JIM THORPE — A New Ringgold man will spend time in prison after being sentenced Tuesday in Carbon County Court for driving under the influence of alcohol in December 2013 in Jim Thorpe.

Trevor Smoll, 46, must serve two days in prison, 28 days on house arrest with electronic monitoring and 11 months on probation, Judge Steven R. Serfass ruled.

“I take full responsibility for what I did,” Smoll said.

Serfass also sentenced Smoll to pay costs, $950 in fines and a $100 fee, perform 50 hours community service and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation. Serfass made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. Sept. 26.

Smoll pleaded guilty on June 19 to DUI, accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property and driving under suspension, with charges of failure to notify police of accident and reckless driving dismissed.

Jim Thorpe police alleged Smoll was DUI Dec. 6, 2013, on Broadway in the borough.

“He has an alcohol problem he has been addressing,” Smoll’s lawyer, Craig B. Neely, Emmaus, said of his client.

In Schuylkill County Court on Monday, President Judge William E. Baldwin revoked the parole of Jacob D. Souchak, 33, of Mahanoy City, and recommitted him to prison with no chance for reparole for at least three months.

“There are consequences when you decide to break all the rules,” Baldwin told Souchak. “You break the rules again, you’re going to state prison.”

Souchak originally pleaded guilty on Sept. 1, 2011, to DUI, driving under suspension-DUI related and stop sign violation. On Sept. 27, 2012, Baldwin sentenced Souchak to serve nine months to five years in prison and pay costs, $2,000 in fines, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Mahanoy City police charged Souchak was DUI on Jan. 7, 2010, in the borough.

In other news, 28 people received a second chance Thursday in Schuylkill County Court from the criminal justice system, as they entered a program that will allow them to emerge from it with a clean record.

The 28 who entered the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program do not admit committing the crimes with which they are charged, Senior Judge D. Michael Stine said.

“It’s a pre-guilt disposition program. You’re not being found guilty,” Stine said.

Stine said those who complete the program successfully will have charges against them dismissed and can ask the court to have their record expunged. Successful completion includes payment of all costs, plus $50 to the CJEA, performance of community service and compliance with directives from the court and the county Adult Probation and Parole Office.

“It’s a good opportunity. I urge you to take advantage of it,” he said.

The people Stine admitted into the program, and the charges against each one, included:

Plutarco A. Abreu, 56, of Reading; driving under the influence.

Navib A. Arias, 23, of Hazleton; cruelty to animals.

John J. Benitez. 22, of McAdoo; fraudulent or altered title or registration.

David M. Brady, 39, of Saint Clair; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael P. Canavan, 19, of Hazle Township; DUI.

Colton J. Cryts, 19, of Schuylkill Haven; DUI. Cryts also must pay $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street.

Robert T. Engle, 23, of Nuremberg; DUI.

Christopher A. Evans, 31, of Orwigsburg; DUI.

Dorson M. Hess, 57, of Barnesville; DUI. Hess also must pay $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street.

Neil A. Hoffman, 41, of Tamaqua; DUI. Hoffman also must pay $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street.

Lonny L. Hossler, 20, of Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael J. Kachmar, 56, of Pottsville; DUI.

Michael B. Kiesling, 25, of Frackville; DUI. Kiesling also must pay a $50 bench warrant fee.

Wendell O. Kranch Jr., 34, of Girardville; theft by deception.

Cory W. Lebo, 27, of Hegins; DUI.

Vanessa A. Linkchorst, 23, of Mahanoy Plane; DUI.

Donald E. Long, 38, of Cressona; theft, theft by failure to make required disposition and receiving stolen property. Long also must pay $1,805 restitution to the City of Pottsville.

Brian Lorah, 29, of Frackville; theft and receiving stolen property.

Hector Marte, 32, of Shenandoah; resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. Marte also must pay a $50 bench warrant fee.

Ashley M. Paulshock, 28, of Beaver Meadows; DUI. Paulschock also must pay $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street.

Elizabeth A. Ringlaben, 20, of McAdoo; public nuisance.

Donald H. Strohl Jr., 33, of McAdoo; possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Christopher T. Triana, 29, of North East; DUI.

Michaelene Trubilla, 41, of Tamaqua; DUI and resisting arrest.

Christopher J. Twardzik, 27, of Shenandoah; DUI.

Maria C. Whah, 34, of Mahanoy City; DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Alba Ynmaculada, 36, of Shenandoah; obstructing administration of law.

Jose J. Zamudio-Estrada, 32, of Shenandoah; DUI.

HARRISBURG — A bill aiming to help prevent deadly drug overdoses by providing legal immunity to witnesses who seek emergency help faces a final legislative vote this week.

The Senate is expected to pass the measure following House approval by a unanimous vote last week, bill sponsor Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-9, Chester, said.

“With so many tragic heroin overdoses happening in Pennsylvania, this bill has never been more important,” he added.

Pileggi said there are documented cases where witnesses didn’t seek help due to fear of arrest.

Gov. Tom Corbett supports the legislation, spokesman Jay Pagni said on Friday.

The immunity bill is headed for the statute books as state lawmakers focus on ways to address a near-epidemic of heroin and prescription opioid abuse in Pennsylvania. During the past five years, nearly 3,000 heroin-related overdose deaths have been identified in the state, Pileggi said.

The senator’s measure would extend what’s known as Good Samaritan protections from prosecution for lower-level drug violations and probation or parole violations to someone who transports an overdose victim to a health care facility, law enforcement authority or campus security or who reports a drug overdose to the 911 system, law enforcement officer, campus security officer or emergency services personnel.

The witness must give their name and location and stay with the victim until help arrives to receive immunity under the bill. If they qualify for immunity, the victim will also receive immunity, too.

Under the bill, the immunity will become available if law enforcement officers only become aware of the offense because of the witness’ actions.

“The (immunity) bill is essential in preventing overdose deaths,” said Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-122, Lower Towamensing Township. He sponsored a House-approved resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to create a task force on prescription opioid abuse. The task force will hold hearings and write a report on suggested legislation.

“The (immunity) bill has the potential to save lives,” said Reggie Shuford, executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania. “And it is a step back from the enforcement mentality toward drug use. For decades, the commonwealth has tried to incarcerate its way out of the drug abuse problem.”

House lawmakers added bill provisions to give first responders legal authority to provide Naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Meanwhile, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania plans to release a report Tuesday on coping with the heroin epidemic.

The center, a legislative agency chaired by Sen. Gene Yaw, R-23, Williamsport, held hearings this past summer in Williamsport, Reading and other locations. The report will contain recommendations for legislation and other types of action.

“This is an epidemic affecting individuals of every age, gender, race, and background across the state,” Yaw said.

n Frackville: An American Red Cross community blood drive will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Oct. 6 in the basement of Zion Lutheran Church, 48 S. Nice St., sponsored by the church and Frackville Rotary Club. The drive is open to the public and walk-ins are welcome. To scheduled an appointment, call 800-733-2767 or go online to www.redcrossblood.org.

n Mahanoy City: Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Parish will have a blessing of animals on St. Francis of Assisi Day, 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 4 at St. Cecilia Chapel, 21 S. Catawissa St. For more information, call 570-773-0813.

n Mahanoy City: The Active Christian Teens in Our Neighborhood Youth Group will have a “Trunk or Treat” Halloween event from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at the parking log of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church, 500 W. Mahanoy Ave. Mahanoy Area residents are welcome to participate in the contest and may park in the Blessed Teresa parking lot at 5:15 p.m. They should decorate their trunks with a Halloween, beach, Mother Goose, Western or pirate theme. People’s names should not appear on the car, van or truck. All attendees will get one vote. Children who attend will receive a treat. The winner will be the trunk that gets the most votes. In the event of a tie, the $100 prize will be split. To register, call Debbie at 570-773-0813 by Oct. 22.

n Orwigsburg: Holy Family Adult Day Care is continuing to accept applications for the day care program, which is located along Route 443 at the former St. Francis Orphanage building. The program is licensed by the state Department of Aging and provides social and activity programs, therapeutic care and support services, according to a Holy Family release. Other benefits include daytime support for caregivers, meeting the special needs of adults with Alzheimer’s disease or stroke who need supervision but not 24-hour care, assistance with medication and personal care. It provides breakfast and cooked lunch with a snack in the afternoon. Anyone 60 or older and who meets program requirements is eligible. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information or to schedule a visit, call Linda Herb, program director, at 570-366-2924.

n Pottsville: Schuylkill Health will host its annual 5K Walk/Run for diabetes awareness and education Oct. 25 at Stoyer’s Dam-Bubeck Park, Schuylkill Haven. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and both the run and walk will start at 10 a.m. Advance registration is encouraged by completing a registration form available online at www.schuylkillhealth.com. Individuals and teams are welcome. Teams must be a minimum of four members. For more information about participating as a runner, walker or sponsor, call Michael Peckman at 570-621-5555.

n Pottsville: David J. Dutcavich, Schuylkill County prothonotary, released the following report for August: County remittance, $45,287.98; new civil suits, 164; new divorces, 37; divorces granted, 34; passports processed, 108; state remittance, $7,703.45.

n Pottsville: Theresa Santai-Gaffney, Schuylkill County register of wills and clerk of the orphans’ court, released the following report for August: Estates processed, 87; marriage licenses issued, 85; adoptions completed, one; inheritance tax remitted to the commonwealth, $512,372.98; county fees collected, $19,448.25.

n Schuylkill Haven: First United Church of Christ, 110 Route 61 South, will sponsor a Kauffman’s chicken barbecue and vendor sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 1 at the church. The Christmas vendor sale will include Longaberger, Tupperware, Pink Zebra, 31 Totes, Tastefully Simple, Mary K, Pampered Chef, Velata, Avon and Handmade Crafts. A gift-wrapping station will be available. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-385-5979.

PINE GROVE — The 18 member churches of the Pine Grove Area Council of Churches sponsored their second annual First Responders Memorial Service on Sept. 11.

The event was hosted by St. John’s Lutheran Church, 222 S. Tulpehocken St.,

More than 100 residents from throughout the area attended the service. Invited first responders included members of Hose, Hook & Ladder No. 1, North End, Ravine, and Suedberg fire companies, Pine Grove Ambulance Association, West Schuylkill Advanced Life Support and the Pine Grove police.

The Pine Grove Community Band opened the service with the national anthem, followed by remarks and the reading of President George W. Bush’s presidential proclamation designating Sept. 11 “Patriots Day” by one of service’s organizers, SALM John Ziegler.

Mayor Willard Shiffer, a retired Army major and Pine Grove Area High School JROTC instructor, spoke about the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and reminded people that military members also should be remembered and thanked for their service to the country, both at home and in foreign lands.

The Rev. Autumn Hardenstine, co-organizer, gave a sermon followed by the community singing “Eternal Fathers, Strong to Save.”

Rebecca J. Margerum

ELIZABETHVILLE — A Williamstown man is headed to Dauphin County Court after a preliminary hearing Tuesday on four charges resulting from an incident in July in Williams Township.

Alvin D. Twinne, 24, of 118 Autumn Drive Apt. 16, who did not appear for the hearing, faces charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, tampering with or fabricating evidence, hindering apprehension or prosecution and corruption of minors.

Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum ruled at the end of the hearing that prosecutors had produced enough evidence to support the charges and ordered all four held for court against Twinne.

State police at Lykens allege Twinne committed his crimes on July 10.

Twinne’s formal arraignment in Dauphin County Court is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 3.

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

Michael Ely, 41, of 335 E. Market St., Gratz — two counts each of fraudulent, altered, forged or counterfeit documents and improper possession, sale, use or display of documents and one each of improper removal of certificate of inspection, no evidence of emission inspection, driving unregistered vehicle, suspended vehicle registration, allowing illegal use of plate or card, driving under suspension and operating vehicle without valid inspection; right to preliminary hearing waived, one count each of fraudulent, altered, forged or counterfeit documents and improper possession, sale, use or display of documents and charges of improper removal of certificate of inspection and no evidence of emission inspection withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Janet L. Kahler, 53, of 31 Caroline St., Harrisburg — terroristic threats, simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Heather K. Rozycki, 39, of 158 Water St., Dalmatia — endangering the welfare of children, driving under the influence, accident involving death or injury, driving without a license, failure to notify of change of address, failure to keep right, disregarding traffic lane, failure to drive at a safe speed, careless driving, reckless driving, restraint systems violation, seat belt violation and two counts of suspended or altered drivers license; charges held for court after preliminary hearing.

Schuylkill County will sponsor a collection of household hazardous wastes in November.

The collection provides a way to properly dispose of old, unusable and unwanted hazardous products. Putting them in the trash or down the drain contributes to the pollution of air and drinking water.

It is the first free household hazardous waste disposal program that is open to all residents in the county.

It will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 15 in the parking lot at the Schuylkill Mall, Frackville.

The event will use the state Department of Agriculture’s CHEMSWEEP Waste Pesticide Disposal Program and waste disposal contractor, MXI Environmental Services. The cost is estimated to be between $60,000 and $75,000, depending on the tonnage collected. The state Department of Environmental Protection will reimburse the county up to 50 percent of the costs.

Acceptable items include antifreeze, asbestos, corrosives/caustics, lead acid batteries, oil-based paints, paint products, turpentine, thinner, flammable liquids, used oil, contaminated motor oil, oxidizers, latex paint, pesticides, agricultural waste, propane cylinders (only 1- and 20-pound cylinders) and fire extinguishers.

The event will be held rain or shine. No commercial waste will be accepted and no more than 200 pounds of materials per person. People should not mix the materials or use plastic bags when bringing them to the collection site. Lids should be tightened on all containers or placed in a larger container if they are leaking. Containers should also be labeled.

Items that will not be accepted include electronics, appliances, alkaline batteries, business tires, garbage, 55-gallon drums, fireworks/explosives, ammunition, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, radioactive material, medical waste, infectious waste, sharp controlled substances, intuitional wastes and governmental wastes.

Questions concerning disposal of those items can be directed to the county Office of Solid Waste and Resource Management at 570-628-1220.

The county is currently hosting its annual Fall Cleanup and Recycling event to collect waste tires and electronic materials. There will be various collection sites throughout the county through Saturday.

ORWIGSBURG — Glenn R. Frantz, who worked at Fryers 5&10 before it closed earlier this year, opened a new store in the borough this month.

“It was tough that it closed down like it did,” Frantz said, but he added that people can make new memories at his store, G.R. Frantz & Son, at 100 E. Market St.

Fryers 5&10 closed due to economic conditions in May after its owner, Joyce Frantz, Glenn’s mother, passed away last year. Everything in the store was sent to auction, except trains that belonged to Glenn.

Fryers occupied 210 E. Market St. since 1954. Glenn Frantz, a borough resident, managed the store for 30 years.

The new store was previously home to Blinds to Show, which left because Frantz, who owns the building, needed the space. Frantz said he looked at other locations, but he said they were not suitable.

The 800-square-foot store opened Sept. 2 and has similar merchandise as Fryers did, such as greeting cards, trains, toys and seasonal window decor.

“I try to special order stuff you just don’t see at your big box stores,” he said, standing in front of small train tracks.

Trains cars that Frantz has sold since 2011 will be available at his new store. Frantz goes to local Schuylkill County businesses and asks if they want to be featured on the cars. Mike’s Train House in Maryland makes the cars and Mountaintop Graphics, Orwigsburg, does the design work.

This year, the car will feature H.B. Steele & Son Inc., Orwigsburg, a fuel oil company. The O-Gauge trains sell for about $50 pre-ordered or about $60 regularly. People interested in buying the trains can stop by the store or call 570-366-7330. Only about 225 will be made and about 80 have been ordered so far, Frantz said.

Frantz also sells N-Gauge and HO Gauge trains.

“They make nice Christmas presents for people who are local,” he said.

Borough Manager Mike Lonergan said he was happy Frantz stayed in the borough.

“We certainly wish Glenn the best and are pleased that he has reopened in Orwigsburg,” he said.

LOYALTON — Three parents brought their concerns about bus overcrowding and speeding to the Upper Dauphin Area school board Sept. 9.

In response, the school district said parents of children riding on bus No. 12 would receive a letter in the mail addressing the situation.

Lois Burdette, Douglas Smith and Gigi Smith, all of North Street, Lykens, told the board they had issues with the number of students being transported and with the driver of bus No. 12 allegedly speeding with their children on board.

“They’re already sitting three kids to a seat,” Burdette said, adding that when she was recently traveling behind the bus on Edwards Street, she saw students fall into the bus aisle.

Douglas Smith said he didn’t receive much satisfaction when he called the district to complain about the bus driver’s behavior.

“Bus drivers are not allowed to bully. I called in and complained. When you call the superintendent, he should have the decency to call back ... He hung up on my wife,” Smith said.

Smith said he understood that, by law, three students may be able to sit in a seat, but that the overcrowding was a concern.

An Upper Dauphin Area High School student also said that she felt that the bus driver “pointed her out” when she was videotaping him.

“I do have video of what he was saying (over the overcom),” she said.

School board President Dave Barder said the board would take those comments under advisement.

Superintendent Evan P. Williams read from a letter dated Sept. 8 detailing the district’s response:

“It was recently brought to our attention that complaints have been received about the operation of school bus No. 12, on which your child is a regular student passenger. I am writing to let you know that steps have been taken by the district to address the allegations, and corrective action is ongoing.

“The district was apprised that two parties alleged that the school bus driver operated the school bus in excess of posted speed limits and in a reckless manner. Both the business manager and I have followed the bus through Lykens and observed no violations. The district very much cares about the safety of school children while they are transported to and from school. Accordingly, the district has spoken with its school bus contractor, Rohrer Bus Services, and the bus driver regarding what was reported. The bus contractor and the driver have been extremely cooperative. Devices have been installed to monitor the bus’s speed, and a video camera will be used to corroborate the results of the electronic monitoring.

“In the event that you believe you have observed the improper operation of a school bus, we ask that you do not directly confront the school bus driver. The State Board of Education regulations prohibit any individuals except school children and authorized school personnel from entering a school bus while engaged in the transportation of children to and from school. We do not want you to violate this regulation. Instead, if you observe any such behavior, please notify local law enforcement and feel free to put your concerns in writing and send them to my attention for review.

“Again, the school district is committed to addressing with its school bus contractors any incidents of unsafe driving that can be verified.”

The letter is signed by Williams and copies were sent to Mary Bateman, business manager; Jeffrey D. Litts, Esq., Kegel, Kellin, Almy, and Lord, LLC, the district’s solicitor; Nicole Teeter, Lykens police; and Sgt. Danny Fry, Pennsylvania State Police.

Tamaqua woman

not hurt in crash

CUMBOLA — A Tamaqua woman escaped injury when she drove off Route 209 and struck a utility pole Saturday night, police said.

State police at Frackville said Sunday that at 6:01 p.m. Saturday, Monica B. Russup, 48, was driving a 1990 Pontiac 6000SW southbound when, for reasons unknown, she veered off the southbound lane and shoulder and hit the pole. Her car had to be towed and the pole had to be replaced, police said.

Police charged Russup with failing to stay in her lane.

Personal info

stolen from truck

TOWER CITY — State police at Schuylkill Haven are looking for the thief who entered an unlocked blue 1992 Ford F-150 parked at 1203 E. Grand Ave. between 10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday and stole personal information from two individuals.

The victims are Wayne C. Reiner, Tower City, and Linda A. Wetzel, Valley View, police said Sunday.

Anyone with information about this incident can call police at 570-739-1330.

Carbondale man

charged in theft

FRACKVILLE — State police at Frackville arrested a Carbondale man for stealing two headsets valued at $59.98 from Sears at Schuylkill Mall, New Castle Township, just after noon Sunday.

Police said at 12:50 p.m., Gerald Korner Jr., 37, left the store with the merchandise without paying for it. This was Korner’s third retail theft, therefore he was charged with felony retail theft, police said.

He was arraigned before on-call Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont, who set bail at $10,000 cash. Unable to come up with the bail, Korner was committed to Schuylkill County Prison, police said.

James K. Reiley

A Pottsville man charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl inside his city home between Sept. 1 and 8 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

Clayton S. Stoner, 20, who has no permanent address and a last known address of 423 E. Market St., was arrested by Pottsville police Patrolman Charles Webber and charged with one count each of indecent assault and corruption of minors and two counts each of indecent assault and corruption of minors.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Stoner will have to answer to all six charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Webber 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.

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

Other court cases included:

Thomas Steranko, 37, no known address — waived for court: resisting arrest.

Tyler A. Fanelli, 20, of 99 Caroline Ave., Pottsville — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving a vehicle with a valid inspection.

Marie E. Rosario, 31, of 911 W. Market St., Apt. 2, Pottsville — waived for court: simple assault.

Isaiaha A. Silver, 26, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — withdrawn: simple assault.

Justin T. Kanezo, 21, of 514 Pine St., Pottsville — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mark A. Dellamonica, 29, of 480 Peacock St., Pottsville — dismissed after Dellamonica paid court costs: defiant trespass and harassment.

Brianna L. Schleicher, 29, of 302 W. Railroad St., Pottsville — dismissed after Schleicher paid court costs: defiant trespass and harassment.

Christopher D. Books, 24, of 175 W. Wiconisco Ave., Tower City — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance by inmate-contraband.

Patrick M. Margie, 20, of 602 Mahantongo St., Apt. 6, Pottsville — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jennifer L. Ost, 37, of 26 Fritz Reed Ave., Schuylkill Haven — waived for court: retail theft.

Cesar Cepeda, 50, of 911 W. Market St., Apt. 2, Pottsville — waived for court: simple assault.

Lawrence D. Cooney, 51, of 305 W. Mahantongo St., Pottsville — waived for court: defiant trespass and retail theft.

Chelsea A. Ciccanti, 27, of 17 W. Franklin St., Saint Clair — waived for court: aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

Johnny J. Baker, 35, of 513 W. Coal St., Shenandoah — held for court: recklessly endangering another person, retail theft and scattering rubbish.

Brian Lee Heckler, 46, of 226 N. Third St., 2nd Floor Apt., Pottsville — waived for court: criminal mischief, defiant trespass and loitering and prowling at night.

Larisa Timerene Zimmerman, 18, of 201 N. 12th St., Apt. A1, Market Square Apartments, Pottsville — waived for court: aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Steven J. Brilla, 20, of 821 Water St., Pottsville — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Giafranco C. Dovidio, 26, of 310 W. Market St., No. 2 Rear, Pottsville — held for court: false identification to law enforcement.

Kenneth W. Rich III, 23, of 101 W. Race St., Apt. 302, Pottsville — waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael J. Setlock Jr., 41, of 14 1/2 Wiggan St., New Philadelphia — waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft, displaying a plate card in an improper vehicle, disposition of vehicle or vehicle parts with altered vehicle identification numbers and receiving stolen property.

Travis G. Knopf, 21, of 258 Fort Lebanon Road, Auburn — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael E. Paolella, 19, of 447 Carbon St., Minersville — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia and making repairs to or selling offensive weapons.

Rachel E. Guscott, 24, of 438 Front St., Pottsville — waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and public drunkenness.

Cory M. Ratliff, 37, of 433 Harrison St., Pottsville — held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Donte T. Brown, 24, of 12 N. 11th St., Pottsville — held for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, duties at a stop sign and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Benjamin Lee Neidlinger, 21, of 1223 W. Norwegian St., Apt. 1, Pottsville — held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Vincent Lee Balthaser, 19, of 36 S. Nicholas St., Saint Clair — waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brian C. Martin, 24, of 51 E. Arch St., Frackville — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gregory P. McGovern, 21, of 1501 W. Market St., Apt. 2, Box 195, Pottsville — held for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana.

William J. Higgins, 20, of 133 W. Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven — held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Schuylkill County prosecutors on Friday withdrew criminal charges they had filed against a Minersville woman.

Hailey L. Sipple, 22, had been charged with terroristic threats and harassment.

Saint Clair police alleged Sipple had committed those crimes on March 29, 2013, in the borough.

President Judge William E. Baldwin entered an order allowing prosecutors to withdraw the charges and directing Sipple to pay the costs.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — With electric candles, heavenly voices and a proclamation from the Schuylkill County commissioners, local veterans held the 17th annual vigil to remember the 90 Pennsylvania soldiers who are still listed as missing in action in Vietnam.

“Last year, there was 91,” Guy Wiederhold, Pottsville, commander of the Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 29, Schuylkill County, said during the vigil at the Schuylkill County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Sunday night before a crowd of 65.

A soldier from Reading who was listed as missing last year, Col. Thomas W. Dugan, was taken off the list this year, Wiederhold said.

“People wonder why we do this year after year after year. When our organization was formed, one of its goals was recognition and honors and the bringing home of our POW/MIAs. I have some good news. Last year, from the state of Pennsylvania, there were 91. This year, there are 90. A family from Reading now has closure. They know that their son had passed and now they at least know what happened. That’s why we do this. And as long as we’re able, and until every single one of those 90 return home, we will do this year after year after year,” Wiederhold said.

Cosette Pohronezny, president of Schuylkill Haven American Legion Auxiliary Post 38, read the 90 names aloud thorough a microphone.

Henry Albert Tipping is the only Vietnam soldier from Schuylkill County still listed as missing in action, Wiederhold said.

Air Force Col. Henry A. Tipping, a Mill Creek native, disappeared July 2, 1968, while flying the lead fighter jet in a search-and-rescue mission for another downed pilot. He was 42.

Performers at the vigil included Diane Roeder, chaplain of the Schuylkill Haven Legion auxiliary unit; Sarah Kramer of Mohrsville, Berks Couty; Janet Enders, Pottsville, and David Derbes, Pottsville, on guitar.

The Schuylkill County commissioners declared Sept. 21 POW/MIA Recognition Day for Schuylkill County and Commissioner George Halcovage came out to the event to read the proclamation.

Among those in the crowd was a Gold Star Mother, Joan D. Heiser Moyer, Orwigsburg. Her son, David F. Heiser, died Feb. 2, 1969, shot in Vietnam while serving with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade. He is buried at Kimmel’s Church in the Orwigsburg area.

Even though her son wasn’t MIA, Heiser Moyer said, “It’s my duty to be here. He was my oldest son. And God love him, when he left for the service I can still hear him say ‘Mama, I’ll be home someday.’ But he never came home. He came home dead. He’s dead 45 years now. I miss him. And by coming to ceremonies like these, I remember him.”

As Servants To All continues to search for a permanent home in Pottsville, the nonprofit organization is seeking more votes to be awarded a grant.

Wal-Mart is sponsoring a grant program called Fight Hunger Spark Change that will award a total of $3 million to 50 of the 148 food banks registered with them throughout the country.

Each winning food bank will receive $60,000, of which $45,000 stays with the food bank to support their work. Each food bank also chooses one to 10 of its agencies to share the remaining $15,000.

The Greater Berks Food Bank has selected Servants To All as its beneficiary to receive $15,000 of the award. As the official food bank for both Berks and Schuylkill counties, the Greater Berks Food Bank distributes more than a million pounds of food annually to 70 programs in Schuylkill County.

The top 50 food banks are determined through voting online at wm8.walmart.com/hunger.

Voting started Sept. 15 and will run to Oct. 5. As of Saturday, the Greater Berks Food Bank was No. 43 with 802 votes.

A Facebook account is needed to vote. Each person can vote once every day.

Through the initiative, the monetary equivalent of more than 37 million meals will be donated to Feeding America food banks and local agencies throughout the United States.

Servants To All was formed late last year with the intention of establishing a permanent homeless shelter in Pottsville. Members of the organization and other volunteers established a temporary shelter in February that rotated between three city churches until May.

Albert Nastasi, founder and executive director of Servants To All, said the organization is still searching for a facility in a non-residental area of Pottsville. Once a home is found, the Servants To All homeless shelter will be open 24 hours a day and offer various programs, such as case working and mentoring, while helping individuals find housing and work.

A vintage diesel locomotive and three passenger cars rolled into Pottsville Sunday morning, similar to the type of eye-catching train Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad drove into Union Station when it was dedicated in June 2011.

Christopher Hohman, 14, a train enthusiast from Pottsville, was up early to see it, as were more than 80 other people who came out to the city’s intermodal center at 300 S. Centre St. for the inaugural rail excursion featuring free rides by invitation from Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney.

They included shutterbugs from out of the area, like Gary Grahl, 78, of Bronx, New York, who drove out with his Super 8 movie camera to catch a glimpse of the past.

Rail service ended in the city on July 27, 1981, according to Richard Bernhardt, the conductor of the train. While the railroad routinely drives train cars on the tracks near the city’s southern border, a train doesn’t roll into Union Station every day.

Andrew M. Muller Jr., owner of the railroad, said he was hoping to bring in a different vintage train car for the inaugural excursion — the railroad’s RDC No. 9168, a “Budd car” similar to the type of passenger rail diesel car that rolled into Pottsville in 1981.

“Although it’s not the exact same one, the last train out of here was a Budd car,” Hohman said.

It’s called a Budd car because it was built by Budd Co.

But RDC No. 9168 didn’t pass Muller’s critical inspection.

“We had some problems with the brakes this morning,” Muller said.

“There were some air pressure issues,” Bernhardt added.

“If there were issues, I don’t blame him for not bringing it out,” Hohman said of RDC No. 9168.

“Today would have been our first trip with that. We had a couple test runs the last couple of weeks and it went fine. It might have dirt in the valves from sitting so long. It hasn’t run in revenue service since 2000,” Muller said.

“We had a Plan B in case Plan A failed,” Bernhardt said.

“Well, it looks great to me. Are we going to get an ‘all aboard?’ ” Muldowney said, eager to get the inaugural excursion under way and give his granddaughter, 15-month old Madison, her first train ride.

The inaugural trip was an invitation-only event. The mayor had invited 90 people who were involved with the development of Union Station. They included people who worked with the late Pottsville Mayor Terence P. “Terry” Reiley and the late John F. Sninsky, who was an administrator for Schuylkill Transportation System.

Terry Reiley’s brother, Hugh, and members of his family, were aboard Sunday.

Local train experts along for the ride included Ron Androshick and brothers Vince and Gerard Fabiani, all of Pottsville.

Hohman’s name was not on the list. But before the train departed, there were a few extra passes and Merideth Hannan, the mayor’s secretary, offered Hohman one.

“What brought me out here today was my love for the railroad and love for this town. I worked on Project 113 in Minersville,” Hohman said, referring to Railway Restoration Project 113. “And I just love trains and I always have,” he said.

The three passenger cars that rolled into Union Station Sunday were “ex-Erie Lackawanna cars,” according to Bernhardt.

“That’s the owner’s private car, the observation car in the back, No. 5, which is about 90 years old. And we have the 303 and the 302,” Bernhardt said.

They were built in the early 20th century, according to Muller.

The engine, Reading and Northern 3057, is an SD40-2, a 3,000-horsepower diesel-electric locomotive built either in the 1970s or 1980s.

The excursion went from Pottsville to Reading and the trip included a tour of the Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad corporate facilities in Port Clinton.

“I’m going to go down to Port Clinton to see the Budd car,” Grahl said.

The Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad and the city are planning to host a series of rail excursions from Union Station.

In October, tickets will be available to the public for the next one, which is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 15. And in November, tickets will go on sale for rides on “Santa Claus Specials.” Those trips are tentatively scheduled for Nov. 30 and Dec. 21, Muller said earlier this month.

Anyone with questions about the trips or ticket sales can call the railroad at 610-562-2102, Muller said.

A Shenandoah man will pay costs and fines after admitting Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he was drunk and disorderly in January in West Mahanoy Township.

Eduardo H. Lopez, 35,pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and public drunkenness, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of driving under the influence and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin accepted Lopez’s plea and sentenced him to pay costs and $400 in fines.

West Mahanoy Township police charged Lopez with being drunk and disorderly on Jan. 17 in the township.

Also on Wednesday in the county court, Judge John E. Domalakes sentenced Clint L. Rarick, 22, of Orwigsburg, to serve three to 12 months in prison.

Domalakes imposed the sentence on Rarick after revoking his probation, which the defendant had admitted violating.

Rarick originally pleaded guilty on Dec. 11, 2013, to theft by deception, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of conspiracy. At that time, Domalakes paced him on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $56.06 restitution, amounts the defendant still must pay under the terms of Wednesday’s sentence.

Saint Clair police charged Rarick with committing the theft on July 4, 2012, in the borough.

Deeds

Barry Township — Percy David Carl and Robert P. and Michelle L. Carl to Robert P. and Michelle L. Carl; 214 Hill Road; $1.

East Union Township — Summer Leigh Jess and Delmar Ray Butler Jr. to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 30WSS6, Eagle Rock; $10.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Ryan and Annie Paayas; Lot 116HF4, Eagle Rock; $28,179.

David A. Jacobs and Marianne C. Desmarais to David Jacobs; Lot 244WS, Eagle Rock; $1.

Frackville — Thomas R. Jr. and Kathleen A. Biscoe to Donald Arthur Malick; 23 S. Center St.; $58,000.

Girardville — Robert Brennan to Stephen Jr. and Brittany Lynne Harhigh; 141 Preston Ave.; $1.

ARH Properties LLC to Witsar Construction and Property Management LLC; 15 W. Ogden St.; $2,600.

Hegins Township — Edna M. Rhody to Herman R. Jr. and Edna M. Rhody; 11 Reservoir Road, Hegins; $1.

Hubley Township — Norman and Yvonne Lettich and Ethel M. Lettich to Gene A. and Wendy S. Lettich; 1.1-acre property; $4,500.

Beverly J. Reiner, executrix of the Estate of Harriet L. Wolfe, to Jacob D. and Holly J. Lettich; property in Sacramento; $9,000.

Kline Township — Irene A. Columbo, by attorney in fact Susan A. Hischer, to Alicia Brockett; property on Center Street, Kelayres; $85,000.

Mahanoy City — Gary W. and Janel Schaeffer to Janel Schaeffer; 1124 E. Centre St.; $1.

Mechanicsville — Richard A. and Ann K. Lowe to Greg Lowe; 1160 E. Norwegian St.; $1.

Richard A. and Ann K. Lowe to Richard A. and Ann K. Lowe; 1166 E. Norwegian St.; $1.

Robert E. and Denise M. Swartz to Patrick G. Brennan; property on Pottsville Street; $30,000.

Minersville — Catherine A. Milbrandt to Jeremy J. Milbrandt; 306 N. Third St.; $1.

North Manheim Township — Jacob C. Throne, trustee of The Dairy Road Trust, to John C. Mercuri; property on Richard Road; $41,000.

North Union Township — Joanne Lee to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 122AW, Eagle Rock; $6,218.08.

Eagle Rock Resort Co.; to Samsonpaul Katam and Pinky Sindura Palaparthy Lot 122AW, Eagle Rock; $34,239.

Ho J. Mun and Michelle Hoover to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 58AW, Eagle Rock; $6,444.17.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Maria R. and Rowel J. Relator; Lot 58AW, Eagle Rock; $38,279.

Charles J. Kovacsi to Daniel J. Baker; 810 Main St., Nuremberg; $107,000.

Norwegian Township — Anthony J. Ricci to Nelson E. and Rosaire M. Holley; property on Main Street, Seltzer; $1.

Thomas D. and Karen M. Guastavino to Matthew M. and Karen J. Strauss; 814 Pinewood Drive; $234,000.

Orwigsburg — Justin G. and Dana C. Miller to Justin G. and Dana C. Miller; 107 Station Road; $1.

Pine Grove Township — Pine Grove Landfill Inc. to Machina Williams; 205 Schultz Road; $14,000.

Dwayne Wetzel and Cindy M. Wetzel to Dwayne Wetzel; .6211-acre property; $1.

Arthur A. Aungst, by attorney in fact Ronald R. Aungst, and Grace L. Aungst to Todd M. and Jenny R. Lyons; two properties; $325,000.

Pottsville — Richard Bauer to Shehadeh Investments LLC; 10 S. Jackson St.; $1,000.

Richard P. Bauer to Shehadeh Investments LLC; 524 E. Norwegian St.; $1,000.

Charles A. Sophy to Jeanette Sophy; 723 N. Second St.; $1.

Richard J. and Lisa A. Montone to Child Development Inc.; property on Seventh Street; $225,000.

MRA Realty Associates LLC to Schuylkill Health Systems Medical Group Inc.; property at North Progress Avenue and East Laurel Boulevard; $850,000.

Jessica Hettler to Efrain Miranda; 479 Peacock St.; $1,454.

Alison J. and David Goines to Anthony Liptok; 2070 Yokewood Road; $169,900.

Rush Township — Marcat LLC to David B. Ferrar; 37 Hilltop Road, Barnesville; $25,000.

Mark J. and Mary Tertel to Mark J. and Mary Tertel; property on Legislative Route 53041; $1.

Ryan Township — Albert G. Smith to Scott J. and Heather A. Alansky; 0.51-acre property on State Road; $4,000.

Terrence J. and Virginia R. Purcell to John and Andrea Gutsie; 1.23-acre property on Ball Diamond Road; $35,000.

Saint Clair — John M. Kaminsky and Joseph Kaminsky, co-executors under the Last Will & Testament of Mary Kaminsky, and John M. Kaminsky to Helen A. Meinhold and John R. Meinhold; 47 Nicholas St.; $48,050.

Thomas Kurtek to Edward E. and Violet M. Pogera; 201-203 S. Third St.; $10,000.

Schuylkill Haven — Dewald Properties Family Limited Partnership to PB Mad Properties LLC; 43 St. John St.; $136,000.

William Fleagle to Tumbling Run Properties LLC; 355 Center Ave.; $175,000.

Charles C. Allen to Christopher M. Holland; 21 Pleasant Row; $48,000.

Shenandoah — Janel and Gary W. Schaeffer to Janel Schaeffer; 36 S. Jardin St.; $1.

Patricia Beltz, administratrix of the Estate of Anna Wasilewski, to Patricia and Ronald Beltz; 429 W. Washington St.; $1.

South Manheim Township — Rebecca J. Chick to Jeremy and Jeannine Johnson; 13.21629-acre property on Fair Road; $92,000.

Tower City — John and Colette A. Viozzi to Alec M. Imboden and Francesca A. Mangine; 47 W. Colliery Ave.; $57,000.

Vernon W. Martin to Wade E. and Donna Jean Donmoyer; 800-802 E. Wiconisco Ave.; $60,000.

Tremont Township — Federal National Mortgage Association to Joann Gregory; 105 Molleystown Road, Molleystown; $28,200.

Union Township — Mark and Tracie Gantz Maliniak to Kenneth L. Gibbons Jr.; 3.1347-acre property; $260,000.

Upper Mahantongo Township — Arlene J. Wehry to Harold R. Wehry Jr.; 180 Kopp Road, Klingerstown; $1.

David A. Plachko

PORT CARBON — A Minersville man arrested by Minersville police and charged with sending nude photos of himself to a 12-year-old girl waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko.

Ronald Lee Wrona Jr., 23, of 422 Sunbury St., Box 414, was arrested by Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers and charged with unlawful contact with a minor, criminal attempt to commit unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and indecent exposure.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Wrona will now have to answer to all four charges against him in Schuylkill County Court.

Bowers said Wrona contacted the girl, asked her to send explicit photographs of herself to him and sent a photo of his bare genitals to her via a cell phone.

In subsequent conversations, Wrona asked the girl if she liked the photos, discussed “making love” and said he wanted to make love to her, Bowers said.

Other court cases included:

Robert Weismiller, 43, of 329 First St., Saint Clair — waived for court: aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Heidi V. Luna, 33, of 219 South St., Minersville — waived for court: DUI, DUI-high rate, disregard for single traffic lane and careless driving.

David G. Dillow, 36, of 264 W. Savory St., Pottsville — withdrawn: simple assault and harassment.

Melissa Dodds, 32, of 225 S. Morris St., Saint Clair — waived for court: DUI, careless driving and period for requiring lighted lamps.

Gabrielle Boris-Stronach, 44, no fixed address — waived for court: unsworn falsification to authorities and materially false written statement for purchase, deliver or transfer of a firearm.

Kelly M. Davis, 30, of 18 Stone Row, Branchdale — withdrawn: theft by deception and bad checks.

Michael J. Setlock Jr., 41, of 11 Kaska St., Middleport — waived for court: receiving stolen property.

Kenneth M. Neifert, 28, of 30 Valley St., New Philadelphia — waived for court: receiving stolen property, theft, theft from a motor vehicle, conspiracy and criminal mischief.

Edward Flores-Rodriguez, 25, of 1954 Lynfield Drive, Bethlehem — waived for court: firearms not to be carried without a license, persons not to possess or use firearms, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving without a license and driving without insurance.

Kerri Mae Cook, 27, of 308 W. Market St., Apt. 2nd Floor, Pottsville — waived for court: retail theft.

Melissa S. Robinson, 33, of 2153 W. Market St., Pottsville — waived for court: retail theft.

Mona Bocktor Khalil, 60, of 214 Schuylkill Ave., Shenandoah — waived for court: retail theft, simple assault, resisting arrest and harassment.

Kimberly M. Rauch, 38, of 311 Pine St., Minersville — withdrawn: aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment.

Katelin P. Flamini, 24, of 227 Louisa Ave., Pottsville — waived for court: retail theft, false identification to law enforcement and theft by deception.

Luis Lopez, 55, of 59 Spittler Road, Pine Grove — waived for court: theft and receiving stolen property.

Tammy L. Yatsko, 43, of 8 S. Lehigh St., Tamaqua — held for court: bad checks.

Tanya L. Svrcek, 35, of 237 Wallace St., Pottsville — waived for court: retail theft.

PINE GROVE — Borough police arrested a juvenile on Monday for another bomb threat at Pine Grove Area High School.

Pine Grove Area School District Superintendent Kendy K. Hinkel said Monday that a juvenile had been arrested for the threat, the fourth in the school district in the last two weeks.

“It’s a juvenile,” Hinkel said. She declined to say whether it was a boy or a girl.

Students returned to classes Monday afternoon at the high school, Hinkel said. She provided few other details about the incident.

“There’s not much else I can say about it,” Hinkel said.

Monday’s threat was the fourth in the district this month, with the others being made on Sept. 9, 12 and 18.

“It is very frustrating,” high school Principal Michael Janicelli said. “We just want to get on with a normal school year.”

Janicelli said the students returned to class shortly before 1 p.m. after having been taken to the neighboring middle school, where they ate lunch. The high school was inspected before the students returned, according to Janicelli.

“Our kids are persevering,” he said.

Janicelli also declined to comment on the bomb threat itself.

“At this point, with this investigation, I’m not willing to disclose anything,” he said.

Pine Grove police, who are handling the investigation, could not be reached Monday for comment.

However, District Attorney Christine A. Holman said the offender should not expect any easy treatment from her office.

“There will be no breaks. This is ridiculous,” she said. “I’m flabbergasted. Anything the school district needs, the district attorney’s office will certainly come to their aid if requested.”

The district includes Pine Grove and Tremont boroughs and Frailey, Pine Grove, Tremont and Washington townships.

SAINT CLAIR — Construction on the fast-food restaurant Taco Bell that has been long-awaited by many locals has begun and should be complete by the end of December.

“We broke ground today and plan to open in a couple months,” Devinder P. “Dave” Bhasin, president of Multiconcept Group Inc., Fogelsville, Lehigh County, said.

Site work began last week to prep the land for construction, Terence Ryan, president of R&R Property Managers Inc., said. He said the only matter to focus on now is “a matter of getting it open.”

With design professional Lehigh Engineering LLC, the fast-food restaurant is slated to be finished by the end of December.

“The raw construction timing alone, it takes about 120 days,” Bhasin said, according to The Republican-Herald archives.

Plans for the first full-menu Taco Bell in Schuylkill County began March 4 when a sketch plan submission was presented to Saint Clair Borough by the law offices of Gretchen Coles Sterns LLC, on behalf of the Coal Creek Commerce Center, according to the Saint Clair Planning Commission sketch plan review.

Coal Creek Commerce Center LLC paid the borough a sketch plan review fee of $1,450, according to the sketch plan review.

The Saint Clair Planning Commission unanimously approved the project’s final land development plans on May 22 after expressing concerns about curbing to assist in traffic flow at the proposed restaurant.

The preliminary concept plans showed the drive-thru restaurant as a 2,117-square-foot building, 40 feet high and able to seat 54 people.

The parking lot will include 31 spaces.

The building will also support a maximum of nine employees at one time.

“We anticipate we’ll be hiring 40 employees, 30 part-time and 10 full-time. It depends on sales and the season,” Bhasin said, according to The Republican-Herald archives.

He said the restaurant would be open from 7 a.m. to midnight.

Bhasin hopes to keep Taco Bell in Schuylkill County for as long as possible.

“This year was Taco Bell’s 50th anniversary, so the company has been around for a while. We are excited to come to the county and also hope to stay for a long time to come,” Bhasin said.

SHENANDOAH — Whether you are a lover of soft or hard ice cream, frozen yogurt or water ice, a new shop is opening in the near future in Shenandoah that will keep your taste buds happy.

Construction work on Chill Out Ice Cream Parlor and Snack Shop has been completed, and owners Robert and Anna Marie Decusky, Ringtown, are finishing up for the opening. No official date is set until the final inspection is complete, which should be done this week, with the doors to open shortly thereafter.

“We’ve passed all the inspections so far,” Robert Decusky said.

“This weekend we’ll have all the employees in to be trained in how to make everything,” Anna Marie Decusky said last week. There will be 12 employees to start.

The new shop is along state Route 924 at 606 Gold Star Highway, just south of the Gold Star Bridge. The newly constructed building has a cupola with a weather vane topped by an ice cream cone.

On Friday, the Decuskys, both Shenandoah natives, were learning from the vendor how to work the soft-serve machines and how to make the right type of swirl, which in this case was for frozen yogurt.

The orange and blue color scheme for the walls match the colors of the Chill Out logo, which includes penguins. The tables and chairs had not been placed at the time.

“We’ll have service at the windows in the front, or they can come in, see all the hard ice cream flavors and sit down to enjoy,” Anna Marie Decusky said.

All ice cream and flavored water ice products are “homemade,” she said, and delivered to the store a day after the order is placed.

“When I call an order in on Tuesday, they will make it Tuesday and we’ll get delivery on Wednesday,” Anna Marie Decusky said.

“The supplier doesn’t own a factory,” Robert Decusky said. “He makes for himself, for us and maybe one or two other shops.”

“They can only make so much at a time,” Anna Marie Decusky said. “They’re basically a mom-and-pop operation. They’re from Allentown and make limited amounts of ice cream.”

When the store opens, hard ice cream flavors will include pumpkin, cookies and cream, peanut butter cup fudge, cotton candy, salty caramel, death by chocolate, coconut and cappuccino blast. There is also rainbow sherbet and water ice in cherry, blue raspberry and mango flavors.

“We’ll also have Chillers, which is equivalent to a Dairy Queen Blizzard, Chillatos (water ice layered with vanilla soft-serve ice cream), premium and regular sundaes, including create-your-own sundaes where you can get what you want on them,” Anna Marie Decusky said.

The ice creams can be served in a dish or regular, sugar, waffle, pretzel and chocolate chip cones. Milkshakes and banana splits will also be available, as well as sugar-free varieties.

“We will also have food items, such as mozzarella sticks, french fries, soft pretzels, nachos and cheese, hot dogs, chicken wings and tenders,” she said. “Mrs. T’s pierogies will be available, and there will be a sandwich of the day and salads. Everything is made to order.”

Anna Marie Decusky said an enclosed patio with picnic tables and a play area for children will be away from the busy highway.

“This way the children can play and feel safe and secure, chill out and enjoy their ice cream and not have to worry about the traffic,” she said.

“This is it. This is our dream,” Anna Marie Decusky said as she and Robert walked outside the shop, explaining how the idea came about.

“We just started to talk about it,” Robert Decusky said.

“We love ice cream. We travel here and there. We love homemade ice cream and we love traveling for different flavors,” Anna Marie Decusky said. “We have a grandson and our kids love ice cream. We decided we wanted to bring something good to our area.”

“One thing led to another and we talked about it from year to year and decided let’s just do it,” Robert Decusky said. “We decided last December. Last year at this time, we had no idea we would do something like this. My biggest thing was that I wanted it to be family-oriented where you can sit down and have an ice cream in a central air conditioned building and just relax and also have a place outside for kids to be safe.”

“Both of us have worked very, very hard and taken our time to design the place,” Anna Marie Decusky said. “The response we have had from people has been positively overwhelming.”

“We went on the Internet to an advertising agency for our logo and told them I wanted a penguin, an ice cream scooper and that’s what’s on the sign,” Robert Decusky said. “We also like the design with a family of penguins and that on the wall inside. The wall colors match the logo.”

Anna Marie Decusky said even though it is late in the season, they decided to open for two months until the weather turns cold.

“It will be a short season right now and we almost didn’t open,” she said. “We thought about just waiting, but our vendors said to open and work the kinks out because next year we’ll open with a bang. We’ll be open for about two months until November 15 and then reopen in late March or April 1.”

“We want to get two months under our belt, and if something is not right, we’ll have all winter long to fix it,” Robert Decusky said. “We hope it’s going to do well. Only time will tell.”

The shop’s hours will be Sunday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information, call 570-590-5388 or go to the official Facebook page.