The Schuylkill County election board met Wednesday to take care of a few remaining items as the primary election draws near.

Traditionally, the board is made up of the three county commissioners. Since they are up for election this year, each commissioner had to appoint someone to take his or her place.

Commissioners Chairman Frank J. Staudenmeier selected Bob Ames, former chairman of the county Republican party; Commissioner George Halcovage selected Jeanne Porter, Boyer’s Food Markets vice president of human resources; and Commissioner Gary J. Hess selected Brian Canfield, a former Cass Township supervisor. The election board then voted on Ames as chairman.

The board appointed four people as resolution board members on election night May 19 at the Schuylkill Transportation System facility in Saint Clair. Edward Barket, George Moyer and Marybeth Dougherty will be paid $100 for their service while Mark Scarbinsky, county administrator, will not be compensated.

The board also appointed 13 rovers at the rate of $10 per hour to ravel on election day to polling sites. Frannie Brennan, county election bureau director, said they will start on April 13 or earlier if needed to prepare for the election. The rovers are Mike Botto, Kathy Case, Ron Coleman, Carol Cooney-Sydek, Tony Downey, Bob Fallan, Annmarie Groody, Susan Kester, Carol Leashefski, Joe Matz, Jean Quirk, Janet Terefencko and Daniel Wachter.

The polling site for the 1st ward precinct in Pottsville was changed from the Phoenix Fire Company, 320 E. Norwegian St., to the Schuylkill County Human Services Complex Building, 420 N. Centre St. Brennan said the fire company will no longer be used as a polling site.

Another polling site was also changed earlier this year for the east precinct in Rush Township. Due to construction at Armory Hall, 106 Ardmore Ave., the site was moved to the Rush Township Municipal Building, 104 Mahanoy Ave., Tamaqua.

The last day to register for the primary election is April 20. The primary election is May 19 and the General Election is Nov. 3.

Smoking incident

involves 2 teens

WILLIAMSTOWN — Two teenage boys were charged with disorderly conduct by state police at Lykens after an incident that occurred between 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. March 25 at Williams Valley High School in Williams Township, Dauphin County.

Police said a 16-year-old Tower City boy and 17-year-old Williamstown boy were charged after they smoked an electronic cigarette and homemade pipe in a bathroom outside of the cafeteria while at lunch.

Police said school officials found the teens to be in possession of both items and the charges against them will be filed with Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum, Elizabethville.

2 from facility

reported at large

Pottsville police said they were contacted by an administrator at Conewago Drug and Alcohol Treatment facility, 202 S. Centre St., about 5:30 p.m. March 23 in reference to two clients who fled the facility and were at large.

Identified as Bethany Faith Heller, 34, of Harrisburg, and David J. Bruce, 35, of York, police said neither could immediately be found in the city.

Police said both Heller and Bruce were previously sentenced to attend a court-ordered drug and alcohol treatment facility as per their state parole requirements associated with criminal court sentencing. The state parole department later issued a warrant for the arrest of both Heller and Bruce, police said.

Anyone with information on the location of either of the two is asked to call the Pennsylvania State Parole Department, police said.

Drug charges

filed in incident

GRIER CITY — Rush Township police arrested a Barnesville man on drug charges stemming from a March 11 incident.

Police said Nicholas Hux, 29, was charged with felony delivery of a controlled substance and misdemeanor offenses of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges, police said, are the result of Hux selling heroin to an address in Grier City.

Medications

reported stolen

LYKENS — A theft that occurred at 15 S. Second St., Apt. 307, in this Dauphin County community sometime March 23 or 24 is being investigated by state police at Lykens.

Police said someone entered the apartment of Cathy Oxenrider and stole some of the woman’s prescription medication.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 717-362-8700.

Man accused of

credit card fraud

HOMETOWN — Rush Township police charged a Tamaqua man on Friday with theft after he illegally used credit cards without authorization.

Police said Todd Bugdanavage, 39, was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, on charges of theft, receiving stolen property and access device fraud.

Police said Bugdanavage used multiple credit cards owned by UPS at gas stations in Hometown and Tamaqua for purchases totaling $4,084.47.

The purchases began Jan. 6, 2014, and continued through Jan. 22, 2015, when the man purchased fuel for his vehicle and fuel for his home, police said.

Bugdanavage, who was released on his own recognizance, admitted to committing the crimes, police said.

Washington Twp.

property damaged

PINE GROVE — A criminal mischief incident that occurred at the Washington Township Municipal Building, 255 Frantz Road, between 7 p.m. March 24 and 6:30 a.m. March 25 is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Police said someone arrived in a vehicle and did “doughnuts” on the front lawn, causing deep ruts in the grass.

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

3 face charges

in store incident

ELIZABETHVILLE — Three people were charged by state police at Lykens after an incident at 2 a.m. Saturday at Koppy’s on the Square, 1 W. Main St., in this Dauphin County community.

Police said Javin T. Shade, 22, and Kyle Lee Kafora, 23, both of Lykens, were charged with disorderly conduct while Tyler J. Brown, 23, of Elizabethville, was charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Police said the three were in the store using loud, vulgar and foul language, and Brown also fell into a stand that contained merchandise, damaging the items.

All three will have to answer to the charges before Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum, Elizabethville.

Schuylkill Transportation System is planning several capital improvement projects within the upcoming year.

The transit facility is submitting its consolidated capital application to the state Department of Transportation for funding in the 2015-16 fiscal year. The county commissioners authorized the filing of the application Wednesday at a work session.

STS has one large transit bus out of commission, David Bekisz, STS executive director, said Wednesday. The county’s public transportation system wants to replace it with a new vehicle estimated at about $500,000. STS also wants to refurbish four 35-foot vehicles and four 29-foot vehicles, Bekisz said. That will cost about $500,000, as well.

“These vehicles are about halfway through their lifespan. We want to extend the life of the vehicles past their normal lifespan,” Bekisz said.

Also included in the application are 16 electric fare boxes for about $500,000 and 30 GPS units for about $10,000. Electrical work to fix the lighting in the parking lot at the Saint Clair facility is estimated to cost about $40,000.

The electronic fare boxes will replace the vault system currently on the fixed-route buses. Currently, riders drop money onto a ledge and it is counted by the driver before falling into the vault, Bekisz said. The electronic fare boxes accept cash and can count money, he said. It can also scan STS senior cards and be used to count riders each day.

“It makes it easier and more efficient,” Bekicz said. “It’s just progress.”

The GPS units will be installed on the shared-ride vehicles and can be used to assign destinations to drivers as they are out on the road, Bekisz said.

“It is another technological advantage that can make us more efficient with costs and service,” Bekisz said.

The total cost of the projects included in the application is $1,550,000. Pending PennDOT approval, the projects will be paid with $1,227,471 in federal funding, $258,385 in state funds and a local match from the county of $64,144.

“It looks like the local match will be money well spent,” commissioners Chairman Frank J. Staudenmeier said Wednesday.

The fiscal year for the funding is from June 2015 to July 2016. Bekisz said there is no schedule estimate when the projects will start but said the fare boxes and GPS units would be the first on his checklist.

“We are excited about it,” he said. “It will not only aid people here to make them more efficient at their jobs, but it will also help with cost efficiencies and better service for the county.”

Meanwhile, STS is still waiting for design plans to be finalized for its $2 million makeover in Saint Clair. STS has used the Saint Clair facility as a maintenance and administrative building since 1988. The county commissioners authorized the local match for the project when STS submitted its capital project plans to PennDOT in 2013.

The project is still in the design stage. Bekisz said engineers only recently decided to add a second story to the facility instead of building outward to conserve area in the parking lot.

STS is also one of 37 transit facilities being considered by PennDOT as a site for clean-burning, compressed natural gas fueling stations. PennDOT is currently still looking for a private partner to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the CNG filling stations at up to 37 transit facilities.

“That could make some kind of adjustment to the plans,” Bekisz said.

In other news, the commissioners approved two agreements with 27 fire companies in the Schuylkill Haven and Frackville areas for mobile and portable radio equipment.

Two officers from each company will participate in a two-hour training sessions next week. Mobile units will be installed throughout the year.

The county commissioners approved more than $5 million in funding on Dec. 24, 2014, to purchase 185 mobile and 810 portable radios from Motorola Solutions Inc. for fire companies and to supplement police and EMS agencies. The radios are for the new $16 million digital communications system the county has been installing for the last two years to meet a Federal Communications Commission mandate.

The 107 fire companies in Schuylkill County were divided into eight groups to sign agreements with the county and undergo training. The agreement includes insurance and replacement policies. Each company gets one mobile radio for each front line apparatus, which includes engine, ladder, tanker and rescue vehicles, and then four portables per engine, ladder with pump and two portables per ladder, tanker and rescue.

The first group of companies entering into the agreement were American Fire Company, Ashland; Washington Fire Company, Ashland; Fountain Springs Fire Company; Lavelle Fire Company; Englewood Fire Company; Goodwill Fire Company, Frackville; Continental Fire Company, Gilberton; Mahanoy Plane Fire Company; Girard Hose Fire Company, Girardville; Gordon Fire Department; and North End Fire Company, Pine Grove.

The second group includes Auburn Fire Department; Cressona No. 1 Fire Company; Goodwill Fire Company, Cressona; Deer Lake Fire Department; Landingville Fire Department; New Ringgold Fire Department; Orwigsburg Fire Department; Rainbow Fire Company, Schuylkill Haven; Schuylkill Hose Fire Company, Schuylkill Haven; Liberty Fire Company, Shenandoah; Friedensburg Fire Company; Summit Station Fire Company; Ravine Fire Company; Suedburg Fire Company; Hose Hook & Ladder Fire Company, Pine Grove.

Scott Krater, county communications director, said the first two groups to get radios in the Pottsville and Minersville areas started using the new digital communications system Wednesday.

The commissioners extended the current contract with Carbon County Oncology Management Inc. to the end of the year. County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III, who owns and operates the company at the Simon Kramer Cancer Institute, New Philadelphia, said the fees remain the same. The contract is to perform virtual autopsies and includes a $50 fee for a technician and a $150 fee for other technical aspects. The agreement is capped at $18,500, meaning that is the maximum amount the county will pay for the year. Moylan said that results in about 15 to 20 autopsies being free of charge.

Two air conditioning units will be replaced at the county prison. The units in the medical area and control room B stopped working earlier this month. Both were installed when the prison was remodeled in 1986.

Antz Energy Systems Inc. will be installing the units on two separate contracts worth $5,506 and $4,382. The work must be done by the end of May, according to the agreements.

The courthouse will be closed Friday in accordance with the holiday schedule. The commissioners’ retirement board meeting will be held immediately following their public meeting April 8.

Marriage licenses

Michael J. Kirkland, Tremont, and Amanda J. Wagner, Tremont.

Anthony S. Blackwell, Frackville, and Heidi M. Arthur, Frackville.

Adolfo Luna, Shenandoah, and Jennyffer Concepcion, Shenandoah.

Nathan M. Kensinger, Schuylkill Haven, and Grace K. Sharp, Julian.

Bradley A. Dawson, Minersville, and Brittany J. Matthews, Minersville.

Tyler J. Mendinsky, Frackville, and Paula A. McBride, Frackville.

Jarryd M. Howard, York, and Marissa J. Schollenberger, York.

William E. Shook III, Tremont, and Roxie A. Cornell, Tremont.

David P. Moyer, New Ringgold, and Lorreen A. Gilfoy, Exton.

Ashley N. Gonzalez-Melendez, Mount Carmel, and Thomas L. Rovinsky, Mount Carmel.

George W. Brimmer III, Coaldale, and Lizzetsh Wilson-Marquez, Coaldale.

Divorces granted

George F. Krell, Schuylkill Haven, from Nancy Lynn Krell, Birdsboro.

Heather L. Deichert, Pine Grove, from Jason C. Deichert, Pine Grove.

Melissa L. Kosica, Tuscarora, from Robert F. Kosica, Tuscarora.

Mary G. Ellex, Auburn, from Daniel D. Lingham, Fort Hood, Texas.

Deborah Smulligan, Shenandoah, from John M. Smulligan, Barnesville.

Esther E. Meyers, Port Carbon, from Clyde L. Meyers, Port Carbon.

Jan Marie Balmat, Andreas, from David Balmat, Andreas.

Timothy D. Lentes, Ashland, from Amanda S. Lentes, Ashland.

Genevieve T. Piacenti, McAdoo, from William J. Piacenti, Hazleton.

Angela Bauer, Orwigsburg, from Blaze Bauer, Orwigsburg.

Jessica J. Fosmire, Hegins, from Milt E. Fosmire, Cape Coral, Fla.

A stubborn fire in a silo at a pet food processing plant in Hazle Township kept firefighters from four counties busy Tuesday night into Wednesday as they meticulously worked to extinguish the smoldering product and contain damage.

Bill Gallagher, Hazle Township supervisor and volunteer firefighter with its fire company, was one of many volunteers who responded to Vita Line, 1111 N. Park Drive, Humboldt Industrial Park, when the fire began about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The business is a short distance from Route 924.

Firefighters at first believed equipment inside the plant caught fire and later sparked two secondary fires. They nearly had the blaze extinguished about 9 p.m., Gallagher said, when Vita Line maintenance workers found two other pieces of equipment on fire, including a silo.

After the discovery of the new fires, Hazle Township Fire and Rescue contacted Luzerne County 911 and requested additional fire companies to respond with more manpower, Gallagher said.

Espy Fire Company from the Bloomsburg area was dispatched, as they have expertise in handling silo fires, as well as the state Department of Environmental Protection and Luzerne County and Hazle Township emergency management officials.

At 3 p.m. Wednesday, while firefighters were in their 21st hour of tackling the blaze, Gallagher said silo fires have to be approached with caution. He said if water from a hose is placed on the fire inside the silo, the steam could be so great that the silo would split.

Also, silos storing any type of product that creates dust can cause the silo to explode due to heat building up inside it. If oxygen is added to the silo, he added, it can create a “fire vacuum” causing the dust to become combustible, too.

About 3:30 p.m., Gallagher said, there was a flare-up in the silo caused by a dust explosion. No major injuries were reported initially, but 23 firefighters in the basement during the explosion were examined by medical personnel from ambulance companies, he said.

Vita Line’s silo was holding about 90 tons of powdered dog food that is later pressed into harder pieces of food through the production process.

The silo is about 60 feet high and 12 feet wide in the rear of the building, with walls surrounding it and a roof overhead.

Gallagher said the dangers of fighting a smoldering fire inside a silo left employees and firefighters with only one option — to manually remove the powdered pet food using carts. He said the product was removed slowly from the bottom of the silo, brought out into the parking lot where it was hosed down and then, using township road equipment, dumped into large dumpsters for disposal.

Most of the product had been emptied from the silo by 2 p.m., he said.

The exact cause of the fire has not been determined.

Volunteer firefighters rotated shifts at the plant to prevent exhaustion and to allow those who had work during the fire to leave, resulting in multiple crews from companies in Luzerne, Carbon, Schuylkill and Columbia counties responding to the scene. Some of the firefighters who responded came from Nanticoke, Harwood, West Hazleton, Sheppton-Oneida, McAdoo and Freeland.

L and L Fire Company was dispatched to provide its heated rehabilitation tent, where crews could have a drink of water and food. The tent also provided space for crews to have their vital signs checked. Local ambulance companies also responded, while others were placed on standby at their stations.

Hazleton firefighters, along with other local fire companies, took turns handling Hazle Township’s other emergency dispatches through the entire incident.

Gallagher said crews were on the scene for a total of 25 hours and the fire was completely contained by 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Employees at the plant working a shift that began at 11 p.m. Tuesday were sent home upon arriving for work that night, Gallagher said. He was unsure if anyone else, aside from priority and maintenance employees, were working Wednesday at the facility.

On March 4, 2013, a fire at the plant destroyed a pickup truck and damaged a train bay. The fire began when the truck, pulling a train car in the bay, experienced a mechanical problem.

According to ARW Engineers website, the Vita Line Products facility, for American Nutrition Inc, is a 267,000-square-foot pet food processing plant designed to provide the owner with the ability to provide its product throughout the eastern United States.

State and local police are warning residents about a new telephone scam being used in the area with callers claiming to represent the Internal Revenue Service.

State police said residents are reporting receiving calls from persistent phone scammers who claim to be IRS tax collectors. The scam has been increasing and police said the callers try to make their victims believe they will be arrested if they do not immediately settle outstanding tax debts over the phone by using prepaid debit cards. Police stressed that the IRS does not conduct business that way and urged residents not to give away personal information over the phone.

State officials said this type of scam picks up during tax season, resulting in the recent increased number of attempted scams.

In addition to talking to residents directly, several people reported voicemails being left for them. Police said residents should never respond to a voicemail of that type and never give payments or financial information over the telephone to unidentified callers.

In Pottsville, city police said their department has been notified of a new telephone scam being used in the area associated with this recent rash of IRS scam attempts.

Police said that in the latest scam the caller says city hall and the Pottsville police are involved and that if the call recipient does not pay an outstanding fee with a debit card, the police will come to his or her home.

“All residents should be aware that this is absolutely not a legitimate call and is another fraudulent scam attempt associated with tax season,” Pottsville police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said last week. “The Pottsville Bureau of Police does not get involved with any legitimate actions of the IRS, nor does any entity at Pottsville City Hall.”

He also urged residents not give out any information to callers of this nature and not to transfer any monetary funds. Anyone unsure about personal tax status or the validity of such a call can contact the IRS directly to certify private records.

In at least one incident, police said, the caller was able to “spoof” the number that was displayed on the receiver’s caller ID to show an origination number of 570-622-1234. Police said this is done by using one of several available online programs that allow the caller to manipulate the displayed number.

Anyone who may receive such telephone calls, or anyone who may fall victim to such a scam, is urged to contact the local police department.

Lane restrictions will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today on Route 61 between Bacon and Mauch Chunk streets for bridge repair.

One of the two Route 61 northbound lanes will be closed, according to a state Department of Transportation press release. There will also be four intermittent traffic stoppages on Route 61 north and south lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes each.

Workers will set beams on the new PA 61 Bridge over the Schuylkill River, according to the press release.

The work is part of a $10,568,416 project to replace the Route 61 “Mady’s” Bridges (one over the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad in the City of Pottsville and Palo Alto borough, and the other over the Schuylkill River in Pottsville), according to the press release.

The project began in January 2014 and is expected to be complete by the end of 2016.

n Ashland: An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. April 9 at Christ Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Road. People 17 and older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are asked to donate blood.

n Mount Carmel: The Mahoney Brothers, billed as the “world’s greatest musical impersonation show,” will be featured April 18 in the Mount Carmel Area High School Auditorium. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and tickets are $20 per person. The organizers is Joe Cesari and the Kulpmont Cruise Association. The show will include the music of the ’50s and ’60s, including Elvis and The Beatles. The Keystone Kids Starmakers from Wilkes-Barre, featuring students ages 6 to 14 dancing in poodle skirts and leather jackets, will also perform. For more information, call 570-373-3561.

n Pottsville: The Schuylkill United Way’s annual Day of Caring has been renamed the Capt. Jason B. Jones Memorial Day of Caring and is set for Wednesday with a formal welcome and dedication at 8:30 a.m. at the Salvation Army, Pottsville. “The SUW staff and board of Directors is humbled at the privilege of honoring a man who put his service to his community and country above all else,” organizers said in a United Way flier. Volunteer projects will begin at locations across Schuylkill County after the welcome starts as community volunteers, in the name of Jones, the Gold Star Mothers and families who have lost sons and daughters at war, will also be remembered. All Gold Star mothers and families interested in volunteering or attending the formal welcome are asked to call Michelle Halabura at the SUW office, 9 N. Centre St., at 570-622-6421. Jones was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with a degree in nuclear engineering. He branched into the infantry division with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His first deployment was to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he served as a platoon leader for the 2nd Battalion of Charlie Company Parachute Infantry Regiment. After completing a one-year deployment he returned to Fort Bragg, where he served as company executive officer and battalion air operations officer. In 2011, Jones fulfilled a lifelong dream when he was selected to participate in the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course. He completed the Special Forces qualification course in May 2013 and was assigned as team leader of a 12-man team in 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group. He was deployed to Afghanistan in April 2014 as the commander of a 12-man Special Forces A-Team with the Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets. He died on June 2, 2014, in Afghanistan at age 29. Survivors include his wife, Amy Weniger; parents, Joseph H. Jones Jr. and Suzanne Jones, Orwigsburg; and sister, Elizabeth Jones, Philadelphia.

n Schuylkill Haven: The final circle session for casual discussion of important issues is set for 6 p.m. April 24 in Room 202 in the Health and Wellness Building on campus, according to the spring 2015 Penn State Schuylkill campus’ Community Cultural Events Calendar. People “may ask questions or simply attend for support,” organizers said in the calendar. “Considered an ancient tool for better decision making and strengthening a team or a community, the circle is a method of collaborative learning, built on the ancient wisdom and traditions of the Natives,” organizers said in the calendar. At the local campus, Penn State will “delve into the true vision of an LGBTQ — Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning — circle to celebrate diversity and help promote a society that embraces everyone, including those of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.” The public is asked to participate in the circle “to create better decisions and strengthen community by reaching high-level synergy. This experience offers new possibilities for better understanding of self, others and the issues at hand.” Organizers also stressed that “participation in this event does not imply an individual’s sexual orientation.”

FRACKVILLE — The National Penn Bank will soon join the list of former Schuylkill Mall businesses.

The location will close at 4 p.m. June 29, Elaine Maneval, mall manager, said in an email Wednesday.

An employee at the bank said she could not comment and directed all calls to Jacklyn Bingaman, marketing director for National Penn. Bingaman confirmed Wednesday the bank will close. She said it was a “business decision” by the company.

The company has been at the mall for “at least 25 years,” Bingaman said. Six employees work at the bank and were notified of the closure. One employee will be transferred to another location. She said the goal is to find all employees jobs within the company.

Customers were sent a letter March 26 about the closing.

Customers can visit two other National Penn county locations: 11 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville, and 5 N. Main St., Shenandoah.

ORWIGSBURG — To help J. Bertolet Volkswagen celebrate its 50th year in business, the president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America paid a visit to its North Manheim Township headquarters Wednesday to offer the owners handshakes, plaques and congratulations.

On top of that, for the first time in its history, J. Bertolet Volkswagen has been rated the number one Volkswagen dealer in the nation in terms of “customer sales satisfaction” and the number one Volkswagen dealer in the country in terms of “customer service satisfaction.” This represents the sales year 2014, Michael Horn, Herndon, Virginia, who has also been president for the Volkswagen of America brand since January 2014, said.

“The base of our business is happy customers. You’ve done an outstanding job, and that’s why I’m here today. You’re the number one! And that’s great. And I think this is something you and your entire team can be extremely proud of,” Horn told representatives of the family business at a presentation ceremony Wednesday morning at the dealership at 555 Route 61.

“We get scored by our customers. After they pick up their new car and every time they come in for service, they get 15 questions. And it’s based on their feedback. So, out of 665 dealers across the United States, we finished first in sales and we also finished first in service. We’ve never finished first in both categories in the same year. It’s hard to do both,” John R. “Jack” Bertolet Jr., 60, the dealership’s president, said.

“The first thing that really impresses me is that they’ve been in business for 50 years. And the most important thing in the automobile business is customer loyalty and having good, long-standing relationships. And with three generations being part of the dealership, this is a little of what makes up the soul of Volkswagen. It’s not just about selling cars. It’s about relationships and loyalty to our dealers and our customers. They’re a great, outstanding example,” Horn said.

Representatives of the dealership present included the founder and retired president John R. “Jack” Bertolet Sr., 85, his sons, Jack Jr., and Blayne O. Bertolet, 53, the dealership’s vice president, as well as Jack Jr.’s son, John R. “Jack” Bertolet III, 35, the dealership’s general manager.

“We started the business in 1964, actually. The business opened here in February 1965. But actually it was started in June of 1964. I started it. I’m retired, but I still come in to meet my old friends and people in general,” Jack R. Sr. said

“I’m very proud and excited to be here. You opened this place in 1965. That’s when my younger brother was born. And it’s so great that you managed to last 50 years and you’re family has been part of the business for three generations. And we’d like to give you this plaque,” Horn said.

“Thank you,’ the elder Bertolet said as he took hold of it.

The plaque, which was about 2 1/2 feet high and a foot wide, included the words “50 Years of Service, J. Bertolet Volkswagen, Orwigsburg, PA, 1965-2015.” The bottom included Horn’s name and signature.

Horn also presented the family with a plaque naming J. Bertolet Inc. as a member of the “Customer First Club.”

“It’s beautiful,” Jack Jr. said as he examined it, a smaller plaque about 15 inches high and a foot wide.

“This is exciting! It’s a big deal to have the president come out and just spend time with us. We’re excited to have him here,” Jack III said.

Also present was Mark McNabb, the chief operation officer for Volkswagen of America, who is also based at Volkswagen’s Herndon, Virginia, office.

Despite strong advice from its chairman Wednesday morning, the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pottsville did not take action to hire a realtor to help it market the former Pottsville Club.

“Next fall, when it starts to get cold again, we should have this building sold. Next winter, if we’re still in a position where we haven’t sold this building, it’s going to be expensive,” Ian H. Lipton, who has been a member of the redevelopment authority for more than 10 years and its chairman since December 2014, said at a meeting at the 201 South 26th St. property.

“I have mixed feelings about that, as far as a realtor goes. What would we have to pay a realtor? Ten percent?” Joseph J. Devine Jr., city council member, asked.

“Six,” Michael Golden, a member of the authority, said.

“We can negotiate that,” Lipton said.

“If you really want to try to sell the building, you’ve got to get a realtor. There’s no doubt about it. You’ve got to make up your mind on this,” Craig S.L. Shields, the authority’s treasurer and the CEO of Barefield Development Corp., said.

“When we took this on, it was our intention, and it’s still our intention, to sell this building,” city Councilwoman Dorothy Botto said.

In October, Miners Bank, Minersville, offered to turn over the former club to the city. In December, the city council accepted the donation, which included the building and 11.93 acres of land. Then the redevelopment authority accepted the responsibility of managing it and reported that upkeep would cost in the neighborhood of $50,000 a year.

“Minimally, it might cost $25,000 a year,” city Administrator Thomas A. Palamar, the authority’s executive director, said at Wednesday’s meeting.

Recently, the authority has allowed two groups to rent the facility for parties. It’s working with William J. Parulis, president of WJP Engineers, Pottsville, on a plan to subdivide a section of east side of the property the city acquired for housing. And it’s trying to sell the building and 5.5 acres of the property surrounding it for $299,995, according to Palamar.

“I don’t think we want to own this building for a long period of time. I think the city took it because it was the right thing to do. But my perception, at least, as a member of the redevelopment authority, is that we don’t want to own this building, that there is no way that we can afford this building because of the maintenance and upkeep. This building hadn’t been maintained for 10 years. It was put together with Scotch tape over the last 10 years because there was no money. I was a member of the Pottsville Club,” Lipton said.

On Sept. 9, 2013, Miners Bank, the club’s mortgagee, filed a lawsuit in Schuylkill County Court stating the Pottsville Club was delinquent in both its mortgage payments and real estate taxes. The bank asked the court to require the club to pay the entire amount due under the loan secured by the mortgage plus interest. The judgment amount was “$417,647.87 plus interest from April 12, 2013, and costs of suit,” according to the county website.

In October 2013, the Pottsville Club closed after 125 years in business.

In February 2014, Miners Bank, bought the property at a sheriff’s sale for $1,418.05.

“I’ve been the one showing the building,” Palamar said.

“As much as you have on your plate and as much experience as you have doing a lot of things, having someone who is a commercial realtor might be a better opportunity,” Lipton said.

“I’ve showed this place five times and to some people multiple times. I think they’re either waiting to see if the city comes down in price or waiting to see if they have some epiphany about what kind of business they wanted to get into. It was all food service kind of businesses,” Palamar said.

“I’m not in favor of selling it. I have a firm belief that this should be a community center,” Shields said.

“All along our intention was to sell,” Palamar said.

Meanwhile, the authority plans to continue renting the space to parties but could not come to conclusions on rental costs and related fees on Wednesday. Palamar said the authority might make decisions next week.

“To start to say we’re going to host weddings or big events, I don’t think that’s realistic. I don’t know,” Golden said.

“Little events don’t hurt the marketing part of it,” Devine said.

State Attorney General Kathleen Kane lost the first fight in her challenge of potential criminal charges against her, but the battle is far from over.

A day after the state Supreme Court upheld the appointment of special prosecutor, Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman said she will review the grand jury presentment that recommends charging Kane with perjury and other offenses.

Should Ferman decide to file charges, the case would undergo a second layer of review before a magisterial district judge, who would hold a preliminary hearing at which Kane would have an opportunity to challenge the case. The judge would then decide whether there is sufficient evidence to forward the case to Montgomery County court for trial.

It is rare that charges are not bound over to court as the standard of proof at a preliminary hearing is much lower than at a trial, but there have been instances where that has happened in other high-profile cases.

Most recently, a magistrate judge in Dauphin County dismissed a witness tampering case against an attorney and private investigator who once worked on the Luzerne County case of recently convicted double murderer Hugo Selenski — a case that was filed by the state Attorney General’s office.

In June, Judge David Judy, Royalton, dismissed all charges against attorney Shelly Centini and defense investigator James Sulima, finding there was insufficient evidence to support a statewide grand jury’s recommendation they face charges based on claims they met with and improperly influenced witnesses in Selenski’s case prior to his trial.

Attempts to reach Kane’s attorneys were unsuccessful Wednesday. In the past, they have vowed to defend her vigorously against allegations she lied to a grand jury investigating whether she or someone from her office leaked information from a 2009 grand jury investigation to a Philadelphia newspaper.

The grand jury presentment from the current, 35th statewide grand jury remains sealed. It appears the charges it recommended be filed against Kane — perjury, false swearing, official oppression and obstruction of the administration of law — are based on her testimony before the grand jury, not the actual leak of information from the 2009 grand jury.

Grand jury investigations are conducted in closed door hearings. Prosecutors and others involved in the investigations can be held in contempt of court if they release any information from those proceedings.

In court filings, Kane’s attorneys said she appeared before the 35th statewide grand jury in September. She admitted she authorized the release of a memorandum written in 2014 that, based on information it contained, revealed the existence of the 2009 grand jury that investigated J. Whyatt Mondesire, the former head of the NAACP of Philadelphia.

Kane’s attorneys contend that memorandum was not part of the grand jury investigation, and therefore she did nothing wrong by releasing it. She has denied an additional allegation that she also released a 2009 email that contained other information regarding the Mondesire grand jury probe.

In a story published March 12, the Philadelphia Inquirer, citing anonymous sources, reported that the grand jury determined Kane falsely testified that one of her aides approved of her release of the 2014 memorandum, and that she had never seen the 2009 email in question.

Kane asked the Supreme Court to vacate the grand jury presentment, arguing that the supervising judge of the grand jury, William Carpenter of Montgomery County, overstepped his authority in appointing a special prosecutor to investigate the leak. The high court on Tuesday upheld the appointment.

In a press release Wednesday, Ferman said she would “carefully and thoroughly” review the information presented to the grand jury and, if warranted, conduct an additional, independent investigation before deciding whether to file charges against Kane. She did not say how long that review may take

Todd D. Dohner admitted Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he twice telephoned the courthouse in October 2014 and threatened to shoot school children unless authorities closed the building.

Dohner, 49, of Pine Grove, pleaded guilty to two counts each of criminal use of a communication facility, terroristic threats and disorderly conduct.

Judge James P. Goodman accepted the plea but did not immediately sentence Dohner. Instead, he ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and said he would schedule sentencing at a later date.

“I find your plea knowing, voluntary and intelligent,” Goodman told Dohner, who sat through the hearing wearing a prison jumpsuit.

Pending sentencing, authorities will return Dohner to State Correctional Institution/Rockview in Centre County, where he already is serving a sentence of 12 to 33 months for violating his probation in two other cases. Dohner asked that Goodman allow him to stay there while conducting his sentencing hearing in this case by videoconference.

Dohner could be sentenced to serve as much as 30 years in prison and pay up to $65,000 in fines.

Pottsville police said Dohner made two telephone calls to the Schuylkill County Courthouse, one at 6:37 p.m. Oct. 2, 2014, and the other at 1:12 a.m. Oct. 3, 2014, in which he threatened to shoot the children unless the courthouse was closed by noon Oct. 3. Dohner admitted making the calls in order to avoid paying fines he owed, according to police.

According to police, Dohner said in the threats that he was the leader of a terrorist group and would have the children shot at 3 p.m. at a school from 100 yards away. County officials closed the courthouse at 11 a.m.; police interviewed and arrested Dohner later Friday after determining the calls came from a cellphone using cell towers in the Pine Grove area.

“You used a phone to commit a crime,” Goodman said in explaining criminal use of a communication facility.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Dohner said little except that he understood his plea and was making it knowingly and voluntarily.

Assistant Public Defender Andrea L. Thompson, Dohner’s lawyer, and Assistant District Attorney Robert I. Lipkin each declined to comment on the case after Dohner entered his plea.

Defendant: Todd D. Dohner

Age: 49

Residence: Pine Grove

Crimes committed: Two counts each of criminal use of a communication facility, terroristic threats and disorderly conduct

SHENANDOAH — The tradition in Byzantine Catholic churches of offering healing prayer and anointing was held Wednesday at St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in the borough.

The administering of the Sacrament or Mystery of Holy Unction was conducted during the Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts by the celebrant and pastor, Monsignor Myron Grabowsky.

The two-hour liturgy was attended by more than 40 people, most of whom sought healing. The anointing with oil is a custom on Holy Wednesday, the day before Holy Thursday during Holy Week.

“We are all here for a reason, and we know the Lord will provide an answer to each of us,” Grabowsky said before the liturgy began. “We’re here for our own personal healings, our own personal spiritual growth.”

According to information provided by Grabowsky, Holy Unction is offered for the healing of soul and body and for forgiveness of sins. The body is anointed with oil, and the grace of God, which heals infirmities of soul and body, is called down upon each person. It is through Holy Unction that the Holy Spirit comes into the believer’s life through the anointing with oil blessed during the service.

In the Byzantine rite, the sacrament is given out four times a year to everybody. It is not only reserved for those who are dying.

The oil used for anointing was olive oil from the orchards of Nazareth in Israel. The olive oil and a hand cross were placed on the tetrapod, a small table placed in front of the icon wall and sanctuary. During the first half of the liturgy, Grabowsky stood before the tetrapod to bless the oil.

After the Gospel reading and homily, it was time for the anointing. Grabowsky prayed, “Holy Father, physician of souls and bodies, you sent your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to heal every infirmity and to deliver us from death. By this anointing, heal your servants of the spiritual and bodily ills which afflict them and restore them by the grace of your Christ, through the prayers of our most holy lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, and through the prayers of all your saints.

“For you, our God, are the fountain of healing; and to you we give glory, together with your only-begotten Son, and your consubstantial spirit, now and ever and forever.”

People lined up along the center aisle and walked to Grabowsky, who anointed the person’s forehead and the tops and palms of the hands while saying, “The servant of God, (person’s name), is anointed for the forgiveness of sins and for life everlasting. Amen.”

The anointing of everyone took more than 45 minutes. Assisting Grabowsky were Demetrius Grabowsky and Paul Kerrick, who stood by to assist anyone who needed help to stand. After being anointed, some people were unsteady, while a few others collapsed, being helped to the floor.

During the liturgy and healing, the prayers were chanted by John Halupa and Theresa Panchison. Assisting Grabowsky behind the icon wall was Samuel Litwak.

When the liturgy was completed, Grabowsky invited anyone who wanted additional prayers could come to him.

For the second time in a week, and the fourth time since the start of the new calendar year, there’s been a bomb threat at Pottsville Area School District, and another arrest.

On Wednesday morning, city police charged a 16-year-old girl who admitted she wrote the alarming message that school administrators found on a wall at the high school at 16th Street and Elk Avenue at 10:41 a.m., according to Pottsville police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky.

The school was evacuated to the front of the building for a half hour while the investigation was conducted, according to Pottsville Area Superintendent Jeffrey S. Zwiebel.

“A subsequent investigation by police led to a sixteen-year-old female student at the school admitting to writing the message and it was quickly determined that no viable threat was present,” Wojciechowsky said in a press release.

The female student was taken into police custody. Police did not release her name. They filed a juvenile allegation with the Schuylkill County Juvenile Court charging her with making felony terroristic threats and related offenses, the chief said.

“Custody of the juvenile was turned over to Schuylkill County Juvenile Court officers for detention placement pending an adjudication hearing and permanent disposition,” the chief said.

The school district has had to deal with a run of such incidents since the start of 2015. Following are brief descriptions of each:

• On March 27, city police charged a 15-year-old male student for a bomb threat written on a bathroom wall at the high school. Earlier this week, that juvenile was adjudicated delinquent at Schuylkill County Court and ordered for detention placement by the court, Wojciechowsky said Wednesday.

• On Feb. 25, city police charged a 10-year-old boy who allegedly wrote notes threatening to set off explosives at Pottsville Area’s D.H.H. Lengel Middle school on two occasions.

• On Jan. 15, city police charged a 15-year-old male Pottsville Area High School student who allegedly wrote a note threatening to set off a bomb in the high school that day.

“Each time a threat takes place, student and staff safety is compromised, along with the entire educational process. Pottsville Area School District takes these matters seriously and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. Any student who chooses to threaten the safety of his or her fellow students and staff members will find the consequences of those poor choices will be severe,” Zwiebel said in a phone message Wednesday afternoon to parents and students.

Dr. David F. O’Connell, a licensed psychologist with an office in Pottsville, was surprised to hear about the incidents and offered insights Wednesday into why students might want to set off such panic alarms.

“With school violence in general, it’s hard to define why much of it occurs. In cases like this, it usually isn’t just some impulsive act,” O’Connell said.

Some children may harbor thoughts about causing such disturbances and take some time to plan it out before carrying it out, he said.

“Some are looking to avenge something. Perhaps they’ve been bullied or pushed around. Or perhaps they’re hoping for a sense of power, for a moment when they’ll have control of everyone. Some might do it simply just to disrupt school or get out of school. But it’s usually retaliatory in some way,” O’Connell said.

O’Connell also encouraged the Pottsville Area School District to continue to “build a positive psychological climate,” asking children with problems to come forward to talk about them rather than causing disturbances which could potentially lead to trouble with the law.

Cressona Mall faces an uncertain future, as the holder of the multimillion-dollar mortgage on the North Manheim Township property has started foreclosure proceedings.

Wells Fargo Bank NA, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, alleged Cressona Associates LP, Claymont, Delaware, has defaulted on the mortgage by not paying a judgment obtained in 2014 by the company that renovated the mall’s facade.

“(Cressona Associates) has defaulted on its obligations,” Wells Fargo alleged in the lawsuit, which was filed Feb. 24 in U.S. District Court in Scranton.

The bank demanded that Cressona Associates pay $8,797,305.81, which it alleged is the amount owed under the loan secured by the mortgage. It also asked for interest, fees and costs.

Located at routes 61 and 183 just north of Schuylkill Haven, the mall remains a popular shopping destination, although many of the stores now are outside as opposed to inside the mall.

Wells Fargo alleged that in 2005, CIBC Inc. loaned $9.9 million to Cressona Associates, which in turn gave the corporation a mortgage on the property.

One of Cressona Associates’ obligations under the mortgage is to pay when due all claims of companies that perform work for it or provide prompt notice to the mortgage holder of any such claim it is contesting, according to the lawsuit.

However, Dolan Construction Inc. filed a claim in 2009 for $295,083.26 for work it performed in renovating the mall’s facade, the lawsuit reads in part. Cressona Associates contested the claim but did not provide any notice to the bank of the contest, according to the lawsuit.

Furthermore, although an arbitrator made an award in August 2014 to Dolan Construction, and Schuylkill County Court upheld that award in October 2014, Cressona Associates has not paid it, the lawsuit reads in part.

The bank notified Cressona Associates that the failure to pay was a violation of the mortgage and demanded immediate payment, but Cressona Associates did not do so, according to the lawsuit.

“(Cressona Associates) failed to satisfy the judgment,” according to the lawsuit.

The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Robert D. Mariani.

Cynthia Huntsinger, mall manager, said she had no comment when contacted Wednesday.

Dack Realty manages the mall and did not return a call for comment Wednesday.

Anticipating more than 5,000 visitors to the City of Pottsville the weekend of April 10, 11 and 12, the Pottsville Area Development Corp. Downtown Aesthetics Committee has asked a group of volunteers to clean up a section of the business district on Saturday.

“We’re gearing up for Block of Art and the Lager Jogger,” Amy S. Burkhart, executive director of PADCO, said Thursday.

Meanwhile, the City of Pottsville is once again encouraging city residents to clean up the leaves, grass clippings and tree trimmings around their properties by offering to collect it from April 20 to April 25, according to City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar.

“And we’ll go right to their house and pick it up,” Palamar said Thursday.

Local officials and business owners anticipate crowds at the city’s downtown the weekend of April 10-12. The Block of Art, an annual arts and cultural festival, will include numerous events slated for all three days. And the third annual Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5K will be held the morning of April 11.

Since 2012, the PADCO Downtown Aesthetics Committee has held a spring cleanup in April and encouraged the community to take part. This year, the committee has approached local organizations to take part, Burkhart said.

“We’re doing a cleanup similar to what we have historically done. The difference is we’re trying to break out and involve other groups a little bit more, and they can schedule cleanups with us on different days,” Burkhart said.

Representatives of the Schuylkill Juvenile Probation Office, Pottsville, will be cleaning up the section of West Market Street from the 200 block to Garfield Square from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, according to Burkhart.

The City of Pottsville will provide supplies, including shovels, brooms, gloves and bags, she said.

“This will be the first of a number of cleanups we’re hoping to schedule throughout April,” Burk-hart said.

Any local organizations interested in being part of one of the committee’s cleanup projects can call her for information at 570-628-4647.

Meanwhile, anyone interested in participating in the “City of Pottsville 2015 Spring Cleanup” can call 570-622-7690 and leave a message to arrange a pick up the week of April 20-25.

“This is residential. This is to help them if they’re raking up leaves or trimming back bushes,” Mary Quirk, secretary to the city administrator, said Thursday.

Palamar said the guidelines are as follows: This is an outdoor cleanup only; no appliances, furniture or televisions; leaves and grass clippings must be bagged; tree trimmings must be bundled; no trees, tree roots or large hedges; no household trash, dirt or construction debris.

Residents can also drop off yard waste during the cleanup week at the city garage from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 425 E. Railroad St., according to the event flier.

SHENANDOAH — Shenandoah police are continuing their efforts to crack down on illegal drug sales and use in the borough.

As a result of an ongoing investigation, borough officers and Pennsylvania State Police troopers executed two search warrants on Feb. 26.

Chief George Carado said the warrants were served at homes at 221 W. Coal St. and 26 E. Grant St.

Between the two properties, Carado said more than 7,100 bags of heroin with an approximate street value of $71,000 were seized.

Also seized were two hand guns, several hundred rounds of ammunitions, about 20 grams of cocaine and approximately $8,000 in cash.

The chief said the house at 26 S. Grant St. was also equipped with numerous surveillance cameras and monitoring equipment that was also seized.

On March 13, borough officers and state police executed another warrant that netted drugs, cash and drug paraphernalia.

Carado said that warrant was issued by Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, and executed at a home at 429 W. Arlington St. following an ongoing investigation into the sale of heroin at the residence.

As a result of the warrant, the chief said, they seized 422 bags of heroin with a street value of about $4,000, two shotguns, ammunition, a small amount of marijuana and $4,075 in cash.

Carado said the investigations are ongoing and that arrests are expected to be made in the near future.

In addition, the chief said his department is continuing its fight against illegal narcotics and asks that anyone with information on such sales to contact Shenandoah police at 570-462-1008 or through the Schuylkill County Communications Center by dialing 570-462-1991.

All information received will remain confidential.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH — A Mahanoy City man charged with threatening a man over a prior parking complaint waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Robert M. Pastucha, 30, of 109 E. Pine St., was arrested by Mahanoy City police Chief John Kaczmarczyk and charged with one count each of retaliation against a witness and harassment, both summary offenses.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Pastucha will now have to answer to both charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Kaczmarczyk charged Pastucha for an incident at 129 E. Pine St. at 11 a.m. Dec. 6, 2014, in which he began yelling at Frank Loeffler and threatening the man over a parking ticket he received.

Kaczmarczyk said Pastucha received the ticket on Oct. 29 after he illegally parked in Loeffler’s handicapped parking spot.

Loeffler reported that Pastucha was very agitated, demanded he pay the $25 parking ticket and threatened to smash the windows out of the man’s vehicle, Kaczmarczyk said.

Other court cases included:

April Ann Tovar, 36, of 116 W. Penn St., Shenandoah — held for court: DUI-controlled substance, altered or misbranded controlled substances, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, careless driving, turning movements and required signals and failure to use seat belts.

Joshua J. Green, 31, of 1229 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City — held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joshua J. Mooney, 27, of 420 E. Railroad St., Mahanoy City — held for court: possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Deanna N. Scarlata, 37, of 138 E. Mahanoy Ave., Apt. D, Mahanoy City — withdrawn due to plea agreement and moved to citations: hindering apprehension or prosecution and obstructing the administration of law.

Anthony W. Foresman, 25, of 1 Hemrick Lane, Ringtown — withdrawn due to a plea agreement and moved to citations: terroristic threats, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.

Jordan A. Zuklowski, 25, of 332 W. Arlington St., Shenandoah — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Melanie D. Delowery, 26, of 331 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

James Drabic, 56, of 1021 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City — waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate, DUI-controlled substance, obedience to authorized personnel directing traffic and careless driving.

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — A Schuylkill Haven man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing March 24 on charges he assaulted a woman this month in the borough.

Christopher S. Bagley, 28, of 33 E. Main St. First Floor, faces charges of simple assault and harassment. Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over those charges for court after Bagley waived his right to the hearing.

Schuylkill Haven borough police alleged Bagley assaulted and harassed Ashley Love at 1 a.m. March 10 in Love’s 33 E. William St. residence in the borough.

Police said Bagley grabbed Love’s shirt, causing it to rip, grabbed her ponytail, threw her on the bed and head-butted her.

After that, Bagley poured lighter fluid on Love’s clothes, threatened to burn down the building and broke Love’s cellphone, police said. Police said Love called them from a gas station as soon as Bagley left her building.

Bagley remains in prison in lieu of $15,000 straight cash bail pending further court proceedings.

The other defendant whose case Ferrier considered March 24 was Marquis J. Wyman, 29, of 231 S. Hickory St., Mount Carmel, who waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges of possession of a controlled substance, driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lanes, careless driving and seat belt violation. Ferrier bound over those charges for court.

Rebecca Margerum

ELIZABETHVILLE — A Williamstown man is headed to Dauphin County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday on charges he committed a burglary in February in his hometown.

Steven W. Weiss, 22, of 310 Vine St., faces two counts each of conspiracy, theft and receiving stolen property and one each of burglary and criminal trespass. Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum bound over all charges for court after Weiss waived his right to the hearing.

State police at Lykens alleged Weiss committed the burglary and the other crimes on Feb. 9 in Williamstown.

Weiss remains in prison in lieu of $20,000 straight cash bail. His formal arraignment is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. May 11 in Harrisburg.

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

Abdule Archer, 26, of 2309 W. York St., Philadelphia — forgery, theft by deception, receiving stolen property, theft and retail theft; charges of forgery, theft by deception and theft held for court, and charges of receiving stolen property and retail theft dismissed, after preliminary hearing.

Charles H. Carl, 49, of 211 Matter Lane, Millersburg — driving under the influence and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Benjamin L. Ferree, 26, of 528 N. Second St., Lykens — DUI, disregarding traffic lane, careless driving, accident involving damage to unattended vehicle or property and seat belt violation; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges of careless driving and seat belt violation withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Katlyn M. Kemrer, 20, of 568 Main St., Lykens — theft by deception; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Mark W. Lucas, 22, of 315 E. Market St., Williamstown — four counts each of conspiracy and possession of drug paraphernalia, and one each of burglary, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and flight to avoid apprehension; Lucas pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one of possession of a controlled substance, with all other charges withdrawn. Margerum sentenced him to pay costs, $75 in fines, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Bruce E. Mclenegan, 47, of 526 N. Second St., Lykens — endangering the welfare of children and simple assault; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

John J. Mogish, 40, of 245 Germanville Road, Ashland — terroristic threats and harassment; charge of terroristic threats withdrawn; Mogish pleaded guilty to harassment. Margerum sentenced him to pay costs and a $300 fine.

Jeremiah B. Noton, 33, of 406 Division St., Lykens — retail theft and theft; charges held for court after preliminary hearing.

Robert Tranauskas, 53, of 3985 Route 209, Elizabethville — two counts each of terroristic threats and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Kevin W. Welker, 52, of 417 Walnut St., Wiconisco — theft by deception, receiving stolen property, theft, bad checks and retail theft; charges withdrawn.

So I’m sitting here tapping away at my keyboard, looking out my office window at the gray rainy skies. It’s definitely spring here in our little corner of Pennsylvania. I’m not a lover of gray skies but the spring rains do so much to wash away the dull filth of winter and bring us that green, that spring green that is like no other green ever, that I welcome its arrival.

April brings some traditions in Schuylkill County, primarily art and nature.

Over the course of several years now, Block of Art has become a Schuylkill County tradition in April. Beginning on April 10, this weekend-long celebration brings the historic district of Pottsville alive with fine art of all types, from paintings to poetry, theater to music.

Each year brings more growth to Block of Art and this year is no exception. Collaboration among local artists and organizations brings us Celebrate Schuylkill’s Spring Thaw Arts & Culture Tour the very same weekend as Block of Art; truly an arts festival weekend!

The Spring Thaw Arts & Cultural tour encompasses Block of Art throughout Pottsville, Walk In Art Center in Schuylkill Haven, Mud & Maker in Pottsville, Tamaqua Community Arts Center, The Arts Barn in Orwigsburg and Mountain Valley Golf Course’s It’s a Yueng Thing at 6 p.m. April 11. Complete information can be found at www.celebrateschuylkill.com.

Speaking of The Arts Barn, its annual spring re-opening is on Sunday. This is a free arts festival featuring artists from Schuylkill County and all over Pennsylvania. The festival boasts delicious food, live entertainment, artist demos, face painting and kids’ activities, an Appalachian petting zoo and wine tasting by Fieldwood Winery and more.

Art and culture continue to abound during this month. On April 12, Schuylkill County Council for the Arts will showcase the best of our youth at the Schuylkill County High School Gallery Show. SCCA is also hosting the Blue Note Cafe at the Schuylkill Country Club on April 24.

The Majestic Theater has a full schedule this month including: Block of Art Art Auction on April 11, Movie Magic on April 19, M&T’s Movie “The Boxtrolls” on April 25 and, in cooperation with the Schuylkill County Historical Society, “Triumph and Tragedy: The Ending of the Civil War and Lincoln’s Assassination – A Schuylkill County Perspective” on April 15.

Schuylkill Ballet Theatre will perform “Dream Over the Rainbow,” a classical ballet adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” on April 18 and 19 at Schuylkill Haven Area High School Auditorium.

The Gabriel Chamber Ensemble presents Boyce “Symphony No. 1,” Sibelius “Suite for Violin and Strings Op. 117,” Rossini “String Sonata No. 2 A Major,” Vivaldi “L’ Incoronazione di Dario RV 719,” Pierne “Serenade Op. 7,” and Elgar “Introduction and Allegro” at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church on April 19.

Tamaqua Community Arts Center boasts a fine list of concerts, including Mike Laughlin & the Jersey Cropdusters on Saturday, Jay Smar on Tuesday, J.J. Beauvais on April 9, Sterling Koch Band on April 11, Schuylkill Choral Society Ensemble Concert on April 12 and Diaspora on April 18.

I said that art and nature are prevalent in April and it’s no lie. Here’s what’s going on in our great outdoors: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Drehersville, has its Raptor Egg Hunt Saturday, a Wee Ones Walk on April 15 and an Appalachian Wildlife Program on April 25.

Sweet Arrow Lake, Pine Grove, never fails to host a list of activities each month. This month includes Opening Day of Trout Breakfast on Saturday, Angling for Miracle on April 18, Lost Civilizations of the American Southwest on April 21 and Mindfulness Walking with Porcupine Pat on April 25.

Along the lines of walking and enjoying spring outdoors we’ve got a number of hikes this month too.

The Silver Creek Fire Tower Hike on Saturday is moderate, about 8.5 miles, dog-friendly, meets in the Locust Lake State Park parking lot and is guided by Robin Tracey. The Early Morning Bird Walk is guided by John Domalakes on April 25 and also meets in the Locust Lake visitors parking lot. Domalakes will also guide the Peddler’s Grave Historic Trek on April 19. This hike meets at Miners Memorial in Girard Park in Shenandoah. All hikes are free and open to the public. More information can be had at tuscarorasp@pa.gov or by calling Robin at 570-467-2506.

When it comes to April’s activities I’d love to say I’ve got it all “squared away” (my dad’s phrase) for you but I don’t. There’s lots more to do including the Big Bad Rockabilly Dance Party at Simon Kramer Recreation Complex on April 18, Second Sunday Brunch at The Maid’s Quarter’s on April 12, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at The Big Catch on April 30 and it just keeps going on and on folks.

For a complete listing of events in Schuylkill County this month, visit www.schuylkill.org and enjoy the plentiful resources of our community. Spring has finally sprung!

(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)