issues people are having with their claims.

Pennsylvania Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits were implemented to provide an additional 13 weeks of benefits to people who exhaust their regular unemployment compensation.

These benefits soon will close but since the unemployment rate remains high in Pennsylvania, Dickinson said there will be an extension for benefits.

“It will be up to another 13 weeks but it could be less depending on how long your initial regular unemployment claim was,” she said. The first payable week for these benefits will be the week ending July 4 and more information will be available in upcoming weeks, she said.

For more information about unemployment compensation benefits, go to uc.pa.gov or insurance.pa.gov.

Contact the writer: dallabaugh@citizensvoice­.com; 570-821-2115

Ashland

American Legion Post 434, 505 Centre St., will resume its hoagie sales Wednesday, June 24. People must pick up hoagies before 1 p.m. Hamburgers will be available from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays except for June 25 and July 2. To order, or for more information on pricing and menu, call Fred at 570-985-1026.

Frackville

The Frackville Pool Committee is taking orders for a Chick-fil-a sandwich sale with pickups from 4 to 5 p.m. Friday, July 3, at the borough parking lot. Orders are due by July 1. To order, or for more information, see any committee member of call 570-874-0174.

Frackville

The Frackville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Florence Jarzynko from David and Carol Bowen; for Joseph Rinaldi from David and Carol Bowen; for Susan Grant from David and Carol Bowen; for Robert Stauffenberg from David and Carol Bowen; for Mary Sklaris from John and Jeannie Dalinsky and Jaclyn Kagan; for Helen Dunn from Carol and Tim Twardzik; for Joe Stetz from Carol and Tim Twardzik; for Ruth Antalosky from David and Carol Bowen; for Lorrianne Gricoski from David and Carol Bowen; for Steve Tynio from David and Carol Bowen; for John Lipshaw from David and Carol Bowen.

Frackville

The Frackville Food Bank will be open from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, June 18, at Zion Lutheran Church, 48 S. Nice St. People must use the entrance by the parking lot on South Beech Street.

POTTSVILLE — For the second time, a Mahanoy City woman will spend time on house arrest instead of in prison, as a Schuylkill County judge sentenced her Tuesday for stealing items in August 2019 from a borough store.

Lisa Cope, 55, must serve three to 23 months on house arrest with electronic monitoring, Judge James P. Goodman decided.

“You’re lucky you’re getting this house arrest,” Goodman told Cope, noting that he was agreeing to it because of the defendant’s health issues. “You can’t commit any more crimes.”

Goodman also sentenced Cope to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. He made the sentence effective on June 16.

Mahanoy City police charged Cope with stealing $21.90 worth of merchandise from the Mahanoy City Food Store on Aug. 1, 2019.

Also on Tuesday, Goodman sentenced Johanna Rodriguez, 33, of Mahanoy City, to serve 30 days in prison, 90 days on house arrest with electronic monitoring, 30 days on alcohol monitoring, seven months strict supervision and four years probation, pay costs, $2,000 in fines, $200 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $11,47399 restitution, and perform 30 hours community service. He made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. June 18.

Rodriguez pleaded guilty to two cases of driving under the influence. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of driving under suspension and one each of accident involving death or injury, disregarding traffic lane, careless driving, improper possession or sale of documents, operating vehicle without required financial responsibility and operating vehicle without valid inspection.

State police at Frackville alleged Rodriguez was DUI on July 6, 2019, while Mahanoy City police alleged she was DUI on July 18, 2019.

In another Tuesday case, Bryan Ramirez, 19, of Hazleton, pleaded guilty to simple assault, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of disorderly conduct and harassment. Goodman placed him on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment, undergo a domestic violence evaluation and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

State police at Frackville charged Ramirez with assaulting a woman on Aug. 4, 2019.

Also on Tuesday, Maryann E. Kovalesky, 58, of Shenandoah, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Goodman placed her on probation for 24 months consecutive to her current sentence, and also sentenced her to pay costs, a $100 SAEF payment and a $50 CJEA payment.

Shenandoah police charged Kovalesky with possessing methamphetamine, and paraphernalia on July 5, 2019, in the borough.

In another Tuesday case, Charles J. Cunningham, 48, of Delano, pleaded guilty to DUI. Goodman sentenced him to serve 72 hours to six months in prison, pay costs, a $1,000 fine and a $300 SAEF payment, and perform 10 hours community service. The judge made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. June 15.

State police at Frackville alleged Cunningham was DUI on July 14, 2019.

Also on Tuesday, Goodman admitted Ashley M. Macieunas, 50, of Mahanoy City, into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program after she had been charged with DUI.

If Macieunas successfully completes the program, the charge against her will be dismissed. If she does not, her case will be returned to the trial list.

State police at Frackville alleged Macieunas was DUI on Aug. 30, 2019.

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

Green phase details noted

• Continued telework strongly encouraged

• Businesses with in-person operations must follow updated business and building safety requirements

• All businesses operating at 50% occupancy in the yellow phase may in-crease to 75% occupancy

• Child care may open complying with guidance

• Congregate care restrictions in place

• Prison and hospital restrictions determined by individual facilities

• Schools subject to CDC and commonwealth guidance

• Large gatherings of more than 250 prohibited

• Masks are required when entering a business

• Restaurants and bars open at 50% occupancy

• Personal care services (including hair salons and barbershops) open at 50% occupancy and by appointment only

• Indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities, and personal care services (such as gyms and spas) open at 50% occupancy with appointments strongly encouraged

• All entertainment (such as casinos, theaters, and shopping malls) open at 50% occupancy

• Construction activity may return to full capacity with continued implementation of protocols