Lisa Barnes, a suspended Blue Mountain Middle School teacher accused of inappropriate conduct with a male student, will have to appear in Schuylkill County Court after Schuylkill County Common Pleas Judge Jacqueline Russell denied her request for the charges to be dropped.

Russell issued her decision Thursday.

Frederick J. Fanelli, attorney for Barnes, did not return a call for comment Friday. Last month, Fanelli asked for the charges to be dismissed during a motions hearing before Russell.

Barnes was charged with one count each of corruption of minors and institutional sexual assault and two of indecent assault.

In her decision, Russell said, “In making a habeas corpus determination, the court is required to simply examine the sufficiency of the commonwealth’s evidence. As a result, the court is precluded from considering documents attached to defendant’s brief and motion which were not admitted into evidence at the preliminary hearing. Likewise, the court cannot consider evidence offered by defendant’s witnesses at the preliminary hearing which conflicted with the evidence presented by the commonwealth’s witnesses.

“Additionally, at this stage of the proceedings, the court is prevented, by law, from examining the credibility of the commonwealth’s witnesses. Further, the court may not inquire into the possibility that the alleged victim and other commonwealth witnesses did, or, may have motives to fabricate. The court also cannot consider evidence presented by the defendant to the effect that commonwealth witnesses who testified to their having seen inappropriate conduct by defendant, had previously told the school principal that they had seen nothing happen.”

The charges stem from an alleged incident about 8:30 a.m. March 14 during a family consumer science class she taught. A 13-year-old boy said he was inappropriately touched by Barnes when she placed a container with a needle between his legs.

Russell said at trial, a fact-finder will have the opportunity to look deeper into issues about the case and flesh out more details, including “the ability to attempt to reconcile, if possible, the inconsistencies in the versions of the events as recited by the different Commonwealth witnesses, and to consider the effect of the statements allegedly made by various students to the middle school principal which contradicted their sworn testimony,” Russell wrote.

The case came before Russell after Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, ruled during a preliminary hearing May 5 that sufficient evidence existed for the case to be heard in county court. Several children testified at the preliminary hearing pertaining to what allegedly took place, offering conflicting versions of events. Fanelli said Barnes, who did not testify, was pleading not guilty at the start of the preliminary hearing held in Ferrier’s office.

The school board voted May 5 to suspend Barnes without pay. Before that, she was on paid administrative leave.

Blue Mountain Superintendent Robert Urzillo said Friday that, “the suspension remains in effect. We’ll have to wait till the outcome of the trial, whenever that occurs.”

In October, Maroons Sports Bar & Grill in Pottsville will reopen under new management, according to a message posted on its website.

“We will be closing down Monday, Sept. 15th as we take time to transition ownership. We will be enhancing our look and adding some fresh new items to the menu. We are sorry for the inconvenience while we renovate, but hope you will rejoin us on our planned opening Saturday, Oct. 4th,” according to www.maroonssportsbar.com.

According to the website for the state Liquor Control Board, the liquor license for the bar and restaurant at 556 N. Centre St. is in the process of being transferred, from the current owners, Robert C. and Karen J. Dittmar, doing business as Ditts Maroons LLC, to the future owners, Amanda C., Lisa A. and Michael R. Hollen, who will do business as Maroons Sports Bar LLC.

The status of the license transfer is “pending,” according to the site.

On June 30, Frank Spleen, health officer for the City of Pottsville, visited the business and the current owners introduced him to Amanda Hollen.

“They introduced her as the new owner. She told me she was from Pittsburgh and she told me she’s the new owner of Maroons Sports Bar & Grill. She told me she had a lot of plans for it. She told me that she’d let me know, in case I have to reinspect it or anything,” Spleen said Friday.

Hollen could not be reached for comment Friday.

Maroons Sports Bar & Grill opened for business June 22, 2004, owned by James Croley and his wife, Aggie Sophie Croley. It closed Nov. 12, 2006, according to the newspaper’s archives.

Since 2007, the restaurant and bar named in honor of the legendary 1920s NFL football team was owned by Robert C. and Karen J. Dittmar, Pottsville.

The Dittmars bought the property from the Pottsville Area Development Corp. for $250,000 in June 2007 and that year made more than $150,000 worth of improvements to it, according to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator and the newspaper’s archives.

In July 2011, the Dittmars put the 5,300-square-foot commercial property with off-street parking up for sale. According to a listing at www.zillow.com on Friday, the property is off the market.

Robert Dittmar did not want to comment on the transition when contacted last week. He could not be reached for comment Friday.

A Pottsvile man is $600,000 richer after winning the Cash 5 jackpot on Monday.

Charles Tice correctly matched all five numbers — 01-07-11-36-38 — to win the money, Lauren Bottaro, spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Lottery, said Friday.

The ticket was validated Thursday, she said

Tice bought the ticket at Chestnut Street Market, 250 Chestnut St., in Cressona.

“It takes four to six weeks to get a check,” Bottaro said.

She said Tice will have to discuss with the claims department about how he wants to receive his winnings. He will have to pay a federal tax of 25 percent.

Odds of winning the jackpot, matching all five numbers, are 1 in 962,598.

In a press release, the Lottery said more than 62,600 other tickets won differing amounts of money in Monday’s Cash 5 drawing.

David J. Rossi

TREMONT — A Pine Grove Township man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday on three drug-related charges.

Paul A. Daubert Jr., 29, of 34 Spittler Road, Pine Grove, faces charges of possession of red phosphorous with intent to manufacture a controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi bound over all charges for court after Daubert waived his right to the hearing.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Daubert with possessing drugs and paraphernalia on July 1 in Pine Grove Township.

Daubert is free on $25,000 unsecured bail pending further court action.

Other defendants whose cases Rossi considered on Thursday, the charges against each one and the judge’s dispositions of the matters included:

Charles E. Aungst, 24, of 186 Trumbo Road, Pine Grove; driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lanes and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Melissa A. Daubert, 47, of 3 Church St., Pine Grove; DUI, disregarding traffic lanes, careless driving and reckless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, careless driving and reckless driving charges withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Ryan M. Seidel, 27, of 2883 Pricetown Road, Temple; DUI and unsafe U-turn; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Joshua T. Semick, 35, of 37 Primrose Lane, Mount Arlington, New Jersey; DUI, speeding and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, careless driving charge dismissed, other charges bound over for court.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH — A 24-year-old borough man charged with trespassing after a June 16 incident in the borough had charges against him held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Jordan A. Zulkowski, 39 W. Centre St., Apt. 3, was arrested by Shenandoah police Lt. Gary Keppel and charged with defiant trespass. Kilker ordered the charge held for Schuylkill County Court and requested a warrant be issued for the man’s arrest after he failed to appear for the hearing.

Keppel said despite being warned Zulkowski was at a Schuylkill County Housing Authority at 157 Pioneer Road. Keppel said Zulkowski was charged for the same offense on June 12.

For that offense Patrolman William Moyer charged Zulkowski with defiant trespass. Kilker held that charge for court as well and requested an arrest warrant.

Other court cases included:

Jermie Lee Hammerstone, 26, of 229 E. Oak St., Shenandoah; held for court: making repairs to or selling offensive weapons.

Joshua Redmond, 23, of 316 Furnace St., Shenandoah; waived for court: DUI-highest rate, careless driving and accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property.

Roger M. Sadusky, 63, of 48 Weston Place, Shenandoah; waived for court: DUI, failure to use safety belts and period for requiring lighted lamps.

Brian A. Briksza, 32, of 118 N. Ferguson St., Shenandoah; waived for court: possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jason Ennis, 33, of 321 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah; withdrawn: failure to stop and give information or render aid. Waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate and accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property.

Lauren Valentine, 24, of 234 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City; withdrawn: endangering the welfare of children. Waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Vincent A. Davalos, 20, of 524 W. Centre St., Shenandoah; dismissed because the alleged victims failed to appear: burglary, criminal trespass, harassment and simple assault.

James McCabe, 22, of 15 N. Gilbert St., Shenandoah, Ringtown; dismissed because the alleged victims failed to appear: burglary, criminal trespass, harassment and simple assault.

John M. Wronski III, 27, of 425 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City; waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

William R. Rivera, 32, of 1109 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City; dismissed: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tiara R. Pleva, 30, of 219 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City; withdrawn: possession of drug paraphernalia. The charge was moved from a misdemeanor to a citation.

Chevonne M. Martinson, 29, of 28 S. Bower St., Shenandoah; withdrawn: possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and conspiracy.

Jill J. Fetterman, 42, of 313 S. Ferguson St., Shenandoah; withdrawn: forgery. Moved from a felony offense to a citation.

William J. Sanchez, 27, of 227 E. Centre St., Mahanoy City; withdrawn: possession of drug paraphernalia. Moved from a misdemeanor offense to a citation.

Joshua E. Kaylor, 24, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; held for court: possession of an access device knowing it was counterfeit, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and making an access device altered.

Anthony Toma, 23, no fixed address, Shenandoah, or Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; waived for court: criminal trespass and retail theft.

Edward J. Polusky, 25, of 219 W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City; withdrawn: possession of drug paraphernalia. Moved from a misdemeanor offense to a citation.

Charlene Lower, 49, of 1100 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City; held for court: disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Marc R. Corona, 20, of 80 Bulwer Place, No. 2, Brooklyn, New York; withdrawn: corruption of minors. Waived for court: possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and purchase of alcohol by a minor.

Javier Barrientos, 47, of 503 W. Cherry St., Shenandoah; dismissed because the alleged victim did not appear: false reports and accidents involving death or personal injury.

Amber L. Hall, 25, of 175 Marian Ave., Tamaqua; held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Man faces arrest

for animal cruelty

A 57-year-old Pottsville man was charged Friday by Pennsylvania State Police in Lehighton with sexual intercourse with an animal and animal cruelty.

State police said Arthur Joseph Johns, 317 S. Centre St., was charged after police were contacted by Schuylkill County Humane Officer Tricia Menzer. Menzer had ordered an examination of Johns’ male bloodhound after the dog was taken to the Hillside SPCA for care during a time when Johns was hospitalized.

She said the dog had previously been brought to the SPCA in June after being found running loose. When Johns later retrieved the dog at that time, he said that he had sexual intercourse with the dog and went into detail.

When the dog was removed from Johns’ house during his hospitalization, Menzer had the dog examined at Brookside Animal Hospital and confirmed that the dog had swelling and erythema, which could be caused by sexual misuse.

In another incident resulting in charges of disorderly conduct and harassment, Johns called the Lehighton station emergency line about 12 times between 6:45 and 8 a.m. Wednesday and used obscene and threatening language.

A warrant of arrest was issued Friday for Johns.

Man charged

for sexual assault

A 20-year-old man was jailed after being arrested by Pottsville police on Wednesday and charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl inside a city home.

Police said Clayton Stoner, who has no permanent address, was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, on charges of three counts of indecent sexual assault. He was then committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $2,000 straight cash bail.

Police said officers were called to the home of the girl’s father who reported that Stoner had been temporarily staying with his family and that his daughter had told him Stoner had initiated indecent physical contact with her on at least three separate occasions between Sept. 1 and Monday.

During a subsequent interview with the girl, police said, she detailed Stoner’s actions on each occasion. Police then interviewed Stoner who admitted to committing the assaults.

Port Carbon man

burglary suspect

A Port Carbon man was jailed after being arrested by Pottsville police for a burglary at 406 S. Centre St. about 5:10 a.m. Saturday.

Police said Frederic E. Rabbits, 49, was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, on charges of felony burglary, felony criminal trespass, as well as criminal attempt to commit theft, possessing instruments of crime and loitering and prowling at night.

He was committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $5,000 straight cash bail set by Plachko.

Police said officers were called to the address for a burglary where a person was trying to take tools from the owner’s garage and then fled.

Police said the owner said he awoke, saw a light flashing in his garage and went to investigate, encountering a man dressed in black wearing gloves inside the garage with a flashlight.

The man, later identified as Rabbits, became involved in a physical confrontation with the homeowner and fled as the owner called 911.

The garage owner tried to prevent Rabbits from leaving by hitting his vehicle with a metal pole, but the man sped away east on Route 209, police said.

A short time later, police said, they received information that Rabbits had called the Schuylkill County Communications Center and reported being attacked by a homeowner as he had tried to thwart several other unknown people from burglarizing a garage near his daughter’s apartment in Pottsville.

During the subsequent investigation, officers confirmed Rabbits had actually been the person in the incident and he was taken into custody at his residence in Port Carbon.

At that time, police said, officers saw Rabbit’s vehicle parked outside the home with damage to the windows and side mirrors.

Police said the vehicle was impounded and that the owner of the garage was able to positively identify Rabbits as the man inside his garage.

Police seek man

over retail theft

HOMETOWN — Rush Township police have obtained a felony warrant for a 33-year-old man charging him with retail theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Police said the warrant for Eric Garrity, who is possibly living in Hazleton, stems from an Aug. 22 incident at Wal-Mart where he stole a laptop computer valued at $449.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Garrity is asked to call police at 570-668-4242.

Police investigate

theft from car

NEW PHILADELPHIA — State police at Frackville are investigating a theft from a motor vehicle that occurred between 9:30 p.m. Thursday and 6:30 a.m. Friday at 204 Valley St.

Police said William Weber reported someone entered his 2002 Dodge Dakota pickup truck and stole a cellphone, a Wrangler jean jacket with “Alabama” written on the back in white letters, a bottle of nitroglycerin pills and two checkbooks.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-874-5300. Police are also urging everyone to make sure to keep their vehicles locked at all times.

Man injured

in 2-car accident

SUMMIT STATION — State police at Schuylkill Haven investigated a crash that occurred about 1:45 p.m. Wednesday on Route 183, just north of Blue Mountain Heights in Wayne Township.

Police said Leo Schechter, 51, of Hewitt, New Jersey, was driving a vehicle north in the southbound passing lane as Deanna Weaver, 29, of Myerstown, was driving a vehicle south in the passing lane trying to pass a tractor-trailer.

Police said the left rear of the Schechter car struck the left front of the Weaver car as he began entering the northbound lane.

In an attempt to gain control of her car, Weaver swerved to the left, causing her car to spin 180 degrees, go off of the road and hit an embankment.

Police said Weaver suffered moderate injuries and was treated at the scene by Pottsville-Schuylkill Haven Area EMS and then flown to Reading Hospital by helicopter. Schechter, who was not injured, will be cited for careless driving, police said.

Summit Station firefighters and fire police assisted at the scene.

n Frackville: The 2014 Frackville Pumpkin Festival will begin at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 3 with the Pumpkin Chunkin’ event behind Black Diamond Antiques at the Schuylkill Mall. It will continue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 on Frack Street just off Lehigh Avenue. One of the big events for the Frackville Area Free Public Library regarding the festival is called Art of the Pumpkin, in which a person buys a blank wooden pumpkin and decorates it however he or she wishes and returns it to the library to be judged and then auctioned off at the festival. The wooden pumpkin blanks, according to a press release, are available now at the library, 56 N. Lehigh Ave., so participants will have plenty of time to work on their creations. For more information, call the library at 570-874-3382.

n Landingville: A Halloween Hustle 5K Run/Walk will be held Nov. 1 at 8 Church St. to benefit Schuylkill County’s VISION. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the events at 9:30 a.m. including the 5K run/walk and a costume contest. The Faith Reformed UCC Pavilion will be the start and finish line. Halloweeners will have the opportunity to enjoy the scenic Schuylkill River while running and walking the Bartrum Trail. The course is flat on paved roads and a dirt path. The event is dog and stroller friendly. The registration fee for runners is $20 if paid by Oct. 18 and $25 on the day of the event. Halloween T-shirts while supplies last. For more information and advance registration forms, call 570-622-6097. The event will be held rain or shine.

n Pottsville: A fundraiser for the Pottsville Area High School Band is set for 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at S&J Gift Outlet, 700 Terry Reiley Way. Participants will be able to shop for gifts, home accents, fragrance, seasonal accents, jewelry and hair fashions. There will also be door prizes, raffle drawings and giveaways. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-449-5999.

n Ringtown: The 2015 Ringtown Valley Community Fund Drive began Sept. 1 and will continue to Oct. 15. A mailing has been made to residents of the Ringtown area including Ringtown borough, Union Township and Zion Grove, according to a release. Anyone who did not receive a mailing should pick up a fund drive brochure at the Ringtown Area Library, Main Street, or call 570-889-5305 and leave a name and address and a brochure will be mailed. Contributions to the drive support the Ringtown Community Ambulance Association and nonprofit organizations serving the Ringtown area. A minimum donation — $60 for families of three or more, $40 for couples and $20 for single households — will make patrons an ambulance service subscriber, for whom the association will accept the reimbursement received from an insurance carrier as payment in full for ambulance services. People who are not subscribers will be billed for services not covered by insurance. An increase in ambulance operation costs prompted the committee to increase donation prices, according to the release. The prices are also more closely aligned to surrounding ambulance fund drives. The Ringtown Valley Community Fund Board thanked area residents for their continued support of the annual fund drive. Residents are asked to learn if their companies or employers match donations given to a charitable organization. Contributions should be made on or before Oct. 15. Checks should be made payable to “Ringtown Valley Community Fund” and mailed to P.O. Box 204, Ringtown, PA 17967. Donors should be sure to include their complete mailing addresses.

n Ringtown: The Old White Church Preservation Committee will hold its 25th annual Service of Appreciation at 2 p.m. Sunday at the church, 189 Cemetery Hill Road. The choral group Lift Your Spirits will present a program of Christian music. Refreshments will be served following the service at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 106 W. Main St.

n Schuylkill Haven: Liberty Fire Company No. 4, 223 Columbia St., will sponsor all-you-can-eat chicken pot pie dinners from 4 to 7 p.m. monthly at the firehouse. The cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children and $6 for quarts. The menu includes pot pie, lettuce with hot bacon dressing, bread, desserts and beverages. Takeouts are available. For free delivery in the Schuylkill Haven area, call 570-385-3341. Dinners are scheduled as follows: Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6, Jan. 3, Feb. 7, March 7, April 4 and May 2. All are welcome.

n Tamaqua: American Red Cross Blood Services Northeast Pennsylvania Region will sponsor a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Pine and Biddle streets. People 17 and older (16 with parental consent), weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are eligible to donate blood. People may call 800-733-2767 or go online to www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — A woman returned to Schuylkill County with her husband to open a triple-threat performing arts studio, Artists in Motion.

The studio, located at 44 Dock St., was opened Monday by Erin and Andrew Umphrey, a couple who share the same passion for performing arts. Erin Umphrey teaches dance classes while Andrew Umphrey coaches acting and singing classes at the studio. The combination of dance, acting and singing makes their studio a “triple-threat,” as it’s known in the entertainment world.

“We also knew that we wanted to really offer something for everyone,” Andrew Umphrey said.

He said that their program can be altered depending on the person’s dedication to the craft.

“You have serious performers ... who want to spend a lot of time learning the skill and craft,” Andrew Umphrey said. “They have a requirement of how many hours of lessons they take each week, depending on their skill level. ... Then there is more of a recreational performer who is here once a week for maybe an hour and this is more of just a hobby for them. They have no requirements.”

Dance classes include styles like contemporary, lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, acrobatics, musical theatre, ballet, tap and competition, Erin Umphrey said. The competition dance class is for ages 5 to 18, called Artists in Motion Performance Company. The group will compete about five times a year.

There are also classes available for special needs children where some of the older dancers will assist with the class.

Dancers may also be involved in special performances throughout their time at the studio.

“We are working on doing a nursing home performance and some community performances,” Erin Umphrey said.

Close to 100 students are currently enrolled in classes at the studio, Erin Umphrey said. A majority of the students are new to her classes, but about 10 to 15 of the students followed her from other classes she has taught or the five-day dance camp she held in August.

The studio was transformed from an old church building, Erin Umphrey said. The dull, red and brown church foyer walls were repainted by the couple with bright colors with teal, the color of the studio logo, as the main color scheme.

Erin Umphrey said they thought about painting the upstairs studio, as well, but need a professional to come in.

“Painting 16-foot ceilings was a challenge,” Erin Umphrey said. “So we didn’t paint upstairs because those ceilings are like 20 feet.” She said she would ideally like the upstairs to be teal when it is painted.

Married for two years, the couple has always had big dreams of owning their own studio.

“This was a dream that we had of inspiring kids and wanting to instill our passion in performing arts in other people and be able to share that,” Andrew Umphrey said. “We knew that working together, we could really make a difference in people’s lives in an all encompassing, triple-threat atmosphere.”

Erin and Andrew Umphrey met while on a national tour in which Erin danced and Andrew acted and sang.

“Our dream has always been to own a performing arts studio,” Erin Umphrey said. “We talked about what our goals were after we were done performing and that was it.”

The couple purchased the building at end of June and moved into it in August.

“It’s been a lot of work in a short amount of time,” Erin Umphrey said.

Erin Umphrey said she doesn’t have a preference to what style of dance she teaches.

“I really like it all,” she said. “I like the acrobatics because it takes dance from the art to a sport and I really like the combination of two, not losing the artistry but it has become a sport. It’s very hard,”

Erin Umphrey has been dancing for 27 years and performed at places like theme parks and industrials, which are shows held by different companies for a weekend event. Andrew has been acting for 25 years, he said.

The couple together have performed on international and national tours, including “Sesame Street,” while touring through 30 cities in China and Singapore.

The studio owners agreed that their favorite places to perform at were in Florida, New Orleans and Austin, Texas, on a tour with Universal Studios performing “Curious George Live.”

Erin Umphrey said she used advertising tactics like Facebook and her website to promote her classes.

“Word of mouth has probably been our biggest marketing,” she said.

GIRARDVILLE — The borough’s police department will be going digital within the month after the borough council approved the purchase of digital police radios at Thursday’s meeting.

An unfunded federal mandate requires that police departments switch from analog radios to narrowband digital ones in the near future. The Schuylkill County Communications Center is coordinating the effort in the digital upgrades, and police departments not making the digital switchover will have difficulties in sending and receiving calls from the center and from other departments.

Eventually, the fire departments and emergency medical services will also be required to upgrade to digital.

“The county went to a narrowband radio system and we have to get onboard. Just what we needed — another bill,” Mayor Edward Burns said before the vote. “This affects all the municipalities. We’re not the only ones who have to do this.”

The council approved an agreement with Motorola to purchase one mobile radio for the police vehicle and two portable radios to be carried by on-duty police officers. The total cost is $12,967, which includes a discount of $163.

The council approved a seven-year payment plan at $2,240.14 per year.

“We’ll look at the budget for next year, but our crime watch is going to step up and try to pay these radios off,” Burns said. “That’s the very importance of the crime watch here, which is to help with things like this. We’ll have fundraisers coming up that I know will take care of this.”

Effective Monday, the Girardville Municipal Building will have a new address, though nothing or no one is moving. The current address is Fourth and B streets, but the county communications center said that a street address is needed. The new address will be 201 Fourth St.

The council approved the address change, and also approved having all mail to be delivered to borough hall. The borough secretary currently picks up borough mail at the post office.

Borough solicitor Christopher Riedlinger said that petitions have been filed at the county courthouse to have the properties from 106 to 118 W. Main St. be declared tax exempt since the borough is the owner. The area will be cleared for the construction of four townhouse-style buildings for rent and two single-floor handicap-accessible apartments through Schuylkill Community Action. Those properties were destroyed in a devastating fire on Feb. 23, 2011.

Riedlinger said the hearings will be held Oct. 2 in the commissioners boardroom in the courthouse.

“Basically, we will be indicating that the borough ownership is a necessary step in order to secure the state funding required for the demolition,” Riedlinger said.

In other matters, Riedlinger said the state Department of Environmental Protection is requesting the borough approve an “environmental covenant” on borough-owned property at a site where a gas plant had been located on West Oak Street between John and Richard streets.

“This was the property that was the site of the Girardville manufactured gas plant, but in the last decade or so was asphalted over by DEP,” Riedlinger said. “The borough is the owner of that lot. They’re asking that we put this environmental covenant on this property. It basically would prevent us or any future owner from doing any type of development or adjustment to that land. We’ve made adjustments in the agreement to make it clear that the borough has no maintenance responsibilities, but that it’s just not to disturb the asphalt cover or monitoring wells. We don’t have to fix or maintain anything, but we basically just not change anything.”

The council approved the agreement, which will be forwarded to DEP.

During the public portion, resident Thomas Clark asked whether drug arrests are being made. Burns said arrests are being made, citing an arrest made Wednesday by police.

“I know there is a drug problem. Everybody knows there is a drug problem, but we deal with it the best we can, but there are drug arrests,” Burns said.

“Not enough,” Clark said.

“Not enough. I agree with that,” Burns said.

Residents Arthur Engle and Vytus Karavage spoke to the council and the mayor about dilapidated properties. Engle cited a row of homes on West Odgen Street that are vacant, dilapidated and need to be addressed. Burns said he and code enforcement officer Jeffrey Wilson will meet with them to look over the properties in the near future and discuss the situations.

The council also acted on the following:

• Gave permission to the Girardville fire police to hold a tag day from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 29 to raise funds to purchase equipment. Fire police will be stationed at William and Main streets, and Mahanoy Avenue and Second street.

• Gave permission to God’s Chuckwagon to set up at B Street Park from 5 to 6 p.m. Fridays to provide free soup and sandwich to anyone who shows up. Based in Shamokin, it is mobile soup kitchen that serves people on the streets of Mount Carmel, Kulpmont, Trevorton, Tharptown, Shamokin and Ashland.

• Approved a handicapped parking space on the 300 block of A Street.

In the future, athletes who visit JFK Recreation Complex after dark may have to flip a switch to illuminate activity areas like the tennis courts.

Members of the Pottsville city council considered that while discussing options on how to save money on energy this week.

“We may go to a push-button system where you push the button if you’re playing basketball or something and it will have something like a 30-minute timer, or whatever we want to set it at. Ultimately, that’s what we’re looking at to control the cost of electricity, things like that,” Councilman Joseph J. Devine Jr. said Monday at the council’s September meeting.

The city had set aside $70,000 in 2013 federal Community Development Block Grant funding for the project, City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said Wednesday.

“We’d like to make the lighting at the courts more user-friendly but more cost-efficient at the same time. We’re looking to replace the lights, the light fixtures and some of the wiring to turn the lights on and off on an as-needed basis,” Palamar said.

On Monday night, Jesse Krasno and his father, Lester, both of Pottsville, played tennis at the recreation complex after the sun went down.

“Wouldn’t turning on and off the lights burn more wattage?” Lester Krasno asked.

“Versus the idle hours it’s on,” his son said.

“That’s not what we were told. That’s not how it works. It would still be a savings,” Palamar said in response Wednesday.

“It’s always busy up there. We’re proud of our JFK complex which next year will turn 50 years old, and it looks pretty good for 50 years old,” Devine said Monday.

“We were looking at going to LEDs but they weren’t able to provide us with the kind of lighting we wanted at a reasonable cost. The technology’s just not there yet with LEDs,” Palamar said Monday.

City engineer Alfred Benesch & Co. has been working with city officials on the design. No plans have been approved, but Palamar said he hopes the work can be done sometime in 2015.

The city spends an average of $321,000 a year for utilities. On Monday, the city decided to hire a new electricity provider, hoping to save more than $40,000 a year.

At its September meeting, the city council hired Guttman Energy, Belle Vernon, Fayette County, to supply electricity to the city for three years, based on a recommendation from a consultant, Mike McCormick, president of Frontline Power Solutions, Jefferson Hills, Allegheny County.

“We’ve been purchasing our power, the generation and the transmission of it, from PP&L. Mike McCormick went out and did research for us so we could purchase our power from a less-expensive source. And the winner was Guttman Energy,” Palamar said.

“I think we can save you guys quite a bit of money here and provide some budget certainty,” McCormick told the council Monday.

“That’s what we want to hear,” Devine said.

“And this is a three-year guarantee price?” Councilman Michael P. Halcovage asked.

“Fixed rate,” McCormick said.

Starting Oct. 14, Guttman Energy will charge the city $0.05930 per kilowatt-hour for energy used on Centre Street; $0.07650 for energy used at City Hall, Laurel Avenue, the JFK Recreation Complex and on York Farm Road; and $0.07300 for energy used at 39 locations, including Yuengling Bicentennial Park and the Henry Clay Monument, according to the pricing confirmation included in Monday’s meeting agenda.

“And based on your analysis, it will save the city how much a year?” Halcovage asked.

“Potentially, $40,000 to $45,000 a year, based on current rates and historical rates,” McCormick said.

GORDON — The borough will begin development of an Early Intervention Plan to map out a financial road for the next five years.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Gordon Borough Council retained the services of Stevens & Lee P.C., Harrisburg, and FS&L Financial S&lutions LLC, Reading, as the project team to prepare the EIP.

Council President Michael Rader said the team will propose a plan for the financial stability of the borough.

“They’ll do five-year year projection and analysis and put together a set of recommendations to implement a strategic financial planning for the borough,” Rader said. “According to their proposal, they anticipated starting in September or October if they were selected. I expect them to start within a couple of weeks.”

Rader said that the team will have access to the borough’s financial records, residency counts, tax base, expenditures, income and other data.

“Obviously, there will be a lot of interaction with the borough for the analysis and recommendations,” Rader said. “I expect the window to complete the work will close late spring or early summer next year.”

The EIP study will be paid through a $60,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

Rader said five firms responded to the request for proposal sent out by the borough. Two firms were not considered since their proposals exceeded the amount of the grant. The S&L/FS&L 31-page proposal includes a “not to exceed cost” total of $59,440.

The firms have done similar financial work for Shamokin, Altoona, Harrisburg and Reading, according to the submitted proposal.

According to the program guidelines available at the DCED website, the Early Intervention Program was designed to offer a preemptive step for municipalities who feel as if their financial situation, while not yet formally declared distressed, are realizing difficulties and seek to improve their financial position. The Early Intervention Program supports municipalities by offering grants that can be used to fund costs associated with hiring an independent financial consultant to prepare a three-to-five-year financial plan and management review of their municipality. The plan will outline short and long term financial, managerial and economic development strategies that the municipality can consider implementing to possibly strengthen their financial capacity.

Rader said the borough’s financial status is not in trouble, but the borough council believes it is prudent to prepare a strategic plan for the future.

The proposed S&L/FS&L EIP report will:

1. Develop an action plan which provides recommendations to the borough to help address current financial challenges, specifically with respect to the borough’s 2014 operating budget and cash flow.

2. Develop a financial condition assessment to provide an analysis of historic and current financial performance, to create an accurate baseline of the borough’s historic and current financial condition.

3. Develop a financial trend analysis to project future revenue, expenditure, economic and demographic trends, to assist the borough in understanding its future financial position.

4. Develop a management audit which provides an operational review of current staffing levels, including a narrative summary of each department comprising budgetary, personnel and other relevant data, to determine appropriate staffing levels.

5. Develop a multi-year financial management plan that incorporates the finding in tasks two through four, and to include long-term financial, management and economic development strategies and recommendations to strengthen the borough’s financial capacity.

A Hegins man is headed to state prison after being sentenced Monday in Schuylkill County Court for possessing a salable amount of drugs on four separate occasions in 2011 in Hegins Township.

Peter J. Schultz Jr., 49, must serve 52 to 104 months in a state correctional institution, Judge Charles M. Miller ruled.

Miller also sentenced Schultz to pay costs, $2,000 in fines, $400 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $200 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $893 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

The judge imposed the sentence on Schultz after removing him on June 12 from the state intermediate punishment program. He rejected Schultz’s request to be sentenced to serve 27 to 54 months in a state correctional institution

Schultz originally pleaded guilty on May 17, 2012, to 10 counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, seven of possession of a controlled substance and three of possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors withdrew two additional counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hegins Township police had charged Schultz with possessing drugs twice on March 12, 2011, once on April 24, 2011, and once on April 25, 2011.

In other court action, three people admitted Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that they violated protection from abuse orders that had been filed against them.

Charles S. Brilla, 22, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin accepted Brilla’s plea and sentenced him to pay costs and a $300 fine.

Pottsville police charged Brilla with violating the order against him on Aug. 7 in the city by going to a house from which the order had excluded him.

Judge James P. Goodman had entered the order against Brilla on Jan. 15.

Tracey A. Eckert, 44, of Pottsville, also pleaded guilty to indirect criminal contempt. Dolbin sentenced her to time served to six months in prison with immediate parole and to pay costs and a $300 fine.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Eckert violated the order against her on Aug. 27 in Wayne Township by following the victim and yelling obscenities at him.

Senior Judge D. Michael Stine had entered the order against Eckert on June 18.

Kenneth A. Hufnagle, 21, of Wiconisco, also pleaded guilty to indirect criminal contempt. Dolbin sentenced him to pay costs and a $300 fine.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Hufnagle with violating the order against him on Aug. 13 in Tower City by leaving the victim two notes and some flowers.

“When the order says no contact, it means zero contact,” Dolbin told Hufnagle.

Judge John E. Domalakes had entered the order against Hufnagle on Aug. 6.

You like your Sunday comics.

We know that and before we even thought about reorganizing those funny Sunday newspaper features, we asked readers to tell us their favorites and least favorites.

We tallied the results you sent by mail and online. We came up with the lineup we will publish starting today. We kept the most popular comics, said farewell to the least favorites and added some new features to keep those pages fresh.

We look forward to your feedback. Tell us what you think by contacting Editor Pete Banko at pbanko@republicanherald.com or 570-628-6103.

Deeds

Ashland — Reading Anthracite Co. to Richard H. and Joan W. Nicholls; 2304 Walnut St.; $1,700.

Frailey Township — Richard Wolfgang, executor of the Estate of Doris M. Wolfgang, to Sally A. Harner; 418 W. Center St., Donaldson; $69,500.

Mahanoy City — Bank of America NA to Noreen Brown; 933 E. Pine St.; $3,900.

Pottsville — Jason and Victoria Svrcek to Jason and Victoria Svrcek; 10 20th St.; $1.

n Ashland: The borough recreation committee will sponsor its townwide yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 27, rain or shine. Maps will be available Sept. 26 at the borough hall, 401 S. 18th St. For more information, call the borough office at 570-875-2411.

n Girardville: Curbside recycling in the borough is set for Friday. All recyclables can be placed out in one day, according to a press release from the borough hall. Acceptable items include newspapers and cardboard, clear, brown and green glass and metal cans as well as plastics Nos. 1 and 2. Newspapers must be bundled and tied or in brown paper bags and cardboard must be flattened. Glass must be placed in one container and cans in another. Schuylkill County Drop-Off Recycling Program trash containers are on site permanently near the borough hall. The recycling center is open to any Schuylkill County resident. Recyclables must be placed in the correct sections of the Dumpsters and people must remove all glass, cans and plastics from plastic bags before placing the items in the Dumpsters. People may not leave items outside the gates if they are locked. Leaving nonrecyclable items at the site is considered littering. If the bins are full, people may not leave recyclables on the ground or on top of the bins. Violators can face fines.

n Lansford: A meeting regarding the annual Tamaqua-Carbon Cancer Telethon is set for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the telethon office, 33 W. Ridge St. Organizers have also sent out a call for volunteers. More information is available online at www.cancertelethon.org. The meeting will focus on the 2015 telethon, auction and upcoming events. All interested volunteers are encouraged to attend the meeting. For more information, call Mary Ann at 570-645-4228.

n Pine Grove: An American Red Cross Blood Services Northeast Pennsylvania Region blood drive is set for 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Pine Grove Ambulance site, Spruce Street. People 17 and older (16 with parental consent), weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are eligible to donate blood. To donate, call 800-733-2767 or go online to www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial donations: For A. Matthew Dudish from Marina and Tim Refi; for Capt. Jason Jones from Marie E. Wanchick; for Debra A. Roadcap from Bob and Sharon Piccioni; for Ione Geier from Dr. Vincent D. Balitas; for Joyce Miller from Sue Wagner; for Reynolds Ramsey Hostetter from Gary and Cathy Cortese; for Robert Bohorad from Marie E. Wanchick, Z&M Painting and Papering; for Treesa Lipkin from Dr. Vincent D. Balitas; for Vincent D’Attilio from Dr. Vincent D. Balitas.

n Ringtown: The Ringtown Valley Food Pantry, located in the Union Township building, 155 Zion Grove Road, now operates from 9 to 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month. The site contact is Suzie Drukker, who can be reached at 570-889-3755 or 973-906-9636. The pantry serves Ringtown borough and parts of East Union and North Union townships.

n Schuylkill Haven: Schuylkill Haven native Corinna Sowers-Adler will star in “By Request — New York Moments” at 4 p.m. Sept. 27 at The Metropolitan Room, 34 W. 22nd St. in New York City. According to a press release, the “very special show” will include “songs and the memories and special moments behind why that song has been inspirational or life changing, all containing the theme of New York City.” Sowers-Adler will take requests and create “a unique and heart-warming show (filled) with songs from Stephen Sondheim, Billy Joel, Bill Zeffiro, Peter Nero, Dar Williams and Harold Arlen.” Sowers-Adler will be joined on stage by musical director Markus Hauck with Colleen Clark on drums, Amy Platt Crafton on saxophone and Christian Fabian on bass. To make a reservation, go to www.metropolitanroom.com or call 212-206-0440. Tickets are $20 per person plus a two-beverage minimum.

Marriage licenses

Michael T. Boyer, Tamaqua, and Ashley L. Hazlett, Tamaqua.

Jorge R. Sullivan, Port Carbon, and Tiffany A. Reed, Port Carbon.

Allan E. Wilkinson, Schuylkill Haven, and Tammy C. Gruber, Schuylkill Haven.

Joshua T. Kratovich, Mount Carmel, and Sarah A. Snyder, Mount Carmel.

Dwight D. Leymeister Jr., Port Carbon, and Paul M. Beckett, Port Carbon.

Delaware Valley

Daniel Schreffler, New Cumberland, graduated summa cum laude from Delaware Valley College, Doyles-town, with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

A 2010 graduate of Cedar Cliff High School, Camp Hill, Dan is employed by Cycle Chem Inc., Lewisberry.

He is a son of Lee Schreffler, Pitman, and Tammy and John Dodson, New Cumberland, and a grandson of Rhea Schreffler, Pitman, Carol and Palmer Morgan, Lykens, and Gail Minnich, Tower City.

Boston University

Dr. Steven Daniel Melnic received a doctor of dental medicine degree from Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, and receiv-ed the distinguished honor of graduating summa cum laude.

A graduate of Em-maus High School and Lafayette College, Easton, he received his master’s degree in oral health sciences from Boston University School of Medicine.

Dr. Melnic has accepted a residency position at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, Richmond, Virginia, in the advanced education program in pediatric dentistry.

He is a son of Michael and Cindy Melnic, Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County, and a grandson of Mike and Bernie Melnic, Orwigsburg, and the late Chester and Dolores Shanoskie, formerly of New Philadelphia.

Health Sciences

Shakira A. Tassone graduated magna cum laude from the Pennsylvania College of Health Services in the nuclear medicine program and received her certification. Her clinical work was completed at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown.

She has attained state licensure by passing the nuclear medicine state board exam and is a member of the National Society of Nuclear Medicine.

A graduate of Pottsville Area High School, she graduated in 2013 from Bloomsburg University with a bachelor’s degree in biology/health sciences.

Shakira is a daughter of Frank and Theresa Tassone, Pottsville, and a graduate of Pottsville Area High School.

Wilkes

The following received master’s degrees in education from Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, at the summer commencement ceremony held Sept. 7:

Kara Krajnak, Lansford; Jennifer Neiman, Hamburg, Rachael Petrozino, Saint Clair, Ashley Shappell, Schuylkill Haven, Janelle Staudenmeier, Frackville, and Sarah Woolbert, McAdoo.

An Ashland woman charged by Ashland police after two separate incidents on July 2 is among those scheduled to enter not guilty pleas during arraignments Tuesday in Schuylkill County Court.

Kathleen M. Grosser, 44, of 722 Brock St., was charged with aggravated assault and harassment stemming from the first incident and then resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and obstructing highways for the second incident.

Police said the incidents began when officers were called to the 700 block of Brock Street where Grosser allegedly tried to cause bodily injury to an employee of Schuylkill County Children and Youth Services.

The woman, however, fled the area before officers arrived and could not be located.

Police said a short time later police were called to the area of South Hoffman Boulevard where it was reported that Grosser was walking in the middle of a state highway impeding the flow of traffic.

Grosser, police said, was almost struck by a vehicle.

Grosser fled again before officers arrived but was taken into custody a short time later in the 500 block of Walnut Street, police said.

Police said Grosser resisted when officers tried to place her in handcuffs.

Others scheduled to appear for arraignment Tuesday are:

Jermaine L. Davis, 40, of 101 W. Rowe St., 1st Floor, Tamaqua — defiant trespass.

James Meyers Sr., 44, of 310 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City — terroristic threats and harassment.

Jose F. Cabrera Jr., 22, of 63 N. Lake Drive, Pottsville — stalking, simple assault and harassment.

Robert E. Reagan Jr., 20, of 1212 Howard Ave., Apt. 4, Pottsville — theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Michael A. Walaconis, 40, of 63 Weston Place, Shenandoah — false reports.

Cody L. Harris, 23, of 404 S. Broad Mountain Ave., Frackville — criminal mischief, false identification to law enforcement and public drunkenness.

Anthony J. Brasher, 25, of 126 Spittler Road, Pine Grove — simple assault, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and harassment.

Thomas A. Stanton, 25, of 321 Furnace St., Shenandoah — possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Noelle H. Parisi, 18, of 223 Pine St., Tamaqua — delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Amber N. Allen, 23, of 208 E. High St., Coaldale — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nicholas C. Dovidio, 22, of 310 W. Market St., Apt. 2, Pottsville — possession of a controlled substance.

Devilin V. Murphy, 25, of 714 W. Mahantongo St., Apt. 5, Pottsville — theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Justin R. Fisher, 32, of 544 Forest Lane, Pottsville — theft from a motor vehicle, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Emilio S. Jack, 23, of 309 N. George St., Pottsville — firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.

Matthew R. Adams Jr., 25, of 325 E. Arch St., Pottsville — firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and disorderly conduct.

Dwarshi L. Davis, 33, 309 W. Market St., Apt. 6, Pottsville — possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

William J. Murphy, 46, of 76 Lakewood Drive, Fleetwood — terroristic threats.

LEWISBURG - Button, button, who's got the button?

For the Susquehanna branch of the National Button Society, the answer is "everyone."

The club meets at 11:30 a.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Ridgecrest Restaurant and Cafe, part of Riverwoods Senior Living Community.

Members come to the meetings from all over the Susquehanna Valley to show off the recent additions to their collections and to prepare for National Button Society conventions.

Beatrice Taran, Hughesville, said she began collecting buttons after her mother, who collected buttons during World War II to calm her nerves, insisted that she and her sister take over her collection.

"It's like a disease when you start," Taran said.

She now has thousands of buttons.

Button basics

Although buttons have existed for millennia, they did not rise in popularity until the 13th century.

Early buttons were crudely made to serve utilitarian purposes of holding together late Middle Age emerging fashion trends.

"They weren't very pretty," said Taran.

By the 1700s, decorative buttons emerged.

Some of the buttons from this era have elaborate scenes etched or painted onto their facings. Others incorporate fabric, leather or seashells into multimedia designs.

These buttons are snapped up at yard sales, antique stores and auctions by collectors like those in the National Button Society.

Prices for collectible buttons range from pennies to thousands of dollars.

Nancy Boyer, Trevorton, emphasized that a beginner could start an admirable collection for just a few dollars.

"It can be expensive if you want it to be or it can be inexpensive and you still have fun," added Taran.

Award-winning collections

Buttons in Boyer's collection are remarkable for their uniqueness rather than value. She especially enjoys gathering variations on a theme for use in button competitions.

During a competition, rules stipulating size, shape and theme are given and collectors come prepared with their buttons mounted to a display board in specified manners.

Themes may be as open-ended as black buttons or as specific as buttons representing strawberries.

A competition board prepared by Boyer with buttons imitating fabric recently won second place at a competition.

"I had a good time with trying to come up with the fabrics that they represent," she said.

She also sometimes mounts her buttons for fun.

"You don't have to enter competitions," said Boyer. "Not everyone does."

One board she's particularly excited to share with the rest of the club has her oldest and her newest buttons - a round button with a detailed border from the 1700s and a square blue goat leather button custom made for her a few weeks ago.

Unique goods

Finding buttons made of unique materials is more of interest to Theresa Holtz, Northumberland, than amassing a stockpile.

"I know I have thousands (of buttons) but most are this kind," Holtz said, pointing to her shirt.

Holtz said she's found buttons made of such exotic materials as vegetables, ivory, bone and pearl.

"They're made out of just about any material you can think of," she said.

To classify these rare and unique buttons, club members suggest "The Big Book of Buttons" by Elizabeth Hughes.

Books on buttons can also be found at most local libraries.

The club welcomes anyone with an interest in buttons to join the group by just showing up at a meeting.

Currently about six members attend regularly, but Boyer is convinced more button collectors are out there.

"When you say you collect buttons, (people) give you a really strange look," she said.

But many people collect them and they don't make it known publicly, she said.

BLOOMING GROVE — John Henneforth Sr. woke with a start Saturday to the sound of a helicopter passing over his house.

It was still dark and he fumbled for a clock: 3 a.m.

Normally, nothing stirs this early in the morning in his quiet corner of Route 6 in Pike County, about six miles from Interstate 84 and 10 miles from the state police at Blooming Grove barracks, where someone opened fire on two state troopers four hours prior. One died and another was injured.

Henneforth, 62, had no idea what had occurred but could sense that something was drastically wrong.

The helicopter overhead sounded like it was military.

“It sounded like we were being invaded,” Henneforth said.

A manhunt of unprecedented scope for the rural community was underway. The community would be put on edge when they woke up.

Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan at a press conference Saturday said Cpl. Bryon Dickson was slain and Trooper Alex T. Douglass was wounded when a gunman opened fire as they left the building Friday night. Douglass was in stable condition on Saturday night.

The killer escaped. Immediately, law enforcement agencies began searching the vast woodlands that surround the isolated barracks.

State Route 402 was shut down for miles around the barracks. State Department of Transportation trucks blocked the road beginning at the I-84 junction and three state police cruisers formed a barricade at the Route 6 intersection at the other end.

PennDOT workers shepherded confused drivers back to the interstate beginning at 6:30 a.m. State troopers set flares and stopped each car that passed on Route 6, informing drivers what had happened, pleading for information.

“We just want anyone that has seen or heard anything to call 911,” a female state trooper said.

Word spread like wildfire in nearby downtown Hawley that someone opened fire on two state troopers, and by 7 a.m., tensions were beginning to run high.

Sue Goble went to breakfast at Fluff’s Deli & Sandwich Shop on Main Avenue early Saturday, like a normal day. The story was on everyone’s lips.

She, too, had a feeling something was wrong when she watched a fleet of emergency cars scream down Route 6 on Friday night past the Tuck-em Inn, which she owns.

Lights flashed bright. No sirens. They raced at breakneck speed.

People wondered what could have happened.

“Everybody’s fed up,” one waitress at the deli loudly proclaimed. “You’re not safe anywhere. Not even at the police station.”

Matt and Carolyn Lorent left Hawley for Honesdale, but they visit the area from time to time. Carolyn Lorent grew up in rural Pike County and remembers when everyone knew everyone else. As she sat in the deli Saturday, she confessed she didn’t recognize anyone.

Matt Lorent said his father, Henry Lorent, was a state trooper for 35 years before becoming a warden at the Wayne County Correctional Facility. The killing of a state trooper strikes a note close to home.

“It’s real disturbing, something like this,” Matt Lorent said after finishing his lunch. “You can see someone out there, in the dark and in the woods.”

ASHLAND — The borough council retained an attorney at Wednesday’s meeting to seek a lease extension with the state on its municipal building that houses the borough operations and the mining museum.

The council approved a resolution hiring attorney Stephen S. Aichele of Saul Ewing LLP, Philadelphia, as administrative and regulatory counsel “with special real-estate issues relating to the Ashland municipal building.” The resolution states that Aichele will be paid the regular hourly rate not to exceed $3,000.

The resolution is also based on the agreement and understanding of the Ashland Area Municipal Authority to pay a similar fee in connection with the retention of Aichele. The water authority uses the borough building for meetings and for operation of the water distribution system as managed by the borough.

Borough operations — except for the police department — moved into the Museum of Anthracite Mining building at Higher Up Park in 2007, leaving the former office at Fifth and Chestnut streets. A lease agreement had been arranged with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission through state Sen. James J. Rhoades. The agreement provided the borough with a low-cost lease in a relatively new building that is handicapped accessible with parking, while keeping the anthracite heritage museum open for visitors, particularly those who visit nearby Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train.

Renovations to the main floor expanded office space for borough operations and a new location for borough council and other meetings. The lower level was renovated for the police department, which moved its operation into its new office in 2013 from its headquarters at 15th and Walnut streets.

The current 20-year lease agreement with the state is divided into a 10-year lease, followed by two consecutive five-year renewal periods. The borough had given the property to the state in 1971 for the historical museum.

In 2013, state Sen. David Argall, R-29, sponsored legislation (Senate Bill 430) to allow the borough to purchase the property from the state for $1 with the guarantee that the borough would maintain the property’s historical covenant. The bill had the support of the PHMC and the state Department of General Services.

The Senate bill was passed unanimously. However, a similar bill in the House of Representatives sponsored by state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, did not pass, leaving the lease agreement in place.

After the meeting, Councilman Francis Menne said the end of the first 10 years is approaching.

“We are nearing the end of the 10-year section of the lease. Should something happen at the end of the first five-year renewal period, and if we don’t have something in hand to extend the lease beyond that time period, we could possibly be asked to leave,” Menne said.

“We should do it now (for the extension) than wait nine and a half years from now,” solicitor James Diehl said.

“We also want to preserve some of the history for the kids and other people who didn’t know what their grandparents and their great-grandparents did,” Menne said.

“We want to make sure we’ll have the place in future years. It’s a practical approach,” Diehl said.