FRACKVILLE — The borough needs a good spring cleaning after a long winter, and it will help residents by collecting dirt and other items they sweep up.

The cleaning of sidewalks throughout the borough was raised during Wednesday’s borough council meeting by Councilman Bradley Gotshall during his Economic Development Committee report. The committee met on March 23.

“Last month’s meeting was very productive and discussed some ideas we have as a group,” Gotshall said. “One of the things brought to my attention was the cleaning up of dirt on streets. People would like to sweep their sidewalks of all the excessive dirt from the winter months.”

Gotshall said once the dirt is placed in piles in front of a property, the borough streets department employees could collect the piles.

“Let’s try to do all we can and make the town a clean one as much as we can,” he said.

“Would it be better or worse if there was a designated day that the borough would be picking up the dirt?” Councilwoman Karen Domalakes asked.

Gotshall asked public works director Donald Zimmerman about the idea.

“It would be easier if there would be a designated day,” Zimmerman said. “It could be any day but Wednesday.”

“How about Monday?” Mayor Kim Phillips asked. “I think that would give everybody the opportunity to clean up over the weekend. In addition to rocks and dirt, could it also be sticks and leaves?”

Zimmerman said the street crew could also collect the other items.

“We can do it every Monday until it’s cleaned up,” Zimmerman said. “We can do it for a month or until the end of May.”

“So you’ll drive around and if you see a pile, you’ll pick it up,” Councilman Charles Berger said.

“We have our machine up and running, but the weather has been against us,” Zimmerman said. “We were going to clean before Easter, but then it snowed again. And now it’s been raining. I’m also going to put a call into PennDOT. They apparently will bring their own street sweeper in.”

During the public portion, resident Paul Klevis asked where the borough would collect the dirt. He was told it was throughout the borough, not just Lehigh Avenue.

Gotshall said the next committee meeting is at 7 p.m. April 27 at borough hall in the council meeting room. The public is welcome to attend and participate.

In a related matter, council President Ronald Jordan spoke about people with dogs cleaning up their yards.

“Some people don’t clean up after their dog in their yard,” Jordan said. “They kind of just let their dog go in the snow and do spring cleaning of their dog’s stuff. I would mention that they should do it quickly and in a timely manner. Not cleaning would be a code violation in the borough.”

Jordan added that the borough could do some sprucing up in the municipal building’s parking lot.

“In the parking lot, there are multiple benches that have been here when (the building) was a school. The benches are mangled up and the wood is broken,” Jordan said to Zimmerman. “I don’t see any reason to replace them because people aren’t going to sit around to watch people park. It’s a liability to leave them the way they are. I think it should be a project to rip them out. If we’re talking about sprucing the borough up, having four or five busted benches is not something to look at.”

James K. Reiley

A Pottsville man charged with pointing a handgun at another man and threatening him on Jan. 30 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

Donte T. Brown, 25, of 12 N. 11th St. was arrested by Pottsville Police Patrolman Grant Yoder and charged with simple assault, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person and firearms not to be carried without a license.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Brown will now have to answer to all of the charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Yoder charged Brown after an incident at 500 Fairview St. at 10:05 a.m. where he allegedly pointed the .45-caliber weapon at Brandon Starr during an argument that occurred weeks earlier. In addition to pointing the weapon at Starr, Yoder said Brown threatened to kill both Starr and his family. When interviewed, Yoder said Brown admitted to having the weapon and pointing it at Starr.

Other court cases included:

Corey M. Mlynek, 22, of 47 Swopes Valley Road, Pine Grove — waived for court: terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Tykeem Sharrod Brown, 23, of 12 N. 11th St., Pottsville — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.

Dylan J. Krisa, 19, of 110 S. Jackson St., Pottsville — waived for court: defiant trespass and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Terrance R. Simmons, 37, of 300 Route 61 South, Apt./Suite 9, Country Squire Motel, Schuylkill Haven — waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Michael R. Harwick Sr., 43, of 424 Laurel St., Minersville — waived for court: bad checks.

Brian T. Stravinsky, 30, of 283 Pattersonville Road, Ringtown — held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

James M. Lutz, 28, of 538 N. Centre St., Room 3, Pottsville — waived for court: failure to comply with counseling.

Zachary M. Vidal, 19, of 823 Fairmont Ave., Pottsville — waived for court: statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors and indecent assault.

Alaedin Alamari, 38, of 55 Yorktown Road, Pottsville — waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate and no headlights.

Matthew R. Wood, 30, of 1417 W. Market St., Pottsville — held for court: corruption of minors and selling or furnishing alcohol to minors.

Kyle K. Humphrey, 27, of 60 Carbon St., Pine Grove — withdrawn: possession of a controlled substance. Waived for court: contraband-controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ernest A. Rosemond, 47, of 529 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville — dismissed: terroristic threats. Waived for court: simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Tyler J. Pridemore, 24, of 124 S. Tulpehocken St., Apt. 403, Pine Grove — waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate, accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property and driving with an alcohol level of .02-percent or higher while under license suspension.

Brittany K. Geisinger, 23, of 525 Mahantongo St., Apt. 2, Pottsville _ waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jeffrey M. Lohr, 31, of 8 Park St., Mechanicsville — waived for court: theft by deception, theft, criminal mischief, forgery and receiving stolen property.

Ronald H. Tobias Jr., 38, of 612 Oak St., Pottsville — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rikki J. Williams, 19, of 511 N. Seventh St., Pottsville — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nicholas M. Brown, 33, of 125 S. Third St., Minersville — waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, resisting arrest, harassment, driving on a sidewalk and driving a vehicle without insurance.

Jennifer L. Reber, 29, of 144 Coal St., Cumbola — held for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Desiree Ann Weaver, 21, of 6 Peacock St., Pottsville — waived for court: theft and receiving stolen property.

Brandon M. Starr, 32, of 511 Fairview St., Pottsville — withdrawn: simple assault and disorderly conduct.

John D. Mohl, 30, of 447 E. Market St., Pottsville — held for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Kevin Machay, 24, of 129 Walnut St., Tuscarora — waived for court: false alarms to agencies of public safety, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Michelle Lee Fort, 32, of 235 Oak St., Pottsville — held for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

John M. Parry, 22, of 212 W. Arch St., Pottsville — dismissed: simple assault and harassment.

Crystal M. Kohn, 26, of 512 N. Centre St., Apt. 15, Pottsville — waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ryan P. Miller, 28, of 800 N. Second St., Apt. 21, Pottsville — dismissed: simple assault and harassment.

Justin M. Kayal, 27, of 142 W. Railroad St., Pottsville — waived for court: conspiracy, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

David A. Hill, 42, of 218 Harrison St., Pottsville — withdrawn: simple assault.

Sean M. Hess, 23, of 206 N. Second St., Auburn — waived for court: possession of a firearm with an altered manufactures number, firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of a controlled substance, driving with a suspended or revoked license and no rear lights.

Tonya M. Hicks, 38, of 526 N. Eighth St., Pottsville — waived for court: access device issued to another person, identity theft, theft, receiving stolen property and unlawful use of a computer.

Andrea R. Zuppert, 36, of 1003 W. Market St., Apt. 1, Pottsville — dismissed: identity theft, access device issued to another person, unlawful use of a computer, receiving stolen property and theft by unlawful taking.

Deborah I. Arena, 60, of 26 S. Catherine St., Shenandoah — held for court: retail theft.

Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA — A borough woman charged by Tamaqua police with stealing a donation box from the Tamaqua Public Library on Feb. 12 waived her right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Amanda Welker, 27, whose last known address was 34 Hunter St., Apt. 3, was arrested by Patrolman Thomas Rodgers and charged with one count each of theft and receiving stolen property. By waiving her right to a hearing, Welker will have to answer to both charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Rodgers charged Welker with stealing a donation box owned by Tamaqua Area Dog Rescue from a counter. The box contained about $25 at the time of the theft and Rodgers said it was estimated it would cost $25 to replace it.

Other court cases included:

John M. Joulwan, 52, of 2145 W. Market St., Pottsville — waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, disregard for single traffic lane and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Jason Weaver, 33, of 28 Market St., Tamaqua — withdrawn: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance. Waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sarah A. Bensinger, 23, no known address, Tamaqua — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jessica Carter, 20, of 131 W. Union St., Tamaqua — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nancy J. Cole, 53, of 71 Bowe St., Tamaqua — held for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Monica Zapotsky, 39, of 20 N. Putnam St., McAdoo — waived for court: simple assault and harassment.

David A. Plachko

PORT CARBON _ A Pottsville woman charged with trespassing at a Minersville business on July 4 had charges against her held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko.

Jennifer L. Barnard, 29, of 724 W. Market St., Floor 2, was arrested by Minersville police Patrolman Thomas Hoban Jr. and charged with one count each of defiant trespass and harassment. Plachko determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered both charges against Barnard held for Schuylkill County Court.

Hoban said Barnard entered the Dollar General Store at 7 E. Sunbury St. despite being told she was not allowed inside because she was with a group of people who were shoplifting.

Barnard was warned several times about being in the store and at one point started yelling and cursing and said he was going to bet her “baby daddy,” Hoban said.

Other court action included:

Robert Sargent, 46, of 26 E. Oak St., Shenandoah — dismissed: theft.

Joseph P. Whiteash, 43, of 601 N. Second St., Minersville — withdrawn: accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property, driving without insurance, driving a vehicle without a valid inspection and careless driving.

R. Margerum

ELIZABETHVILLE — A York County man is headed to Dauphin County Court after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing April 7 on charges he burglarized two adjacent businesses, and stole items from them, in March in Wiconisco Township.

Shawn M. Lopert, 31, of 330 S. Baltimore St., Dillsburg, faces three counts of theft, two of criminal trespass and one each of burglary, conspiracy, theft of secondary metal and loitering and prowling at nighttime. Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum bound over all charges for court after Lopert waived his right to the hearing.

State police at Lykens allege Lopert broke into MEDCO and One Stop Recycling on March 4. Items Lopert stole included car radiators and scrap copper, police said.

Lopert remains in prison in lieu of $50,000 straight cash bail pending further court proceedings. 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:

Cristina L. Bulick, 30, of 129 James St., Elizabethville — manufacture of a controlled substance, driving under the influence, failure to carry registration, failure to notify of change of address, operating vehicle without required financial responsibility, seat belt violation and operating vehicle without valid inspection; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Logan A. Ebersole, 18, of 420 Summers Road, Millersburg — three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one each of possession of a small amount of marijuana and disorderly conduct; charges held for court after preliminary hearing.

Woodrow F. Long III, 32, of 431 N. Center St. Apt. C, Gratz — two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one of possession of a small amount of marijuana; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Michele L. Machamer, 39, of 36 Dietrich Road, Halifax — DUI, violation of limitations on driving on the left side of the road, approaching intersection improperly, failure to obey traffic control devices, failure to keep right, failure to yield right of way, passing when prohibited, disregarding traffic lane, failure to drive at a safe speed, speeding, careless driving, reckless driving and two counts of not using low beams; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges of violation of limitations on driving on the left side of the road, approaching intersection improperly, failure to keep right and passing when prohibited withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Kyle W. Miller, 28, of 187 Boltons Circle, Millersburg — two counts of endangering the welfare of children; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Kenneth G. Paul, 60, of 240 Ridgewood Drive, Millersburg — DUI, DUI with suspended license and driving under suspension-DUI related; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Shelly L. Sitlinger, 48, of 308 N. Second St., Lykens — two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Daniel L. Troutman, 63, of 584 Dairy Road, Lykens — aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest, harassment, disorderly conduct and four counts of criminal trespass; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Ericka L. Vandermark, 24, of 210 W. Market St., Williamstown — possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Samantha J. Witmer, 19, of 1264 State Route 25, Millersburg — possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Tiffany D. Worrell, 25, of 187 Boltons Circle, Millersburg — two counts of endangering the welfare of children; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

SHENANDOAH — Divine Mercy Sunday devotions were held for the first time Sunday in Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Church.

Sunday’s devotions at 3 p.m. drew more than 100 people to the church on what is also the Second Sunday of Easter for the nearly 90-minute service that included exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, litanies and other prayers, hymns and the recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Plans are that the devotion will be an annual event in Shenandoah.

The Divine Mercy is a Roman Catholic devotion based on the approved apparitions of Jesus Christ to Sister (now Saint) Maria Faustina Kowalska of Poland in the 1930s before her death in 1938 at the age of 33.

Divine Mercy Sunday was made an official feast day for the entire Catholic Church by Pope John Paul II in 2000 on the day he canonized St. Faustina, who is known in the church as the “Apostle of Mercy.” The feast day has been celebrated on the second Sunday of Easter in the worldwide church since 2001, making this year the 15th anniversary of the feast.

Divine Mercy Parish was formed in July 2014 when seven parishes in Shenandoah and Lost Creek merged, with Annunciation BVM Church becoming the home of the new parish. St. Casimir Church has remained open as a worship center.

The service began with Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian, pastor, led to the sanctuary by members of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Schuylkill Assembly No. 0923, which provided the honor guard. Music was provided by members of the St. Cecilia Choir with additional singers from the choir at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church, Mahanoy City. The choir was directed by Teophil Galezniak and accompanied by Maria Rittle.

Also in attendance was Monsignor Anthony J. Wassel, retired pastor of the former St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Mahanoy City, which is now Blessed Teresa Roman Catholic Church. Wassel began the annual Divine Mercy devotions at the church many years ago.

As everyone sang “O Salutaris Hostia,” Bocian took the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle and placed it in the monstrance on the altar, knelt on the floor facing the altar before the people and incensed the Blessed Sacrament.

After the praying of the Litany in honor of St. Michael the Archangel and the renewal of baptismal promises by everyone, Bocian used holy water to bless the image of Divine Mercy in the sanctuary and went through the church blessing all in attendance.

The prayers continued with Midafternoon Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, a hymn and an Act of Offering before the recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, which was led by Steve Babinchak and Sister Catherine Glackin, IHM.

“The message of the Divine Mercy is simple,” said Bocian after the chaplet. “It is that God loves us — all of us. And he wants us to recognize that His mercy is greater than our sins so that we will call upon Him with trust, receive His mercy and let it flow through us to others. Thus all will come to share His joy.”

“Following this reflection, this homily, we say the ‛Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus,’” Bocian said. “Why? It is very simple. It is through Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection that he showed us His great love for us.

Bocian spoke of the visit of the Most Rev. John O. Barres, bishop of the Diocese of Allentown, earlier in the day to celebrate two Masses and who spoke of the Divine Mercy.

“Just as a side note, (Barres) said how wonderful that this Church of Divine Mercy should become a center of devotion to the Divine Mercy in Schuylkill County,” Bocian said. “And then he said under his breath, and for the whole diocese,’ which is an awesome undertaking.”

Bocian later added, “We have been called to be sacraments of forgiveness for the sake of others. Have you ever thought of yourself like that? If you think of yourself like that, how can anyone possibly be angry with someone? How can someone possibly hold a grudge against someone? How can someone possibly refuse to forgive?”

A procession was held through the church, with Bocian carrying the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament, led by the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, with parishioner Gino Bruni walking backward in front of Bocian burning incense in a thurible.

After Benediction, Bocian thanked all who participated in the devotions.

“Remember, we will be here next year,” Bocian said. “Mark it on your calendar.

HARRISBURG — Downtown Shenandoah Inc. and Hamburg’s Our Town Foundation were two of 40 Pennsylvania downtowns named as “Nationally Accredited Programs” by the National Main Street Center.

The Pennsylvania Downtown Center made the announcement last week, noting that receiving “National Accreditation Main Street Program” status is seen as a prominent recognition.

Both revitalization organizations were recognized for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the NMSC, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Each year, the NMSC and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street programs in recognition of their exemplary commitment to historic preservation and community revitalization through the Main Street Four Point Approach.

“I’m very thrilled. We’re very happy that we received the recognition,” Mary Luscavage, DSI executive director and Main Street manager, said. “We’ve worked very hard for it. It’s the standards that (NMSC) set and they’re not easy to make, but we’ve done it so far every year.”

Luscavage said the Main Street Program in Shenandoah has been accredited six times since 2009. The current accreditation announced is for 2014.

“There are 10 points that we have to meet to get accredited,” Luscavage said. “Some of it is easy, some of it is not. Some of it is how we manage our program and what we do for the community.”

The 10 standards of performance for a Main Street Program that Shenandoah and Hamburg met are:

• Has broad-based community support for the commercial district revitalization process, with strong support from both the public and private sectors

• Has developed vision and mission statements relevant to community conditions and to the local Main Street program’s organizational stage

• Has a comprehensive Main Street work plan

• Possesses a historic preservation ethic

• Has an active board of directors and committees

• Has an adequate operating budget

• Has a paid professional program manager

• Conducts a program of ongoing training for staff and volunteers

• Reports key statistics

• Is a current member of the National Trust Main Street Network

“And we do get support from the public and private sectors,” Luscavage said. “The borough is a big supporter of us, along with all of our businesses. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to be a Main Street program.”

In Hamburg, the Our Town Foundation is a larger organization with different components: Main Street, Elm Street, Taste of Hamburg-er Festival, Blueprint Community Team, Hamburg Area Arts Alliance, Heritage Towns and Tours, Hamburg Southgate Neighborhood and Hamburg Strand Theatre. Executive Director Deena Kershner said the foundation was formed in 2001 and incorporated in 2002. The Main Street Program has been accredited every year since 2002.

“The recognition as a Main Street Program shows that we’re following the Four Point Approach that is recommended by the National Main Street coordinating group,” Kershner said. “There are guidelines you have to follow and do projects and have accomplishments in all four of the components. You have to have a full-time manager. It shows we’re on the right track and on the road to sustainability.”

Kershner said the OTF has a very active mission in the Hamburg community beyond Main Street.

“We have a lot of volunteers and have different programs under the direction of Our Town Foundation,” she said. “We are not just a Main Street Program anymore. We are actually a full-fledged community revitalization corporation. This is quite a busy office.”

Kershner said that revitalization organizations contribute much to communities, which is a message that is sent to Harrisburg in order to obtain funding.

“That’s the word that we need to get to the state legislators,” Kershner said. “Our funding has been cut dramatically over the last couple of years, and they do not fund any administration money anymore. To say we are sustainable means a lot, because it’s very, very hard to run a program relying on volunteers and with no funding other than community support. We have so much done through these programs for these communities, and it’s a shame that the funding was cut.”

Luscavage agreed that the lack of state funding is a challenge in keeping any revitalization organization operating.

“We are self-sustaining. Whatever we do, we raise the money to do it. The state gives us facade money, but as far as administration money, the state gives us nothing to run our office or to run any of our programs,” Luscavage said. “This is why we do three big fundraisers, which are the Kielbasi Festival, the golf tournament and Heritage Day. There are also capital campaigns.”

PDC Network Relations Coordinator Maria Wherley said in a media release that accredited Main Street programs are evaluated annually by their coordinating program. She said PDC, the coordinating program of Main Street programs in Pennsylvania, is proud to see these downtowns acknowledged for their determination to meet Main Street principles.

“All of the 40 communities have met the 10 performance standards required by NMSC,” Wherley said. “These standards include topics such as training requirements, planning methods and community involvement. All Main Street programs involved have worked together to build an accomplished community revitalization effort through training and education. Receiving national accreditation shows that these programs are dedicated to creating a change in their community and leading as an example for other programs in the revitalization process.”

Established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980, the National Main Street Center helps communities of all sizes revitalize their older and historic commercial districts. Working in more than 2,000 downtowns and urban neighborhoods over the last 35 years, the Main Street program has leveraged more than $61.7 billion in new public and private investment. Participating communities have created 528,557 net new jobs and 120,510 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 251,838 buildings, leveraging an average of $26.52 in new investment for every dollar spent on their Main Street district revitalization efforts.

Founded in 1987, the mission of Pennsylvania Downtown Center is to build and support the capacity of local nonprofit organizations, municipalities and individuals to enhance the overall well-being and sustainability of Pennsylvania’s communities.

SHENANDOAH — The Schuylkill Historical Fire Society’s mission is the preservation of firefighting of the past and also looking to the future to keep that mission moving forward.

Now the society — headquartered at 105 S. Jardin St. and whose museum is among the finest in the nation — is looking to the public to help it stay afloat.

Society President Michael Kitsock, master mechanic, engineer and trustee Joseph “Blackie” Kufrovich and member John Alcaraz opened the society headquarters on Friday for a tour and to discuss the need for additional financial support and new members to keep the operation and its museum as a historical resource for the public.

“Our main point is that we have a constant battle for survival,” Kitsock said as he stood near one of the antique pieces of firefighting apparatus in the museum. “That battle is affecting small museums all across the state.”

Kitsock said outside sources of funding have been reduced considerably since 2004, so local museums depend more and more on local donations and fundraising. He added that members are also growing older and replacements are needed.

“All of our members are getting older and there are only so many hoagies and raffle tickets you can sell just to keep heat in the building,” Kitsock said. “So, we’re trying to explore options for funding, but we’re also trying to draw awareness to the museum. Hopefully, through awareness we’ll get more help and support.

Kitsock said the building was purchased in 1996 and the society moved in the following year. The society organized in 1995 and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, meaning donations are tax deductible.

“Next year will be 20 years and we’ve put several hundred thousand dollars into the building,” Kitsock said. “We redid the floors, the front of the building, a new furnace, a rubber roof.”

He thanked the late state Sen. James J. Rhoades for his help in getting funding for the museum when he was in office.

However, “A lot of that money dried up,” Kitsock said.

When Kitsock speaks about the museum and its collection of fire apparatus — some more than 100 years old — you can hear the pride he has.

“We have a wonderful museum here in Shenandoah,” he said. “We have one of the largest collections of antique fire trucks in the United States between what we have in Shenandoah and in the Mahanoy City warehouse, but the upkeep and the preservation is a weekly battle.”

Alcaraz is involved with the fundraising aspect and pushes to raise money when and where he can.

“We’re trying to raise a lot of different ways,” Alcaraz said. “We have lottery tickets at 80-20 and we’re starting to run a 10-ticket raffle for $2 and get some money into the place. We’re also having a food and bake sale on May 30. We don’t want to lose it (the museum). We’re trying to keep the place going.”

In the building’s left-side museum room, which in years past held the Columbia Hose Company and the Shenandoah Borough Hall and police station, some of the oldest fire equipment is displayed. Most of the pieces are from the days when real four-legged horse power was needed to get to a fire. Some also needed manpower to pump the water through hoses to extinguish blazes. One of the fire apparatus from the Ryan Township Fire Company involved a large wooden barrel drawn by horses.

Kufrovich said that the non-mechanized fire apparatus on display are on loan from their respective fire companies. He also said the society does owns some equipment that has been donated.

“We own a number of trucks and we’ll also take on loan those trucks that will enhance the collection or (if) it’s something unique,” Kitsock said. “This way they get attention and recognition. This piece (from the Mitchell Hose Company No. 1 of Carbondale) was sitting in a bingo hall. They were happy that it came here to be seen and have it preserved.”

In order to raise awareness of the museum, Kitsock said tours are available for groups up to 50. There is no charge for tours, but donations are accepted.

“We’re also encouraging school groups and service organizations for tours,” Kitsock said. “We’ve had a number of school groups in the past, but we want to get the word out on the free tours.”

The fire society has numerous displays and exhibits of fire equipment and memorabilia for visitors throughout the building. Displays include more than 150 years of fire helmets, parade uniforms, a historical display of fire nozzles and breathing apparatus, an in-house Gamewell Alarm system and a photo wall of Schuylkill County’s most serious fires.

The tour progressed into other garage bays with motorized equipment. One of the newest additions is a small Japanese firefighting piece that goes back to before World War II.

“This pieces survived World War II,” Kitsock said. “That was used by the Japanese fire department. They would hand-pull it to the fires. They would ring the bell on it. That was their pumper. We got it running and got it pumping at the training grounds for one of our musters. That (Japanese equipment) ended up in the United States when an American naval officer got it. He had high rank and it was loaded on a boat, brought it to the naval yard in Philadelphia and he had it at his farm in Pottstown. When he passed, we got word of it and made arrangements. The family donated it to the museum, so it is one of our own pieces here.”

Kitsock said it was built in 1929 and has a Ford Model A engine that runs the pump.

Kitsock also said the Shenandoah museum has about 40 fire apparati and there are about 60 stored in Mahanoy City.

“Sometimes we’ll take vehicles and rotate them between the two locations and for parades,” he said. “We’ll be getting some vehicles ready for the Shenandoah convention (2015).”

A large room to the rear of the museum holds used parts from all types of fire equipment. Kitsock said the society receives requests from other fire societies and individuals for parts to repair and maintain their collections, which are sold, and the local society also seeks out parts in a similar fashion.

“This was an empty room when the borough had it and we turned it into a moneymaker for us,” Kitsock said. “Guys will come in and see what they need for their antique trucks and KME (Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp., Nesquehoning — will donate some equipment to us. We have some new stuff and a lot of old stuff. We’ll take all the good parts we can save, put them on shelves and hopefully make other trucks happy. All the pieces are organized and cataloged. We get calls from Texas and California. A lot of times we have the unusual stuff. And all the money we get goes to the museum.”

Kitsock said it costs up to $100,000 a year to keep the society going with expenses, which include heat, electricity, mortgage payments, maintenance and insurance premiums to cover the valuable and irreplaceable fire apparatus.“Everything we have is insured,” he said. “When you have that kind of a budget, every dollar helps. We wish we had more help. We have very good people, but I wish we had more good people.”

Kitsock said annual membership is $15. Monthly meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month.

For more information about the fire society, membership and tours, go to www.theshfs.org or to its Facebook page, or call the society headquarters at 570-462-4400.

A group promising to help homeless people locally will once again be among the charities third-grade students at Pottsville Area’s John S. Clarke Elementary Center will have an opportunity to donate to when the Karen’s Heroes program returns for its this month for its 16th year.

“We participated last year and the children were wonderful,” Albert Nastasi, executive director of Servants To All, 4 S. Centre St., Pottsville, said in an email to The Republican-Herald on Saturday.

“Each spring, all third-grade students at John S. Clarke vote to give $1,500 to five charities in the local community. During the school week of April 27, 28, 29, 30 and May 1, the students will learn about the needy organizations in the Pottsville Area community and vote to direct money from the Karen Chattin Ney Education Fund to five community charities,” event chairwoman Anita Dwyer, Barnesville, said Wednesday.

On Saturday, Nastasi said Servants To All will kick off a capital campaign this month to raise $100,000 to complete renovations at its building.

“We are completing the planning stage with the architect/engineer, contractor and retail partners. The retail operation is for training and employment of the homeless and extreme poor, and 100 percent of the profits will be used to operate programs to help the homeless and extreme poor of Schuylkill County. All our program participants will be referred by agencies. We will not be a walk-in center at the 4 South Centre Street location. Space is limited there, and we will need to work with capable and willing participants,” Nastasi said.

Karen’s Heroes is a traditional tribute to elementary school teacher Karen Chattin-Ney, who died in 1998 at age 46.

Chattin-Ney’s friends and family, including widower Thomas Ney and parents Joseph and Joan Chattin, came up with the Karen’s Heroes Program in 1999 as a way to remember her.

Every year, the third-grade students at John S. Clarke Elementary vote to distribute $1,500 from the Karen Chattin-Ney Education Fund to five local charities. Representatives of the charities selected are given the opportunity to make presentations to the students during Karen’s Heroes week. And at the end of that week, each student will vote to contribute to one of the five. Each student vote is a $5 donation, and the remainder of the money is split evenly among the charities, Dwyer said.

“This year, more than 200 students will vote,” Dwyer said.

The committee that oversees the fund — which includes friends of Karen, teachers and administrators — decides which local organizations will be recognized, Dwyer said.

The five organizations selected to be part of the program this year and the dates they will give their presentations to the students are as follows:

• April 27, Hillside SPCA, Pottsville.

• April 28, American Cancer Society — Schuylkill County/ Relay For Life.

• April 29, Servants To All, a proposed resource center for the homeless to be based in downtown Pottsville.

• April 30, Avenues of Pottsville, an organization which supports individuals who have developmental and/or acquired disabilities.

• May 1, Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St., Pottsville.

Each presentation will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the school’s cafeteria.

The organizations given the opportunity to participate in the program last year and the amounts they received are as follows:

• Hillside SPCA, $533.

• Servants To All, $348.

• Schuylkill Conservancy, $248.

• Avenues of Pottsville, $188.

• Pottsville Free Public Library, $183.

Students from nine county schools had their art on display Sunday at the Yuengling Mansion in Pottsville.

The Schuylkill County High School Gallery featured more than 200 pieces of art from students in ninth through 12th grade from Blue Mountain, Pine Grove Area, Pottsville Area, Nativity BVM, North Schuylkill, Shenandoah Valley, Minersville Area, Schuylkill Haven Area and Gillingham Charter School. Art teachers selected the entries.

The opening event was sponsored by the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts. It was the 17th year for the event, Sandra Coyle, SCCA executive director, said.

Ribbons were given out for first place, second place, third place and honorable mention in five categories: painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture and photography.

Pine Grove Area’s Marla Stoner, 17, had three entries — a ceramic plate, a mixed media self-portrait and a watercolor. The ceramic plate made of clay and painted with acrylic was inspired by an album cover, she said. It shows two people in a car overlooking an area.

“I think the picture tells its own story. That’s what I love about it,” she said.

Her self-portrait, called “Free Your Imagination, and Creativity Will Blossom,” also had a message to convey. The mixed media portrait was made of newspaper, paper from books cut to look like flower petals and drawn with a graphite pencil. Acrylic paint provided splashes of color.

Stoner said the black and white represents life.

“The color is how art can add color to your life,” she said.

Her third submission, a watercolor, was inspired by listening to a song at 3 a.m. Stoner said she doesn’t remember the name of the song but the lyrics included, “I don’t make a sound but my eyes scream help.”

The song resonated with her and she spent four hours painting what she felt. She said artists should not worry about getting everything perfect and put aside the self doubt.

“Art is a learning experience and that is why you take art class. Keep practicing and it will lead to great things,” she said.

Natalye Calderon, a student at Shenandoah Valley, won best in show for her Prismacolor pencil and gouache submission.

Entertainment was provided by singers Makenna Copeland, 16, of Schuylkill Haven, and Jacqueline Bubnis, 12, of Shenandoah. In addition to Broadway and country songs, the girls celebrated the 50th anniversary of “The Sound of Music” by performing songs including “Do-Re-Mi.”

Coyle said the gallery will be open into May.

Roberto Souffront goes before a Dauphin County jury today on charges that he killed a man he suspected of having a romantic relationship with his wife.

Souffront, 64, of Williamstown, is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, burglary, unlawful possession of a weapon and recklessly endangering another person.

He faces a life sentence, which in Pennsylvania carries no chance of parole, if convicted of first-degree murder.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael L. Rozman said Friday that he expects the trial, over which Judge William T. Tully will preside, to last approximately four days.

State police at Lykens allege Souffront fatally shot James W. Harbst, 27, about 3:40 a.m. Dec. 7, 2013, with a .25-caliber handgun in a travel trailer to the rear of 185 Lenker Drive.

Police said Souffront went to that address because he thought Nicole Souffront was having an affair with Harbst. Nicole Souffront said she and Harbst were friends, not lovers, according to police.

According to police, Souffront told them he entered the trailer and saw his wife romantically involved with Harbst. He said Nicole Souffront hit him, but he then hit back and fired a shot at Harbst, according to police.

Roberto Souffront said Harbst knocked the gun from his hand and started to punch him, but he retrieved the gun and fired it until it was empty, police said.

Police said the defendant shot Harbst three times, including the fatal shot that went through his heart and lung.

Rozman said he will be prosecuting the case on his own.

Assistant Public Defenders Mary Lynn Klatt and Amanda A. Batz will represent Roberto Souffront.

Defendant: Roberto Souffront

Age: 64

Residence: Williamstown

Charges: First-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, burglary, unlawful possession of weapon and recklessly endangering another person

n Mahanoy City: The Mahanoy Township High School Reunion Committee will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Good American Hose Company, Eighth Street and Mahanoy Avenue. All former Mahanoy Township High School students are welcome to attend.

n Millersburg: The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art’s native plant sale, started in 1998, has gone digital, according to a press release from Alexis Dow Campbell, the center’s director of creative programming. Proceeds from the sale benefit Diakon Youth Services and the center. People can buy plants securely online through Sunday. Plants can be picked up at the center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, the center will host a free program featuring Corey Carothers, executive director of Diakon Youth Services, and Kim Patten, greenhouse gardener in the center’s education room. For more information or to place an order, go online to www.nedsmithcenter.org/plantsale.

n Minersville: The Minersville Public Library, 220 S. Fourth St., recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Truman Swab Jr. from Regina Kleeman; for Peggy Demcher from Helen Socko; for Margaret Whitby from Ellen Valent; for Mary Martin from Lisa Hoopes; for Franklin Reed from Ralph and Peggy Jaeger; for Alvin Woodford from Ellen Valent; for Bill Davis from Ellen Valent; for Gerald Brennan from the Minersville Area Lions Club.

n New Ringgold: Christ Church McKeansburg will sponsor a chicken barbecue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25 at the church, 1751 Chestnut St. Meals are $8 for adults and $4 for children. They will include a half chicken, baked potato, pepper cabbage, applesauce, roll and beverage. A variety of desserts will be on sale. For tickets or more information, call 570-943-2822.

n Pottsville: Trinity Episcopal Church, Second Street and Howard Avenue, will sponsor a meatloaf dinner from 3 to 6 p.m. April 25. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children. Meals will also include mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, coleslaw, dessert and coffee. All are welcome.

n Schuylkill Haven: The Penn State Schuylkill community will welcome U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-17, with special guest Zygimantas Pavilionis, the Lithuanian ambassador, on April 27 just prior to Pavilionis’ return to Lithuania. Upon their arrival, the university leadership will host a reception in the ambassador’s honor with invited guests, Cartwright and Penn State Schuylkill faculty and honor students. Following that reception at 7 p.m. in the John E. Morgan Auditorium on campus, Cartwright will host a free public lecture by Pavilionis that will cover current affairs in Lithuania and Lithuanian issues as well as any other items of interest to Lithuanian Americans. The ambassador may take questions from the audience. Pavilionis was born in 1971 in Vilnius, Lithuania. He graduated in 1994 from the Institute of International Relations and Political Science, Vilnius University, and then earned a master’s in philosophy and a doctorate from that university. In 2003, he was awarded Cross of the Knight of the Order for Merits to Lithuania by the president of Lithuania. Lithuanian is his native language, but he also speaks English, French, Italian and Russian. The public lecture is free, but tickets will be required to ensure there will be enough seating. To reserve tickets or for more information, call Penn State Schuylkill at 570-385-6209.

n Shenandoah: The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society will host a rummage sale at its 201 S. Main St. history center from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Donations for the sale will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. However, the society will not accept donations of computers for the sale.

n Tamaqua: The Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission is sponsoring a Yankees bus trip on May 9 for the game with the Baltimore Orioles. The bus will depart at 8 a.m. from Tamaqua Area High School. The cost is $65 per person, which includes round trip transportation and ticket to the game. For tickets or more information, call 570-668-2919.

n Frackville: American Legion Post 398 Auxiliary will have a theme basket auction with a shop-and-drop from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 25 and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26 with the drawing at 2 p.m. April 26 at the post home, 40 S. Mahanoy St. Food will be available both days. For more information, call 570-874-4750.

n Mahanoy City: The Mahanoy City Elks Auxiliary will sponsor a Chinese auction from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the lodge, 135 E. Centre St. Doors will open at noon at the auction will begin at 2 p.m. The cost is $2 per card or three for $5. There will be small and large tables, special tables, door prizes and food. For more information, call 570-573-2649.

n Pottsville: The 24-hour Relay for Life Pottsville is set for noon May 15 to noon May 16 at the Pottsville Area School District’s Veterans Memorial Stadium, 16th Street and Elk Avenue. Special events May 15 will include a 6 p.m. opening ceremony, 8 p.m. survivors program and 10 p.m. luminaria service. Special events May 16 will include a 7 a.m. meet-the-characters breakfast, Little Miss Relay contest and Dimes for a Cure walk. The event will close at noon May 16. For more information, call 570-884-1027.

n Ringtown: The Creekside Restaurant, 116 Ringtown Blvd., will stage a dine-out event from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday when the eatery will donate a portion of its sales to the library. People can provide additional support for the library by making a $2 “pin-up” donation through April 30. There will be free preschool storytime sessions at the library at 11:15 a.m. Thursday and April 23 and 30 and on May 14, 21 and 28 for ages 3 to 5. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All local families with preschool-age children are invited to socialize with other children and gain essential pre-reading skills through stories, crafts, games and activities, according to a library release. All are welcome, but register in advance at the library.

n Schuylkill Haven: The Gabriel Chamber Ensemble will end its 25th season with a 3 p.m. concert Sunday at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St. It will feature the ensemble in its chamber orchestra formation with 13 musicians performing. It is sponsored in part by the Donald W. Helbig Music Fund. Tickets, at $20 for adults and $15 for senior citizens, will be available at the door. For students, the concert is free.

n Shenandoah: The Schuylkill Historical Fire Society Museum, 105 S. Jardin St., is open for fire department, school and private tours. There is no charge for tours but donations are gratefully accepted, according to the society website, which also lists museum hours as 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Appointments can be made for visits at other times by contacting President Michael Kitsock at 570-628-3691 or Vice President William Kline at 570-622-3678. Membership inquiries are welcome. The museum’s phone number is 570-462-4400. The museum was formally dedicated in 1999 with several commemorative events and a dedication parade. Housed in the former Columbia Hose & Steam Fire Company station, the site also serves as the society’s headquarters. Its collection of equipment and other artifacts is among the finest anywhere. For more about the society and photos of antique equipment, go to its website at www.theshfs.org.

n Shenandoah: A Family Fun Night to benefit the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. April 28 at Friendly’s Family Restaurant near Fairlane Village mall. Ten percent of the eatery’s proceeds from sit-down and takeout sales will aid the library. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-462-9829.

Changes to zoning regulations could be in the works for Pottsville.

City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar told city council at its meeting Monday about the changes, which are mostly to regulations that have not been updated in at least 13 years. The council did not take any action on the proposed changes. Certain steps, such as a public hearing, would have to be taken before the changes would become effective.

“There is a legal process and a zoning process that has to follow, but I thought I wanted to begin here with you folks first,” Palamar said.

Palamar said the changes have been in the works for “quite some time,” and city codes officials helped in suggesting these changes to the zoning regulations.

Pertaining to garage/private parking, the change would state that the detached accessory structure would be used for the storage of vehicles by those living there. It would replace “a private garage shall not contain more than two automobile storage spaces for each dwelling unit located upon the zoned lot.”

“If you have a three-car garage, you should be able to put three cars in a three-car garage,” Palamar said.

Another change would be to regulations on converting property in residential districts. The proposed change would eliminate that “no commercial or manufacturing structure shall be converted into a dwelling structure. No structure which was so converted may be further converted to provide additional dwellings.”

“We have to strike this because if we are going to allow downtown buildings to be converted into multi-units in an appropriate space, this would basically contradict that,” Palamar said.

Proposed changes to signs include removing language that prohibits “banners, spinners, flags, pennants or any moving objects used for commercial advertising purposes, whether containing messages or not” and “flashing, blinking, twinkling, animated or moving signs of any type.”

“If we enforce that, there would be no signs ever anywhere,” he said.

Language might need to be added about electronic message boards because the city has “been handling them on a case by case basis,” Palamar said.

He told city council to “stay tuned” and if they wanted to offer any suggestions to contact him.

In other business, Matt Direnzo, owner of the Park Hotel on Centre Street, said the area that houses the General George A. Joulwan statute needs more upkeep. He owns the area and has been taking care of it for 20 years.

“It’s at the point now I think it’s something we should discuss,” Direnzo said.

Palamar said the city should own the area and he will call the city engineer to see what can be done about acquiring the property.

Also on Monday, city residents were reappointed to positions on boards, commissions and authorities. They were:

• John Kalinich, John Bosche and John Plachko to serve on the board of appeals until February 2018.

• Edward Hauck to serve on the board of health for five years until April 1, 2020.

• Marie Wilson to serve on the Pottsville Housing Authority for a five-year term until April 7, 2020.

• Frederick G. Lutkus and Craig Shoener to serve on the Planning Commission until Feb. 9, 2019.

• Ian Lipton to serve on the Redevelopment Authority for a five-year term until May 1, 2020.

• Jane L. Kruse and Robert M. Wood to the Shade Tree Commission for a five-year term until April 30, 2020.

ASHLAND — The borough council recently adopted a quality of life ordinance to better deal with code violations in a more timely manner.

The council voted for the formal ordinance adoption at its April 8 meeting. The ordinance provides for a ticketing process and setting penalties for violations in the borough.

“We’re setting up code enforcement ticketing like they have in other municipalities,” borough Manager Raymond Jones Jr. said.

The ordinance is modeled on similar ordinances in local municipalities.

“It is similar to other municipalities, but we tailored it to Ashland,” Jones said.

The purpose of the ordinance is stated in Section 1:

“Lack of maintenance of properties, littering, improper storage of trash and rubbish, storage of inoperable/non-registered vehicles, vendor operations without permits and accumulation of snow and ice are costly problems that contribute to the deterioration of property values and general disorder in a community. These problems degrade the physical appearance of the borough, which reduces business and tax revenue inhibiting economic development. The quality of life and community pride of the citizens of the borough are negatively impacted by the occurrences and existence of these activities. Recognizing these are community problems, the purpose of this ordinance is to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the borough by helping to create a clean environment for the citizens of the borough.”

Jones said the ordinance had been under discussion from time to time over the past year.

“We’ve been discussing it and continuing to use the existing system filing citations with the magistrate,” Jones said. “This (ordinance) makes it easier since it’s not always easy to file citations and get to hearings. This is at least a chance for the people to fix a problem before it’s a big fine.”

The violations listed involve accumulation of rubbish or garbage, animal maintenance and waste/feces cleanup, disposal of rubbish or garbage and dumping, high weeds, grass and plant growth, littering or scattering rubbish, motor vehicles (unregistered, uninspected, inoperative, unlicensed, or nuisance outdoors and not located in a garage or building), outside placement of indoor appliances/furniture, snow and ice removal from sidewalks, storage containers for waste or trash, storing of discarding of appliances, storing of hazardous material, storing of recyclables, swimming pools, violating the terms of any vending licence, and temporary dumpster permit required.

The first violation within a 12-month period is a $25 or a $50 ticket, depending on the violation. The second offense within a 12-month period is $50 or $100 and a third offense in that time frame is $100 or $200. For each offense subsequent to the initial three, the violation tickets will increase in amounts of $100 to a maximum of $500. There are also penalties if tickets are not paid or a hearing is not requested within 15 days.

“Our goal is to clean things up, keep it cleaned up and not overburden people or overburden our code enforcement officer,” Jones said. “For citations you have to send a certified letter and some people won’t pick up certified letters from the borough and it just sits there for however many days until we get it back and we can then file a citation. It works for extreme cases, but if you’re on the site and you see the pile and ask them to clean it up, and if they don’t, they get a ticket.”

The borough council tabled an agenda item for a cleanup week for further discussion. Jones said the activity has three issues that the borough has to deal with.

“First, there are the scavengers who are somewhat of a help because they take some of the material,” Jones said. “While they take items, they also scatter when they go through boxes and dump them out and now we’re not picking up big things but instead a lot of little things.”

The cleanups are for residents only, but Jones said borough employees are collecting much more.

“The second problem is out-of-town waste coming in. There’s an abundance of that,” Jones said. “There are vacant homes with piles and mountains behind them that we know didn’t come from that house.”

As for the third problem, Jones said, “The people who don’t pay all their bills are usually the ones with the biggest piles. Our intention is to take care of the citizens who have their bills paid.”

Jones said the service is a benefit to residents, but the idea needs to be looked at.

“We don’t know how to fix this,” he said. “A lot of the problem is that no one else (boroughs and townships) has this, so we’re going to get truck loads from everywhere else.”

Jones said there will be a cleanup this year, but next year could be changed so that there can be more control by the borough.

April 20 is the last day to register to vote in the May 19 primary.

Registrations, a change of address or party affiliation must be postmarked or received by the Schuylkill County Election Bureau by April 20. Registered Democrats and Republicans may vote in the election.

“Third parties cannot vote in this primary,” Frannie Brennan, director of the Schuylkill County Election Bureau, said Monday.

They could vote if there are ballot questions in their areas or special elections, according to the Department of State. Brennan said there are no ballot questions in Schuylkill County this year.

To vote in the primary, you must be a United States citizen, a resident of Pennsylvania in the election district you want to vote in for at least 30 days and 18 years old.

The polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

County offices, school boards and local municipal offices are up for election. Voters can also select candidates for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Superior Court and Commonwealth Court. The General Election is Nov. 3. The May 12 deadline is also approaching to apply for a civilian absentee ballot. Those cast ballots must be received by 5 p.m. May 15, Brennan said.

“That’s cutting it close,” she said of the time period between the last day to apply for a ballot and when they must be received by the election office.

Applications are available at the county election office, 420 N. Centre St., Pottsville, online at www.co.schuylkill.pa.us and other locations including county assistance offices, Women, Infants & Children program offices, PennDOT photo and driver’s license centers, Armed Forces recruitment centers, county clerk of orphans’ courts or marriage license offices, area agencies on aging, county mental health and intellectual disabilities offices, student disability services offices of the State System of Higher Education, offices of special education in high schools and Americans with Disabilities Act-mandated complementary paratransit providers, according to the Department of State.

“Voting is one of our fundamental rights. It is the means by which we choose our representatives in the halls of government. Voting is also a civic responsibility, a duty for every eligible citizen who wishes to participate fully in our democracy,” acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortes said in a press release.

Saint Clair and its borough council cannot challenge the legality of contracts between Blythe Township and the company that wants to develop a landfill along Burma Road, a three-judge Commonwealth Court panel has decided.

In a 12-page opinion and order filed Monday in Pottsville, the panel ruled the borough and the council have no right to contest the pacts between the township and FKV LLC because they have no direct interest in them.

“All of the harms alleged by (Saint Clair) ... relate to the landfill’s operation and do not directly flow from the agreements,” President Judge Dan Pellegrini wrote in affirming the decision of county Judge Jacqueline L. Russell.

As a result, the question of whether the landfill will be allowed to operate will be decided by the state Department of Environmental Protection and Environmental Hearing Board.

FKV has proposed to construct the Blythe Recycling and Demolition Site landfill on 252 acres along Burma Road in the township. The proposed Blythe Recycling and Demolition Site landfill will only accept construction and demolition waste and have a 1,500-ton daily volume limit.

Saint Clair officials have opposed the landfill as a threat to the health and welfare of its citizens. Blythe officials deny any environmental threat and believe the landfill will benefit its residents.

In the panel’s opinion, Pellegrini distinguished between the possible effects of the landfill and the underlying contracts. Saint Clair’s is not a party to, or a beneficiary of, any of the contracts, and it does not own any property in the township, Pellegrini wrote.

“The borough does not have standing (the right to sue) in this case because ... there is no uncertainty with respect to the borough’s rights, status or legal relations” under any of the contracts between the township and FKV, Pellegrini wrote. “It has not pleaded facts demonstrating a causal connection between the agreements and its alleged injury.”

Additionally, Russell correctly ruled that there is no active case involving Saint Clair’s claims that its opposition to the landfill is not unlawful interference with a contract and that the federal lawsuit filed by the township and FKV alleging that it was violated Pennsylvania law.

That federal lawsuit has been dismissed, and since there is no pending lawsuit, any attempt to settle those claims would be an advisory opinion that the court has no power to render, Pellegrini wrote.

Judge Anne E. Covey and Senior Judge James Gardner Colins, the other panel members, joined in Pellegrini’s opinion.

Marriage licenses

Tamal K. Antonelli, Gilberton, and Laura M. Myers, Gilberton.

Lamar L. Schaeffer Jr., Tremont, and Shirley S. Adams, Tremont.

Thomas E. Austerberry Jr., Minersville, and Kelly M. Karmazin, Minersville.

Daniel T. Fetzer, New Ringgold, and Katherine A. Walsh, New Ringgold.

Darin W. Lusch, Andreas, and Brandee J. Hoffman, Andreas.

Robert D. Reichwein, Ashland, and Jenna E. Brocious, Ashland.

Jeremy P. Valukevich, Pottsville, and Kathryn E. Haick, Pottsville.

James A. Kachinoskie, Schuylkill Haven, and Amy Betteridge, Schuylkill Haven.

Kenneth J. Graeff, Tremont, and Amanda E. Snyder, Tremont.

Andrew F. Rabuck, Auburn, and Megan M. Malone, Auburn.

Douglas C. Machamer, Tremont, and AmyJo Quairoli, Tremont.

Kyle M. Sisak, Charlottesville, Va., and Shaina Marie Wagner, Charlottesville, VA.

Jeremy J. Quayhackx, New York, N.Y., and Amy T. Zelinsky, New York, N.Y.

Miguel A. Aceves-Cruz, Shenandoah, and Jennifer A. Salada, Shenandoah.

MINERSVILLE — An 18-year-old borough man was jailed after being taken into custody by Minersville police on a stolen ATV on April 6.

Steven W. Harmer, 515 School St., was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, on felony charges of theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy along with a misdemeanor count of corruption of minors Wednesday.

Harmer was committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10-percent of $25,000 bail set by Plachko, police said.

The charges against Harmer stem from an incident between 2 and 4 a.m. April 6 at 218 Middle St. in the borough.

Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers said he received a report from Jeffrey Enders, who said his son’s 2005 Yamaha ATV was stolen and that his security cameras captured the theft.

The images showed a tall man who appeared to be Harmer and another man and Enders reported that about a week earlier he was told by a friend that Harmer had been discussing stealing the vehicle.

Bowers said he went to Harmer’s home and was informed by his mother that he was inside, in his bedroom.

When Harmer was contacted, Bowers said, he immediately recognized the hooded sweatshirt that the alleged thief was wearing on the security images and informed the man that he had photos of him stealing the ATV from Enders.

When asked where the ATV was located, Bowers said that Harmer said it was behind the borough Little League field.

Asked who the other person on the video was, Harmer said it was a 15-year-old juvenile, according to Bowers.

Bowers said the juvenile admitted he was the other person in the video committing the crime and both he and Harmer were taken into custody.

Harmer was then taken to an area he pointed out to the rear of the Minersville Recreation Complex where the ATV was located. The vehicle was subsequently returned to Enders, Bowers said.

The juvenile is facing identical charges as Harmer with Schuylkill County juvenile authorities, Bowers said.

City man jailed

for threats, assault

A 19-year-old city man was jailed after being arrested by Pottsville police in connection with a domestic incident about 7 p.m. Thursday.

Police said Isaiah J. Snowell was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David Rossi, Tremont, on charges of terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $25,000 straight cash bail.

Police said officers were called to 123 N. George St. and spoke to a 16-year-old girl who reported her boyfriend, Snowell, placed scissors to her eye and threatened to kill her and her unborn child. Snowell admitted to committing the threats and the scissors were recovered, police said.

Man arrested for

third theft charge

Pottsville police investigated a retail theft incident that was reported about 3:10 a.m. Saturday to their department.

Police said officers were called to Giant Market, 500 N. Progress Ave., and learned that Anthony Iacovitti, 42, of Pottsville, concealed merchandise on himself and tried to leave the store without paying.

Iacovitti was taken into custody for retail theft and subsequent investigation determined it was his third such crime making it a felony offense, police said.

The man was committed to Schuylkill County Prison on an unrelated outstanding warrant and a will now be arraigned by a felony charge of retail theft by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

Police: City man

assaulted woman

Pottsville police said a city man was jailed, charged with assaulting a woman on Saturday.

Police said officers were called about 1:30 p.m. to 250 N. 12th St. for a domestic assault and found Tyrone Bruton, 46, physically assaulting a 49-year-old woman on the second floor of the home causing visible injuries.

Officers immediately intervened, took Bruton into custody and, during a subsequent search, found him with drug paraphernalia and a small amount of marijuana.

Bruton was charged with simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10-percent of $15,000 bail, police said.

Orwigsburg police

describe IRS scam

ORWIGSBURG — A recent rash of telephone calls around the Orwigsburg community has caused concern and prompted police to issue a warning and alert.

Orwigsburg police said the calls involve a notification that indicates that a person owes back taxes and needs to pay immediately or face arrest by police and others.

This is not how the IRS or Department of Treasury works, police said.

Police said the government or any of its employees will not ask over the telephone, internet or social media sites for any personal information or passwords to bank or credit card accounts.

“Anyone requesting this information is intent on stealing your money,” police said.

“It is the intent of the Orwigsburg Police Department to notify you, and ask you to pass on to others, the information of this scam so that nobody is hurt financially or emotionally by this scheme,” police said.

Officials said a local police department will most likely unable to recover money lost to such a scam or prosecute those responsible since they will probably be out of the United States.

If a person receives a call, police suggest this is what they do.

If you owe taxes, or think you owe taxes, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and an IRS worker will discuss the matter with you.

If you know you do not owe taxes, fill out the IRS Impersonation Scam form on the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration site, www.treasury.gov/tigta, or call that office at 800-366-4484.

A complaint can also be filed at the site www.FTC.gov and add IRS phone scam to the comments section of the complaint.

Email solicitation from the IRS should be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov.

Police said the department hopes that residents are more aware and do not become victims of these scams.

“Please do not become a victim,” police said.

Rush Twp. police

file theft charges

HOMETOWN _ Rush Township police have filed charges against a Jim Thorpe man after a March 27 incident at Wal-Mart.

Police said Michael C. Slater-Trine, 18, was arraigned on April 1 on charges of retail theft and receiving stolen property before on-call Magisterial District Judge David Rossi, Tremont.

Police said Slater-Trine was picked up by Jim Thorpe police and has been charged in the township for stealing items valued at $330 from the store.

Police: Research

before giving

ORWIGSBURG — Orwigsburg police said their department has been made aware of calls being made to residents in the area seeking donations for Firefighter’s Charitable Foundation Inc., saying that monies received will benefit local fire departments.

Police said the Orwigsburg Fire Department is in the process of starting its annual fund drive that solicits donations to help continue the operation of the department and response to emergency calls. All of that money remains with the local fire company, police said.

Police said the Firefighter’s Charitable Foundation Inc. does not aid in the funding of the Orwigsburg Fire Department and is currently making their contacts by telephone in comparison to the fire company making donation request by mail.

Both police and fire department officials want residents to be aware of the difference and anyone with questions should contact police or the fire department if they are not sure which organization they are responding to with a donation.

Police said the Orwigsburg Fire Department responds to all emergency calls while residents will only hear from the Firefighter’s Charitable Foundation Inc. when they want more money.

Anyone needing assistance can call police at 570-366-3102 or through the Schuylkill County Communications Center at 570-628-3792. The Orwigsburg Fire Department can be contacted at 121 N. Liberty St., Box 205, Orwigsburg, PA, 17961 or by calling 570-366-1500.

Collectibles taken

from man’s home

PINE GROVE — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a burglary and theft that occurred between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday at 7 Roedersville Road in Washington Township.

Police said Christopher Schnoke reported someone forced their way into his home, stole a few collectible items and then fled undetected.

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

WILLIAM PENN — Eleven men and women who dedicated 20 years or more of their lives to the William Penn Fire Company were honored recently with life membership pins.

The members were recognized by fire company personnel during the organization’s banquet on Saturday.

Recipients of life membership pins included: 20 years, Greg Stevens; 21 years, Tom Cecchini, Mark Hysock, Al Miscannon, Chris Miscannon, John Petrylak, Lisa Stevens, Joseph Mitchell Jr. and Jeff Stevens; 22 years, Chris Petrylak; 25 years, Kathy DiNofa.

Richard Stevens, president of the company for 22 years, commended not only the life members but also every person in the organization, including junior members. He said all have roles in shaping the future of the organization.

“Thanks to all of you, we are continually meeting the changing needs of the fire service,” he said.

Stevens said in addition to training and making sure the vehicles and building are maintained, fundraising is an important aspect of surviving in the future.

“It costs about $19,000 to outfit one firefighter with gear, a self-containing breathing apparatus and radio,” he said.

Richard Stevens said the company, in the past, has been active in fundraising and added he hopes that trend will continue, allowing members to continue to provide emergency services to the people of the area.

Fire Chief Al Miscannon, who has held that post for the past 10 years, said a recent mutual aid call to neighboring Girardville gave him the opportunity to see the progress the William Penn Fire Company has made over the past decade.

He said more than half of the company’s active firefighters have attained state Firefighter I status or above and several firefighters attended the National Fire Academy for training in 2014.

In addition to the certified firefighters, he said, the company also boasts eight certified rescue technicians and two emergency medical technicians.

“We are trained better than we ever have been,” Miscannon said.

In addition to active firefighters, Miscannon said the company also has about 50 other members and about 100 social members, all of whom play a vital role in fundraising and other projects enabling the company to survive and move forward.

Miscannon broke down the membership into classes he referred to as the junior class, sophomore class and older guys.

He presented an award to firefighter Gary Knott in appreciation of all he and his “sophomore class” have done for the company.

The chief said that as the older members will not be around forever, it is imperative a new, younger group of men and women show an active interest, not only with firefighting but also with company operations in general.

Richard Stevens said the William Penn Fire Company was organized in 1907 and incorporated in 1908. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008.

A Tower City man faces more time in prison after a Schuylkill County jury convicted him Monday of possessing drugs and drug paraphernalia in October 2014 in his hometown.

Jared L. Miller, 36, is guilty of three counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia.

President Judge William E. Baldwin, who presided over Miller’s one-day trial, dismissed a charge of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation, said he would schedule sentencing at a later date and reduced Miller’s bail to $25,000 percentage from $25,000 straight cash.

State police at Lykens alleged Miller possessed 100 bags of heroin, plus marijuana and needles, at 9:35 a.m. Oct. 13, 2014.

Cpl. Robert S. Ligon Jr. testified he was on his way to a hearing in Tremont when he pulled over the vehicle in which Miller was a passenger because it had swerved onto the other side of the road.

“He was extremely nervous, a little agitated,” Ligon said of Miller.

Ligon said he searched the truck and found 48 packets of heroin in the truck and 52 in the driver’s purse.

Dana Jackson, a scientist at the state police crime laboratory in Harrisburg, testified the substance found in the packets was heroin.

Miller testified all the heroin he and the driver had was for their personal use.

“You weren’t looking to deliver it to someone else?” Claude A.L. Shields, Pottsville, Miller’s lawyer, asked him.

“No,” Miller answered.

Under cross-examination by Assistant District Attorney William L.J. Burke, Miller said Ligon’s version of what occurred was essentially accurate.

“You’re admitting you had heroin that day?” Burke asked Miller.

“Yes,” Miller answered.

Shields said the case never should have gone to trial, since Miller was willing to admit to the charges of which he was convicted, while Burke said he was satisfied with the result.

Also on April 6 in the county court, Judge Charles M. Miller dismissed charges of possessing contraband and possession of a controlled substance against Christopher D. Books, 25, of Tower City.

Assistant District Attorney Robert I. Lipkin said there was a last-minute problem with a witness that prevented him from prosecuting the case.

Pottsville police had charged Books with committing the crimes on Feb. 21, 2014, while he was an inmate at the county prison in the city.

In other recent county court action, Judge Jacqueline L. Russell accepted a guilty plea from, and, pursuant to agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, imposed the indicated sentences on, this person:

Steven J. Steckley, 42, of Schuylkill Haven; driving under the influence and careless driving; 30 days in prison, 90 days house arrest with electronic monitoring, 30 days alcohol monitoring, seven months strict supervision, four years probation, $1,525 in fines, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of reckless driving.

All defendants who were sentenced must pay costs as a part of their sentences.

Students from high schools throughout Schuylkill County learned the costs of making destructive decisions Monday.

The Pottsville campus of McCann School of Business & Technology invited all high school students in the county to its “Live Once” event. A collaborative effort with various community organizations, the event was designed to educate students about avoiding destructive decisions and covered things from distracted and impaired driving, drug use and career choices.

“This is very current,” Shannon Brennan, campus director, said. “It is relative to them and they have to be up to date on how dangerous it can be.”

About 190 students from Schuylkill Haven Area, Blue Mountain, Pottsville Area, Mahanoy Area and Pine Grove Area attended the event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“I think it was a good event,” Brennan said. “I think they were taking the message seriously and giving it the respect that it deserves.”

It was the first time an event like that has been held at the Pottsville campus. Brennan said the event has been held at other campuses and was suggested by Lori Kane, community relations specialist for McCann School of Business & Technology. Kane said the other campuses have held the event the last couple years.

“It goes over really well over there so we thought it could help change things up a little bit here,” Kane said.

Bill McQuilken, trauma prevention specialist with Leigh Valley Health Network, brought several driving simulators to the event to show students the consequences of distracted driving.

“There are real-life consequences built into the system,” McQuilken said.

While driving, a cellphone comes up on the screen. Students can choose to answer the phone or not. The simulation runs all the way from the students getting into an accident to an appearance in front of a court judge, McQuilken said.

“I think the students are surprised by the consequences,” he said.

District Attorney Christine Holman and Detective Martin Heckman discussed the heroin epidemic in Schuylkill County and Act 139, which allows state police to carry the antidote drug naloxone, also known as the brand name Narcan, to rapidly reverse heroin and other opioid overdoses.

“We can’t arrest our way out of this situation,” Holman said.

Holman said that out of the 1,073 criminal complaints filed in Schuylkill County from January to June 2014, 55 include a charge dealing with heroin. About 3,000 people in Pennsylvania have died from heroin in the past five years.

“I think that it is important to impress upon students that they are illegal and harmful,” Holman said. “An overdose causes death. I also thought it would be educational for them to see the law themselves and read it.”

Attorney Lori Schafer Guzick also spoke to students about the loss of her nephew to a distracted driver, while Diane Rowland, prevention services coordinator with the Schuylkill County Drug and Alcohol Program, showed students the physical effects repeated drug use has on a person. James Minnich and Dale Repp, criminal justice instructors at McCann, conducted a car accident reconstruction. The DUI Memorial Wall was also on campus.

Representatives of the Army, Air Force and Marines discussed how making a destructive decision at an early age can hamper career choices.

McCann School of Business & Technology offers associate degree and diploma programs at its multiple campuses. The program categories include healthcare, technology, skilled trades, legal and protective services and beauty and wellness.

For more information, visit McCann’s website at www.mccann.edu.