Forty years ago, one of Pottsville Area School District’s legendary administrators was lauded by community groups before he lost a battle with leukemia.

Looking back on the life of Howard S. Fernsler — the man Pottsville Area named its academic center after in 1972 — his son, Howard S. Jr., 75, of Pottsville, and William R. Davidson, 78, a former Pottsville Area superintendent, this week talked about why Fernsler was important to the community, while examining a collection of plaques and letters of commendation.

“He was a leader. He was his own man. He was for the people,” Howard Jr., a retired Pottsville Area science teacher, said Monday as he examined the poster Fernsler, a Republican, used during his unsuccessful run for Congress in the 1930s.

“As a school director, he cared about education while keeping a close eye on the purse strings. He cared about education and made certain that whatever was needed was acted upon,” Davidson said.

Born in Pottsville, Aug. 13, 1905, Howard Scott Fernsler was the son of the late Walter Scott Fernsler and Sarah Jane Williams Fernsler. He was of the Methodist faith.

He graduated from Pottsville High School in 1924.

“While in high school, he played football and baseball and served as president of the Athletic Association,” according to a biography of Fernsler written in 1949 by representatives of the American Legion Robert B. Woodbury Post 67, Pottsville, when the post honored Fernsler with a distinguished service certificate.

On the baseball field, Fernsler got the nickname “Hawk,” according to that biography.

“He grew up on Main Street, over by the courthouse. I think it was 405 Main St. They had it pretty tough. He was a self-made man. He read all the time and he was smarter than many lawyers. He had his own collection of law books,” Howard Jr. said.

Fernsler couldn’t afford to go to college, though.

“He had a scholarship to Bucknell but couldn’t take it. He supported his family. They were poor. He was a team-type person. He didn’t always think of himself,” his son said.

So after high school, he became a traveling auditor for the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Co. and a pianist for regional orchestras.

He was a sergeant with Company D, Pennsylvania Reserve Defense Corps. And, during World War II, he organized and served as county chairman of Civil Defense, according to his obituary.

His interest in education and the community is evident in the interests he pursued. He helped organize the Girl Scout Council of Schuylkill County and was its first finance committee chairman. He was chairman of the Pottsville sesquicentennial celebration in 1956. He was a member of the Pottsville Recreation Commission, according to his obituary.

In 1936, he married Marion Hunt, who was a physical education director at the YWCA of Pottsville. The couple’s family included four children.

Fernsler was initially elected to the Pottsville school board in 1933. He resigned his post as a traveling auditor when he was named the school district’s full-time secretary on Jan. 9, 1936, according to the biography developed by the American Legion.

Edgar Downey, an attorney from Pottsville, encouraged Fernsler to run for a seat on the school board.

“Nice man. He was on the school board. It was a situation where they wanted to get the old board out. I know they referred to the old board as the ‘Mexican Generals.’ I’m not sure why. They were very dissatisfied with the way things were going,” Howard Jr. said.

“My father’s interest in the school board was civic. He loved people. He knew that he could help people. He was a great speaker. Did you know he was a horse show announcer? He had a voice, a great speaking voice. You could hear him three or four blocks away from where he was speaking. He was a motivator,” his son said.

He pioneered the development of Veterans Memorial Stadium in the 1930s, according to his obituary.

“Howard S. Fernsler has rendered many valuable services to the American Legion. He has been instrumental in having the beautiful high school stadium named the Veterans Memorial Stadium,” according to the biography by the American Legion.

“Father was looked upon as probably one of the greatest authorities on school law in Pennsylvania. And he was a great budget man,” Howard Jr. said.

“He was very frugal with his spending,” Davidson said.

In 1970, Davidson became principal of Pottsville Area high school. Then in 1973, he was named superintendent, a post he held until 1993.

“It was a very new job for me being superintendent. I’d never worked with a school board and never prepared a budget. But Mr. Fernsler took me by the hand and guided me through the whole thing. I’ve really been indebted to Howard Fernsler,” Davidson said.

On May 24, 1972, soon after Fernsler prepared his 37th consecutive budget for the Pottsville Area School District, the school board adopted a resolution to rename the Pottsville Area Academic Center, which opened in 1968, the Howard S. Fernsler Academic Center.

Fernsler was cited for his “dedication, loyalty, devotion, outstanding service to the community and untiring efforts on behalf of the children of Pottsville Area,” according to the tribute read at that board meeting by board member Harold Adams.

“I don’t know of any greater honor than to have this beautiful edifice dedicated to my name,” Fernsler said in an article in the newspaper’s archives.

That same night, the board also adopted a resolution to call the gymnasium of the Pottsville Area D.H.H. Lengel Middle School, which opened in 1970, “Martz Hall,” after the president of the school board, Lloyd L. Martz.

On Dec. 2, 1974, Fernsler and Martz announced they would not seek re-election once their terms expired in December 1975, according to the newspaper’s archives.

Over the years, Fernsler received many honors. Among the plaques Howard Jr. examined Monday was one his father received Feb. 6, 1975, the B’nai B’rith Americanism and Civic Affairs Award of 1974.

In September 1974, Fernsler was a patient at Hershey Medical Center, receiving chemotherapy treatments. Blood drives were held to support him, according to the newspaper’s archives.

But before his term at Pottsville Area expired, Fernsler died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 1975. He was 70.

He was once chairman of the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority. To honor Fernsler’s memory, the authority restored a Gothic stone fountain on the 300 block of South Centre Street, according to a plaque at the base of the fountain.

“That was after Dad died. I think it was around 1976 or 1977,” Howard Jr.

Fernsler is interred at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.

“He was part of a new era of education at Pottsville Area. He was part of a school board that was extremely interested in education. He led that and led it in a certain way. It sounds like a hackneyed expression, but he sought to get our students the best possible education at the best possible cost. People do that today, but he really meant it,” Davidson said.

n Nuremberg: Kindergarten registration at the Hazleton Area School District Valley Elementary/Middle School will be held on Wednesday. To schedule an appointment, call 570-459-3111, ext. 3000. Appointments are necessary, according to a release. For more information, go online to www.hasdk12.org.

n Nuremberg: The community is invited to open swim nights at the Hazleton Area School District Valley Elementary/Middle School from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through April. Attendees should enter through doors on the side of the building. The cost is $3 for adults and $2 for students. Lifeguards are on duty and there is an observation area for parents who do not wish to swim with their children.

n Pottsville: A free Early Childhood Fair sponsored by the Early Childhood Community Partnership of Schuylkill County will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18 at Fairlane Village Mall. This year’s theme is “2015 — Celebrating Our Youngest Learners.” The fair, according to a release, promotes community awareness of area child-centered programs such as the public libraries, early intervention, early childhood centers and the elementary schools. The focus is to promote transitional activities or crafts that focus on the young child from infancy to age 8. It is the 50th anniversary for the Week of the Young Child. For more information, call 570-573-6654.

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 May 8 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 contact Michelle Halabura at the SUW office, 9 N. Centre St., at 570-622-6421. Jones, according to the SUW information, was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in nuclear engineering. He then chose to branch 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 in Afghanistan June 2, 2014, at age 29. Survivors include his wife, Dr. Amy Weniger; parents, Joseph H. Jones Jr. and Suzanne Jones, Orwigsburg, and sister, Dr. Elizabeth Jones, Philadelphia.

n Schuylkill Haven: The Penn State Master Gardeners will host a workshop, “Spring Series 2015” from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 18, titled “Pollinator (Butterfly) Gardening.” The cost is $7 per person. Master Gardeners Kathy Hampford, Jessica Simkulet and Jane Kruse will review ways plants get pollinated, pollinator identification and choice of blooms to attract pollinators and butterflies. To register or for more information, call the county extension at 570-622-4225, ext. 10. Checks payable to Schuylkill County Extension may be mailed to: Schuylkill County Ag Center, 1202 Ag Center Drive, Pottsville, Pennsylvania 17901.

n Schuylkill Haven: The “blockbuster” adaptation to the story of Moses titled “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” will be shown twice at Penn State Schuylkill, according to the campus’ Spring 2015 Community Cultural Events Calendar. Free showings, in the John E. Morgan Auditorium on campus, are set for 7 p.m. today and 3 p.m. Saturday.

In memory of Jesus washing the apostles’ feet, eight men had their feet washed at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville.

“It’s an optional rite ... for the re-enactment of Jesus at the last supper when he washes the 12 apostles’ feet,” Monsignor Edward O’Connor said before Mass.

The Rev. Brian Miller washed the feet of the eight men, including Charlie Taronis, 42, Mike McFadden, 48, John Bowden, 80, and George Repella, 78, all of Pottsville.

The men were asked by Deacon Jack Quirk to participate in the washing of the feet, which was McFadden’s first time. The other men said they had their feet washed at Mass of the Lord’s Supper in previous years.

“After the homily, we sit down on a bench and one foot is washed,” Taronis said.

The foot washing is a sign of service from the priest’s end, Bowden said.

“In those days, foot washing was typically done by a servant. By Jesus doing this, he’s the master, the teacher, but he’s doing it for his apostles,” Larry Lonergan, Pottsville, who also got his foot washed, said.

During the last supper, Jesus took off his outer garment, tied a dry towel around himself and began to wash and dry a foot of each of his 12 apostles.

“What I am doing, you do not understand now but you will understand later,” Jesus told the apostles, according to O’Connor during the Gospel.

Jesus washed the feet of the apostles to teach them charity and to care about each other, O’Connor said.

“He said to them, ‘Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me teacher and master and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet ... As I have done for you, you should also do,’ ” O’Connor said during the Gospel.

Worshipers appreciate the washing of the feet for the memory of Jesus on Holy Thursday.

“It’s a very moving time because we remember what Jesus did,” O’Connor said.

Holy Thursday is also the time that Jesus instituted the Eucharist.

This is the 188th time the parish has celebrated Holy Thursday.

“One-hundred and eighty-eight years of coming together, recognizing the presence of our lord with us ... What a real joy it is,” O’Connor said.

I never want to give the impression in writing this column that I am a saint; I’m far from it. Many of the topics I share my opinion on are things I’ve experienced first-hand, others have hit close to home one way or another.

Many times, when I write, it’s therapeutic. Not because I get to stand on a platform and boast my stance on all that is right and wrong, but because many of the messages I’m trying to get across are lessons I need to learn myself.

People often tell me how much they like my articles and how wonderful they think I am as a person, but, really, I’m not that great and I’m guilty of a lot of the same things I criticize; ask those who aren’t fans of mine. They’ll tell you all about it.

So, this is just me being transparent. I don’t believe I’m a bad person by any means — my plight has always been to be nice to people, stay positive and strive to be better and make things better — I’m just not this angelic vision of all that is right and holy and I thought I should get that out there.

Some of the things I’ve mentioned above are just very bad habits. We’re conditioned to talk about others and judge. It doesn’t make it right, but we’re all human and fall prey to negative energy from time to time.

Decisions, decisions

Outside of buying a lifetime supply of magic 8-balls or hiring someone to make decisions for me, I haven’t found a method for making the right decision 100 percent of the time.

I rely on my moral compass and my basic knowledge of right and wrong and that’s about as scientific as it gets. OK, so sometimes I flip a coin, but that’s just for the really important stuff.

I’ve grown better at making decisions as I’ve matured, but there was a point in my life when I was dreadfully bad at it.

I cannot find any reason why I went through a rebellious stage other than maybe, a lack of self-esteem that blindsided me when I was just a kid. So, in my transition from grade school to high school, I started coming into my own. I got contacts, regularly got my hair highlighted instead of permed and I shed some of the adolescent chub I acquired by eating graham cracker and butter sandwiches.

My adjustment came with an increase in attention and that gave me a newfound longing to fit in and be considered “cool.” I mean, I was coming off of a really ugly duckling phase which, when in the throes of it, made me feel like no one would ever want to hang out with me or think I was in any way attractive.

Comfortably numb

These were demons of an inner monologue of self-worth I have been battling my whole life in my head. In my formative years, they were screaming; these days I can usually shut them up through various outlets. Sometimes it’s a refurbishing project, sometimes it’s a trip to the gym, but sometimes it’s a drink.

I’m what they call a social drinker in the coal region. I’m pretty terrible at it and have the tolerance of a baby bird, but given any excuse, I’ll wash my troubles away with a spirit of my choice at the end of a bad day because, “Hey, I had a bad day. I could really use a drink.”

I should rely far more on those positive outlets, but temptation comes knocking and I’m like, “Oh, nice to see you. Come right in.”

My tendency to go to booze definitely stems from my rebellious years. Alcohol made me confident. It made my jokes better, my nights crazier and memories fuzzier. It didn’t matter if I felt like I wasn’t good enough. After a few shots, I had no inhibitions; everything was awesome.

It wasn’t just alcohol, either. I smoked pot, and yes, I inhaled. I lightly experimented with other drugs as well only to later find out I didn’t really like them.

We never met

But, although it never was, one of those drugs could very well have been heroin.

And I could have liked it.

I’ve never been around heroin firsthand; it’s surprisingly never even been offered to me. I count myself lucky for that. When I was growing up, pot was kind of the cool thing the rebels did.

Learning of a recent heroin bust involving a Shamokin day care woke me up to a lot of things. My trigger response was, “What an insane story; I better share this on my Facebook page immediately.” But then I saw how ugly it was getting online and how ugly the actual situation really is.

One person even commented on my post. “They should have let the scum die.”

Really?

I am in no way, shape or form condoning their actions — I think it’s a horrific and an extremely serious situation — but I’m not onboard with wishing death on someone or implying the police officer responding to the scene shouldn’t have revived him. He did the right thing. His job is to serve and protect and that even includes addicts who despise him, his job and everything the police force stands for.

Brass tax

Without getting too involved in this particular story — it acts only as a catalyst for this conversation — the fact is heroin use and distribution is completely out of control and a poison to our area. There are overdoses on the scanner on a regular basis. Young people are dying untimely deaths because of their disease. It’s a nightmare.

And yes, addiction is a disease.

Believe me, I have been the first one to judge at times when I didn’t know the person. When it involved a family name that has a bad reputation. When the person was a repeat offender or police blotter all-star.

Then, there were times people who I am close to had a fall from grace and I wanted to tell everyone to stop sharing and stop judging them.

It’s all subjective, but the problem is real.

This is life or death.

And it all stemmed from a bad decision. Heroin use seems to snowball like no other drug. It gets people hooked after light experimentation then it grabs a hold with a grip that seems impossible to break.

I hate heroin for what it does. It sickens me, the amount being distributed in this area — one fix costing less than a full meal at a fast food chain. I have so much anger toward those who are enabling it.

Who to blame

We’re all pointing fingers and blaming people, but the heroin users we look down on and judge are sick — many through a bad choice of their own, but they are sick nonetheless.

Some blame the way they were raised, and that can certainly be a contributing factor, but I’m certain no parent holds a newborn in their arms with intentions on raising a junkie. It’s a series of bad decisions.

While you may judge, heroin does not. Drug addicts come from high-class “good families” as often as they come from what’s considered low-class and it kills them just the same.

And I don’t know how to fix that. I don’t know if anyone knows.

Everyone comes from something. We all have crosses we bear. We all have reasons and excuses to suppress things we don’t want to deal with that may have not gone our way.

I’m not making excuses, I’m just trying to gain perspective. Like I said at the start, this is as much for me as it is for all of you. I’m sure it will be perceived by some that I’m “sticking up for junkies,” but that’s not even close to what I’m here to do. I’m trying to understand.

I’m trying to recognize that these aren’t just junkies and addicts, they are human beings deserving of the same opportunity to live a life as you and I. It’s easy to look down on them, especially if you have no experience with addiction.

If you’ve never so much as known an addict or someone recovering from addiction, good for you. But you’re in the minority.

Heroin use is a struggle for everyone in the community. But, by far, more so for the parents helplessly watching their once babies deteriorate in a constant state of fear for their lives, and, like it or not, it’s reality, for the addicts themselves.

And let’s be clear, this is not pity; this is real life. This drug is a death sentence. The few who recover fight every day and are some of the strongest souls you’ll ever know. You may not see their struggle — you may refer to them as ex-junkies, but I admire their strength.

I can’t judge. I have my own demons and I’m sure I’m not alone. I struggle every day to make the right decisions to better myself and I can only hope the same for everyone else, no matter who they are or what they’ve done. Learn and grow and claw your way to better days with every bit of your might even if it feels impossible — as long as you improve.

The fact of the matter is, with one bad decision, I could have been a junkie, and you could have been, too.

(Wasakoski, an assistant editor at The News-Item, can be reached at jenna_w@newsitem.com)

East Union Township supervisors approved advertising for a certified public accountant to handle a township audit.

The vote at Wednesday’s meeting was 2-1, with Supervisor Dennis Antonelli voting “no.”

“It’s a lot cheaper to pay three elected auditors $900 instead of paying a CPA $5,000 for the audit,” Antonelli said. “If I was made aware of this letter, we could have met with the auditors and tried to work it out with them. That’s my opinion.”

Supervisors Jon Dettery and John Biros said they were taking the action because the three elected auditors — William Johnson, Amanda Harris and Amanda Morrison — recommended it in a letter to the supervisors.

They gave Antonelli the same answer during the meeting when he questioned the decision to hire a CPA.

Dettery said he did not know the reason the auditors did not want to do the job that they were elected to do. He added that he and Biros do not want to pay $4,100 more to have the audit conducted but time is important, as he believes the audit must be done by April 15.

The supervisors may have to call a special meeting to hire a CPA before that deadline.

Feral cats

Rianna Daley, a veterinary technician from Brandonville, offered her company’s services to take care of feral and stray cats in the township.

She pointed out that allowing stray cats to roam around is not good for East Union Township.

“They carry parasites and are a threat to the public’s safety,” Daley said. “About 75 percent of the kittens die.”

Her company, No Nonsense Neutering, will trap the cats, neuter them and make sure they are inoculated and then release them.

“We also treat them for worms,” Daley said, adding that it is an effective way to take care of a stray and feral cat problem for $35 per cat.

Dettery confirmed that there is a feral cat problem in the township.

Daley offered her services that would also include taking care of sick cats and controlling the cat population.

“We’ve been doing it several years in other areas of Schuylkill County,” Daley said.

She described No Nonsense Neutering as a nonprofit organization and said it has a lot of volunteers. Several organizations will help take care of the cats, she said.

Dettery said the supervisors have to review the paperwork Daley gave them before making a decision.

“The cost of $35 must be considered,” he said.

Other business

Also at the meeting, the supervisors unanimously:

• Approved a planning commission recommendation for preliminary/final land development plan of Mericle Inc. for lot 62B, 62 Green Mountain Road, Humboldt Industrial Park. The supervisors said Mericle wants to construct a warehouse but does not have a tenant at the present time.

• Approved a spring cleanup to be held April 20 to May 13.

• Tabled a request from Valley Forge Trail Riders for permission to cross Route 339, one mile south of Route 924, traveling toward Mahanoy City on Sept. 20. A group of trail riders go through East Union Township as part of an annual event and, according to Dettery, have been doing so for years. He didn’t see a problem with it but it was tabled until next month.

For the 28th consecutive year, ACTION Youth Group will tell the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ tonight in Mahanoy City.

The Living Stations of the Cross will begin at 7 p.m. at St. Cecilia Chapel, South Catawissa Street. The program will move west on Mahanoy Avenue to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church, 600 W. Mahanoy Ave., where the final stations will be held.

ACTION (Active Christian Teens in Our Neighborhood) has held the Holy Week devotional since 1988. The program shows the crucifixion of Jesus through 14 stations, beginning with Jesus being condemned by Pontius Pilate and concludes with him being placed in the tomb. The story ends with the resurrection on Easter Sunday.

This year’s program will follow the script called “Mary’s Way of the Cross,” which shows the mother of Jesus on the road to Calvary and in which Mary plays a part in each station.

Debbie Walker, ACTION director, said the Living Stations has become an Easter weekend staple in the borough.

“Many people have seen every single one of them,” she said. “Some people have made it a very special Good Friday tradition.”

Walker said more than 35 teenagers are participating in this year’s program, as well as a “bunch” of children and adults. In total, she said, about 50 people worked to put the Living Stations on the street.

“We are very happy with all of the teens that help us,” she said.

Unfortunately, Walker said practice time was reduced due to wintry weather.

“We are hoping they all know where to stand, but they are all pretty smart. I have confidence in them,” she said.

The role of Jesus will be portrayed by Kyle Karlavage, a junior at Marian High School, and Mary will be played by Megan Fatula, a senior at Marian High School.

Walker said the teens’ participation is inspiring because they are publicly professing their faith, despite peer pressure.

“They are very thrilled to do this, and we are very proud of them,” she said.

Walker said the Living Stations are a prayer, and she encourages everyone to come out and pray with the group.

“We are proud to have been able to do this for this many years consecutively and bring this to our community.”

Walker said the Living Stations will be held rain or shine. Freewill donations will be accepted.

New Castle man

charged in assault

SAINT CLAIR — A man was charged for a simple assault in front of children about 8 p.m. Tuesday at 249 Chestnut St., New Castle Township.

State police at Frackville said David Joseph Tavares, 28, of New Castle Township, attacked a 26-year-old woman by pulling her hair out of her head and kicking her several times.

After attacking her in front of young children, Tavares fled the scene.

Charges were filed with District Magisterial Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

Police investigate

attempted robbery

NEW RINGGOLD — State police at Frackville are investigating an attempted robbery at 9 p.m. Tuesday at the New Ringgold Market.

State police said someone entered the business and attacked the clerk while brandishing a firearm. An altercation ensued and the person fled the building on foot.

A search of the area was conducted with negative results.

Anyone with information on the incident is encouraged to call the barracks at 570-874-5300.

Confrontation

leads to charges

LYKENS — State police at Lykens charged four borough residents with harassment after an incident at 12:50 p.m. Monday at 406 Division St. in this Dauphin County community.

Police said John L. Reed IV, 43, Jeremiah B. Noton, 33, Betty Jean S. Rudy, 41, and Macy Krepich Barder, 25, will have to answer to the charge before Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum, Elizabethville.

Police said they were called to the home for a report of harassment and charged all four after they allegedly engaged in a verbal and physical confrontation.

Police accuse 2

in thefts at store

ELIZABETHVILLE — Two people were charged with retail theft by state police at Lykens in separate incidents at Wal-Mart in Washington Township, Dauphin County.

Police said Amanda M. Reedy, Williamstown, stole a decal sticker about 4:45 p.m. March 19, and Steven J. Brilla, Water Street, Pottsville, stole items valued at $102.69 at 6:10 a.m. Sunday.

Both will have to answer to the charges before Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Margerum, Elizabethville.

Traffic stop nets

DUI charges

SHENANDOAH — Borough police charged a West Mahanoy Township man after a vehicle stop in the unit block of South Main Street on Feb. 27.

Police said Tuesday that Brian T. Ketterer, 47, of 25 New St., Box 3, Lost Creek, was charged with DUI-controlled substance, driving a vehicle without a Certificate of Inspection and exhaust and muffler system violations.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle driven by Ketterer for a violation and found him to be under the influence. A subsequent test determined that at the time of the stop Ketterer had bath salts in his system, police said.

Shen man faces

charges for drugs

SHENANDOAH — A borough man was arrested by Shenandoah police after an incident about 1:15 a.m. Feb. 6 at the Turkey Hill Store on South Main Street.

Police said Tuesday they charged Jeffrey D. Vernitsky, 42, no fixed address, with retail theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police said Vernitsky stole burritos from the store and also had a marijuana pipe with burnt residue on a necklace he was wearing.

Incident leads to

charges for man

SHENANDOAH — Borough police arrested a borough man after an incident occurred about 9:05 p.m. Jan. 23 in the unit block of North Main Street.

Police said Tuesday that Derek R. Yashinsky, 24, of 138 S. White St., was charged with DUI-controlled substance, possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while operating privileges are suspended and violations concerning exhibiting a license.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle driven by Yashinsky knowing he had a suspended license and subsequently learned he was driving after taking Vicodin tablets despite not having a prescription for the medication.

Yashinsky was also found with drug paraphernalia and later refused to submit to a blood test, police said.

Man admits to use

of 3 drugs in stop

SHENANDOAH — A traffic stop by Shenandoah police in the unit block of South West Street at 4:40 a.m. Feb. 23 led to charges being filed against a borough man.

Police said Tuesday that David Yashinsky, 27, of 138 S. White St., was charged with DUI-controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while operating privileges are suspended.

Police said they stopped a vehicle driven by Yashinsky knowing his license was suspended and found him to be under the influence.

The man refused a blood test, but admitted to officers that within 24 hours prior to the stop he used Vicodin, marijuana and heroin, police said.

Police investigate

hit-and-run crash

State police at Schuylkill Haven are looking for the driver of a vehicle that struck a parked and unattended Ford F-150 at 3 p.m. March 19 on Beechwood Avenue in Norwegian Township, 131 feet west of Second Street, police said Tuesday.

The vehicle backed out from a parking spot, hit the truck and failed to provide any information to the owner of the truck before fleeing the scene, police said.

Man, woman face

charges in Shen

SHENANDOAH — Borough police charged a man and woman in connection with an incident at 4:40 a.m. Jan. 11 at their 201 W. Centre St., Apt. 2, residence.

Police said Albin Kaminsky, 40, was charged with harassment and possession of drug paraphernalia while Rhiannon Hennessy, 21, was charged with simple assault, false reports, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Police said officers were called to the apartment and filed charges against the two after they became involved in an argument and Hennessy struck Kaminsky.

Charges against the two were filed with Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, police said.

A cold and snowy winter has taken its toll on vehicles in Schuylkill County.

While the salt used to treat roads all winter long can accelerate rust and corrosion if neglected, the immediate damage being done to vehicles has been coming from potholes.

“We have had a lot of flat tires coming to us,” Bob Wachter, chief executive officer of AAA Schuylkill County, said last week. “That has been a major thing, and front-end alignments. This year, it has been very busy for our towing and road service programs. We have had a lot of calls. It has been a rough winter.”

According to AAA, U.S. drivers spent more than $6.4 billion in 2014 to repair vehicle damages as a result of potholes.

“With the cold you have contraction, then when it gets warm you have expansion,” Wachter said. “Every time it expands, there’s a chance of potholes opening up.”

The most noticeable damage caused by potholes are to tires and rims.

Ken’s Tire in Pottsville had a pile of bent or cracked rims in the garage last week.

“We see it all year long from potholes,” Jon Murray, shop foreman, said.

Murray said that some of the steel rims can be bent back into shape, but the aluminum ones crack.

“We see them bend like that all year long, but it takes a lot to cause them to do that,” he said. “You really have to hit it hard.”

The shop has been replacing about four to six tires a day while also realigning about one to two vehicles, Murray said.

“Over the last three years, it has gradually gotten worse,” he said. “It is either because they are using a softer metal to save on manufacturing costs or there are more potholes or a combination of both.”

Not checking tires could be costly.

Murray said that driving on bent rims will deflate and damage tires.

“It’s best to have it checked out after this winter so you’re not replacing tires later down the line,” he said.

In Pottsville, the Street Department has been applying a “cold patch” to potholes. A cold patch is when a pothole is filled with a mixture of oil and stone.

“The last two weeks, we have had three trucks working on the roads through the city,” Daniel E. Kelly, superintendant of the Pottsville Street Department, said last week.

Kelly said that they will start applying a more permanent fix when more asphalt becomes available at Pottsville Materials. Kelly said certain temperatures are required to make the material and he expects it to be available within a few weeks.

While there are a number of potholes visible throughout the city, Kelly said there may have been more after last winter.

“I think last winter we may have had more due to the fact that this winter it stayed very cold,” he said. “Last year, we had a lot of the freeze cycles that helps create more of a hazard with the streets.”

The state Department of Transportation has also been busy trying to maintain the state roads.

“Our crews are out there filling potholes most of their time,” Sean Brown, spokesman for PennDOT District 5, said last week. “We are constantly going out filling potholes and we have been since the weather broke. It’s a constant battle.”

Brown said Act 89 has allowed PennDOT to apply a more permanent fix to potholes in the state. Former Gov. Tom Corbett approved Act 89 in November 2013 to infuse more than $2 billion into transportation projects throughout the state over five years.

“With Act 89 funding, we are able to resurface a lot of the roadways so we will see better improvements,” Brown said.

Brown said that drivers can report potholes for repair by calling PennDOT at 800-FIX-ROAD.

Despite the recent melting of snow, Schuylkill County remains in a drought watch.

The state Department of Environmental Protection issued a drought watch last week for 27 counties due to lack of groundwater recharge.

“We had a very dry late summer and fall,” Colleen Connolly, community relations coordinator for the northeast region of DEP, said Thursday. “The precipitation was low and that snow was not enough to get us back to normal.”

A drought watch is intended to alert government agencies, public water suppliers, water users and the public regarding the onset of conditions indicating the potential for future drought-related problems, according to DEP’s website at www.depweb.state.pa.us.

Connolly said drought watches are issued based on reports from the National Weather Service.

“We are about 5 1/2 inches below normal precipitation,” Connolly said.

During a drought watch, the focus is on increased monitoring, awareness and preparation for response if conditions become worse. DEP made a request for voluntary water conservation. The goal is to reduce water uses by 5 percent in the affected areas, according to DEP’s website. Because of varying conditions, individual water suppliers or municipalities may be asking for more stringent conservation actions.

Connolly said a drought watch is not a cause for panic.

“We are just asking people to take a look at how much water they are using,” she said.

Amy S. Batdorf, assistant director of the Schuylkill Municipal Authority, said the water company has not had any issues with their surface or groundwater systems.

“We have multiple sources so we can draw from others,” she said.

The snow may have melted, but the ground is only starting to unfreeze. Batdorf said that may have prevented the refilling of groundwater.

“When the frost thaws, it refills the groundwater,” she said.

Batdorf said it is during dry spouts in the summer or fall months when they get concerned and start posting messages and conservation tips on their website.

John Matz, Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency coordinator, said Wednesday that he has yet to hear concerns from any area water suppliers.

“Normally, even on the dry years, they don’t start calling us until usually sometime in August,” Matz said.

Drought watches are nothing new for Schuylkill County over the last several years.

“We know historically when to start panicking,” Matz said. “I think it’s pretty early in the season yet.”

The county commissioners have an option to put together a drought advisory board if the situation gets worse. It has been at least six years since that board was needed, Matz said.

“It’s wise to conserve water,” Matz said. “We hope that people are very careful as we get into this time of year.”

Brush fires are starting to pop up in the county and Matz said that can change the dynamics for a drought. The county commissioners enacted 30-day burn bans during the first week of April the last two years. Burn bans were also enacted in 2010, 2008, 2006, 2005 and 2002.

The Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency requests the ban following recommendation from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. No requests or recommendations were made as of Thursday.

Under the ban, residents are forbidden from any outdoor burning of items such as garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter and paper. Grilling in proper containers is still permitted, but the ban forbids lighting fires in outdoor burn barrels or fire rings.

Matz said the burn bans not only help protect the watershed and property but also first responders.

“It (brush fires) puts a tremendous amount of burden on them,” he said.

HEGINS — Investigators still have not determined the cause of a fire March 25 that forced a Hegins Township family to relocate and caused extensive damage to their home.

Eric and Stacey Smith and their three children, Allen, 8, Ella, 6, and Hailey, 5, lost their two-bedroom ranch home at 138 W. Mountain Road and are now residing with Stacey’s mother, Wendy Lettich, Sacramento.

“We have been so blessed with people giving, and we’re thankful and grateful for the community’s help,” Stacey Smith said Monday.

“We’re thankful to all the fire companies who showed up and to the Hegins Ambulance, who helped my husband, because he got into a lot of smoke and was coughing,” she said.

Eric was the only one home at the time, she said, along with the family pets. Stacey was at work and their children were all at school.

No one else was injured, but one of the family’s two dogs was still receiving veterinary care at Anthracite Animal Hospital, Smith said. Their fish and fish tank were destroyed.

She said the home, where her family had resided for eight years, was a total loss.

“I have a couple of my kids’ baby pictures but nothing else,” she said.

Fire and emergency crews were summoned to the single-family dwelling at 10:14 a.m., according to Hegins-Valley Fire Rescue Chief Doug Williams.

A state police fire marshal was called in to investigate on March 26; and Hegins Township fire marshals Troy Harner and Kenneth Graham were also notified. A fire marshal was to return to the scene April 2, Stacey Smith said. Investigators have been unable to determine the blaze’s cause. The Smith’s garage was saved.

Williams called the damage to the home “extensive” but had no dollar estimate of value.

When firefighters arrived, the structure was fully involved, he said. Williams, who was working out of the area at the time, did not attend the emergency himself. He said the two chiefs from Hegins-Valley Fire Rescue who were on scene were Chad Richards and Brandon Bressler.

Responders from 11 fire departments, and an estimated 40 to 50 firefighters, took part in battling the blaze. Volunteers from Hegins-Valley Fire Rescue were joined by crews from Sacramento, Donaldson, Joliett, Sheridan, North End-Pine Grove, Berrysburg, Llewellyn, Newtown, Tremont and Pitman. The Hegins Area Ambulance Association also responded and Hegins-Valley fire police directed traffic away from West Mountain Road during the emergency.

Due to the rural area where the home was located, Williams said, a tanker task force was needed to transport water from a hydrant on Main Street in Valley View to the fire.

Emergency personnel were released from the scene in Schuylkill County’s west end at 12:55 p.m.

Stacey Smith said her family is thankful that they do have enough donated clothing. However, anyone wishing to send any monetary contributions can forward them to her mother’s residence: c/o Wendy Lettich, 452 Fearnot Road, Sacramento, PA 17968.

GORDON — As he prayed the spirit gum he dabbed onto his costume beard would stick, Jeffrey Nemeth, Frackville, said reprising the role of Jesus for a community Good Friday event is an honor.

“It’s such a privilege to portray the greatest man who’s ever walked the earth. And to see the look on the people’s faces as I go by, it really means a lot to them and the whole town,” Nemeth, 42, said a few minutes before the start of the 37th annual Trek of the Cross in the borough.

More than 20 people participated Friday, including others in period costume who followed Nemeth as he walked through the borough under overcast skies, carrying a wooden cross, reenacting the walk of Jesus Christ to Calvary.

“It brings the message of Good Friday to people who can’t get out to church or don’t want to get out to church. That’s why it was started, to bring the message of Good Friday to the community,” Rose Yost, 81, of Gordon, whose late husband, Elmer Yost, started the tradition in 1979, said.

“I think it’s to renew everybody’s faith, bring them back to reality, that is what we’re about,” Charlene Wolfgang, 68, of Gordon, said.

“I’ve walked in it every year, whether we had rain or snow. Today, we have a nice day,” Wolfgang said.

Rose Yost said she only missed the event one year, in 1986.

“I was in the hospital with a broken leg,” she said.

Just before starting the trek Friday, she said she wondered if she’d be able to participate in the walk in the future: “The way my legs feel this morning, this year might be my last. I don’t know. At 81 1/2, what can you expect? Then again, my mother lived to be 92.”

In 1979, Elmer Yost did the first trek himself.

“The first year, it rained. It poured,” Rose Yost said as she gazed skyward at overcast skies.

But it didn’t rain on Friday’s event.

At the community’s second cross trek in 1980, Elmer Yost tried to make the event more of a production. He had a friend from Allentown dress up as a Roman soldier. By the third year, he had two costumed soldiers in his cast.

“I remember one year it snowed, and my husband walked it barefoot, and his legs were red all the way up to the knees,” Rose Yost said.

Elmer Yost had planned to do the trek for 12 years — a year for each Apostle — and hoped that it would continue on after that. Shortly after the 10th trek, Yost passed away. In order to complete the intended 12 treks, Ed Labie, Girardville, Yost’s nephew, picked up the cross in 1989 and portrayed Jesus for a total of 21 treks, his last in 2009. In 2010, Nemeth, Labie’s nephew, picked up the cross to continue the community and the family tradition.

“Ed mentioned to me one day about how he thought he looked more like Moses than Jesus, and I said ‘You know, I can grow a beard.’ And that’s how it started. This is my second year doing the fake beard. I used to grow my hair out for this, but now it’s gray,” Nemeth said as he worked to apply the costume facial hair in a bathroom mirror.

The cast got into character in a home next door to Simpson United Methodist Church, Biddle Street.

The 37th annual Trek of the Cross started at 12:30 p.m. Friday at the church, headed east on Biddle Street, turned left onto Hobart Street, then moved to McKnight Street and back to Biddle Street and the church for a Good Friday service.

Deeds

Ashland — Richard Sillers II to Shannon Starr; 920 Market St.; $35,000.

Branch Township — Rose Chukusky to Rose Chukusky and Lori Brahler; 705 Maple St.; $1.

Coaldale — Susan Matula Mackey to James J. Matula; 112 W. Moser Ave.; $1.

East Union Township — Paul S. and Kristen S. Elliott to Paul S. Elliott; Lot 306WS, Eagle Rock; $10.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Elite Ivy Education LLC; Lot 397WS, Eagle Rock; $35,643.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Nelson A. and Remedios B. Singcuenco; Lot 406WS, Eagle Rock; $39,289.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Javkhlan Enkhtaivan; Lot 4WSS, Eagle Rock; $40,299.

East Union Township and Black Creek Township, Luzerne County — Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Grace D. Santos and Nolan A. Paguio; Lot 115HF4 and 1/208th interest in Units 1201, 1202, 1203 and 1204, Sugarloaf Townhomes, Eagle Rock; $31,966.50.

Frackville — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Deutsche Bank National Trust Co.; 409 S. Broad Mountain Ave.; $1,1231.63.

Krista A. Muir to William Rudiman, trustee for the WJTR Irrevocable Charitable Remainder UniTrust; 519 Morris St.; $1.

Mahanoy City — Celtic Real Estate Investments LLC to Sure Lock Homes LLC; 117 W. Pine St.; $8,000.

Coleman Realty LLC to Jennifer Hillpot; 307 E. Centre St.; $1.

James P. Boris to Alejandro Magos Coronado and Ana Leida Guzman Uribe; 720 W. Centre St.; $2,000.

Debra Stravinsky to Pauline Wonsock; 18 Patriotic Hill Road; $1.

Theodore and Julia Ann Romanick to Julia Ann Romanick, Theodore Frederick Romanick and Robert John Romanick; 362 Park Place Road, Park Place; $1.

McAdoo — Midfirst Bank to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; 684-686 S. Kennedy Drive; $1.

Mechanicsville — Michael R. and Lisa A. Hollen to Betty Rivas; property at Park and Pottsville streets; $13,000.

Middleport — David J. Russek to Russek Family Limited Partnership; 9.2144-acre property on Coal Street; $1.

Minersville — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 26 Westwood St.; $1,059.09.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 321 N. Delaware Ave.; $1,161.54.

New Philadelphia — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 134 Water St.; $1,068.28.

Sylvia Boran to Sylvia Boran, Diane Owens and Rose Brenneman; 9 Pine St.; $1.

North Manheim Township — Pauline R. Achey to Arthur L. and Jennie A. Raudenbush; 388 Second Mountain Road; $1.

Michael H. and Betty A. Wisniewski to Zephaniah and Cierra A. Snyder; 113 Cross Creek Drive, Chestnut Hill; $183,000.

North Union Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to FNB Bank NA; 507 Buck Mountain Road, Zion Grove; $1,307.45.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Mahmoona Khanum and Muntaz H. Burki; Lot 35AV1, Eagle Rock; $36,259.

Eliza Lee to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 121AW, Eagle Rock; $7,391.56.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Sathya and Bharathi Murthy; Lot 121AW, Eagle Rock; $38,279.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Nena Rose D. Soliman and Emelita B. Macanas; Lot 27AWS, Eagle Rock; $26,900.

North Union Township and Black Creek Township, Luzerne County — Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Norman B. and Joenavel B. Tijones; Lot 138HF2 and 1/208th interest in Units 1301, 1302, 1303 and 1304, Sugarloaf Townhomes, Eagle Rock; $33,650.

Norwegian Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 101 Maple Ave., Mar Lin; $1,389.12.

Orwigsburg — James A. Emerich, individually, as executor of the Estate of Arthur E. Emerich, as executor of the Estate of Ruth M. Wuchter and as attorney in fact for Valerie Agnew, Jacqueline Anderson and Nancy Yeich, to John A. and Shannon M. Brennan; 424 W. Market St.; $35,100.

Fern E. Moyer to Deborah E. Moyer, William C. Moyer, Sandra J. Ludwig and Fern E. Houser; 925 Jacks Lane; $1.

Palo Alto — Darryl Kintzel to Tracy Hutchinson; 123 W. Savory St.; $61,000.

Pine Grove — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to secretary of Veterans Affairs; 114 School St.; $1,158.31.

St. Paul’s Evangelical Congregational Church of Pine Grove to National Conference of the Evangelical Congregational Church; 174 S. Tulpehocken St.; $1.

Pine Grove Township — Keith C. Klinger, individually and as executor of the Estate of Marguerite L. Klinger, to Keith C. Klinger; 1-acre property on Swopes Valley Road; $1.

Porter Township — Justine Brown and Ronnie Adley to Ronnie Adley, Justine Brown and Andrew Adley; 1528 E. Grand Ave., Reinerton; $1.

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. to Pedro Victor Leon; 422 W. Grand Ave., Sheridan; $14,500.

Pottsville — Dennis Sr. and Eva L. Bowers to Dennis Sr. and Eva L. Bowers; 606 N. Centre St.; $1.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Midfirst Bank; 441 Prospect St.; $1,237.55.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 1921 W. Norwegian St.; $1,221.88.

Lisa A. Neil, William C. Terrill and Mary E. Mengle to Crystal M. Grate; 1400 Seneca St.; $44,900.

Jeffrey K. Lord to Jeffrey K. Lord, Kristen Cesari and Carolyn K. Lord; 216 N. 18th St.; $1.

DRUMS — Three people were killed Friday in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 81, about a mile south of the Interstate 80 junction in Butler Township, Luzerne County.

According to state police at Hazleton, Daniel G. Sleva Jr., 24, of Morea, was traveling north in the southbound lanes near mile marker 149.7 about 6:36 a.m. and struck a southbound vehicle driven by Peter M. Johnson, 59, of Greenville, New York.

Police said Sleva was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton, where he was pronounced dead. Police said Johnson was transported to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township, for moderate injuries and was in serious condition as of Friday afternoon.

Johnson’s front-seat passenger, Debra A. Johnson, 58, and rear-seat passenger, Peter M. Johnson Jr., 24, also of Greenville, were pronounced dead at the scene by Luzerne County Deputy Coroner Meri Jones.

Police said Sleva and Johnson Jr. were not wearing seat belts.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, wrong-way drivers kill more than 300 people every year.

About 22 percent of wrong-way crashes are fatal, compared with less than 1 percent of all other crashes.

The southbound lanes of I-81 were closed for four hours. Traffic headed to I-81 south was diverted off I-80 at the Route 93 exit in Sugarloaf Township, creating traffic congestion along Route 93 in Conyngham.

The northbound lanes were closed for a short time after the crash.

State police were assisted on the scene by Valley Regional EMS and Rescue, Hazle Township Fire and Rescue, Sugarloaf Township Fire and EMS, American Patient Transport Systems and state police from the Wyoming and Frackville barracks.

n McAdoo: The Concerned Citizens of Schuylkill County will sponsor a candidates forum for five open seats on the Hazleton Area school board at 7 p.m. April 30 at the Keystone Fire Company, Hancock Street. Also, there will be candidates vying for three contested races for Schuylkill County row offices. The host and commentator for the forum remains to be announced. It will be an opportunity for residents to come prepared with any questions or comments. The event is open to all Hazleton Area School District taxpayers. The district includes North and East Union townships in Schuylkill County. The Concerned Citizens ground was established in the 1970s to give a voice to the taxpayers. One of its founders was the late Vicki Mackin, who had served as the group’s chief executive officer.

n Nuremberg: The Black Creek Township Recreational Committee will hold its annual yard sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 23 at the Black Creek alumni site located near the recycling center in Rock Glen. The cost to take part is $10. This event is open to anyone. Interested parties do not have to be Black Creek Township residents to take part. Participants can sell anything but food items, as the committee will have food and beverages for sale. For more information, call Lori Webster at 570-384-3674 or Kay Riotto at 570-384-4441.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Area High School Flag Squad will have flag tryouts and registration from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at D.H.H. Lengel’s Martz Hall, 1541 W. Laurel Blvd. It is for girls in eighth to 11th grades. Training will begin immediately following the 6 p.m. registration.

n Pottsville: A baton recital by the Pottsville Area High School Majorette Training Camps is set for 3 to 5 p.m. April 12 at the district’s D.H.H. Lengel Middle School Auditorium. Tickets are $5 each. The baton twirling recital is for girls who attended majorette training camp sessions. For more information, call 570-573-1946.

n Shenandoah: The annual Shenandoah Kielbasi Festival, featuring the homemade, noncommercial kielbasi-making contest, is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 16 on the blocks of North Main Street, sponsored by the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. Last year’s event, throughout the day, drew an estimated 7,000 locals and visitors. This year’s fest will again feature the community’s so-called Big Three Kielbasi Kings — commercial kielbasi makers Mark Kowalonek of Kowalonek’s Kielbasy Shop, Mike Stanakis of the Capitol Food Store and Dave Lukashunas of Lucky’s Deli, all of whom will have abundant samples of their products. Ateeco Inc., manufacturer of Mrs. T’s Pierogies, Shenandoah, will also be on hand offering its products. There will be myriad of other vendors and crafters. Private kielbasi makers, most often using family recipes handed down for generations, will compete to win the “PIG Trophy,” according to the DSI website at www.downtownshenandoah.com. Other attractions will include Polish pottery, Matrushka dolls, straw ornaments and various Eastern European crafts. The Shenandoah All-Star Polka Band will perform, a wide variety of food will be available and there will be games and crafts for the kids. Traditionally, the Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society at 201 S. Main St. and the Schuylkill County Historical Fire Society Museum at 105 S. Jardin St. are open for the festival and attract many visitors, who come from throughout Schuylkill County and well beyond. For more information, call DSI at 570-462-2060. Mary Luscavage is the DSI manager. The DSI headquarters is at 116 N. Main St.

n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce will host a breakfast program at 8 a.m. Tuesday in the community room of the ABC Tamaqua High Rise, East Broad Street. The speaker will be Tamaqua police Chief Rick Weaver, who will provide an update on the borough’s security camera system, including information on how businesses can improve their own camera security systems. For more information, call the chamber office at 570-668-1880.

ORWIGSBURG — A familiar face wants to become a member of the Blue Mountain school board as two others decided not to run.

Mary Jo Moss, a former school board member and president of the board, is running in the May 19 primary. Meanwhile, current board members Heather Gosch and John Granito are not seeking re-election.

Also on the ballot are current board members Scott Reichert, David Lafko and Michelle Z. Vesay. Mark B. Hoover, who is not a current board member, is also seeking a seat on the board. All five cross-filed.

Residents in Auburn, Cressona, Deer Lake, New Ringgold and Orwigsburg boroughs and East Brunswick, North Manheim, Wayne and West Brunswick townships will get to vote for the candidates.

Moss said Friday she is seeking a seat on the board to “help lead Blue Mountain to obtain the highest level of education” and to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars. Moss was a member of the school board from 2009-13. She tried unsuccessfully to run for a seat on the school board in 2013. She said her sense of “leadership and creativity” are reasons why people should vote for her.

Moss obtained her undergraduate from Lehigh University in electrical engineering and a master’s in electrical engineering from the National Technological University, Colorado. She also obtained a fellowship from the Educational and Policy Leadership Center, Harrisburg, in 2010. She is currently an adjunct instructor at Penn State Schuylkill and teaches engineering. She is also a member of the Schuylkill County Zoning Hearing Board and an active board member of the Walk In Art Center, Schuylkill Haven.

Hoover, Friedensburg, said his critical thinking skills, the fact he is a lifelong resident of the district and that he has two children in the school district are reasons people should vote for him. He was also a member of the task force that determined Cressona Elementary School should not be closed. Hoover graduated from Penn State University Park with a degree in civil engineering He is also licensed as a professional engineer.

Granito did not return a call for comment.

Gosch said her decision not to run is the right one.

“I feel like I served my community for the last eight years, and I am ready for somebody else to step up and I am ready to move on,” she said Thursday.

Gosch has been president of the school board for two years. Of her time on the school board, she thinks it was “a very challenging time for public education.” The board took actions that some in the public did not think were necessary. She said the pension crisis is perhaps the biggest issue facing school districts.

MAHANOY CITY — The familiar red robe was used for the last time Friday during the 28th annual Living Stations of the Cross.

Jesus’ robe from the annual Active Christian Teens In Our Neighborhood performance is being given to the family of Daniel G. Sleva Jr., a former member of the youth group who died earlier that morning in a car crash.

“We just wanted to do something special and related to his faith,” Debbie Walker, ACTION director, said Friday. “We thought it would be a great gesture. He loved being in the Living Stations.”

Sleva, 24, of Morea, was one of three people killed Friday morning in a two-vehicle collision on Interstate 81, near the Interstate 80 junction, in Butler Township, Luzerne County.

“As Jesus takes his cross, we are also carrying the cross for his family,” Walker told those attending the Living Stations.

Walker said Sleva and his family have been involved in many church programs over the years. He portrayed Jesus in the 2008 performance.

“He was very active,” Walker said. “He was one of our leaders and was at every activity we had.”

A member of St. Richard’s Church in Barnesville, Sleva volunteered for the ACTION group even before he was in high school, Walker said. The youth group consists of Marian and Mahanoy Area high school students in grades nine to 12 who are members of the Mahanoy City parishes.

Not even crutches prevented Sleva from participating in the annual Living Stations. Walker said that year they added a new character called “the crippled man.”

“He was just a genuinely good person,” Walker said. “He was always helpful, courteous, dedicated and just an all-around special kid.”

Trisha Swartz, a long-time adviser for the youth group, said she was at a 3 p.m. service when she heard the news. She said she has plenty of fun memories about Sleva during his time with ACTION.

“Daniel was a great kid, always with a smile on his face,” she said.

Swartz said Sleva and his family are well-known among the church community in Mahanoy City.

“They are really faithful and faith-filled,” she said. “They were always involved in the church.”

Sleva is the son of Daniel Sr. and Pattie Sleva. He also has an older sister, Allishia.

“We are just heartsick for them,” Swartz said. “It’s such a tragic loss. I can’t even express how sad we are.”

Wearing the red robe for the last time Friday was Kyle Karlavage, 17, of Delano. A junior at Mahanoy Area, it was his first time in the role of Jesus.

“It’s a prestigious honor to do it and I always wanted to do it,” Karlavage said before taking up the cross. “I’m a little nervous, but I’m also excited.”

Thirty-five students participated in the Living Stations this year, Walker said.

Megan Fatula, 18, of Mahanoy City, portrayed Jesus’ mother, Mary.

“It’s really quite an honor,” she said.

A senior at Mahanoy Area, Fatula said that she has enjoyed her time in ACTION.

“I just like how we are always doing things together and do good things for people,” she said.

The Living Stations of the Cross started at 7 p.m. at St. Cecilia Chapel, South Catawissa Street. Participants then marched west on Mahanoy Avenue to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church, 600 W. Mahanoy Ave., where the final stations were held.

“It just brings the stations of the cross to life,” Walker said.

The program this year followed a script called “Mary’s Way of the Cross,” which is narrated from Mary’s point of view. The story concluded with the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday in the crowded church.

“I think people generally believe in the teachings of Jesus,” Walker said. “This is what Good Friday is about — his passion and death — so it is something they want to be a part of. I think they have that deep faith.”

2 crashes occur

due to weather

MAHANOY CITY — Mahanoy Township police investigated two weather-related crashes Tuesday afternoon.

Police said the first crash occurred on the Morea Road as Robert Fredericks, 33, of 300 1/2 W. Spruce St., Tamaqua, was driving a 1997 Jeep east and lost control on the snow-covered road after passing another vehicle.

The Jeep rolled over one time and came to a stop facing the opposite direction.

Police said Fredericks and his son were not injured in the crash and Mahanoy City firefighters and EMS and Frackville police assisted at the scene.

A short time later, police said, they investigated a crash on Route 54, the Barnesville side of the Vulcan Hill.

Police said Margaret Laurito, 51, of 31 Red Oak Drive, Ocean View, New Jersey, was driving a 2011 Mazda east when she lost control on the snow, crossed over the oncoming lane and struck an embankment, causing her car to go back into the eastbound lane, where it came to a stop.

Laurito was not injured in the crash, police said.

Police probe theft

of vehicle plate

LYKENS — State police at Lykens are investigating a theft that occurred between midnight and 8:30 a.m. March 19 at 673 Main St. in this Dauphin County community.

Police said Thomas J. Weaver reported that someone stole the registration plate off his vehicle and fled the area.

The registration plate is a Pennsylvania tag that reads “VW07090,” police said.

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

License plate

reported stolen

WICONISCO — State police at Lykens are investigating the theft of a license plate that occurred between 10 a.m. March 26 and 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Police said the theft occurred at 202 Wiconisco St. in Wiconisco Township, Dauphin County.

Zachary C. Mace reported someone stole his Pennsylvania registration tag “H9783” and fled the area undetected.

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

Several cited for

code violations

Several local establishments face code violations from incidents that occurred in the past months.

Seltzer Hose Company was charged for not having a board-approved manager complete proper training between Oct. 15, 2013, and Jan. 14; Rancho Grande Mex Rest and Cantina LLC, 2880 Pottsville-Minersville Highway, Minersville, was issued a citation on March 23 for a liquor law violation between Oct. 7, 2013, and Dec. 29, 2014; and the Veterans Home Association of Valley View, 125 W. Main St., Hegins was cited on Feb. 23 for a liquor law violation between Oct. 28 and Dec. 23, 2014.

The Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement District Enforcement Office No. 9 said that a board-approved manager did not complete RAMP training within 180 days of the board’s approval of the appointment in violation of section 471.1(g) of the Liquor Code at those establishments.

A citation was issued to Charlie’s, 102 W. Blaine St., McAdoo, on March 2 for a liquor law violation on Dec. 21, 2014. BLCE District Enforcement Office No. 9 said that employees failed to require customers to leave part of the premises used for serving alcohol after 2:30 a.m., not later than a half hour after the required time for the cessation of the service of alcohol, in violation of section 499(a) of the Liquor Code.

These charges will be brought before an administrative law judge who has the authority to impose penalties ranging from $50 to $1,000 for minor offenses and up to $5,000 for more serious offenses. In addition, the ALJ can also impose a license suspension or revocation of the license based on the severity of the charge brought. The ALJ can also mandate training for the licensee in an effort to educate them on the requirements of being a licensee.

Police investigate

bad checks

NEW RINGGOLD — State police at Frackville are investigating a bad check incident at JW Zapranzy Inc., 2401 Summer Valley Road, East Brunswick Township.

State police said a Maryland business owner passed a check to JW Zapranzy Inc. for $32,300 for scrap metal. The check was returned because of a closed account.

A massive pipeline expansion that would connect Pennsylvania natural gas to major Eastern seaboard markets is one step closer after the company filed its application Tuesday.

Energy midstream company Williams has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve its “Atlantic Sunrise” plan to build branches off its existing Transco Gas Pipeline, a 10,0000-plus-mile system running from the Texas Gulf to greater New York City.

With plans to ship more than 1.7 billion cubic feet of gas per day on these new north-to-south branches, Atlantic Sunrise is the largest of the seven interstate transmission pipeline projects affecting Northeast Pennsylvania now in some phase of proposal, review or construction.

The $2.59 billion project represents a sizeable chunk of a total 9.1 billion cubic feet of additional Northeast Pennsylvania pipeline capacity set to be in place by 2018, as reported in a November webinar by analytics firm Bentek Energy.

Anadarko Energy Services Co., Cabot Oil & Gas Corp., Chief Oil & Gas LLC, Inflection Energy LLC, MMGS Inc., Seneca Resources Corp., Southern Company Services Inc., Southwestern Energy Services Co. and WGL Midstream have signed up for a piece of the new capacity.

Cabot’s gas will take up the bulk of the new space. The company signed up for about 850 million cubic feet a day, half the total capacity. The line would connect Cabot gas to a line owned by Dominion Resources in Fairfax County, Virginia. Cabot has agreed to provide Dominion 350 million cubic feet per day to export at its Cove Point LNG terminal in Maryland, which began construction last week.

To ship its gas, Cabot requires 57 miles of brand-new 30-inch line from Susquehanna County to Columbia County, Williams’ application states.

Atlantic Sunrise also calls for 125 miles of 42-inch line from Columbia County to Lancaster County, plus parallel lines on various existing pipeline sections, extra compression and other above-ground facilities at points along Williams’ Transco system.

If approved by the FERC, the company will be endowed with eminent domain power under the Natural Gas Act to condemn properties it needs for the line, though it must provide fair compensation.

For affected landowners, now is the time to examine your property and determine what features and uses are important to you, Scranton energy and environmental attorney Stephen Saunders said.

Williams wants to place the project in service by July 1, 2017. Saunders recommended bringing these issues to Williams’ and the FERC’s attention before early 2016, at the latest. The longer one waits, the more definite the pipeline route becomes.

“You’re going to find yourself in a situation where you’ve got no leverage because the pipeline route is completely set,” he said.

While now is a little early to begin negotiating over prices, Saunders recommended researching local property values and speaking to Realtors to understand the property’s true value.

Blakely landowner attorney Douglas Clark has also represented landowners affected by interstate lines. Getting the best possible compensation from a pipeline company is tricky, he said. He has seen offers increase after the initial offer, but there is no way to know how many offers there will be or if the company will decide to resort to eminent domain instead.

“The scary thing is if you turn down an offer and then the offer comes back less,” he said.

ASHLAND — A man currently serving a state prison sentence was arrested Thursday by Ashland police and charged with robbing the Turkey Hill in that community late last year.

David A. Gockley, 19, formerly of 715 Market St., Lewisburg, was charged by Patrolman Daniel Weikel for the Dec. 7 robbery at the 1638 Centre St. store.

Gockley was charged with two felony counts each of robbery and terroristic threats, one felony count each of firearms not to be carried without a license and persons not to possess or use firearms and misdemeanor recklessly endangering another person.

Weikel also charged Gockley with simple assault, theft, receiving stolen property, disorderly conduct and retail theft.

He was arraigned by video conference by Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, who set bail at $5,000 unsecured since Gockley is already incarcerated.

Weikel said Gockley entered the store about 7:10 a.m., approached a clerk with a handgun and inquired about the store safe.

When the clerk said the safe was locked, Weikel said Gockley took several VISA gift cards valued at $703.45 and ordered the clerk to activate them.

In addition to the VISA cards, Weikel said Gockley stole several cartons of cigarettes and cash before fleeing.

In addition to the clerk, a customer was inside the store when the robbery occurred.

Weikel said Thursday’s charges are the result of a lengthy investigation and information received from a Union County Adult Probation officer.

That officer, Scott Kerstetter, provided information that helped in identifying Gockley as the person responsible for the Ashland robbery and one in neighboring Coal Township a short time later, as well.

Weikel said Coal Township police obtained arrest warrants for Gockley for the armed robbery in their jurisdiction.

Gockley will have to answer to the Ashland charges at a preliminary hearing before Hale in her Frackville courtroom at a later date.

ORWIGSBURG — The West Brunswick Township Zoning Hearing Board will meet Monday to review a request for smaller parking spaces by a company building an apartment complex.

Forino Co. L.P., Sinking Spring, is requesting a variance of the zoning ordinance to allow parking spaces of 9 by 18 feet instead of the required 10 by 20 feet.

The area in question is the former Deer Lake Drive In at the north side of Route 61 off Cinema Boulevard. John Smith, the vice president of Forino Co., submitted the application March 19. Preliminary subdivision and land development plans for the 220-unit Villages at Deer Lake were submitted March 4. The plans show an area of 47.59 acres, of which 36.39 acres would be for apartments, 4.08 acres for commercial use and 7.12 acres for stormwater management.

The company will construct 11 apartment buildings, each 3 1/2 stories high and with 20 housing units. Centralized mailboxes and a clubhouse are included in the plans. No uses for the commercial development are stated in the plans. Orwigsburg borough will provide water to the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority for the development in the township. The sewer will go into the Deer Lake/West Brunswick Township Sanitary Sewer System.

Smith previously said the one- and two-bedroom apartments would rent for less than $1,000 a month.

“We’re hoping to start (building) in the spring,” he said, adding that the apartments would likely take seven or eight months to complete with occupancy possible by early next year.

The hearing will be held at 7 p.m. at the township municipal building, 95 Municipal Road.