PALO ALTO — On Monday, the man who served the borough as its mayor since February 2010 decided to resign, Baldine Traini-Rossi, a council member, said Thursday.

“I almost fell off the chair. He’s been excellent, a perfect mayor. We’re just in a state of shock. That was the last thing we expected. He said as mayor he’s been getting phone calls day and night and he’s tired,” Traini-Rossi said.

Thomas W. Beveridge submitted his resignation letter at the council’s June meeting and forced the council to seek a replacement.

“Five and one-half years ago, having just retired from 34 years of working in our public schools, I felt a need to provide a period of public service to my community as a way of thanking the community for the blessings I have received over my professional career. However, today, I find I no longer possess the enthusiasm for the position,” Beveridge said in his resignation letter, dated June 8.

A job ad was advertised in Thursday’s edition of The Republican-Herald. The borough is seeking applications, hoping to receive them by June 17.

Joan Stevenosky, council president, said interested residents can send applications to: The Borough of Palo Alto, 142 E. Bacon St., Palo Alto, PA 17901.

Stevenosky said the matter may be discussed at a special meeting to be held at the borough office at 6:30 p.m. June 22.

Beveridge did not return calls for comment Thursday.

The last time the borough had to work to find a mayor was in 2010, when James Walsh, who was elected to the post in the 2009 General Election, decided not to serve, according to the newspaper’s archives.

The council considered applications from five candidates on Feb. 1, 2010, and appointed Beveridge.

Beveridge ran unopposed in the 2013 General Election and won a four-year term, according to the website for the Schuylkill County Election Bureau.

Frannie Brennan, director of the Schuylkill County Election Bureau, said Thursday her office received a call about the mayor vacancy in Palo Alto, but no formal letter.

“There’s two years left on the seat. So if they appoint someone, that person can run in 2017,” Brennan said.

John Deatrich Jr., who served on borough council for eight consecutive years from 2005 to 2013, said Thursday he’s interested in the mayor’s seat. He was council president during his second term. At the end of that second four-year term, he decided not to run for a third because issues he had concerns about had been pushed off the table, he said.

They included the replacement of the Collins Street Bridge and a long-term solution to the borough’s mine drainage problem.

“Those were the two things that I held near and dear. But now I’m considering putting in a letter to be mayor and getting involved again. When I was president of council we really redid the entire police force. We really brought it up to par. And one thing the mayor does is oversee the police department. I have knowledge of that because I was there on the ground floor when we redid this thing and brought in new police officers and bought new equipment. I’d like to see it continue to move forward,” Deatrich said.

According to the borough’s website, the six-member borough council is Stevenosky, Vincent Riotto, vice president, and members Traini-Rossi, Edward B. Herring Jr., Patricia Schaeffer and Stephen Haley. The borough’s secretary/treasurer is Sharon Uscilowicz.

A Pottsville man and a passenger were not injured Thursday after he drove his car into a PPL Corp. pole in the city.

City Patrolman Michael Stank said Mike Shay, 27, was driving a 2013 Dodge Dart at 3:14 p.m. south on Progress Avenue when he jumped on the curb and struck the pole.

The front passenger side of the car and tire were damaged.

Stank said the accident is under investigation, and that he did not know what caused the crash.

Progress Avenue from Arch Street to Norwegian Street was closed as crews worked to replace the pole. The pole was split at the bottom and pieces of wood were visible on the sidewalk.

City fire Chief Todd March said although the pole needed to be replaced, no one was expected to lose electricity because the three 7,000 volt lines and other equipment were not damaged.

“There’s nothing holding the pole up. He hit the pole pretty good,” March said.

Shay and his passenger, Samantha Shay, 25, his sister, looked surprised about the crash.

“I can’t explain it. I don’t know,” he said.

He said he was driving and before he knew it, he was on the curb.

“Obviously, I was going kind of fast to do that,” Shay said while looking at the pole.

Shay said both he and his sister were wearing seat belts.

Stank said no charges are filed at this time.

Fugitive brought

in on warrant

GIRARDVILLE — A man wanted on a burglary warrant by Girardville was recently taken into custody in Shamokin.

Girardville police said officers had a felony warrant for John W. Houston who has been classified as a fugitive from justice since last year for a burglary that occurred at 130 W. Ogden St.

Police said Houston was taken into custody at a home at 15 N. Grant St. in Shamokin by borough police with assistance from Shamokin Police and is currently lodged in Schuylkill County Prison.

Man charged for

harassment

GIRARDVILLE — Girardville Police have filed charges against a borough man after an incident on May 6 at 350 W. Main St.

Police said officers were called to the area and spoke to Ginger Schell about damage to her property. The woman reported hearing noise in the yard, looked out the window and saw her neighbor, Bernard Purcell, pulling down black wires from her home.

The woman also said Purcell began pulling insulation boards from her home and that she was later told her cellar screen was broken and ripped off of a window.

Two days later, on May 8, police said officers were called to the same address and spoke to Mary Knecht who reported Purcell was harassing her 14-year-old son by calling him obscene names for no reason.

The boy told officers he was mowing the lawn minding his own business when the harassment started, police said.

Charges were filed against Purcell in connection with both incidents with Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, police said.

The Cass Township Planning Commission recommended approval of a land development plan Thursday called the Condors Complex in honor of the 1957 football team that went undefeated, untied and un-scored upon in a season.

The area in question is near the current softball field and is along Route 901, just outside of Minersville. The township is seeking to build a new municipal building on about 1 1/2 acres of land it acquired after it paid $27,500 for it last year. A recreation area will be built on land near the softball field, which it also owns.

The plan will go to the board of supervisors for their approval at the June 25 meeting.

Supervisors opted previously for the name “in recognition of the football team that played at the high school,” supervisor Michael Kulpcavage said.

At the planning commission meeting, which lasted about 25 minutes, township engineers Christopher Bentz and Daniel Cook, with Alfred Benesch & Co., talked about the plans for the site. The complex includes a new municipal building, parking and room for future growth, which could include a garage for the streets department and a building for them and the recreation area.

The board of supervisors applied earlier this year for a $60,000 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for phase one of the playground area. They could find out later this year if they are awarded funds. There are five phases for the recreation component. The first phase the includes gravel access roads, handicapped parking spaces, a path, fence and a tot lot for ages 2 to 5 and possibly a rain garden or other storm water management design, Cook said.

The second phase includes a larger play structure for children 5 to 12 years old including swings, seesaws and the remaining section of the fence. The third involves a walking path around the current softball field, and the fourth has additional parking and a small pavilion. The last phase would involve softball field rehabilitation. Grants will help to fund the recreation component of the plan, Cook and Bentz said. Completion could be five to 10 years away for the recreation improvements. Kulpcavage said the supervisors do have some funds available to accomplish the recreation component.

Those concerned about the field need not be because the field is going to stay where it is, supervisors said.

The township has two playgrounds, one in Forestville and another one in Heckscherville. Both are used often, Kulpcavage said.

John Olenick, a member of the planning commission, attended both the township elementary school and the high school. He thinks the idea to name the complex after the football team is a great one “because of the history of that school, the football team and the graduates from there.”

Supervisors said the need for the municipal building is something that other supervisors have also thought about. The supervisors are located in the former Cass Township Elementary school on at 1209 Valley Road. While the building has history, it is also costing the township a lot of money to maintain. “It’s not insulated. It’s a money pit,” chairman John Walaitis said Thursday.

The 10,000 square-foot building has oil heat and gets very expensive in the winter, supervisors said.

“We’ve spent $295,000 in the last 11 years to stay in this building,” Kulpcavage said.

That cost includes heat, sewer, electricity and water, he said.

Supervisors said they looked at the site near the softball field because it is centrally located and the supervisors own the field and another couple acres nearby. The area also has significance because the old Cass Township High School was nearby. In fact, the old steps from the high school are still visible, Kulpcavage said.

Architect David Leung, Clarks Summit, designed the plans for the municipal building. The plans incorporate some design aspects of the old school into the new 2,850-square-foot building. Four example, the front of the building has four pillars, something the old high school had before it was torn down.

Plans show the building has room for the police department, a map room, supervisors office, conference room, a planning and zoning office that will be shared by the Cass Township Municipal Authority, extra office space and rest rooms.

Kulpcavage did not say how much the supervisors think the municipal building project might cost.

“We didn’t put it out for bid yet,” he said.

The township does have some money set aside for the effort. Selling the current building would help financially to get the building built faster. The elementary school building is appraised at $160,000, Kulpcavage said. The township uses one area and the police department uses the basement. Child Development uses the rest of the building and has given a letter to the supervisors saying they will not renew their lease when it expires later this year, Kulpcavage said.

“We are not far away from starting the new building,” he said, possibly within two years.

He said there will also be a sign at the complex and the access road will be named Condors Complex Drive.

Planning commission members Pete Ricigliano and Michael Stone did not attend the meeting. Supervisor James Wentz could not be reached for comment.

James A. “Jamie” Barton must spend five days in prison as the result of the driving under the influence incident in February 2014 that derailed his campaign for the state Legislature, a Schuylkill County judge ruled Thursday.

Barton, 50, of Orwigsburg, pleaded guilty to DUI, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of disregarding traffic lane, failure to drive at a safe speed and careless driving.

President Judge William E. Baldwin accepted Barton’s plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to serve five days to six months in prison, with eligibility for work release.

Baldwin also sentenced Barton to pay costs, a $300 fine and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and perform 20 hours community service. Baldwin made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. today.

Barton said little during Thursday’s hearing except to indicate that he understood his plea and that he made it knowingly and voluntarily.

“Do you have any questions about anything I’ve gone over?” Baldwin asked Barton.

“No, sir,” Barton answered.

The plea and sentence end a case that affected Schuylkill County’s political landscape in 2014.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had alleged Barton was DUI to the extent that he was incapable of safe driving about 11 p.m. Feb. 24, 2014, on Red Dale Road in West Brunswick Township.

Police said Barton lost control of his Chevrolet Tahoe sport utility vehicle and, when found at the scene, had slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol. Barton admitted he had drunk a few beers, police said.

The case also wound through several legal twists and turns.

Originally, Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, dismissed all charges against Barton after a preliminary hearing. However, prosecutors refiled the charges, as they are permitted to do, and Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont, bound them over for court after Barton waived his right to another preliminary hearing.

Then, Barton withdrew his guilty plea on March 18, but sought to plead guilty again on April 16, only to have Baldwin reject it that time because the proposed sentence did not include any prison time.

An East Brunswick Township Republican, Barton had sought to challenge state Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, in the May 20, 2014, primary election before dropping out of the campaign after the incident. Knowles, a former Tamaqua mayor and county commissioner, went on to win both the primary and General Election unopposed in the heavily Republican 124th District, which includes parts of Berks, Carbon and Schuylkill counties.

Stephen T. Carpenito, Pottsville, Barton’s lawyer, Assistant District Attorney Robert I. Lipkin and state police Trooper Stephen D. Kleeman, the prosecuting officer, each declined to comment Thursday on the case.

Defendant: James A. “Jamie” Barton

Age: 50

Residence: Orwigsburg

Crime committed: Driving under the influence

Prison sentence: Five days to six months

H eritage Day in the Valley has new leadership, and they hope to provide a fun event for years to come.

“We are going to try to keep this day going,” said Michael Moore, vice president of Cass Township Ancient Order of Hibernians.

The Cass Township AOH took over the event from the Friends of St. Kieran, a volunteer group dedicated to raising funds to buy St. Kieran Church in Heckscherville. The church was closed in June 2008, a casualty in the widespread restructuring and consolidation of Roman Catholic churches. For six years, the group held Heritage Day in the Valley as a way to raise funds for the effort. Last June, Friends of St. Kieran announced they were unable to continue pursuing that goal.

Heritage Day will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Clover Fire Company grounds in Heckscherville. Food will be provided by Roman’s Catering, Frackville. Schuylkill County and Minersville Area historical societies will have vendor stands and there will be a table for St. Kieran merchandise.

Before the Heritage Day activities, Cass Township AOH will hold its memorial walk and ceremonies at St. Kieran Cemetery beginning at 11 a.m. The ceremony honors deceased AOH and Armed Forces members. Members of American Legion 544, Minersville, will participate in the ceremony, including performing a 21-gun salute.

Heritage Day schedule of events includes Coal Region band The Troubles from noon to 1:30 p.m.; Mark Bulik, author of a new book on the Molly Maguires, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and Finnegan’s Wake, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., followed by the McCormick School of Irish Dance.

Finnegan’s Wake is a play based on an Irish myth about drinking from pewter mugs, which lead to the drinker developing lead poisoning. The improvisational skit is a mock funeral procession for Finnegan attended by an outlandish group of family and friends. However, it turns out that the man being mourned is not dead.

“They do a good job every year,” Moore said.

Heritage Day and its activities are free. Moore said the event does not specifically benefit any groups, only what they make through sales. For example, Cass Township AOH will be selling lottery tickets.

“The only thing that will cost people is if they buy food or memorabilia,” he said.

Moore said he has no expectations for Heritage Day. As community events disappear around the county, he said it is important to keep some traditions alive.

“I didn’t want to see it go by the wayside,” Moore said.

Also on Sunday, Clover Fire Company will host breakfast at the fire station beginning at 7 a.m.

McADOO — Borough fire Chief Bob Leshko announced that McAdoo and Keystone fire companies have agreed to merge.

He also said the Tresckow Fire Company merger is still in the negotiation stage and is not part of this merger with both McAdoo fire companies at this time. Eventually, all three hope to merge into one fire company but they have not reached an agreement with Tresckow.

Check presentation

Kline Township received a check for $555,250 representing the proceeds of a new loan that will pay off three other loans.

Supervisors Chairman Dale Wesner said at Monday’s meeting that one of the loans is through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was used for paving roads a number of years ago, another was for purchase of the police sport utility vehicle and the third was to buy emergency police and fire radios.

Bridge removal

Before the start of the meeting, Jeffrey Case, director of transportation engineering for Rettew Associates, laid out plans to eliminate a section of bridge on Route 309 heading into McAdoo.

The bridge is partially hidden.

“You kind of zip right over it fast and probably aren’t aware it is even there,” Case said.

The state Department of Transportation will select a weekend in June or July 2016 to close that section of Route 309 so that workers can remove the bridge and fill it with backfill. It will be removed and it should only take about three days. A detour will be put in place at each end of McAdoo while the work is done.

The detour could increase emergency response time from two to 15 minutes and that is a concern to Leshko. Officials in charge of the project said they can provide access during an emergency and hope to work it out with Leshko.

Late fee

The township will add a $50 late fee to garbage bills unpaid by June 30. This late fee was added a number of years ago, according to Wesner, and is noted in the billing process. The township expects most of the bills to be caught up by July 1. The board said there are about 200 or so garbage bills that need to be paid by the end of June.

Police

With July 4 approaching, the Kline Township Police Department reminded residents that illegal fireworks will not be tolerated and that no fireworks will be allowed after 10 p.m.

Officers will aggressively patrol the township for the holiday and violators will be cited, according to Chief John Petrilla.

In another matter, police and the supervisors said all-terrain vehicles are being operated in a careless manner in the township, with some operators recklessly doing “wheelies.”

The township intends to crack down on this type of activity and police will cite anyone operating an ATV in a careless or reckless manner this summer.

Other business

The supervisors also approved on 3-0 votes:

• A $1,300 check to streets department foreman Gary Perna Sr. for overtime he recently put in.

• A 3 percent cost-of-living pay increase for the township secretary, retroactive to Jan. 1.

• A 3 percent raise to the garbage and ash collector.

David J. Rossi

TREMONT — A Dauphin County man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday on charges resulting from an alleged theft in July 2014 in Upper Mahantongo Township.

Donnie T. Carl, 28, of 107 S. Second St., Lykens, faces two counts of conspiracy and one each of theft and receiving stolen property.

Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi bound over all charges for court Thursday after Carl waived his right to the hearing.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Carl committed the crimes on July 3, 2014.

Carl is in prison pending further court action in lieu of $25,000 straight cash bail.

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

Jeanette M. Danchision, 39, of 81 High Road, Pottsville; driving under the influence, failure to carry registration, speeding, depositing waste on highway, careless driving and seat belt violation; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Angela M. Fetterolf, 21, of 140 Rosies Road, Aristes; simple assault and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Richard D. Kennedy, 30, of 176 Penn St., Tamaqua; two counts each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia and one of driving under suspension; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Brenda Sheppo, 31, of 723 Mount Hope Ave., Pottsville; two counts each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Charles C. Shutt, 57, of 122 S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove; two counts of criminal mischief; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Walter F. Slifka, 67, of 877 Sunbury Road, Minersville; accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property, disregarding traffic lane and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

David L. Wilson Jr., 29, of 210 Sweet Arrow Lake Road, Pine Grove; possession of drug paraphernalia; charge held for court after preliminary hearing that defendant did not attend. Rossi asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Wilson.

Joe A. Wolff Jr., 35, of 22 Lyter St., Elizabethville; burglary, criminal trespass, terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment; charges withdrawn.

• Mahanoy City: Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church will hold a food and bake sale beginning at 11 a.m. June 27 in the courtyard, South Catawissa Street. All are welcome.

• New Ringgold: The New Ringgold Area Food Pantry is held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. the second Saturday of even months at Christ Church McKeansburg, 6 S. Race St. The primary contact is Jason Schally, Schuylkill Community Action, at 570-622-1995. Its service area includes New Ringgold, McKeansburg, Port Clinton, Drehersville, Snyders, Andreas, East Brunswick Township and part of West Penn Township.

• Pine Grove: A free Flag Day program will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Waterfall Pavilion, Waterfall Road, Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. Matthew Dodd will present “Songs and Stories of the Red, White, and Blue.” Attendees will learn more about the history of the American flag and hear some of the nation’s greatest patriotic songs and the stories behind their composition and the people who wrote them. The musical program will include a backdrop of the flags from each of the periods in which the songs were written. People are invited to bring a lawn chair to enjoy the program. For more information, call 570-345-8952. All are welcome.

• Pine Grove: The North End Fire Company, 118 N. Tulpehocken St., will host a seafood dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. June 27 at the firehouse. The cost is $15 per meal, which includes choice of seafood boiled with potatoes and corn on the cob or two homemade crab cakes with potatoes and corn on the cob. Either choice includes salad, dessert and beverage. For more information, call 570-294-5147.

• Pottsville: City fire Chief Todd March recently addressed the Pottsville Lions Club about his more than 40 years as chief. According to the club bulletin, March said he became chief when John D.W. Reiley, former mayor of Pottsville, and Tony Picioni were deeply involved in the community as Lions as well as in the effort to restore pride in the city. March, according to the bulletin, said the chief is the only paid member of the city fire department, while everyone else is a volunteer. There are eight volunteer fire companies that serve the greater Pottsville area, responding to 500-plus alarms each year. March said the Pottsville Fire Department has four part-time assistant chiefs who work closely with him to maintain a 24/7 coverage in the city. “Training is essential,” March said, adding “that is why we work closely with both the public and the local schools. Our team works with kids to teach them about not playing with matches, the importance of installing smoke alarms and CO2 detectors and planning safe escape routes should a fire occur within one’s home.” He praised the work of the local firemen and women in the training effort. He also said funding for the Pottsville Fire Department comes from revenue sharing provided by the city government and also the county commissioners. Most of the funding goes for fuel, liabilities on the trucks/equipment and also replacing old or outdated equipment. March also said that 120 new air packs are needed because the current air packs are up to 15 years old. The primary objective of every firefighter when on the scene is to save lives, secure the perimeter and then do the utmost to lessen the effects of the fire, reducing damage to the structure as much as possible as well as preventing it from spreading, March said, adding that Fire Safety/Prevention Week is slated for Oct. 4-10.

• Pottsville: The Pottsville Rotary Club will stage this year’s Hops, Vine and Dine charity event at 5 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Barefield Recreation Complex. In the Rotary Bulletin, Pete Keitsock, executive director of Avenues, issued a call for club members interested in serving on the event’s planning committee to step forward.

• Shenandoah: St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, 114 S. Chestnut St., will hold a healing service at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The service will immediately follow the Divine Liturgy and will be celebrated by Monsignor Myron Grabowsky, pastor. For more information, call the rectory at 570-462-0809 or e-mail to stmichaelsukrainian@verizon.net.

• Shenandoah: A summer “miracle healing service” will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Restoration Fellowship, 201 W. Oak St. The guest speaker is from Donna Cheney Ministries. For more information, call 570-462-0374.

• Shenandoah: The Arrowhead Rod & Gun Club is sponsoring a bus trip for the Phillies-Cardinals baseball game June 20 at One Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia. The cost is $58 per person. The bus will depart at 3 p.m. from the Polish American Fire Company, Centre and West streets, for a 7:05 p.m. game start. For reservations or more information, call 570-276-6448.

Three men admitted Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that they violated protection from abuse orders.

Travis L. Block, 29, of Schuylkill Haven, Christopher J. Cuozzo, 43, of Pottsville, and Jerry K. Ephault, 31, of Scranton, each pleaded guilty to indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom.

Judge Charles M. Miller sentenced each man to pay costs and a $300 fine, while also sentencing Ephault to serve 30 days in prison.

Pottsville police charged Block with violating a PFA order by sending the victim at least one text message on May 9 in the city, while they alleged Cuozzo violated a PFA order by threatening and shoving the victim on May 24 at her apartment in the city.

State police at Frackville charged Ephault with violating a PFA order on May 20 by appearing on her front porch holding a tire iron.

“Take care of your family” and stay away from the victim and her family, Miller warned Ephault.

Prosecutors withdrew indirect criminal contempt charges Wednesday against two other men who had been charged with violating PFA orders, Stephen G. Haeberlein, 33, of Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Scott T. Whalen, 44, of Pottsville.

In other recent county court activity, Judge James P. Goodman accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Kathleen M. Grosser, 45, of Ashland; no contest plea to resisting arrest and harassment; 12 months probation, $25 fine and $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account. Prosecutors withdrew charges of aggravated assault, obstructing highways and disorderly conduct.

Jeremy F. Lockwitch, 26, of Barnesville; possession of a controlled substance; 12 months probation, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $239 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of possession of a controlled substance.

Jose A. Lopez, 21, of Saint Clair; theft of leased property and receiving stolen property; 23 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of receiving stolen property.

Julie A. Mazurek, 35, of Bechtelsville; driving under the influence; six months probation, $300 fine, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street.

John McAndrew, 51, of Gordon; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation and $100 SAEF payment. Prosecutors withdrew charges of tampering with evidence and violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Timothy D. McKerns, 34, of Mahanoy City; possession of drug paraphernalia; 13 to 60 days in prison and $100 SAEF payment.

Michael J. McManus, 28, of Girardville; two counts of receiving stolen property; 12 months probation and $80 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew two counts each of forgery and identity theft.

Judy Mills, 33, of Shenandoah; retail theft; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Beatrice Nitolo, 49, of Shenandoah; accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property and driving under suspension; 12 months probation and $50 CJEA payment.

William J. Vesay, 42, of Pottsville; receiving stolen property and driving under suspension; 23 months probation, $750 in fines, $50 CJEA payment and $2,056.64 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew charges of misuse of plate or card and improper display of plate or card.

Robert A. Weismiller, 44, of Port Carbon; recklessly endangering another person; 18 months probation and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of aggravated assault.

Vincent M. Weiss, 31, of Pottsville; fleeing or eluding police, recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest, DUI, possession of drug paraphernalia, accident involving damage to unattended vehicle or property and failure to stop at red signal; 24 months in the intermediate punishment program, $1,525 in fines, $100 SAEF payment, $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew charges of disregarding traffic lane, reckless driving and careless driving.

Jillian A. Yackera, 33, of Williamsport; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment.

Stephen Zendrosky, 27, of Ashland; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation and $100 SAEF payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Samantha L. Levan, 21, of Fredericksburg; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Also, in county court action, Judge John E. Domalakes accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Matthew L. Osenbach, 29, of New Ringgold; DUI; 25 days house arrest with electronic monitoring, 35 days strict supervision, four months probation, $300 fine, $100 SAEF payment, $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew charges of disregarding traffic lanes, improper left turn and careless driving.

Victor Pacsai Jr., 32, of Tamaqua; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $176 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Eduardo Padilla, 55, of Ashley; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Christopher M. Pate, 35, of Auburn; driving under suspension and improper display of plate or card; $300 in fines. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of disorderly conduct.

Sara E. Rimmer, 20, of Berwick; disorderly conduct; $300 fine. Prosecutors withdrew charges of prohibited possession of offensive weapon and purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of an intoxicating beverage.

Eddie L. Robinson, 19, of New Philadelphia; two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one of possession of a controlled substance; 24 months probation and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and no headlights.

Pedro J. Sanchez-Laporte, 34, of Reading; attempted burglary, conspiracy, attempted theft, possessing instrument of crime and two counts of receiving stolen property; three to 23 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment, $629.51 restitution and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of attempted criminal trespass.

Jamal S. Singletary, 22, of Pottsville; theft from a motor vehicle; 23 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and $50 bench warrant fee. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of receiving stolen property.

Rhonda M. Thomas, 37, of Pottsville; disorderly conduct; $100 fine. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of simple assault.

Robert W. Vanemon, 37, of Hazleton; DUI and driving under suspension; six months probation, $500 in fines, $100 SAEF payment, $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street, mental health evaluation and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew charges of failure to drive at a safe speed and driving unregistered vehicle.

David J. Whipple, 21, of Girardville; possession of a controlled substance; time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, $100 SAEF payment and $491 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Bruce A. Zalusky, 50, of Lebanon; theft of leased property; time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole and $800 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of receiving stolen property.

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

McADOO — The borough council hired a police officer Tuesday.

Joseph David, who previously worked for the McAdoo Police Department, has returned to work part-time. David was hired by a 6-0 council vote. Marion DeBalko was absent from the council meeting due to a medical problem.

McAdoo fire Chief Bob Leshko, just as he did Monday at the Kline Township supervisors’ meeting, confirmed with the council that Schuylkill County Court has approved the merger between the McAdoo Fire Company and the borough’s other fire company, Keystone Fire Company. The council applauded the merger between the fire companies. Leshko is also negotiating with the Tresckow Fire Company to become part of a merger of three companies. The companies have not reached an agreement.

In other business, the borough council:

• Approved Wi-Fi service through AT&T for police cruisers. The service is needed for the police department’s new laptop computers.

• Approved the installation of a fence along Kelayres Road for the playground. The cost cannot exceed $2,630.

• Hired McAdoo Machine to repair the playground equipment for about $600.

• Purchased property insurance to cover a pavilion in the borough.

• Approved a request made by letter for the St. Mary Parish picnic.

• Approved All Saint’s Church’s request for parking lot paving.

• Approved All Saint’s Church’s request for the borough to overlay the alley known as East Fourth Street and not to exceed $2,500.

Last month, the borough approved a 10-year, $500,000 loan from First National Bank. The borough is now working on a list of streets that will be included in the paving project. A request for bids will follow for July, and the council hopes to begin paving by August.

DUI enforcement

makes 34 arrests

The North Central PA Regional DUI Enforcement Program released the results of two recent Roving DUI Patrols.

On June 5, two officers from two departments contacted and detained 15 vehicles and had one driver tested for DUI.

There was one DUI arrest and the officers made 13 other arrests, one criminal arrest and issued four warning notices.

On June 6, three officers from three departments contacted and detained 18 vehicles and tested three drivers for DUI.

There were three DUI arrests and the officers also made 13 traffic arrests and two criminal arrests.

Wiconisco man

cited in crash

LYKENS — A Wiconisco man escaped injury when the 2000 Honda Accord he was driving crashed on White Oak Road, just north of Lykens Road in Jackson Township, Dauphin County, about 10 a.m. June 7.

Police said Tyler A. Christler, 20, was driving south at a speed “greater that reasonably prudent” for the road conditions while following a right curve.

The man lost control, applied his brakes but was unable to gain control traveling off of the road and hitting a tree, police said.

Police said Christler was cited for driving at an unsafe speed and for failure to wear safety belts.

ORWIGSBURG — Residents could notice more state police cars in the borough.

The borough council voted Wednesday to authorize Mayor Barry Berger to temporarily reduce operating hours and coverage of the borough police as needed. The decision is necessary due to the insufficient number of police officers the borough has to use. State police will patrol the streets on an as-needed basis.

“We’re going to fill as much of the schedule as we can,” Berger said about borough police.

Council President Buddy Touchinsky said the decision was needed.

“It’s not a budgetary issue. It’s a personnel issue,” he said.

Normally, there are four full-time officers and a contingent of available part-time officers. Due to a full-time police department employee on medical leave, the force is down to three full-time officers, Touchinsky said. He did not know when the unnamed employee would return. There are also 17 part-time officers who could work as needed, but only two are actively working. To further complicate matters, the borough did have an additional part-time officer but the employee left for another job.

Touchinsky said state police will be used “probably until the end of the year. It’s going to take several months to do the civil service process.”

Prior to Wednesday’s vote, the borough provided coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week. State police were responsible for coverage in the borough previously but said the vote the council took Wednesday is noteworthy.

“This is the first time it’s going to be a more regular thing,” Touchinsky said.

Given the circumstances, Touchinsky said he believes the residents will “understand.”

Touchinsky said the borough is going to appeal to state legislators for assistance.

“We feel that the burden is placed on small municipalities,” he said.

Borough Manager Robert Williams said residents are their first priority.

“The safety of our borough residents is of the utmost importance. We will have continuous coverage either on the local level or the state level,” he said.

Williams said the department is entirely funded by borough taxpayers.

“Police coverage in most small municipalities in Pennsylvania is funded on the state level with coverage by the Pennsylvania State Police. The borough is currently applying for a federal grant to assist with the financial challenges of 24/7 local police coverage in the post 9/11 era. We will continue to seek out all available funding sources, on both the state and federal level, to assist Orwigsburg taxpayers with this financial challenge,” Williams said.

He continued, “As the borough manager, I believe it to be appropriate for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to assist with some level of local funding, since the Orwigsburg taxpayers are reducing the expense and coverage otherwise provided by the commonwealth and the Pennsylvania State Police.”

In other police business, the council adopted a resolution authorizing ARRO Engineering to apply for a 2015 Community Oriented Policing Services Grant, which is through the U.S. Department of Justice. The grant will fund 75 percent of an entry-level police officer for three years. As part of the grant application, the borough will not spend more than $1,600 in submitting the application. Deadline for submission is June 19. An award date was not stated.

The purpose of the program is to allocate money to provide for the full-time officers needed at varying levels of government in their efforts to deal with public safety. Local, state and even tribal law enforcement agencies are eligible, according to the program.

In other business, the council voted to authorize the solicitor to advertise an amendment to the borough manager ordinance deleting the 10-mile residency requirement. Touchinsky said a borough manager would have to move into the borough within one year of taking the position. Williams, who does not live in Schuylkill County, plans to move into the borough at a later date.

The Pine Creek Adult Community was also discussed. The Rhodes Organization seeks to develop the 29.725-acre site along East Market Street between Breezy Acres and Kimmels roads. The 400-unit rental development is slated for residents of different age groups, so long as they are 18 years old. J. Jerome Skrincosky, president of Hawk Valley Associates PC, Mohnton, has attended numerous meetings and a public hearing on behalf of the family-owned Rhodes Organization, Boyertown, which owns the tract of borough land it wants to develop.

The council made no decision on the issue but it will review the recommendations of the borough planning commission and the Schuylkill County Planning Commission, which both meet June 17. A public hearing may be held before the scheduled borough council meeting to address the comments by both planning commissions. The council could also task a vote on the recommendations at the regular meeting.

CUMBOLA — An independent food pantry started in 2012 by a church in Cumbola may shut its doors following a dispute with its primary supplier, according to the pastor.

Since the New Life In Christ Ministries Food Pantry at 219 Market St. opened in 2012, Gary Sampson, East Stroudsburg, Monroe County, has gotten into more than $3,500 in debt with the Greater Berks Food Bank, Reading, Berks County, according to Peg Bianca, the food bank’s executive director.

After Sampson criticized the food bank at its headquarters June 5, Bianca decided to suspend distributions to New Life’s food pantry in Cumbola.

“To resume distributions, Gary will have to contact me. And the matter will have to be discussed by our board of directors,” Bianca said Wednesday.

“I don’t have time. Most of the time I’m running. We have other things that we have to do. Right now, my schedule is very busy,” Sampson said Friday.

Sampson runs two other food pantries under New Life In Christ Ministries. Both were started in 2013 in Monroe County, one in East Stroudsburg and one in Tobyhanna.

“Gary can also pick up the phone and call Peg,” Doug Long, manager of marketing and development for Greater Berks Food Bank, said Friday.

This week, representatives of the food bank and Sampson talked about their dispute. In short, Sampson believes the Greater Berks Food Bank shouldn’t charge him for the food they provide.

“We should be paying nothing for it because they use the statistics generated through the soup kitchens to get money and funding from the government,” Sampson said Wednesday.

Sampson claimed the food pantry in Cumbola sees more than 1,600 people a month.

But to function, food banks do have to charge some maintenance fees, Long said.

“Basically, 80 percent of what leaves our distribution center to our member agencies goes out of here with a zero charge. The other 20 percent goes out with a varying shared maintenance fee which is anywhere from 2 cents a pound to the maximum of 19 cents a pound. And that shared maintenance fee helps cover our operational costs, so we can access this donated food, store it and then distribute it to our agencies,” Long said.

“And that shared maintenance fee only covers 14 percent of our expenses,” Bianca said.

“Our fundraising efforts cover the rest,” Long said.

“There’s costs associated when you work with the food bank,” Jason Schally, the food distribution program specialist for Schuylkill Community Action, Pottsville, said. SCA manages 18 other food pantries in the county and works to find funding to cover the costs associated with supplying those pantries.

On June 5, Sampson drove a truck to the Greater Berks Food Bank at 117 Morgan Drive in Reading and the truck was filled with “5,000 pounds of free food,” Bianca said.

But the food bank did not fill part of Sampson’s order.

“He did not receive the frozen meats he had on the order because of the shared maintenance fee. And that’s because he’s owed us money,” Long said.

“And in the past year, he’s only made one payment, $400,” Bianca said.

“So we were basically at a point where we did not want to add to his debt here at the food bank. However, at that point, we were not cutting him off at all. We were still allowing him to access the free food from the food bank,” Long said.

When Sampson learned the meat wasn’t going to be included with the order, “He was irate to several of my staff members, calling them ‘Judas,’ and refused to leave the premises,” Bianca said.

“He created a threatening situation here. He left when our warehouse employees said they were going to call 911. Again, we were not suspending him because of his debt. It’s because of how he treated our staff and how threatened they felt by him,” Long said.

On Friday, Sampson denied this incident occurred.

“I did not yell at them. I spoke to them in a calm, collective manner,” Sampson said Friday.

Usually, Sampson is the New Life In Christ representative who travels to pick up food at Greater Berks Food Bank. On Thursday, he sent one of his representatives, Lisa Bansa, Tobyhanna.

And the food bank turned her away.

“She did come here, but we didn’t know who Lisa was. We have members and we have contact names with those members. Her name wasn’t on the list, so we couldn’t provide anything to her. She’d have to be added to the list,” Bianca said.

Sampson said the food bank at 219 Market St. in Cumbola has been open every Friday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. It was open Friday, but Sampson wasn’t sure how long it would remain open.

People looking for information about other food pantries in Schuylkill County can call SCA at 570-622-1995.

Two local doctors have agreed to send their sleep-troubled patients to a physician from New York at his new practice in Pottsville starting this weekend.

“We have a (pulmonary and sleep) board-certified physician from Binghamton, New York, and he is going to come in here initially twice a month and depending on the volume, he may come up more frequently,” Mohammad M. Akbar, M.D., of Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery, 16 S. Centre St., Pottsville, said Thursday.

Akbar and Zarar M. Bajwa, M.D., of Integrated Medical Group, P.C., 1851 West End Ave., Pottsville, will send patients with sleep trouble to Zia Shah, M.D., medical director of US Sleep Diagnostic Services, 1720 W. Market St., Pottsville, who begins working today.

“We were looking for a physician and we know him personally and we agreed to come here so we know he was very well qualified and very well trained and we know he will give very excellent service to the community and top notch care, second to none,” Bajwa said.

“He’s going to be managing the sleep clinic. Basically, he will interpret all the studies we do and make appropriate recommendations, that’s what he’s trained and qualified to do,” Akbar said.

Though Akbar and Bajwa are co-medical directors and do not practice in sleep studies, they deal with many patients who need services.

“As part of my practice, we do see a lot of patients who have sleep apnea. I see them in my practice on a daily basis. Not everybody, but once a week I will see somebody that I feel should have a sleep study done. We both treat patients who have this problem,” Akbar said. “Sleep apnea means that people can’t breath right when they’re sleeping so their blood oxygen level drops. They could be in bed for eight or 10 hours but they are tired.”

As a pediatrician, Bajwa said he sees many patients who need a sleep study more than ever.

“Sleep medicine for children is sort of misunderstood. We see a lot of kids with upper respiratory issues, enlargement of tonsils. First you have to rule out sleep apnea before you remove tonsils. So the medicine is changing a little bit too. An example is, there was a study recently out about ADHD. They are talking about most ADHD kids, all of them should get a screening test and quite a few of them will need sleep studies. So there is more and more indications are coming, sleep is getting bigger and bigger need,” Bajwa said.

The need for sleep doctors is rapidly growing in the county, Akbar and Bajwa agreed.

“There is another lab in the area but they were too busy so we thought there was a need for more. In fact there were two labs previously here functioning then one of them closed or merged,” Akbar said. “I think it’s a community need for an excellent service that is needed.”

“I agree. With a practice with a pulmonary sleep board-certified physician will hopefully bring the quality of care that the area doesn’t have right now. All aspects of sleep medicine will be covered,” Bajwa said.

For more information on the sleep clinic, call 570-581-8218.

The Minersville Leo Club spent 24 hours camping out in boxes on the street Friday into today to raise both awareness about the homeless situation in Schuylkill County as well as money for local food pantries and other nonprofit organizations.

The organization has raised more than $20,000 over the last five events. The goal for the sixth event this year is $5,000.

Meanwhile, other organizations in the county are also hoping to provide more assistance to the homeless as soon as possible, especially with a recent death of a homeless woman in Palo Alto.

“The death of the woman heightened the level of concern to the need,” Albert Nastasi, executive director of the nonprofit organization, said Wednesday. “The board right now is meeting to find out what is the best, safest and fastest solution to get started with helping the homeless.”

Maria Matlock, 48, was found dead May 30 in a wooded area in Palo Alto. Her last known address was 20 Centre St., Pottsville, but appeared to be camping in the woods.

Servants To All helped manage a temporary homeless shelter in February 2014 at three churches in the city. Last December, the organization bought a three-story building at 4 S. Centre St., Pottsville, from Rosemarie F. Lamanna for $45,000. The group planned to use the building for a day program to help the homeless as well as a bakery for “artisan” bread and a storefront for Yuengling’s Ice Cream. The organization is also looking for a second building in the city for an overnight shelter.

“As a board we are very disturbed about the recent death of the woman who was homeless last month,” Nastasi said in an email Wednesday. “We’ve spent the last seven months forging alliances and building relationships in order to establish a program for the homeless that is effective and lasting. During this time, we never stopped helping the homeless find temporary housing, clothing, and food, but the tragic death of this poor woman made us realize that opposition and delays to this project translates into unacceptable consequences. We as a city and county must do better, and we are working hard to do just that.”

Renovations still need to be made to the building before it can be used for everything the organization has planned. Servants To All has not yet applied for any permits.

“We need to know exactly what they are doing in the that building before an occupancy permit can be reviewed and approved,” David J. Petravich, Pottsville deputy code enforcement officer, said Wednesday.

The county Local Housing Options Team counted 31 individuals in its third annual homeless count on Jan. 28, Gerald Achenbach, Service Access and Management Inc. housing director and LHOT chairman, said Friday. LHOT is a board comprised of representatives from various housing and mental health agencies in the county.

The one-day count of sheltered and unsheltered people is used to estimate the number of people homeless in the county and identify any similar characteristics among the demographic, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The census serves as a benchmark for developing local and countywide strategies to prevent homelessness. HUD provides various funding for homeless assistance services to counties who participate in the counts.

Achenbach said the team will be taking unofficial counts throughout the year to record demographic information for next year. The team received a $100,000 grant to help transition-age youth, Achenbach said. The money will be used to help individuals ages 18-30 find furniture, household supplies and case management.

“This will give us the opportunity to pay for multiple months of rent for them while we help them find employment,” Achenbach said.

Nastasi said his organization has received three grants for its day program. Two came from the Diocese of Allentown and the Rascob Foundation, a Catholic mission. Nastasi did not disclose the amount. The third was $15,000 as The Greater Berks Food Bank’s beneficiary for the Fight Hunger Spark Change grant competition sponsored by Wal-Mart late last year.

Meanwhile, the board plans on reorganizing next week as Jeff Buchanan, who has served as director of shelter operations, is no longer with the organization.

“As for Jeff, I can only say that we are very fond of Jeff and he has pledged his support for us and the cause,” Nastasi said in the email. “He is technically no longer on our payroll, but we have not ruled him out as being part of our future. He is a very qualified individual.”

Buchanan could not be reached for comment.

Servants To All has continued to help the homeless and poor in searching for jobs and putting them up in hotels for a few nights, Nastasi said. However, Nastasi said real progress can be made once they start their program.

“We still take these calls and do what we can, but that is still just a band-aid compared to what we can do with a day program in our office space,” Nastasi said.

Donations to Servants To All can be made through its Facebook page or mail to P.O. Box 1354, Pottsville, PA 17901.

SUMMIT STATION — Collin Felty, 11, of Tamaqua, said Thursday he was hoping to take one of his show birds, a White-Crested Black Polish chicken, to this summer’s 32nd Schuylkill County Fair.

But with a bird flu scare haunting the nation, the state Department of Agriculture has chased fowl from the event scheduled from July 27 to Aug. 1 at the county fairgrounds in Summit Station.

“All fairs in the state that are agriculture-based, and funded in part by the state, have been restricted from having any birds at our facility,” Kim Morgan, fair vice president, said Thursday.

Meanwhile, Koch’s Turkey Farm, Walker Township, has taken steps to keep its flock safe, according to Brock C. Stein, the farm’s vice president of strategic development.

“As you can imagine, the recent outbreak of Avian Influenza has put the entire industry on high alert, and East Coast farms have not been impacted by the outbreak as of today. We have taken all the precautionary steps we can and are monitoring the situation through several of our regulatory agencies. I can tell you someone from our team sits on several conference calls per week with the state Department of Agriculture and the USDA to follow not only the spread of the outbreak but also all updates on control, in addition to numerous daily emails,” Stein said.

Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is caused by an influenza type-A virus, according to Logan Hall, a spokesman for the state Department of Agriculture, Harrisburg.

“Avian influenza viruses occur naturally in birds. Wild bird species — such as ducks, swans and geese — can carry the virus, but usually do not exhibit symptoms. However, Avian Influenza in birds is very contagious and can make domesticated birds — including chickens, ducks, quail, pheasants, guinea fowl and turkeys — very sick or even cause death,” Hall said Monday.

The last Pennsylvania outbreak was in 1983 and 1984.

“In the 1983 and 1984 outbreak, Pennsylvania lost 17 million birds worth $65 million. At this time, we can’t estimate what the impact would be in Pennsylvania if avian influenza were to become present in our state,” Hall said.

“It mostly hit the southern portion of Pennsylvania but unfortunately we were in the quarantine area. Did we lose any? In terms of our production in the county, no. None of them were hit. But when it came to the fair, we weren’t allowed to have poultry for a number of years after that,” Morgan said.

Since December 2014, the USDA has confirmed cases of H5N2 in the Pacific, Central and Mississippi migratory bird paths.

No birds at fair

On May 11, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the department had suspended all avian competitions at state-approved agricultural fairs in 2015, as well as the 2016 Pennsylvania Farm Show.

“As the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N2, intensifies nationwide, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is continuing efforts to minimize the risk of the disease spreading here, should it be found,” Hall said.

“This is not a decision we made lightly, but it is one that we feel is necessary given the threat. Across the country, 145 flocks have tested positive for this disease. This strain has killed or forced producers to euthanize 15 million birds. The effect has been devastating, and we do not want to see the same kind of impact here in Pennsylvania,” Redding said in a May 11 news release.

“I think it’s wise. But I hope that it doesn’t last,” Alicia Keller, who raises free-range chickens at her farm in East Brunswick Township, said Thursday.

They included a Buff Orpington hen her daughter, Casmira “Cassie,” 11, was cradling Thursday.

“It’s for the best,” said Alicia’s son, Grayden Keller, 14, the president of the 4-H Schuylkill Doodle-Do Club.

“Like Collin said, if someone had a chicken at the fair and that chicken got the flu and they brought it home, it could kill all of their chickens pretty much,” Casmira Keller, club secretary, said.

“As soon as they get it, they die pretty quick, almost within 24 hours,” Morgan said.

“I kind of think this year’s ban is a good thing because if any birds do have avian flu then it won’t spread,” said Felty, who is treasurer of the 4-H Schuylkill Doodle-Do Club, which started last year.

In recent years, chickens have been featured at the Schuylkill County Fair. Last year, there were 16 show chickens. This year, there could have been more than 50.

“Last year’s chickens were for show. This year, we were going to introduce a ‘Meat Pen’ to sell livestock. We were hoping to add events to add ducks,” Morgan said.

This year, the Schuylkill County Fair hours will be: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, opening at 4 p.m.; and Tuesday and Saturday, opening at 11 a.m. This year’s theme is “Harvest the Fun,” Morgan said.

The fair will have a gate admission of $5, which includes live entertainment on the M&T Stage, games, contests, exhibits, competitions, programs, demonstrations, hands on activities and free parking. Gate admission price for kids under 12 is free, Morgan said.

“There are lots of food contests to enter. Monetary awards will be given for first, second and third prize. For complete rules, and more information on the many food contests call 570-527-0294 or email schuylkillfair@gmail.com,” Morgan said.

For information on competitive exhibits, including handiwork, produce and animals like sheep, pigs, steers, goats and rabbits, visit www.schuylkillfair.com.

The Schuylkill County Fair, which costs “a quarter of a million dollars to run every year,” receives part of its funding from the state Department of Agriculture, Morgan said.

Through the Pennsylvania Fair Fund in 2013, the Schuylkill County Fair received $22,412 in premium reimbursements. And through the Pennsylvania Fair Fund in 2014, the Schuylkill County Fair received $23,135 in premium reimbursements, Hall said.

Koch’s reacts

On April 24, Redding reached out to poultry producers about the threat of bird flu, encouraging them to be vigilant for signs of the disease and to adopt “protective biosecurity measures” in case H5N2 makes its way into Pennsylvania.

“There are 133 poultry premises in Schuylkill County. At this time, none are affected in terms of being adversely impacted by the avian influenza scare. All producers have been encouraged to adopt proactive biosecurity measures. The producers have been contacted by the department through multiple forms of communication, including the press releases,” Hall said.

Those are available on the department’s website.

“There are lot of people who have backyard poultry projects. Starting August 1, the feeling is the migration of wild waterfowl — it’s believed the wild waterfowl are the carriers of this Avian flu — will carry it southward. And that will run until November 1. The feeling is we need to do as much biosecurity as we can in order to prevent the spread of Avian flu. If it’s been identified in a flock, everything has to be destroyed,” Morgan said.

Brock said steps Koch’s has taken to protect its flock of turkeys include:

• Restricting visitors to all facilities, including offices, production, distribution and farming

• Sanitizing all entering vehicles

• Denying entry of individuals who have visited any poultry facilities within the last two weeks

• Denying entry of individuals who have visited any Midwestern states within the last two weeks

• Established migratory bird management practices in conjunction with various federal agencies

• Tracking reported outbreaks and migration patterns

• Suspending all third-party auditing

“Naturally, an outbreak at any of our farms will cause significant public relations, and we will be sure to keep you all informed,” Brock said.

TAMAQUA — Rush Township Elementary School will soon be leased to Behavioral Health Associates, with offices in Lehighton, for the implementation of a K-12 alternative education center.

According to Tamaqua Area School District Superintendent Carol Makuta, the district is negotiating a 5-year lease with the group, although final contract negotiations have not yet occurred.

“TASD has students transported to alternative programs,” Makuta said. “This proposal allows students to remain closer, therefore reducing traveling time.”

Makuta added that gifted and ESL elementary students may see travel time reduced from the schools in Rush Township and/or the borough of Tamaqua. She said that the commute will average 10 miles each way, while students placed out of district will see significantly reduced travel time. Makuta added that teachers who had been teaching at Rush Township Elementary will be relocated to Tamaqua Area Elementary School.

According to data given at Tuesday’s school board caucus session, the district’s current — but not final — deficit is $1.7 million.

Makuta commented on potential savings through the leasing of Rush Township Elementary School: “The restructuring should realize a savings in expenditures. This figure needs confirmation from the business manager.”

According to Amanda Zaremba, director of program development for Behaviorial Health Associates, students who were being bused to programs either in Lehighton or Weisport will now enjoy a more local educational experience, while the district will save money on bussing.

Zaremba emphasized that she does not want people to get the impression that students sent to alternative learning centers are “bad” students.

“Many may have learning disabilities or they may be school-phobic or not do well in large classroom settings,” she said.

Behavioral Health Associates is a Pennsylvania-based company that also provides out-patient mental health and partial hospitalization services. It also operates a cyberschool.

Exact savings that the Tamaqua Area School District will experience are still unknown at this time due to ongoing talks between the district and BHA.

The district’s final budget will be made public in a meeting to be held June 23.

Zaremba characterized the move as a “win-win” situation for the district, its students and BHA.

Deeds

Ashland — CK Farms LLC to Wydra International Properties LLC; 1.339-acre property on Route 61; $190,000.

East Union Township — Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Michael A. and Rosalie A. Santos; Lot 421HF3, Eagle Rock; $29,900.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Josephine Chucuen; Lot 137HF4, Eagle Rock; $31,209.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Bolorchimeg Boldbaatar; Lot 174HF4, Eagle Rock; $31,209.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Shirley D. Rosario; Lot 138HF4, Eagle Rock; $32,219.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Patrick and Elizabeth Cantalupo; Lot 134HF4, Eagle Rock; $32,219.

Frackville — William G. Schwab, trustee for David L. Kehler, to William Raibeck Sr.; property on North Railroad Avenue; $2,000.

Mahanoy City — Rosalie A. Homa to Angela M. Miller; 1025 E. Pine St.; $1,000.

McAdoo — HSBC Bank USA NA to Yovanny DeVargas; 110-112 N. Kennedy Drive; $26,000.

Minersville — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to The Gratz Bank; 406 Sunbury St., 231 Oak St. and 512 Pine Hill St.; $1,635.37.

North Union Township — Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Leticia Salarzon; Lot 53AV1, Eagle Rock; $33,229.

Orwigsburg — Allen V. and Carol A. Mickalonis to Ryan and Trista Denning; 845 Jacks Lane; $163,000.

Pottsville — Christopher F. and Debra A. Minchhoff to James Patrick Wagner; 2066 W. Market St.; $16,000.

Federal National Mortgage Association to Louise J. Guillaume; 1921 W. Norwegian St.; $19,000.

J.W. Zaprazny Inc. to Robert D. Schappell; 227 Pierce St.; $1.

Saint Clair — Charles A. Premich to Heather and David Bowers; 16 S. Nichols St.; $16,000.

Shenandoah — The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society to Soledad Paniaqua and Jamie Samudio Garsia; property at Centre and Chestnut streets; $2,600.

South Manheim Township — Eugene and Bernadette M. Bound to Danielle and Ryan Wessner; 39 Stony Lane; $1.

Lorna L. Kleman to John Edward Tinney; 1735 Running Deer Drive, Lake Wynonah; $146,500.

Tamaqua — Francis L. Orem to David M. Disanto and Angela M. Olshevski; 327 Pine St.; $33,000.

John and Lori Fannock to Barrie M. Grenard; 35 Clay St.; $45,000.

Michael R. Runk to Warren M. Matos; 241 Van Gelder St.; $60,000.

Tower City — John A. and Connie L. Shaffer to William J. Wollyung III Revocable Trust; property on Colliery Avenue; $5,000.

Clair C. Heckler to Mark A. and Miranda E. Heckler; 927 E. Grand Ave.; $1.

Washington Township — Matthew R. and Marianne W. Martin to Matthew R. and Marianne W. Martin; 48.09-acre property at Mountain and Dewalt roads; $1.

Washington and Wayne townships — Walter J. Kuehn, executor under the Last Will & Testament of Therese Kuehn, to Richard A. Krebs Jr. and Melissa A. DiGregorio; 6.656-acre property; $179,900.

Wayne Township — John J. and Kathleen A. McCole to Bridget E. Harrison and Drew R. Price; 48 Reedsville Road, Reedsville; $164,900.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to JP Homes Inc.; 1132 and 1133 Running Deer Drive, Lake Wynonah; $24,150.

Scott M. Terfinko Sr. to John D. and Dawn Renee Smeal; 42 Deiberts Valley Road; $240,000.

West Brunswick Township — Betty J. Singley, by attorney in fact Beverly J. Sites, to Dean E. Singley; 2273 Market St.; $1.

Harold Lee Musler II to Courtney A. Ranck and Jason L. Markowicz; 283 Hickory Drive; $1.

West Mahanoy Township — Wileen Blackwell to Shaina Graff; 1 Colorado Road, Lost Creek; $1,900.

West Penn Township — Tory B. and Audrey A. Graver to Joseph Ladesic; 355 Archery Club Road; $170,000.

Rollover injures

3 near Frackville

FRACKVILLE — Three women suffered injuries early Saturday when a car involved in a two-vehicle accident rolled over on Interstate 81 in New Castle Township, according to state police at Frackville.

At 7:24 a.m., Lorraine Durning, 49, of Lansford, was driving a white 2013 Kia Forte Eco south in the right lane. Justin Miller, 36, of Dover, was driving a 2013 white Kenworth W900 with a 1990 Etnyre flatbed in the left lane.

Durning attempted to enter the left lane and the rear of her vehicle’s driver’s side hit the passenger side of Miller’s truck, police said.

Upon impact, Durning lost control of the vehicle, which hit an embankment in the center median, rolled over and came to rest on its wheels on another embankment on the median, police said.

Durning suffered a minor injury. There were two passengers in her vehicle. The front passenger, Sharon Whispell, 48, of Tamaqua, suffered a minor injury. The passenger in the back seat, Cathy Johnston, 69, of Tamaqua, suffered a moderate injury and had to be extracted from the vehicle, police said.

Miller pulled into the center median following the impact. He was not injured.

Shenandoah EMS, Frackville EMS and Goodwill Hose Company No. 1 and Friendship Fire Company, both Frackville, were on scene.

State police arrest

suspected dealer

HALIFAX — State police at Lykens issued an arrest warrant Thursday for a Halifax man for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, police said Saturday.

At 8:10 a.m. Thursday, police served the warrant on James Robert Hale, 31, at 179 Hale Lane, Halifax. Hale was transported to Dauphin County Judicial Center, Harrisburg, for arraignment. Hale was committed to Dauphin County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail, police said.

Police investigate

license plate theft

ELIZABETHVILLE — State police at Lykens said Saturday they are looking for the thief who recently stole current registration from a vehicle and replaced it with an expired one.

On June 4, Scott Earl Barry, Elizabethville, Lykens Township, Dauphin County, reported the registration plate on his 2001 Citation trailer was removed and replaced with an expired one, police said.

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

Hazleton man

hurt in 1-car crash

HAZLETON — A Hazleton man who wasn’t wearing a seat belt was injured when he drove off Interstate 81 in Hazle Township late Friday, state police at Hazleton said Saturday.

The incident occurred at 11:56 p.m. near mile marker 143. Eric McAdams, 46, was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu north when he lost control of his vehicle, which crossed the median and ended up in the southbound lane. A male passenger was also injured, police said.

Police were assisted on scene by American Patient Transport Systems Inc. and Hazle Township Fire Company.

Man faces charge

for harassment

TREMONT — State police at Schuylkill Haven charged a borough man with harassment for yelling and pushing a borough woman Friday.

Police said Saturday they charged Michael Kintzel with harassment for the incident, which occurred at 3:30 p.m. Friday at 51 N. Crescent St.

The charge was filed in the office of Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont.