The contractor who bought and renovated the Pottsville Senior Community Center a few years ago has been featured in a new book about finding financial success in the tough economy.

"You can save money by installing solar panels, just do your homework first," Stephen R. Buzalko, 55, of Pottsville, owner of Buzalko Properties and Buzalko Woodworking, said Monday.

In April 2010, he put a solar system atop his home at 660 Gordon Nagle Trail, Pottsville. Later this month, he plans to install them atop the Pottsville Senior Community Center, 201 N. Centre St., Pottsville.

Buzalko is featured in a book released Aug. 6, "Clark Howard's Living Large for the Long Haul: Consumer-Tested Ways to Overhaul Your Finances, Increase Your Savings and Get Your Life Back on Track," published by Avery Trade, New York.

Howard is a nationally syndicated consumer expert who advises consumers on saving more, spending less, and avoiding being ripped off. His radio show is heard every day on more than 200 radio stations throughout North America. He is also co-host of HLN's nightly news program "Evening Express" with CNN's Ryan Smith, according to Howard's website at clarkhoward.com.

Buzalko said Howard, of Atlanta, Ga., wanted to tell his story, after reading posts Buzalko made on an Internet blog dedicated to solar energy last year.

"I was on his website looking for information about self-directed IRAs and retirement accounts and I saw a thread about solar energy. Somebody was asking 'Is it worthwhile?' So I put my two cents in," Buzalko said.

In particular, Buzalko advised buyers to get at least three quotes and to question contractors before hiring them.

"Ask them how many systems they've installed, how long they've been in business, who's going to apply for grants and submit the paperwork and who pays for the permits," Buzalko said.

In September 2012, Howard interviewed Buzalko by email.

Buzalko's story is featured in a five-page chapter titled "Solar Saver," which begins on Page 147. In it, he talks about how he installed solar panels at his 2,000-square-foot home at 660 Gordon Nagle Trail and saved money.

Born in Schuylkill Haven Oct. 30, 1957, Buzalko graduated from Schuylkill Haven Area High School in 1975. He served in the Army for three years and was honorably discharged with the rank of E-4.

In 1985, he opened Buzalko Woodworking on Mount Hope Avenue, Pottsville. He moved his business to 660 Gordon Nagle Trail in 1989.

In April 2010, Buzalko hired a contractor to put in a 10-kilowatt solar system with 50 roof-mounted panels atop his Gordon Nagle Trail home and office. The project cost was $55,000.

By doing research on grants, Buzalko was able to save money on the project. In particular, he received a $19,500 grant through the Pennsylvania Sunshine Program and a $16,500 federal tax credit on his 2010 taxes. In the end, he said he paid "about $19,000" for the system.

In February 2003, Buzalko and his wife, Ann Marie C. Buzalko, bought the three-story building at 201 N. Centre St. from National Loan Investors for $65,000, according to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator.

The Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services contracts Diakon Community Services for Seniors, Pottsville, to manage the Pottsville Senior Community Center, Karen Wood, the director of Diakon in Pottsville, said Monday.

The Pottsville Senior Community Center has been headquartered on the first floor of the 201 N. Centre St. property "more than 15 years," Wood said.

Meanwhile there's a tenant in a second-floor apartment and the third floor is vacant.

Wood praised Buzalko's decision to put solar panels atop the building.

"He's one of those guys who's really trying to improve the community. He really takes care of the properties he owns and I couldn't ask for a better landlord," Wood said.

Buzalko hired Gridsmart Solar, Schuylkill Haven, to install a 12-kilowatt solar system with 52 roof-mounted panels atop the building.

"It's going to take up pretty much the whole roof," he said.

The project cost is $28,000. But he received incentives including an $8,500 Pennsylvania Sunshine Grant and an $8,400 federal tax credit. He said his total out-of-pocket expenses may be "around $5,150."

"The project should pay for itself after about six years," he said. "Right now, we pay about $400 or $500 per month for electricity. When these go up, I'm hoping it cuts that bill in half to either $200 or $250 per month. That's what I'm hoping for during the months of spring, summer and fall. We won't get that kind of return in the winter," Buzalko said.

Aside from his business on Gordon Nagle Trail and 201 N. Centre St., Buzalko owns three other properties in Pottsville: an office building at 200 N. Second St., an office building at 405 W. Norwegian St. and a vacant downtown office building at 108 N. Centre St. He also owns 401 Beechwood Ave. in Mar Lin, location of the U.S. Post Office, and a house at 322 N. Center St., Frackville.

He's also been a member of the city's Historical Architectural Review Board for five years.

Howard could not be reached for comment Monday, but a message was left with Grace Del Rio, his assistant in Atlanta, Ga.

Deeds

Port Carbon - Stanley J. and Mary P. Folweiler to Charles A. Minchoff; 21 Cherry St.; $5,000.

Pottsville - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Robert Engleman Jr.; 608 N. Eighth St.; $1,081.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Izoi LLC; 211 Fairview St.; $795.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to House Flex LLC; 918 W. Race St.; $1,045.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Izoi LLC; 212 N. George St.; $780.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Francis DeVizia; 326 E. Arch St.; $826.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to David Petravich; 734 Hornung St.; $936.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Garage Flex LLC; 730 N. Third St.; $740.

Talal Rajha to Luigi and Rosa Troia; 1590 W. Market St.; $46,000.

Rush Township - Paul G. Corinchock and Carol A. Tallick to Robert C. and Deborah Delp; property on Route 309; $57,000.

SMNRC LP, administrator of the Estate of Lee Grace Hartranft, to Randy and Karen M. Wasserleben; 42 Ardmore Ave., Hometown; $105,000.

Shenandoah - Charles F. and Renee McGee to Brian B. Rooney Jr.; 524 W. Washington St.; $23,920.

Richard Piaskowski and Stanley J. and Marie J. Piaskowski to Marilyn Stefanski; property on Centre Street; $29,900.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Francis DeVizia; 436 W. Penn St.; $801.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Francis DeVizia; 18-20 W. Laurel St.; $806.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Hyder and Maryam Binjameel; 26 E. Poplar St.; $700.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Francis DeVizia; 421 E. Mount Vernon St.; $805.

South Manheim Township - Mary Ann Hanus to Mary Ann Hanus and Denise McSorley; Lot 2038, Lake Wynonah; $1.

Ara J. Reber, by attorney in fact Harold Steve, and Harold W. Steve Jr. to Eugene Handwerk; 627 Wynonah Drive, Lake Wynonah; $257,000.

Upper Mahantongo Township - Anna Wiest to Delroy F. Jr. and Sheila M. Straub; 1.49-acre property; $1.

Delroy F. Jr. and Sheila M. Straub to Delroy F. Jr. and Sheila M. Straub; 100 Vista Road, Klingerstown; $1.

Washington Township - Dwayne and Rosemary Sensenig to Bradley Ulsh; 761 Mountain Road; $210,000.

A walk to the site of the Sheppton Mine Disaster will be held Sunday, 50 years to the day when rescuers realized coal miners David Fellin and Henry "Hank" Throne had survived a mine collapse.

Those who attend the free, public event will learn more about the efforts to save the men, who were trapped for almost two weeks underground, said Patrick M. "Porcupine Pat" McKinney, education coordinator for the Schuylkill Conservation District.

The Schuylkill On the Move walk will take participants to the grave site of miner Louis Bova, whose body was never recovered from the mine. There, McKinney said, a short program will be held to memorialize Bova, recognize the survivors and pay tribute to the rescuers.

After the program, McKinney will share information about the rescue.

"We always try to focus on something historical while enjoying nature," McKinney said. Knowing that 50 years had passed since the disaster, he suggested the August walk.

Rescuers had spent all of Aug. 18, 1963, drilling a 6-inch borehole into the ground. At that point, there was no proof any of the men had survived.

When the hole was drilled to the correct depth, rescuers heard the miners' voices, but it would take several days to free the men. A special drill was used to reach Fellin and Throne, who were pulled to safety Aug. 27.

Ronnie Sando, Beaver Meadows, was among the rescuers and will be on hand for the Schuylkill On the Move walk.

"I'm the only guy living from Pagnotti's rescue crew," said Sando, who authored the book, "The Famous Sheppton Mine Rescue." "I was 25 at the time and even back then, I sensed that (the rescue) was a miracle."

McKinney is familiar with the area and said he would personally support efforts to make the area a community park or historic site.

Participants should meet in the parking area along Schoolhouse Road located off Route 924 in Sheppton. McKinney said walkers should wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the walk and bring water and snacks.

For more information, contact McKinney at 570-622-4124, ext. 113, or porcupinepat@yahoo.com.

Schuylkill On the Move is a collaborative effort lad by the Schuylkill Conservation District working in concert with the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau, Schuylkill Conservancy and Schuylkill County VISION.

"Our goal is to get people out into natural areas to reconnect, get healthy and at same time, learn history," McKinney said.

MINERSVILLE - Borough police on Sunday arrested Joseph E. Boris Jr., 45, of 311 Arlene St., in connection with a burglary at 317 Pine St. last month.

Minersville police Chief Michael Combs said Monday that Boris was found "passed out in the street, drunk" in the borough on Sunday and officers were able to pick him up and take him into custody.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $50,000 straight cash bail. He was charged with one count of burglary, one count of theft by unlawful taking and one count of criminal trespassing.

According to the affidavit, police saw Boris walking on Carbon Street near Second Street on July 28, carrying a bag over his shoulder.

Earlier that day, a resident told police he saw the same person on North Fourth Street looking into cars.

When police stopped Boris, he said he found the bag in a Dumpster and he then allowed police to look into the bag that had a Pennsylvania identification card for Edward Williams, 317 Pine St., credit cards, several pieces of metal bars and a plastic box containing jewelry.

"We couldn't get a hold of the victim ... so we had to let him (Boris) go," Combs said.

Once police spoke to Williams, they determined that Boris had broken into the home. A warrant was then issued for Boris' arrest.

Boris was also arrested by Cass Township police, in conjunction with Minersville police, in May with criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property, possessing instruments of crime and resisting arrest.

Those charges were part of an investigation into several thefts from properties both in Cass Township and Minersville.

"He's made a killing on scrap, $200 a pop," Patrolman Richard Clink said.

Combs said that at that time, Boris got out of jail on bail and then police began receiving reports of car break-ins and other thefts.

Clink said Boris' "criminal history is so bad" that he's looking at serving time in a state prison because of a misdemeanor with his theft charges.

Police are starting the process to revoke his bail from the previous charges.

"We're glad to have Mr. Boris off the street in the borough," Combs said.

TREMONT - Following up its successful conference on timbering in March, the Schuylkill County Conservancy is planning a second conference - this time about the American chestnut tree.

Called "The Return of the American Chestnut," the event is set for 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 7 at the Tremont Borough Community Center. The fee to attend is $5 per person.

"A lead researcher from Penn State will present the program and discuss efforts to restore this species back into the landscape.," Frank P. Snyder, a state service forester who works for the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Tuscarora, said Monday.

That speaker is Sara Fitzsimmons, a research technologist at Penn State University, State College. She is also the northcentral coordinator for the American Chestnut Foundation, Snyder said.

"There will also be a quick bus trip to see a collection of American chestnut trees in Tremont Township,' he added. "This is a very popular topic of many folks in Schuylkill County and Pennsylvania."

The fee, Snyder said, will include cost of hiring the main speaker and bus transportation to a chestnut plantation on land owned by the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority.

"There will be a tour of a recently planted American chestnut plantation where you will see first-hand how these trees are being used to reclaim mining sites that will greatly help control flooding in nearby communities," Snyder said.

The registration deadline for the conference is Aug. 30. To register, send a check for $5 to: Schuylkill County Conservancy, Attn.: Wayne G. Lehman, Schuylkill Conservation District, 1206 Ag Center Drive, Pottsville, PA. 17901.

The Schuylkill County Conservancy is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that works to preserve farmland, open space, rural heritage, streams, wetlands, waterways, forests, historic sites and structures, and other natural resources, according to its website at schuylkillconservancy.org

In March, the organization held a conference on timbering at the Health and Wellness Building at Penn State Schuylkill campus, Schuylkill Haven. It was free to the public, Snyder said.

The conservancy wasn't sure how many people would come out, but more than 80 did. And that inspired the conservancy to hold a second conference this year, Snyder said.

"We had an evaluation sheet we handed out to all the participants. And we asked them if they would be interested in future events, and what kind of topics they would like to hear about. And American chestnut was one of those topics they requested," Snyder said.

The American chestnut was once one of the more prominent tree species in the eastern United States. The species was almost completely wiped out by a fungal blight, Cryphonectria parasitica, accidently brought from Asia to New York in the late 19th century, according to hobbyfarms.com.

"Over the years, I've noticed people always want to talk about the American chestnut. I think it's because that tree is near extinction. But they see it's still growing in the forest, but it keeps dying out. So it's a constant reminder that this tree is struggling to survive," Snyder said.

"At this workshop you will be familiarized with the efforts of the American Chestnut Foundation to restore the American Chestnut back into our eastern woodlands. The benefits that this species provides our environment, wildlife and society will be discussed. You will meet researchers and project partners who have made contributions in restoring this tree to our landscape," according to a press release for the event. Conference slated

· What: "The Return of the American Chestnut"

· Host: The Schuylkill County Conservancy

· When: 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 7

· Where: Tremont Borough Community Center, 139 Clay St.

· Cost to attend: $5 per person

· Deadline to register: Aug. 30

· How to register: Send a check for $5 per person to: Schuylkill County Conservancy, Attn.: Wayne G. Lehman, Schuylkill Conservation District, 1206 Ag Center Drive, Pottsville, PA. 17901.

Source: Frank P. Snyder, service forester, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, Tuscarora.

n Ashland: The Ashland Area Rotary will sponsor a free band concert presented by Cressona Band at 7 p.m. Aug. 14 at Eureka Park. Before the concert, the club will hold it's annual chicken dinner with pick up at the Little League concession stand. Cost is $9 and includes three pieces of chicken, baked potato, vegetable, cole slaw, roll, dessert and beverage. All proceeds will benefit the Rotary Charities.

n Frackville: North Schuylkill High School students Justine Paul and Lauren Damiter attended a recent meeting of the Frackville Rotary Club to inform the group that they had adopted Rotary International's Shelter Box Project as their senior project at the school. According to a Rotary press release, shelter boxes, which cost $1,000 each, consist of a tent-like structure, a small cook stove, water, food and other necessities, and are sent to areas of the world affected by disasters such as hurricanes, typhoons or earthquakes to offer temporary relief to people displaced by the events. The boxes are numbered so that each buyer of a shelter box can trace its location. They are stored in warehouses to await their need. When a disaster occurs, Rotarians said in the release, it is too late to begin raising the money to put together such life-saving implements, so the Shelter Box Project aims to have the items ready to be sent quickly to disaster areas. The club endorsed the project as an example of Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self," and pledged to support the students in their effort. Tom Graves, Frackville Rotarian and past district governor, told club members there were no cases of Polio III reported anywhere in the world last year. Rotary International initiated its Polio Plus Program in 1985 with the goal of eradicating all three strains of the polio virus. So far, the only areas on the planet still afflicted by the disabling disease are Nigeria and Pakistan, where resistance by religious extremists, ignorance and difficult topography have impaired the eradication efforts, according to the Rotary release. In Pakistan, several volunteers have been murdered by extremists in the past year as they attempted to inoculate the population, yet brave people persist in their efforts to rid the world of the affliction.

n Frackville: People who participated in the Frackville Rotary Club's free swim night on July 28 at the pool in Frackville Memorial Park may have had the impression they were transported to the Hawaiian islands. Disc jockey Drew featured music of the South Pacific, there was an aroma of barbecued pork and leis were presented to each participant as he/she walked into the pool's pavilion area, according to a Rotary press release. The event was sponsored by the club to promote the use of the borough's swimming pool. Rotarian John E. Domalakes, who distributed the leis, said more than 125 people participated in the event. Rotarians Noreen O'Boyle, Suzanne Domalakes, Joseph Walters and Karen Domalakes sold pulled pork sandwiches, chocolate desserts and pineapple-coconut cupcakes. To top off the event, Mother Nature provided a "spectacular double rainbow" over Frackville, according to the release.

n Girardville: The Rob Krick Heart Fund Committee meeting has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. today in St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church hall. Lottery ticket donations are still being accepted to be used in the floral arrangement that will be raffled off during Pioneer Day in Ashland Aug. 17. The ticket donations may be dropped off at Girardville Borough Hall any weekday during normal business hours.

n Minersville: The Sunshine Club of Heritage Hill will sponsor a Super Saturday Community Yard Sale beginning at 8 a.m. Sept. 7, according to Anna Kubilus. Anyone wanting to set up a table should call Anna at 570-544-6027 or Carol at 570-544-3157. Kubilus said food and refreshments will be available and entertainment will be by John and Joe.

n Orwigsburg: The 5K Run, Walk & Roll to benefit the Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial is set for 9 a.m. Sept. 7 at the memorial building, Washington and Grove streets, just off Route 443. Entry, if postmarked by Aug. 20, will be $25 general and $23 for active military personnel or veterans. A Fun Run will begin at 10 a.m. and the cost is $15 per entrant. After Aug. 20, add $5 for each category. Checks payable to Orwigsburg Memorial Restoration Run should be mailed to the Orwigsburg Memorial Task Force, P.0. Box 157, Orwigsburg, PA 17961. More information is available online at www.run4memorial.com.

A photo published on page seven in Monday's edition shows Knights of Lithuania treasurer Paul Domalakes. The identity was wrong.

in 2-vehicle crash

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - The drivers involved in a crash Saturday in North Manheim Township escaped injury.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said the incident occurred at 2:05 p.m. at routes 61 and 443 as Bridget Mabry, 53, of Pottsville, who was driving a 2009 Toyota Corolla, was traveling north in the left lane and failed to see a 2005 Ford F-250, driven by Bryan Witmier, 30, of Strausstown, stopped in the left lane of Route 61. Mabry hit the back of the Witmeir's vehicle with the left front end of her car.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts, police said.

Mabry was charged with failing to drive a vehicle at a safe speed.

The Orwigsburg Fire Company, Orwigsburg Fire Police and Orwigsburg Community Ambulance assisted at the scene.

Driver to be cited

for hitting car

HAMBURG - An Orwigsburg woman had her vehicle towed after another driver backed into it.

State police at Hamburg said the incident took place at 7:07 p.m. Saturday in Tilden Township, Berks County.

Police said Shane Boyle, 20, of Hamburg, struck the left rear wheel of a 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, driven by Joan Premich, 53, with his 2009 Dodge Charger.

Boyle was backing up on the westbound side of Jetson Drive as Premich was turning left into Burger King from the eastbound side, police said.

Boyle will be cited with limitations on backing, police said.

Man injured

in 1-car crash

BERNVILLE - A 29-year-old Frackville man was arrested for driving under the influence Saturday in Berks County.

State police at Hamburg said Michael Wood, driving a 1999 Dodge Dakota, left the road while following a curve on Bloody Springs Road, Upper Tulpehocken Township, and hit a tree. Police said he continued on a rim and damaged a property at 10 Adherne Lane before getting stuck in a field, police said.

He suffered minor head injuries when his face hit the steering wheel, police said. An ambulance responded to the scene but Wood was not taken to a hospital, police said.

He will be charged with driving too fast for road conditions, pending blood tests, police said.

Woman charged

with retail theft

FRACKVILLE - An Ashland woman was charged after allegedly stealing items from Sears in the Schuylkill Mall.

State police at Frackville said Dorothy Brenneman, 31, put a necklace and earrings into her handbag Friday and left the store at 4:42 p.m.

A Sears loss prevention officer confronted her and the items were recovered and returned to the store, police said.

Police charged Brenneman with retail theft.

Woman steals

from market

PINE GROVE - A 41-year-old woman faces retail theft charges after she allegedly stole items from BG's Market in Pine Grove.

The theft took place between 3:28 and 3:38 p.m. Aug. 3 as Stacie Renninger, of Pine Grove, allegedly put multiple items into her purse without paying for them, police said. She also had items under her cart, police said.

She then went through the checkout counter without paying for the items valued at $49.69, police said.

Charge were filed in the office of Magisterial District Judge Carol Pankake's office, Tremont.

Andy Drebitko didn't live to see the 50th anniversary of the Sheppton mine rescue. He died three years ago, in June 2010.

But the role Drebitko played in the effort to rescue the third and final miner trapped 320 feet underground won him accolades that highlighted his career as a second-generation coal miner.

Drebitko was working at A&J Coal and Jewel Ridge Co. in Tremont in August 1963 when tons of rock came crashing down on three miners working deep inside the Sheppton coal mine, located about 30 miles northeast of where Drebitko was working in Tremont that day.

He was just 36 years old at the time, but Drebitko already had about 24 years experience working the mines, and he had participated in several mine rescues. He had first-hand knowledge of the dangers of mining and the anxiety families endure when there's an accident - his father was killed when he was struck by a coal car that jumped the tracks when Drebitko was just 9 years old.

When news of the cave-in reached Tremont, Drebitko left his job and went to Sheppton to see of he could help with the rescue effort.

On the morning of Aug. 13, 1963, David Fellin, Henry "Hank" Throne and Louis Bova were hard at work more than 300 feet underground pulling pillars of coal out of a previously abandoned coal mine.

Fellin and Throne were standing on one side of the gangway when the collapse occurred. Bova was on the other side, separated from his friends by an 18-foot-thick wall of rock and dirt.

For five days, rescuers worked to locate the trapped men. When efforts to dig through the gangway failed, a small borehole was drilled down from the surface. To the amazement of the hundreds of workers and onlookers gathered above, the drill broke through the ceiling of the underground tomb and the voices of Fellin and Throne could be heard shouting, "We are here!"

It took another nine days to drill a 17.5-inch-wide borehole down into the cavern.

The world watched as Fellin and Throne were hoisted up out of the mine through the hole, one at a time, using cables attached to a parachute harness.

On the surface, the men said Bova was still alive but trapped in an area on the opposite side of the gangway. They were sure of it, the miners said. He spoke to them a couple days after the collapse, they said.

So the search continued.

Rescuers drilled additional boreholes in search of another cavern where Bova might be confined.

On Aug. 30 - 17 days after the collapse - a test camera was lowered into the void where Fellin and Throne were found. The image on the camera sent chills down the spines of people on the surface. There appeared to be a man crouching in the corner of the cavern.

Someone had to go down the hole and find out.

Drebitko volunteered.

He donned a football helmet and got strapped into the harness that was used to raise Fellin and Throne out of the hole.

With ropes attached to the harness, Drebitko was lowered down the borehole with his arms extended above his head, using his feet to steady himself and steer his descent.

According to a published report, Drebitko said some dirt broke loose and fell on him as he descended. He said he remembered thinking, "I hope they don't knock a rock loose. It would break my arm."

As he landed in the underground void where Fellin and Throne spent 14 days, Drebitko said he was startled by what looked like a body crouched against the wall of the cavern. But a closer inspection revealed it was just a grease bucket, boots and a 12-inch diameter plastic plug that was sent down earlier by rescuers to block a previous borehole and prevent more dirt from falling into the void. A rope wrapped around the plug looked like hair on a crouching man's head.

While in the cavern, Drebitko inspected the wall of debris blocking the gangway that was believed to separate Bova from the two other miners.

He determined it was too unstable to drill through from inside the damaged mine.

Once Drebitko was safely back on the surface, state Secretary of Mines H. Beecher Charmbury said it was "too hazardous to risk the life of anyone" in further attempts to reach Bova. A court order to retrieve Bova's body was rescinded.

To this day, Bova's body rests at the bottom of the mine.

Drebitko tried to shun publicity for his role in the attempt to rescue Bova, content to be referred to as "Mr. X," the anonymous volunteer. But his identity didn't stay secret for long with worldwide media attention focused on the rescue operation.

"I did what I had to do. I'd do it again," Drebitko later said in a published interview. "Many others would have done the same thing."

by peter e. bortner

Phillip M. Ryan IV, who once signed a contract to play football in the NFL, is headed to prison after admitting Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he was under the influence of drugs when he caused an accident in June 2012 that seriously injured another motorist.

Ryan, 24, of Tamaqua, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence, recklessly endangering another person, careless driving and violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, failure to keep right and reckless driving.

Judge James P. Goodman accepted Ryan's plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to spend one to six months in prison and an additional 18 months on probation. He made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. Aug. 3 in order to allow Ryan to participate in the work release program.

"This is very serious," Goodman told Ryan, who said little during Wednesday's hearing except to indicate that he understood his plea and was entering it voluntarily.

Goodman also sentenced Ryan to perform 40 hours community service, pay costs, $1,275 in fines, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund - and $85,728.21 restitution to Gary Boettger, Tamaqua, his victim.

"This is a significant amount of restitution," Goodman said. "You need work release."

Tamaqua police alleged Ryan was DUI northbound on Route 309 at Taggertsville Road at 11:43 p.m. June 16, 2012, when he crossed the double-yellow line and crashed head-on into a vehicle driven by Boettger.

Boettger had to be flown to St. Luke's University Hospital-Bethlehem Campus, Fountain Hill, for treatment in the intensive care unit, police said.

At Ryan's Nov. 20 preliminary hearing, Boettger testified he suffered a fractured ankle and additional injuries to his back, heel and ribs and had to stay in the hospital for about a week.

Ryan also suffered injuries in the crash and had to be taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest for treatment, while his passenger, Brad Petrutsch, Mahanoy City, was taken to St. Luke's Hospital-Miners Campus, Coaldale, for treatment of his injuries, according to police.

An offensive lineman at Marian Catholic High School, Hometown, and the University of Connecticut, Ryan signed a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012, but was released by the team on May 2, 2012.Defendant: Phillip M. Ryan IV

Age: 24

Residence: Tamaqua

Crimes committed: Driving under the influence, recklessly endangering another person, careless driving, violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages

Prison sentence: One to six months in prison, plus 18 months probation

Deeds

Washington Township - James G. and Ann L. Rich to James G. and Ann L. Rich; 227 Flathill Road; $1.

Wayne Township - MGM One LP to Erik B. and Shana Love; 20.76-acre property on Schwartz Valley Road; $120,000.

Douglas E. Stewart, Stacey J. Humenansky and Susanne L. Dorward to Stacey J. Humenansky and Susanne L. Dorward; 1004 Horseman Drive, Lake Wynonah; $1.

West Brunswick Township - William L. II and Louise J. Webb to Neil and Jessica Owens; 4501 Brookside Court, Pinebrook; $235,000.

Friends and family talked Wednesday about William W. Scranton the congressman, the governor, the troubleshooter, the voracious reader, the fabulous dancer and the restless man of the people who once absent-mindedly stepped outside without his pants.

In short, a modest millionaire rendered humble by people less well off than he, one who thought life should mean something and hoped his funeral service would, too. As far back as 1976, he regularly authored written instructions on how to conduct it, but told a church pastor not to worry about following his instructions too closely.

"Don't be slavishly bound by these ideas because I obviously won't be there," Scranton wrote, said the Rev. Fred Milligan, former pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, from the pulpit at Scranton's memorial service Wednesday.

The audience gathered in the Hill Section church chuckled at that, a laugh Scranton would surely have appreciated.

More than 550, among them his four children and grandchildren and the state's and the region's past and present movers and shakers, packed the church where Scranton worshipped to say goodbye and pay their last respects. The former governor and United Nations ambassador died July 28 of a cerebral hemorrhage in California nine days after his 96th birthday, ending a lifetime of public service.

Planners decorated Covenant in a style befitting the former governor, which is to say hardly any differently than normally. Single, large clusters of lilies flanked the pulpit. Off to the side, the American, Pennsylvania, Scranton and U.N. flags hung from poles, but that was about it for ostentation.

The cremated remains of Scranton weren't even present, though a spokesman said that was not unusual for a Presbyterian service.

In death, Scranton attracted top current and former state officials, people like Gov. Tom Corbett, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, state Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane and former Govs. Dick Thornburgh, Tom Ridge, Mark Schweiker and Ed Rendell.

In life, Scranton knew them all, but, his son and others said, he preferred simplicity and disdained pomp and circumstance so much that he asked that the word "kingdom" in "The Lord's Prayer" be replaced during the service by the word "democracies." Planners settled on "governance."

Scranton also asked for the exclusion of the phrase "a time to hate" from the Biblical passage from Ecclesiastes 3, which he wanted read.

"I don't hate," he said.

His eulogizers focused on his loves.

"He was our friend, our mentor, our inspiration," longtime family friend Susan Belin said.

"Bill was a man of the world, but he was a man of the people," she said. "Most of all, he was a man of Scranton, of the hills of Northeastern Pennsylvania ... He was a man of astute business and political acumen, a man who was a statesman rather than a politician, a man with the fire of ambition, an innate ambition focused clearly through the lens of responsibility ... Our friend was committed to making things right."

Scranton was also a man who, after visiting with Jordan's King Hussein in the 1960s, decided to visit a Palestinian refugee camp, but walked the last mile because riding in the king's Rolls Royce limousine seemed inappropriate.

He was a man who, as governor on a tour of the Houston Astrodome, left the tour group and crawled on the expansive arena's AstroTurf to get a closer look at its modern grass carpet.

"He was an insatiably curious guy who wanted to know everything," Belin said.

He was also the man who studied the nation's history and, even in old age, annually attended the Memorial Day service held to honor the former slaves and Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers buried at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Waverly Township, Belin said.

Monsignor Joseph Quinn, the former rector of St. Peter's Cathedral in Scranton, said Scranton's life of public service always focused on President Abraham Lincoln's belief that leaders should do everything necessary to accomplish their goals. Scranton understood that "time does matter."

"You have to wonder how many men could do so much in a single life even if it did last almost a full century," Quinn said. "He never saw himself as done with the work entrusted to him."

Of course, as his son, former Lt. Gov. Bill Scranton, said, Scranton didn't always display the qualities that "gave people confidence of his future leadership."

Once, before cars had air conditioning, his father drove back to work in Scranton from vacation in sweltering July heat. He stopped to fill the car's gas tank, but also to empty his bladder.

"He was walking across, got halfway to the building and he realized that he wasn't wearing any pants," Scranton said to a roar of laughter.

Scranton had taken off his pants to keep cooler.

"Our father was a practical man," his son said.

The governor was also a "fabulous dancer" who with his wife "polkaed" their way into the hearts of Pennsylvania voters during the 1962 governor's race, loved to sing during Broadway musicals, loved playing tennis, loved to tell stories about his life and loved to read.

"His idea of interior decorating began and ended with bookshelves," Bill Scranton said.

His father had an ego, but "never gave his ego the keys to the car," he said. "It may at times have been an engine or the fuel, but he never let it drive him. He always had to have a reason beyond himself for doing what he did."

His father's success and devotion to public service, instilled since childhood by parents who insisted on giving back to the community, Bill Scranton said, existed in the context of the two great loves of his life - his wife of 71 years, Mary, and the people of Northeast Pennsylvania.

In his final years, taking care of his wife, who lives with dementia in a California nursing home and could not attend the service, made him the happiest he ever was, his son said.

Running for Congress as a Republican in 1960 in heavily Democratic Lackawanna County, his father met in person the region's people, whose inspiring stories of life's struggles he relayed at family dinners.

"You could see it in his heart as he would tell us these stories," Bill Scranton said. "It moved him ... And those folks humbled him. I'm convinced that process turned him from a modest man into a humble one."

His father was a Republican who believed in the party's principles, but was not primarily ideological. Primarily, he cared about people.

"He cared about making things better for people because of the people he met here," Bill Scranton said. "And he took that with him to Congress and to Harrisburg, to the United Nations."

The West Nile virus was detected in Minersville on Aug. 6, making it the latest municipality in Schuylkill County to test positive, the state Department of Environmental Protection said Friday.

DEP and the county will conduct additional surveillance and control as needed, according to the state West Nile virus website at www.westnile.state.pa.us.

Also on Aug. 6, Butler and Pine Grove townships reported positive tests for the virus. Those municipalities along with Cressona and Tremont Township previously had cases of the virus detected July 26.

Last year, the virus was detected in the county much earlier, on June 19. Mahanoy Township was the first of 10 municipalities in the county where positive mosquito samples were found in 2012.

DEP spokeswoman Amanda Witman said previously that the virus is not as strong as it was last year.

This year, 408 instances of the virus have been documented statewide.

To date, no humans have tested positive for the virus, DEP said.

In 2012, 3,656 cases of the virus were detected. Sixty human cases of the virus were reported in the state and four people died.

The first reported case of the virus in the state this year was in Harbor Creek Township, Erie County, on May 22.

So far, 34 of the 67 counties in the state have had positive results for the virus detected in mosquitoes.

Delaware County has the most reported cases of the virus at 53; Adams County has 38 cases; Bucks County, 37; York County, 33; and Schuylkill has eight.

Four municipalities had birds that have tested positive for the virus: Erie City, Erie; Oley Township, Berks County; Sinking Spring, Berks County; and Wind Gap, Northampton County.

Data released from the state for July 24 to Aug. 14 rates the likelihood of each county being a hot zone for the virus.

Schuylkill County is classified as having a "low risk" of being a hot zone, according to the West Nile website.

Bucks, Delaware and Montgomery counties are classified as having a "high risk."

The virus is most often spread by mosquitoes but also through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breast feeding and during pregnancy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a fact sheet.

The virus causes flu-like symptoms and can result in encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. Those infected can show symptoms in three to 14 days after being bitten by a mosquito.

No cases of West Nile were found in the United States before 1999 and it was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2000. It is named after the area in Uganda where it first appeared in 1937, according to the West Nile virus website.

MAHANOY CITY - Beginning on Saturday evening, the Borough of Mahanoy City will be in a real party mood as 150 years of history and heritage will be celebrated throughout next week.

The borough's sesquicentennial (150 years) to celebrate Mahanoy City's incorporation as a borough on Dec. 16, 1863 will coincide with the 2013 Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters' Convention, hosted this year by the Citizen's Fire Co. No. 2 and Mahanoy City Community Ambulance.

The week-long celebration will begin on Saturday with activities and events throughout the following week, including a huge parade on Aug. 24, with Mahanoy City native and U.S. Ambassador David Huebner selected as the grand marshal. Huebner serves as American ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa.

The celebration ends with an ecumenical prayer service on Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Main and Mahanoy streets. The homilist will be the Rev. Martin Kern, a Mahanoy City native.

Throughout the town, homes and businesses are sprucing up and decorating with patriotic bunting, American flags, balloons and more as they prepare for the celebration.

The Mahanoy City Teen Canteen is Sesquicentennial Headquarters where sesquicentennial memorabilia and firefighters convention memorabilia can be purchased and for general event information. The commemorative program book, sesquicentennial/convention mugs, shirts and other historical items will be available. The headquarters is open at varying hours each day during the afternoon.

Mahanoy City borough council President Patti Schnitzius and Mayor Nancy Petritsch said the celebration will be a blast and something to remember. Some of the events have sold out, so check with sponsoring organizations.

"Everything is in place and it's ready to roll," Petritsch said. "We've had many meetings since the beginning of the year, and we may have had one last December. We started having bi-weekly meetings, and then weekly meetings."

Schnitzius said she was very young when the borough celebrated its centennial, so photos are her memories.

"I was only five in 1963, so all I remember are the pictures of our dresses and stuff like that," Schnitzius said. "In 1988, when we had the quasquicentennial, that was a great memory and a lot of fun. We'll be opening up the time capsule that was buried in 1988 and we'll be putting new things in. We're encouraging the residents to bring things to put in. When they open the time capsule in 25 years, there will be items from the 125th and 150th celebrations."

Petritsch can't wait for the celebration to start, since this time she is not only a resident, but also represents the borough as mayor.

"I am very excited about the celebration," Petritsch said. "I was young when the 1963 centennial happened. I thought about it the other day that I was able to be here for the 1963 centennial, the 1988 quasquicentennial, and now I'm not only be here not only as a resident, but also I'm now in a position to enjoy it even more. I plan to go to all of the events and get as much involved as I can so that I can have my own lasting memories."

Petritsch had a message to borough residents about celebrating Mahanoy City's 150th birthday.

"I encourage all townspeople as well to say come out," she said. "If you don't get onboard and catch and get into the sesquicentennial spirit, it will be another 25 years before we have another big celebration. Hopefully, I will still be here to enjoy it."

"It's going to be an interesting week with events for people of all ages," Schnitzius said. "From band concerts to religious services, a mayor's mixer to kick off the event."

"We also have the 1963 Centennial Queen coming back to town and she will crown the new queen," Petritsch said.

"People are really coming together and it gives you a thrill that so many people are participating in many different events," Schnitzius said. "There are so many different groups that want to make it a nice week and celebration."

Schedule of events:

- Saturday, Aug. 17 - Sesquicentennial mixer at Mahanoy City Elks Lodge No. 695 from 6 to 10 p.m. The 2013 Sesquicentennial Queen will be crowned by the 1963 Centennial Queen at 7 p.m. There will be appetizers, DJ music and a cash bar. Cover charge is $5.

- Sunday, Aug. 18 - Firefighter Memorial Service at 4 p.m. Open to everyone. There will be a color guard with procession from the Citizens Fire Company to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church for the service. A social following the service will be held at the Citizens Fire Company, with a presentation of the history of Mahanoy City Fire Department, "A Tale of Two Fires, 1945 and 1975" by Mike Glore.

The Kaier Mansion Bed and Breakfast will hold a Tea & Doll Exhibit at 2 p.m. with more than 50 dolls on display and a tea in true English style with sandwiches and pastries. Cost is $8 per person. For reservations, call 570-773-3040.

Blessed Teresa Of Calcutta Sodality will hold a roast beef dinner from noon to 3 p.m. Cost is $10. Advance tickets only.

"It's Time To Polka" concert from 6 to 8 p.m. by the All Star Polka Band, sponsored by the band the Mahanoy Area Historical Society. Concert will be held at the Sen. James J. Rhoades Downtown Center, Centre and Main streets.

"Jumpstart Schuylkill County" program will be held at the Mahanoy Area High School auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m. Additional programs to be held on Tuesday, Aug. 20, and Thursday, Aug. 22. Open to all ages.

- Monday, Aug. 19 - Citizens Fire Company will hold an emergency management training night. The Mahanoy City Public Library will host a week-long two-hour story time and crafts beginning on Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon. The American Legion Veterans Museum will be open daily from 1 to 3 p.m.

- Tuesday, Aug. 20 - Mug night will be held at 7 p.m. at Citizens Fire Company. Cost is $10 per mug The event is open to all.

The time capsule buried in 1988 will be opened at the Elks lodge at 6:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring pictures or other items they wish to be buried until the next celebrated Mahanoy City anniversary. Paul Coombe of the Mahanoy Area Historical Society will present a slide show of Mahanoy City memories in photos. The "Happy Birthday Mahanoy City" cake will be served.

"Jumpstart Schuylkill County" will be held in the Mahanoy Area High School auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m.

- Wednesday, Aug. 21 - Citizens Fire Company Delegate's Night and Dinner. The historical society will hold its second annual James Rhoades Band Concert at 7 p.m. on North Main Street.

The Citizens Fire Company will hold a carnival Wednesday through Saturday at the Service Electric parking lot from 5 to 10 p.m. featuring seven rides, games, food and more.

- Thursday, Aug. 22 - The Mahanoy City Public Library will hold an open house from 6 to 8 p.m.

Judging for the decorating contest will be conducted this evening. Decorate your home or business for this special event in red, white and blue historical theme. First, second and third place awards for best decorated businesses and homes.

The Mahanoy City Elks will hold a spaghetti dinner from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children under 12. Advance tickets only.

The Mahanoy City Post Office will celebrate its 75th anniversary at 10 a.m.

"Jumpstart Schuylkill County" at Mahanoy Area High School auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m.

Fire company carnival in Service Electric parking lot from 5 to 10 p.m.

- Friday, Aug. 23 - Guided shuttle tours sponsored by the Mahanoy Area Historical Society beginning at 1:30 p.m. Travel on a 21-passenger shuttle bus back to life as it was in the 20th century. Tours lasting approximately 2 1/2 hrs. Five planned stops beginning in Mahanoy City to Buck Mountain village to entrance of the Mahanoy Tunnel, and ending at the Kaier Mansion for ethnic treats. Cost is $8 for society members, $10 for non-members. Call 570- 467-2780 or the historical society at 570-773-1295 for reservations.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Church will hold a Kauffman chicken dinner fundraiser from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Blessed Teresa Courtyard at 22 S. Catawissa St. Cost is $8.

The American Legion Veteran's Museum will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. The Legion will hold a Centennial Dance with music from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Youth Night will be held at Main and Center streets. Activities will include Moon Bounce, face painting and cotton candy. Baby parade at 6 p.m. for ages newborn to 4 years old. Bike rodeo at 7 p.m. ages 5 to 12, Scavenger hunt at 7 p.m. for ages 13 to 17. Register by Aug. 19 by calling Debbie Walker at 570-773-0813 or Cheryl Fegley at 570-467-3739.

Fire company carnival in Service Electric parking lot from 5 to 10 p.m.

- Saturday, Aug. 24 - Fireman's Convention-Sesquicentennial Parade begins at 1:30 p.m.

Breakfast at the Mahanoy City Senior Center from 8 to 11 a.m. Evergreen Senior Services will host an event in the afternoon at the center.

- Sunday, Aug. 25 - Closing ecumenical prayer service at 7 p.m. in Christ Lutheran Church, Main and Mahanoy streets, with the Rev. Martin Kern as homilist. An ecumenical choir will sing under the direction of Shannon Shughart.

When school opens later this month at the Pottsville Area School District, the staff will include a team of police officers, Jeffrey S. Zwiebel, district superintendent, said Wednesday.

"We will be hiring off-duty police officers to bolster our existing security measures in each of our buildings," Zwiebel said at the board's August workshop meeting at the Howard S. Fernsler Academic Center.

In January, the district installed visitor management systems at the offices of the principals at its elementary, middle and high schools.

Office staff ask visitors for identification, use a keyboard to type in their names, and use a camera attached to the computer take their picture. The computer prints out a badge with an adhesive back and visitors must stick them on their chests. Then, before they leave the building, the visitors are required to return to the computer station to check out.

When asked why police security was necessary, Zwiebel said: "We just want to add another layer to all of our existing security measures. We're just constantly trying to improve."

Zwiebel said he's working with the Pottsville police on the program.

Pottsville Area did something similar in the past. "It must be over 20 years ago, maybe in the late '80s or early '90s," Zwiebel said.

The program will be funded by "the district's budget, not out of the city's," Zwiebel said.

"We appreciate your efforts to get ready for the beginning of the school year," said school board President John F. Boran.

"Thank you," Zwiebel said.

The school board is also advertising to generate a list of candidates for those part-time positions, which will pay "about $15 per hour," Zwiebel said.

"We want to make sure we build a pool. We'd like to have three officers here at all times. They'll work split shifts. Some will work for two hours, others three hours," Zwiebel said.

In other matters, the board hired three temporary/professional employees. Their positions and yearly salaries are as follows: Sara Arnold, high school art, $55,400; Alyssa Palina, middle school art, $38,295; and Jennifer Steiff, middle school life skills, $55,100.

The school board also hired Lucy Portland as a part-time speech teacher at a yearly salary of $14,277.24.

The first day of school is slated for Monday, Aug. 26.

As of Wednesday, the 2013-14 student enrollment in each of the district's schools was: John S. Clarke Elementary, 982; D.H.H. Lengel Middle School, 831; and Pottsville Area High School, 1,046. The total enrollment as of Wednesday was 2,859, according to the Superintendent's Report presented at the workshop.

After Wednesday's workshop, Zwiebel said the school district has received the annual report required by the Gillingham Charter School and it's being reviewed.

SHEPPTON - A ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Sheppton Mine Disaster took place Wednesday at the grave of Louis Bova, one of three miners trapped more than 300 feet below the mine when it collapsed Aug. 13, 1963.

Bova's body was never recovered while David Fellin and Henry "Hank" Throne were rescued in dramatic fashion 14 days after the cave-in, a rescue that caught the attention of the world.

A Mass marking the 50th anniversary was held at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Sheppton, earlier Wednesday.

About 200 people attended, filling the small church to near-capacity as the Most Rev. John O. Barres, bishop of Allentown, conducted the Mass, which was also held for the Feast of the Assumption, a solemn Catholic Holy Day.

The Rev. James Torpey, pastor of St. Joseph church, organized a grave side service at the spot of the cave-in where a tombstone marks Bova's grave. Barres blessed the grave and placed a rosary on the tombstone.

"The Arc of God's love reaches here," Barres said during the sermon at the church, and he asked everyone to pray for the three miners. He also asked how many attending the Mass were descendants of miners, and many in the church raised their hands.

Several people spoke at the site of the cave-in, including Gen. Randall Marchi, assistant adjutant general of Fort Indiantown Gap Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

"It's an honor for me to be here. It demonstrates the pride and courage of this community and the spirit of survival they showed as part of the rescue of the two trapped miners," Marchi said.

He added, "Mr. Bova was a veteran."

Mike Yanavich attended Wednesday's Mass.

"It was special. I met Mr. Fellin years later and he was very interesting to talk to," he said.

John Bova and his family attended the ceremony for his father.

"It was a miracle and it was a tragedy," Bova said. "My hat is off to Henry, David and my dad, who worked down there, a dark and dangerous place."

He was only 8 months old when the disaster occurred in 1963. He thanked everyone for coming to the service.

The Bova family attends every year when American Legion Post 616 performs a 21-gun salute at the grave site.

"I remember picking up the empty shells and dropping them down the pipes leading into the ground," Bova said.

Carol Zielinski called Fellin "Uncle Dave."

She said the rescue was not an atmosphere of jubilation due to Bova's death, but family members were relieved when Fellin and Throne came out alive and well.

"He really was very concerned with the experience he had in the mine. I think that's what got him through it. I can tell you his experience and the day he was brought out of the mine totally changed him as a person," Zielinski said. "He remained a very feisty and confident man through his life."

Her mother and Fellin's sister, Emma Fellin Balko, attended the ceremonies Wednesday.

"He was a great brother and I remember how he took care of members of the family and how he showed his kindness," she said.

Family members were surprised at the number of people attending the 50th anniversary.

"I know Uncle Dave would be very pleased if he were alive today," Zielinski said.

They both remembered that Fellin did some mining after the rescue operation years later.

A procession of Pennsylvania political dignitaries paused to pay tribute to former Gov. William W. Scranton on Wednesday as they entered Covenant Presbyterian Church for his memorial service.

"He had that natural leadership ability," said former Gov. Ed Rendell. "He could have been president of the United States."

Former Gov. Dick Thornburgh, who went on to become U.S. attorney general, served as the state's top executive when Scranton's son, William W. Scranton III, was lieutenant governor.

"I held him in such great esteem because he was a role model," Thornburgh said.

Heavy security surrounded the neo-Gothic, Hill Section church and mourners who turned out for the service formed a line along Madison Avenue 50 minutes before the ceremony began.

As Gov. Tom Corbett and all of the state's surviving former governors made their way to the church's rear entrance along Olive Street, a universal theme emerged: Scranton was a practical, direct, results-oriented public servant who had a nonpartisan approach to problem solving.

"He brought an elegance to it that we haven't seen in a long, long time," said former Gov. Tom Ridge.

Ridge described Scranton as a "remarkable human being." U.S. Sen. Bob Casey lauded Scranton's "common decency," and Rendell called him "a great public servant."

Thornburgh recalled asking Scranton for advice during a lunch they had together after Thornburgh was elected governor, but before he took office.

"He said, 'Play it straight down the middle. Guard and protect your reputation,' " Thornburgh recalled.

After Ridge became governor, he said, Scranton urged him to follow through on a regional project promised by Ridge's predecessor, Gov. Robert P. Casey.

"He loved this community and he was passionate about it," Ridge said. "He continued to support his country and community long after his public service."

Scranton had lasting achievements during his term as governor, including educational initiatives and establishment of a program that provided the model for Head Start, Corbett said.

"He has a number of legacies," Corbett said.

Former Gov. Mark Schweiker, who was lieutenant governor under Ridge and assumed the state's top executive post in 2001 when Ridge became Homeland Security secretary, said Scranton was approachable, but bluntly direct.

"There was sage advice available from former Governor Bill Scranton on any topic," Schweiker said. "He was a straight-talk guy."

n Ashland: The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce meeting has been reslated for 7 a.m. Sept. 19 at May's Drive-In, 2105 Centre St.

n Ashland: The Catholic churches of Ashland and Gordon will hold a bleenie sale beginning at 11 a.m. Friday at the sidewalk area in front of the St. Joseph office building near Walnut and 11th streets. Bleenie sales will be held every Friday until the end of September.

n Mahanoy City: The Mother Teresa Sodality of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church will hold a roast beef dinner from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday in conjunction with Mahanoy City's 150th anniversary celebration and the 2013 Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention. Dinners will be served in the parish hall, 612 W. Mahanoy St. The cost is $10 and dinners will include roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, coleslaw and dessert. For tickets or more information, call the parish office at 570-773-2771 or Geralyn Klitsch at 570-773-1186.

n Pottsville: Rotary District Governor Sharon Benner recently addressed the Pottsville Rotary Club, introduced by Assistant District Governor Bill Parulis. Benner, according to the Rotary bulletin, is a member of the West Snyder/Beaver Springs Club and has been a Rotarian for 20 years, with 20 years of perfect attendance. She is a three-time president of her club and has been an assistant district governor and district membership chairwoman. She brought greetings to the Pottsville Rotarians from Rotary International President Ron Burton. She said the 2013-14 theme is "Engage Rotary, Change Lives." She shared a personal story about the life-changing power of Rotary when she was part of a Rotary-sponsored trip to Ecuador and visited a village that had no running water. The team that visited came back to the district, organized various fundraisers and was able to supply water to the village, according to the bulletin report. She returned two years later and saw a drastic improvement in the quality of life, including running water, general cleanliness, gardens and more desks and chairs in the school. Benner said her goals for the year include the fact any gift to Rotary Foundation could be earmarked for the water project in Ecuador. Another project Help the Children Hear, where Rotarians can collect old hearing aids and a Rotarian in State College will help refurbish them. This year they will be donated to children in Haiti, next year in the Dominican Republic. Reports on the projects will be made at the district conference in April 2014. Other goals, she said, involve support for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, the Youth Exchange and the Rotary Leadership Institute. She also wants to start an E-Club for potential members who cannot make regular meetings and also for makeups, to add two more clubs to the district, and for membership in the district to surpass 3,000 by June 2014.

n Schuylkill Haven: Orientation for all new Schuylkill Haven Area students in fifth grade will be held from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Aug. 21 in the middle school auditorium, according to a release from Anthony J. Grazel, middle school principal. Open house for the middle school is set for 6 p.m. Sept. 5 in the auditorium. Parents will have the opportunity to learn about middle school programs and curriculum and meet teachers.

n Shenandoah: The window display for the Lithuanian contingent for Shenandoah Heritage Day has been set up in the former Webb Realty office, South Main Street. Elaine Luschas is the display designer. The display will remain through Labor Day. Heritage Day, with the Parade of Nations, is set for Aug. 24.

n Tamaqua: Due to a lack of donations this year, the Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network's Back to School clothing project has been canceled. Last year, the program served 80 families and more than 180 area children. People are being asked in advance to set aside gently used Tamaqua Area School District uniforms for the collection next summer. Clothing can also be given to the Tamaqua Area School District, which makes gently used uniforms available during the school year. For more information, call Rochelle Evanousky at 570-467-3042.

LAKE HAUTO - A new rescue boat and state-of-the-art sonar unit were recently placed in service by the Ryan Township Emergency Rescue Squad, boosting the team's ability to handle almost any type of emergency situation.

On Tuesday, dive team members gathered at Lake Hauto in Rush Township to train on both 2005 Mirrorcraft River Runner boat and Humminbird Down Image sonar unit.

"These two pieces of equipment will let us find a person faster in a rescue and life-saving situation or locate the body of someone who has drowned and bring an end to a tragic situation," Chief Darryl Harris said.

Harris said the squad bought the boat from a private owner in Norristown and chose the 18-foot craft due to its ability to be used in minimal depths of water.

At 86 inches wide for carrying divers and equipment, the boat also sports a Mercury 65 90HP jet engine that requires no propeller.

Harris said the boat can operate in as little as 1 and 1/2 feet of water and, since there is no propeller, the chance of catching on the bottom or injuring a diver is eliminated.

At a cost of $28,000, Harris said the boat was money well spent.

"This is not only able to search in lakes and larger bodies of water but can be used in areas where flooding happens and the water is not that deep," he said.

Its maiden voyage came earlier this month, when dive team members joined other teams in searching Beltzville Lake in neighboring Carbon County for a fisherman who fell from his boat and went missing.

Although members of the Ryan Township Emergency Rescue Squad were not the ones who recovered the man's body, Harris said the opportunity to search gave the team a chance to become familiar with the boat and its capabilities.

Along with the boat, the squad bought and installed a Humminbird sonar unit that can detect images below the boat and to each side.

Harris said the device can scan and produce images 21 feet off each side of the boat and search to a depth of 250 feet in the Down Image mode and as deep as 600 feet in the regular sonar mode.

Moreover, the chief said, the unit is equipped with an SD memory card and can record an image of a particular area of interest. The image is saved to the card that can then be placed in another computer with a larger screen for more in-depth analysis.

Harris said in addition to the boat, new sonar unit and an older sonar unit, the squad's support unit carries a computer for reading the SD card and other uses, underwater cameras and imaging equipment, underwater communications equipment, a full range of emergency medical and dive equipment and more.

The dive team has 12 certified public safety divers, some of whom are also trained and certified in ice water rescue.

Harris said the divers are certified through both Dive Rescue International and the Professional Association of Dive Instructors. In addition, any member who operates the rescue boat is public watercraft and boat-certified, Harris said.

"Our people have the training and now they have the up-to-date equipment needed to perform their jobs better," said Harris, a certified diver and emergency medical technician.

Based in Barnesville, the Ryan Township Emergency Rescue Squad dive team is one of three in Schuylkill County. The others are the Schuylkill Haven Fire Department and the West End Rescue Squad in Mahanoy City.

The Ryan Township Emergency Rescue Squad was organized in 1980 as an emergency medical services unit and in 1994, the dive team was established, Harris said.

In addition to the EMS and dive team units, the association also operates a rehabilitation unit for emergency situations and also performs operations in search and rescue.

The Schuylkill County retirement fund has hit another all-time high.

The fund has been steadily climbing for the past year and exceeded $114 million Wednesday morning, County Controller Christy Joy said during the retirement board meeting.

Joy said he does not recall the fund ever being that high.

According to the monthly report, the fund's total market value jumped from $109,319,590 on July 31 to $114,995,028.63 on Wednesday. The balance was $103,517,596.41 at this time last year.

Joy said contributing to the recent climb was the county's Annual Retirement Contribution to the fund, which was $1,695,585 from the county general fund, made Aug. 5. There was also a recent employee contribution of $87,864 on Aug. 12, Joy said.

"The rest of it just seems to be the market," Joy said.

The Schuylkill County commissioners approved a proposal Wednesday from Yongcheol Kim Architects for professional services regarding the roofing projects at the county communications center and county prison. The agreement is for $36,400.

The board approved an agreement with Reading Elevator Service Inc., Reading, for maintenance services for the three elevators at the county courthouse. The agreement is for three years through Nov. 14, 2016, at a total cost of $20,952.

The board also authorized the advertisement of bids to clean the Schuylkill County Courthouse Complex. Bids will be opened at the Sept. 4 work session.

Mildred Dronitsky, Pottsville, was reappointed as a member of the Office of Senior Services Advisory Board for a three-year term through Aug. 31, 2016.

Two lieutenants resigned from the Schuylkill County Prison. The resignations of Patrick Mahoney, Auburn, and James Bruce, Shamokin, went into effect Aug. 12 and Aug. 7, respectfully. Both lieutenants had a salary of $54,991.70.

Also at the public meeting Wednesday, the commissioners presented certificates to three Emergency Management Agency employees.

Rick Deal and Nick Roslevege received staff certification and John Blickley received advanced deputy emergency management coordinator certification from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

"I can't tell you enough how much we appreciate your dedication to emergency management services," commissioners Chairman Frank J. Staudenmeier said.

John Matz, SCEMA coordinator, said PEMA has been focusing the last year and a half on education. He said he is currently working at the municipal level to offer certification for local coordinators.