MCADOO — Overdue garbage bills will carry a stiffer penalty in 2016 for Kline Township residents.

Last year, garbage bills that were not paid by July 1 carried a $50 late fee on top of the annual $170 garbage collection fee. At Monday night’s meeting, the board of supervisors voted 3-0 to raise that late penalty fee from $50 to $75.

The new late penalty fee begins on July 1, 2016.

Police

Kline Township is actively seeking to hire part-time police officers and will be advertising for anyone interested and qualified for the job.

Kline Township Police Chief John Petrilla is looking for candidates with Act 120 certification and would also like experienced law enforcement applicants. If interested, stop by or write to Kline Township, 30 Fifth St., Box 338, Kelayres, PA 18231, or call 570-929-2354.

Properties sold

Two parcels on property along West Blaine Street were sold to Kline Township for $1 each by Frey A Land Company and Pagnotti Enterprises to help out the township

The existing parcels consisted of 1.7 acres and close to a half acre of land. Kline Township ownership is greatly appreciated, according to supervisor chairman Dale Wesner.

“They were very helpful to the township and we are very grateful,” Wesner said.

The deed recorded reflects that it is a minor subdivision on West Blaine Street, according to township solicitor Mark Semanchik.

RINGTOWN — A borough councilman called for the ousting of the council’s president from his office during Monday’s meeting.

Councilman James Compton Sr., in a strongly worded prepared statement, accused President Julian Milewski of being a “liar” and stated he should be removed.

Compton asked Milewski for the floor, which was granted. His attempt to discredit Milewski failed.

“Younger members of this council may not realize this, but we have a serious issue before us,” Compton said, stating that he had planned to present it at last month’s meeting, but decided to wait since there were high school students attending for a school requirement.

Compton’s main disagreement was how a Ringtown Municipal Authority member, Richard Roulin, whose term expired last Dec. 31, was not reappointed for another five-year term despite his interest to continue serving, putting much of the blame on another authority member, Vice Chairman Jason Milewski, the council president’s son.

“A municipal authority member wants in no way for Mr. Roulin to serve on the authority,” Compton said. “The member is Jason Milewski. Apparently Jason contacted his father, who deliberately lied to council that Mr. Roulin did not want to serve on the municipal authority anymore. Council members bought into the lie and appointed Dave Seresky. Mr. Roulin was never contacted to see if he would like to be reappointed. Instead, President Julian Milewski sent him a letter that his services were no longer needed and thank you for your services.”

Compton said Julian Milewski, had no authority from the council to send the letter, adding that he has been told by some authority members that they wanted Roulin back on the board since he is “an asset to the authority because of his vast experience and training.”

Compton did not identify which authority members want Roulin back.

“We all raised our hand and took an oath, and President Julian did not perform his duties in the best interests of the citizens of Ringtown borough,” Compton said, accusing the council presented of “committed corruption involving his son and is guilty of violating the Sunshine Act.”

Compton turned toward borough solicitor S. John Price to ask what can be done about the situation.

“Mr. solicitor, what measures are in place to remove Mr. Julian Milewski from office and replace him with our current vice president (Peg Forgotch) so we can continue, hopefully, on a correct path?” Compton asked.

“I’m not going to answer that, Jim,” Price replied. “I’m not going to answer something where you accuse somebody in the public record of lying and corruption, and the minutes are going to reflect that, and that could result in a slander or libel charge against you.”

Price continued, “You cannot remove a councilperson.”

“I want to remove him. I want to get him out of office,” Compton said.

Price explained that an elected official cannot be removed from office at the local level, but according to the state Supreme Court, “it probably could be done by an act of the General Assembly.”

“Well, the man has lied to us. Why would we want him to lead us?” Compton asked Price.

Price attempted to clarify the situation as to whether Compton wanted Julian Milewski out of council or just out of the council presidency.

“If you don’t believe that Mr. Milewski should be president, then make a motion to have him removed as president,” Price explained. “That you can do.”

“Then I would make a motion that he would be removed and our vice president take over,” Compton said, with Price advising borough secretary Angel Mays to place the motion into the minutes.

Price asked if there was a second, and when none was offered by another council member, Price said the motion died for a lack of a second.

After the failed motion, Councilman Thomas Murray agreed that Roulin does have the qualifications for the authority seat.

Price said the solution was simple since the borough council would vote to appoint someone to the authority board later in the meeting. Seresky, who had been appointed to the authority in January to fill the vacancy caused by Roulin’s expired term, was appointed in May to fill the unexpired term of the late Burton Hetherington on the borough council. In September, Seresky offered his resignation from the authority, leaving a seat open.

Julian Milewski sat quietly and listened to Compton’s statement and discussion with Price. Milewski then spoke up in his defense.

“It’s easy for someone to call someone else a liar when they’re not privy to all the facts, and/or don’t remember what actually happened,” Milewski said.

Milewski said he supported Roulin for his being on the authority for multiple terms, but because Roulin had been missing meetings, Milewski said it was time for a change.

“I thought it was in the best interest of the borough to find someone who was a little bit younger,” Milewski said. “I talked to the other authority members to find somebody younger. We appointed Dave. It should be in the minutes to thank (Roulin) for his years of service and needed a letter to be sent to him. At that time, no one at the meeting and said anything other.”

“We bought your story. We bought your lie,” Compton said.

“It wasn’t a lie,” Milewski said.

“You have an opportunity to cure it today,” Price. “There are four people here, get three votes and he (Roulin) is back on.”

Later in the meeting for the authority appointment, Compton nominated Roulin, and was seconded by Murray. The only vote against Roulin was from Seresky. Roulin’s term will end on Dec. 31, 2019.

Milewski is an employee of The Republican-Herald.

BARNESVILLE — The Ryan Township road program begins today with paving work along a portion of Chee Street.

The township supervisors discussed the road project at Monday’s meeting. The contractor is Tropp Contracting Inc., Pottsville, which was approved at the September meeting to provide the equipment and labor. Materials are being purchased directly by the township through the state’s COSTARS program, which allows municipalities to purchase vehicles, materials and other items directly at competitive prices from companies approved by the state without the need for bidding.

Vice Chairman Clyde “Champ” Holman said the original plan was to pave 1,800 feet of Chee Street at $63,000, but the supervisors decided to extend the work for 500 more feet, what will also include the installation of a drainage pipe, bringing the total length to 2,300 feet at a cost of $85,000.

Holman said the cost of maintaining streets has increased so much in recent years that it becomes difficult for municipalities like Ryan Township to repair additional areas.

“This is interesting. We’re doing 2,300 feet for approximately $85,000,” Holman said. “Right now, macadam is around $58 a ton delivered. Seven years ago it was $29 a ton delivered. You’re talking about less than half a mile for $85,000, but just a few years ago you could do two times that. That’s how much costs have escalated.

Holman said the township is trying to reduce costs as best as possible. On the Chee Street project, township employees will drive trucks, do flagging for traffic and anything else that can be done.

“Unfortunately, when you have to do other jobs and use prevailing wage, it really hurts the taxpayer,” Holman said. “It’s very difficult to keep up with road projects, especially when you have a bad winter.”

In other business, code enforcement officer William McMullen continues to pursue code violations at a property near Mansure Road in Park Crest. The violations include high grass and weeds and the poor condition of the house. Holman said the property owner, Willis Garber, has been sent a certified letter, but it has not been accepted. Holman said the matter will eventually be sent to the local magisterial district judge.

The supervisors accepted the resignation of Patrolman Adam Sinton, who has been hired as a full-time police officer in Allentown. To fill the part-time vacancy, the supervisors hired Denna Krammes, who has worked as a police officer in Wilkes-Barre, Saint Clair and West Penn Township.

The supervisors will tentatively adopt the 2016 general budget at its next meeting on Nov. 9.

Trick or treat night in the township will be 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Residents who want visits from the children should turn on their porch lights. Drivers should be additionally alert during the evening.

The fire damaged house at 730 N. Third St. in the city has been demolished.

Workers from AMC Enterprises, Girardville, demolished the blighted property about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in Pottsville. They were on site until at least 3 p.m.

“When we started to take it down, the entire house collapsed,” said Mike Kitsock, owner of AMC Enterprises, the company that was awarded the contract by the city council Monday to take down the building.

Kitsock said he was operating the hydraulic excavator when about 10 minutes into the demolition, “The whole house just left loose,” he said, adding the house collapsed out instead of in on itself, something he has not seen in 30 years.

A section of the structure was leaning against the house at 728 N. Third St. after the collapse, which has sustained damage to its siding because of the Sunday morning fire.

The debris will be hauled away starting today to a landfill, which will take at least two days. Workers then have to come back and put dirt on the area and grass seed for the lot, something he said the city requires.

Firefighters from Pottsville, Schuylkill Haven and Port Carbon responded to the working structure fire about 7:30 a.m. Sunday, which later rekindled in the afternoon. Pottsville First Assistant Chief Jim Misstishin said firefighters had a majority of the fire knocked down by 8:15 a.m.

The property did have electric service, which Pottsville Fire Chief Todd March said surprised him. He did say some pipes were removed from the building. March said previously the fire started in the basement and he had a good idea where, declining to elaborate. March said Tuesday the cause of the fire is still being investigated. The home had no working smoke detectors, officials said.

Neighbors said there was an unsecured door to the 730 N. Third St. property. Misstishin confirmed this but did not know if that played a role in the fire.

Justin Trefsger, Pottsville’s code enforcement officer, said Monday the codes department did not know there was an unsecured door at the property.

“We never got any calls about the door being unsecured. If we would have got a call, we would have been up there,” he said.

The codes department has been at the property previously to secure it, Trefsger said. He said that although the online Schuylkill County Parcel Locator shows that Garage Flex LLC owns the property. George Atiyeh, Mount Carmel, is the owner of the property. Atiyeh owns many properties within the city under different names, Trefsger said. He said Atiyeh is going into foreclosure on properties.

The vacant building is on the blight list. March said the condemned building was not habitable for years. Trefsger said the property has a five out of five rating, meaning it is the worst and highest a property can get. The property does not have that designation alone, as all top 8 of the worst blighted properties in the city share that rating.

Eight Shenandoah men are headed to federal court, and face potential life sentences, after being arrested for allegedly participating in heroin trafficking, prosecutors announced Tuesday.

All eight men, according to the indictment, conspired to, and possessed with intent to, deliver more than a kilogram of heroin between July 2012 and now, U.S. Attorney Peter J. Smith said in announcing the arrests. A federal grand jury in Scranton indicted the eight on Sept. 9; however, the indictment was not made public until all defendants were arrested, Smith said.

The eight men, and the charges against them, are:

• Carlos Correa, 30: three counts of distribution of heroin and one of conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin

• Paul Jadus, 50: two counts of distribution of heroin and one each of conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin and maintaining a building, room or enclosure for the purpose of storing, distributing or using heroin

• Anthony “Essay” Navarro-Velez, 30: three counts of distribution of heroin and one of conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin

• Thomas Nestor, 38: five counts of distribution of heroin and one of conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin

• Jesus Santos, 35: four counts of distribution of heroin and one of conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin

• Rhashean “Chicago” Strange, 30: three counts of distribution of heroin and one each of conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin and carrying or possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking

• Nicolai Varga, 25: two counts of distribution of heroin and one of conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin

• Derek “Clumzy” Yashinsky, 25: three counts of distribution of heroin and one of conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin

Senior U.S. District Judge James M. Munley, to whom the case has been assigned, has tentatively scheduled jury selection in the case to begin Dec. 28 in Scranton.

In the indictment, the grand jury alleged the eight men obtained the heroin from suppliers in New Jersey, New York and Hazleton.

Furthermore, the defendants maintained “stash houses” in the county where they stored heroin, firearms and money, possessed guns to protect their activities, used cellphones to communicate with associates and customers, distributed heroin in the county and used threats and intimidation to collect debts, punish disloyalty and advance the conspiracy, according to the indictment.

If convicted, Strange faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years, while each of the other men faces a mandatory minimum 10-year sentence. Each faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

In addition to prison sentences and fines, prosecutors are seeking a $1 million asset forfeiture money judgment against the defendants, plus forfeiture of four firearms and approximately $13,000 in cash found in two Shenandoah residences, and other property that allegedly was used in the illegal activities or was part of its proceeds, and was seized by law enforcement officers.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office and local police in the county investigated the case.

County District Attorney Christine A. Holman said Tuesday that the arrests should prove helpful in the battle against, and increasing popularity of, heroin.

“That’s certainly a huge benefit to the county, Shenandoah in particular,” she said of the arrests.

Holman, who said her office cooperates as much as possible with federal authorities, believes the case could make life better in the area.

“It’s my hope this will dry up some of the sources for purchase and maybe these drug dealers will be less likely to set up shop again in Shenandoah, or Schuylkill County for that matter,” she said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case against the eight men.

James K. Reiley

A Pottsville man charged with assaulting a woman in the city earlier this year had charges against him held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

Ernest A. Rosemond, 37, currently an inmate at Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, was arrested by Pottsville police and charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, harassment and indecent assault.

Reiley determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered all four charges held for Schuylkill County Court.

Police arrested Rosemond on Aug. 18 and charged him with sexually assaulting a 47-year-old Pottsville woman inside her home.

Other court cases included:

Marguerite A. Deangelis, 44, of 155 S. Nice St., Frackville — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance.

Gabriel M. Zweizig, 23, of 127 Kiehner Road, Schuylkill Haven — waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, counterfeit mark stamps and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cherry Hasbrouck, 35, of Box 222, Pottsville — withdrawn: criminal trespass.

Trevor J. Gibas, 22, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — waived for court: furnishing drug-free urine, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Matrel W. Smith, 18, of 9 N. Seventh St., Pottsville — conspiracy and corruption of minors.

Sammy Jo Rohrbach, 29, of 1005 W. Market St., Apt. 3, Pottsville — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance, false identification to law enforcement, simple assault and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Steven J. Brilla, 21, of 821 Water St., Pottsville — held for court: false identification to law enforcement.

Michael J. Spirko Jr., 42, of 503 Heritage Heights, Pottsville — held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Benjamin C. Wentzel, 46, of 145 N. Mill St., Saint Clair — waived for court: receiving stolen property.

Kassidy N. Bowers, 19, of 613 W. Harrison St., Pottsville — waived for court: public drunkenness, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shannon K. Reed, 33, of 236 N. 12th St., Pottsville — held for court: public drunkenness, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joshua E. Kaylor, 25, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — waived for court: conspiracy.

Michael J. Bleashka, 41, of 319 W. Market St., Apt. 2, Pottsville — waived for court: simple assault and harassment.

Whitney L. Sutton, 23, of State Correctional Institution/Muncy, Muncy — held for court: false identification to law enforcement.

Richard W. Adams, 60, of 142 W. Penn St., Schuylkill Haven — held for court: public drunkenness, loitering and prowling at night, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael S. Wright, 33, of 41 Marsha Drive, Cressona — waived for court: simple assault.

Nathaniel R. Russell, 25, of 406 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville — held for court: simple assault and resisting arrest.

Kyle F. Lombel, 23, of 406 Moonhill Drive, Schuylkill Haven — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Katarina K. Schweikert, 19, of 445 Adams St., Pottsville — waived for court: harassment and possession of a controlled substance.

Dylan R. Wagner, 19, of 85 Second Mountain Road, Pine Grove — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Patrick T. Curran, 21, of 1813 W. Market St., Pottsville — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Raymond H. Gregory II, 25, of 4 N. Price St., Apt. 1, Saint Clair — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Phillip S. Cartwright, 22, of 611 W. Race St., Pottsville — held for court: identity theft, access device issued to another person, possession of drug paraphernalia, public drunkenness, theft by deception and receiving stolen property.

Diane M. Doncheski, 55, of 318 N. Fourth St., Apt. 1, Pottsville — waived for court: aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Braxton J. Moore, 32, of 827 Fairview St., Pottsville — held for court: burglary, conspiracy, robbery, theft, receiving stolen property and harassment.

Dennis A. Zimmerman, 63, of 2631 Melanie Manor, Ringtown — waived for court: public drunkenness and endangering the welfare of children.

Cory M. Ratliff, 38, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and public drunkenness.

Scott A. Parsons, 26, of 629 N. Second St., Apt. 2, Pottsville — waived for court: resisting arrest.

Jason Lee Stephany, 29, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — waived for court: aggravated assault, simple assault, conspiracy and recklessly endangering another person.

James L. Myers, 42, of 20 S. 23rd St., 306A, Pottsville — held for court: defiant trespass.

John C. Leitzel, 32, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — waived for court: aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and criminal trespass.

Joshua B. Flores, 21, of 1128 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville — waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, theft, conspiracy, receiving stolen property and corruption of minors.

A Pottsville man was sentenced to prison Monday in Schuylkill County Court on three charges stemming from an incident in May 2014 in Shenandoah.

Robert F. Seigel, 51, must serve one to six months in prison, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, under the terms of Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin’s sentence.

In a one-day trial over which Dolbin presided, a jury found Seigel guilty on Aug. 25 of fleeing or eluding police. Dolbin found him guilty of driving under suspension-DUI related and driving without a license.

Also in the county court, Judge James P. Goodman recently accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Adam C. Emerick, 30, of Lancaster; false reports to law enforcement; one to nine months in prison and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of false reports to law enforcement.

Robert W. Enloe Jr., 27, of Girardville; theft; three to 12 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment, $4,486 restitution and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of receiving stolen property.

Patrick J. Fogarty, 43, of Frackville; two counts each of driving under the influence, driving without a license and one each of driving under suspension-DUI related, DUI while suspended, accident involving damage to unattended vehicle or property, failure to drive at a safe speed, careless driving, violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages, seat belt violation and criminal mischief; sentencing deferred pending preparation of a presentence investigation.

Stephanie L. Huff, 27, of Shenandoah; two counts each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia; five to 12 months in prison, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 CJEA payment, $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Charles A. Morris, 37, address not known; four counts of possession of a controlled substance, two of possession of drug paraphernalia and one each of DUI, DUI while suspended and improper driving without lights; 90 days to six months in prison with immediate parole, 18 months consecutive probation, $1,025 in fines, $200 in SAEF payments, $50 CJEA payment, $50 bench warrant fee, $460 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and $541 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of driving without a license.

Michele D. Seidel, 35, of New Philadelphia; two counts each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; three to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, $200 in SAEF payments, $100 bench warrant fee and $226 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of delivery of a controlled substance.

Scott A. Wise, 37, of Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; three to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $50 bench warrant fee.

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

Deeds

Frackville — Phillip and Carol Tenaglia, Ralph Tenaglia and Beth Weist to Phillip and Carol Tenaglia; 406 Forest Drive, $1.

Cynthia R. Brill to Cynthia R. Brill and Jason P. Hutira; 17 N. Railroad Ave.; $1.

John X. and Barbara G. Cherko to John X. and Barbara G. Cherko and John C. Cherko; 502 Nicholas St.; $1.

Hubley Township — Charlotte M. and Robert L. Shade to Frank J. Krammes; property on Main Street, Sacramento; $50,000.

Minersville — Jacqueline Ritzko, executrix of the Estate of Betty Ann Sabol, to Jacqueline Ritzko; 227 South St.; $1.

William Herbert and Regina Haley, individually and as successor trustees of the Trust of Edward W. Herbert, to James and Tamara Boris; 410 N. Third St.; $14,500.

Nancy P. Frantz to Allison Marie Wollyung; 532 Sunbury St.; $90,000.

Norwegian Township — Gloria J. Cappella to Gloria J. Cappella; 23.548-acre property on Peach Mountain Road; $1.

Gloria J. Cappella to John and Aimee Cappella; 6-acre property; $1.

Port Carbon — Charles W. III and Linda S. Fees to Linda S. Fees; 110 Lawton St.; $1.

Gerald M. Freiler Jr. to Edward A. Harris; property on Wilson Avenue; $223,500.

Porter Township — Barbara A. Hummel, executrix of the Estate of Donald E. Grubb, to Anthony J. Grubb and Barbara A. Hummel, trustee of the Donald E. Grubb Testamentary Trust; 1-acre property on Evangel Park Road; $1.

Pottsville — Mary Cuchara, Stephen W. Cuchara and Joseph Cuchara to Amity Real Estate Corp.; 800 Grant St.; $18,000.

Doris I. Rosenberger and Susan Rosenberger to Susan Rosenberger; 403 E. Market St.; $1.

Scott Williams to Eric O. Williams; 604 N. Third St.; $1.

Reilly Township — HSBC Bank USA to Schuylkill Community Action; 310 Graff St., Branchdale; $1.

Saint Clair — Kevin R. and Julianne D. Steinmetz to Henryk M. Zapor and Monika Adamczyk; 214 S. Morris St.; $8,500

Shenandoah — Gloria Parada, Margoth Parada, Will A. Parada and Oscar Parada to Margoth Parada, Will A. Parada and Oscar Parada; 627 W. Coal St.; $1.

Robert Uholik to Bradley A. and Lori Ann Uholik; 335 E. Lloyd St.; $1.

Susan Smelscar, executrix of the Last Will & Testament of Edward J. Wysocki, to Amaris Salgado; 214 N. Gilbert St.; $5,500.

Dean T. Perrong, executor of the Estate of Joan R. Perrong, to Dean T. and Karen Perrong; property on East New York Street; $1.

South Manheim Township — Timothy Killian, executor of the Estate of Ronald P. Meissner, to Timothy Killian; 1318 Running Deer Drive, Lake Wynonah; $1.

Tamaqua — R.G.C. Development LP to Michael P. O’Brien; 258 Owl Creek Road; $215,000.

Walker Township — Kenneth Moerder to Ann Henry; 59 Reynolds Road, Reynolds; $35,000.

Marriage licenses

Michael Daub, Pottsville, and Gabriela I. Simera, Pottsville.

Duke G. Troutman, Mahanoy City, and Tammie L. Soult, Mahanoy City.

John M. Wallace, Ashland, and Wendy J. Ellwood, Ashland.

Ryan P. Griffiths, Pottsville, and Robert A. Wagner, Tower City.

Joseph C. Vollmar, Sellersville, and Kelli E. Aritson, Pottsville.

William E. Frye Sr., Coaldale, and Shannon M. Terry, Coaldale

James S. Smith, Pottsville, and Kelle Greene, Pottsville.

Aaron M. Garner, Temple, and Miranda L. Kauffman, Mohrsville.

Elvin H. Whetstone, Tamaqua, and James L. Burke, Tamaqua.

Anthony E. Jannuzz, Mahanoy City, and Stephanie L. Giove, Mahanoy City.

David T. Ward, Pottsville, and Laura A. Adams, Pottsville.

Divorces granted

Dorothy Salata, Orwigsburg, from Nicholas Salata Jr., Schuylkill Haven.

Pottsville Area School District asked Schuylkill County Court on Tuesday to appoint another school police officer.

In its petition, the district asked the court to authorize the employment of city police Cpl. Joseph R. Welsh “to patrol and protect all persons and property” on school grounds.

The school board voted at its Oct. 7 meeting to approve Welsh’s appointment as a school police officer, at a salary of $18 per hour and times of service to be scheduled by the district police liaison officer.

Pottsville Area already employs several school police officers.

Welsh is properly trained and experienced under both the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Program and the Lethal Weapons Training Act, the petition reads in part.

“(Welsh) is trained and experienced in police work and currently works as a police officer,” according to the petition.

If hired, Welsh would patrol classrooms and other district buildings, protect the district’s people and property, and enforce school and other laws, the petition reads in part. His powers would include being able to carry a firearm, issue summary citations and detain individuals until other law enforcement authorities arrive, according to the petition.

Members incomplete

Men also belong to the Schuylkill Women in Crisis 2015 Power of Women Team. The information was incorrect in Tuesday’s paper.

Jenny Haydt brought her child into a house containing a methamphetamine laboratory and should spend time in prison because of it, a Schuylkill County judge decided Wednesday.

Haydt, 23, of Weissport, must serve three to 12 months in prison under the terms of Judge Jacqueline L. Russell’s sentence.

“She’s exposing a child to meth,” said Russell, who also ordered Haydt to pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and a $194.70 bench warrant fee, perform 20 hours community service, and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation. She made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. Oct. 28.

Russell also ordered Haydt to take a drug test after expressing doubt about her condition at the sentencing hearing. Haydt said she was clean and would pass such a test, and Russell promptly ordered her to take one. The results of the test were not immediately available.

Haydt pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering another person, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of endangering the welfare of a child.

Borough police charged Haydt with having her 18-month-old child at 11 E. Ruddle St., Coaldale, on Feb. 21, 2014, the date they discovered the meth lab there. Haydt also was pregnant at the time of her arrest, according to police.

Jason J. Shiffert, 34, of Lehighton, Haydt’s co-defendant, pleaded guilty on Jan. 14 to operating a methamphetamine lab and possessing liquefied ammonia with intent to manufacture a controlled substance.

President Judge William E. Baldwin immediately sentenced Shiffert to serve two to four years in a state correctional institution, pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $2,138 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Shiffert is serving his sentence at SCI/Chester in Delaware County.

Lansford police and the State Police Clandestine Lab Team assisted in the investigation.

Now that construction is nearly complete, the new Schuylkill County Children & Youth building will get its furniture and office utilities.

The county commissioners approved a contract Wednesday with Office Furniture & Service Company, Reading, for $406,701.79. Since the state funds about 80 percent of the agency budget, the county will end up paying about 20 percent of that contract, County Administrator Mark Scarbinsky said. The agreement is through the state’s COSTARS program and did not have to be put out for bid.

Administered by the state Department of General Services, the COSTARS program allows municipalities, school districts and other government entities to purchase materials from COSTARS approved companies without incurring the costs involved in putting a project out for bid.

The board also approved orders at 324 N. Centre St. The county will be credited by Albarell Electric, Pottsville, for $13,100 for patching and paving work that will not be done. Instead, Miller Bros. Construction, Schuylkill Haven, will remove and replace the sidewalk from Centre Street and Laurel Boulevard to Progress Avenue, overlay the entire parking lot and create a landscape area for $71,893. Scarbinsky said the decision was made to take care of the whole area now before waiting for it to deteriorate.

The goal is still to move into the building by the end of the year.

Although the commissioners unanimously approved all the agreements, Commissioner Gary J. Hess questioned the additional expenses.

“I’m just concerned about the rocketing pricing on this,” Hess said. “Are we looking forward to more?”

“I think we are going to be in line with what our projections had been, close to $2.6 million,” Scarbinsky said. “We do have some ancillary costs that will probably total around the vicinity of $700,000-plus ... There is probably minimal internal work that still has to be done, but I would suggest it is probably going to be close to $700,000.”

The county acquired the 0.46-acre property in January 2012 from Dale F. Schoeneman and Franklin K. Schoeneman through the power of eminent domain, the right of a government to take private property for public use. The board approved the seizure with a 2-1 vote. Hess, the lone Democrat on the board, voted against it. The purchase and renovation of the building is being paid for with the $21 million bond the commissioners issued in October 2012.

Empire Beauty School left the building when it moved out of the city in November 2012 after renovations were completed at the Empire Education Group headquarters near Fairlane Village mall in East Norwegian Township.

Under law, the county had to pay the fair market value of the property as determined by an independent appraiser. That cost was $740,000, which included $455,000 for the building, $200,000 for the Second Street lot and $85,000 for the adjacent lot.

In April, the commissioners awarded four contracts totaling $1,738,000 to renovate the building.

Since then, the board awarded contracts to install the data network and fiber optic cabling for $107,575 and change orders for additional work on things like the roof.

“One thing I can tell you Gary is that we share the same concerns that you do,” commissioners Chairman Frank J. Staudenmeier said.

Scarbinsky said the cost of all the change orders so far has been about $113,000, or about 6 percent of the total cost.

“In the business world, that is very, very good,” Staudenmeier said. “In the grand scheme of things, that’s good.”

Once Children & Youth move into the new building, Drug & Alcohol will be able to move into the human services building at 410 N. Centre St. The county rents the department’s current location at 108 Claude A. Lord Blvd..

Hess also pointed out that the county will likely have to spend money on a new facility to help alleviate overcrowding at the prison.

“The Children & Youth Agency continues to grow because of the services that are being required,” Scarbinsky said. “This will be a class A office building in the community of Pottsville, and I think the county will be very proud of what they have for years to come.”

Parades

ASHLAND — Annual Halloween parade for children of Ashland area, 3 p.m. Oct. 31, starting at 19th and Centre streets. Costumed children, accompanied by their parents or guardians, will march down Centre Street to the post office at Ninth Street, where treats will be distributed to the costumed children. Sponsored by Ashland Area Rotary Club.

FRACKVILLE — Annual Halloween parade, Oct. 25, Frackville Memorial Park, West Spring Street. Registration 1 to 2 p.m. with parade around the park and prizes to follow. Open to children 17 and under. Treat bags given to all participants. Call 570-874-2302. Sponsored by Frackville Elks and Frackville Recreation Board.

MAHANOY CITY — Annual children’s Halloween parade, Oct. 25, sponsored by West End Fire & Rescue. Forms at Service Electric parking lot on Centre Street at 1:30 p.m., moves to firehouse on Mahanoy Avenue at 2 p.m. for judging of children’s costumes for prizes.

NEW PHILADELPHIA — Annual Halloween Parade, 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, parade forms 2 p.m. at Little League Field, Route 209, New Philadelphia. Prizes awarded at Good Intent Fire Company. Sponsored by New Philadelphia Community Organization.

ORWIGSBURG — Annual Lions Club Halloween Parade, 7 p.m. Oct. 28, lineup at 6:30 p.m. on Margaret Avenue. Floats should approach Margaret Avenue from Route 443 and firetrucks should wait at the Orwigsburg Memorial Building until 7 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place for best dressed/float in the youth group category. There will also be cash prizes for the top three family or independent floats plus a judges at-large prize. All groups must register, call Mike Swenson at 570-617-6050 or email mike1swenson@gmail.com. Independent walkers need not register. Halloween applications and details can be found at www.wworwigsburg.net.

PORT CARBON — Annual Halloween parade, 4 p.m. Oct. 25. Open to children 12 and under. Sponsored by Port Carbon Citizens Committee and local businesses. To register, call Deniece at 570-573-1946 by Oct. 21.

POTTSVILLE — Annual Lions Club Halloween parade, 7 p.m. Oct. 27. Parade stages from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at 12th and Market streets. Open to groups, organizations, car clubs and floats. To sign up, call Leo Haley at 570-622-1917. Individuals need not sign up in advance. Free candy after parade at Arch Street parking lot. Weather permitting.

SAINT CLAIR — Annual Halloween parade, 7 p.m. Oct. 21. Rain date Oct. 22.

SHENANDOAH — Annual Halloween parade, Oct. 31. Staging starts at 12:30 p.m. at Shenandoah High Rise, Main and Oak streets. No advance registration needed. Parade starts 1 p.m. at high rise, turns north onto Main Street, turns right onto Washington Street, and ends with free snacks and refreshments outside Shenandoah Senior Living Community. Sponsored by Shenandoah Community Watch.

TOWER CITY — Annual Tower City Rotary Halloween parade, 7 p.m. Oct. 27. To register, call 717-647-2157 or stop by Mid Penn Bank, 545 E. Grand Ave. All participants will receive free refreshments following the parade and a monetary prize.

TREMONT — Annual Halloween parade, 7 p.m. Sunday. Sponsored by Tremont Fire Company No. 1. Lineup starts 5:30 p.m., West Laurel Street. Parade starts at West Main Street, proceeds east on Main Street to Clay Street, ends at Tremont Municipal Building. Judges stand near Tremont American Legion. All groups, individuals, businesses, clubs and organizations invited to participate and should contact Denise Krammes at 570-695-3647 to register.

WICONISCO TOWNSHIP — Annual Halloween parade, 7 p.m. Oct. 26. Registration 6 p.m., Rock and Pottsville streets.

WILLIAMSTOWN — Annual Halloween parade, 5 p.m. Oct. 25. Rain date 7 p.m. Oct. 26. Registration will be held at Umie’s Grocery Store, 338 W. Market St. Parade forms at Broad and Division streets. All entries will receive a free hot dog and soda provided by Umie’s and Williamstown American Legion Post 239. Donations may be sent to the committee at 501 W. Broad St., Williams-town, PA 17098. Make checks payable to Williamstown Parade Committee.

Halloween events

ASHLAND — Trunk or Treat, 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25, Christ’s United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Road. Other festivities include spooky stations, games, hayrides, pumpkin painting and music by DJ.

AUBURN — Trunk or Treat, 5 p.m. Saturday, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 1235 Summer Hill Road. Kid-friendly non-scary costumes only.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — Haunted trail, 7 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 30-31, North Schuylkill High School baseball field, 38 Line St. Sponsored by North Schuylkill Cross Country teams. Cost $5.

FRACKVILLE — Halloween party and dance, 7 p.m. to midnight Oct. 30, Frackville Elks Lodge, 307 S. Third St. Music by The MIXX starts 9 p.m. Cost $8, in costume $7, includes food buffet. Cash bar. Prizes awarded for most original, scariest and judge’s choice. Must be 21 to attend.FRACKVILLE — Halloween party and story time, 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Frackville Free Public library, 56 N. Lehigh Ave. Open to children ages 4 to 7. Come dressed as your favorite goblin or superhero. Call 570-874-3382. LANDINGVILLE — Halloween Hustle, 5K walk/run and costume contest, registration 8:30 a.m., start time 9:30 a.m. Oct. 31, Faith Reformed United Church of Christ pavilion, 8 Church St. Dog and stroller friendly. Registration $20 by Sunday, day of race $25. Sponsored by and benefits Schuylkill County VISION. To register, call 570-622-6097 or go online to www.active.com.landingville-pa/running/distance-running-races/schuylkill-vision-halloween-hustle-2015.

MAHANOY CITY — Third annual Halloween Bash, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Oct. 30, West End Fire & Rescue, 700 W. Mahanoy Ave. Music by Toolshed Jack. Cost $7. Must be 21 to attend.

ORWIGSBURG — Adult Halloween Bash, 8 to 11:59 p.m. Oct. 31, Memorial Building, Grove Street, off Route 443. Music by DJ and costume contest. Cost $25. Must be 21 to attend. Sponsored by Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library. Call 570-366-1638 or email orwigsburglibrary@comcast.com.

POTTSVILLE — Fright night, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 23, Schuylkill YMCA, 520 N. Centre St. Open to youth grades 4 to 8 for sports, games and fun. Costume contest winners picked at 8:30 p.m. Members $3, non-members $5, snacks included. Call 570-622-7850.

POTTSVILLE — SpooktacularHalloween dodgeball tournament, 3 to 9 p.m. Oct. 24, Schuylkill YMCA, 520 N. Centre St. Teams of five players (up to two substitutes) compete for prizes and best costume. Team $25, individual $5. Open to youth and adults ages 8-12; 13-17; and 18 and over. Must register by Oct. 22.

POTTSVILLE — Spooky Strings II, presented by Anthracite Philharmonic Orchestra, 7 p.m. Oct. 24, Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, 1440 Mahantongo St. Adults $15, seniors $12, children 12 and under free. Seating limited. For reservations, call 570-622-2788 or 570-628-5158.

POTTSVILLE — Halloween party and haunted house, 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26, Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St. Free, open to children ages 3-12. Teen Advisory Board will collect canned and boxed goods for Pottsville Area Soup Kitchen. To register, call 570-622-8880 or email potchild@pottsvillelibrary.org.POTTSVILLE — Haunted mansion, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 30, Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, 1440 Mahantongo St. Cost $3.

POTTSVILLE — Halloween Witches Brew Bash, 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 31, Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, 1440 Mahantongo St. Music by The Big & Bad Rockabilly Cats. Advance tickets $20, at door $25. Call 570-624-3018. Sponsored by Diakon Living and Learning.RINGTOWN — Haunted Barn, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 23-25, Union Township Building, North Center Street. Sponsored by Ringtown Boy Scout Troop 731.SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Halloween dance, 9 p.m. to midnight Oct. 31, Robert E. Baker 38 American Legion, Rear Parkway. Cost $6, in costume $5. Music by Double Barrell. Must be 21 to attend.

SHENANDOAH — Halloween DJ Bash, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., doors and kitchen open 6 p.m. Oct. 31, Columbia Hose Fire Company, 742 W. Centre St. Must be 21 to attend, ID required. Cover charge $3. Costumes encouraged.

SHENANDOAH — Halloween Kids Bingo, Oct. 23, school cafeteria, Trinity Academy at the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center, 233 W. Cherry St. Doors open 5 p.m., games begin 6 p.m. Come in costume if you wish. For more information, contact the school at 570-462-3927.

SHENANDOAH — Haunted house, 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 7, Trinity Academy, 233 W. Cherry St. Sponsored by eighth-grade class. No costumes required. Adults $5, children $3, includes pizza, snacks and drinks.

URBAN — Trunk or Treat, 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 31, parking lot, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 1473 Urban Road. Children in costume will receive a treat from each of the vehicles. Rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, trick or treating will take place in the Fellowship Hall of the church. For more information, call 570-758-4010.

Trick-or-treat

BUTLER TOWNSHIP — 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

CASS TOWNSHIP — 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29. Rain date Oct. 31. CRESSONA — Safe trick-or-treat, Light Up the Night, 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29, St. Mark’s United Church of Christ, 30 Pottsville St. Open to Cressona area children 12 and under.

EAST NORWEGIAN TOWNSHIP — 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31

FOSTER TOWNSHIP — 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29.

FRACKVILLE — Safe trick-or-treat, 6 p.m. Oct. 28, Schuylkill Mall. Participating stores will distribute candy.

MAHANOY TOWNSHIP — 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

PALO ALTO — 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29.PINE GROVE — Safe trick-or-treat night, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Providence Place of Pine Grove, 24 Hikes Hollow Road. Open to children 11 and under.

POTTSVILLE — Merchants trick-or-treat night, 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 29, Centre Street and downtown area. Go to www.downtownpottsville.org for participating businesses. Sponsored by Pottsville Business Association.

POTTSVILLE — Safe trick-or-treat, 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 27, McCann School of Business & Technology, 2650 Woodglen Road, Pottsville. Open to children 12 and under dressed in costume.

POTTSVILLE — 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29.

RINGTOWN — 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

RYAN TOWNSHIP — 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

SAINT CLAIR — 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29. Children 12 and under in costume may come to police station, 250 Parkway, for candy, compliments of Schuylkill Haven Police Department.

SHENANDOAH — 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29. Safe-Trick-Or-Treat Night, 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29, National Penn Bank parking lot, Main and Centre streets.

WICONISCO TOWNSHIP — 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29.

MAHANOY CITY — The borough has a new mayor and councilman after two resignations were accepted and two appointments were made by the borough council at Tuesday’s meeting.

The meeting began with the reading of a letter of resignation from Mayor Nancy A. Petritsch by borough solicitor Michael A. O’Pake.

“It is with regret that due to employment that does not allow me to hold a political office, I must submit this letter of resignation as mayor, effective Oct. 8, 2015,” Petritsch wrote. “I had hoped to be able to finish out my entire term and requested to be able to continue to maintain my position and to attend the Oct. 13 council meeting. However, my request was not granted as it is not permitted with my employment and therefore continuing is not possible.”

Petritsch was in her second year of a four-year term in 2015. She had been re-elected as mayor in 2013 for her second term. She did not attend the meeting.

Petritsch continued, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have supported me during my terms as mayor and before that as a borough councilwoman. Also to include the Mahanoy Area Veterans Association, the Mahanoy Area School District, our local fire departments and all the other various groups and civic organizations I have had the pleasure to work with on many different projects and events. It has truly been both an honor and a privilege to represent the residents of Mahanoy City.”

Councilman Francis P. Burke motioned to accept the resignation, seconded by Thomas R. Flamini. After the borough council accepted the resignation, Burke nominated Councilwoman Patti A. Schnitzius to fill the mayoral vacancy. After the second by Councilman Scott Kline, the council voted unanimously to appoint her.

Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas Judge James P. Goodman administered the oath of office to Schnitzius.

Immediately after being sworn in, Schnitzius tendered her resignation as a council member, effective immediately. Her current term expires on Dec. 31, 2015. She did not run for re-election.

Flamini made the motion to accept the resignation, seconded by Burke, with the acceptance vote to follow.

Burke then nominated John A. Pytko to fill the vacant seat, seconded by Flamini. After the vote, Pytko was sworn in by Goodman. Pytko is running for the council on the November ballot.

Raymond C. Mayers Jr. admitted Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he accidentally shot his girlfriend, leaving her confined to a wheelchair, while the two were hunting in January 2014 in West Penn Township.

Mayers, 28, of Lehighton, pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering another person, while prosecutors withdrew charges of shooting at or causing injury to a human being while hunting, unlawful use of artificial light and unlawful presence of loaded firearm in vehicle.

“I’m taking care of her,” Mayers said of his victim, Kimberly A. Kokinda, Coaldale.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell accepted Mayers’ plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to spend two years on probation, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and perform 20 hours community service.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission-Southeast Region filed the charges against Mayers as a result of the incident.

Wildlife Conservation Officer Kevin H. Clouser alleged Mayers shot Kokinda between 10:04 p.m. Jan. 4, 2014, and 12:55 a.m. Jan. 5, 2014, while the pair hunted near 85 Applejack Lane.

Clouser said Mayers shot Kokinda in the back with a Marlin semi-automatic .22 rifle with a scope while she was sitting in a car.

The shot hit Kokinda in the back, and she underwent surgery at St. Luke’s University Hospital-Bethlehem, Fountain Hill, Clouser said. However, Kokinda has been left paralyzed from the waist down, according to Clouser.

Kokinda said she and Mayers were looking for raccoons when the latter shot at a deer, Clouser said. She also said she believes the shooting was an accident.

Mayers said he had shot at a deer and the gun went off by accident, hitting Kokinda, Clouser said.

Clouser said he found a small bullet hole in the back of the driver’s seat of the car. The bullet appeared to have exited in the middle of the front of the same seat, according to Clouser.

Jonathan P. Phillips of the county Victim Advocate’s Office said Kokinda, who did not attend Wednesday’s hearing, is regaining feeling in her legs and agreed with the sentence imposed on Mayers.

West Penn Township police assisted the commission in the investigation of the incident.

James Holloman admitted Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he burgled Shenandoah Valley High School in October 2014, but he will not have to spend time in prison for his actions.

Holloman, 19, of Shenandoah, pleaded guilty to burglary, criminal trespass and institutional vandalism, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of corruption of minors and loitering and prowling at nighttime.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell accepted the plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to spend 23 months on probation, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, perform 60 hours community service and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Shenandoah police alleged that Holloman broke into the 805 W. Centre St. school about 4 a.m. Oct. 26, 2014.

Police said they responded to a burglar alarm and found an open ground-level window near the building’s main entrance. Police said they found a broken desk in the room where that window was open.

Video from the school showed Holloman and his co-defendant, Javier E. Jimenez, in the building, according to police.

Russell noted that the building was not open to the public at the time of the incident.

Holloman said little during Wednesday’s hearing except that he was entering his plea knowingly and voluntarily and understood its consequences.

District Attorney Christine A. Holman said the school district was satisfied with the plea and did not ask for restitution.

Jimenez, 21, of Shenandoah, pleaded guilty on July 22 to burglary and institutional vandalism in connection with the incident. Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin promptly sentenced him to serve 88 days to 23 months in prison, pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Ashland, Butler Township, Frackville and Mahanoy City police assisted in the investigation.

McAdoo council accepted longtime councilman and President Joe Madochick’s resignation from council Tuesday night.

Six council members voted “yes” but with regret, making it clear that Madochick will be missed.

The five members voting to accept the resignation, Marian DeBalko, John Shigo, Robert Wills, Mary Labert and John Perhonitch, praised Madochick for all he did for the borough over the years.

A sixth member of council, Bill Slovik, said yes to accept his resignation but did not add anything beyond a yes vote.

Following that vote, the council moved to elect a new council president, choosing Vice President Shigo. The council then moved to make Robert Wills vice president, filling that post. All were unanimous votes.

Madochick had two years remaining on his elected council term. The council has 30 days to fill the vacant seat, and will advertise for anyone interested in filling the vacant seat and select the best candidate likely next month.

The council also accepted the resignation of part-time police officer Andrew Hashagen by a 6-0 vote.

“He was a good guy,” McAdoo Mayor Stephan Holly said.

Holly also announced that McAdoo’s annual trick-or-treat night in the borough is from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 31.

Fly ash from trucks

About a half-dozen residents attended the meeting to complain about trucks moving through Kennedy Drive (Route 309) in McAdoo, spilling an orange-colored fly ash that some are concerned could pose a health threat.

David Gaughen told council he is concerned the fly ash falling from the trucks could contain arsenic or carcinogens and many of the trucks tires have mud with the harmful agents. That mud then sticks to the roadway.

He would like McAdoo to help out in convincing the Department of Environmental Protection to make sure the trucks are sealed so that nothing can fall onto the roadway and to make sure the tires are cleared of the toxic mud.

“It’s a safety issue,” Gaughen said. “There’s an orange-colored cloud and the dust is being kicked up as the trucks navigate through town.”

All of the people at the meeting said so far, DEP has ignored their pleas for help. They asked council to get everyone behind their efforts.

The trucks are from Northeast Energy at the cogeneration plant outside McAdoo, according to Gaughen.

Holly and members of the council believe the trucks could be cited by McAdoo police for littering if the fly ash is falling off the trucks.

In the meantime, solicitor Joseph Baranko was asked by council to send a letter to DEP explaining the problem to the state.

Other items

The council also approved:

■ Buying four new crossing guard vests at $23.45 each.

■ A quote from Alfred Benesch & Co. to prepare the MS4 application and submit the annual DEP report for a fee of no more than $1,600.

■ A donation to the McAdoo VFW Post 6708 for its annual haunted house and a donation to the McAdoo Community Civic Association’s annual Halloween parade.

■ A customer parking application at the Double D Auction with a time stamp of 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday.

n Ashland: Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ, 2400 Centre St., will stage a penny auction from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2 plus an item to be auctioned. Refreshments will be available following the auction. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-875-1228. The church will have a free lunch for Ashland residents from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Free lunches are served on the third Wednesday of each month and everyone is welcome. For more information, call 570-875-2700.

n Landingville: “Halloween Hustle 2015” to benefit Schuylkill County’s VISION will be held Oct. 31 and feature a 5K walk/run and costume contest. The start and finish line for the walk/run will be at the Faith Reformed United Church of Christ Pavilion, 8 Church St. Halloweeners, according to a release, will enjoy the view of the Schuylkill River while running or walking the Bartrum Trail. The flat course on paved road and dirt path is dog and stroller friendly. There will also be a one-mile fun walk. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the event will begin at 9:30 a.m. Registration is $20 if done by Sunday and $25 on the day of the event. There will be prizes for racers and walkers. For more information, call 570-622-6097 or register online at http://www.active.com/landingville-pa/running/distance-running-races/schuylkill-vision-halloween-hustle-2015.

n Llewellyn: The Llewellyn Fire Company will stage a Vera Bradley bingo from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the firehouse, 12 Silverton Road. Doors will open at 11 a.m., and bingo will begin at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Refreshments will be available. For more information, call 570-544-6191.

n Millersburg: The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art announced in a press release the next installment of its exhibition, titled “Pennsylvania Artists: A Tribute,” will feature eight Pennsylvania-based artists on a rotating basis. As the final installment of the exhibition, an assortment of more than 60 original acrylic paintings by acclaimed wildlife artist Gerald W. Putt will be on exhibit Saturday to Dec. 19 in the Olewine Gallery. Admission is $7 for adults and $2 for senior citizens. Children under 12 may attend free. For more information, call 717-692-3699.

n New Philadelphia: The New Philadelphia Community Organization will sponsor the community’s annual Halloween parade at 3 p.m. Sunday at the New Philadelphia Little League, Route 209. The parade will form at 2 p.m. at the Little League and prizes will be awarded at the firehouse afterward. There will be food and refreshments for all participants. For more information, call 570-277-6957.

n Orwigsburg: The Black & Blue Ball to benefit the Schuylkill Muscular Dystrophy Association will be held from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday at the Schuylkill Country Club, 877 W. Market St. The cost is $175 per person or $300 per couple. The event features dinner, dancing, music by Sapphire, a cash bar and live and silent auctions. Organizers said in a release it is a “come as you are” event, so attendees can wear blue jeans, leather, black tie or “anything in between.” For tickets or more information, call Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson at 570-366-0143.

n Shenandoah: The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. will sponsor a soup and sausage sale beginning at 10 a.m. today at its downtown center, 116 N. Main St. The cost is $5 per quart and $2.50 per pint. Soups will include chili, pasta fagiole, split pea, New England clam chowder, chicken noodle, beef vegetable and kielbasa. Hoagies will also be available for $3.50 each. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-462-2060

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

SHENANDOAH — A borough woman was jailed Tuesday and charged with illegally entering a home where she was found inside a bathtub doing her laundry.

Kelly Bancroft, 44, of 149 Pioneer Road, was arrested by Shenandoah police Patrolman Joseph Mozdy and charged with one felony offense each of burglary and criminal trespass along with a summary charge of criminal trespass.

Bancroft was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison after she was unable to post 10 percent of $10,000 bail.

Mozdy said he was called to 169 Pioneer Road about 4:30 p.m. for a report of a trespassing complaint and spoke with Sharla Murray who said she was sitting in her living room and got up to go to the bathroom. When she opened the bathroom door, she found Bancroft in her bathtub with the tub full of water, clothing and shampoo. Murray said she asked Bancroft how she got inside the apartment, but Bancroft then proceeded to lock herself in the bathroom.

Murray then called her neighbor who came to the apartment and checked the bathroom, but found that Bancroft had already fled, leaving wet clothing thrown throughout the room, Mozdy said.

Mozdy said that while he was in the area, he was stopped by Katherine Brennan who reported seeing Bancroft throwing out a grill about 3 p.m. behind her apartment.

Brennan said she asked Bancroft if she could have the grill instead of discarding it, and Bancroft then brought the grill to her apartment and stayed there talking to her. When Brennan said she no longer wanted to talk, the woman followed Brennan inside her apartment and refused to leave. Brennan said she asked Bancroft to leave several times, but she would not leave until Brennan got angry and raised her voice, Mozdy reported.

Bancroft will now have to answer to the charges against her at a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.