n Ashland: With the start of the new Rotary year, Ashland Area Rotary Club President Jim Gruber spoke about upcoming activities and procedures during a recent club meeting. He said the first meeting of the month will be the club business meeting, the second meeting of the month will be a community program, the third will be a program on Rotary and the fourth will be “My Rotary Life” to be given by club members. The schedule, he said, is subject to change due to special club events. Gruber also said the club is returning to the practice of all members wearing a Rotary pin at each meeting. Failure to do so will result in a fine. And following an old Rotary tradition, the club is resuming the “joy of singing” at meetings. According to Gruber, programs will be featured several times each month and he has arranged some for the first few months. On the night of programs, spouses or guests are welcome to attend. Increasing the number of sustaining members to The Rotary Foundation is another goal, Gruber said. During the past Rotary year, the club had 11 sustaining members.

n Donaldson: A townwide yard sale is planned for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, according to a community press release. Everyone is welcome to visit and take advantage of the sale items. For more information, call 570-695-2211.

n Frackville: The Art of the Pumpkin contest will return as part of the annual Frackville Pumpkin Festival, which will be held Oct. 3. in downtown Frackville. The event is a contest for all ages, according to a press release. Individual artists may buy a wooden pumpkin blank at the Frackville Free Public Library, North Lehigh Avenue, for $10 ($5 for students or adults 65 and older). Family projects with parents and children working together also are welcome. “Create a pumpkin art piece using any medium you like, such as paint, fabric, paper etc. The only restriction is that the piece must remain the same size and shape as the original blank,” organizers said in the release. Completed art pieces must be returned to the library by Sept. 4. They will be on display around town until the day of the festival. Two winners will be determined by two designated judges. To qualify for the prizes, participants must donate their pieces to the library for auction. Art pieces will be put up for bid in a silent auction during the festival. All proceeds will go to the library’s general fund. For more information, call the library at 570-874-3382.

n Orwigsburg: “In an effort to assist our customers, effective Monday, all Orwigsburg postal operations will be provided from a modular retail unit located in the parking lot of the Orwigsburg Post Office,” postal officials said in a release. “This will allow customers to transact postal business and to accommodate P.O. box customers with a location to pick up their mail. The main facility will remain temporarily closed. Any notice left for accountable mail or packages requiring a signature, or hold orders will be available for pickup at the modular retail unit the next day. Customers also have the option to request a redelivery by calling 800-ASK-USPS or by visiting our website at www.usps.com,” officials said in the release.

n Pottsville: The 22nd annual Great Pottsville Cruise, sponsored by the Pottsville Lions Club, is set for Saturday, according to Dave Clews and Ed Hurst, chairman and co-chairman, respectively, for the event. A change this year will have most of the cruise taking place in downtown Pottsville, according to a release. Jessica Samko, a TV personality on “The Road Warrior,” will bring her orange Volvo truck and the cruise will host a downtown band and feature a special event and giveaway involving county veterans. For more information on the cruise, call 570-628-4561.

n Shenandoah: A two-week algebra and game programming class for ages 12-16 is being offered at the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library, 15 W. Washington St. Tuition is free, snacks will be available and certificates of completion will be awarded. Participants will be able to build their own simple online game. The class will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. four days a week for two weeks beginning Aug. 10. Registration is required; no walk-ins will be accepted. Call 570-640-1332 or email to sdaguio@haverford.edu.

BARNESVILLE — Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers and state police at Frackville are asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible for a fraud incident last month.

Police said three incidents of access device fraud that occurred between 12:01 a.m. July 5 and 11:59 p.m. July 6.

In committing the crime, police said someone obtained a CACL Federal Credit Union card owned by a Barnesville resident and used it to make several ATM withdrawals and purchases that totaled $457.57.

The card was used at Fegley’s Mini Mart in McAdoo, the Cocoa Hut store in Mahanoy City and the Brown Bag store in Barnesville.

Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information on the identity of those responsible for this crime or on any unsolved crime in Schuylkill County.

Callers are asked to refer to incident 08-02-15 when calling with information about the access device fraud incident involving the Ryan Township resident.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 877-TIPS4SC (877-847-7472).

Individuals with information on this case can also contact state police at Frackville by calling 570-874-5300.

All information received will remain confidential.

HEGINS — Garbage has been a problem for years. A landowner is fed up and is hopeful that Hegins Township police can put an end to the problem.

The Rev. Carl D. Shankweiler has owned land for many years on Gap School Road and has spent countless amounts of money and time picking up other people’s rubbish.

Shankweiler said last month he found fresh dumped garbage on the property adjoining his on Gap School Road, better known as Schwenks Hall.

He loaded up his pickup truck with trash cans, rakes and shovels and prepared to clean up the mess, but before he did, he made a phone call to the local police department.

Shankweiler said an officer did come to the scene and took a bag of the garbage to inspect and, hopefully, find something within to prosecute whoever it is that is dumping illegally.

“Whoever is dumping the garbage certainly has money that they could pay to have it hauled away by the garbage man since they are spending a fortune on beer and wine coolers,” Shankweiler said.

The police said they believe whoever did the dumping must have had a party at another location and then deposited the waste on Gap School Road.

“This is a beautiful area that people enjoy walking through, but they certainly don’t want to walk through a dump,” Shankweiler said.

The land is visibly posted, warning the public that dumping is not permitted.

Shankweiler said that while he was cleaning up the mess, he did come across a letter from Mansfield University with a person’s name on it. Shankweiler turned the letter over to the police and is hoping that someone will be prosecuted.

“For as long as I’ve been a member of the Hegins Township police force this has been an ongoing problem,” Chief Steve Lohr said. “Years ago the bigger problem was underage drinking, now they drink elsewhere and dump their garbage there.”

As of presstime no arrests have been made, but the dumping is still being investigated.

If you favor homemade Pennsylvania Dutch food and you know what it's like spending time "underground," chances are you know David A.

That's David A. Lucas, Hegins. Lucas organizes the annual Bootleggers' Independent Coal Miners Picnic the second Saturday in August in Hegins Park. This year, they'll be celebrating the 31st annual event, starting at noon Saturday.

"What I like is that all the food is home cooked, the entertainment is great and it's just a fun atmosphere," Lucas said.

He said it's a family tradition and he's trying to keep the coal mining heritage alive.

"The picnic gets bigger and bigger each year," Lucas said.

Lucas has carried on the tradition from his dad, the late Ray A. "Checky" Lucas, who hosted miners picnics in Williamstown years ago before David eventually moved the celebration to Hegins Park.

The event features musical entertainment, food and an opportunity for visitors to reconnect with families and friends who labored in the local anthracite industry.

Each year, a special mug is designed to commemorate local miners and denote the celebration. The 31st annual picnic mug will feature the following names: in memory of Norman J. Dinger, 1969; Art Hull Shumber, 1981; Donald J. Ducer Herring, 1998; George Pinchorski, 2014; Charles C. Charlie Klinger, 2014; Albert R. Dook Carl Sr., 2014; Homer J. Schnick Morgan, 2014; Paul Deeter, 2014; Stanley Morgan, 2014; Robert Bobby Brown, 2014; Steve Shingara Jr., 2014; Matt Shingara, 2014; and Leslie R. Pepper Kimmel, 2015. The photo on the mug will be in honor of Norman "Normie" Klinger.

Walter Boyer, Berrysburg, designs the commemorative glassware, Lucas said.

Entertainers scheduled to perform during the picnic include D.J. Gold Dust, Old Gold, The Breaker Boys and Red Halo.

Lucas will have 150 gallons of his traditional kettle soups available - chicken corn noodle, vegetable ox tail and ham and bean. He may also offer ham pot pie this year.

Also on the menu will be pepper cabbage, potato salad and macaroni salad, all made from scratch; cold cuts, cantaloupe and cake. A hot meal, including ham, mashed potatoes and string beans will be served at 4 p.m. Beer and root beer will be offered throughout the day. The picnic is held rain or shine.

A $20 donation will obtain a picnic ticket. Children younger than age 18 can attend for free. To request a ticket or place a mug order, call Lucas at 570-682-9140. Advanced requests are appreciated.

It's August already; the last full month of summer. August is recognized as "May Your Reading be a Haven" and "Family Fun" month. "Be Kind to Humankind" is a special week and days to observe are "Respect for Parents," "Senior Citizens" and "Book Lovers."

Penn State announces the next session in their Women's Wellness Series. "During the Golden Years: What Really are the Needs?" will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the classroom building. RSVP by calling 570-385-6102.

The Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce invites you to the next summer concert series at the railroad station. Fraser Thomas will be featured Thursday. Reserve your seat on the platform and enjoy a meal or bring your lawn chair to sit on the colorful grounds.

Family Fun Fest will be held in the square in Orwigsburg at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. Enjoy summer fun, food, family entertainment, games, music and more.

Thomas McKee, Pennsylvania Indian Trader will be presented at Sweet Arrow Lake at 7 p.m. Aug. 11. Learn how people survived without using money for purchases in 1737. Tinkling bells, woolen blankets and copper pots were some of the traded items. Free and open to the public.

Mark your calendars and save the date: The annual Heritage Day and Parade of Nations will take place in Shenandoah Aug. 22. The parade, with more than 20 nations represented in full ceremonial dress, live jazz and marching bands and more, starts at 10 a.m. Following the parade, wander through the park to taste foods of many nations, purchase crafts and enjoy more live music. This family fun day is not to be missed.

Last chance to reserve your seat to the American Red Cross Educational Seminar Aug. 18. The free and informative session will be held at 5 p.m. at the Terence P. Reiley Community Center in Pottsville. The American Red Cross does so much more than blood drives. Learn of all the services they provide to the community. The event, hosted by Community Volunteers in Action, has limited seating, so RSVP now by calling 570-628-1426

Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Use the preceding contact info for those specific opportunities and find other listings on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Call us at 570-628-1426 or e-mail to jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/communityvolunteersinaction.

American Cancer Society

Times: Immediate need. Flexible. Needing about 4 to 6 flexible hours per week at each location depending on task. Can work from home for some projects.

Responsibility: Help needed with coordination of volunteers and cancer program services. Ideal for a student majoring in marketing and communications, English, health care or an individual with administrative and clerical experience who wants to help cancer patients.

Skills: Clerical skills, computer savvy, marketing background, personable, comfortable making phone calls, mass mailings. Must be able to work independently. Orientation, training and support provided.

Location: Schuylkill County sites.

Contact: Jennifer Washney at 570-562-9749.

Library helper

Times: Flexible.

Responsibility: Help with general library tasks such as checking out and stocking books, helping at front desk, more.

Skills: Friendly and reliable.

Location: Tower-Porter Community Library.

Contact: Tom, 717-647-4900.

HARRISBURG — With no sign of a bipartisan budget deal on the horizon in the Capitol, social service providers statewide may cut discretionary spending, borrow to meet expenses and lay off employees temporarily.

The Women’s Resource Center of Scranton, which provides services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, is anxious for an end to Pennsylvania’s budget stalemate, which is entering its second month.

“We are hanging on by a shoestring as it is,” center executive director Peg Ruddy said Friday.

Ruddy said the center will have serious difficulty supporting its programs at the end of September without a budget.

The center borrowed money on a line of credit to get through an earlier budget crisis in 2009. It took some time to pay off that debt and it prevented the center from expanding services.

Some local nonprofits are starting to look at temporary layoffs, Gary Drapek, executive director of United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, said. With layoffs would come a reduction in services, he added.

United Way of Pennsylvania is surveying its supported nonprofits on how the stalemate affects them.

David Schwille, executive director of Luzerne County Human Services, said his agency is conserving resources.

That means delaying payments to some vendors and halting staff travel outside the area, he added.

Schwille said the situation will get more serious if the stalemate continues into September.

Elsewhere, the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania reports that:

•Armstrong County Children Youth & Family Services won’t be able to make payments to companies providing crisis counseling and foster parenting by the end of August.

•Berks County will have to draw money from reserves by September.

•Cumberland County will have to prioritize which services get funded if the impasse isn’t over by the end of summer.

More than $300 million in state payments have been held up so far due to the lack of a budget. The state Department of Human Services lacks authority to make payments to counties and other grant recipients for locally-run programs. DHS continues to make payments for state-run programs such as Medicaid, cash assistance and food stamps.

While there has been at least one top-level negotiating session each week, there is little talk of compromise.

Lawmakers of both parties mentioned the plight of social service agencies as they continue a partisan battle over the merits of Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal and a Republican budget that drew the governor’s veto.

Wolf has proposed a combination of tax increases and tax shifts to address a $1.5 billion deficit, education funding and property tax relief. GOP lawmakers passed a budget with no tax hikes and focused instead on selling the state liquor stores and reducing pension benefits for new state government and school district employees.

Wolf vetoed the budget and related liquor and pension bills last month.

The governor said recently that nonprofits may have to borrow money to get through the stalemate.

Drapek retains unpleasant memories of the 101-day budget stalemate in 2009 when nonprofits took out loans and lines of credit, laid off employees and cut services.

At the end of that battle, the groups sought state help to reimburse the interest payments tied to the unanticipated borrowing but were denied.

Rep. Marguerite Quinn, R-143, Doylestown, is addressing that issue in a related manner with a bill she plans to introduce. Quinn proposes to require the state to pay interest and reimburse costs for local governments that take out short-term loans or liquidate investments to prevent interruption of critical programs during a budget impasse lasting more than 30 days.

Deeds

Ashland — Naomi M. Blank to Kevin C. Blank; 610 Walnut St.; $1.

Schuylkill County Properties LLC to Schultz Enterprises; property on Brock Street; $5,000.

Schuylkill County Properties LLC to Creative Enterprises KK LLC; 1500 Centre St.; $787.

Schuylkill County Properties LLC to Schultz Enterprises; property on Walnut Street; $5,000.

Auburn — Harry J. and Lillie I. Kauffman to Jonathan Graves; 530 Market St.; $119,900.

Blythe Township — Judith Pardini, executrix of the Last Will & Testament of Rose M. Morgan, to Robert Webb; 85 Water St., Cumbola; $1.

Butler Township — Paul J. Ventilli to Michael J. and Hilary H. Yotko; 62 Turnpike Road; $175,000.

Donna T. Strauss, executrix of the Last Will & Testament of Regina Miller, to Timothy M. and Jean Dando; 531 W. Nicholas St.; $120,000.

Coaldale — Ronald Morris and Colleen Morris to Michael K. Dunn; 46 E. Howard Ave.; $8,000.

Federal National Mortgage Association to Sean C. Fisher; 215 W. High St.; $6,000.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Wells Fargo Bank NA; 32 E. Howard Ave.; $1,178.98.

Deer Lake — Douglas H. and Theresa Kirschman to Preston A. Bydeley; 411 Fern Road; $201,700.

East Union Township — Pinnacle Building Group Inc. to Christopher J. and Kimberly A. Helder; Lot 273, Eagle Rock; $1.

Pinnacle Building Group Inc. to Dewey H. III and Elizabeth A. Bunch; Lot 30WS, Eagle Rock; $10,000.

Pinnacle Building Group Inc. to Dewey H. III and Elizabeth A. Bunch; Lot 272, Eagle Rock; $1.

Frackville — Mary Diffenderfer, by attorney-in-fact Jean Marie Rosella, to Jean Marie Rosella; property on Nice Street; $1.

Daniel Frack & Co. LLC to Michelle Corrado, Fred Corrado III and Jeremy Miller; property on Lehigh Avenue; $79,000.

Girardville — Schuylkill County Properties LLC to Creative Enterprises KK LLC; property on Line Street; $410.

Schuylkill County Properties LLC to Creative Enterprises KK LLC; property at Line Street and Preston Avenue; $410.

Schuylkill County Properties LLC to Stephen Piga Jr.; property on Ash Alley; $1,525.

Mahanoy City — Francis McElhenny Jr., executor of the Last Will & Testament of Dorothy Beatrice McElhenny, to James T. and Angela M. Price; 131 E. Mahanoy Ave.; $21,500.

Richard C. Gavlick to Jack Ryan & Sons Inc.; 816 E. Centre St.; $16,000.

McAdoo — Brian and Tina Hutchinson to Jeffrey Sipler; 425 S. Cleveland St.; $89,900.

Michael and Patricia Capulich and Matthew Capulich to Jason and Cassie Winder; 125 W. Blaine St.; $25,000.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Pennymac Loan Services LLC; 126 E. Blaine St.; $1,185.95.

Lucas Hernandez Torres to Hazleton Free Methodist Church; property on East Grant Street; $23,000.

Peter M. Donish to Remi C. Marte; 136 W. Grant St.; $42,000.

Mount Carbon — John E. Jr. and Susan B. McCord to Susan B. McCord; 100 Main St.; $1.

North Union Township — Joseph F. and Kathleen A. Harvey to Jennifer Cruickshank and Joseph Harvey Jr.; 269 Mahanoy St., Nuremberg; $1.

Norwegian Township — Schuylkill County Properties LLC to Schultz Enterprises; property on Mamie Avenue; $500.

Orwigsburg — Nancy Faust to Summer Valley Realty LLC; 231 N. Walborn Ave.; $20,500.

Pine Grove Township — Michael Fey Hesser to James F. and Ruthanna F. Sheffy and Jennifer J. Mease; 217 Laurel Court, Swatara Village; $75,000.

H.J.R. Enterprises Inc. to SSN Pine Grove LLC; 2.058-acre property at Route 443 and Swatara Drive; $1.4 million.

Porter Township — Lloyd and Donna Binkley to Matthew J. Brubaker; 1824 E. Grand Ave., Reinerton; $11,000.

Clyde R. and Carolyn J. Watkins to Tanar W. Rhine and Taylor Lee Hoover; 335 W. Grand Ave., Sheridan; $64,000.

Pottsville — Bank of America NA to Kaja Holdings 2 LLC; 1655 W. Norwegian St.; $12,112.

Bank of America NA to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; 1027 Laurel Blvd.; $1.

Jennifer O’Doherty to Robert W. Ruggles; 805 W. Race St.; $1,000.

Watermelon Realty LLC to Anthony P. Zanis; 1759 West End Ave.; $70,000.

Rush Township — Robert J. Pitts, individually and as attorney-in-fact for Elizabeth Ann Levan, to Lindsey M. and Matthew Veron; 364 Fairview St.; $119,900.

Grier City Union Sunday School to Rush Township; 0.158-acre property on Park Street, Grier City; $1.

Shenandoah — Ronald G. and Debra Harrison to Olivia Rico and Ramulo Fuentes-Salmeron; 331-333 W. Poplar St.; $5,500.

Andrew R. Marnell and Michelle M. Marnell to Andrew R. Marnell; 831 W. Coal St.; $1.

Federal National Mortgage Association to Gwendolyn D. Rhym; 24 E. Coal St.; $5,000.

Tamaqua — Borough of Tamaqua to Stephen R. and Carol Matalavage; 234 Columbia St.; $100.

Mojo Strategies LLC to Terry and Darlene Gerber; 331 Rolling Mill Ave.; $10,249.

Helen Pucklavage to Joseph J. Pucklavage, Theresa M. Strauss, Diane M. Briggs and David Pucklavage; 413 Schuylkill Ave.; $1.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to JPMorgan Chase Bank NA; 333 W. Spruce St.; $1,355.21.

Tower City — William C. Dietrich and Bryan K. Dietrich to William C. Dietrich and Bryan K. Dietrich; property at East Colliery Avenue and North First Street; $1.

Tremont — Schuylkill County Properties LLC to Scott Kissinger; property on Vaux Avenue; $1,525.

Wayne Township — John M. and Carol A. Bush to John M. and Carol A. Bush; 277 Navajo Drive, Lake Wynonah; $1.

West Brunswick Township — Paul J. Datte, executor of the Estate of Samuel J. Boyer, to Travis & Jess Land LLC; 124-acre property; $494,000.

2087 Market Street LLC to Punjab Property Inc.; 1.75-acre property on Route 895; $750,000.

Keith A. Ernst and Terry L. Ernst, co-executors of the Estate of Pauline K. Ernst, to Philip W. and Coreen Luckenbill; property on Route 61; $44,500.

Robert C. III and Sarah M. Allison to David E. and Melissa M. Mehle; 1292 Chestnut Road; $1.

Denis E. and Phyllis J. Orthuas to Richard E. and Arlene S. Bohn; 260 Fork Mountain Road; $250,000.

LaRue M. Strouse to LaRue M. Strouse and Keith A. Strouse; 93 Pheasant Run Road; $1.

West Mahanoy Township — Beal Bank SSB to Brian R. Wagner; 639 Altamont Blvd., Altamont; $25,000.

Kristopher D. and Allison L. Hoffman to Jennifer Cuff; 378 Florida Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $79,000.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Isaac and Judith Campos; 383 Ohio Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $19,500.

Maryann Walsh, executrix of the Estate of Marie L. Walsh, to Colin Walsh; property on Ohio Avenue, Shenandoah Heights; $1.

DEER LAKE — Blake Stidham said he wants people to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project instead of giving him gifts for his birthday Wednesday.

The soon-to-be 10-year-old from Orwigsburg, who has cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder, said he wants to help others who are disabled.

“He can’t walk. He has limited use of his hands and arms,” Kelly Stidham, Orwigsburg, said of her son.

Still, he does not have a negative outlook on life despite his condition.

“This is how I feel for the Army,” Blake said Sunday when asked why he wanted to help others.

Kelly said it was her son’s idea to ask people to contribute to the Wounded Warrior Project. A box was on the table along with gifts that people brought him.

His great-grandfather, Lewis Fidler, 91, of Schuylkill Haven, is a big motivation for him, Stidham said.

Fidler served in the infantry in the Army in World War II. He was in the Army from March 1943 to Dec. 1, 1945. He was captured by the Nazis, whom he said did not treat him well, in Mortain, France, and was held prisoner from Aug. 7, 1944, to April 26, 1945, he said.

“(Gen. George S.) Patton’s Army released me,” he said.

Kelly said her son loves history, which is probably due in part to his great-grandfather, who shared some of his experience with him. She said she is proud of her son giving back to others.

“I was thrilled that he put somebody else ahead of himself,” Kelly said.

Blake’s grandmother, Sally Magalengo, Deer Lake, said her grandson likes to help people and this came naturally for him. She described what he did as “heartwarming.”

Heather DiRenzo, Pottsville, donated online to the Wounded Warrior Project. She was impressed with Blake’s desire to help veterans.

“Not many kids would do that,” she said.

Blake will receive information in the mail from the project when people donate, Kelly said. To help Blake’s effort, go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Schuylkill County Commissioners Gary Hess and George Halcovage Jr. said they were saddened to learn of the passing of community leader Richard F. Higgins.

“He was an outstanding community leader. He truly has left a legacy to this county,” Halcovage said.

Higgins, 88, died Friday at his residence in Pottsville.

The city native was born Nov. 22, 1926. He graduated from Pottsville High School and attended Catholic University. He was a veteran, having enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

He was active in social, government and business ventures including serving as past president of the Pottsville Rotary Club and the Pottsville Club, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a board member of SEDCO and Penn State Schuylkill Campus, and past president of the Greater Pottsville Industrial Development Corp. and Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.

Higgins also served as county commissioner from 1984-92 and served on the county Democratic Executive Committee.

He also was the past president of William F. Higgins Inc. and a real estate developer, according to his obituary.

Halcovage and Higgins were members of Knights of Columbus Schuylkill Council 431. Halcovage said he saw Higgins “several weeks ago.”

Halcovage said Higgins was a “family man. He cared a lot about his community.”

Hess said he will miss the man he said was “kind of a mentor” to him. As a teenager working at Zeller’s, a butcher shop near Lake Wynonah, Hess met Higgins and his family when they would come in and buy food, he said. Hess described Higgins as “very warm hearted.”

Hess and Halcovage said the dedication Higgins exemplified as county commissioner should be recognized. Hess said “he took everything to heart” when he made decisions for the good of the county.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — A family of five is temporarily homeless after fire damaged their home Sunday.

Firefighters were called to 204 Saint John St. just after 7:30 p.m. and found heavy fire in the kitchen as well as smoke billowing out of the front of the two-story building.

The occupants of the home were identified by neighbors as Joe and Jen Weigley and their three sons, Joe Jr., Jonah and Jaren.

Schuylkill Haven fire Chief Michael Donati said the family was not home when the fire broke out and no injuries were reported.

He said it is believed that the fire started in the kitchen, adding that the investigation into the exact cause will continue this morning.

Jon and Jonna Reilly and their 18-month-old daughter, Raelyn, live at 206 St. John St. and saw the fire while they were in their yard grilling. Jonna Reilly said her family heard a smoke alarm, looked into the kitchen of the neighboring home and saw it was engulfed in flames.

Jonna Reilly said while her husband called 911, she managed to get one of the family dogs out. Another was rescued by firefighters.

“We were just relaxing in the yard and decided to grill when we heard the (smoke) alarm,” Jonna Reilly said. “It’s a shame. They’re a terrific family. We will do anything we can for them.”

Firefighters and emergency medical personnel from Schuylkill EMS treated the dogs on a sidewalk outside of the home and both were expected to survive. It was reported that a cat died because of the fire.

All Schuylkill Haven firefighters responded along with volunteers from Pottsville, Orwigsburg, Deer Lake-West Brunswick Township, Landingville and the Pottsville Fire Department Rapid Intervention Team.

Schuylkill Haven Fire Police assisted with traffic control by shutting down St. John Street and connecting streets throughout the course of the fire.

MOLLEYSTOWN — Representatives of the Rausch Creek Land Developers attended the Tremont Township supervisors meeting on July 6 requesting the board consider officially abandoning an old section of the Rausch Creek Road.

Arthur Diaz said the road has been abandoned for years and can only be used by four-wheel drive vehicles. Although it is open to the public, activities taking place on the road cannot be controlled and garbage is thrown onto properties surrounding the road, which Rausch Creek owns.

Diaz said Rausch Creek is also planning to develop an industrial park on a 1,000-acre section of land, which includes the road. According to Diaz, Rausch Creek is trying to clean up some of the loose ends beforehand.

“There’s nothing at the end of the road,” he said.

According to Rod Feldman, another Rausch Creek representative, there is a property owner with mineral rights, as well as Reading Anthracite that has surface rights and must have access to the property. Diaz said they could already have legal access.

Supervisor Herman Lengle questioned whether it would be wiser for the township to own the road and maintain it.

“Our plans for the industrial park will have roads which would be eventually turned over to the township,” Diaz said. “We’d also provide right-of-ways which would be required by the two landowners.”

The board informed the men that the request will be discussed with the township’s solicitor, who was not in attendance. Both landowners will also be contacted.

According to Diaz, the industrial park is in Rausch Creek’s long term plan.

The traffic control supervisor for the Interstate 81 construction currently taking place was also in attendance to discuss the detours.

Artie Spiker of Hi-Way Paving, Columbus, Ohio, reviewed the detours, which had been determined by the state Department of Transportation, and he is tasked to safely enforce them.

“We are having drivers fined who don’t follow the rules,” he said.

Spiker also reviewed the emergency response to a recent accident that tied up traffic for several hours.

“There is a team from his company and the construction company on call at all times,” he said.

The temporary northbound exit ramp at Ravine was recently opened. Spiker said the traffic light on the Molleystown Road is tripped by exiting vehicles and a live action camera takes a picture of everyone coming off I-81. To go north on I-81 from the Ravine interchange, the detour takes traffic to the southbound entrance ramp, south to the Pine Grove exit and onto the Pine Grove northbound entrance ramp.

Spiker said he expects the northbound section will be completed by Dec 22. The southbound section will be done in 2016.

An email from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors urged the supervisors to apply for a seat on Gov. Tom Wolf’s “Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force.” The task force will be comprised of legislators, state and federal agency representatives, local government officials, environmental group members and pipeline and natural gas industry officials. John Quigley, the state’s secretary of environmental protection, will serve as chairman.

Lengle said he received an estimate cost to rubber seal coat seven miles of township road, a project being considered by the board for fall.

Lengle also received a cost for 139 tons of asphalt overlay and 75 tons of patching asphalt from Pottsville Supply for a proposed project on the Rausch Creek Road. A quote for hauling the material and one for performing the work required to resurface several sections and patch several others will also be requested from a local contractor.

A discussion concerning invoices from ARRO Engineering resulted in a decision to send a letter to them disputing a total $332 charge for three invoices.

According to roadmaster Larry Bender, when the guard rails were put on the Camp Road bridge, a hole was drilled through not only the top of the pipe that carries the water under the bridge, but also the bottom. A call was made to the engineer to contact the contractor to fix it. The repair was made; however, the township did not get a bill from them, but did from the engineering firm.

In other business,

• Chairman John Brommer reported the 2014 audit was completed by Leittich and Zipay at a cost of $2,400.

• A letter was received from the Jeep Club requesting a meeting with the supervisors to review their agreement. According to Bender, payments are up to date, but the contract has expired.

• The township has received delivery of a new John Deere tractor with a bucket, mower, sickle bar and canopy at a cost of $36,104.23 from Valley AG and Turf, Halifax, a COSTAR contractor. The tractor has a two-year warranty with an available extension.

A Ringtown man went to prison Friday after being sentenced in Schuylkill County Court.

Raymond B. Miller Jr., 45, must serve three to 12 months behind bars under the terms of Judge James P. Goodman’s sentence.

Goodman imposed his sentence, which also required Miller to undergo a drug and alcohol examination and have no contact with his victim, after revoking the defendant’s probation.

“You’re going to jail. You understand that?” Goodman asked Miller.

“Yes,” the defendant answered.

Goodman revoked Miller’s probation after the defendant admitted violating it by failing to report to his supervising officer, refusing to meet with him, failing drug tests, not making payments on his costs and fines and not performing community service.

“Do you have a drug problem?” Goodman asked Miller.

“No,” Miller replied, although he could not explain how he failed the drug tests.

Miller originally pleaded guilty on June 18, 2014, to terroristic threats and criminal mischief, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of agricultural trespass, unlawful travel on cultivated land, unlawful operation on streets and highways, operating snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle without liability insurance and unlawful operation without registration certificate.

At that time, Goodman sentenced Miller to spend 12 months on probation, pay costs, a $100 fine, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $231.65 restitution, and perform 20 hours community service.

Rush Township police charg-ed Miller with committing his crimes on July 6, 2013, in the township.

Also on Friday, Goodman revoked the probation and parole of Renee E. Gibas, 43, of New Philadelphia, and returned her to prison. She will stay there until at least Sept. 1, could remain behind bars until Sept. 14, 2016, and will spend 23 months on probation after the latter date.

Prosecutors proved Gibas violated her probation and parole by not reporting to her supervising officer, failing a drug test and using drugs, Goodman ruled.

“You need to address this drug problem you have,” Goodman told the defendant.

Gibas pleaded no contest on April 23, 2014, to two separate charges of retail theft. At that time, Goodman placed her on probation for 35 months, and also sentenced her to pay costs, $100 in CJEA payments and 99 cents restitution, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Port Carbon police alleged Gibas committed one theft on March 25, 2013, while Frackville borough police alleged she committed the other theft on March 26, 2013.

Gibas testified she had prescriptions for all the pills she had taken, although she did not deny that she had smoked marijuana.

n Mahanoy City: The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry is always in need of food and is grateful for donations. Items needed include cereal, canned fruit, peanut butter, beef stew, soups, juices, tuna, Spam, instant potatoes, Hamburger Helper, pasta and sauce, pancake mix and syrup, coffee, tea or any nonperishable food item or canned good. Bathroom tissue is also needed. Donations may be left at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church, at the office of state Rep. Neal P. Goodman or at M&T Bank, all in Mahanoy City.

n Minersville: The St. Matthew Travelers group of St. Matthew Catholic Church has changed the dates of its upcoming bus trips to Mohegan Sun Casino to Sept. 14 and Oct. 19.

n Ringtown: An American Red Cross blood drive is set for 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 13 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 106 W. Main St. People 17 and older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are urged to donate blood. Those who wish to make an appointment should call 800-733-2767.

n Pottsville: Several events in connection with plays and the Majestic Theater, North Centre Street, are set for this month. Taste of Theater will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Barefield Recreation Complex, a friends and family appreciation picnic, according to a release from the Pottsville Gymnastics and Theater Center Inc. It is open to the public. Freewill donations will be accepted. Entertainment will be by Majestic Awards winners Liam Wolfe, Reiley Lonergan and George Hegedus as well as the PGTC Spotlight Kidz. A children’s theater workshop based on “Mary Poppins” will be held at the Majestic Theater at 9 a.m. Aug. 15. The camp is open to boys and girls ages 5-12 with youngsters split into age groups. Students will be introduced to all aspects of musical theater. Advance registration is required. For more information, email to schmusicevent@comcast.net. Auditions for the youth musical show “Magical Memories,” a Disney tribute, will be held at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at the theater. Those wishing to audition need to attend only one of the times. The event is open to boys and girls in kindergarten through 12th grade. Youngsters should come prepared with a song from a Disney show to perform a capella. No prior experience is required. -— just a willingness to learn and have fun. The actual show will be held at 3 p.m. Oct. 4. For more information, use the aforementioned email or call 570-628-4647.

n Schuylkill Haven: The Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation organization recently announced the appointments of William J. Folk III as chairman of its board of directors. He replaces Kay A. Russell, who founded the nonprofit group and served as chairwoman since 2005. Russell resigned from the board due to personal matters, according to a press release. Folk has been a member of the board since 2013. He will preside over board meetings, ensure the group carries out its mission statement and guide the group’s fundraising efforts. According to the release, he will work closely with the county commissioners, the Schuylkill County Conservation District and the county’s parks department. He has been in the recreation and fundraising fields for more than 10 years and currently is the recreation manager for Schuylkill Haven borough. He also serves on the boards of the Schuylkill Haven Island Committee, Orwigsburg Lions Club and Schuylkill Women in Crisis. Craig Morgan is the Friends’ vice president. Other board members include Ron Aungst, Mark Catranis, William Hanley, Regina Gargano, Earl Matz, Theresa A. Pothering, Forrest Shadle, George Zwiebel, Gary Slutter and Bruce Schneck. The group’s mission is to “provide financial support exclusively for the County of Schuylkill for the restoration, revitalization and development of the counytywide parks and recreation system.”

n Shenandoah: Polish American Fire Company No. 4, West Centre Street, is sponsoring the upcoming 61st annual Schuylkill County Firefighters Association convention and fire apparatus parade set for Aug. 15. Apparatus registration can be done online at www.polishamericanfireco.org and additional convention information can also be found on the company website. Questions may be emailed to pafco2015@yahoo.com.

PORT CLINTON — A man died Sunday after being pulled from the Schuylkill River in an area known as “The Rock.”

Berks County Deputy Coroner Ron Peters said the man was in his mid-20s and from the Philadelphia area. The man’s name was not released because his family was not notified.

Kyle Morgan, captain of Schuylkill Haven Dive Rescue and Recovery Team, said divers recovered the man from the water and Union Fire Company No. 1, Hamburg, brought the man up to the road about 7:20 p.m. A machine was used to perform chest compressions as the man was taken to Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center, Bern Township, by Hamburg Ambulance. He was pronounced dead at 8:01 p.m.

Carter Hoffman, a dive team member, said the man was swimming with family and friends when he became “distressed.”

“It would be a rare occurrence” if he survived, Hoffman said.

Jarrod Emes, deputy chief with the Hamburg Fire Department, said the man was in “active cardiac arrest” when he was found. Emes estimated the man was in the water, which he said was about 13 feet deep, for about 30 to 40 minutes before being recovered.

“Where he went in was right on the county line,” he said. The area is on the border of West Brunswick Township, Schuylkill County, and Tilden Township, Berks County.

Emes said the dive team recovered the man within six minutes.

“We had to enter the West Brunswick side to enter the beach side,” he said of the topography. He added that the water flow was moderate.

The area is not appropriate for swimming, Emes said.

“People need to understand that the river is dangerous. They need to respect the area,” he said.

He added, “People underestimate the current and what it does.”

State police in Hamburg or Schuylkill Haven will investigate the incident, Emes said.

An officer from the state police barracks in Schuylkill Haven said the station would be doing the investigation.

Fire departments from Shoemakersville and Virginville responded to the scene along with state police and fire police, Emes said.

A man charged with robbing the Turkey Hill store in Ashland on Dec. 7, 2014, is among those scheduled to plead not guilty Thursday during arraignment in Schuylkill County Court.

David Gockley, 20, currently an inmate at State Correctional Institution/Coal Township, was arrested by Ashland police Patrolman Daniel Weikel III and charged with robbery, illegal possession or use of firearms, carrying firearms without a license, terroristic threats, theft, retail theft, receiving stolen property, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault and disorderly conduct.

Weikel said Gockley entered the store about 7:10 a.m., brandished a weapon at clerk Kathy Long and left with several cartons of cigarettes, $91 in cash and Visa gift cards valued at $650 that he made the clerk activate.

Others scheduled to plead not guilty, and the charges against them, include:

Lisa A. Colna, 49, of 8 Pike St., Pottsville — DUI-high rate, careless driving and driving without insurance.

Robert J. Krall, 37, of 14 Motter Drive, Pine Grove — DUI, DUI-high rate and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Thomas J. Bettinger, 39, of 413 Pine Hill St., Minersville — driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Neiko L. Zalonka, 23, of 107 S. Reeser St., Apt. 5, New Ringgold — driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, following too closely and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Brian M. Liptok, 21, of 4 E. Harmony Hill, Cressona — driving under the influence of drugs, driving on the wrong side of the road, one-way roadway violation and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Jason A. Weiser, 31, of 17 W. William St., Schuylkill Haven — DUI, DUI-high rate, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, driving at an unsafe speed, careless driving and driving a vehicle without an inspection certificate.

Cristal R. Russell, 37, of 23 Valley Road, Tamaqua — DUI, DUI-highest rate, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, failure to use seat belts and careless driving.

Siobhan Heiser, 36, of Box 96, Pottsville — false reports and unsworn falsification to authorities.

Henry C. Polk, 54, of 881 Centre St., Sheppton — delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and possession of a controlled substance.

Brian R. Specht, 46, of 153 New St., Pottsville — possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Shawn C. Jago, 35, of 1439 Centre St., Ashland — retail theft.

Nicholas D. Lubeski, 35, of 1407 Walnut St., Ashland — altered, forged or counterfeit documents or plates, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving following registration suspension and not surrendering registration plates and cards.

Albin Kaminsky, 40, of 425 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah — possession of drug paraphernalia and harassment.

Anastacio C. Guzman, 27, of 517 W. Market St., Mahanoy City — resisting arrest and public drunkenness.

Wayne V. Kechula, 41, of 115 W. Rock St., Shenandoah — possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.

Brian M. Obrzut, 44, of 220 W. New York St., Shenandoah — resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bethany N. Fowler, 30, of 17 N. Hand St., Tower City — altered, forged or counterfeit documents or plates, driving a vehicle without an inspection certificate and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Christina E. Baynum, 23, of 228 W. New York St., Shenandoah — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joseph R. Minnich, 42, of 331 W. South St., Mahanoy City — theft, receiving stolen property, unauthorized use of an automobile and criminal mischief.

Chad A. Benjamin, 35, of 100 W. Spruce St., Mahanoy City — terroristic threats, defiant trespass and harassment.

Ronald C. Wilson III, 20, of 625 Laurel Blvd., Pottsville — receiving stolen property, illegal possession or use of firearms, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, corruption of minors, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Darlene M. Acor, 49, of 626 N. Centre St., Pottsville — delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Morgan T. Demarco, 21, of 612 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville — delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Matthew R. Stephany, 24, of 612 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville — delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Collin D. Mobley, 22, of 525 Mahantongo St., Pottsville — disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

Jodi L. Metzgar, 38, of 39 Peacock St., Pottsville — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sara J. Parry, 49, of 212 W. Arch St., Pottsville — retail theft and restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Fernando J. Fonseca, 21, of 717 Mahantongo St., Apt. A, Pottsville — distributing a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

Duane J. Ingraham Jr., 25, of 2301 W. Market St., Auburn — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sonya A. Powanda, 46, of 319 W. Arch St., Apt. 2, Pottsville — delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Karissa L. Shumgart, 26, of 122 Pitt St., Tamaqua — theft from a motor vehicle, unlawful use of a computer, access device fraud, identity theft, theft and receiving stolen property.

Jenna E. Skripko, 20, of 306 W. Railroad St., Pottsville — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Linda A. Polachek, 52, of 111 Nicholas St., Saint Clair — disorderly conduct, sale or illegal use of certain solvents-inhaling fumes.

Kevin W. Hargraves, 27, of 108 E. Patterson St., Saint Clair — possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Katelynn M. Kauffman, 22, of 509 Main St., Pottsville — delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Mary R. Murphy, 62, of 319 W. Market St., Apt. 6, Pottsville — theft, receiving stolen property and theft of property lost, mislaid or delivered by mistake.

John A. Sadusky Jr., 47, of 3 N. Second St., Pottsville — simple assault.

Anthony M. Harkins, 29, of 1014 Centre St., Ashland — aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault and harassment.

Joseph W. Montgomery, 20, of 309 W. Market St., Apt. 3, Pottsville — theft by deception.

Michael J. Setlock Jr., 42, of 230 Sanderson St., Pottsville — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

James L. Flowers Jr., 511 E. Market St., Pottsville — delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Michael Tyron, 44, of State Correctional Institution/Mahanoy, Frackville — assault by prisoner, aggravated assault on police, aggravated harassment by prisoner and simple assault.

Scott A. Parsons, 26, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and public drunkenness.

Michaela R. Hasenhauer, 31, of 226 Maple Blvd., Deer Lake — delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Pamela A. Mack, 39, of 230 Arnot St., Saint Clair — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Victor B. Craig, 38, of 107 S. Sheridan St., McAdoo — criminal attempt to commit indecent assault on an unconscious person and invasion of privacy.

Caleb B. Cook, 26, of 525 W. Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven — possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Alyssa A. Emmert, 23, of 68 Main Blvd., Ringtown — open lewdness, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Alyssa Bensinger, 27, of 115 Catawissa St., Tamaqua — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Beverly A. Gilbert, 54, of 178 Kimber St., New Philadelphia — bad checks.

Trevor R. Christman, 21, of 223 East St., Coaldale — resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bernard J. Hellebrand, 51, of 304 W. Phillips St., Coaldale — retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Julio A. Rios, 48, of 1111 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City — false reports.

Amber L. Hall, 25, of 8 Spruce Ave., Barnesville — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Harry Dolan, 67, of 319 Furnace St., Box 25, Shenandoah — bad checks.

Russell K. Dissinger, 31, of 14 W. Laurel St., Tremont — application of firearms-false statements and unsworn falsification to authorities.

Stephanie Parliament, 28, of 701 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City — theft of leased property and receiving stolen property.

John J. Kamant Jr., 55, of 616 Old Route 209, Apt. 1, Tamaqua — theft, receiving stolen property and harassment.

Michael J. Harley, 26, of 317 Schuylkill Ave., Tamaqua — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kim T. Morgan, 49, of 326 E. Main St. Rear, Box 105, Hegins — possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Alexia E. Sukeena, 24, of 16 Spruce St., Branchdale — theft.

Jennifer M. Lewis, 25, of 1378 Route 183, Schuylkill Haven — theft from a motor vehicle, loitering and prowling at night, defiant trespass and public drunkenness.

Trent A. Schaeffer, 23, of 243 North Route 183, Pottsville — theft of leased property.

Michael Kieffer, 31, of 154 Third St., Coaldale — possession of drug paraphernalia.

SHENANDOAH — Downtown Shenandoah Inc. is getting ready for the 17th annual Heritage Day, which is scheduled for Aug. 22.

The popular annual celebration of the borough’s multi-cultural heritage was discussed during DSI’s meeting on July 21. The event will begin with the 16th annual Parade of Nations, featuring the many nations represented by the residents of Shenandoah.

Following the parade that begins at 10 a.m., activities will be held in Girard Park until 4 p.m.

“We are still accepting vendors and sponsorships,” Mary Luscavage, Main Street manager and DSI executive director, said.

This year’s parade grand marshal is the Knights of Columbus Francis Cardinal Brennan Council 618, Shenandoah.

Luscavage said the entertainment at the park will include singer Shaina Graff, who will present the national anthem, singer Leilani Chesonis, the Perseverance Jazz Band, the Breaker Boys and DJ Dan. DSI is also looking into a performance of Latin music.

There will be many groups and organizations selling homemade ethnic food and vendors will have a large variety of crafts.

During her Promotions Committee report, Chairwoman Anne Taylor said the Kielbasi Festival in May and the Pierogie-Kielbasi Golf Tournament in June were successes.

In other business, Luscavage said two properties are part of DSI facade projects. One property is at 30 N. Main St., owned by Maria Colon.

“She is taking all of the plywood out of the windows in the front and putting in plate glass windows,” Luscavage said. “She will use stone around the door frame, the window and the bottom (of the wall), and moving the door to put a ramp in. On the second floor, she’s also replacing the plywood with glass windows, and she is painting everything historically because of all the ‘swags,’ as they call them.”

The second property is at 125 S. Main St., owned by Josephine Rainis.

“She is adding windows to the front and putting stone around the front,” Luscavage said. “These are the two projects that the Design Committee approved.”

PINE GROVE — Two officers of Hugs & Kisses attended the borough council meeting July 16 to inform the council of its busy upcoming schedule and agreed to take on another project.

Secretary Kathy Schnoke requested the council consider a cleanup of the borough and agreed the community service organization would take the lead in organizing the event. Council President Scott Zimmerman said the council would fully support it.

According to Schnoke, the scheduled events include Family Fun Nite beginning at 5 p.m. Friday on Hose Hook & Ladder Fire Company grounds. A rain date is set for Saturday.

A variety of activities are scheduled, plus a new band, comprised of local high students, called Ultra Violet will provide music throughout the night. Country line dancing with DJ-BJ, Tremont, will be held in the engine room beginning at 8 p.m. The event will end with a free movie and fireworks.

A popular fundraiser, Friends Helping Friends, sponsored by Boscov’s, is scheduled for Oct. 20, in addition to a golf tournament on Sept. 18, sponsored by Daubert’s Distributors. A variety of prizes will be awarded, including $10,000 for a hole-in-one.

In conjunction with last year’s open house of Hugs & Kisses new home at 7 Mill Race Ave., a Chinese auction was held and proved to be successful. Another similar event will be held this year from Nov. 19 to 22, with the annual chinese/bidding auction to be held April 9, 2016.

Accompanied by Hugs & Kisses President Joanne Daubert, the officers reminded the council that four trash receptacles the group purchased for the town were received and are available for installation by the borough streets crew. The group also purchased two receptacles for Tremont and one for Donaldson from profits of this year’s chinese/bidding auction, which raised $27,000. In addition, a donation of $2,000 was made to each of the six local fire companies and a $100 scholarship for a graduating Pine Grove Area senior who performed the most volunteer hours of community service.

Improvements

Ten large flower pots were placed throughout Pine Grove and three in Tremont at the beginning of the summer. In the near future, a park will be built on a vacant lot on Pottsville Street. A house once stood at the site but it was demolished as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s buy-out program after the flood of 2011.

Schnoke also suggested the purchase of “yield at cross walk” signs and said she hopes that the approved quality of life ordinance would be enforced.

Solicitor Chris Hobbs reviewed the process that the council would need to take to obtain conservatorship of a property. He also discussed the liens which a property may have against it and liens that are satisfied when the property is put up for sale because the taxes have not been paid. Taking those routes to solve a blight problem could be an expensive move.

Mayor Will Shiffer agreed, saying these are the things a borough wrestles with when dealing with blight.

“That’s why there is so much,” he said.

According to Hobbs, enforcement of the quality of life ordinance can help prevent a property from reaching that point. For the properties that do, he recommended the borough wait until a property is up for a judicial sale when liens are not considered. It is up to the county to push a property to judicial sale.

One property being considered is at 8 Carbon St.

“Ask the county to put the property on judicial sale,” Hobbs said. “See what they say.”

Until that time, he suggested the borough clean up the property for health and safety reasons, but not to go overboard, then put a municipal lien against the property.

Appeal

The mayor reported an appeal of the decision by the county Zoning Hearing Board for an application to build two additional group homes in Pine Vista was rescheduled for Aug. 27.

The notice of a public hearing states the properties are owned by Ronald S. Landis and are located at 8 Ridge Vista Drive and 1 Hillside Vista Drive, Pine Grove. The application for the homes was made by Todd Seaman, Supportive Concepts for Families Inc.

A group home is already located in the same development and, according to Shiffer, he does not feel the residents are not being properly controlled. Other residents have voiced concerns about their decreasing property values since the homes are not being constructed with garages, while a resident who lives close to a home claims his children will not go outside when the group home residents are outside.

Signs

Shiffer requested the council install stop signs at the cul-de-sac on Cherry Street as a way of slowing down traffic. He also requested “children-at-play” signs on Mill Street bridge on the side opposite the swimming pool. Once traffic takes off from the stop sign at the pool, “they fly over the bridge and up the hill,” Shiffer said.

Due to the resignation of a part-time police officer hired last year, an advertisement for a part-time officer was requested by Shiffer and approved.

Shiffer also said that he met with the school district’s superintendent to discuss a “memorandum of understanding” between the district and the police department. According to Shiffer, it’s a standard document required by the state outlining how the police will interact with the district.

As he bicycles throughout the town, Shiffer said he is noticing signs on poles that do not contain any contact information. He said people are not taking them down once events are over and he is instructing the police to tear them down. He also said he had talked to two realtors about signs they had put up.

Ordinance

Shiffer requested some guidance on implementing the quality of life ordinance.

Hobbs suggested if someone is issued a warning of a violation and doesn’t do anything, that’s probably a trigger that he/she doesn’t intend to do anything. If he/she pays the fine and still doesn’t do anything, that would be a trigger that he/she doesn’t intend to do anything. The cost to put a lien on a property is $130 plus costs, Shiffer said, all of which is paid by the resident.

BCO

The council approved Alfred Benesch & Co., Pottsville, as its building maintenance code officer. Engineer Marty Sowers said the company has two inspectors in the area, plus a dedicated person for scheduling.

“We’re fortunate enough that all (the inspectors) have come from the construction industry. Guys know both sides of the table,” Sowers said. According to Zimmerman, the fee schedule is also cheaper and the company is more friendly.

3 injured in crash

in Elizabethville

ELIZABETHVILLE — Three people suffered injuries in a two-car crash Friday afternoon at Main and Franklin streets in this Dauphin County borough, police said.

State police at Lykens said Nona Reedinger, 69, of Tower City, was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze at 2:15 p.m. and pulled into the path of a 1993 Chevrolet 1600 driven by John Grady, 50, of Elizabethville. Reedinger’s car collided with Grady’s vehicle, resulting in it going back into the westbound lane, police said.

Reedinger was taken to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, with moderate injuries. Her passenger, James Reedinger, 73, of Tower City, had minor injuries, as did Grady, police said.

All were wearing seat belts, police said, and both vehicles were towed from the scene.

Elizabethville Fire Department also responded as well as Medic 6.

Reedinger will be charged with a stop sign violation as a result of the crash, police said.

Tremont man

escapes car fire

PINE GROVE — A Tremont man escaped from his car after it caught fire Friday morning on Sweet Arrow Lake Road in Washington Township, police said.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Robert Bain, 55, was driving his 2000 Ford Focus west on the road at 10:24 a.m. and about 180 feet west of Kutz Road when he heard a loud noise. He noticed a fire near the engine and drove to the side of the road and got out of the car, police said.

North End Fire Company, Pine Grove, extinguished the fire, police said.

Sneakers taken

from back porch

State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a theft that occurred between 11 p.m. July 28 and 7:55 a.m. July 29 on Water Street in Norwegian Township.

Police said Tara Mistysyn reported that someone removed three pairs of Nike sneakers from her back porch and fled the area.

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

Deeds

Branch Township — Nancy J. Homa to Robert E. Seltzer II and Melissa Faust; 105 Willing St., Llewellyn; $34,000.

Cass Township — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Professional Housing Co.; 186 Schaeffers Hill Road; $500.

Cressona — Josette S. Hoy to Kelly J. Nunemacher; 12 Maple St.; $61,000.

East Union Township — Christopher and Kathleen Maits to Christopher Maits; Lot 270WS, Eagle Rock; $1.

Frackville — Brian R. Wagner to Daniel James Heintzelman and Michelle Cress; 415 W. Frack St.; $30,000.

Gordon — Lee T. Koppenhaver, executor of the Last Will & Testament of John H. Koppenhafer, to Jonathan David Menne; 401 N. Hobart St.; $31,800.

Hegins Township — Steven H. Fetterolf to Joseph A. Fetterolf, Romaine A. Daub and Heidi J. Hunchberger; property on Sunshine Lane; $1.

Landingville — Wayne Moreland to Logan C. and Jessica Tarleton; 5 Smokey Lane; $289,900.

Mahanoy City — Patrick F. and Saundra L. Loftus to Patrick F. and Saundra L. Loftus; 809 E. Pine St.; $1.

Minersville — Secretary of Veterans Affairs to George A. Christ and Clarissa M. Elmes; 445 Carbon St.; $8,000.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB; 253 S. Fourth St.; $1,086.69.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.; 420 North St.; $1,078.53.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Mid Penn Bank; 155 S. Third St.; $1,315.97.

North Manheim Township — Frances M. Nagle to Northeast Prestressed Products LLC; 121 River St.; $1.

North Union Township — Gerard Salafrio to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 208EA, Eagle Rock; $8,000.

Donato G. and Angelita M. Mundia to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 54HF2, Eagle Rock; $5,177.64.

Norwegian Township — Dwight D. Emery to Dwight D. Emery and Cynthia P. Byrnes; 331 Minersville St., Seltzer; $1.

Palo Alto — James F. and Patricia Ann Garland to Florence Waizenegger and Diane E. Newswanger; 42 E. Savory St.; $88,000.

Francis J. Gallo to Cheryl Kocher Gallo; 148 E. Bacon St.; $1.

Wells Fargo Bank NA to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; 14 W. Bacon St.; $1.

John P. Armstrong to Don’t Worry: Be Happy LLC; 26 E. Bacon St.; $15,000.

Pine Grove Township — Elizabeth McCauley, executrix of the Estate of Helen E. Schaeffer, to Harry L. Schwartz and Harriet M. Strouphauer; 356 Suedberg Road; $97,000.

Ruth L. Tilley to Bryon K. Tilley-Rovira and David N. Sanz-Rovira; 580 Honeysuckle Court, Swatara Village; $1.

Pottsville — James D. Manzick and Anna M. Laychock to Richard L. Miller; 507 E. Norwegian St.; $16,000.

Earla May J. Downing to Darlene J. Bainbridge; 325 N. Third St.; $20,000.

Bernadette A. and William J. Lecher to Edward P. Yeneshosky and Severine P. Setlock-Yeneshosky; 725 Peacock St.; $120,000.

Travis M. Evans to Andre W. Jurema Enterprises LLC; 618 W. Arch St.; $8,900.

Craig A. Moyer, executor of the Estate of Doris L. Moyer, to Daniel R. Rhen and Megan E. Brehony-Rhen; 508 Carbon St.; $82,400.

Ryan Township — PNC Bank NA to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; 998 Barnesville Drive, Barnesville; $1.

Betty M. Beltz to Wayne Clark and Dorettah Klinger; 1011 Barnesville Drive, Barnesville; $107,400.

Schuylkill Haven — Lucia J. Boutselis to Alfred Zimmerman; 306 Caldwell St.; $15,600.

Shenandoah — Terrance J. Karpovich to Gary Karpovich; 10 S. Bower St.; $1.

Tamaqua — Mark E. Williams and M. Alyssa Fabian, co-trustees of The Williams Family Trust, to Jason L. Green; 111 Lafayette St.; $64,900.

Union Township — Heartie C. Burchess to Theodore P. Burchess, Barbara A. Watson, Anthony Burchess and Kathleen M. Grabowski; 229 Farmers Road; $1.

West Mahanoy Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 204 Florida Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $1,197.54.

Christina E. Hale

FRACKVILLE — An Ashland man charged with assaulting a woman in that borough on July 5 had charges against him withdrawn before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale because the victim was unwilling to testify.

Scott J. Slodysko, 28, whose last known address was 5 E. Centre St., was arrested by Ashland police Patrolman Philip Schlegel and charged with two counts of simple assault and one count each of harassment and disorderly conduct.

Prosecutors withdrew the charges since the victim of the assault refused to testify.

Schlegel charged Slodysko with getting into an argument with the woman and pushed her into a wall. When the woman’s 16-year-old daughter came into the room, Slodysko went after her and tried to push her into a wall as well, Schlegel said.

While still out of control, Schlegel said Slodysko continued to yell and smash items inside the home, causing people inside to fear for their safety.

Other court cases included:

Karen A. Stump, 41, of 49 S. Balliet St., Frackville — held for court: DUI-highest rate and accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property.

Shawn C. Jago, 35, of 1439 Centre St., Ashland — waived for court: DUI, DUI-controlled substance and public drunkenness.

Aaron J. Campbell, 34, of 109 E. Centre St., Upper Apartment, Shenandoah — withdrawn: DUI-highest rate. Waived for court: DUI, disregard for single traffic lane, careless driving, not using low beams and failure to use safety belts.

John P. Reese, 32, of 622 Fountain St., Ashland — waived for court: DUI-highest rate and duties at a stop sign.

Jesse R. Smith, 24, of 297 Reichwein Road, Lavelle — withdrawn: receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

John McAndrew, 51, of 305 McKnight St., Gordon — held for court: manufacture of a controlled substance and altered or misbranded controlled substances.

Marissa L. Beane, 20, of 279 Trout Run Road, Zion Grove — waived for court: DUI, DUI-minor, purchase of alcohol by a minor, disregard for single traffic lane, driving at an unsafe speed, careless driving, restrictions on alcoholic beverages and minors prohibited from operating a vehicle with alcohol in their system.

Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA — Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Tina M. Hosier, 29, of 130 Schuylkill Ave., Tamaqua — held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gregory S. Ward, 54, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — waived for court: simple assault and harassment.

Tyler Mojica, 18, of 405 E. Grant St., McAdoo — dismissed: unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Jennifer L. Stabinsky, 32, of 57 Main St., Pottsville — waived for court: harassment.

Michael Belson, 37, of 425 S. Kennedy Drive, McAdoo — waived for court: scattering rubbish, theft of services and defiant trespass.

Michael Kieffer, 31, of 143 Third St., Coaldale — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

John P. Wagner, 37, of 333 W. Spruce St., Tamaqua — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Tyler B. Krum, 26, of 20 Fourth St., Box 148, Kelayres — withdrawn: possession of marijuana. Waived for court: failure to yield at a stop sign and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Elizabeth R. Tansley, 27, of 222 Brown St., Tamaqua — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kyle Rabenold, 20, of 446 Arlington St., Tamaqua — withdrawn: disregard for single traffic lane and purchase of alcohol by a minor. Waived for court: DUI, DUI-high rate, not using low beams and DUI-highest rate.

Todd Bugdanavage, 40, of 304 Biddle St., Tamaqua — waived for court: theft, receiving stolen property and access device issued to another person.