A person's character is defined as the qualities or features that distinguish themselves from everyone else. Some of the quali- ties are instilled at birth, while others are learned from the sit- uations a person encounters in life.

For Robert Scifo, he has transformed his hardships into a budding music career with a vision to entertain and provide support to the community he calls home.

Scifo, who performs under the stage name Casper, has been making hip-hop music since his teens. A native of New Jersey, he has been living in Pottsville for about 12 years after moving to be closer to his family. He has set up shop in the city, establishing his own record label, Max Out Entertainment, with a studio on East Norwegian Street. Through this label, he released his debut album, "The Untold Story," earlier this year.

"I feel music can change the world. Music is a powerful tool," Scifo, 30, said.

He speaks from personal experience. In 2001, Scifo ran into trouble with the law and was sentenced to prison. It was during this time that he rekindled his love of music. It began a journey of self discovery for the promising artist.

His music reflects on the struggles of that time and working his way back into life's good graces. He sees his music as a way to send a message that life is what you make it and you can make it anything you want.

"I use my music to uplift people," he said.

Today, Scifo is looking to help the people in his community. It's something he feels he needs and wants to do.

"That's the main thing. The main reason to do this is to give back to the community," Scifo said.

Scifo is a family man. He lives in Pottsville with his wife, Jennifer, and three children. His philanthropic endeavors reflect his life as a father.

He struck a deal with Burlington Coat Factory to provide 500 coats to underprivileged youth in the area. He said they are still finalizing the details but the drive should be held in December or January in Pottsville.

On Feb. 14, his entertainment group is hosting a concert at Penn State Schuylkill, in which 50 percent of the proceeds will be donated to THON. The largest student-run philanthropy in the world, THON is a two-day dance marathon at Penn State's main campus to raise money to combat pediatric cancer.

"It's about giving back no matter where you are in your career," Scifo said.

Recently, Scifo and his wife began organizing a charity collection for the Philippines. The island nation was struck by a powerful typhoon in November, killing 5,500 and leaving many in need of aid.

The drive is scheduled for today and Monday at Giant Food Store in Pottsville. Fanelli Trucking, Pottsville, is donating a truck and will deliver the goods to a United Nations dropoff.

While performing his duty to the community, Scifo is hoping to break the public's view of the hip-hop genre. It is one of the more scruntized genres for its views on life, money, sex and violence. However, Scifo said not all hip-hop is created to send those messages.

"I want people to realize that hip-hop is not always about the streets," he said.

He believes his work in the community can help shape a more positive image for his genre; however, that's not the only thing he hopes to change in Pottsville and Schuylkill County.

Like most cities in the U.S., Pottsville has a music scene but it lacks prevalence. He is looking to establish a more vibrant scene in the city with his music and label.

"We want to let people know that Pottsville does have talent. We are a city and cities have music scenes," Scifo said.

He said that at one time, the city did have a good scene, but it took a hit with the lack of resources, especially venues.

"Music is never going to die. It's the scene that dies," Scifo said.

To help establish a new scene, Scifo and Max Out Entertainment will be kicking off its Rep Your University tour Saturday with the 570 Bash at JT's Pub in Port Carbon.

"It's going to be a pretty good party," Scifo said, adding that JT's is looking to be a destination in the county for music acts.

The tour is scheduled to run until March, with stops at Penn State Schuylkill in February and in Bethlehem on March 1. Scifo said the tour's end date is not finalized and could extend into May. A portion of the proceeds from the tour will be donated to THON.

On the homefront, Scifo continues to expand Max Out Entertainment, recently signing a rock band from his home state of New Jersey. He is also always scouting local talent to add to his brand.

"We have two which we are working with from Schuylkill County. It's just a waiting process," he said.

As an artist, Casper is set to launch his second album, "Redemption," in 2014. He signed a deal with Dynasty Records to distribute in retail stores around the U.S. and the world. He said his music will be available in outlets such as Wal-Mart and Kmart, and a pre-order was opened in 12 states.

Also, Casper has his own page on MTV's website. In June, he shot a video for the music station on West Market Street in Pottsville. The video was released in July.

As he continues his climb in the music world, Scifo plans to continue giving back to his community. He said he wants to remember where he is from and help out as much as possible.

"I'm for the people. I am them," he said.

MINERSVILLE - Horace Baumer remembers coal cars and passenger trains at the Minersville Train Station.

The 99-year-old Minersville resident shared his memories of the busy times at the site Saturday before boarding the 1 p.m. steam locomotive ride to West Cressona.

"It was all coal trains and there was a passenger train," Baumer said.

He said he remembers being outside and seeing the trains depart.

"We sat on the swing. There was a swing out there between the house and the tree," he said of himself and his late grandmother, Anna Eliza Baumer.

The passenger cars once destined for Philadelphia had wooden benches. He remembers riding on them to Philadelphia and back to Minersville.

He remembered seeing the coal.

"When the coal was moving back in the twenties, they took big, big train loads," Baumer said.

He said there were seven collieries around the Minersville area. The coal trains would depart at different times. "You never knew when they would come," he said.

Russell Horoschak, a volunteer with Railway Restoration Project 113, said the departure of coal trains and passenger trains was a very common event. Passenger service continued until 1934 at the train station, he said, adding that freight service continued for years later.

Horace was born Dec. 17, 1913. Horace's father died in 1918 and his mother in 1923. He is an only child.

He attended Gerard College, Philadelphia, and visited Minersville during occasions such as holidays.

Baumer retired as a mechanic at an ore mine for the Bethlehem Steel Corp. in 1976.

The soft-spoken man said his secret to living so long is "being active."

He doesn't keep a set schedule when he gets up. He likes to garden.

Baumer said he enjoyed his ride on the train - something he hasn't done in a long time.

"It was wonderful. It brought back great memories from years ago. You don't ever see many train rides up here any more," he said.

MAHANOY CITY - There was a whole lot of Christmas going on Saturday evening in Mahanoy City as people braved the cold to enjoy the holiday festivities.

Of course, the lighting of the borough Christmas tree at the lot of the former Wachovia Bank was accomplished by Santa Claus, who rode into town on a horse-drawn trolley.

"Here they come. Let's get ready for the arrival of Santa Claus," announced Mahanoy City borough council President Patti Schitzius as the trolley approached, led by the Mahanoy Area Marching Band, under the direction of Jason Wenrich.

The trolley pulled up to the lot with some of his fans onboard, including Mayor Nancy Petritsch, who escorted him to the electric switch that he pulled to light the tree, assisted by Petritsch and Tom Ward Jr. A crowd of people were on hand to see the event to kick off the Christmas season in Mahanoy City. The community Christmas tree has been provided by the Mahanoy City Social Club since 1937.

After the tree lighting, Santa headed to the borough's teen canteen, where he was hosted by Lambda Nu Sorority and visited with children and had his photo taken with them. People were able to enjoy trolley rides through the evening.

Entertainment was next on the agenda after Santa, with individuals and group performing on the stage, including the Mahanoy Area High School Choir under the direction of Allison Kline. "All I Want for Christmas is You" was sung by Alivia Economy, holiday songs were sung by children from the Mahanoy Area Elementary School and Mahanoy City CCD Classes, and more.

Elsewhere in the borough, fire trucks from the borough fire department provided the lighting of the lot.

The Mahanoy Area Historical Society headquarters was open for the evening. At the Mahanoy City Senior Community Center, the people were able to enjoy some local shopping at a holiday marketplace, sponsored by the center and Evergreen Senior Services, and some hot beverages and food. If you needed a Christmas tree, the Citizens Fire Company was selling them a short distance away.

A first-time event was held at St. Cecilia Chapel a few blocks away. The "Traditions of Christmas in Bethlehem" was held by the ACTION Youth Group and the Mahanoy Area Ministerial Association, and the event drew many people. A petting zoo was positioned outside the building for children and adults to enjoy, with one pen holding small animals such as ducks and rabbits, and the other holding larger animals, including a donkey, sheep and goats.

Traditions of Christmas organizer Debbie Walker said there is an important purpose to the event.

"Its goal is to be an outreach for people who do not attend church regularly," Walker said. "Our hope is that they would come back for Christmas after attending our event. It is an interactive spiritual event that touches all senses - sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing. It is designed to teach people of all ages about Christmas traditions such as the candy cane, the pickle, the Christmas tree, the Drummer Boy, the poinsettia, the star, the three kings, Christmas bread, the Nativity set, all with religious connotations."

Walker said Natalie Morrison, a college helper in ACTION who is now a sophomore at East Stroudsburg University, did a lot of research about the traditions and was very enthusiastic about helping to put an event like this together. Morrison brought some of her Nativity sets from around the world.

"She has been collecting them since she was a child, and has over 200 in her collection," Walker said.

The event was divided on two levels. The upper level, at the chapel, had a Living Nativity, which included a live baby as Jesus. There was an angel choir singing as Jesus, Mary and Joseph were in the stable, with shepherds and angels standing around them.

In the lower level, children were able to do crafts. There was homemade food and other items for purchase, including peppermint cotton candy. People were also able to get a listing of churches in the area with their Christmas schedules.

"We have been working on this event for over six months and are really happy to bring the joy of Jesus' birth to others, and to help people really get into the Advent and Christmas season," Walker said. "Sometimes the true meaning gets lost in all of the hullaballoo. We want to show our community the true meaning of Christmas, and we hope that this is a start of traditions for years to come."

A local group of people have organized as a committee and taken the first step toward placing a state historical marker at the site of the Sheppton Mine Disaster.

Carol Zielinski chairs the eight-person committee, which she described as dedicated area people who want to make residents and tourists more aware of the contribution of hard-working miners with a great work ethic who risked their lives in the anthracite coal industry.

"My inspiration to get involved was to spread the word about the area's anthracite coal heritage," Zielinski said.

The currently unnamed committee has filed an application for the marker with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, which will review the application and make a decision at its meeting in March.

Once approval is received, the committee will decide what words will be appropriate for the marker and where it will be placed.

"Our goal is to eventually build a museum in honor of all miners," Zielinski said. "We need more professional people and anyone else that could volunteer their time and expertise to raise funds for the museum and plan it."

Zielinski said completing the application for the historical marker was a task but the committee got a lot of help from various people throughout the state.

"The application form was close to 40 pages because the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission requires proof and documentation about the Sheppton Mine Disaster and the events surrounding it," Zielinski said.

The committee also includes J. Ronnie Sando; Patrick "Porcupine Pat" McKinney, environmental coordinator for the Schuylkill Conservation District; Tom Pesock; John Bova, a son of Lou Bova, whose body was never recovered from the mine cave-in; John's wife, Bonnie, and Joan and Benjamin Farris.

The East Union Township board of supervisors named the members of the committee and approves of its goals, according to Zielinski.

Zielinski is the niece of David Fellin, who along with Henry "Hank" Throne were safely rescued from the mine in August 1963. The event brought worldwide attention to the area due to the rescue methods used to bring the miners to safety on the surface from 300 feet below.

The "borehole rescue" is a method now used to rescue other miners who are trapped in accidents around the world.

According to Zielinski, the state historical commission will review the 37 pages of documentation that is considered proof of what happened and events that followed.

A major step - finding an organization willing to pay for the marker - was accomplished through a request by John Patton, Standard-Speaker operations manager, who is also on the board of the CAN DO Community Foundation.

The foundation's board has agreed to pay $1,900 toward the plaque that will be placed somewhere near the site of the mine disaster, Zielinski said.

The Greater Hazleton Historical Society also helped with the application and will assist the committee with the wording on the plaque once the commission approves it, she said.

"We want to celebrate our anthracite heritage and draw attention to the hard work ethics of the coal miners in our region who taught us how to work and sacrifice for the good of America," Zielinski said.

She also praised the cooperation the committee has received from around the state, including from mining professionals and administrators and officials from the United Mine Workers of America.

"It was long overdue to nominate the Sheppton Mine Disaster for consideration of a marker to memorialize and honor the miners now and in the past," Zielinski said.

The committee welcomes others to assist with the planning of the museum and necessary fundraising. Anyone who is interested in getting involved can call Zielinski at Faberge Follies, 570-401-3388, or email fabfol@ptd.net.

MINERSVILLE - Santa Claus decided to stop in Minersville on Saturday to join families on special train rides.

The jolly man in red made his appearance in the passenger cars of steam locomotive CNJ 113 and the locomotive No. 425 after they departed from the Minersville Train Station, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The CNJ, built in 1923, is owned by Railway Restoration Project 113, a Minersville-based nonprofit, and No. 425, built in 1928, is owned by the Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad. Russell Horoschak, a volunteer with Railway Restoration Project 113, said he guessed the two trains were used because it would attract more people.

"I'll see you in a couple weeks but you won't see me. You will be sleeping," Santa said to Emily Lorence, 3, of Cumbola.

Tickets were required to ride the Santa Claus Special Train. Horoschak said 1,700 tickets were bought for the sold-out event.

People came as far away as New York and Virginia, he said.

Some of the proceeds went to the Railway Restoration Project 113.

In addition the tickets, food and other items were sold to benefit the restoration project and the Minersville Area Historical Society. The seven passenger cars and one caboose were in front of the engines on the ride to West Cressona and behind the engines for the trip to Minersville.

People could be seen taking pictures, at the station and various points along the tracks, as the locomotives passed.

Holiday music, such as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," added to the festive atmosphere in the passenger cars.

Plumes of white smoke were visible before the train left the station. The first ride left at 11:10 a.m. and arrived in West Cressona at 11:40 a.m., before departing at 11:45 a.m. for the return trip home. Two other rides followed at 1 and 3 p.m.

R.J. Post, 4, of Pottsville, sat next to his mother, Sandi Post, 45, and aunt, Sheri Post, 41, on the first trip.

"This was a surprise for him. He didn't know we were coming till we got here," Sandi said.

She wanted to see the joy on her son's face as he rode the train.

"He just is in love with trains," she said.

After the ride was over, Sandi Post said they all enjoyed it.

"I thought it was really neat to have something in the county for the kids to do like this." she said,

Jean, 59, and Jack O'Brien, 62, brought their granddaughter, Kiaya, 4, all of Northumberland County, on the trip. They wated to "give her a little culture" and to "let her experience the way things used to be," Jean O'Brien said.

Isabel Socko, 8, of Primrose, wore a Santa hat and a Santa pin on her jacket Saturday.

She wasn't shy about saying what she thought about the experience.

"It was awesome," she said.

Business owners in Pottsville said they noticed more people in their stores during Small Business Saturday.

"It wasn't nuts in here, but we had more people in here who haven't been in here before," Michelle Schuettler, owner of The Dirty Dog Self-Service Pet Wash & Boutique, 217 N. Centre St., said.

Most of the items in the store on sale Saturday were 20 percent off.

Small Business Saturday, a national event, was sponsored by American Express and was meant to highlight the importance of small businesses.

This is the first time the event has been held in the city. The event was held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and included holiday-themed activites.

"I think this is a great idea. It makes people aware of things that they didn't know were here," Schuettler said.

There were 25 locations participating in the city, where attendees could register for a raffle to win a $100 gift card from the Pottsville Business Association or a chance to win one of 20 $25 gift cards from American Express. The winners will be announced at 7 p.m. Tuesday at The Greystone.

Lois Prestileo, Pottsville, stopped in at Murphy Jewelers, 115 W. Market St., to look at jewelry. She didn't buy anything but did see a gold necklace she liked.

She bought a CD at the Schuylkill County Historical Society earlier in the day.

She liked the idea of promoting what the city has to offer.

"I think it's nice to support local businesses," she said.

Her son, Rick Prestileo, also thought it was a good idea.

"If you don't support it, it disappears," he said of small businesses.

Patrick Murphy, owner of Murphy Jewelers, said the foot traffic increased in his store.

"It helped bring people out," he said. All items in the store were discounted 10 percent.

More people also walked through the doors of the Schuylkill County Historical Society at 305 N. Centre St., according to Dave Derbes, president of the historical society. He said five to 10 people stop on a typical day, but 75 stopped on Saturday.

Amy S. Burkhart, executive director of the Pottsville Area Development Corp., heard nothing but good things about the initiative.

"We are pleased with the feedback we are getting from people," she said.

Also participating was the Pottsville Free Public Library, where authors, local and from surrounding counties, were talking about their books.

The holiday events took place throughout the day. There was the Christmas program sponsored by the Pottsville Recreation Commission, which included the singing of Christmas carols at the First United Methodist Church, 330 W, Market St., the lighting of the Christmas tree in the square, the fire truck parade with Santa Claus and the mayor's Christmas party at the Humane Fire Company.

This week starts December when the festive holiday-related days we observe are National Pastry, Gingerbread House, Poinsettia, Baked Cookies, Look for an Evergreen, Go Caroling, National Eggnog, National Fruitcake, and Make Cutout Snowflakes.

Before we move on to holiday announcements, however, I need to address a mistake I made in my last column. A thousand lashings with a wet noodle for forgetting to acknowledge some people who played an important role in the MADDay Award Reception.

We extend our thanks to PPL Corporation and Antz Energy Systems Inc. for sponsoring the event and to Pearl Stadium 8 for hosting our first-ever movie theater reception.

Without our speakers and guests, there would not have been as much festivity. Thank you, Jasmine Brooks, WBRE/WYOU Eyewitness News reporter, for emceeing and adding cheer; to Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary J. Hess for his kind words of encouragement, and to Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-17) and state Rep. Mike Tobash (PA-125) for providing commendations. Without an army of supportive partners, we would be limited in our recognition endeavors. Finally, hugs and kisses to the MADDay Committee, who allow me go a little crazy until the event is over.

Now back to your regularly scheduled program.

Buy local

Now that Thanksgiving is over and the holiday shopping begins in earnest, consider supporting our local businesses. You can get all your shopping done without even leaving the county. Some wonderful and practical gift ideas can be found at jewelry stores, bowling alleys, gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, hair salons and spas, movie theaters, home improvement stores, health food stores, fitness centers, florists and art studios. All of these are local businesses, not chains, so your money stays right here. Give back.

We're into our biggest giving season. Don't forget to share some of your modest fortune with others, be they individuals, civic organizations or agencies that rely on the kindness of people like you to help them be able to provide the best services possible to consumers.

This month ushers in the Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other days of special celebration. Perhaps you can also help your community during these special days. It can be as easy as dropping a toy in the red barrel or change in the red kettle, donating food items to the food pantries and soup kitchens that will see an explosion of need at this time, or make a donating to your favorite nonprofit.

Soup's on

Getting tired from running around and just don't have the energy to make dinner? Downtown Shenandoah Inc. can help. This seasonal monthly homemade soup sale is in full swing. On the second Thursday of the month, you can choose from a variety of soups and buy pints or quarts for a very reasonable price. Delicious homemade soup on a chilly evening after a day of hard work sounds wonderful. Call 570-462-2060 for details or to place an order.

Give blood

Here's a gift idea that will cost you nothing but is invaluable to the recipients. Did you know that your blood donation can save up to three lives? In this day of advanced technology, there's still no substitute for blood. Drives will be held at Penn State Schuylkill Wednesday, at Christ's United Lutheran Church in Ashland Thursday, and at the Frackville Elks Friday. Everyone in general good health who weighs at least 110 pounds is encouraged to donate.

Photo with 'cool Santa'

Haven't had a chance to get your Santa photos yet? Schaeffers Harley-Davidson is once again offering their unique holiday photos. On Saturday, your little ones can have their photo taken with the coolest Santa around. Call 570 366-0143 for details.

Other fun

Lift Your Spirits Performing Arts, in conjunction with the Sovereign Majestic Theater is proud to present "Christmas Through the Years," a USO tribute show. By recreating USO memories, you can relive the historic tradition of professional entertainers volunteering to go where the soldiers were, to entertain and boost the morale of service members and their families. Shows are at 7 p.m. Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday matinee; all U.S. veterans and active military are admitted free with proof of service. Veterans and active service members are encouraged to wear military attire. Ticket fee applies to non-military attendees.

All aboard for the Santa Claus Special Steam Train, which will depart at 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday for one-hour excursions with Santa. Tickets will go fast, so reserve yours today at 570-668-5722.

For information about volunteer opportunities, call Community Volunteers in Action at 570-628-1426, e-mail jjohnston@co,.schuylkill.pa.us or go to www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/communityvolunteersinaction.

A startup nonprofit organization, The Community Solution6 Project, is seeking funding through the crowdsourcing website Indiegogo to help local families that need assistance.

Currently in the infant stages, it is the brain child of Rob Hampton, founder/charity organizer, Cressona, an up-and-coming entrepreneur and musician who runs several businesses.

The online campaign to raise $5,000 began Nov. 10 and ends Jan. 9, 2014.

"The funds raised with this campaign will help get this charity off the ground and enable us to start working on event coordinating and to start applying for grants," Hampton said.

Hampton joined the military the day after he graduated high school because his parents didn't have the money to send him to college. After the military, he attended several colleges and received a business degree and recording engineer degree. After graduating, he put his first band together and played for several years touring the eastern U.S.

He then began to coordinate events for charities, raising tens of thousands of dollars and was received the "Outstanding Young Citizen" award at the age of 21.

His charity work has consisted of American Cancer Society, Toys For Tots, Easter Seals as well as events for children with illnesses.

"Basically, I got the idea when I first moved down here (from Berwick) a few years ago and my daughter was in preschool," he said. "Whenever I would go in to pick her up, there was a bulletin board and there would be things like for a 7-year-old needs clothes or shoes for an 8-year-old. One time, I saw someone was actually looking for a breathing machine. I thought if your kid is asthmatic, there has to be an outlet to get a breathing machine."

This helped Hampton develop the idea for a place where people could get things to satisfy the basic needs of children and families, where people would either email or write a letter telling that they can't afford things such as eyeglasses for their child.

Instead of handing out money for the glasses, The Community Solution6 Project would go to the doctor, make the appointment and take care of everything, such as the cost.

The parent would then just take their child to the appointment.

"That way you don't have a heroine-addicted mom just looking for free money, where you just give her $100 and the kid never sees the glasses," he said. "We would pay the bill, the nonprofit."

He imagines it will be the same with other things as well, such as shoes or jackets, and they could give the person in need a gift certificate to go purchase the item.

"The best scenario would be about a dozen people from the community that would meet once a month and go through all the emails and give to the top priority cases," he said.

Not limiting the assistance to just clothing, other things he imagines the project will be able to do is possibly help someone like a single mother of three children who is two months behind on her rent to be able to catch up by paying those two months or helping out people that are short on food for the month.

"You can't go there and say I'm about ready to lose my house and I'm about 8 months behind on my mortgage," he said.

Hampton started the online crowdsourced campaign since he needs to raise enough money for it to become obtain 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to be able to seek state grants.

He tried to put aside money of his own, but said he would never be able to save enough for that by himself.

That was when someone asked him about doing a crowdsourcing campaign to raise funds the same way he did for his band, Gas Station Disco.

The band raised $1,670 in September 2012 through Kickstarter, also known as the "world's largest funding platform for creative projects."

"Once the Indiegogo thing ends, even if I only get to like $1,500 or $1,800, I'll probably be able to come up with the rest," Hampton said.

The difference between Indiegogo and Kickstarter is with Kickstarter you have to raise all the money or you get nothing, and with Indiegogo, you get to keep any money that you raise, regardless if you reach your goal.

There are different donation levels with prizes for each level.

The lowest is $10, where the person who donates receives a thank you and will be "kept in the look about CS6" and the highest is $1,000, where that person is invited to become a board member among other things.

Hampton is advertising the nonprofit through multiple forms of social media including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+ and a blog.

On the blog, he shares facts about poverty daily.

"Twenty-three percent of all children in the U.S. are below the poverty level," Hampton said.

Anyone interested in donating to the nonprofit can check out www.communitysolution6.org or www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-community-solution6-project.

MAHANOY CITY - Mahanoy City police are investigating an early Sunday morning stabbing that left one man dead.

Police Lt. John Kaczmarczyk said officers were called to a home at 739 E. Mahanoy Ave. about 4:40 a.m. for a report of a stabbing and found Lawrence Quinn, 52, lying in the kitchen area of the home with a single stab wound to the chest.

Mahanoy City EMS arrived but their attempts to revive Quinn were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 6 a.m. by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Andrew Szczyglak, Shenandoah.

Two other residents who were inside at the time ran to a neighboring home to get help, Kaczmarczyk said.

At the scene were Schuylkill County Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Lehman, Schuylkill County detectives and members of the state police Forensic Services unit based at Troop L headquarters in Reading.

Kaczmarczyk said no charges were filed Sunday and that further law enforcement action is pending the results of an autopsy on Quinn and the results of processing the scene by state troopers.

As daylight broke, yellow crime scene tape blocked off the front porches and sidewalks of the home along with an adjacent building at 737 E. Mahanoy Ave. Police said the properties at 737 and 739 were combined into one home using the address of 739 E. Mahanoy Ave.

State police Trooper John Biever of the forensic services unit spent several hours marking off evidence and photographing the home where the stabbing occurred as well as the neighboring property where the residents ran to call for help.

Szczyglak said a full autopsy will be performed on Quinn early this week at Lehigh Valley Hospital near Allentown.

Kaczmarczyk said authorities determined the stabbing was not a random act and there is no danger to residents of the borough.

He said police are asking anyone who may have information pertaining to Quinn's death to contact them at 570-773-2313.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Borough residents lined East Main Street and Parkway on Sunday for the lighting of the community Christmas tree.

The Little Hurricanes, a third- and fourth-grade children's choir from Schuylkill Haven Area Elementary Center, sang songs to get the event started.

Joan Trosterud, a borough resident, attended the event with her grandsons, who sang their own rendition of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." She also came to see her granddaughter sing in the choir.

"I'm happy that they're doing this. It's great for the community. It gets everybody in the Christmas spirit," she said.

Traditional Christmas songs were sung, followed by a prayer from the Rev. Robert Berry of the Church of the Nazarene. The lighting of the multi-colored LED lights on the tree took place at 5:30 p.m.

Mayor Mike Devlin said the tree is probably about 35 feet tall. It was dedicated in memory of the Rev. Rose Hoffman, former pastor of Church of the Nazarene and an active member of the community. She died in January 2010.

Borough resident Harper Keller, 8, said she liked the tree.

"I think it's pretty and I like all the colors on it," Keller said.

There was also free food and drinks by Hess Catering. The food included chicken corn soup, hot dogs, pretzels, cookies and coffee and hot cocoa. It is one way in which Hess Catering gives back to the community, Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess said.

Nearby on River Street, children sat on Santa's lap and told him what they wanted for Christmas. They also received a small gift during the celebration.

Missing from this year's display is the small wire Nativity scene. Berry said he was told it had "lighting issues."

"One way or another, it's going up," Devlin said.

Devlin said the turnout was the most he has seen at the event, estimating more than 250 people attended.

Jerry Bowman, Schuylkill Haven Borough Council member, said the event brings people together to celebrate the holidays.

"I think they just enjoy the community atmosphere," he said.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Hundreds of people packed the Zwerling Auditorium at the Schuylkill Haven Area High School to see Schuylkill Ballet Theatre's annual performance of "The Nutcracker."

"I look forward to coming every year because I bring my granddaughter who is interested in ballet. It's always an interesting production," Louise Dietrich, 67, of Pottsville, said of her granddaughter, Thea Gangewere, 7, of Leesport.

This is the 34th production of the holiday classic by Schuylkill Ballet Theatre. The first performance for the public was Saturday. Several cast members said they were nervous before the first show, but now the jitters had all but subsided.

"I was more nervous last night," said Emily Zehner, 15, of Orwigsburg, who plays Clara. "I'm really excited. I hope that the audience likes it."

Lauren Tidmore, who portrayed the Sugar Plum Fairy, prepped for her performance backstage.

"This is my first time in the role. As a little girl, I've always idolized the Sugar Plum Fairy. The part is just so elegant and powerful at the same time," she said.

Greg and Ben Schuettler have been in the production for 20 years. The 24-year-old twins from Port Carbon said they enjoy dancing for others. Greg's portrayed the Snow King, while Ben danced the role of the Prince.

When asked why people keep coming back to watch "The Nutcracker," Greg said, "It's a wonderful holiday story to get everyone in the Christmas spirit."

Based on the story "The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" by E.T.A. Hoffman, it's the story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King. Russian composer Peter Tchaikovsky later turned the story into the world-famous ballet.

Cindy Huber, 46, of Orwigsburg, attended with her granddaughter, Olivia Tymchyshyn, 6, of Schuylkill Haven.

She said the experience was worth the time.

"The costumes were really beautiful," Huber said.

There is nothing like watching the show "to get you in the Christmas spirit," she said.

Jill Krewson, vice president of Schuylkill Ballet Theatre, said 400 tickets were sold for Saturday's performance and a final count was not yet available for Sunday's show.

About 700 people attended last year.

The event is a must-see for people, she said.

"It's tradition, and it starts off the holiday season," Krewson said.

Next door to the Ramada Pottsville is an unoffical landmark to the city's more than 80-year effort to draw crowds to shop downtown.

It's a collection of closed-up comfort stations, two sets of men's and ladies' restrooms.

Beneath the sidewalk on the first block of South Center Street are the remains of the set the city built in 1927 and closed in 1977.

"The last time we were down there was 2001. We went down to remove the metal dedication plaque. We figured, why leave it down there. Now, there's water in them, ground water. I don't know if I'd want to go down there now," Daniel E. Kelly, city superintendent of streets, said Nov. 25.

Just above them is the "Centre Street Mall" comfort station which the city opened in 1977 and closed in 2009. The men's and ladies' rooms are padlocked.

"All we have in there now is the electrical box for the traffic lights out front at Mahantongo and Centre and the fountain," Kelly said.

Aside from that, Kelly said the city has no plans for the building, which has a decorative metal plaque honoring the local officials who established it 36 years ago.

The city council hasn't budgeted funds for the community comfort station there since 2008. And, considering that the city is planning a 1 mill tax increase to deal with its proposed expenses in 2014, it appears the building will simply remain a shadow of the city's more prosperous history.

Visitors to Pottsville can find public rest rooms at City Hall at 401 N. Centre St. and at the City of Pottsville's Union Station at 300 S. Centre St., according to City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar.

In an era with a troubled economy, community comfort stations are becoming casualties of municipal belt-tightening, Kelly and Palamar said recently.

There are only a few communities in the county that manage public restrooms situated outside of their municipal buildings. They include the Borough of Orwigsburg, which manages community bathrooms at Albrights Woods, Mayor Austin Scandiber said Nov. 26.

Meanwhile, Schuylkill Haven has two comfort stations, one set of restrooms at Stoyer's Dam and another at The Island park near the Schuylkill River.

Despite the troubled economy, Schuylkill Haven is determined to keep its community restrooms open, Mayor Michael Devlin said Nov. 25.

"We're putting a lot of time and effort into our recreation areas. The last thing we would do is remove them," Devlin said.

In 2009, Pine Grove Township spent $150,000 to construct a comfort station at the township's recreation park off Long Stretch Road and Oak Grove Road, Diane Tobin, chairwoman of the township supervisors, said Wednesday.

"We used about $40,000 in grant money toward that project. But the lion's share came from the township. But it was a good investment. The park is used a lot," Tobin said.

Both Scandiber and Devlin recalled the underground comfort station Pottsville operated from 1927 to 1977.

"I remember the ones in Pottsville. Remember there that's a long time. It was great if you were in town and you weren't from town, at least you can go to the comfort station. At one time, they had a guy down there shining shoes," Scandiber said.

"That's correct. The ones underground used to have shoe shine stands," Kelly said.

"Back then, that was a big deal," Scandiber said.

The city closed its underground comfort station in the mid-1970s when new sidewalks were installed and a new comfort station was built above ground. The above ground comfort station, which opened in 1977, closed in 2009, Palamar said.

"The upkeep on them was too much. You have to keep heat in them. And there was always a problem with vandalism," Kelly said Nov. 25 as he opened the former above-ground men's room.

Blotches of black spray paint dotted the walls.

He said the vandalism in the ladies' room is worse.

"There's broken sinks. One was pulled off the wall. It's in rough shape," Kelly said.

In 2008, the city budgeted $10,500 for upkeep of its comfort station, which included $6,500 for utilities and $4,000 for repairs, Palamar said.

n Ashland: A Christmas concert, presented by Ashland Area Community Choir under the direction of Betty Chappell, will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ, 2400 Centre St. Light refreshments will be served after the concert. Free-will offering will be gratefully accepted.

n McAdoo: Those who have loved ones or friends in the military and would like them to receive Christmas cards from home are asked to call Mary at 570-929-3658. McAdoo officials and residents want them to know that they are thinking of them and to thank them for their service. This holiday greetings project is sponsored by the McAdoo Community Civic Association.

n Pottsville: Salvation Army kettle bell ringing by the Pottsville Kiwanis Club is scheduled for Saturday. Kiwanians wanting to sign up as bell ringers should contact Al Barnes. The club's Dec. 17 meeting will be at Luther Ridge with the choir of the Pottsville Area School District's D.H.H. Lengel Middle School singing Christmas songs. The residents of Luther Ridge will also be invited to enjoy the choir. No club meetings are scheduled for Christmas and New Year's eves.

n Ringtown: The Ringtown Valley Community fund drive committee is reminding residents that the 2014 drive will end in January. Residents are asked to make contributions on or before Dec. 31. Contributions support the Ringtown Community Ambulance Association and nonprofit organizations serving the Ringtown area. A minimum donation of $30 for households of three or more or $20 for households of two or less will make the donors ambulance service subscribers. For subscribers, the Ringtown Ambulance Association will accept the reimbursement received from an insurance carrier as payment in full for ambulance services. Those who are not subscribers will be billed for services not covered by insurance. The Ringtown Valley Community Fund board thanked area residents for their continued support of the annual drive. Checks can be made payable to Ringtown Valley Community Fund and mailed to P.O. Box 204, Ringtown, PA 17967.

n Summit Hill: Summit Hill police Chief Joseph Fittos Jr. recently reminded borough residents the community's winter parking regulations went into effect Saturday and will be enforced through March 31. All vehicles must park facing west on East White Street between Spruce and Pine streets and all vehicles must park facing west on West White Street, between Poplar and Coal streets. From Dec. 15 through March 15, all boats, trailers and campers must be off borough streets. Fittos said violators will be fined and units positioned illegally will be towed at the owner's expense.

n Tamaqua: People are invited to participate in the Spirit of Christmas Cookie Contest. Cookie entries will be judged in four categories: drop, bar, decorated and filled. Baked entries are to be taken to the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce office, 114 W. Broad St., from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday. A minimum of two dozen cookies are needed for each entry. Winners will be announced at the tree lighting ceremony slated for 6 p.m. Sunday in Depot Square Park. The goodies will then be shared with the community. The registration deadline is Friday. The winner of each category will receive a $25 Tamaqua area gift certificate, courtesy of Linda Yulanavage's Sweet Treats. For more information or to register, call 570-668-3268.

n Zion Grove: Mount Zion Lutheran Church will hold a hoagie sale from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The deadline to order is Wednesday. The cost is $3.50 each. Regular and turkey hoagies with or without onions are available. Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, dressing and mayonnaise will be on the side. Orders can be placed with a church member or by calling Kathy at 570-384-3367 or Deb at 570-889-5401. Checks for hoagies and monetary donations should be made payable to Mount Zion Lutheran Church, Zion Grove. All proceeds will benefit the church's general budget fund.

Police charge man

for more IEDs

AUBURN - State police at Schuylkill Haven charged an Auburn man for possessing explosive devices after a second search of the home at 1651 Summer Hill Road, South Manheim Township, on Wednesday revealed two more IEDs, of which the bomb unit disposed, in addition to the explosives that were found previously.

Police were originally dispatched to the home Tuesday to assist the Schuylkill County Sheriff's Department with the eviction of Tony Ronbo Weiss, 26.

The sheriff's department told police on arrival that when serving the eviction notice, Weiss was observed to be in possession of an illegal shotgun.

During a subsequent search, they found other objects on Weiss that appeared to be some type of explosive device.

The Pennsylvania State Police Bomb Unit was notified and upon their arrival, identified the objects, 11 in all, as improvised explosive devices.

All IEDs were taken by the bomb unit and transported to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations for a controlled disposal.

Weiss was arraigned on charges of possessing weapons of mass destruction and prohibited offensive weapons by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, who set bail at $50,000 straight cash.

Unable to post bail, Weiss was committed to Schuylkill County Prison.

Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street

To James Druding and Amber Strohl, New Philadelphia, daughter, Oct. 25.

To Kenneth Wilkinson and Taryn Reeser, Lykens, a daughter, Nov. 6.

To Christopher Lagola and Elaine Elo, Llewellyn, a daughter, Nov. 10.

To Terry Simmons and Megan Nester, Pottsville, a daughter, Nov. 11.

To Rodrigo Leon and Justine Balthaser, Kulpmont, a son, Nov. 13.

To Edward and Catalina Calago Carciller Kopach, Port Carbon, a daughter, Nov. 15.

Blake Herndon, 12, of Saint Clair, was in the woods of Union Township this morning with his grandfather, his junior hunting license and a bolt-action rifle.

"Last year, I got a 10-pointer," Herndon, a seventh-grade student at Saint Clair Area Elementary-Middle School, said Wednesday.

He's not sure he'll bag a buck today, the first day of the two-week statewide firearms deer season. But Herndon, who's been hunting for four years, said the first day out may not always be the best.

"We have better luck second day or the first weekend because on the first day, everybody's out, so many people. On the second day, the pressure calms down," said his grandfather, Dave Mengel, 48, of Saint Clair.

"On day two, they're less antsy," Herndon said of the deer.

Herndon said he shot his buck last year on the second day of rifle deer season in 2012.

"I didn't get one on the first day last year. I got one on the second Friday, a doe," Mengel said.

But you can never predict how well a day of hunting is going to go, Herndon said.

"If you see something, you see something," he said.

The deer are out there, according to a Nov. 22 press release on the website for the Pennsylvania Game Commission at www.pgc.state.pa.us.

"The Pennsylvania Game Commission is tracking deer populations as stable or increasing in nearly all of the state's 23 wildlife-management units. That means another good opportunity awaits the approximate 750,000 hunters expected to take to deer woods on the Dec. 2 opener, and for those hunting during the remainder of the season," according to the release.

"The opening day of the firearms deer season is something most hunters look forward to all year, and waiting out those few extra days when the season falls late like this can test one's patience. But by 7 a.m. that first Monday, the wait all across Pennsylvania will be over, and tens of thousands of lasting memories will be made in the hours, days and weeks that follow," Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe said in the release.

On Thursday night, Jake Humes, 17, of Lake Hauto, a junior at Tamaqua Area High School, took a walk with friends near Catawissa Road in Walker Township.

It's the area where he plans to hunt with his bolt-action rifle today.

"We were out scouting and we saw 12 deer in the field. So hopefully on Monday we'll get something. We'll see," Humes said Friday.

According to the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov, today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 42.

"If it's cooler, the hunters move around more and that chases the deer, which is a good thing. You want to get them moving. If they sit tight and get comfortable, you'll have less of a chance to see them," Mengel said.

"I hope it snows. The ground cover can help you see the tracks better," Herndon said Wednesday.

"You can see the deer better too on a white background as compared to a backdrop of trees. But I'm hearing it's going to be overcast and there's a 30 percent chance of rain," Mengel said.

Since 2010, Herndon has bagged four deer: a doe in 2010, a doe in 2011, 10-point buck in 2012 and a doe in October during a junior doe hunting season.

In September, the Associated Press reported sporting-goods stores in Pennsylvania were noticing a national shortage of firearms shortage.

As a result, the price of ammunition has been on the rise, according to Ken Mills, owner of Ken's Guns and Ammo, Saint Clair.

"The price of ammo is crazy, if you can even get it. I think the government's buying it. They can't get a ban on guns, so the government's buying out the ammo. Then they're going to make it more expensive for people to buy it," Mills said.

Humes said in 2012, a box of 20 rounds of .30-06 rifle ammunition cost "about $19" and this year it cost "around $26."

When Pottsville had its first major snowfall of the season last week, the streets department was well prepared.

"It was not too bad early Tuesday," Dan Kelly, superintendent of streets for the city, said Wednesday. "The temperature went up and melted most of it in the afternoon."

The winter maintenance budget was set at $80,000 for 2013, according to City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar. The budget for the upcoming year is about $76,000, he said.

"We budgeted a little bit less because we used a little bit less," Palamar said Wednesday.

The budgets are based on an average of the last three years, Palamar said.

The city has about 125 tons of salt left over from last year, Kelly said Wednesday.

"It was a fairly average winter," Kelly said. "It would snow, then warm up before snowing again. Last year, we didn't even need snow removal. Usually, we have to hire contractors depending on snow."

Kelly said salt is ordered on an as-needed basis and the shed holds about 200 tons. Kelly said he will probably order more this week.

"As winter goes on, we will mix the salt with anti-skid materials in the larger trucks," Kelly said.

Coal ashes are used as anti-skid, which is spread over heavily plowed roads or when it is extremely cold.

The city has a total of 12 trucks, each with a spitter box for salt and a snow plow. A few of them were out last week.

"Some days last year, all of them were used," Kelly said. "It all depends on the storms."

Snow is much easier to clean up than rain or sleet, Kelly said.

"You go through more material because when you put it down, the rain just washes it away," he said.

The city used about 1,100 tons of salt last year, Palamar said. Salt is put out for bid when supply gets low, Palamar said.

"It really depends on the winter we have," Palamar said. "We don't stock pile a lot."

The cost of salt for 2013 was $61.25 a ton. The cost went down for 2014 to $56.99.

The streets department has 17 employees, including Kelly, Palamar said. Last year, they accumulated about 65 hours of overtime, Palamar said.

It will get warmer this week before there are chances of rain and snow showers into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service at State College. Today's high will be 42 degrees and temperatures will continue to climb to 50 degrees on Thursday, according to the NWS. Temperatures will then dip into the 30s with a 40 percent chance of rain Friday and a 30 percent chance of rain and snow showers Saturday, according to the NWS.

There will be a 40 percent chance of snow showers Dec. 9 and 10.

A Schuylkill County judge on Nov. 26 increased the values of, and thereby the tax bills for, two properties in West Mahanoy Township.

In a six-page opinion and order, Judge John E. Domalakes ruled after a hearing that the properties in Shenandoah Heights have fair market values of $80,000 and $6,800.

By so ruling, Domalakes overturned the decision of the county Board of Assessment Appeals, which had determined the properties' fair market values to be $64,500 and $5,370, respectively.

Domalakes' ruling means higher tax bills for the properties' owners, Michael J. and Melissa A. Longenberger, and higher tax receipts for the county, township and Shenandoah Valley School District, which had appealed the board's ruling on Oct. 3.

Domalakes wrote that the $80,000 property consists of 0.24 acres and includes the Longenbergers' 291 Arizona Ave. house, while the other consists of 0.15 acres and is vacant.

Domalakes accepted as credible the testimony of Anthony Matsell, a licensed real estate appraiser, who determined the properties' values to be the higher figures. Matsell said he had appraised both properties and prepared reports on them, and Domalakes accepted his opinions.

"The (district) has overcome the presumption of validity of the County's tax determination," Domalakes wrote.

The Rosenbergers did not appear at the hearing, Domalakes wrote.

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG - An Auburn woman is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving her right to a preliminary hearing on Nov. 19 on charges she stole money in September from her estranged husband's business.

Carla Wingle, 42, of 235 Third and Pearson streets, faces charges of theft and theft by deception. Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over those charges for the county court following Wingle's waiver.

Schuylkill Haven borough police charged Wingle with stealing $208.10 from Zone Aire Inc. between 6 p.m. and midnight Sept. 10.

Police said Wingle used Zone Aire's credit card to make three unauthorized online purchases from Barnes & Noble.

Thomas Wingle, Zone Aire's owner and the defendant's estranged husband, said she had no permission to use the company's credit card, police said.

Police said the defendant admitted making the purchases, saying she wanted to "get" Thomas Wingle.

Carla Wingle is free on $1,000 unsecured bail pending further court proceedings.

Other defendants whose cases Ferrier considered on Nov. 19, the charges against each one and the judge's dispositions of the matters included:

Jeffrey J. Hartz, 19, of 427 W. Broad St., Tamaqua; driving under the influence and purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of an intoxicating beverage; right to preliminary hearing waived, DUI charge bound over for court, other charge withdrawn.

Deborah J. Ketner, 59, of 80 Avenue E, Schuylkill Haven; DUI and stop sign violation; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Jeffrey A. Madeira, 33, of 629 N. Second St. Apt. 2, Pottsville; DUI, disregarding traffic lane and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Raymond Mamuzich Jr., 50, of 17 S. Tamaqua Drive, Tamaqua; DUI and failure to keep right; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Rashel M. Richardson, 47, of 220 E. Tammany St., Orwigsburg; DUI, disregarding traffic lane, improper turning movements and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Titus M. Steigerwalt, 47, of 120 Walnut Lane, Andreas; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and theft; right to preliminary hearing waived, theft charge bound over for court, other charge withdrawn.

David J. Wolfe, 61, of 1674 Chestnut St., New Ringgold; DUI, careless driving and disregarding traffic lane; right to preliminary hearing waived, DUI charge bound over for court, other charges withdrawn.

Carol A. Pankake

TREMONT - A Northumberland County man is headed for Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday on charges stemming from an alleged incident in April in Upper Mahantongo Township.

Jarred Derck, 29, of Sunbury, faces charges of burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal trespass.

Magisterial District Judge Carol A. Pankake bound over those charges for Schuylkill County Court after Derck waived his right to a hearing.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Derck with committing his crimes on April 30.

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

Jason A. Brown, 32, of 135 Shartlesville Road, Bernville; three counts of recklessly endangering another person, two of possession of drug paraphernalia and one each of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, receiving stolen property, fleeing or eluding police, possession of a controlled substance, DUI, accident involving death or personal injury, driving unregistered vehicle, allowing illegal use of plate or card, driving without a license, driving under suspension-DUI related, failure to keep right, disregarding traffic lane, improper vehicle making left turn, stop sign violation, improper left turn, failure to drive at a safe speed, reckless driving and no rear lights; right to preliminary hearing waived, failure to keep right, disregarding traffic lane, improper vehicle making left turn, improper left turn and no rear lights charges withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Ryan T. Cromwell, 43, of 11 E. Fifth St., Boyertown; DUI; charge withdrawn.

Justen R. Davis, 25, of 682 Wallingford Road Apt. 102, Lititz; access device fraud; charge withdrawn.

Robert J. Doyle, 53, of 138 N. Maple Ave., Pottsville; DUI; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Thomas J. Erickson, 21, of 132 New Schaefferstown Road, Bernville; possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI, disregarding traffic lane, careless driving and reckless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Daniel T. Langtry, 24, of 69 Spring St., Tremont; receiving stolen property; charge withdrawn.

Michael J. McLaughlin, 36, of 119 E. Walnut St., Shillington; DUI; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Ronald J. Skocypec, 24, of 2453 N. Kirsten Lee Drive, Westlake Village, Calif.; simple assault and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH - A Shenandoah man charged with an assault at 203 Pioneer Road in the borough on Oct. 7 had charges held to court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Shawn Benjamin, 28, of 17 Chelton St., was arrested by Shenandoah police Patrolman Joshua Pastucka and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and public drunkenness.

Kilker ruled that the Commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered all four charges against Benjamin held for Schuylkill County Court.

Pastucka said Benjamin and his girlfriend, Tonia Brennan, were at friend's house when they became involved in an argument. During the argument, Benjamin choked the woman, threw her out of a door and then came after her, Pastucka said.

While outside, the officer said, Benjamin threw the woman to the ground and punched her in the face several times and once in the stomach.

Other court cases included:

Brian O'Connell, 23, of 22 S. Grant St., Shenandoah; waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Taurean Hairston, 30, of 412 W. Penn St., Shenandoah; held for court: defiant trespass, disorderly conduct and false identification to law enforcement.

Bobby Lee Taylor, 20, of 23 N. Ferguson St., Shenandoah; held for court: resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, purchase or consumption of alcohol, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

William J. Mooney, 42, of 417 W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City; waived for court: DUI, failure to stop at a red signal and restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Crystal A. Wentworth, 27, of 120 N. Bower St., Shenandoah; waived for court: criminal trespass.

Jarelle R. Canyon, 24, of White Street, Shenandoah; waived for court: criminal trespass, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment and criminal mischief.

Geralynn Matta, 47, of 25 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah; held for court: aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, criminal mischief and harassment.

Joseph F. Temple, 49, of 132 Centre St., Shenandoah; waived for court: DUI, driving with an alcohol level of 0.02-percent or higher with a suspended license and not using low beams.

Cheryl A. Tomlin, 53, of 46 James St., Box 73, Kelayres; withdrawn: failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. Waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate and careless driving.

Ryan L. Seigel, 27, no fixed address, Shenandoah; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Stephanie L. Huff, 25, of 1031 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City; dismissed: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mark Wasko, 34, of 204 N. Catherine St., Shenandoah; dismissed: simple assault and harassment.

Eleanor Careyva, 51, of 120 N. Ferguson St., Shenandoah; withdrawn: forgery.

Edward J. Polusky III, 25, of 223 E. Centre St., Apt. 7, Shenandoah; dismissed: aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Everett Keiner Jr., 51, of 3 N. 10th St., Mahanoy City; dismissed: burglary, criminal trespass, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and defiant trespass.

Gilbert E. Smith Jr., 40, of 221 E. Centre St., Apt. 3, Shenandoah; held for court: simple assault and harassment.

William J. Cresina, 52, of 312 N. Nice St., Frackville; waived for court: DUI, DUI-high rate, disregard for single traffic lane and careless driving.

Matthew Bagdonavicius, 20, of 53 E. Arch St., Frackville; waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael Jevelle, 26, of 21 Iron St., Ringtown; withdrawn: simple assault and harassment.

Garrik A. Hoyt, 22, of 416 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City; dismissed: terroristic threats and simple assault. Held for court: possessing instruments of crime, terroristic threats, simple assault and disorderly conduct.

Javier Barrientos, 46, of 503 W. Cherry St., Shenandoah; dismissed: simple assault and harassment.

Bernard M. Skaudis, 56, of 103 Main Blvd., Ringtown; waived for court: DUI and DUI-highest rate.

Thomas B. Anthony, 32, LKA 223 E. Centre St., Shenandoah; waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Starr Kline, 18, of 333 E. Centre St., Shenandoah; dismissed: theft, receiving stolen property and theft of property lost or delivered by mistake.

Kevin A. Reber, 44, of 515 W. Centre St., Mahanoy City; withdrawn: terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment.

Just after 8 a.m. Monday, Carl Skrobak of Saint Clair spotted two deer in Blythe Township.

"I was walking down the trail and it was off to my right. And there was another deer with it," said Skrobak, 32.

He took aim with his bolt-action rifle and fired on one, a seven-point buck.

"It didn't want to go down. We were following it all over the mountain for about a half hour," Skrobak said.

He said it took three rounds to put it down.

"It had to drag it a mile back to my truck," Skrobak said.

He said it was the first time in his life he bagged a buck.

"I've been hunting since I was 18. I had a lot of doe before that. But this is my first buck," Skroback said.

Skroback was among the hunters who were out in Schuylkill County on Monday for the first day of the two-week rifle deer season. The state Game Commission estimated more than 750,000 hunters would be taking to the woods across the state for buck and doe.

Chris Heckard, 25, of Lancaster, and George Fredericks, 55, of Port Carbon, were among the hunters who spent the morning near Tumbling Run Road in North Manheim Township.

Fredericks spent the morning sitting in his truck bed with his pump-action rifle.

"I shot a doe last year from here," he said, referring to the seat in the bed of his pickup.

But he wasn't having any luck Monday morning.

Heckard said about 11 a.m., he saw a deer cross Tumbling Run Road.

"It was a six-pointer. It was about 20 feet from me. And I was chasing it," Heckard said.

But he wasn't fast enough.

At noon Monday at Mar Lin Markets in Norwegian Township, Ian Petchulis, one of the business partners at the family-owned butcher shop, was busy skinning a doe.

His nephew, David George, 13, of Mar Lin, bagged it Monday morning.

Petchulis said it appeared to be an average year.

"By noon, we had about 10 hunters bring deer in, eight doe and a six-pointer and an eight-pointer," he said.

David Stoppi, 72, of West West Terrace, got the eight-pointer.

"I normally don't shoot deer every year, but that one I had to shoot. This is a trophy eight-pointer with a 19-inch spread. I'm going to get it mounted," Stoppi said Monday afternoon.

Stoppi couldn't recall the last time he bagged a buck, but said it might have been 15 years ago.

On Monday morning, he drove an ATV from his back yard a mile into the woods in Branch Township. He saw the buck at 9 a.m.

"I haven't seen one this size in a long time. There aren't as many deer as there used to be. These days, they have too many hunting seasons. There are too many seasons. There's a muzzleloader season. And they can use crossbows during archery season. And with the crossbows, they really wipe them out," Stoppi said.