NEW BOSTON - Mahanoy Township police are warning residents not to be fooled by an apparent telephone scam that affected two residents Wednesday and Thursday.

Police said three calls were made, only to residents of New Boston, by people saying they were from either the Internal Revenue Service or a Microsoft Windows company.

In each case, the callers told residents they were required to pay money either with a pre-paid credit card or by Western Union.

One of the residents was called Wednesday, paid $800 without realizing the call was a scam and was then called back Thursday saying an additional $200 was needed.

Police also said one of the callers told a victim to access a website and when the victim did, it caused the computer to be infected with a virus.

These calls are fraudulent and police are warning residents not to send money or give personal information to anyone they do not know and also not to access unknown Internet websites if instructed to do so.

BARNESVILLE - State police at Frackville charged a Barnesville man with harassment after an incident about 4 p.m. Wednesday at a home at 58 Bernhard Road in Ryan Township.

Police said Daniel J. Igo, 26, will have to answer to the charge before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua.

Police said they were called to the area for a report of harassment and were told that Igo assaulted Diana Ketusky, 18, of Barnesville, during an argument.

Police said the investigation is continuing and the charge against Igo will be filed in district court.

SAINT CLAIR - State police at Schuylkill Haven are looking for the hit-and-run vehicle which dented the rear driver's side door of a 1996 Mercedes C220 in the parking lot of Lowe's in Norwegian Township on Tuesday afternoon, police said Thursday.

Police said the incident occurred at 5 p.m. Tuesday and the owner of the vehicle is Charles Heil, 61, of New Philadelphia.

SUEDBURG - A Williamstown man escaped injury when the 2014 Ford Fusion he was driving crashed about 8:25 a.m. Wednesday on Gold Mine Road, about a half mile from the county line, in Cold Spring Township, Lebanon County.

State police at Jonestown said Michael A. Medellin, 49, was driving north when he fell asleep on a right curve.

The car traveled across the southbound lane, went off of the west side of the road and struck an embankment and large rocks.

Police said the car had to be towed from the scene and that Medellin will be cited for failing to drive on roadways laned for traffic as a result of the crash.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Someone removed various equipment from What A Crock Records, North Manheim Township, and then fled the scene between 9:15 p.m. Wednesday to 9:15 a.m. Thursday.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said those responsible removed a black Sony stereo system, used amplifiers and receivers, assorted power cords and a lime green power pack hand drill.

Anyone with information regarding this matter should call Schuylkill Haven police at 570-593-1330.

Mailbox damaged

in Wayne Twp.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a criminal mischief incident that occurred between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 7 a.m. Thursday at 1003 Schuylkill Mountain Road in Wayne Township.

Police said Jessica Foley reported someone used a blunt object to damage her mailbox and then fled the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-739-1330.

AUBURN - A criminal mischief incident that occurred between 12:30 and 12:45 a.m. Thursday at 255 Meadow Drive in South Manheim Township is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Police said Tammy Badger reported that someone damaged her mailbox with a blunt object and then fled the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-739-1330.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Two women experienced minor injuries in a crash at 6:50 a.m. Friday traveling south on Route 183.

Jan M. Midgette, 40, of Northfield, New Jersey, traveling in a 2008 Saturn Aura, attempted to make an illegal U-turn in the middle of the roadway. Alexia A. Rodriguez, 24, of Pottsville, traveling in a 2003 Chevrolet Impala, struck Midgette's car with her Impala.

The left front end of the Aura struck the left back end of the Impala. After impact, the Impala traveled in a southwest direction through the west berm, down a slight embankment and struck several small trees before coming to a final rest facing southwest. The Aura traveled in a southeast direction and struck the guide rail along the east berm and came to final rest facing northeast in the northbound lane of travel.

Police said both women were wearing seat belts and Midgette was charged for the crash.

Both women were transported to the Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street by EMS with minor injuries. On scene were the Schuylkill Haven police, Pottsville/Schuylkill Haven/Orwigsburg EMS, Summit Station Fire Company and Friedensburg Fire Company No. 1.

Traffic was detoured for approximately one hour while the investigation was conducted and until the vehicles could be removed from the scene.

MINERSVILLE - Minersville police filed charges against a borough man stemming from an incident about 4:15 p.m. March 3 in the area of 670 Sunbury St.

Police said Matthew C. Gibson, 27, of 368 Jones St., Apt. 2, was charged with one felony offense each of delivery of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit delivery of a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit criminal use of a communications facility.

Police said two confidential informants made arrangements to meet Gibson to purchase 1/16th of an ounce of methamphetamine for $220.

The informants were then taken to the 600 block of Sunbury Street where they were met by Gibson and another man and allowed to enter the 670 Sunbury St. home.

Police said Gibson pulled out a digital scale and weighed 1/16th of an ounce of methamphetamine that was turned over to officers when the two exited the home.

Police said the charges against Gibson were filed with Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, who issued a warrant for the man's arrest.

ASHLAND - A woman was jailed after being taken into custody by Ashland police for violating a protection from abuse order at 1125 Market St. on June 6.

Police said Kelsea Shappell, whose age was not available and who has no fixed address, was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to prison in lieu of $5,000 bail.

Police said Shappell went to the home of Ruth Schnee in violation of the order and was subsequently taken into custody a short distance away.

Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street

To Robert Sinko Sr. and Heather Stephens, Minersville, a son, April 24.

A Cressona man charged with assaulting another man in the parking lot of Coney Island on West Market Street, Pottsville, on April 8 is among those scheduled to plead not guilty Monday during arraignment in Schuylkill County Court.

John J. Bennett Jr., 26, of 39 Ash St., was arrested by Pottsville Patrolman Renee Truscott and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Truscott charged Bennett with getting involved in an argument over a woman with Steven Hunt Jr., during which Bennett pulled out a knife and ran toward the other man in an aggressive manner and tried to assault him.

Hunt then jumped into his vehicle and pointed a gun at Bennett's head, the officer said.

Earlier this year, Hunt, who lives at 322 W. Race St., Pottsville, appeared in court for arraignment on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, carrying firearms without a license, simple assault, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness, all stemming from the same incident.

Others scheduled to plead not guilty, and the charges against them, include:

Theresa M. Brilla, 50, of 19 Woodside Drive, Pottsville - DUI and driving under the influence of drugs.

Robert T. Koons, 25, of 530 Market St., Box 361, Auburn - possession of a small amount of marijuana, driving under the influence of drugs, driving without insurance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, careless driving, reckless driving and failure to wear seat belts.

Michael J. Kirkland, 30, of 282 Sweet Arrow Lake, Pine Grove - driving under the influence of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving at an unsafe speed and careless driving.

Sean N. Hess, 22, of 206 N. Second St., Auburn - driving under the influence of drugs, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, careless driving and failure to wear seat belts.

Courtney E. Nichols, 37, of 276 Third St., Coaldale - DUI, DUI-highest rate, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic and careless driving.

Candace L. Colna, 23, of 51 Grant St., Schuylkill Haven - DUI-high rate, driving under the influence of drugs, careless driving and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Lauren A. Henn, 38, of 919 Mount Hope Ave., Pottsville - driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a small amount of marijuana and violation of period requiring lighted lamps.

Rebekah R. Johnson, 30, of Box 402, Minersville - driving under combined influence and turning movements and required signals violation.

Thomas J. Karpovich, 62, of 133 Roosevelt Drive, Morea - DUI, DUI-high rate, driving on the wrong side of the road and careless driving.

Joseph R. McGinley, 41, of 6 Walnut St., Middleport - driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to be licensed, driving an unregistered vehicle, unauthorized use or transfer or registration and altered, forged or counterfeit documents or plates.

Gregory B. Ristila, 38, of 120 Patterson St., Tamaqua - DUI, DUI-high rate, careless driving and failure to use seat belts.

Amanda Lee Smith, 24, of 198 Llewellyn Road, Pottsville - driving under the influence of drugs, careless driving and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Kelly M. Bevan, 49, of 1404 Seneca St., Pottsville - driving under the influence of drugs, careless driving and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Mikel R. Weaber, 22, of 310 Tremont Road, Pine Grove - DUI and careless driving.

Leann N. Evans, 19, of 218 Wynonah Drive, Auburn - DUI-highest rate.

Leon James, 56, of 400 W. Cherry St., Shenandoah - DUI, DUI-highest rate, reckless driving and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Jose J. Zamudio-Estrada, 32, of 959 W. Coal St., Shenandoah - DUI and stop and yield sign violations.

Neil A. Hoffman, 40, of 220 High St., Tamaqua - DUI and DUI-highest rate.

Stephen M. Meehan, 22, of 79 Water St., New Philadelphia - DUI and DUI-high rate.

Sheri Lee Schleig, 48, of 18 Cornish St., Pottsville - DUI, DUI-highest rate and careless driving.

Bonnie M. Benner, 249 Laurel Court, Pine Grove - driving under the influence of drugs, careless driving and failure to be licensed.

Carmen D. Vergara, 46, of 471 North St., Box 365, Minersville - DUI and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Keith A. Nester, 32, of 525 Mahantongo St., Apt. 2, Pottsville - DUI, DUI-high rate, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, driving at an unsafe speed and failure to notify of change of name or address.

Patricia Ann McCormick, 60, of 17 N. Bower St., Shenandoah - DUI, DUI-high rate and stop and yield sign violations.

Craig J. Hendricks, 33, of 696 Forest Lane, Pottsville - driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ricky C. Blackwell, 52, of 126 Railroad St., Girardville - fleeing or attempting to elude police, DUI, exceeding maximum speed limits, careless driving, failure to be licensed and stop and yield sign violations.

Robert N. Vasiliou, 58, of 94 Miner St., Coaldale - DUI, accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property and turning movements and required signals violation.

Rebecca M. Wehr, 40, of 313 W. Market St., Orwigsburg - theft by deception and bad checks.

David N. Benitez, 30, of 100 Market St., Tamaqua - forgery, access device fraud, theft and receiving stolen property

Michael A. Klinger, 25, of 1315 Walnut St., Ashland - identity theft, access device fraud and receiving stolen property.

Rhonda McFarland, 37, of 41 W. Howard Ave., Coaldale - retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Joseph L. Alicea, 32, of Rear 132 Spruce St., Tamaqua - retail theft.

Joshua L. Smith, 33, of 7 Hemlock Road, Pottsville - possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tiara R. Pleva, 30, of 219 W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City - false identification to law enforcement, retail theft, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

Scott E. Fekette, 43, of 34 Carbon St., Minersville - possession of drug paraphernalia.

Russell C. Teter, 38, of 42 Westwood St., Minersville - receiving stolen property, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, illegal possession or use of firearms, prohibited offensive weapons, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Renee E. Gibas, 42, of 4 Wiggan St., New Philadelphia - possession of a controlled substance and retail theft.

Travis L. Woegens, 34, of 127 C St., Girardville - retail theft.

Kyle R. Klinger, 28, of 542 W. Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven - possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dorothy M. Brenneman, 32, of 1933 Centre St., Ashland - retail theft.

Lynn A. Fekette, 39, of 34 Carbon St., Minersville - possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Anthony J. Koles Jr., 25, of 119 E. Hancock St., McAdoo - theft.

Angus J. Angst, 23, of 70 Coal St., Apt. 1, Port Carbon - possession of drug paraphernalia.

Stacy L. Dalton, 46, of 323 N. George St., Pottsville - retail theft.

Dylan J. Eckert, 20 of 201 N. Fourth St., Minersville - aggravated harassment by prisoner.

Gina M. Keiter, 31, of 1803 W. Market St., Pottsville - access device fraud, identity theft, receiving stolen property and theft by deception.

Anthony J. Iacovetti, 42, of 2 N. Third St., Apt. 5, Pottsville - theft and receiving stolen property.

James J. Cassarella II, 24, of 1349 W. Market St., Pottsville - theft, receiving stolen property and theft by deception.

Michael C. Blanco, 34, of 411 Main St., Pottsville - aggravated assault and indecent assault.

Kelly Bolkovich, 36, of 216 Pine St., Port Carbon - violation of Public Welfare Code.

Shauna N. Ruch, 23, of 618 Laurel Terrace, Pottsville - retail theft.

Amy Hubler, 37, of Box 4131, 413 Minersville St., Seltzer - defiant trespasser.

William A. Fryer, 22, of 210 New Philadelphia Road, Kaska - theft and receiving stolen property.

Chelsea L. Socks, 23, of 1559 Center Turnpike, Orwigsburg - receiving stolen property.

James A. Johnson, 44, no known address - criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Iylissa N. Jack, 21, no known address, Pottsville - theft, receiving stolen property, unauthorized use of automobiles and accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property.

Shayna M. Uroskie, 20, of 222 Harrison St., Pottsville - theft.

John M. Krisa Jr., 39, of 110 S. Jackson St., Pottsville - carrying firearms without a license, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct.

Heather A. Kessler, 28, of 721 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City - forgery, identity theft and furnishing false or fraudulent information or materials.

Brendon W. Brown, 22, of 15 N. Fifth Ave., Barnesville - possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

April L. Reznick, 31, of 107 E. Moser Ave., Coaldale - access device fraud and theft by deception.

Justin E. McArdle, 27, of 426 Arlington St., Tamaqua - conspiracy.

John J. Benitez, 22, of 70 S. Kennedy Drive, McAdoo - driving an unregistered vehicle, unauthorized transfer or use of registration, fraudulent use or removal of a registration plate and altered, forged or counterfeit documents and plates.

Randy C. Brown, 41, of 134.5 W. Spruce St., Tamaqua - terroristic threats, simple assault and criminal mischief.

John D. Krell, 41, of 225 W. Blaine St., McAdoo - disorderly conduct and harassment.

Amy Hubler, 37, of Box 4131, 413 Minersville St., Seltzer - defiant trespass.

Paul A. Fennell, 33, of 100 E. Colliery Ave., Tower City - bad checks.

Rodney W. Herring, 49, of 236 Sweet Arrow Lake Road, Pine Grove - theft of services and criminal mischief.

Troy A. Richardson, 24, of 322 W. Grand Ave., Tower City - recklessly endangering another person and harassment.

Bobby Lee Taylor, 20, of 1117 Mahantongo St., Pottsville - retail theft and corruption of minors.

Canei Belair Miller, 24, of 231 Peacock St., Pottsville - stalking, simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Thomas Nestor, 36, of 228 W. Coal St., Shenandoah - theft and receiving stolen property.

STATE COLLEGE - The Big Blue Machine reigns supreme.

Again.

For the ninth time in school history, Minersville has won a PIAA softball championship.

With a 4-1 victory over Claysburg-Kimmel on Friday at Penn State's Nittany Lion Softball Park, the Battlin' Miners captured the PIAA Class A title.

They did it on the strength of early offense, clutch pitching by senior Riley Gerenda and error-free defense behind her.

Morgen Woodford's RBI single in the first inning gave Minersville a 1-0 lead.

In the second, the Miners (24-3) added three more to extend the advantage to 4-0. Reighly Melochick and Lindsey Snyder hit RBI singles, with another run scoring when a Claysburg-Kimmel outfielder on Snyder's hit let the ball get past her and roll toward the wall.

Staked with that early lead, Gerenda went to work pounding the strike zone. After walking the leadoff batter in each of the first two innings, the senior right-hander retired 11 in a row - each out bringing Minersville closer to a championship.

A rain/severe storm delay stopped play at 4:34 p.m. but only delayed the inevitable.

Play resumed at 5:55 p.m. By 6:11 it was over.

Claysburg-Kimmel mounted a rally and scored a run in the top of the seventh inning, but a perfectly executed relay play cut down Christina Wannyn at the plate. Senior left fielder Alyse Ryan threw to senior shortstop Melochick, who relayed to senior catcher Woodford, who applied the tag for the final out. The victory marked the second state championship for this senior class.

"The Battlin' Niners," Minersville coach Dave Homa said with a laugh. "That's the first time it ended like that, but those are repetitions they've had since seventh grade. ... Senior, to senior, to senior. That's how the game ended, and that's the way it should end for that class."

ORWIGSBURG - The plan to turn the former Fessler USA building into apartments could soon be reality.

Barefield Development Corp. was awarded $573,128 in tax credits Thursday for the project.

"I feel great. It's a great project for Orwigsburg," Craig Shields, Barefield chief executive officer, said Thursday.

The project will turn the approximate 40,000-square-foot building into 20 apartments for the elderly. Plans call for 13 one-bedroom apartments and seven two-bedroom apartments. Shields said occupancy applications could start to be accepted by fall.

The Fessler building has been vacant since the first week of July 2009 when operations were moved from 216 W. Independence St. to the location along Route 61, which has since closed.

The funding was announced by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. According to the PHFA's website, the agency's goal is to assist in providing affordable housing for low-income families. Credits are sold to owners of housing developments to reduce their tax liability. Cash is then given to the company that had credits for the project and the credit can be taken for a 10-year period as long as the development adheres to applicable rules.

That money could generate $5,043.469 for the project, which could vary depending on different factors, according to PHFA.

A $1,000,217 loan was also provided for the project by PennHOMES. Total development costs are projected at $7,019,573, according to the agency.

Revenue also comes from different sources.

This is the second time Barefield applied for the funding and the first time they have been approved.

The Schuylkill County commissioners allocated $25,000 last year from Act 137 money. An additional $25,000 for the project is recommended by the Affordable Housing Trust Board and will be on the agenda for the commissioners meeting Wednesday, Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage Jr. said Friday.

Work could start by the fall and be completed in about a year, Shields said.

Statewide, 75 projects were submitted to PHFA and 20 were funded. A list of funded projects is available on the PHFA website at www.phfa.org.

Shields said he received a call from Sen. Dave Argall, R-29, about the project.

"This is a great example of teamwork to secure much-needed tax credits for a program supported by the community. As chairman of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, I know how important these funds can be for communities in fighting blight and urban decay," Argall said in a statement.

Both Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, Argall and others, including borough Manager Mike Lonergan, had a hand in the effort for the project.

"This project will make an enormous impact in the ongoing need for affordable housing for our elderly residents in the Orwigsburg area. This funding and the approved tax credits will help this project become a reality," Knowles said in a statement.

Lonergan is also excited about the project and thanked those involved.

"I am very happy that we were selected for funding. It was a pleasure to work with Craig Shields and the entire team to bring this to reality." Lonergan said Thursday.

He said he was grateful for the support of Argall and Knowles, and that now the building can be put to better use.

Walter Meck, president and CEO of the now defunct Fessler USA, said he was also thankful the building will be put to good use since Meck said he did not believe the building would again be used for manufacturing.

"I'm very excited. It think it's a great project for Orwigsburg," he said Friday.

The use for the building as apartments is a "perfect fit," he said because of the available space and location in the borough.

Barefield had an option to buy the property. Meck said he is not in a hurry to get the process moving as he has waited patiently so far.

"We know that it's going to take a couple months," he said.

Also through the building project, a space will be provided for the Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library which currently rents space.

"We're very excited about the opportunity. It's a great opportunity to have a permanent home for the library without the burden of paying rent," Greg Stewart, president of the board of directors of the library, said Thursday.

The final details of any potential move have yet to be finalized. The library board of directors has been notified of the developments, he said.

Action would need to be taken by the board, he said, adding he did not know when that might be.

Mayor Barry Berger thanked Argall and Knowles for their assistance. He also said renovating the building into apartments is good for the community.

"The renovation of this building to provide affordable elderly housing and new quarters for the Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library is a highly viable alternative to permitting its fall into disrepair," he said.

Meck said the building is well taken care of.

Shields said the project is "nothing but a win for everybody."

DREHERSVILLE - Susan McCartney, McKeansburg, said she enjoys Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for a number of reasons. Among them is the peaceful setting.

"It's the solitude," McCartney, 67, said.

On Tuesday, she, her husband and friends visited the 2,500-acre wildlife habitat straddling Berks and Schuylkill counties, which sees more than 70,000 visitors each year.

But it wasn't always like this.

Before the sanctuary's founder, Rosalie Edge, New York City, stepped foot in the forested peak in Berks County in June 1934, gunfire ruffled feathers, according to Mary Linkevich, Hawk Mountain's director of communication and grants.

"She came here because she saw this photo of dead hawks. They were brought to her attention," Linkevich said Tuesday, pointing to a large-scale image of 230 dead hawks in the sanctuary's Visitor Center. It was taken in fall 1932.

"From shooting stands on top of this ridge, migrating hawks were blasted from the sky. Each autumn, 3,000 to 5,000 hawks fell," according to caption information printed on the display.

This year, the sanctuary will be celebrating its 80th anniversary, encouraging visitors to learn a bit about its origins. No special events are planned to specifically celebrate the milestone.

"We're not having one big anniversary event. I'd like to say we celebrate every day," Linkevich said.

And there's always something happening at Hawk Mountain. For instance, the Hawk Mountain Hill Climb, its annual 5K run-walk, is being held today to benefit the sanctuary. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the race is at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.hawkmountain.org.

Key figures in the sanctuary's history include Edge and Maurice Broun.

Rosalie Barrow was born Nov. 3, 1877, in New York City's East Village. Her family included a husband, Charles Noel Edge, a wealthy British engineer. They divorced prior to 1929. She became fascinated with species conservation about 1915 when her family bought a summer home on Long Island, according to an article by Jim Brett, former curator at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.

In 1934, the Emergency Conservation Committee, a group of New York City-based activists, headed by Edge, leased 1,400 acres on the mountain for $500. In June 1934, Edge paid her first visit there. That September, she hired a fellow New York native as the sanctuary's first warden and curator and ordered him to stop hunters from shooting on the property, according to a chronology on the sanctuary's website.

Broun was born in New York City on Aug. 27, 1906.

"Broun was orphaned when he was 2 years old. With adoptive parents, he moved to Boston where, at age 13, he became interested in birds because of a chance encounter with birders at the Boston Common," according to his obituary, published in "The Auk, A Quarterly Journal of Ornithology: Vol. 109, No. 3, July 1992."

"Except for three years, 1942-1945, when he served as a photographer with the Seabees in the South Pacific during World War II, Broun was curator of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary until his retirement in 1966," according to his obituary.

"When he started counting, he reported he saw golden eagles. And people said, 'There are no golden eagles in Pennsylvania. You're wrong.' And there are people who came here to prove him wrong, who then said 'Oh! There it is.' So he documented golden eagle flights and started the first systematic count that ever happened. Today, there are hundreds of watch sites around the world that are doing exactly what we're doing here," Linkevich said.

In 1938, Edge secured clear title and deeded it to the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association.

In 1946, the sanctuary began year-round operations. In 1948, it attracted 5,500 visitors and a membership of 1,000, according to the sanctuary's records.

In 1948, Broun wrote a history, "Hawks Aloft: The Story of Hawk Mountain" and claimed it was "the world's first sanctuary for the birds of prey."

In the preface to the 2000 edition, John Rowlett, chairman of the sanctuary's education committee at the time, celebrated Broun's definition of "sanctuary."

"What is noteworthy about Broun's thinking is that his understanding of sanctuary entangles two concepts. One is land-based, that of a physical place, and is directed by the notion that nature knows best," Rowlett said in the preface.

"The other concept underlying Broun's sanctuary is that of temporary protection from harm during flight or exodus," Rowlett said. "This concept is directed by the notion that human beings know best. Conservationists save by intervening - here, in the misguided behavior of gunners," Rowlett said.

Broun resided at the cabin at 1607 Hawk Mountain Drive, known as "Schaumboch's Tavern." While there are ghost stories about the cabin, Broun, in his book, attributed the odd creaks he heard at night to wood rats.

"It's on the National Register," Linkevich said.

Edge died Nov. 30, 1962, and is buried in New Windsor, New York, on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River north of New York City, according to Brett's article.

Today, two of her children, Deborah Edge and Stephen Edge, are members of the sanctuary's board of directors, Linkevich said.

In 1965, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the sanctuary as a National Natural Landmark, according to the sanctuary's records.

Broun died Oct. 2, 1979, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, according to his obituary.

Today, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization with an yearly operating budget of roughly $2 million, has a total of 15 full-time employees and five to 10 seasonal, part-time employees, according to Linkevich.

Its property includes more than 2,500 acres which cross Schuylkill and Berks counties near Drehersville. The sanctuary's amenities include an outdoor amphitheater and a native plant garden, which are in proximity to the Visitors Center, the Irma Broun-Kahn Education Building along Hawk Mountain Road, an 8-mile trail system and half a dozen scenic overlooks, according to Linkevich.

"I heard a pileated woodpecker," McCartney said while walking along the misty trail Tuesday morning with her husband, Jim, and their friends, Jeff and Beverly Suhr, Roanoake, Virginia.

"We're very impressed with the quality and the professional look of everything," Jeff Suhr, 68, said.

"The Visitors Center is very well done," Susan said.

"And all of the things the volunteers have done to maintain it, it's wonderful. God's creation is beautiful, but it's nice to have others helping along the way to keep it beautiful," Beverly, 68, who is originally from Deer Lake, said.

"And," Susan said, "we always meet such nice people up here along the path."

n Frackville: Orders are being taken for a Friday pierogie sale sponsored by Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, Lehigh Avenue. Patrons have their choice of boiled with butter and onions, deep-fried or frozen. For more information or to order, call 570-874-7532.

n Mahanoy City: Four members of Post Q, Anthracite Region, Travelers Protective Association of America, were elected to state and national offices at the 123rd annual TPA state convention held recently at the Holiday Inn, Grantville, hosted by Post C, Reading. Edwin Miller, Post Q secretary/treasurer, was elected zone director, state membership and coffee break chairman and to run for Area 3 community service chairman at the national convention to be held at the same site June 22-25. Dolores Miller was elected state community service chairperson and Bill Kern Jr., state safety chairman and to run for Area 3 safety chairman at the national convention. Harry O. Meyers was elected as alternate zone director. Other TPA state officials elected included Donald Tribit, Post D, Lancaster, president; James Ruffner, Post E, Lebanon, first vice president; Vera Eppler, Post W, Williamsport, second vice president and Carol Ruffner, Post E, Lebanon, secretary/treasurer. Mahanoy City-based Post Q had a delegation of five at the convention. In addition to the Millers, Bill and Suzanne Kern and Meyers were delegates. Post Q hosted its annual installation of officers, ritual and pin presentations on June 4 at the Good American Fire Company hall, Mahanoy City.

n Orwigsburg: An American Red Cross Blood Services Northeast Pennsylvania Region blood drive is set for 1 to 6 p.m. June 23 the Masonic Lodge, 1000 E. Market St. People who are 17 or older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are eligible to give blood. To make an appointment to donate blood, call 800-RED-CROSS or go online to www.redcrossblood.org.

n Pine Grove: The Pine Grove Temple Association will sponsor meals featuring steak, grilled ham, grilled pork chops, beer-battered deep-fried haddock or baked haddock from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Pine Grove Masonic Lodge, 23 Oak Grove Road. Meals are $11 each. Children's platters will be available. Everyone is welcome. For takeouts or more information, call 570-345-0165.

n Shenandoah: The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. meets at 5:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month in the downtown center, 116 N. Main St. New volunteers are always welcome to help advance the revitalization effort. For more information, go to the DSI website at www.downtownshenandoah.com, visit the center during regular hours, call 570-462-2060 or email dsi@downtownshenandoahinc.com. Donations to help DSI maintain the renewal effort are needed and gratefully accepted.

n Shenandoah: 4K and kindergarten registrations in the Shenandoah Valley School District are slated for 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 8 and 9. People are asked to call 570-462-2796 to schedule an appointment. Three proofs of residency, the child's birth certificate and updated immunizations are required for registration. To enroll in 4K, children must be 4 years old by Aug. 25. For kindergarten, children must be 5 years old by Aug. 25.

n Tamaqua: The Cressona Band will perform a free concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Tamaqua ABC High Rise, 222 E. Broad St., sponsored by Shafer's Pharmacy and Dr. Richard Chwastiak. People are invited to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the performance.

n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Area Adult Day Care Center, 300 W. Broad St., is open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The June agenda includes a visit from the Salvation Army on Wednesday, a trip to Heisler's Dairy Bar on Friday, themed bingo on June 24 and National Strawberry Parfait Day June 25. Hairdresser services are available at the center on Thursdays. The center's new facility director is Denise Skrabak. New participants are always welcome. For more information, call 570-668-6556.

ROCK - One of the two historic covered bridges remaining in Schuylkill County was taken apart piece by piece this week.

Work started Monday to rehabilitate the Rock Covered Bridge in Washington Township.

"The wood is actually in really good shape for how old it is," Phil Seele, superintendant for Deblin Inc., Mechanicsburg, said Wednesday.

The Burr-arch truss-style bridge was built in 1870 and is on Newswanger Road over Little Swatara Creek. Also known as county bridge No. 113, it is 50 feet, 7 inches long with a clearance of 10 feet, 6 inches.

The other covered bridge in the county, the Zimmerman Covered Bridge is also a Burr-arch truss and is located just west of the Rock Covered Bridge on Covered Bridge Road. It was repaired in 1996.

Both bridges were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Deblin Inc. was awarded the contract for the project in March. The crew took the roof off the bridge Wednesday.

"This is one of the coolest jobs the guys will be on," Seele said. "I love being around the woodwork."

The bridge has been restricted to 3-ton loads, which is the minimum weight capacity for an overpass before it is closed. The roadway will have a detour until repairs are completed.

Larson Design Group, Williamsport, designed the work. Repairs include adding steel beams to support the structure while removing steel from the walls to make the roadway wider. The goal was to preserve as much of the original wood as possible.

About 30 percent has to be replaced, Seele said.

John Patrick, one of the designers on the project, said no one will be able to see the steel unless they are underneath the bridge.

While the exterior wood has been weathered, Patrick said "the interior chestnut is like stone. You can't put a nail in it."

Seele said it is the second covered bridge the company has repaired. Deblin Inc. also made repairs to a covered bridge in Oley, Berks County, that was more than 100 feet in length.

"This one is a piece of cake compared to that one," Seele said.

The entire project is covered by a federal National Historic Covered Bridge Grant worth $1.1 million.

The Panther Valley High School Class of 2014 was the 50th class to graduate from the school, and the milestone was noted several times Friday during commencement exercises for the 73 graduating seniors.

Rosemary Porembo, Panther Valley superintendent, acknowledged the Class of 1965, the first to graduate from the then-new high school.

"In 1964, we had students from four small towns to meet new friends in a jointure called Panther Valley," Porembo said. "They set aside the colors of red and white of Lansford, the maroon and gold of Nesquehoning, the black and orange of Coaldale and the brown and gold of Summit Hill to don the black, white and gold of Panther Valley.

"Over the last 50 years, the alumni of Panther Valley have gone into the world with a set of characteristics truly defined by this coal region - middle-class, hard-working, coal-cracking dreamers who understand that life is about choices and responsibility."

Porembo, who is retiring, offered some guidance for the graduates.

"Graduates, accept what you are able to do, and what you are not able to do," she said. "Accept the past as the past, without denying it or discarding it. Learn to forgive yourself and others. And don't assume it's too late to get involved. A real life is the ability to look out at the world, see good, and try to give some of it back. I hope you arrive at your destination, and more importantly, be thankful and recognize it's the journey that is rich and fulfilling."

Panther Valley Principal Joseph Gunnels made some comparisons of life as it is today to 50 years ago.

"Gas was 31 cents a gallon," he said. "There was no cable TV. The top TV programs were 'F Troop,' 'Green Acres' and 'I Spy,' ice cream was 79 cents a gallon, Gerber baby food was three (jars) for a quarter, a dozen eggs was 53 cents, a gallon of milk was 90 cents, a loaf of bread 21 cents, and something that doesn't exist anymore, a paid phone call was 10 cents. The minimum wage was $1.25 a hour, the average home cost $5,900. A Chevy Impala cost $2,900 and the Ford Mustang was introduced that year."

Two class members who passed away were also noted.

Class President Aidan Cleary said, "We cannot walk this stage tonight without remembering our friends and classmates, Evan Albertini and Matt Aungst, who left us too early. Yes, this is a wonderful and joyous time, and as we celebrate we hold close the memories of our friends."

Regarding their hard work from freshmen to seniors, Salutatorian Jacob Szezcina quoted basketball player Kevin Durant, who said, "Hard work beats talent, when talent fails to work hard."

"None of us started as the most intelligent students, superstar athletes, the finest cadets, excellent artists and some of the most courageous volunteers in our close-knit community," he said. "Yet each particular field recognized as award-worthy required each student on this stage to dedicate countless hours toward his or her craft to be the best he or she can be."

Valedictorian Richelle Van Horn said receiving their diplomas makes the graduates "unique individuals who now have to make our own choices and decisions for the rest of our lives. I want to wish all of you success in whatever endeavors you choose to pursue."

The City of Pottsville's fire department will be hosting its second annual Public Safety Night Out on Monday at the campus of the Pottsville Area School District, and city officials expect hundreds to come out, according to city Councilman Mark Atkinson.

"Last year, we ended up with several hundred people. We're hoping for a turnout of that size again this year. It will be like last year, in that we will have police, fire and EMS there. But Quandel concrete is also coming out. And they're bringing a cement mixer," Atkinson, who is the city's director of public safety, said.

While the purpose of the event is to raise awareness about fire safety and introduce emergency volunteers and a variety of their tools to the community, it will be expanded this year to allow the city and local businesses to showcase some of their vehicles as well, Atkinson said Wednesday.

For example, the city streets department and James W. Quandel & Sons, Minersville, will have trucks on display at the event, slated from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in the parking lot of the Howard S. Fernsler Academic Center, behind D.H.H. Lengel Middle School.

"We had an overwhelming response from the public last year. After last year's event, we sat down and tried to figure out how much better can we make it. So we decided to see if we could showcase not only emergency vehicles but commercial vehicles as well," Atkinson said.

Last year, the city fire department held the event in response to a tragic fire which claimed the lives of a family at 235 Pierce St. on May 12, 2013.

The city fire department will be giving out fire detectors at Monday's event, but Atkinson was not certain how many were available.

"Come out to learn about fire safety and other issues that may affect you and your family," Rick Deal, emergency planning and logistics specialist for the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency, Pottsville, said in a press release Tuesday.

About 100 emergency responders will attend, Atkinson said.

"Pottsville has seven fire companies and, together, they'll be bringing 15 fire apparatus, including the technical rescue truck at Yorkville Hose, which is designed for trench and building collapses. It's one of the most advanced pieces of rescue equipment in the region," Atkinson said.

Participants will include Pottsville police, Pottsville/Schuylkill Haven/Orwigsburg Area EMS, Schuylkill County Sheriff Department, Lehigh Valley MedEvac, the Burn Prevention Foundation and the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency, Deal said.

Representatives of the sheriff's office will bring Ident-A-Kid kits, Deal said.

"Last year, the sheriff's department fingerprinted around 400 children and they will be doing that again this year," Atkinson said.

There will be free food and beverages, according to Atkinson.

"Sponsors included Sara Lee's, which gave us 1,000 hot dogs, and Pepsi is donating the soda," Atkinson said.

The rain date is Tuesday, Deal said.

INFO BOX

The second annual Public Safety Night Out in Pottsville

Host: Pottsville Fire Department

Location: The parking lot of the Howard S. Fernsler Academic Center, behind the D.H.H. Middle School.

Time: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday.

Rain date: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Admission: Free

Source: Mark Atkinson, city director of public safety

In November 1948, members of the Pottsville Area football team celebrated a win against Reading High by breaking apart that high school's goalposts.

One of Pottsville's players, Leon L. Grickis Sr., held onto part of it - a 14-inch long stake inscribed with the date and score, "Nov. 20, 1948 PHS 6 RHS 2" - until he died on Dec. 14. On Saturday, his daughter, Jane "Jancie" Quest, Harrisburg, donated it to the Schuylkill County Historical Society.

"He kept this beside his desk. That was their big rival at the time and that was the score. And this is an actual part of that goalpost. I guess back in the day when they cheered and got excited, they collapsed them," Quest, 45, said of the wooden stake as she visited her father's former home at 917 W. Market St., Pottsville.

In May 2013, the historical society at 305 N. Centre St., Pottsville, dedicated an honor board that recognized local athletes named to the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and The Tubby Allen-Chet Rogowicz Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Leon was inducted into both of those halls of fame, according to his obituary.

"We try to gather more and more of these types of items from the high schools in the area. Perhaps one day we'll put together a display, a collage," said Thomas B. Drogalis, the executive director of the Schuylkill County Historical Society, who picked up the donations.

Born in Schuylkill Haven, Aug. 5, 1931, Grickis was a graduate of Pottsville High School, Class of 1950, where he excelled in basketball, baseball and football as a varsity player for three years and was co-captain, according to his obituary.

According to the Nov. 22, 1948, edition of The Pottsville Republican, 10,000 people came out to see the Pottsville Crimson Tide beat the Reading Red Knights in the Nov. 20 game, held at Albright Stadium. In the lineup at that game, Grickis played center.

"A few seconds after the final gun sounded to end the hair-raising battle between Pottsville and Reading last Saturday, the Crimson and White band immediately ripped down the goal posts in their victory parade," according to the Nov. 22, 1948, edition of the newspaper. "The goal posts at both ends of the gridiron were ripped down by jubilant Pottsville fans and broken up into many pieces for souvenirs."

Grickis played the position of center in the 1949 Schuylkill County All Star football team. Leon was chosen to play in the North/South football game his senior year. He was also a semi-pro football team member of the Pottsville Rangers, according to his obituary.

Other artifacts from her father's football history Quest gave to the society included a pair of his worn cleats and the framed certificate he received when he was named to the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 8, 2000.

n Auburn: A Chinese auction to aid the Make-A-Wish Foundation is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday with a shop and drop set for 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Christmas Pines Campground, 450 Red Church Road. Food and beverages will be available. For more information, call 570-366-8866.

n Barnesville: The date for the inaugural Jerry Wolman Golf Classic has been changed to Aug. 3 with a 10 a.m. start at Mountain Valley Golf Course. For more information or to sign up, call Samuel J. Matta at 570-462-0985.

n Frackville: The Frackville Ministerium Food Bank will be open from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday to serve eligible families in the borough of Frackville. New applicants will need proof of eligibility - a Frackville borough address. The food bank is located at Zion Lutheran Church, Oak and Nice streets. Use the downstairs entrance by the parking lot.

n Nuremberg: Registrations are being accepted for the summer reading program that will begin Monday and continue through the summer. Children ages 3 to 13 are welcome to attend. This year's theme is science. Those interested should stop by Hazleton Area Public Library's Nuremberg branch or call 570-384-4101.

n Pottsville: Giving through the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation "makes a difference in the lives of many people in our community," SACF Executive Director Eileen Kuperavage said in a release, adding, "No other organization does what we do: Connect donors of today with the community needs of tomorrow." SACF, she said, provides an ideal way to easily give back and make a positive difference in the lives of people in Schuylkill County. Contributions may be made to any SACF fund at any time and in any amount. For more information about establishing a fund, go online to www.sacfoundation.com or call Kuperavage at 570-624-7223.

n Schuylkill Haven: The Penn State Master Gardener Program has established a horticulture helpline to answer gardening-related questions from Schuylkill County residents. The helpline is available now through Sept. 26. Master gardener volunteers are available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday with information about trees, flowers, shrubs, lawns, garden soil, vegetables, insects, plant diseases and related topics. Anyone with a question related to gardening should call 570-622-4225, ext. 20. Help is also available by email at schuylkillmg@psu.edu.

n Weatherly: Eckley Miners' Village Museum will kick off its summer festivities by hosting its annual Patch Town Days from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. next Sunday. The event, according to an Eckley press release, is known for its celebration of the area's rich anthracite coal mining heritage. Solo artists Kent Courtney and Dave Matsinko will perform historical songs throughout the weekend. The Troubles will perform music based from the region's Molly Maguires and Irish history, while button accordionist Henry C. Tamanini will perform polkas, waltzes and obereks. On Saturday, the Yuengling beer tent will be available at noon, and from 4 to 7 p.m., there will be a bluegrass/classic country performance by the Mud Pond Boys. The Eckley Players will perform two different plays each day and museum houses, community buildings and the gift shop will be open to visitors throughout the day. Young's Funny Farm, Berwick, will also help history come to life. Its therapy donkeys will give visitors the chance to pet the burro descendants of those used in the mines. There will also be an antique car and truck show on Saturday. Any interested people are welcome to bring their cars by 11 a.m. The car owner and one guest will receive free admission to the event. Judging will take place at 3 p.m. Advance registration is available by calling the museum at 570-636-2070. There will also be a historical fashion show on Saturday with tea and cookies served in the Sharpe house, the mine owner's home. On Sunday, the Emerald Isle Step Dancers will perform to traditional Irish music. Admission is $10 for adults ages 13 to 64, $9 for seniors 65 and older and $6 for children 6 to 12. Children under 6 will be admitted free.

LVC, Wilkes

Eric Moucheron, 22, of Mahanoy City, graduated from Lebanon Valley College, Annville, on May 10 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and special education.

Eric is the Mahanoy Area assistant band director, junior varsity girls basketball coach and girls varsity basketball assistant coach. While at Lebanon Valley, he was the student athletic director in charge of the school's intramural sports program and a high jumper on LVC's track and field team.

His sister, Allison Moucheron Kline, 27, of Barnesville, graduated from Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, on May 17, with a master's degree in classroom technology. She also has a bachelor's degree in music performance and a bachelor's degree in music education that she earned at Lebanon Valley College in 2008.

Allison is married to Darren Kline and is a high school music teacher at Mahanoy Area High School. She is also the high school band director and chorus director.

She is a member of the Schuylkill Choral Society and Anthracite Philharmonic and is assistant director of Schuylkill County's first children's chorale group, Minor Notes.

Both are graduates of Mahanoy Area High School, with Allison graduating in 2004 and Eric in 2010. They are the children of Tom and Paula Zelonis Moucheron, Mahanoy City, and grandchildren of William and Theresa Zelonis, Frackville, and Al Moucheron, Mahanoy City, and the late Joan Moucheron.

Bloomsburg

Crista R. DiCasimirro graduated May 8 from Bloomsburg University with a bachelor's degree in business administration with a major in marketing.

She is a daughter of Ettore and Rochelle DiCasimirro, New Boston, and a granddaughter of Robert Krause, Mahanoy City and a 2010 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School.

Penn State

Gerard T. Anthony II graduated from Penn State University, University Park campus, with a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering.

He has accepted a position at Ef-fort Foundry, Bath, as a foundry engineer.

He is a son of Gerard and Joanne Anthony, Frackville.

ASHLAND - On the birthday of the American flag, American Legion Bernard J. Dolan Post 434, Ashland, held a flag retirement ceremony Saturday in Memorial Field.

The ceremony was held on Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the American flag on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress. The day also marks the anniversary of the Army, which Congress founded on June 14, 1775.

Members of the veterans post conducted the Legion's Unserviceable Flag Ceremony for the second time. The first ceremony was held in 2013. The Legion revived the annual tradition, which had been held years ago in Memorial Field. The 2013 ceremony was held in Washington Park. This year's ceremony included participation by members of Boy Scout Troop 745.

Incorrectly called a "flag burning ceremony" by many, the flag retirement ceremony provides a uniform, dignified way to dispose of unserviceable flags that are tattered, worn or torn and have been flown at veterans posts, homes and other buildings or have marked the graves of veterans of military service in times of war and peace.

Three large metal barrels were prepared at the field filled with combustible materials to provide the base fire to burn the flags. The fires were started just before the ceremony was started by post First Vice Commander Frank Rice, program emcee.

The official ceremony for disposal of unserviceable flags was approved through a resolution passed at the American Legion national convention in New York City in 1937. Even though the approved method of disposing unserviceable flags had long been burning, no ritual for a ceremony had been formalized at that time. The new ceremony was added to the Legion's "Manual of Ceremonies."

Post Commander Daniel Weikel said the Legion ceremony provides a dignified way to dispose of unserviceable flags.

"The flags have served their purpose and are replaced with the new ones, and this is the best way to retire the old ones by having a ceremony like this to burn them," Weikel said before the ceremony. "Otherwise, people don't know what to do with them to retire them. They throw them in garbage cans. That's no way to treat a flag, especially when there are people who died for the flag."

The official ceremony began with Rice reading the resolution of 1937, which established the Legion tradition.

"The resolution reads as follows," Rice said. "Whereas, Americanism has been and should continue to be one of the major programs of The American Legion; and whereas, the observance of proper respect for the flag of our country and the education of our citizenry in the proper courtesies to be paid the Flag is an essential element of such Americanism program; and whereas, it is fitting and proper that flags which have been used for the decoration of graves on Memorial Day be collected after such service, inspected and worn and unserviceable flags be condemned and properly destroyed; and whereas, the approved method of disposing of unserviceable flags has long been that they be destroyed by burning, but no ritual for such destruction or ceremony in connection therewith has been adopted by the American Legion or included in its official manual of ceremonies; therefore be it resolved, by the American Legion in National Convention assembled in New York City, Sept. 20-23, 1937, that the ritual submitted herewith be adopted for use by the American Legion and that it be made the official ceremony for the destruction of unserviceable American flags and to be included as such in the Manual of Ceremonies, Revised, of the American Legion."

The Boy Scouts held some of the worn flags and passed them to Second Vice Commander Ron Wallace. Rice and Weikel dropped the flags in the fires. Sergeant-At-Arms Lawrence Madden and Chaplain Francis O'Connell also spoke during the ceremony.

Weikel said the ashes that are left after the flags are burned will be taken to local cemeteries at a later date and sprinkled over the graves of the veterans.

A Washington Fire Company No. 1 fire truck was on hand, and traffic control was provided by Ashland fire police.

Clarion

Danielle Savitsky, Frackville, a sophomore at Clarion University, made the dean's list with a 4.0 GPA for the spring semester. She is enrolled in the Clarion University honors program working toward a master's degree in speech language pathology.

A 2012 graduate of Nativity BVM High School, she is a daughter of Robert and Asseneth Savitsky, Frackville.

Case Western

Thenessa Savitsky, Frackville, a senior at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, made the dean's high honors list with a 3.83 GPA for the spring semester. She has a dual major in biology and sociology and is in the Case Western pre-dental studies program.

A 2010 graduate of North Schuylkill High School, she is a daughter of Robert and Asseneth Savitsky, Frackville.

Lebanon Valley

Lebanon Valley College, Annville, has announced its dean's list recipients for the spring semester.

Local residents who were named to the dean's list include: Ashland - Sean Jones; Auburn - Amy Karnes; Barnesville - Anne Swokel, Mark Swokel; Frackville - Jonathan Long, Kiely Chaklos; Elizabethville - Kara Gunderman; Hamburg - Katelyn Schumaker, Brittany Dierwechter, Justin Mengel; Hegins - Amanda Phillips; Kaska - Matthew Reed; Klingerstown - Lauran Deibert; Locustdale - Derrick Reed; Mahanoy City - Stephanie Price; Minersville - Cody Kelly, William Powanda; Orwigsburg - Zackery Tidmore; Pine Grove - Jeffrey Bates, Waleisha Moat, Katie Runyon; Pottsville - Pat Haughney, Brody Lipsett, Charles Schuster, Tori Stramara, Christie Sborz, Taylor Gerchak, Michael Halcovage, John Johnston, Christopher Hunt, Savannah Bottor, Megan Hayes; Ringtown - Christine Ware, Tyler Laudeman; Schuylkill Haven - Rebecca Sausser, Cheyenne Gipe, Brian Murphy, Corrine Frederick, Alyssa Miller; Shenandoah - Kristina Kelly, Alison Semanchik; Tamaqua - Miranda Milillo, Steven Christ, Kelsey Patrick, Alyssa Keich, Lauren Ward; Williamstown - Dylan Smith.

Elizabethtown

The following local students were named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Elizabethtown College:

Ryan Welker, Andrew Calnon, Elizabethville; Hannah Blecker, Auburn; Kaitlin McDonald, New Philadelphia; Samantha Weiss, Kayla Stickell, Kelly Derbes, Nicole Brackman, Anthony Iacobacci, Pottsville; Bret Stencovage, Emily Soltys, Schuylkill Haven; Amanda Noecker, Landingville; Holly Sofka, Tyler Butkus, Barnesville; Eric Yoder, Port Carbon.

Penn State

Shannon N. Evans, a freshman nursing major at Penn State Schuylkill, was named to the dean's list with a 3.53 GPA for the spring semester.

A 2013 graduate of North Schuylkill High School, she is a daughter of George and Diana Evans, Frackville.

Millersville

The following local residents were named to Millersville University's dean's list for the spring semester:

Auburn - Robert Blackwell; Pine Grove - Eli Brill, Olivia Brill, Matthew Dietrich, Chicory Snyder, Kaitlyn Stanton; Orwigsburg - Benjamin Daum, Marie Lynagh; Ashland - Derick Duffy; Pottsville - Kianna Fiscus; Hamburg - Joshua Hay; Friedensburg - Jacob Hikes; Saint Clair - Emily Kaledas; Tower City - Tiana Kelly; Tremont - Matthew Koppenhaver; Schuylkill Haven - Amanda Sleinkofer; Minersville - Connor Whitman; Elizabethville - John Zilinski.

Susquehanna

Seven local students were named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove:

Jessica Deibert, Klingerstown, a first-year student majoring in English, is a 2013 graduate of Tri-Valley High School and a daughter of Michael and Jacqueline Deibert.

Leah Leahy, Mahanoy City, a sophomore majoring in communication arts and German, is a 2012 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Leahy.

Ashley Machamer, Lykens, a first-year student majoring in psychology, is a 2013 graduate of Williams Valley High School and a daughter of Adam and Jennifer Kramer and Mark and Brooke Machamer.

Ty Raubenstine, Elizabethville, a senior majoring in business administration with a finance emphasis, is a 2010 graduate of Upper Dauphin Area High School and a son of Kim and Dotti Raubenstine.

Aaron Schuettler, Pottsville, a senior majoring in mathematics, is a 2010 graduate of Pottsville Area High School and a son of William and Brenda Schuettler.

John Slater, Ashland, a junior majoring in biology, is a 2011 graduate of Tri-Valley High School and a son of John and Donna Slater.

Laura Walser, Tamaqua, a senior majoring in Spanish and education, is a 2010 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School and a daughter of Michael and Michelle Walser.

Wilkes

Ryan Cicioni, a junior at Wilkes University majoring in mechanical engineering, made the dean's list for the spring semester with a 4.0 grade-point average.

Ryan is a son of James and Bobbie Cicioni, Frackville, and a 2011 graduate of North Schuylkilll High School.

Luzerne

Brian Jenkins, son of Barbara Jenkins, Ashland, achieved a 3.88 grade-point average for the spring semester at Luzerne County Community College.

A machinist at Ashland Foundry and Machine shop, he is majoring in middle school education for social studies and math and will continue education at Kutztown University.

Misericordia

The following students were named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Misericordia University, Dallas, Luzerne County:

Molly Betz, Tamaqua; Julia Callavini, McAdoo; Nora Chan, Auburn; Alana Clarke, Ringtown; Peter Conforti, Andreas; Megan Curry, Pottsville; Jennifer Divirgilio, Zion Grove; Tori Dziedziak, Shenandoah; Kayleigh Elser, New Ringgold; Courtney Gregas, Girardville; Nicholas Hair, Pottsville; Kayla Hope, Tamaqua; Brittany Lohr, Hegins; Alison Machey, Alyssa Machey and Tina Hutchison, all of McAdoo; Allison Mcintyre, Ashland; Jacqueline Mcmullen, Tamaqua; Shauna Quirk, Frackville; Shelly Rex, Andreas; Marybeth Rissinger, Pottsville; Amanda Ryan, Pottsville; Alexandra Schuller, Friedensburg; Jenna Strubhar, Tremont; Christine Tietsworth, Hegins; Alexandra Wagner, Tamaqua; Erica Yenchick, Nuremberg; Alexa Yoder, Orwigsburg; Daniel Zaremba, Ringtown; Erin Zeigler, New Ringgold; Nicole Rhody, Schuylkill Haven; Alexis Smerlick, Yvonne Staller, both of Schuylkill Haven.

West Chester

Joshua D. Kovich, a sophomore majoring in cellular and molecular biology/premedicine at West Chester University, was named to the dean's list for the spring semester.

A 2012 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, he is a son of David and Jayne Kovich, Pottsville, and a grandson of Janet Sheeler, Mahanoy City, and Joseph Kovich, Pottsville.

New Haven

Shelby Sattizahn, Pine Grove, made the dean's list at the University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut, for the spring semester.

Mansfield

The following area students made the dean's list at Mansfield University:

Alec Aucker, Elizabethville; Breeann Bolinsky, Frackville; Zachary Buccino, Zion Grove; Steven Harrison, Tower City; Alexis Towne, Orwigsburg; Avery Yoder, Hamburg.

Tyler Stauffer, Zion Grove, and Kimberly Troup, Joliett, were named to the spring president's list at Mansfield.

Late spring constellations are admittedly not the brightest or flashiest during the course of the year, but there are some celestial treasures if you dig a little deeper into the night sky and can get away from some of the light pollution.

A good example is the springtime constellation Coma Berenices, both small and dim. Its one redeeming value is that it's one of those few constellations that sort of looks like what it's supposed to be, locks of long flowing hair being tossed in a cosmic breeze.

I may be overselling this constellation a bit, but if you look fairly high in the southwest sky you will see a loose triangular cluster of stars. It may be a bit of a challenge to see Coma Berenices. You really have to be observing from the country side or least the last ring or so of suburbs. You might have to comb the high southwest sky with a pair of binoculars, but you should be able to find the heavenly hair.

Coma Berenices is actually more of a star cluster than a constellation, and it's one of the closest clusters to the Earth, about 250 light years away. The Declaration of Independence wouldn't be signed for another dozen years when the light you see tonight originated from those stars. If you translate light years into miles, that makes the heavenly hair about 1,400 trillion miles from your eyes. Like most open clusters, Coma Berenices is a very extended family of hundreds of stars that formed out of the same gaseous nebulae about 400 to 600 million years ago. These young stars won't leave the nest, rather, the nest will be ripped apart by gravity from other surrounding stars, and the adult stars will go their separate ways.

Coma Berenices is the only constellation named after an actual person. Queen Berenices was the wife of Ptolemy III, a famous Egyptian Pharaoh who lived around 200 B.C. According to this sordid tale, the great Pharaoh was leading his troops into a fierce war and everyone knew it was going to get real ugly. Queen Berenices was scared to death. She prayed and prayed to every god she knew for his safe return. She was so desperate to see him again, she bargained her beautiful hair to the deities in return for the safe and sound return of her hubby.

The gods kept their end of the deal, and about a year later, Ptolemy returned victorious, but a little worse for the wear. True to her word, the queen cut off all of her hair and dedicated it to the temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Just when it looked like everything was done and dusted, malicious scoundrels stole Berenices' hair from the temple. When the hair heist was discovered, Ptolemy and Berenices were ready to roll some heads, literally. All of the temple priests were in charge of security and they dropped the ball. They all were just hours away from a brutal execution.

Luckily. while on death row. one of the priests got the word out to some buddy astronomers in a neighboring town. They got the lowdown on what was going down and devised a scheme to save the lives of the priests. The noble and respected astronomers requested an audience with Ptolemy and Berenices. They conned the royal couple to go out with them that night to see a brand new pale cluster of lights high in the sky. "Look!" they exclaimed. "Do you not see the clustered curls of the queen's hair?" They continued, "Aphrodite and the other gods must have believed that the queen's hair was just too beautiful for a single temple to possess, it more rightly belongs in the heavens for all to see." The truth was that cluster was not new, but had always adorned that part of the night sky.

Much to the relief of the temple priests, Berenices and Ptolemy didn't know the stars all that well and swallowed this line of bull. Consulting astronomers can be very convincing.

(Lynch is an amateur astronomer and author of the book, "Stars, a Month by Month Tour of the Constellations." Contact him at mikewlynch@comcast.net.)

Did you know that there is a team of dedicated people who have made it their mission to help animals in emergencies?

Since 2005, Schuylkill County Animal Response Team has been helping rescue and shelter animals in times of natural or man-made disasters and emergencies, providing technical expertise to first responders and offering disaster preparedness education to the public. Organized and run by a handful of committed individuals, SCART provides a valuable service to Schuylkill County.

Formed by founding coordinator Diane Buhl, it was one of the first such teams to be organized under the PA State Response Team (PASART) umbrella.

The team's first major response was the June 2006 flood in which several companion animals were rescued from flooded homes in the Gilberton area. They've also assisted with sheltering during the 2007 Valentine's Day snow storm that closed major highways for several days, provided temporary shelter in the aftermath of the 2011 tornadoes that struck the Schuylkill Haven area and assisted Northumberland County during Super Storm Sandy in 2012. SCART also aided Humane Law Enforcement in several large-scale cruelty cases throughout the years.

In their efforts to educate and empower the public, they routinely provide American Red Cross Pet First Aid classes as well as pet disaster preparedness.

Using an aggressive fundraising campaign in 2009, they were able to secure pet rescue oxygen mask kits to EMS and fire departments throughout the county. Sixty-six kits were distributed to first responders and the team additionally carries two. The campaign was declared a huge success, guaranteeing at least one kit to be on the scene of a structure fire anywhere in the county.

Partnering with Redner's Markets, SCART held a food stand in fall 2010 with proceeds helping to defray the medical expenses of a renowned animal responder. Alex, a search and rescue K-9, suffered a neck injury that required intense physical rehabilitation. Happily, Alex was able to return to full active duty in 2011.

As a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, SCART relies on grants and donations for funding. Donations are greatly appreciated. They'll be holding a fall foliage motorcycle ride Sept. 20 in conjunction with Carbon CART. For details, contact Donna Hamblen in Schuylkill County at 570-599-5968 or Diane Sharpless in Carbon County at 570-778-6886.

We're lucky to have such caring people in Schuylkill County. For more information, or to volunteer with SCART, go to www.schuylkillcart.com.

Use the above contact info for those specific volunteer opportunities and find other opportunities at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Community Volunteers in Action can be reached at 570-628-1426 or e-mail to jjohnston@co,.schuylkill.pa.us. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/communityvolunteersinaction.

Fair volunteers

Times: Fair runs from July 28 through Aug. 2, but help is needed prior to, during and after the fair.

Responsibility: Variety of volunteer positions available to help make this the best fair year ever.

Skills: Ability to perform assigned tasks, friendly.

Location: Fairgrounds in Summit Station

Contact: Kim Morgan, 570-739-2627 or kamorgan11@gmail.com

LAKE WYNONAH - An American flag, previously flown over the White House in Washington, D.C., was raised Saturday at a service recognition ceremony revealing a new monument.

"This is not only a memorial, but to honor those presently serving," David Tyson, a member of the Service Recognition Committee, said. "We have a lot of military in our lake community and there was nothing honoring any of them."

The memorial, located near the B Dock in Lake Wynonah, includes a flag pole, planted flowers and a large stone which has a gold plaque that reads, "To honor the service of those who protect and preserve the Constitution of the United States of America."

Funds for the memorial were donated by Lake Wynonah community members. The process to build the memorial started in the winter.

"What you see here is what I had in mind and from the work of friends who really made it special," Jerry Cooper, chairman of the Service Recognition Committee, said.

Tyson said a memorial service on Flag Day will be an annual ceremony. A time capsule with the names of those who served our country was buried at the memorial by Lake Wynonah resident Dawson Schaeffer, and will be dug up at next year's ceremony. The capsule included the name of Capt. Jason B. Jones, 29, of Orwigsburg, who died in the line of duty June 2. He was the commander of a 12-man Special Forces A-Team with the Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, according to The Republican-Herald archives.

The ceremony not only honored veterans and those currently serving, but also the community that helped build the monument.

"We gather here today with different backgrounds but with a similar community, commonwealth and country," Chaplain Lt. Col. Douglas Etter, a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, said during the ceremony's invocation prayer.

He continued, "Thank you for a community which is rich in spirit enough to remember those who served."

Lt. Col. Wendell May, a retired member of the Army, recognized the community for taking the time to "reflect, honor and pause to recognize our veterans."

"You can't begin to understand how important you are," he said.

The ceremony allowed the community to honor its family members who served or are serving in the armed forces.

John Jurgensen, 68, of Lake Wynonah, said he was there in honor of his son who just returned from his service in Djibouti, Africa, after six months.

"I told him about today's services. He lives in Maryland but is very appreciative of it," Jurgensen said.

Though he did not have any family who served, Wayne Carney, 66, of Lake Wynonah, said he was there to "honor all the boys and girls who have served our country."

Community members are very supportive of the troops and all of their work.

"I give them a whole lot of credit. There is no draft anymore, they volunteer their services. They are fighting purely for the love of their country," Jackie Albert, 74, of Lake Wynonah, said.

The ceremony proved to mean a lot to the many veterans who attended.

Eddie Albert, 83, of Lake Wynonah, said he appreciated the service as a veteran of the Korean War.

"It is nice to be recognized," he said.

Tyson hopes that people will be able to honor veterans and those currently serving at the memorial.

"They deserve to be honored," Tyson said.

The ceremony also featured a wreath laying and 21-gun salute. A reception was held after the ceremony at the lodge near B Dock by the Lake Wynonah Civic Association.

Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street

To Raymond and Katie Miller Burian, Hegins, a son, May 14.

Pottsville Rotary

Pottsville Area High School 2014 graduates Hannah Corbacio and Gabrielle DiRenzo, both of Pottsville, and Nativity BVM High School 2014 graduates Michaela Klembara and Spencer Villarreal were named Pottsville Rotary students of the month for May.

Hannah is a daughter of John and Rhoda Corbacio, Pottsville. She was a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society and served as senior class treasurer.

She was a member of Key, Leo and Alethia clubs, the latter of which she served as treasurer, and a member of the Schuylkill County Junior Advisory Board. She lettered four years in track, lettered in soccer in ninth and 10th grade and lettered in volleyball in 11th and 12th grade. She earned All-Area first team honors in volleyball the past two years and participated in Youth Group and the Schuylkill County Youth Summit.

Hannah plans to attend Misericordia University, Dallas, Luzerne County and major in occupational therapy.

Gabrielle is a daughter of Paul and Connie DiRenzo, Pottsville. She was a member and president of the National Honor Society and a member of the Spanish National Honor Society. She was a four-year member of student council and served as secretary and was a part of the 2013 homecoming court.

Gabrielle was a four-year member, captain and district qualifier in cross-country and a four-year member, captain and two-year district qualifier and one-year state qualifier in track.

A three-year member of AID, she participated in numerous community-sponsored runs.

Gabrielle plans to attend Boston University to study athletic training.

Michaela is a daughter of Anita and Michael Klembara III, Schuylkill Haven, and a member and active altar server at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven. She was involved in varsity soccer, Interact, science club and academic team. Michaela is also a teen writer for the Huffington Post and an alumna of the Central Pennsylvania Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference.

She plans to attend Bloomsburg University and major in speech pathology and audiology.

Spencer is a son of Dr. Carlos and Nancy Villarreal, Gordon. He attends St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Ashland, where he is an active member and cross bearer.

He was involved in varsity soccer as captain, varsity track, Interact and campus ministry and served as a student ambassador. Spencer has received numerous awards for honor achievements and effort achievements throughout high school.

He plans to attend Temple University, Philadelphia, to major in biology focusing on pre-medical studies.

Mahanoy Area

Erin Noon and Brandon Donelson, both 2014 Mahanoy Area High School graduates, were named students of the month for April by Mahanoy City Elks Lodge 695.

Erin is a daughter of Heather Moss, Mahanoy City, and Thomas Noon, Gordon. She was senior class president and a member of student council, choir, Chordaires, Nutrition Advisory Council, SADD, Teens Against Tobacco, Theatre Arts club, cross country, swim team and track and field.

Erin was also a homecoming candidate and was a Meals on Wheels volunteer during school and summer. She plans to attend Penn State University and major in communications.

Brandon is son of Glenn Lee Donelson Jr. He was involved with National Honor Society, Bloomsburg Math Contest Team, Envirothon, Bear Pride program, Interact, football, track and field and wrestling. He also served as a Meals on Wheels volunteer.

Brandon has enlisted in the Marine Corps.

Mahanoy Area 2014 graduates Shaina Leshko and James Thomas were named students of the month for May by Mahanoy City Elks Lodge 695.

Shaina is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Leshko, Mahanoy City. She was active in student council, choir, Interact, Spanish club, Theatre Arts club, basketball, softball and volleyball.

She was a homecoming candidate and a Meals on Wheels volunteer during school and summer and is an altar server for Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church, Mahanoy City. Shaina plans to enter the National Guard and then attend East Stroudsburg University in January 2015 and major in criminal justice.

James is a son of Mr. and Mrs. James Thomas, Mahanoy City. He was active in National Honor Society, Bloomsburg Math Contest Team, student council, Bear Pride program, choir, Interact, SADD, football and track and field.

He served as basketball scorekeeper and volunteered for Meals on Wheels during school and summer and for Special Olympics.

James plans to attend East Stroudsburg University and major in speech pathology.