James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — A Schuylkill Haven man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday on charges he stole more than $10,000 from a disabled man.

Donald Kachelries, 69, of 255 Parkway Apt. 1204, faces 22 counts each of forgery, theft and receiving stolen property.

Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over all charges for court after Kachelries waived his right to the hearing.

Schuylkill Haven borough police allege Kachelries stole $10,421.42 from Richard Whiteash, Schuylkill Haven, a man he was supposed to be helping.

Police said Kachelries wrote 22 unauthorized checks and either kept the proceeds or used them to pay his own bills.

Kachelries remains in prison in lieu of $1,000 percentage bail.

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

Kassidy Bowers, 19, of 613 Harrison St., Pottsville; theft and receiving stolen property; right to preliminary hearing waived, theft charge withdrawn, other charge bound over for court.

Leon J. Charles, 56, of 13 June Ave., Schuylkill Haven; driving under the influence and stop sign violation; right to preliminary hearing waived, stop sign violation charge withdrawn, other charge bound over for court.

Chris A. Dixon, 45, of 233 W. Second Mountain Road, Pottsville; intimidation of witness or victim, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct; right to preliminary hearing waived, intimidation of witness or victim charge withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Justine E. Ellinger, 32, of 717 Hockley Ave., Lebanon; theft, receiving stolen property and attempted theft; charges held for court after preliminary hearing at which Ellinger did not appear. Ferrier asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Ellinger.

Geoffrey B. Hughes, 39, of 217 N. Centre St. Apt. 3A, Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, stop sign violation, driving unregistered vehicle and operating vehicle without required financial responsibility; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Laura Kline, 18, of 113 Paxson Ave., Schuylkill Haven; theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy and loitering and prowling at nighttime; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Courtney N. Lynn, 24, of 2009 Long Run Road, Schuylkill Haven; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; charges held for court after preliminary hearing at which Lynn did not appear. Ferrier asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Lynn.

Alec J. McGovern, 18, of 691 Berne Drive, Auburn; theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy and loitering and prowling at nighttime; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

David Smith, 30, of 157 S. Nice St., Frackville; criminal trespass and defiant trespass; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH — A 16-year-old Shenandoah boy charged with a robbery in the borough on Aug. 22 appeared for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Sergio Gutierrez, 18 N. Gilbert St. was arrested by Shenandoah Police Patrolman David Stamets and charged with robbery, aggravated assault, simple assault, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, possession of a weapon, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person, harassment, disorderly conduct and conspiracy.

Prosecutors withdrew the charge of aggravated assault and Gutierrez waived the remaining offenses to Schuylkill County Court.

Stamets charged Gutierrez in connection with an incident at 33 S. Main St. brandishing a knife and threatening Kevin Najera, assaulting him and then taking his cell phone and wallet.

Other court cases included:

Bruce Sweller, 54, of 320 W. Arlington St., Shenandoah; withdrawn: aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Jennifer Adams, 47, of 21 N. Main St., Apt. 3, Shenandoah; withdrawn: aggravated assault. Waived for court: simple assault, defiant trespass, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Kayla Ann Weikel, 25, of 432 E. Lloyd Sty., Shenandoah; waived for court: retail theft, possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.

Mark Adzema, 40, of 1257 Poplar St., Kulpmont; withdrawn and moved to citations: receiving stolen property, possession of drug paraphernalia and altered or misbranded controlled substances

Staff reports

The state House of Representatives on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a measure that would allow private companies to assist with the movement of super-sized transport vehicles.

Sen. David Argall’s legislation would remove the current mandate that state police must escort any tractor-trailer hauling a load greater than 201,000 pounds and over 160 feet long and/or 16 feet wide.

“This puts Pennsylvania in line with several other states,” Argall, R-29, Tamaqua, said in a release. “The current law puts an unnecessary strain on the state police. I’m thankful to see this common-sense reform on its way to the governor’s desk.”

The bill requires safety standards and a certification process through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for private businesses seeking to assist in the transport of super-load trailers.

SCRANTON — Prosecutors rested Thursday in the trial of an Ashland doctor accused of drug delivery resulting in death, administering a contraband substance and other counts.

Stephanie Tarapchak, D.O., 46, is also accused of smuggling drugs into the Lackawanna County Prison in her rectum.

A pain management expert testified Thursday that the defendant’s pain pill prescriptions to a man who eventually died of an overdose lacked medical reasoning and a sufficient amount of documentation, defense attorney Bernard Brown said.

Because visiting Judge John L. Braxton is busy with other matters Friday, the trial will resume Monday. Brown said he expects to complete his defense that day.

In recent Schuylkill County Court action, Judge John E. Domalakes on Wednesday accepted to guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Amber L. Hall, 26, of Delano; retail theft, unlawful possession of offensive weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia; 147 days to 23 months in prison with immediate parole, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, $150 bench warrant fee and $4.58 restitution.

Joel R. Hatter, 48, of Tremont; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and driving under suspension; 43 days to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, $200 fine and $50 CJEA payment.

Jeffery M. Hrycko, 42, of Fountain Hill; driving under the influence and criminal mischief; 30 days in prison, 90 days house arrest with electronic monitoring, 30 days alcohol monitoring, seven months strict supervision, four years probation, $1,500 fine, $300 SAEF payment, $746.40 restitution and 20 hours community service, with sentence effective at 10 a.m. Oct. 7. Prosecutors withdrew charges of reckless driving and careless driving.

Julian D. Jackson, 21, of Barnesville; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew charges of possession of marijuana and operating vehicle without required financial responsibility.

Allen S. Johns, 37, of Minersville; retail theft; 12 months probation and $50 CJEA payment.

Amy L. Kozie, 44, of Frackville; theft of services; 24 months probation and $50 CJEA payment.

Shane J. Kramer, 40, of Orwigsburg; terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment; six months probation, $50 CJEA payment and no contact with the victim.

Michael J. Magalengo, 46, of Pottsville; criminal trespass; 151 days to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, mental health evaluation and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of loitering and prowling at nighttime.

Barry E. Markle, 44, of Mountaintop; driving the wrong way; $25 fine and $50 bench warrant fee. Prosecutors withdrew charges of DUI and driving under suspension-DUI related.

Adrian Martinez, 35, of Pottsville; failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic; $25 fine and $50 bench warrant fee. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of adulteration or misbranding of a controlled substance.

Garry L. Martz, 55, of Gratz; DUI and failure to drive at a safe speed; 30 days in prison, 90 days house arrest with electronic monitoring, 30 days alcohol monitoring, seven months strict supervision, four years probation, $1,500 fine, $300 SAEF payment, $460 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of careless driving.

Ted A. Moore, 26, of Tower City; harassment; $300 fine. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of harassment and one count of simple assault.

Faith E. Morgan, 41, of Mahanoy City; receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance; 23 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew charges of burglary, criminal trespass, theft, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In other county court action, a Tamaqua man went free Tuesday after a Schuylkill County judge found him not guilty of an alcohol-related offense.

Jake A. Love, 20, is not guilty of purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of an alcoholic beverage, Judge John E. Domalakes ruled.

Tamaqua police had charged Love with possessing alcohol on Feb. 21 in the borough. Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, had found Love guilty on May 4, but the defendant appealed that decision on June 2.

Also in the county court, a Luzerne County woman will not have to spend more time in prison after admitting Monday that she possessed drugs and paraphernalia in May 2014 in Mahanoy City.

Richele Robinson, 30, of Drums, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin accepted the plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced Robinson to time served up to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, plus an additional 12 months probation.

Dolbin also sentenced Robinson to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the CJEA and a $133.90 bench warrant fee.

Mahanoy City police charged Robinson with possessing drugs and paraphernalia on May 19, 2014, in the borough.

In other recent Schuylkill County Court action, Domalakes accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Annie Morrisey-Cragen, 46, of Shenandoah; two counts of harassment and one each of driving under the influence, and false reports to law enforcement; 72 hours to six months in prison, 12 months probation, $1,200 in fines, $300 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment, $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 10 hours community service, with sentence effective at 9 a.m. Oct. 17. Prosecutors withdrew two additional counts of harassment and one count each of false alarm and false swearing.

Courtney K. Nause, 56, of Hegins; DUI; 30 days in prison, 90 days house arrest with electronic monitoring, 30 days alcohol monitoring, seven months strict supervision, four years probation, $1,500 fine, $300 SAEF payment, $1,008.70 restitution and 30 hours community service, with sentence effective at 9 a.m. Oct. 12. Prosecutors withdrew charges of disregarding traffic lane and careless driving.

Brandon M. O’Brien, 31, of Robesonia; two counts of receiving stolen property; 18 to 36 months in a state correctional institution concurrent to Lackawanna County sentence. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of prohibited possession of offensive weapon.

Scott A. Parsons, 26, of Schuylkill Haven; disorderly conduct, theft and receiving stolen property; one to 12 months in prison and $199 restitution.

Rachel Pleva-Sanko, 37, of Shenandoah; three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia; 147 days to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, $300 in SAEF payments, $50 CJEA payment and $176 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew three counts of possession of a controlled substance and one each of conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility.

Luis Polanco, 42, of McAdoo; theft of services; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and $1,850.56 restitution.

James A. Reed, 73, of Auburn; public drunkenness; $500 fine and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of DUI.

Benito Reynoso Jr., 21, of Shenandoah; criminal trespass; time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole and no contact with the victim.

David J. Rivera, 22, of Minersville; theft; 12 months probation and $90 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of receiving stolen property.

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

COLLEGEVILLE — State Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane faces three more charges, including perjury, relating to testimony she gave before a grand jury investigating the leak of secret information.

On Thursday, Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman said newly discovered evidence shows Kane lied when she testified before a grand jury on Nov. 17 that she never signed a secrecy oath relating to past grand juries that were prosecuted by her predecessors.In an arrest affidavit,

Ferman said Kane repeatedly claimed she could not be held criminally responsible for the leak of information from the 29th statewide investigating grand jury probe of J. Whyatt Mondesire, Philadelphia, in 2009 because she did not sign a secrecy oath regarding that grand jury.

Montgomery County detectives searched the attorney general’s office on Sept. 17 and seized a secrecy oath Kane and six other staffers signed on Jan. 17, 2013 — her second day in office. The oath compelled her and the others to maintain the secrecy of all matters occurring before the 29th statewide grand jury and all other prior grand juries, according to the arrest affidavit.

Kane was charged in August with perjury, false swearing, obstructing the administration of law, official oppression and conspiracy for allegedly leaking information about the Mondesire probe to a Philadelphia newspaper last year.

Prosecutors say Kane authorized the release of two emails, a 2009 memorandum and a 26-page transcript of a 2014 interview conducted with an agent who worked the Mondesire case. She did so to smear Frank Fina, a former chief deputy attorney general who headed the Mondesire probe, because she blamed him for leaking information about another grand jury probe of state legislators caught taking bribes. An article critical of her decision not to file charges in that case appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer on March 16, 2014.

The initial perjury charges were based on allegedly false statements she made regarding her role in the leak, whether and when she saw certain documents and her denial that the leak was related to her anger over the Inquirer story.

Initially, she was not charged with perjury related to the secrecy oath because investigators did not know of the oath’s existence at the time, Ferman said in the arrest affidavit. After they learned of the oath, they obtained a search warrant and located the document.

Based on the new evidence Ferman filed on Thursday an additional count of perjury, false swearing and obstructing the administration of law against Kane with Montgomery County District Magistrate Judge Cathleen Kelly Rebar. Kane was arraigned on the new charges Thursday afternoon.

Attempts to reach Gerald Shargel, Kane’s lead defense attorney, for comment were unsuccessful.

The affidavit for the new charges provides further detail of relating to the secrecy oath. At one point, Kane insisted she was not sworn to secrecy relating to the Mondesire grand jury probe because she was not in office at the time.

“I was not sworn into the grand jury from 2009 as I could not have been since I was at home with my kids at the time,” she said, according to the arrest affidavit.

Kane also testified she and the other staffers knew they were sworn to secrecy regarding active, existing probes at the time she took office, but not others from prior years.

“We don’t go back and sign every grand jury from the beginning of time. You just can’t do that,” she said, according to the affidavit.

Each of those statements was clearly false as Kane knew she had signed the secrecy oath, Ferman says in the affidavit.

“Notwithstanding the clear fact that the defendant was sworn to secrecy before every past and current grand jury ... (she) repeatedly told the grand jury that she was never sworn to protect secret information,” the affidavit says.

John Burkoff, who teaches criminal law at the University of Pittsburgh Law School told the The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review the new charges were not unexpected, but they make it even more unlikely she can ride this storm out.

“The guillotine blade hanging over AG Kane’s head just dropped another few inches,” Burkoff said. “Certainly it will come as no surprise to anyone if some sort of plea agreement is reached in the near future, resolving all the charges against her and giving her some way to save face by not having to admit her culpability for everything with which she is now charged.”

May 29, 2014: Special prosecutor investigating leak of confidential information from 2009 grand jury probe.

Nov. 17, 2014: Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane testifies before the grand jury investigating leak.

Dec. 19, 2014: Grand jury recommends Ms. Kane be charged.

Aug. 6, 2015: Montgomery County district attorney files charges of perjury, related crimes.

Sept. 21, 2015: Ms. Kane’s license to practice law temporarily suspended. Ms. Kane refuses to resign; vows to fight charges.

Oct. 1, 2015: More charges of perjury, related crimes filed against Ms. Kane.

David J. Petravich, city code inspector, was at the Necho Allen building Thursday to examine some concrete that fell off the building.

“There is a couple areas where it is cracked and deteriorated,” he said of the building at 101 Mahantongo St.

He did not know the length of all the areas that need to be examined. He was there about 9 a.m. after receiving a call about the issue. A look at the awning, about ten feet from the ground on Mahantongo Street, shows what appears to be concrete sitting on the corner of it. Petravich said “about 18 inches of it has fallen off the building,” adding it did not fall from the top but slightly above the awning.

He thought it was decorative trim.

Petravich called Craig Shields, Barefield Development Corp. chief executive officer , who then visited the site. Barefield Development Corp. owns the building. Shields said someone is coming out today to inspect the area in question. He said there is a section about 4 feet long and 6 inches high that will be scrutinized. He does not know if it will be fixed because it could depend on the weather.

Shields did not know why the section in question fell but said it was “probably because of age.”

The building was built in 1916.

Petravich said there were no fines issued Thursday.

“The owner agreed to make repairs. We try to work with owners of properties,” he said.

If the work is not completed, additional steps will be taken, Petravich said. He did not provide a time frame of when the work needs to be completed.

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and several colleagues on Tuesday proposed sweeping reforms to the federal program that provides benefits to coal miners suffering from black lung disease.

They said the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2015 is meant to help level the playing field for miners.

“There is undeniable evidence that, as thousands of miners are being affected by black lung, coal company lawyers are determined to exploit loopholes preventing miners and their families from receiving the benefits they deserve,” Cartwright, D-17, Moosic, said in a release. “This legislation is needed to ensure that miners are able to obtain unbiased medical evidence, ample representation and up-to-date benefit payments.”

Casey, D-Pa., said the black lung claims process is in need of reform to target unethical legal and medical practices, and that the legislation “is a common-sense approach that ensures impacted miners and their families don’t have the deck stacked against them.”

Black lung is caused by inhaling coal dust over an extended period of time.

The legislation would strengthen the benefits program by:

• Requiring full disclosure of medical information related to a claim, whether or not such information is entered as evidence.

·Helping miners review and rebut potentially biased or inaccurate medical evidence developed by coal companies.

·Allowing miners or their survivors to reopen their cases if they had been denied because of medical interpretations that have subsequently been discredited.

• Helping miners access better, more timely benefits.

• Adjusting black lung benefits to increases in the cost of living.

• Developing a strategy to reduce the backlog of claims still awaiting consideration.

n Ashland: The Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society will hold a cemetery walk from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Brock Cemetery, Brock Street. The cost is $7. Participants will meet at Brock Cemetery, go to St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, and the walk will end at St. Mauritius Catholic Cemetery. In a release, organizers said there will be stops at the plots of significant people from the Ashland area and participants will learn about their lives and contributions to local history. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets will be available at the event. For more information, call Gayle at 570-933-5749 or Jim at 570-875-2632.

n Deer Lake: The Deer Lake and West Brunswick Fire Company’s regular bingo games will be from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Tuesday at the firehouse, 1 Ash Road. Doors will open at 5 p.m. For more information, call 570-366-0152.

n Frackville: Zion Lutheran Church, 48 S. Nice St., will sponsor an American Red Cross blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the church. People 17 and older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are urged to donate blood. To make an appointment, call 800-733-2767.

n Frackville: Family Fun Night will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the social hall of First United Methodist Church, 25 S. Balliet St. For more information, call 570-874-0792 or email to frackumc@yahoo.com.

n Pottsville: “Brakes for Breasts” to benefit the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday at AAMCO of Pottsville, Route 61, Pottsville-Saint Clair Highway. People can get free brake pads with a brake service purchase and 10 percent of the proceeds will benefit the fund. For more information, call 570-429-1414.

n Pottsville: Free English classes are held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays at the Lifelong Learning Center, 2221 W. Market St. For more information or to register, call the center at 570-628-5761.

n Pottsville: There will be a used book sale from noon to 2 p.m. Monday at the Pottsville Public Library, sponsored by the Friends of the Library group. The feature will be 25-cent paperbacks.

n Pottsville: “Magical Memories: A Tribute to the Magic of Disney,” will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St. Tickets are $15 each and will be available at the door. The presentation is in association with Pottsville Gymnastics & Theatrical Center Inc. For more information, call 570-628-4647.

n Shenandoah: The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society will hold a rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 16 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at the history center, 201 S. Main St. Donations will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15. No computers or televisions will be accepted.

n Shenandoah: The praying of a Public Square Holy Rosary is set for noon Oct. 10 at the Pennsylvania Anthracite Miners Memorial, Main and Washington street. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. The rally is part of the America Needs Fatima Public Square Rosary Crusade, with more than 12,000 rallies held each year on the closest Saturday to Oct. 13, feast of the last apparition of Our Lady of Fatima and the Miracle of the Sun in Portugal, according to a release. For more information, call Charles Calise at 570-612-9205.

n Shenandoah: Diakon Prime Time Health will feature “A Matter of Balance” beginning noon to 2 p.m. today and continuing Fridays in October and November at the Shenandoah Senior Community Center, 116 N. Main St. The focus will be to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels, according to a Diakon release. Participants will learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. The program is free. For more information, call 570-624-3017.

October in Pennsylvania, it really doesn’t get more beautiful than that.

Mother Nature achieves fine work with her most vibrant palette of the year. The days are cool yet filled with warm golden light. Evenings are crisp. The air heavy with the scent of fallen leaves. It goes without saying that you’ll want to schedule plenty of outdoor time this month. (Of course, I’m saying it anyway!)

I’m often yakking about enjoying Schuylkill County’s many outdoor activities but there’s one that’s particularly wonderful in October and that happens to be a fall foliage flight. (Yes, you heard me correctly.) They are beyond fun and nothing beats a bird’s eye view of our natural blessings in the fall. And right now is the best time to do it! Call our friends at the Schuylkill County Airport at 570-544-6002 and schedule yours today. I promise you will love every minute of it!

There’s an exhilarating autumn hike at Hope Hill Lavender Farm Saturday that you may want to consider. I mean, truthfully, what could be more exhilarating than the scent of lavender fields and the surrounding woods in autumn?

John Domalakes leads the “Crow Trail” hike on Oct. 11 from Tuscarora State Park, Barnesville. Tom Pesock will lead us through an old rail line plus vestiges of past coal mining in a northern Schuylkill village on the “Oneida Adventure” on Oct. 24. Locust Lake hosts The Lucky Dog Dash 5K, a race where you can run or walk with your dog, on Oct. 18. Information on these hikes is available at 570-622-4124, ext. 113.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Drehersville, is an ideal place to hike while enjoying the changing colors of autumn as well as the fall migration.

Or you can design some hikes of your own liking. Schuylkill County has a large variety of trails to choose from when planning your own hikes.

For family fun at its finest, you’ll want to head to Pioneer Evergreen Farm’s Fall Festival between now and Nov. 1. In addition to one of the best scenic mountain hayrides to be found anywhere, they’ve got more than 38 activities, including but not limited to, an obstacle bounce house, pumpkin patch, tube slide, water balloon launcher, pedal go-karts, 200-foot mountain slide, petting zoo, pony rides, corn crib and a 3-acre tree maze.

All that fun makes one hungry and they’ve got that covered too with apple dumplings, funnel cakes, hot dog and a S’more roast plus lots more!

Speaking of food, (let’s be honest, when aren’t I talking about food?), Long Trout Winery is hosting an artisan cheese and wine pairing on Saturday and Sunday that includes Velvety Pumpkin Soup made with blue cheese and bacon paired with their Psychedelic Jack-O-Lantern pumpkin wine. The winery will also be featuring samples of cheddar cheese soup paired with pesto cheese sandwich bites.

Orwigsburg’s Veterans Memorial building is home to “A Night of Chili and Chills” on Oct. 17. Tamaqua’s Heritage Festival will have more treats than one can possibly eat in one day on Oct. 11 and Benigna’s Creek Winery’s Chili Cook-off is Oct. 17, so get out your recipes and join us!

Pine Grove’s Autumn Stroll on Oct. 17 always has oodles of tasty victuals, too. Treat yourself to a fabulous fall second Sunday Tea featuring delicious seasonal treats at The Maid’s Quarters on Oct. 11; again, I promise you will love it!

Spooky, creepy, crawly, ghoulishly good times are an October hallmark and I would be lax if I didn’t round out this article with some fearsome fun.

Schuylkill County Council for the Arts simply oozes dread on Oct. 17 with the works of Edgar Allan Poe. They’re at it again on Oct. 24 as they host the Anthracite Philharmonic’s Spooky Strings Concert and once more on Oct. 30 with the Haunted Yuengling Mansion Tour.

No. 9 Mine will scare you right out of your pants on Oct. 30 and 31 in its haunted mine. An Edgar Allan Poe Fall Fest on Oct. 10 at Simon Kramer Recreation Center looks to be an eerily awesome event. The Majestic Theater will fill you with dread on Oct. 23 with Ghost Stories by Charles Adams. Finally, “Spirits are Coming” to The Crafty Fly on Oct. 24 and 25. Call 570-429-2911 to reserve early.

I’m afraid my time with you is drawing to a close and I haven’t covered even half of the community events this month.

For a complete listing of harvest happenings, the trail directory, Outdoor Recreation Map and many other resources, go to www.schuylkill.org. We’ve got what you need to get out and get your autumn on!!

(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Mary Catherine Guzick said she misses her son, David Guzick, who was killed by a distracted driver in 2013 at the age of 24.

Guzick died March 12, 2013, when his motorcycle was hit on Route 443 in a chain-reaction crash caused by a distracted driver. Guzick was not wearing a helmet.

The Pottsville woman said she misses everything about him, so the family has again this year chosen to partner with a local nonprofit, Diakon Community Services, for a charitable cause in his honor. On Thursday, the family was at the Schuylkill Haven Senior Community Center to spread awareness of distracted driving.

The family is asking people to donate food for Schuylkill County Meals on Wheels. Diakon manages the program through a contract with the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services. Donations will be accepted until Nov. 21 and can be donated at various locations in the county.

Guzick and her husband, Jack, did not speak during the presentation. Lori Guzick, David’s aunt, did. Carol Alonge, highway safety consultant with the North Central Highway Safety Network, also spoke.

Alonge said texting takes a driver’s eyes off the road. She said texting and driving is not just a teenage problem.

“Park the phone before you drive,” she said.

Lori Guzick said distracted driving is not something to be taken lightly.

“People are recognizing this is problem that needs to be addressed,” she said.

Statistics from www.distraction.gov, a government website, said 3,154 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2013.

“On March 9, 2013, it was a beautiful day. It was warm, sunny, clear,” Guzick said.

She said David was driving back to Pottsville on Route 443 in Washington Township when the incident occurred.

“Dave suffered significant injuries,” she said.

He was flown to Reading Hospital, West Reading, then to The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Guzick said David died at 8:34 a.m. March 12, 2013. In keeping with his wishes, his organs were donated.

“After Dave’s death, I learned that the girl who was responsible for this crash told the police that she was distracted by her GPS when this crash occurred. Now, her cellphone records told a totally different story. There were 17 at least — maybe at least as many as 40. I don’t remember­­ — text messages sent and received in her travels from the Reading Hospital School of Nursing to the point of impact in Washington Township close to Pine Grove. Now this is someone who had been attending nursing school for some time and probably made that drive a million times. I don’t believe for a minute she was looking at her GPS. I believe she was texting when she killed David. This wasn’t an accident, this was a crash. This could have been completely prevented. Losing someone you care about in such a senseless, preventable way is just a tragedy,” Guzick said.

Students from Blue Mountain School District and the Pottsville Area School District were in attendance Thursday.

Hunter Blankenhorn, 18, a senior at Blue Mountain High School, took the message to heart.

“I think it was moving. It makes me think about what decisions I am going to make in my future,” he said.

Guzick said after the presentation that “it’s an awful story, but it needs to be told.”

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations for the meals on wheels program:

• Studio 16 Salon

• Williamstown, Friedberg & Jones

• Fellows & Smink Dental Associates

• Minersville Auto Parts

• Pottsville Senior Community Center

• Schuylkill Haven Senior Community Center

• Mahanoy City Senior Community Center

• Shenandoah Senior Center

• Tremont Senior Community Center

I’m not sure if you heard, but the pope made a visit to the U.S. last weekend and it, in its entirety, was pretty epic. And describing something as epic is not something I like to do because I think it’s a phrase trend much overused and past its prime, but Pope Francis’ time here in the states was in fact, epic.

A little background for those who haven’t followed this column for the past almost six years: I grew up Catholic, went to Catholic school and attended church every Sunday and holy day of obligation. I received all the normal sacraments one does growing up Catholic (still waiting on that marriage one, boys), I was even a church lector, volunteered at the rectory and instructed CCD classes.

I was an exemplary Catholic.

In high school, I started to have doubts and ask many questions I was formerly forbidden to even think about disputing.

Catholicism and I kind of found ourselves with great distance between. I found, overall, the message was more focused on persecution than mercy and I just couldn’t get onboard with it. I’ve always lived by the Lenny Kravitz lyric, “You’ve got to let love rule.” The idea of condemning good people whose lifestyles didn’t align with printed word in the Bible seemed archaic and irresponsible.

Next, I spread my wings and flew off to college and began my departure from the strict Catholic structure in which I was raised and educated. I mean, there were college parties to attend on Saturday nights, surely I wasn’t getting up for church in the morning.

The reason? Church wasn’t fun, and at that age, I felt like I wasn’t really getting anything out of it besides avoiding the fiery pits of hell by having my body in attendance.

Before you burn me at the stake, give me a moment to catch you up and explain, in an abridged moment, a series of events.

College gave me the independence to decide I wasn’t going to do anything I was formerly obligated to do: Making my bed every day. Going to church. Having a curfew. Dressing certain ways. It was a transitional point in life where I was becoming an adult all while having not the slightest clue on how to be an “adult.”

Soon after college, I lost my brother in a car accident and I, through my grief, pretty much washed my hands of religion.

Fast forward a bit. Things happened, too many for me to list and go into detail about, that left me with no doubt of the existence of a higher power. When I turned my back on faith, out of pain and grief, there were things that led me back. There were signs. There were undeniable events which reminded me how unrealistic it was to think we just exist as lumps of meat on a rock in space. I realized I never stopped believing in God. I never stopped knowing deep down of a higher power, I just tuned out due to various life events.

Have I come back the Catholic church? No. I haven’t. Mostly, because I’m not sure that’s the place for me.

Do I believe in God? Sure I do. With all my heart.

Praying and acknowledging my belief in God is just something that gets pushed to the side amid my busy schedule.

Which isn’t right. There are so many things for which I should be grateful on a daily basis that I, in my head, am truly thankful for but I should take the time to more formally address.

I shouldn’t turn to God when I’m down and out, but on a regular basis for my life and things with which I’ve been blessed.

So, back to the pope.

Pope Francis has been pivotal in restoring my faith and motivating me to make God a priority in my life again.

His message of mercy and his open heart and mind considering modern issues is beyond refreshing. It has brought people from all walks of life together as was greatly apparent during his U.S. visit.

I applaud his approach and believe he has truly illuminated a path for those who have strayed away from the Catholic church to return. The core of his message is love, mercy and forgiveness, and that’s something I’m completely down with.

Organized religion is still something I’m up in the air about, so I’m not exactly going to label myself as Catholic, Protestant or anything else any time soon. Although I know that matters greatly to many and that I respect. If you trust in God and the existence of a higher power and that positive energy brings positive things into your life, I think you’re on the right path.

So, I think this pope is amazing. He’s breathed new life into the Catholic church and brought together people from all walks of life and denominations. His visit was nothing short of historic and inspirational and I only absorbed it through television and second-hand accounts.

Fox News may not like him, but I’d give him a high-five and a hug any day.

Thank you, Pope Francis, from a lost sheep. Thank you for opening your arms instead of putting up a fence. I may not be part of the fold as I used to be, but at least the big guy and I have a relationship again and I have a sense of faith and spirituality and something to believe in.

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

The Citizen-Standard weekly newspaper in Valley View and The News-Item daily newspaper in Shamokin were among a group of newspapers sold by Times-Shamrock Communications, the parent company of The Republican-Herald, in a transaction that was completed Thursday.

The deal involved the Towanda Printing Co., which is made up of three newspaper clusters that include daily, weekly and monthly publications that serve a five-county area centered in Northeast Pennsylvania and South Central New York. Those publications include: The Daily Review, the Bradford-Sullivan Pennysaver and the Farmer’s Friend, all in Towanda; the Northeast Driller, Sayre; the Troy Pennysaver, Troy; the Susquehanna County Independent and Weekender, Montrose; The News-Item, Shamokin; The Citizen-Standard, Valley View and the Owego Pennysaver in Owego, New York.

Also included in the sale is the company’s printing facility in Towanda.

George V. Lynett Jr., publisher of The Times-Tribune in Scranton and a CEO of Times-Shamrock Communications, confirmed the sale of Towanda Printing to Sample News Group on Thursday. The sale price was not disclosed.

The agreement was originally announced Aug. 5.

Times-Shamrock purchased the Towanda Printing Co. from the Turner family in 1977, opening a Sayre bureau the following year and debuting the Sunday Review in 1987. Towanda Printing Co.’s state-of-the-art printing plant was opened in 2001.

Times-Shamrock continues to operate daily newspapers in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pottsville and Hazleton, as well as 14 radio stations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Wisconsin and Nevada.

Sample News Group, headquartered in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, owns more than 50 publications, including 15 daily newspapers, in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Police arrest man for disturbances

ASHLAND — Ashland police have filed charges against a borough man stemming from two incidents that occurred Sept. 23.

Police said officers were called about 5:30 p.m. to the 1700 block of Centre St. for a report of a disturbance and found Steven Kehler, 48, and Tracey Kehler arguing with Steven appearing to be under the influence of a controlled substance.

Verbal statements were provided by the man and woman and both were released, police said, adding that Steven Kehler left his 1710 Centre St. home with no intention of returning.

Then, about 8:40 p.m., officers were stopped by a passing motorist who reported Steven Kehler was in the area of Turkey Hill, 1638 Centre Street, acting out and apparently under the influence.

Police said Kehler was taken into custody at the scene and will be charged with disorderly conduct through the office of Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville.

Businesses violate state liquor laws

Several area businesses were cited by state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for various infractions of the state liquor law.

According to public information release reports issued Friday, below are those cited and the charges:

• Loyal Order of Moose, Hamburg Lodge 523, 12-14 S. Third. St., Hamburg. On June 18, police noted the business failed to maintain complete and truthful records related to the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act. The business was also in violation of Section 328.503 of the Department of Revenue Regulations and Section 491(10) of the state liquor code.

• Senetic Corporation, 661 N. Centre St., Pottsville. On July 30, the business furnished alcoholic beverages to a minor, a 20-year-old, in violation of Section 493(1) of the state liquor code.

• Woody’s Bar and Backyard Paradise LLC, 204-206 Peacock St., Pottsville. On July 30, the business furnished alcoholic beverages to a minor, a 20-year-old, in violation of Section 493(1) of the state liquor code.

• D&D Grill & Bar LLC, 16 St. John St., Schuylkill Haven. On Aug. 2, the business furnished alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person, in violation of Section 493(1) of the state liquor code.

Police investigate chain saw theft

PINE GROVE — State police are looking for the suspect in a theft that occurred between 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 and 9:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at 20 Gilbert Drive.

Police said the suspect arrived at the home of Mike Miller, 45, by unknown means and stole an orange and red Husqvarna model 450 chain saw and case from the bed of Miller’s truck. The chainsaw’s serial number is 2120143300332, and it has an 18-inch bar.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation can call the state police at Schuylkill Haven at 570-739-1330.

An effort to improve the facade of the fire-damaged building at 218 W. Market St. in Pottsville has stalled, and frustrated city officials this week decided to start citing the owner of the building on a daily basis.

Each citation could carry a fine of up to $1,000, and Justin Trefsger, city code enforcement officer, may issue three or more per day to the building’s owner, Mike Ghannoum, Pottsville.

“But the district judge will decide what the fines will be,” Trefsger said Friday.

“We’ve all been working very closely with Mike to try to help him understand what he needs to do to take care of the building. Hopefully it will be properly repaired. We spent a lot of time on this one. We’ve been paying very close attention to it. It’s an important building. And as we move forward, everyone wants to make sure it’s done properly and it’s safe,” City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said Friday.

Ghannoum could not be reached for comment Friday.

The three-story building at 218 W. Market St. was damaged in a fire May 24, 2014. For many months afterwards, it had become an eyesore, vacant, with a windowless charred-brick facade.

“We try not to be cumbersome with all of these requirements. It’s a commercial building as well, so the issues that Mike has to contend with are multiple. We sat with him and we went through a very fair and specific list of things that he needed to do both on the exterior and the interior of the building and he agreed to all of those things. We believed that we were extremely clear with Mike and what he needed to do. We did that to help him. We really wanted to make sure if there was any question as to what we expected it was answered and it was written down,” Palamar said.

On June 2, Trefsger sent Ghannoum a notice stating the building’s window frames needed to be “properly secured.” In July, the city’s Historical Architectural Review Board and the city council approved a plan for repairs to the facade. The council asked Ghannoum to have the facade finished by Sept. 30.

Trefsger had outlined the following steps Ghannoum had to take to repair the facade:

• “The first-floor windows on Third Street and West Market Street only are to be filled in with bricks from the sill, about 12 inches on the bottom, and putting vinyl windows in above that. The existing sills are to be reused.”

• “New vinyl windows are to be installed on the first, second and third floors.”

• “The exterior brick on the building that is broken or deteriorated is to be removed and replaced with new brick to match the existing as closely as possible.”

• “The front door and porch did not receive approval from HARB and Mike will need to come back for approval.”

Over the summer, Ghannoum hired a team of contractors to paint its bricks red. While the paint job was an improvement, Palamar said work to improve the property came to a halt in early September.

On Sept. 9, the Pottsville Blight and Nuisance Task Force listed it among the 15th most blighted properties in the city.

Since Sept. 15, Trefsger issued Ghannoum five “nuisance property” non-traffic citations.

On Sept. 15 and Thursday, Trefsger issued citations stating “the owner failed to follow the instructions issued to him by written notice.”

On Friday, Trefsger issued three with the following complaints:

• “All windows are to be maintained in sound condition, good repair and weather tight. There are no windows in the building.”

• “The owner has a vacant, blighted building in the city. The building is not secured. There are windows with no coverings. The owner received notice that the property exterior was to be completed 9-30-15 and it was not.”

• “The owner of the building installed a door that is not ADA compliant and under the 2012 IBC it needs to be.”

The citations were filed in the office of Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Additional excavation work will take place Oct. 10 at the site where bones were found along Route 61 in North Manheim Township.

Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III said the work will start possibly at 9 a.m. by people from Mercyhurst University Department of Forensic Anthropology, Erie.

“This is not a large-scale excavation,” he said.

Moylan said he spoke with Alexandra Klales, Ph.D., Mercyhurst. He said a team is coming to the county Oct. 9 but will not start work until Oct. 10. He said they will attempt to unearth remains “where there are known skeletal fragments,” meaning the area near the road where workers found bones in August while doing the Route 61 widening work.

The bones that are to be excavated are “within 6 inches of the surface,” he said.

He is concerned that animals might carry them away and further disturb the burial ground. The university will examine the remains and then return them to Moylan. The plan is then to have them cremated and given a proper service. Carbon dating of remains is still possible but funds are still being explored for that purpose, Moylan said.

The site along Route 61 in the township and near the Army Reserve Center is where remains of people who died from the 1918 Spanish Influenza are buried, some think. The area was once home to the Alms House. Ground-penetrating radar was used in September and would support the finding of “at least 100 burial sites in the area that was surveyed,” Moylan said Kevin Mock, archaeologist with PennDOT Engineering Districts 4 and 5, told him.

n Ashland: A blessing of animals will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. today at Christ’s United Lutheran Church Social Hall, 437 Airport Road. Pets will be individually blessed and receive certificates of blessing. For more information, call 570-875-1591.

n Auburn: A fall vendor craft show and basket auction by Keystone Wounded Warriors will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Christmas Pines Campground, 450 Red Church Road. Vendors will be on hand and food and beverages will be available. The event, in the pavilion, will go on rain or shine. Proceeds will benefit the Keystone Wounded Warriors. For more information, call 570-617-7573.

n Mahanoy City: The Mahanoy City Elks Lodge, 135 E. Centre St., will sponsor a breaded pork chop dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. The cost is $9 per person. For more information, call 570-573-2649.

n Pottsville: The office of the Schuylkill County Register of Wills will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Oct. 10 and Dec. 12 in conjunction with Kids First classes. For more information, call Theresa Santai-Gaffney at 570-628-1381.

n Pottsville: In recognition of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Schuylkill Health is offering reduced-cost digital mammogram screenings throughout the month at Schuylkill Medical Center Women’s Imaging Center, 171 Red Horse Road (Gordon Nagle Trail/Route 901). Mammography services at Schuylkill Health, according to a release, are accredited by the American College of Radiology. To arrange an appointment, call 570-621-5999. To be eligible for the screening, participants must be at least 40 years old, have had no mammogram in the past year, not be pregnant or nursing and have a physician’s order for the mammogram.

n Pottsville: “An Evening with Dino,” a Dean Martin variety show, will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St. The presentation is in association with Diakon Living and Learning after 50. Tickets are $10 each and will be available at the door. For more information, call 570-628-4647.

n Pottsville: The first Schuylkill County College Fair will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Martz Hall. More than 75 college and post-secondary representatives will be on hand. For parents of high school juniors and seniors, “this is a great opportunity to explore the numerous options for after high school graduation,” organizers said in a release. For more information, call the Pottsville Area High School guidance office at 570-621-2964.

n Saint Clair: Chizmar’s Hair Replacement and Styling Salon is selling pink hair swatch clips and pink angel pins throughout October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The clips and pins are $3 each to benefit breast cancer research. For more information, call Doris Chizmar at 570-429-0303.

n Schuylkill Haven: A Chinese auction to benefit Gaudenzia will be held Oct. 9 and 10 at First United Church of Christ, Route 61. A shop-and-drop will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 with the drawing at 3 p.m. People do not have to be present to win, according to a release. Food will be on sale both days. All proceeds will benefit to cost of addiction treatment. For more information, call 570-573-0192.

n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Community Ambulance, 98 N. Railroad St., will host a blood drive from 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in conjunction with Miller-Keystone Blood Center, the only blood provider to 20 regional hospitals including the St. Luke’s University Health Network, Blue Mountain Health System and the Lehigh Valley Health Network. People registered to donate blood will be automatically entered to win a set of four tickets to the Penn State vs. Michigan football game on Nov. 21. In order to donate, people must be 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and in general good health. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to register in advance, call 570-449-5586.

The Pottsville Parking Authority is considering the possibility of turning two parking spaces at the Arch Street Parking Lot into an attraction, perhaps a stage for a community piano.

“But we still have to see a plan. And that must be approved by our board,” Carmen A. DiCello, the authority’s vice chairman, said Friday at the authority’s October meeting at the Lipkin Technology Center.

The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and the Schuylkill County Board of Realtors are interested in a “place-making” project in Pottsville, according to Amy S. Burkhart, the authority’s executive director.

“They want to make a small investment in the downtown area to do what they call place-making. They like to do parkettes. They like to do neat projects that kind of build community but they also add aesthetic appeal,” Burkhart said.

The Pottsville Area Development Corp. Aesthetics Committee has been working with these groups to find a suitable project, Burkhart, who is also the PADCO executive director, said.

Earlier this year, those organizations were eyeing the seating area behind the honorary bust of retired Gen. George A. Joulwan in downtown Pottsville. But in late September, Matthew DiRenzo, Pottsville, who privately owns that nook at 315 N. Centre St., fenced off the area and announced he’s considering other options for its future.

Since then, the realtor groups have been looking for another site.

“Now, I’ve been working with them for a couple months. They were looking at doing a piano,” Burkhart said.

She was referring to the Skook Toones Music For Youes project. In August 2013, the first community piano, an upright model, was placed at Second and Market streets in front of The Famous. This past August, that piano was removed and a second upright model piano was brought in to replace it.

“Last week I went through the downtown again to identify additional project areas, and an area where they’d like to do one is at the Arch Street Parking Lot,” Burkhart said.

The authority owns that parking lot.

Burkhart said two parking spaces near North Centre Street might work for such a “place-making” project.

The parking lot is located in the heart of downtown and is the stage for many community events, including the open-air Pottsville Farmers Market, which is held Saturdays between June and November.

“So, I was thinking that these first two parking spaces might be able to become their little parkette area. I think the nice thing about doing a place-making area there is that you have the farmers market there, you do have two businesses that are open in the evening there, so it could be a congregating area for people who are coming out of those businesses. From a location standpoint, I think it lends itself well to the concept of what they want to do. But what that all entails at this point, I don’t know. First I wanted to get permission from the parking authority to potentially utilize those spaces and then design a project around that exact space,” Burkhart said.

DiCello wondered if such a parkette would attract loitering and littering.

“I’m sure anytime you’re going to put anything like that in the downtown area, Carmen, you’re going to have people that are going to abuse it,” authority member Jerry Labooty said.

“I don’t see people really abusing the piano outside The Famous,” authority member Jennifer Muldowney said.

“They don’t tend to,” Burkhart said.

“How do you protect the piano?” DiCello asked.

“We don’t. People just respect it,” Burkhart said.

“I’m talking about the weather, from the elements,” DiCello said.

“You could build a pavilion, which would also be great for the farmers market. There’s a lot of things we can do there,” Burkhart said.

“We need to see a proposal,” DiCello said.

“But I need to know that you’re willing to let them use that space provided that you like the design,” Burkhart said.

“I’ll make that motion,” Labooty said.

It was seconded by authority member Stephen R. Buzalko and approved by all other authority members present, DiCello and Muldowney.

In other matters, the authority also voted to buy a new snow blower, to cost no more than $1,500.

“We have a snow blower, but it’s old,” Burkhart said.

The authority also decided to buy a gas-powered leaf blower at a cost not to exceed $1,500.

“We have a leaf blower, but it’s electric. We’d like to buy one that’s a backpack vacuum,” Burkhart said.

The authority rehired Steve Mattera, Pottsville, to plow snow at its properties, once again at a cost of $65 per hour per truck, Burkhart said.

In the next few weeks, Burkhart and members of the authority will be examining its properties and considering costs of future improvements. The authority is in talks with city officials about taking a loan through a bond issue for a project to be done in 2016.

The authority’s audited financial statement for 2014 is on display at its office on the second floor of the Lipkin Technology Building, 1 S. Second St.

Its total revenue for 2014 was $336,780 and the total expenditures came to $265,789. The net worth of the authority’s properties at the start of 2014 was $1,387,860. That net worth at the end of the year was $1,458,851, according to a legal notice published in Friday’s edition of the newspaper.

Deeds

Ashland — Janette L. Freiler, executrix of the Last Will & Testament of Anna D. Guinther, to Andrew C. Amy Hendricks; 1129 Market St.; $27,000.

Cass Township — Correen Marie Merchant to Michael Gula; 0.31-acre property; $1,000.

Coaldale — Donald M. Secara to Henry Beers; 19-21 W. Howard Ave.; $39,300.

William J. Ciccone III to Lisa Davie and William J. Ciccone III; two properties on Second Street; $1.

East Union Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Eagle Rock Resort Co. LLC; 2 percent interest in Lot 412ER, Eagle Rock; $1,229.41.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Eagle Rock Resort Co. LLC; 2 percent interest in Lot 184WSS, Eagle Rock; $1,168.35.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Eagle Rock Resort Co. LLC; Lot 103ER, Eagle Rock; $1,111.83.

Eldred Township — Sarah Histand Slabaugh and Ronda Ann Histand to Reidler’s Inc.; 369.541-acre property on Vista Road; $520,000.

Gilberton — Leona Price to Sheldon Roeder; 1206 Main St.; $500.

Gordon — Anson L. Snyder, Joan A. Snyder, Jill A. Lazar, Christen L. Snyder, Curt Snyder and Mark Snyder to Christen L. Snyder and Jill A. Lazar, individually and as trustees of The Anson and Joan Snyder Irrevocable Trust, Curt Snyder and Mark Snyder; 111 Minersville St.; $1.

Mahanoy City — Joseph Biscoe to Mary Lou R. Hannon; property on Centre Street; $1.

Minersville — Fernando Rivera Ortiz to JB Real Estate Enterprise Inc.; 209 Sunbury St.; $18,000.

North Manheim and West Brunswick townships — Jeffrey and Diane Cresswell to JDM LLC; 129-acre property; $200,000.

Port Carbon — Denise Hossler to Robert J. Porter III; 210 Pine St.; $1.

Porter Township — Anthony Nelson to Eric A. Nelson; 206 E. Wiconisco St., Muir; $26,000.

Reilly Township — Swatara Coal Co. to Newtown Fish and Game Association; 13.491-acre property in Newtown; $16,189.20.

Newtown Fish and Game Association to Newtown Fish and Game Association; 33.808-acre property on Church Street, Newtown; $1.

Rush Township — Terri Q. and Marvin E. Mashack to Angela J. Meiss; 34 Meadow Ave., Hometown; $138,000.

South Manheim Township — James L. Wehry to Daniel and Stacey Bass; 1273 Running Deer Drive, Lake Wynonah; $175,000.

Tamaqua — Derek K. Shellhamer, by attorney in fact Annamarie C. Funk, and Alyssa L. Shellhamer to Rolando Horsford; 307 Arlington St.; $1,500.

Wayne Township — William P. Stewart, by attorney in fact Holly Beth Stewart, to Jaclyn R. Kalieta; 207 Hatchet Cove, Lake Wynonah; $169,000.

West Penn Township — Donald W. and Joyce A. Davis to Mark A. Boyle and Kailey L. Breiner; 405 Golf Road; $117,500.

Cynthia Zehner to Robert L. Knittle; 1.5009-acre property on Zions’ Stone Church Road, Snyders; $15,000.

JOLIETT — State police are looking for two men and a woman in connection with an attempted homicide Friday in Porter Township.

Trooper Chad Smith of the Schuylkill Haven station said the incident occurred about 6:30 a.m. at 288 Main St., Joliett.

Smith said Brian J. “Blue” O’Doherty, 31, who has no known address, Cassandra L. Carter, 26, of Saint Clair, and an unidentified man forced their way inside the home.

Smith said Carter was holding a revolver and struck a resident, Courtney Lynn, in the face and began punching her.

O’Doherty was carrying a handgun and shot another resident, Andrew Weaber, in the leg, Smith said.

All three fled the scene in a gray late-model Ford F-150 truck with an extended cab.

Smith said Weaber was taken to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, where he was listed in stable condition. Lynn was injured but refused medical treatment.

Charges against O’Doherty and Carter were filed with Magisterial District Judge David Rossi, Tremont. Both are charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary and criminal trespass.

Smith said that as of Friday afternoon, O’Doherty and Lynn have not been located and the identity of the unknown man has not been determined.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of O’Doherty, Carter or the unidentified man is asked to call police at 570-739-1330. All information received will remain confidential.

BLOOMING GROVE — Tiffany and Darla Dickson untied the straps holding the black sheet to the covered road sign on the side of Interstate 84 in Pike County.

“1,2,3,” they counted Friday.

The sheet fell. The green sign with white lettering drew claps from Gov. Tom Wolf, members of the state police, various elected officials and members of the Dickson family.

“Corporal Bryon K. Dickson, II Exit,” it reads.

Dickson, Dunmore, was shot and killed on Sept. 12, 2014, during a sniper attack outside the Blooming Grove state police barracks. The sign unveiled Friday stands at Exit 30, the Blooming Grove exit, where drivers can turn off the interstate to reach the barracks.

“A year has passed quickly,” Dickson’s mother, Darla Dickson, said. “He first was a husband to Tiffany, a father to his kids, Adam and Bryon, and he was our son, he was our brother, he was our nephew, our grandson.”

Dickson became a household name during the 48-day manhunt spanning Pike and Monroe counties for the suspected shooter, Eric Matthew Frein, and in the months that followed.

State police charged Frein, Canadensis, with Dickson’s death and the wounding of Trooper Alex T. Douglass, Olyphant. Frein is awaiting trial and pleaded not guilty.

Wolf signed a law in July naming the exit in honor of Dickson. Wolf also held a mock bill signing on Friday in a grassy strip on the side of the interstate beside Dickson’s wife and mother.

“We need to remember in our hearts what he did for us,” Wolf said. “We can’t take that for granted.”