SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Need a square cup holder to handle your Guers drink? Want to be environmentally conscious with your personal care products or paper usage? Want easy-to-handle firewood, a hand-crafted skateboard or an invigorating zombie experience? Some young Schuylkill County entrepreneurs are hoping consumers will say “yeah.”

Six teams of students vied for investor dollars Wednesday during the second annual Young Entrepreneurs Academy Investor Panel event held at Penn State Schuylkill’s Health and Wellness Center. They pitched their ideas to an investor panel made up of distinguished community business leaders in a fashion similar to the television show “Shark Tank.”

A Schuylkill Haven Area High School senior, Darian Stripe, took home top honors with her idea for Ygeia Naturals. The company was created to raise awareness of harmful chemicals and provide affordable, natural personal care products. Darian handed the investor panel samples of her shampoo, which featured aloe vera, coconut oil and witch hazel.

The judges had $6,000 available to award to the student business ventures. Stripe was presented with $2,500 and was named the YEA! Saunders Scholars Winner.

She is the daughter of Shawn and Vicky Stripe, Schuylkill Haven. Along with her parents, Darian was joined by her three sisters, Calie, Madison and Elexis.

“I was very confident that I would do well, so I think that helped,” Darian, 18, said. She plans to attend Kutztown University to major in art education. “Of course, I’ll still be running my business.”

The top winning student moves on to an all-expenses-paid trip to regional competition. The top two regional winners will then attend the national competition in Washington, D.C. The national winner will have an opportunity to go on the real Shark Tank television show.

Other YEA! students pitched a variety of businesses to the investor panel Wednesday.

Collin Felty, a Schuylkill Haven sixth-grader, was awarded $1,000 for his company, Skook Products, which will produce and sell the Skook Cup Holder. It’s a square plastic cup holder that will fit in round cup holders in most vehicles, enabling customers to put square items, like Guers products or milk cartons, into them.

Also earning $1,000 was Geoffrey Kaufman, with his company, Brookside Firewood. Kaufman, a Pine Grove Area High School senior, said his company will manufacture eight-piece bundles of firewood from the finest hardwoods that are split by the company from locally supplied trees. The firewood will be seasoned prior to being bundled, and then wrapped with shrink wrap, for clean, easy handling.

Jacob Palmer earned $750 from the investors, pitching Backcountry Longboards. Palmer’s company manufactures handmade longboard skateboards. Most longboards today are mass-produced, Palmer said, noting his products are all hand crafted.

Meanwhile, Jacob Challenger garnered $500 for his Fuel For Earth company. Challenger’s business would provide a fuel source that keeps paper out of landfills. Paper is soaked, shredded, compressed, molded and dried into blocks. The blocks are then packaged and can be used as a heating source, Challenger said.

The three-member team and co-owners of Argo Games, Jason Housel, Connor Hudock and David Tenney, were awarded $250 from the investors. Argo Games is a gaming company seeking to capitalize on the explosion of the zombie genre in the entertainment industry.

All YEA! students explained their costs of production, competitor prices and products, their expected net profits for the month and year and other challenges they anticipated in launching their businesses. Each student also had to answer three questions developed by the investor panel.

Robert S. Carl, executive director of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce welcomed students and guests to the event.

“It’s a big commitment,” Carl said of students participating in the YEA! Program. “They have to have the passion and desire and we’re here to nurture it.”

Those serving on the investors panel were: Karen A. Kenderdine, trust manager, First National Trust; John R. Powers Jr., CEO, Ashland Technologies Inc.; Wendy Yuengling, chief administrative officer, D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc.; Jeff O’Neill, business banking team leader, M&T Bank; Darcy Medica, director of academic affairs, Penn State University Schuylkill Campus; Frank Zukas, president, Schuylkill Economic Development Corp.; Robert Seltzer, president, The Seltzer Group; John Albertini, president, AIS Consulting; Roy A. Heim, president, Heim Construction Co.; and Kimberly Lorimer, vice president, The Evans Network of Companies. Another investor panelist was unable to attend. Ken Huebner, vice president and CFO, The Cotler Group and Mountain Valley Golf Course, was absent due to a family emergency, Carl said.

Patricia Tenney, Minersville, attended the event, she said, to support her son, David, 18, a student at Gillingham Charter School. “This is something he’s never done before and it got him out of his comfort zone. This was good for him,” she said.

The YEA! Program is for students in grades 6 through 12. It’s a 30-week, after-school program that runs from October through April, offering a three-hour class one evening each week, as well as special events. The students meet at the Schuylkill campus. The YEA! chapter is maintained by a nominal student tuition as well as investments and donations from the local business community. Scholarship money is made available to students as deemed necessary.

The program consists of three main components for students to learn how to launch a business or social movement. The Big Idea! is when the students begin identifying and generating ideas and learning to recognize opportunities. The Pitch! is where students research and develop business plans with the help of their instructor and mentors. Mentors in the business community share their expertise as they help the students prepare to pitch their business to the investor panel. The third component is The Launch! in which students can open bank accounts and they file the necessary paperwork to actually launch their business.

Carol Boyer, YEA! Program manager, thanked the panelists and mentors and praised students’ parents.

“You’ve raised some talented kids,” she said.

Carl also thanked Boyer, who is completing her final year as the program manager, noting Mary Jo Moss will serve as manager for 2016.

Customers wanting to meet the young entrepreneurs or hoping to get their hands on the student-designed products can attend the YEA! Schuylkill Trade Show from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 23 at Fairlane Village mall, Pottsville.

A Pottsville man is headed back to prison after a Schuylkill County judge on March 3 revoked his parole for the third time.

Andrew S. Lehman, 33, must remain in prison until Aug. 11, 2017, unless he obtains admission to an inpatient substance abuse treatment facility, Judge John E. Domalakes ruled.

“You’ve not had a history of successful supervision,” Domalakes told Lehman, who admitted violating his parole by not reporting to his supervising officer, moving without permission and not taking mandatory classes.

Lehman originally pleaded guilty on Nov. 21, 2008, to driving under the influence, accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property, reckless driving and driving under suspension-DUI related. Prosecutors withdrew charges of failure to stop and give information and stop sign violation.

At that time, Domalakes sentenced Lehman to serve 180 days to five years and three months in prison and pay costs, $1,200 in fines and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Pottsville police alleged Lehman was DUI on July 5, 2008, in the city.

Domalakes previously revoked Lehman’s parole on March 29, 2011, and May 1, 2014.

In another March 3 case, Judge James P. Goodman revoked the probation of Jason R. Stephens, 22, of Schuylkill Haven, and sentenced him to spend four to 23 months in prison and an additional 12 months on probation, and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation.

Goodman imposed the sentence after Stephens violated his probation by committing a new crime, failing to report to his supervising officer, moving without permission, using heroin and not submitting to a drug and alcohol evaluation.

“Do you have a problem with drugs?” Goodman asked Stephens.

“Yes ... using heroin,” Stephens replied.

Stephens originally pleaded guilty on Sept. 23, 2015, in five separate cases to two counts of theft by deception and one each of conspiracy, receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance. At that time, Goodman placed Stephens on probation for 36 months and also sentenced him to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $250 in CJEA payments and $572.91 restitution.

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

Anthony J. Kilker

Shenandoah — Defendants whose cases Anthony J. Kilker considered March 7, the charges against each one and the judge’s disposition of the matters included:

Daniel Paulino, 28, of 537 W. Centre St., Shenandoah; withdrawn: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Charles A. Welna Jr., 29, of 602 Goldstar Highway, Shenandoah; withdrawn: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joan Octavio Ramirez, 54, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Jillian C. Dyszel, 29, of 9 St. Peters Road, Apt. 8, Tamaqua; withdrawn: careless driving. Waived for court: DUI, DUI-high rate and disregard for single traffic lane.

Sara Tatro, 20, of 221 W. Arlington St., Shenandoah; waived for court: retail theft.

Robert Klipola, 42, of 1553 Fair Road, Schuylkill Haven; waived for court: DUI, DUI-controlled substance, disregard for single traffic lane, duties at a stop sign, driving at an unsafe speed and careless driving.

n Barnesville: The Carbon-Tamaqua Unit of the American Cancer Society Telethon Committee will stage a Chinese auction Sunday in the Lakeside Ballroom, Route 54. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and the auction drawing will begin at 2:30 p.m. There will be chances to win selective raffle prizes, 50/50 drawings, food, fresh baked goods and candy and disc jockey “Polka Joe” of Radio WMGH live from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Some of the top prizes on the specially purchased “white ticket” include a Dell laptop computer, $1,000 cash, Fire Tablet, Disney Hopper passes, American Girl Doll, iPad air, Xbox, gift certificate for fuel oil, gas gift card, vacations, 50-inch HD TV and other gift cards. Credit cards are accepted. Proceeds will be presented at the annual ACS Telethon scheduled to air April 9 and 10 at Penn’s Peak, Jim Thorpe, broadcast live on BRC TV-13 and Service Electric Cable TV. Tickets are on sale throughout the region. To donate items or buy tickets, call 570-645-4228 or email to madula@ptd.net. Bakers are always needed, according to an ACS press release. People may learn more about the auction/telethon on Facebook under “CancerTelethon” or at http://www.facebook.com/cancertelethon.

n Gilberton: Gilberton United Methodist Church, Main Street, will have a fish dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 25 at the church. The cost is $10 for adults and $6 for children. Meals will include baked or breaded haddock, mac and cheese, stewed tomatoes, pepper cabbage and desert. All are welcome.

n Minersville: Mountaineer Hose Company, Third and South streets, will have a breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to noon Sunday at the firehouse, featuring an open menu according to a release.

n New Ringgold: Friedens Lutheran Church, 525 Church St., will have a chicken pot pie supper from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. The cost is $9 for adults, $4.50 for children 5 to 12 and free for youngsters 4 and younger. Meals will also include rolls, pepper cabbage, applesauce, dessert and beverage. There will also be a basket raffle and food takeouts will be available. To order or for more information, call 570-640-5726. The church will also have a basket auction from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 21. The cost is $5 for a sheet of 26 chances. Patrons do not have to be present to win. There will also be a bake sale and food will be available. Chances will be sold from 6 to 8 p.m. May 20. For more information, call 570-943-2835.

n Orwigsburg: Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson, 1123 Brick Hill Road, has entered a motorcycle into a build-off competition among Harley-Davidson dealers nationwide, and its entry has made it to the “Sweet 16,” meaning it is one of the best 16 bikes in the nation. Voting, according to a Schaeffer’s press release, is open to the public “to get us to the next round and hopefully win the title of 2016 Custom King.” People wanting to support Schaeffer’s should go online to customkingsvoting.harley-davidson.com. Voting must be completed by 11 p.m. Sunday and those who made it to the “Elite 8” will be announced on Monday. For more information, or to see Schaeffer’s creation in person, call 570-366-0143.

n Pine Grove: The Kittatinny Hunting & Fishing Club, 925 Swopes Valley Road, will have a free open house for new members 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and June 25. The club has more than 80 acres of game land, rifle, shotgun and archery ranges and two fishing ponds. For more information, call 570-449-3676.

n Pine Grove: “Hallelujah Praise the Lamp” will be presented by the Echo Valley Grace Brethren Church Choir directed by Ruth Carl at 6 p.m. Sunday and 10:30 a.m. March 27 at the church, Route 125 between Pine Grove and Tremont. For more information, call Ruth at 570-695-2136.

n Schuylkill Haven: There will be a free “Bunny Trail of Treats” from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the gymnasium on Penn State Schuylkill campus. People are invited to join the campus students, staff and faculty for “a great afternoon for children of all ages.” For more information, call 570-385-6246.

Cody A. Filer will not have to serve time in prison after admitting Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he used a knife to assault a man in April 2015 in Shenandoah.

Filer, 20, of Shenandoah, pleaded guilty to simple assault, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment and disorderly conduct.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin accepted the plea and, pursuant to the agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced Filer to spend 23 months on probation and pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Shenandoah police charged Filer with attacking another borough man, Joshua Koncsler, about 9:30 p.m. April 30, 2015, in front of the One Stop convenience store, 33 N. Main St.

Police said Filer pulled out a large knife, swung it around and then put it back in its sheath. Filer then hit Koncsler, threw him to the ground and kicked him, police said.

Surveillance cameras at the convenience store showed Filer hitting and kicking Koncsler, according to police.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Filer said little except that he understood the nature and consequences of his plea and was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.

The inmate population at the Schuylkill County prison has finally fallen below its maximum capacity with the transfer of 30 inmates to two facilities outside the county. However, the county prison board is now considering transferring more inmates to a third facility as the female population continues to climb.

“This is an area we are going to concentrate on now that we had this mass movement,” Warden Gene Berdanier said Wednesday at the monthly prison board meeting.

Within the last week, 27 men were transferred from the county prison to Delaware County’s George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Thornton. Three women are being housed at the State Correctional Institution/Muncy. Agreements with those facilities were authorized in November for $60 a day per inmate. The state Department of Corrections provided the transportation and the county was only responsible to pay tolls and gas.

On Wednesday, Berdanier said the prison had 274 inmates, including 61 women. The approved capacity at the prison is 277. Fewer than 30 men were tripled in cells and eight women were in tripled cells. Prior to the transfer, about 47 men were tripled in cells.

The average inmate population was 294 for February. The average female population for the month was 48.

“I had a conversation with (state Department of Corrections) Secretary John Wetzel last week and we told him our concerns for triple-celled females because we have been using the State Correctional Institute in Muncy,” commissioners Chairman and Prison Board Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said. “He was then in a separate conversation with Michael Pipe, who is commissioner chairman in Centre County.”

Halcovage said the Centre County Correctional Facility already houses female inmates from other counties and has offered to take inmates from Schuylkill County. While the initial cost that was discussed was $65 a day per inmate, Halcovage was confident that figure would come down with commitments from the county in the agreement.

“We will be in discussions to try to solidify a good number that makes sense for them but also for us,” Halcovage said.

Halcovage also said the Schuylkill and Centre county prisons share the same medical provider in Prime Care Medical, Harrisburg. He said there may be an agreement ready before the prison board meets again next month.

“We feel there is a very positive opportunity for Centre County to take on our overflow of female prisoners that are triple celled right now,” Halcovage said. “We want to resolve the triple-celling situation, however, throughout the state there is a problem with overcrowding for females.”

In July 2015, the state DOC made an agreement with the county to reduce its inmate population or risk not being allowed to house any additional prisoners. The agreement to bring the inmate population back to its approved capacity of 277 was designed to reduce triple celling at the facility. Triple celling refers to three inmates being housed in a cell meant for one or two.

“The prison board thanks the leadership of the staff at the prison in moving this initiative forward,” Halcovage said. “I give our staff all the credit in the world for doing an outstanding job.”

Berdanier said the ideal population at the prison would be about 250.

In other news, the board voted to terminate a suspended corrections officer.

Last week, the board held a special meeting to indefinitely suspend Zachary Broomell pending the outcome of an investigation. Halcovage said he could not discuss the details regarding the personnel matter, but no criminal charges have been filed.

President Judge William E. Baldwin made the motion to terminate and it was seconded by Controller Christy Joy. The motion was approved with District Attorney Christine Holman abstaining.

About 120 students from six high schools in Schuylkill County learned about career opportunities at McCann School of Business and Technology while competing against each other at the Pottsville campus’ annual “McCann Madness” event.

Designed to educate high school students about careers available locally, McCann Madness was started at the Pottsville campus in 2005. Students from Mahanoy Area, North Schuylkill, Pottsville, Pine Grove, Williams Valley and Schuylkill Technology Center participated this year.

“It’s a career exploration competition,” Shannon Brennan, campus director, said. “It’s a fun way to learn about career opportunities and about McCann. There has also been a big push recently to educate kids about all the job opportunities available in Schuylkill County.”

Teams from each school participated in 11 different learning stations and are asked questions before going to another station. For each question they answer correctly, they get a star.

The team with the most stars wins. If there’s a tie, like Brennan said there usually is, the teams have a shootout at a basketball hoop behind the school. Some schools had two teams.

Lori Kane, community relations specialist at McCann, said there are new agencies participating in the event, like the Lehigh Valley Health Network that provided a distracted driving simulator for students. Kane said the ability to make safe decisions also has an impact on careers.

Students from the Schuylkill Technology Center won the competition and Mahanoy Area students, who brought along their school mascot, took home the Spirit Award.

Bill Mack, a social studies teacher at STC’s south campus, said it was the first year the school had students at the event. He said 22 students, divided into two teams, were there on Thursday.

“It’s a chance for them to see there is more than STC — there are more opportunities out there,” Mack said. “Plus, they are really competitive.”

“It’s a good experience to learn about a college in our community,” Austin Blackwell, a senior at Mahanoy Area, said.

Blackwell said many students are not aware that there are as many job opportunities available locally.

“I think they need to be taken advantage of more,” he said.

ORWIGSBURG — Katie McGinty, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate, told about 75 people Thursday that she wants to bring the values from her Philadelphia Irish Catholic family to Washington.

“With good hard work and a little cheer comes community,” McGinty, 52, of Wayne, Chester County, said. “(The Irish) brought with them a great drive.”

McGinty, who served as Gov. Tom Wolf’s chief of staff before setting off on her campaign, is one of four candidates seeking the Democratic nomination in the April 26 primary to run against incumbent first-term Republican Pat Toomey, Zionsville, Lehigh County, in the Nov. 8 General Election.

Her Democratic primary opponents are Braddock Mayor John Fetterman, former U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak and businessman Joseph Vodvarka. McGinty said polls are placing her even with Sestak, a former Delaware County congressman who lost to Toomey in 2010, but she has more momentum.

She spent part of Thursday at the Schuylkill Country Club at the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick luncheon, where her bright green dress advertised her heritage and blended well with both the audience and the shamrock-festooned facility.

The group has been holding the luncheon to mark St. Patrick’s Day since 1976, former Pottsville Mayor John D.W. Reiley said.

“Today is a day when everyone is Irish,” emcee Michael A. O’Pake, a Pottsville lawyer and assistant public defender, said.

In turn, McGinty paid tribute to the heritage she shares with many who attended the luncheon.

“They helped to see this country through the Great Depression and World War II,” she said.

McGinty, a lawyer who also served as secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection, recalled her youth as the ninth of 10 children of a Philadelphia police officer and a restaurant hostess, saying her family built the kind of character everyone should have.

“In the McGinty household, it was a 100 percent no-complaint household,” she said. “Go to work. Give it your best. They are values we need to bring back every day.”

Another value McGinty, a graduate of St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, and Columbia Law School, New York City, said she prizes is inclusiveness, and she said the United States needs to remember that.

“This country has been a special experiment in democracy,” she said. “The world needs us in America to be that same country that welcomes all.”

In an indirect criticism of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, McGinty said the country must maintain a basic unity and seek common ground.

“Those who set off the spark of division can set off a generation of hardship,” she said.

After the luncheon, McGinty said she will defend the middle class better than Toomey has.

“I think middle-class families need a change in Washington,” saying Toomey does not vote in their best interests on such matters as Social Security, taxes and trade agreements, she said.

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

Katelynn M. Kaufmann, 23, of Pottsville; two counts of delivery of a controlled substance; three to 12 months in prison, $200 in payments to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $226 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement. Prosecutors withdrew two counts each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Edward T. Thierer, 48, of Nesquehoning; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation consecutive to current sentence, $100 SAEF payment and $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Dylan R. Wagner, 20, of Pine Grove; two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one of possession of a controlled substance; 12 months probation, $500 fine, $400 in SAEF payments and $50 CJEA payment.

Larry L. Wagner, 36, of Tamaqua; possession of a controlled substance and driving under suspension-DUI related; sentencing scheduled for 10:45 a.m. Tuesday.

Francis Zapotocky Jr., 46, of Tresckow; driving under the influence; six months in the intermediate punishment program, $1,000 fine, $300 SAEF payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of failure to keep right.

In other recent criminal court action, a Wayne County man will pay costs and a fine after a Schuylkill County judge March 11 reinstated his conviction for failing to repair a dilapidated property he owns in Gilberton.

Joseph C. Moore, Lake Ariel, did not appear for his hearing before Judge Jacqueline L. Russell. As a result, Russell dismissed his appeal of his Oct. 15, 2015, conviction before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville.

“That’s the only thing I can do when somebody doesn’t show up,” Russell said.

As a result, Moore must pay costs and the $1,000 fine Hale had imposed after finding Moore guilty.

Gilberton officials had charged Moore with failing to maintain the property on Aug. 8, 2015. Moore had filed his appeal on Nov. 13, 2015.

Also on March 11, Russell revoked the probation of John J. Bennett Jr., 28, of Schuylkill Haven, and sentenced him to serve six to 12 months in prison, undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, and perform 20 hours community service.

Russell revoked Bennett’s probation after the defendant admitted violating it by committing new crimes, using drugs and failing a drug test.

Bennett originally pleaded guilty on March 18, 2015, to disorderly conduct, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of aggravated assault, simple assault and public drunkenness. At that time, Russell placed him on 12 months probation, and also sentenced him to pay costs and $50 CJEA payment, and perform 20 hours community service.

Pottsville police charged Bennett with being disorderly on April 8, 2014, in the city.

In another March 11 case, Russell revoked the parole of Jeremy M. Shafer, 21, of McAdoo, and recommitted him to prison. Under the terms of Russell’s order, Shafer must remain behind bars for two months before he can apply for reparole, and could remain in prison until June 19, 2017.

Shafer originally pleaded guilty on Nov. 13, 2013, to 16 counts of theft from a motor vehicle and one of conspiracy. Prosecutors withdrew 15 counts each of theft and receiving stolen property and one of loitering and prowling at nighttime.

At that time, Russell placed Shafer on probation for 23 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs, a $560 CJEA payment and $707.84 restitution, and perform 340 hours community service.

However, Russell revoked Shafer’s parole on March 11, 2015, and sentenced him to serve six to 23 months in prison.

McAdoo police charged Shafer with committing his crimes on Dec. 24, 2012, in the borough.

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

Someone damaged three railings recently installed near the Gen. George A. Joulwan bust in Pottsville.

Matt DiRenzo, owner of the Park Hotel on Centre Street who owns the area, installed two of the railings March 11 on benches. The remaining railings near the bust were installed Monday.

“This is getting ridiculous,” DiRenzo said Thursday.

Everything was fine at 4 p.m. Wednesday but when he came by at 9 a.m. Thursday, he noticed three railings were bent with one of them broken off. The unattached one was under one of the concrete benches. DiRenzo said it took a lot of effort to remove the 1/2 steel pipe. Another one on another bench was clearly bent. One near the bust showed signs of abuse. He thought the railings would deter people from sitting in the area. He spent $600 for the railings and associated tools to install them.

“I really just thought people would think ‘We can’t sit here’ and move on. We are in a day and age where what’s yours is mine and I have a right to sit here,” he said.

He filed a police report Thursday morning on the incident. Pottsville police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said the department was informed about the damage. He said an officer was told that DiRenzo will install No Trespassing signs. Wojciechowsky said the police would assist in enforcing the no trespassing. DiRenzo said the signs should arrive shortly. He is also considering using security cameras in the area.

He said loitering has been a problem on the property. For example, recently people in their late 20s or 30s were eating subs and tomatoes and other items were all over the ground. He told them to clean up the area and move or he would call the police. When he returned, the items were flung into the nearby tree, DiRenzo said.

The Pottsville City Council gave approval in October for a fence in the area. DiRenzo said he thought the railings a better fit for the location after installing orange fencing in the area and removing it.

DiRenzo said it is a shame that people do not respect the property of other people.

“I feel like Rodney Dangerfield. No respect,” he said.

VALLEY VIEW — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a criminal trespass incident that occurred about 10 a.m. Thursday at Gratz Bank, 1625 W. Main St.

Trooper Brian Ladick said an unidentified person tried to gain entry to the bank through a side door but fled the scene after being unable to do so.

Ladick said the man ran behind several houses and then got into a silver or gray Pontiac G6 driven by a man who left the area traveling west on Main Street.

The vehicle was seen a short time later traveling west on Fearnot Road in Hubley Township, Ladick said.

Ladick said the unidentified person was wearing yellow gloves, a gray hooded sweatshirt with the hood up and had his face covered.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at Schuylkill Haven at 570-739-1330 and refer to incident L07-1405289.

Amount clarification

Servants To All received about $70,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2015 Emergency Solutions grant. Schuylkill Community Action and Schuylkill Women in Crisis also received funding through the $461,022 grant. A previous estimate was incorrect in Wednesday’s edition.

Man arrested on

bench warrant

A man wanted on a bench warrant was taken into custody at 10:40 a.m., March 10, according to state police at Frackville.

Jeffrey C. Teter, 42, no address given, was located in the Nuremberg area, police said. There was an active bench warrant for Teter from Schuylkill County, police said, and he was also wanted by the Schuylkill County Domestic Relations Unit.

Teter was taken into custody and transported to the Schuylkill County Jail on the bench warrant.

An investigation continues for hindering apprehension or prosecution. A suspect has been identified, police said.

Police investigate

unlawful contact

A Schuylkill Haven man has been accused of having unlawful contact with a minor, state police in Frackville said.

Ryan Lamar Wise, 20, was taken into custody Wednesday and arraigned before District Magisterial Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville. State police obtained a felony warrant for Wise on March 7 out of Reiley’s office. Wise’s bail was set at $25,000 unsecured, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday.

In January 2014, state police in Frackville began an investigation into unlawful contact between Wise and a 12-year-old victim that occurred over the social media sites of Facebook and OOVOO, an online video chat forum, police said. The incidents occurred various times between December 25, 2013, and January 11, 2014, in various locations, including Pottsville, police said. Wise made repeated efforts to have the victim engage in sexual conduct with him, both in person and over video chat, according to police.

SAINT CLAIR — A man who escaped from custody while in handcuffs Monday was apprehended and jailed.

Saint Clair police took Mark Smith, 28, of Saint Clair, into custody about 10:10 a.m. Thursday, acting on tips that he was hiding at the home of Anthony Scott at 304 Cherry St.

Police said Smith was found hiding in an upstairs bedroom and was apprehended with the help of Schuylkill County Adult Probation and Parole agents.

Smith was then arraigned on charges of escape, theft and possession of drug paraphernalia filed by Cass Township police, from whom he escaped three days earlier.

Police said Smith was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David Rossi, Tremont, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post $50,000 straight cash bail.

Cass Township police Patrolman Gerard Daley said he arrested Smith on an outstanding arrest warrant out of Luzerne County Court and subsequently learned he was wanted on an outstanding warrant by Saint Clair police for retail theft.

Daley said Smith was taken to the Saint Clair police station to be turned over to officers there but escaped from a police cruiser, still in handcuffs, while the officer was inside the police station getting paperwork.

Daley said that when Smith was discovered Thursday, he was found with various items of drug paraphernalia. He no longer had the handcuffs he escaped wearing. Police continue to investigate his escape and further charges may be filed.

In connection with the incident, Saint Clair police Chief William Dempsey said charges were filed against Scott as well as a woman, Brittany George, who has no known address.

Both were charged with felony hindering apprehension for their roles in concealing the whereabouts of Smith.

Scott and George will now have to answer to that charge before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

n Girardville: The 13th annual Girardville St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set to begin at noon Saturday, planned by the Girardville Parade Committee and sponsored by Jack Kehoe Division No. 1, Ancient order of Hibernians. This year’s parade is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising that took place in Ireland in 1916. The parade will also salute Irish heritage and culture of the anthracite region as well as the local history of the labor unions movement and the secret society that was known as the Molly Maguires. The official parade T-shirt will feature the names of the organizers of the 1916 Easter Rising and can be found at the parade’s website at www.Girardvilleirishparade.com. Girardville AOH President Joseph Wayne said the special grand marshal for this year’s parade will be Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Mike Stack. His mother, Judge Felice Rowley Stack, was born and raised in the Girardville area. The parade will include a wide variety of marchers and musical and other groups and floats. The parade manager is Stephen Barrett. For more information, call 570-872-3358.

n Frackville: The Goodwill Hose Company, 225 S. Balliet St., will have a 2017 cruise meeting at 2 p.m. April 2. It will be an information session and early booking for a cruise to be held on June 18, 2017. For more information, call 570-617-3673.

n Locustdale: The Locustdale Fire Company is sponsoring a bus trip to the Sands Casino in Bethlehem on April 9. The cost is $25 per person with $20 back in slot play and a $5 food voucher. The bus will leave at 10 a.m. from the firehouse, Fire House Hill, and depart from the casino at 6 p.m. for the return trip. For reservations or more information, call 570-875-3297.

n Pottsville: The Schuylkill County Council for the Arts county high school gallery show opening is set for 1 to 5 p.m. April 10 at the council for the arts, 1440 Mahantongo St. Admission is free but freewill donations will be accepted. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-622-2788, ext. 0.

n Schuylkill Haven: The Vraj Youth Committee, which is part of the Vraj Hindu Temple, 15 Manor Road, will host a community outreach program from 2 to 4 p.m. March 26. The event, according to a Vraj press release, will include an Easter egg hunt, games, candy, food, prizes and other activities. It will be “an opportunity for the local community to get to know Vraj better,” according to the release. Organizers also said they are hopeful the program will be successful and can become an annual event.

n Shenandoah: The 10th anniversary committee for Trinity Academy in the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center has issued a final call for old photos from the legacy schools that preceded Trinity Academy. Those schools include Cardinal Brennan, Shenandoah Catholic, Immaculate Heart, Holy Family in Frackville, Immaculate Heart in Girardville as well as St. Joseph and others. Photos should be sent to Mary Kate Sternik at msternik@trinitymatters.com by Sunday. If possible, identification of people in any of the photos would be appreciated.

n Tamaqua: Former Shenandoah resident Lester Hirsch will be featured in concert at 7 p.m. April 16 at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St. Hirsch, according to a center press release, is an award-winning songwriter and Grammy nominee. He also is a guitarist, singer and poet. Tickets are $10 each. For tickets or more information, call 570-668-1192.

n Tamaqua: Tamaqua Area High School, 500 Penn St., will host a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday in conjunction with Miller-Keystone Blood Center. People 17 and older (16 with parental consent) weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are urged to donate blood. For more information or to register in advance, call 570-668-1901, ext. 2060.

n Williamstown: Williamstown American Legion will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration Saturday at its post, 123 W. Market St. Breakfast will be held from 7 to 11 a.m., with lunch to follow at noon. Menu includes corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, clam chowder and potato soup. There will be drink specials for Guinness, Harp and Killians. Music will be provided in the afternoon with DJ Duane to play at 9 p.m. Legion members and qualified guests are welcome.

PINE GROVE — Details of the separation agreement between former Pine Grove Area Superintendent Kendy Klahr Hinkel and the district include a covenant not to sue, acknowledgement of no wrongdoing, ability to use up banked time, full salary and benefits, in addition to a lump sum settlement payment of more than $67,000.

The Pine Grove Area School District provided the information Thursday in response to The Republican-Herald’s Right-To-Know Request submitted Feb. 18.

Acting superintendent Terrence Maher is the Open Records Officer. The Republican-Herald contacted Maher’s office Monday, and he said he’d have the information available at Thursday’s board’s meeting, which he supplied. Maher has been serving as acting superintendent since Feb. 11 when the board appointed him to the post at a daily stipend of $325.

Hinkel had been on bereavement leave since Jan. 2016, following the death of her husband in 2015.

The five-page separation agreement, signed Feb. 11 by the board and Feb. 12 by Hinkel, is for the contract period beginning Nov. 1, 2013, and ending June 30, 2017. It includes the following:

1. Resignation date — Hinkel resigns from her position as superintendent, effective May 19, 2016.

2. Approved leave of absence — Effective Jan. 26 through May 19, 2016, Hinkel shall be on a school district approved leave of absence with full pay, during which she shall exhaust all unused vacation and personal leave and bereavement leave. The payment for the approved leave of absence shall be in a form and manner that meets the requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System as retirement-covered compensation from Jan. 26 through May 19. The district shall continue to make its required PSERS contributions on behalf of Hinkel and deduct from her salary her required PSERS contributions through May 19.

3. Fringe benefits — During her approved leave, in addition to her salary, the district shall provide and Hinkel shall retain all benefits through May 31. However, Hinkel will not be entitled to receive any payment for unused but accrued sick days nor will she be entitled to accrue sick, vacation or personal leave during the approved leave from Jan. 26 to May 19.

4. Early resignation — Hinkel shall be on an approved paid leave of absence effective Jan. 26 and she will receive her full salary and benefits until May 19. If Hinkel becomes employed prior to May 19 by any public school district in any capacity where she is earning an annual salary of at least $115,000, Hinkel agrees that her approved leave and the school district’s obligation to pay salary and benefits shall cease at the close of business prior to the first effective date of Hinkel’s employment with that new public school district.

5. Settlement amount — In addition to her approved leave of absence with full pay and benefits, on or before May 19, the district shall provide Hinkel with a lump sum payment of $67,635. Hinkel acknowledges and understands that she is responsible for paying all appropriate taxes on the lump sum payment.

6. Waiver of notice requirements — The district waives any and all notice requirements and repayment obligations regarding Hinkel and her employment with the district, including but not limited to her notice of resignation.

7. Return of school district property — Hinkel shall return all district keys, computers, electronic devices and equipment, and/or confidential materials belonging to the district that are in her possession by no later than Feb. 12 or another mutually agreed-upon date. Hinkel shall vacate her office by Feb. 12.

8. Public statement — The district shall issue a public statement regarding Hinkel’s leave of absence and separation from employment, made a part hereof as Appendix B. The district and its staff shall respond to prospective employment inquiries from potential new employers of Hinkel consistent with the public statement in Appendix B. The district further agrees that no member of the board, central office administrators and human resources staff of the district shall make any statement regarding Hinkel that is inconsistent with or contrary to the public statement in Appendix B.

9. No disparagement — Hinkel agrees not to engage in any communications (whether verbal or written) that will disparage the district or board of directors, unless required to do so pursuant to law, court order, administrative order or a validly issued subpoena. The district, including its board members, central office administrators and human resources staff, and agents, agrees not to engage in any communications that will disparage Hinkel or interfere with her existing or future professional employment relationships, unless required to do so pursuant to law, court order, administrative order or a validly issued subpoena.

10. Mutual release — (Summarizing) both parties waive the right to any further recovery of any other damages, costs, fees, or wages.

11. Covenant not to sue — Hinkel agrees she will not bring any civil action, suit, grievance, claim or administrative complaint against the district, or its officers, directors and agents, collectively, or individually, or contest the validity of the agreement or attempt to negate or reform it. The district agrees likewise that it will not bring any civil action, suit, grievance, claim or administrative complaint against Hinkel, or contest the validity of the agreement. Nothing in the paragraph is intended, though, to prevent either party from bringing an action to enforce the provisions of the agreement.

12. Acknowledgement of no wrongdoing — The district acknowledges and certifies that there are no ongoing or outstanding investigations or adverse employment actions against Hinkel, including but not limited to, unsatisfactory evaluations, investigation reports, or negative documentation of any kind regarding her and her performance as superintendent. The district agrees that it shall not initiate any investigation of Hinkel unless new information not currently known by the district comes to the attention of the district, and that has the reasonable probability of being verified, and where the district is statutorily and/or legally obligated to investigate.

13. Obligation to defend, hold harmless, and indemnify Hinkel — The district shall continue to defend, hold harmless and indemnify Hinkel from any and all demands, claims, suits, actions and legal proceedings brought against Hinkel in her individual capacity or in her official capacity, provided that such demands, claims, suits, actions, and legal proceedings arose while Hinkel was acting, or reasonably believed she was acting, within the scope of her employment. In no case shall individual board members be considered personally liable for indemnifying Hinkel against such actions.

Five other points on severable provisions, governing law and modifications, and miscellaneous terms are listed in the agreement.

Deeds

Ashland — Joyceann M. Kenney, Charles M. Scott and Robert L. Scott, individually and as executors of the Last Will & Testament of Margaret J. Scott, Joseph Kenney, Kelly Scott, Theresa Scott, Thomas P. Scott, Kristine McBride and Robert McBride to Joyceann M. Kenney; 102 Spruce St.; $1.

William W. Sr. and Sandra L. Miller to William W. Sr. and Sandra L. Miller and Natalie O’Connor; 2300 Walnut St.; $1.

Pine Grove — Verna L. Donmoyer to Robbin B. and Penny L. McNeill; 62 N. Tulpehocken St.; $1.

Pottsville — William F. King Jr. to Michael and Marie Nawa; 1331 W. Market St.; $57,000.

Wells Fargo Bank NA to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; 1957 Howard Ave.; $10.

The Most Rev. John O. Barres, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown, to The Most Rev. John O. Barres, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown; 319 Mahantongo St.; $1.

Mary Theresa Burke Faith to Luis O. Colon; 427-429 Laurel St.; $28,000.

Tamaqua — Leonard J. and Gloria A. Rimm to Leonard J. and Gloria A. Rimm; 324 Mountain Ave.; $1.

Wayne Township — Larry L. Jr. and Beth J. Clifford to Michael S. Ferguson and Angelique L. Gillette; 132 Schuylkill Mountain Road; $281,000.

Albert L. and Linda D. Brobst and Charles E. and Linda R. Green to Wayne Township; dedication of part of Kutz Road; $1.

West Brunswick Township — Gloria A. Rimm and Leonard J. Rimm, trustees under the Gloria A. Rimm Living Trust, to Gloria A. and Leonard J. Rimm; 3502 Village Road, Pinebrook; $1.

West Mahanoy Township — Jose E. Paulino to John C. and Felicia R. Carter; 183 Schuylkill Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $62,500.

FRIEDENSBURG — Those wondering if the Schuylkill County Fair will happen this year can breathe a sigh of relief.

“As long as there is breath left in all of our bodies, there will be a 2016 fair,” Paul Kennedy, president of the Schuylkill County Fair, said Thursday during the monthly meeting of the Schuylkill County Fair Association. A meeting was also held for the Foundation For Agriculture and Resource Management, the parent organization of the fair.

The fair is set for Aug. 1 through Aug. 6 at the fairgrounds in Summit Station. Cost for entrance will remain $5, while children 12 and under are free.

Kennedy said he realizes this is a trying time for all with the lack of a finalized state budget, but the fair is important to the community.

“The worry is out there,” he said.

Kennedy and members of the Schuylkill County Fair Association met for their monthly meeting, which was held at the Friedensburg Fire Company. There was discussion about Gov. Tom Wolf’s line item veto of the Land Scrip Fund, which goes to provide funding for such things as 4-H programs, Master Gardener and extension programs and routine fair business.

“If 4-H is not in there, who runs all these livestock shows?” Kim Morgan, board secretary for the Schuylkill County Fair and 4-H leader, asked.

Kennedy said he does not have the answers.

She said if 4-H is not there to run the shows, it is an open youth show where 4-H is not involved.

“It all comes down to no state budget,” she said.

“Every fair is vital to Pennsylvania. Agriculture is vital to Pennsylvania,” Morgan said.

She said there are 10 fairs that will not be held this year, including one in Kempton.

“There will be 10 more fairs that go down this year,” Morgan said.

In other news, the Foundation for Agriculture and Resource Management has to pay more money in its premium for the 2016 coverage. Both Kennedy and Morgan said they did not have all the answers they want as to why that is. They have made efforts to try to get more answers.

Documents provided by Morgan show an increase of $10,275 from the 2015-16 term of $23,472. The increase is due to what is term as an “increased loss ratio” on the plan and a difference in amount of acreage.

Next time they will shop around for insurance that is less expensive.

“It is a challenge for us to continue to be fiscally responsible while continuing to offer a value driven event to our patrons and our community,” Kennedy said.

It looks like Pennsylvania will matter.

After the voting in Ohio, Florida and three other states Tuesday, the five remaining presidential candidates are likelier to give Pennsylvania — and probably Scranton and Wilkes-Barre — a lot of attention before the state’s April 26 primary election. No one has announced a local visit.

The Democratic contest is less competitive because Hillary Clinton, a former secretary of state whose father grew up in Scranton, has a huge delegate lead and won four more states Tuesday against Bernie Sanders, one of Vermont’s U.S. senators. They’re still likely to campaign in the state, which will certainly get heavy pre-primary focus by the three remaining Republican candidates, political analysts said.

Polls have shown billionaire businessman Donald Trump leading but not dominating Pennsylvania, which makes the state competitive for John Kasich, Ohio’s governor, and Ted Cruz, one of Texas’ U.S. senators, especially now that U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida dropped out.

More importantly, if Kasich and Cruz want to stop Trump from earning the 1,237-delegate majority needed for nomination before the Republican convention in July, they must earn a solid share of the state’s 71 Republican delegates.

“I think it’ll be a vigorous campaign, yes,” E. Fletcher McClellan, Ph.D., a political science professor and dean of faculty at Elizabethtown College, said. “It’s all about stopping him short of 1,237, he’s halfway there now. It’s no longer about momentum, it’s about delegates.”

Republican path

As of Wednesday afternoon, The New York Times had Trump with 673 delegates; Cruz, 411; Rubio, 169; and Kasich, 143.

With only 235 delegates in the next four Republican contests, Trump can’t even come close to locking up the nomination before Pennsylvania, which only enhances the state’s importance. He also needs to win more than three in five of the remaining 909 Republican delegates to secure the nomination before the convention. Pennsylvania has 71 Republican delegates, including three elected at the primary in each of the state’s 18 congressional districts. Unlike the Democrats, the ballot won’t say which presidential candidate a congressional district delegate candidate supports, but delegate candidates may tell voters whom they back as they campaign for election.

The other 17 delegates automatically go to whichever presidential candidate wins the state.

“It’s not likely to deliver the nomination to Trump,” G. Terry Madonna, Ph.D., the director of the Franklin & Marshall College poll, said of the state’s importance in the primary process. “It’s likely to be one of the states that determine how close he gets to nomination when they get to Cleveland (for the Republican National Convention).”

A day after winning his home state, Kasich, a western Pennsylvania native, showed he’s serious about Pennsylvania. He hosted a town hall meeting at Villanova University in suburban Philadelphia, an area still rich in Republican voters, despite two decades of Democratic gains there. His ability to stay on the primary ballot in Pennsylvania remains uncertain because of a court challenge.

Democratic path

McClellan said Sanders will likely keep fighting here despite Clinton’s dominance and ties to the state.

“Sen. Sanders will be looking for ... a few places where he can win some primaries and caucuses and he’ll continue his campaign and he has the money to do it,” he said. “And he’ll find areas of support here ... although by the time we get to Pennsylvania, we’ll hear a lot of calls for him to step out.”

Efforts to reach Sanders, Trump, Cruz and Kasich campaigns were unsuccessful, but Clinton’s campaign already has staff in Pennsylvania, including a staffer in Scranton focused on the primary.

A Franklin & Marshall poll last month showed Clinton leading Sanders in Pennsylvania by 21 percentage points.

The New York Times had Clinton with 1,139 delegates won through previous primaries and caucuses to 825 for Sanders. She had 467 superdelegates to 26 for Sanders. Superdelegates are party leaders, elected officials and others deemed delegates by appointment or by their position. That gave Clinton 1,606 delegates in all to 851 for Sanders with 2,383 necessary to win nomination.

With 726 delegates available in the next nine primaries and caucuses, Clinton can’t clinch before Pennsylvania either, but she can get a lot closer. She only needs to win about a third of the remaining 2,394 delegates to secure the nomination before the convention.

Pennsylvania has 210 Democratic delegates, only 127 of whom will be elected at the primary. The presidential candidate whom a delegate candidate is pledged to is noted on the ballot. Another 20 pledged delegates are made up of party leaders and elected officials. They and 42 pledged at-large delegates will be chosen June 11 at a state Democratic Committee meeting in Scranton. Another 21 are unpledged superdelegates chosen based on their position in the party or as a statewide elected official or congressman.

Deeds

Eldred Township — Karen E. Schreffler to Penny L. Troutman and Bryan P. Herb; 1-acre property on Township Road T-410; $1.

Frackville — Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. to Stoney River Properties LLC; 409 S. Broad Mountain Ave.; $23,000.

Thomas R. and Lois Irvin and Joseph C. and Lucille Pulaski to Scott R. Lord and Beverly Ann Lord; property on Broad Mountain Avenue; $35,000.