Kohl’s at the Fairlane Village mall is not among the 18 stores nationally that will close by June 19.

An employee at the local Kohl’s store declined to comment on the good news.

The company released a statement Wednesday that detailed the numerous stores that will close. Most of the stores are in California, with some in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey and Wisconsin.

On Feb. 25, the company said it would close 18 underperforming stores. Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, said at the time, “While the decision to close stores is a difficult one, we evaluated all of the elements that contribute to making a store successful, and we were thoughtful and strategic in our approach. We are committed to leveraging our resources on our more productive assets.”

Eligible employees will be provided the opportunity to work at a nearby store or can accept a severance package. About 80 to 100 employees work at each store, the company said.

The company plans to increase sales by opening seven new smaller format Kohl’s stores in various regions around the country; add two additional Off/Aisle pilot stores in Wisconsin; and open 12 Fila outlet stores, marking Kohl’s first entry into the outlet space.

Schuylkill County commissioner Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said the good news is positive for the county.

“We are very happy that the Kohl’s store locally is doing well,” he said, adding it’s important for those in the county to continue to shop locally.

On Tuesday morning, Dylon J. Searfoss, 17, of Saint Clair, was removing ceiling tiles from the break room at the Pottsville city garage.

“I think they’ve been up there since this place was built,” Thomas W. Whitaker, the city’s current superintendent of streets, said. The garage at 425 E. Railroad St. was built in spring 1991.

“We’re going to replace them with ones that are fireproof,” Richard Davis, a truck driver for the city, said.

Last week, Searfoss removed a shower at the garage and installed a sink.

“We got the sink in last Thursday,” he said.

“He soldered and installed all that plumbing in that sink,” Whitaker said.

In the next few weeks, Searfoss may be improving sections of City Hall, 401 N. Centre St., and the former city hall building at 14 N. Third St.

“We’re going to be moving on to some of our public buildings, but I’m not sure which ones yet,” Whitaker said.

Searfoss, a plumbing and heating student at Schuylkill Technology Center-South Campus, Mar Lin, is a junior at Pottsville Area High School. Last week, he started a six-week internship at the city garage through a new program developed by Schuylkill Technology Center and PA CareerLink in Pottsville, Tim P. McGinley, STC’s cooperative education coordinator, said Tuesday.

“It came about through a coordinated effort,” Whitaker said.

STC’s Occupational Advisory Council was involved. Andy Wollyung, a plumbing instructor at STC, was also part of the effort. Wollyung recommended Searfoss for the program, McGinley said.

“And there is an application process from STC and a big part of is our training plan. For example, Tom and I sat down with Mr. Wollyung and we laid out the tasks that Dylon would be involved with. And, in this case, the internship had to be related to plumbing,” McGinley said.

PA CareerLink is covering the cost of the program, McGinley said.

“It’s work experience with the city and the county. And STC’s students in these programs are enrolled in the PA CareerLink Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act In-School Youth Program. The students are being paid. They’re paid minimum wage. It’s paid for through WIOA with federal funds,” Gary MacCready, director of youth programs at PA CareerLink, Pottsville, said Tuesday.

Searfoss is the first student to take advantage of the new program.

“And this is the first time we’ve had an intern here at the streets department. We often work with STC students on projects. And we decided this would be a good project to help a student and help us,” Whitaker said.

“I work here three days a week,” Searfoss said.

“He’s here Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, seven hours a day,” Whitaker said.

“And he’s at STC two days a week because we have to honor the child labor laws. A minor during the school week, Monday through Friday, is allowed to work 28 hours,” McGinley said.

“He’ll get field experience in plumbing and we’ll have improvements made to our facilities,” Whitaker said.

“It gives me experience out in the real world, and with that there are challenges. Instead of being in the shop at school where the assignments are handed to you, here you run into problems that you have to deal with. You get a better idea of what it’s like having a job in the plumbing field,” Searfoss said.

“When you look how diverse this job is, you’ll see it’s not just plumbing. It’s everything,” Whitaker said.

There are a total of 16 full-time workers at the city garage, including Whitaker.

Looking ahead, Searfoss said he would like to further his education in the field.

“I’d like to attend a tech college,” Searfoss said.

“You’re going to be a second generation plumber, too,” Davis said.

Searfoss said his father, Jeff Searfoss, is also a plumber.

A computer student at STC-South will soon take advantage of this new program at the Schuylkill County Courthouse, McGinley said.

WILKES-BARRE — She maintained her innocence.

Her pastor compared her conviction to Jesus’ crucifixion.

The judge cringed at the comparison to Pontius Pilate.

But still Jessica Alinsky, 32, formerly of Shenandoah, was sentenced during a bizarre hearing Tuesday to up to 40 1/2 years in prison — the maximum for third-degree murder — for shooting her ex-boyfriend and staging the scene of a suicide.

A jury convicted Alinsky last month in the September 2011 shooting death of Matthew Ryan Gailie, a 34-year-old correctional officer.

Prosecutors alleged she shot Gailie in the face at their Hazle Township home and then tried to make it look like he killed himself because of money troubles.

During the hearing Tuesday, Gailie’s family members spoke about the man they lost and Alinsky’s cold remorselessness in shooting him in the face and then taking her time as she staged a crime scene with his blood-soaked body.

“At no point has she ever shown even an ounce of remorse,” Gailie’s sister, Ariana Gailie, said. “Someone like that should not be able to walk the same streets as our children, our siblings or our loved ones.”

Alinsky professed her innocence.

“I would like to say sorry to Matt’s family for the loss and the suffering that we all have suffered since his passing,” Alinsky said.

When Assistant District Attorney Daniel Zola, who sought the maximum sentence, asked if she accepted responsibility for what happened, Alinsky said she did not.

“I’m remorseful that I was wrongfully convicted,” she said.

Alinsky pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in April 2014, but withdrew the plea a month later, saying she maintained her innocence.

During her trial, the prosecution’s case focused on repeated conflicting statements Alinsky made about what happened at the couple’s Hazle Township home the night of Sept. 2, 2011.

Neighbors testified that they heard a gunshot 16 minutes before Alinsky called 911, and experts told the jury that Gailie’s body had been moved. A bloody hand print on an old bank statement near the body could not have been Gailie’s and the pistol had been placed into his left hand after his death, experts testified.

Gailie was right-handed.

The defense never provided jurors with an alternate scenario to the staged suicide, leaving it open as to whether Gailie killed himself or was shot by accident.

Alinsky didn’t testify during her trial, but she spoke for several minutes Tuesday.

After thanking her friends and family, she maintained her innocence and asserted she has been suffering as a result of Gailie’s death.

“I would like everyone to know that I loved Matt and I hope that he’s in a better place,” Alinsky said. “I don’t believe that I had a fair trial in this county. I believe that the media exploited me.”

Alinsky’s claim of innocence was a recurrent theme.

Her mother, Lisa DeGregor, told the judge her daughter is a loving and compassionate woman.

“She is part of my soul and I know in my heart, deep down inside, that Jessica did not kill him,” DeGregor said.

Alinsky’s pastor, Hugh Lupien of the Word Family Church in Hazleton, described the convicted killer as a “woman of God” who was wrongfully convicted. At this time of year, he said he can’t help but think about another person who was wrongfully convicted 2,000 years ago.

“I’m not comparing Jessica to Jesus. She in no way qualifies for that,” Lupien said.

But the circumstances in both cases are similar, he argued as he sought “extreme leniency.”

Luzerne County Judge Tina Polachek Gartley seemed startled that the pastor had, “somehow put me in the role of Pontius Pilate.”

“What an odd position for me to sit in as a judge,” Gartley said.

The judge also heard testimony from Gailie’s father, Frank Gailie, who said he sometimes cries when he thinks about how he told his son to take the job at State Correctional Institution/Frackville — a move to the area that caused him to meet Alinsky.

“I will always wonder if I didn’t, would he still be here with me?” Frank Gailie said.

Frank Gailie said he hopes that although Alinsky still has her family, she feels alone. He called her the “great pretender,” a fraud who only cares for herself.

“You have taken my son who I loved more than my life,” he said. “The punishment should reflect the fact that a person’s life has been lost, and there is no remorse but for herself.”

Alinsky interjected with apparent tears a few times during the testimony, including when Ariana Gailie alleged she never did anything to help her brother.

“Yeah I did,” a tearful Alinsky said.

“You’ll never care about anyone but yourself,” Ariana Gailie continued. “That’s just who you are.”

In imposing the sentence, Gartley noted the family wouldn’t see closure Tuesday because Alinsky maintains her innocence. The most she could do, she said, was impose “some semblance of justice.”

Gartley gave Alinsky 20 to 40 years, the maximum for third-degree murder, followed by another three to six months for her conviction for evidence tampering. She also ordered Alinsky to pay more than $58,000 in restitution.

After the hearing, defense attorney Demetrius Fannick said he was disappointed in the stiff sentence because Alinsky was an educated woman without a significant criminal history who has a good chance at rehabilitation.

She intends to appeal her conviction, primarily on grounds she was denied a mistrial after an Australian blood-spatter expert surfaced mid-trial with allegations that a Pennsylvania State Police trooper ignored exculpatory evidence.

“Her position is never going to waver,” Fannick said. “She’s remorseful in that her boyfriend’s dead. Though it may not have come out, I truly believe that she feels bad for his survivors, his family. But she just does not accept responsibility that she shot him.”

PINE GROVE — American Indian expert Dave McSurdy shared a striking image he snapped while atop Monks Mound near St. Louis.

The expanse of the mound enabled viewers to see the famed Gateway Arch in the distance.

McSurdy showed slides and shared insight during a special presentation on Indian Mound Builders of the Mississippi Valley on Tuesday to a crowd of nearly 40 people at the Sweet Arrow Lake Clubhouse.

His program explored the civilization of the Mississippi before Europeans arrived.

“There are 22 million cubic feet of soil in that mound,” he said. “It was all done with little baskets of soil.”

McSurdy said it’s believed to have taken 30 years to build it, and the site took its name from Monks who arrived later and began to farm on it. There were several buildings on the mound, including the largest building on the very top, where the chief would have lived and where ceremonies could be conducted.

He also showed images of a Serpent Mound and Cahokia, Illinois, a city of 15,000 American Indians.

Many of their living structures were constructed with thatched roofs, and the sides of the buildings were made of grasses and clay. The way they were constructed allowed inhabitants to remain cool inside, he said.

Mound types usually came in three forms: ridgetop, which had a straight line running across it; conical, with a cone-like shape; and platform, which was the largest mound type where structures could be built upon it.

McSurdy shared images of “Woodhenge,” believed to be from 1000 A.D., which were poles set up in a 410-foot area, and were probably used as a calendar. Another slide showed “chunky ball,” a game played similar to football, where a player estimated how far the chunky ball could go.

He also brought reproductions of several artifacts, including pottery pieces, vessels and pipes, which he said showed the Native Americans’ artistic ingenuity.

McSurdy fielded questions from the audience. Many wanted to know which tribes built the mounds.

“We don’t know that,” McSurdy said, since many of the tribes traveled great distances.

McSurdy brought along a map, detailing the numerous tribes across the U.S., and samples of the types of mounds, so those attending could get an idea of the range. His presentation brought out the curious.

“This is the first one I’ve attended,” said Dave Kruel, Pottsville, who attended the program with his wife, Nancy. “I’ve known Dave and I do have an interest in Indian history.”

Kruel had asked questions about the American Indians’ social lives, if they had leisure time and about the spread of disease by white men.

Although Dave Kruel didn’t think he had any Native American ancestry, Nancy, meanwhile, said she thought there were some relatives on her father’s side of her family who were Native American. She also said her grandmother had lived near Immaculata University, and she remembered searching for arrowheads near her grandmother’s home.

“We found quite a bit,” she said.

Judith Lengle, Pine Grove, said she believed she also had Native American heritage in her family’s history. Lengle asked McSurdy about the reproductions of the artifacts he shared. McSurdy said most of them came from the Hopewell people.

At the conclusion of his program, McSurdy presented Robert Evanchalk with a special gift — a belt buckle handcrafted by Native Americans. McSurdy said he wanted to thank Evanchalk for his service to the park, noting people from surrounding counties come to the park and note how remarkably beautiful and “wild” it is.

“Thank you very much, Dave. I’ll wear it to church,” said Evanchalk, who’s retiring as the Schuylkill County Conservation District’s Parks and Recreation supervisor. Drew Kline is his successor.

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — Two separate drug-related cases will land a Schuylkill Haven man in Schuylkill County Court after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing March 15 in each of them.

Ernest D. Schaeffer Jr., 39, of 436 Route 61 South, faces charges of driving under the influence and no rear lights in one case and delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia in the second case.

Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over for court all charges in each case after Schaeffer waived his right to the hearing. He allowed Schaeffer to remain free on a total of $26,000 unsecured bail pending further court proceedings.

In the first case, Schuylkill Haven borough police allege Schaeffer was DUI at 11:18 p.m. Dec. 17, 2015, at West Columbia and South Berne streets in the borough.

Police said Schaeffer was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time he drove his blue 1998 Volvo sedan, which had a nonworking plate light, across a double yellow line. After being stopped, Schaeffer was jittery, couldn’t stay in one place and had large dilated pupils, police said.

In the other case, Schuylkill Haven borough police allege Schaeffer sold a glassline baggie containing meth for $90 to a confidential informant at 11:15 p.m. Jan. 2 at his residence.

Other defendants whose cases Ferrier considered March 15, the charges against each one and the judge’s dispositions of the mattes included:

Christopher S. Caldwell, 38, of 35 Sam Brooke Circle, Lehighton; DUI, possession of marijuana and speeding; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Robert S. Dannenhower, 30, of 17 Oak Road, Pine Grove; four counts of propelling missile into occupied vehicle, two of criminal mischief and one of public drunkenness; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Date incorrect

Ashes in Ashland borough will be picked up Thursday. The date was incorrect in Around the Region in Sunday’s edition.

Woman injured

in I-81 accident

MINERSVILLE — A 20-year-old Maryland woman suffered a minor injury when she fell asleep behind the wheel at 2:25 p.m. Sunday on Interstate 81, near mile marker 115, Foster Township.

State police at Frackville said Alison K. Dart, Emmitsburg, Maryland, was driving a 1998 Honda Civic south on Interstate 81 when she began to fall asleep.

Police said the vehicle traveled onto the left shoulder over the rumble strips and woke her up. Police said she steered hard right, causing the vehicle to spin for about 112 feet, crossing both southbound lanes and exiting the west side of the road. Police said the vehicle continued off the road until rolling onto its roof and coming to a rest.

Dart suffered minor injuries, but the vehicle had to be towed from the scene. Police charged Dart with careless driving.

Minersville Ambulance and Good Will Fire Company, Frackville, assisted at the scene, police said.

Man faces charges

in price tag swap

ASHLAND — A borough man faces retail theft charges following an incident at 9 a.m. Feb. 15 at Boyer’s Supermarket, 250 E. Centre St.

Borough police said Leshan Shi, 54, of 937 Centre St., was seen by store management changing the price tag on a $30 package of beef and replacing it with a price tag for $11.63.

Trash dumpers

cited in Ashland

ASHLAND — Gerald Barry, 43, of 929 Centre Street, and Jenine L. Miller Barry, 40, were cited for dumping trash at 8:25 a.m. March 2 at 10th and Chestnut streets.

Borough police said they received a complaint from the borough manager that trash was being dumped at the intersection. Police said that mail belonging to both defendants was found in the garbage bags.

Police investigate

home burglary

HOMETOWN — Rush Township police reported officers were called to a burglary in progress about 6:25 p.m. Sunday at 361 Claremont Ave.

Police said the homeowner told dispatchers at the Schuylkill County Communication Center that a black Honda with several occupants and a loud exhaust system was fleeing the area traveling south on Route 209, Claremont Avenue.

Police said the property owner came home to find the car in his driveway and that the burglars “scattered” when he discovered them. The owner said there were two men inside the car, another man jumped into the car and a fourth man came out of a bedroom window and ran through the woods, police said.

The man who jumped from the window is described as being Hispanic with a thin build and wearing a gray sweatshirt.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and ask that anyone with information call them at 570-668-4242. All information received will remain confidential.

Police announce

DUI checkpoints

The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced that Sobriety Checkpoints and Roving DUI Patrols will be conducted today through Monday on routes 61, 183, 901, 209, 1006, 309, 1008, 443, 895, 125, 25, 924 and 54.

Travelers are reminded to call 911 if they suspect a drunk driver or to call, toll-free, 1-888-UNDER21, to report underage drinking.

Woman charged

after dispute

ELIZABETHVILLE — A 31-year-old borough woman was charged with drug violations by state police at Lykens after an incident at 114 W. Broad St. in this Dauphin County community about 6:25 p.m. March 16.

Police said they were called to a domestic dispute between Amanda Ferree and her boyfriend, and while at the scene discovered several hydrocodone pills on a table inside the residence and also in a garbage can outside.

Ferree admitted being the owner of the pills and also to not having a valid prescription for the items, police said.

Charges against the woman were filed with Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Margerum, Elizabethville, police said.

Police investigate

crash in Pottsville

Pottsville police investigated a crash that occurred about 10:25 p.m. Friday at North 18th Street and First Avenue.

Police said Michael Brown, 34, of Pottsville, reported driving a Jeep Cherokee west on First Avenue and attempting to turn left onto North 18th Street when a white truck traveling north on North 18th Street entered his lane causing him to veer to the right, go off of the road and hit a utility pole.

PPL workers were called to the scene to repair the pole and police said Brown’s vehicle had to be towed from the scene.

No injuries were reported in the crash, police said.

Police probe

keyed pickup

LENHARTSVILLE — State police at Hamburg are investigating damage done to a vehicle Thursday night in the borough.

Police said that between 11 p.m. Thursday and 1 a.m. Friday, someone damaged a 1991 Dodge pickup truck owned by a 25-year-old Hamburg man that was parked at 28 Willow St. Police said someone keyed the vehicle, causing damage to paint on the passenger side of the truck, and fled.

Anyone with information on this crime should call state police at Hamburg at 610-562-6885.

Employees of Schuylkill Medical Center are worried about what the future may hold for them, the patients and the status of health care in this community.

Three employees of Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street met Tuesday at The Republican-Herald office to talk about their uneasiness the future campus integration plan and the future of their jobs.

“I think everyone is on edge. Everyone who gets a paycheck is nervous,” Leslie Gilbert, an 11-year employee who is a medical laboratory technician.

Gilbert, Bonni Conrad, a phlebotomist for four years, and Brian Symons, cook and chapter president of Service Employees International Union Health of Pennsylvania, also talked for about 45 minutes.

They said few meetings were held to discuss ongoing issues.

Symons said the first meeting was in October 2014 when Marc H. Lory, interim president/chief executive officer for Schuylkill Health, was appointed by the board of directors of Schuylkill Health after former CEO John E. Simodejka resigned in August 2014. Another meeting was held in the late fall of 2015, Symons said. All employees were invited to those meetings but not all came, he said. He is unaware of any more meetings.

“Why keep everyone in the dark?” Gilbert said.

Symons agreed.

“It’s not fair to our community. Our community needs to know what is going on,” Symons said.

Mike Peckman, director of marketing and public relations for Schuylkill Health, said numerous meetings were held to keep employees informed. He said Lory has held “32 employee forums scheduled periodically (at different times). Every meeting was designed to provide employees with critical updates and solicit feedback and questions,” Peckman said in an email.

He said Lory highlighted financial information at each meeting by the chief financial officer, an update on the campus integration plan, partnership update and an opportunity to ask questions and get answers from Lory. Peckman said information is also shared with managers and employees through various means.

Two public board meetings were also held.

The hospital announced in April 2015 “a campus integration plan” that will see the emergency department, medical/surgical units or regular hospital rooms, critical care and surgical services stay at the East Norwegian Street building, the former Good Samaritan Hospital. However, the emergency room and other duplicate services at the South Jackson Street building, the former Pottsville Hospital, will be eliminated. An urgent care center, where patients can be treated for minor illnesses instead of going to the emergency room, is proposed for the South Jackson Street site.

For the time being, geriatric behavioral health will remain at the East Norwegian Street building. Adolescent and adult behavior health services will remain at the South Jackson Street building. The Stine Acute Physical Rehabilitation Unit will stay at East Norwegian Street. Moving the maternity and pediatrics unit to East Norwegian Street is also a possibility.

“It’s inefficient to be running two full-service hospitals,” Lory said previously. Steps have been taken as part of the campus integration, Peckman said. For example, the OccMed Center, Peckman said two programs were combined, IndustraMed and Injury Care Program into one occupational medicine program that is located at Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street.

Schuylkill Health applied for a $2 million grant from the state for the integration plan for the hospital in May 2015. However, with the lack of a finalized state budget they have no news on the grant.

“We are still hopeful that grant may be a possibility but have no update at this time,” he said.

The city of Pottsville Hospital Authority in September approved a request by Schuylkill Health to borrow up to $20 million in bonds for the project. The city council approved a resolution in September to allow the organization to borrow the funds.

Gilbert, Conrad and Symons said a meeting with employees from the South building was held earlier this month with some from the East Norwegian Street building. About 40 attended, they said.

More information needs to be shared with the public, they said.

“Our goal is to invite the whole community in a public forum,” Symons said.

He said they are not against a new partner, but have many unanswered questions.

“We are looking forward to a new partner,” he said.

Seeking to get more answers, the group is going to speak to the Schuylkill County Commissioners during the public section of their meeting today. Symons said they also plan to speak with Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney today. They also want to speak to area legislators in the near future.

Peckman said he does not have much additional information to share with the public.

“We do not yet have a definitive agreement in place and therefore are not in a position to announce a partnership. As we have shared, there are non compete disclosure agreements in place for confidentially. Once everything is in place, we will first announce to our employees and then to the public through the media,” he said.

He understands that employees have questions.

“By its very nature, the changes of integration and partnership can cause concern by the employees. This is very understandable. We do take this into consideration and try to lessen that as much as possible,” he said.

He said Schuylkill Health employees 1,341 people, of which 592 are at East Norwegian Street and 749 at South Jackson Street.

Previously, Lory said employees from both locations and management could lose their jobs. Peckman said no one has been laid off because of the campus integration.

“Going forward, there may be some staff reductions. However, we have carefully watched all vacancies in the health system and are hopeful that there could be no staff reductions related to campus integration,” Peckman said.

He said Lory has agreed to stay on “at least through June or perhaps longer to lead the organization through campus integration and the partnership.”

Peckman also addressed speculation from some that the Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing is closing.

“Not true. We are very proud of the contribution the School of Nursing makes to our medical centers, to our community and elsewhere,” he said.

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

Carl F. Rex Jr., 41, of Tamaqua; conspiracy, theft by deception and receiving stolen property; 23 months probation, $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Account payment, $50 bench warrant fee and $169.35 restitution.

Jack D. Rose, 19, of Pottsville; possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, conspiracy and corruption of minors; one to two years in a state correctional institution, $100 Substance Abuse Education Fund payment, $100 in CJEA payments and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Andrew D. Rumberger, 25, of Girardville; fraudulent or altered title or registration, DUI, operating vehicle without valid inspection and seat belt violation; 90 days to five years in prison, $1,560 in fines, $300 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors withdrew charges of driving under suspension-DUI related, driving unregistered vehicle and operating vehicle without required financial responsibility.

Dennis C. Shafe, 30, of Frackville; two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one each of possession of a small amount of marijuana, false identification to law enforcement and driving under suspension-DUI related; two to 12 months in prison, six months consecutive probation, $500 fine, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $50 bench warrant fee.

Patrick F. Shala Jr., 30, of Lost Creek; DUI and driving under suspension; 72 hours to six months in prison, $1,200 in fines, $300 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment, $50 bench warrant fee, $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of failure to use low beams.

Brandon M. Stephens, 28, of Pottsville; escape; 23 months probation and $50 CJEA payment.

William M. Veach Jr., 38, of Shenandoah; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance; nine to 23 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment, $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of conspiracy.

Jeremy A. Wade, 34, of Leesport; DUI and improper turning movements; five years in the intermediate punishment program, $1,525 in fines, $100 SAEF payment, $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of operating vehicle without required financial responsibility.

Gregory M. Wilson, 26, of Girardville; harassment; 45 to 90 days in prison. Prosecutors withdrew charges of simple assault and resisting arrest.

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

Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street

To Carl Ransome and Amy Chescavage, Pottsville, a son, Jan. 21.

To Travis and Marissa Sunday Frantz, Pine Grove, a daughter, Feb. 12.

To Corey and Amy Schreffler Hummel, Schuylkill Haven, a son, March 11.

SHENANDOAH — The borough council voted at Monday’s meeting to have a resolution drawn up to set a schedule when tax receipts are forwarded from the borough tax receiver.

The resolution was approved in a 6-0 vote. It sets the payment period for every two weeks.

Council President Donald E. Segal explained the reason why payments need to be received on a more frequent basis from borough tax receiver Donna Kulpowicz.

“In order to have our tax money coming in at a better rate than what it has been doing, we’re going to have the taxes collected on a biweekly basis,” Segal said. “Right now, we need to have the solicitor to draw up a resolution to institute this.”

The Tax Collector’s Manual, published by the state Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, sets the paying over of tax receipts to a municipality by the 10th of the month but allows the municipality to set its own schedule. The manual states:

“At a minimum, the tax collector is required to pay over tax receipts to the treasurer of the taxing district on or before the 10th day of every month. The taxing district may require more frequent payments by ordinance or resolution. In large jurisdictions, it is not unusual for the taxing district to require daily payment during periods of greatest activity, such as the end of the discount period. The minimum monthly payments are mandatory and must be required by the taxing district.”

Council Vice President Leo Pietkiewicz made the motion for the resolution, seconded by Rosanne C. Mychak.

After the vote, Pietkiewicz said, “This way we’ll receive our money quicker for operating expenses.”

Segal added, “Because of the financial conditions of the borough and to meet the financial obligations of the borough, this needed to be done. This should have been done a long time ago. I see how the receipts are coming in and I know everybody would not be satisfied with it.”

n Gordon: The 38th annual Trek of the Cross will begin at noon Friday at Simpson United Methodist Church, Biddle Street. The trek will move east on Biddle Street, turn left onto Hobart Street and then move to McKnight Street and back to Biddle Street, stopping at the Methodist church for a Good Friday service at 1 p.m. by the pastor, the Rev. James Christman. The public is invited to walk along the route.

n Mahanoy City: The Active Christian Teens In Our Neighborhood Youth Group is sponsoring a presentation of the Living Station of the Cross on Friday. The stations will begin at 7 p.m. at St. Cecilia Chapel, South Catawissa Street, and move west on Mahanoy Avenue to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church, ending inside the church with the final stations. The public is invited to participate in the Lenten devotional. Freewill offerings will be accepted.

n New Philadelphia: AMVETS Post 256 will meet at 7 p.m. March 31 at Vetts Inc., 96 McComb St. For more information, call 570-277-6031.

n Pine Grove: A program about Pennsylvania Dutch folk medicine will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the clubhouse at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. “Pow-wow practitioners,” organizers said in a press release, “served rural folks with ways to heal common maladies.” The program will include the history of pow-wow, techniques and personal stories from those who were treated. Patrick M. “Porcupine Pat” McKinney, environmental education coordinator for the Schuylkill Conservation District, will be the presenter. The cost is $5 per person and the program is suitable for teens and adults, according to the release. For more information or to register in advance, call Susan at 570-624-3018.

n Seltzer: The Seltzer Hose Company’s annual deer roast is set for April 2 at the firehouse, Main Street. The cost is $25, which includes dinner, draft beer and mixers. There will also be a Chinese auction and music beginning at 9 p.m. by Another Side. Tickets are required. For tickets or more information, call 570-544-6448 or the firehouse at 570-544-5219.

n Shenandoah: A Padre Pio Healing Mass will be held at 7 p.m. April 1 in Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Church, 224 W. Cherry St. A priest will be available for confession from 6 to 6:45 p.m. For more information, call 570-599-5265 or the parish office at 570-462-1968.

n Pottsville: Pottsville Area High School is trying to get its first official mascot in the school’s history in a bid to increase school spirit. Donations are being accepted through April 14. Checks should be made to Pottsville Mascot Fund and sent to Pottsville Area High School, 1600 Elk Ave., Pottsville, PA 17901.

n Ringtown: St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 100 E. Main St., will hold a Kauffman’s chicken barbecue from 3 to 7 p.m. April 12. Meals will include a half chicken, baked potato and vegetable. The cost is $8.50. For tickets, call Susie at 570-889-3755 or Janice at 570-889-3494.

n Shenandoah: The 10th annual theme basket auction sponsored by Trinity Academy in the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center will be held at 7 p.m. April 16 in Annunciation BVM Hall, Frackville. Doors will open at 5 p.m. The event will include more than 100 large theme baskets, class baskets, four one-day Disney Hopper passes and other items. A shop-and-drop will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. April 15 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 16. Food will be available the night of the auction. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. For more information, call the school at 570-462-3927. Proceeds will benefit the school.

n Tremont: An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Friday at Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center, 44 Donaldson Road. 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 make an appointment, call 800-733-2767.

HARRISBURG — The state would expand testing of children and water supplies to reduce the risk of potential lead poisoning under legislation unveiled Tuesday by a bipartisan group of House lawmakers.

The bills are a response to the lead water poisoning crisis in Flint, Michigan, that focused nationwide attention on the issue. The issue resonates in Northeast Pennsylvania, too.

Scranton and Wilkes-Barre rank third and ninth, respectively, among larger cities in Pennsylvania in the percentage of children under age 7 with elevated levels of lead. Too much lead exposure can lead to brain and kidney damage and interfere with the production of new red blood cells and is a threat particularly to young children.

One House measure would require children under age 6 to be tested for elevated levels of lead in their blood in line with recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Young children should be tested for lead because damage from lead poisoning is most severe in children under age 7, Rep. Angel Cruz, D-180, Philadelphia, said. Less than 15 percent of more than one million children in Pennsylvania under the age of 7 were tested for lead exposure in 2014, he added.

“Flint has shown us we must be working to increase testing,” Cruz said.

A second measure would require public drinking water suppliers to test more frequently for lead under terms of safe drinking water laws.

Landlords and day care centers would be required to inspect buildings built before 1978 for the presence of lead-based paint or chipping paint and disclose information to prospective renters and customers about any potential lead contamination risks under a third measure.

Attending the House press conference, Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R-120, Kingston, said action is needed now to address lead contamination in all areas.

“We have a constitutional right to clean air and pure water,” Kaufer said, referring to the environmental rights amendment in the state constitution.

The lawmaker said he is concerned about high exposure rates to lead contamination in Northeast Pennsylvania.

“The governor would support legislation that would require a blood test of every Pennsylvania child at 12 months and 24 months,” Gov. Tom Wolf’s spokesman Jeff Sheridan said.

Furthermore, the governor would support a requirement that any child between ages 3 and 7 without any record of a blood lead test receive one, he said.

The House bills have support from Rep. John Maher, R-40, Upper Saint Clair, chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. He doesn’t know if any of the bills will be assigned to his committee, but he plans to hold hearings on the lead contamination issue.

Maher challenged Wolf to develop a statewide plan to address lead contamination.

“The Wolf administration takes the issue of lead exposure very seriously,” Sheridan said.

The administration is coordinating with the Department of Health, which monitors childhood lead activity and can identify high-risk areas and the Department of Environmental Protection, which intervenes when lead levels in water systems exceed standards.

While the Flint crisis has drawn attention to water supplies, the primary source of childhood lead poisoning in Pennsylvania is exposure to aging and deteriorating lead paint and the chips and dusts it creates, state officials said. A major problem is that Pennsylvania has some of the oldest housing in the nation.

Sen. John Yudichak, D-14, Plymouth Township, and several senators plan to announce their own package of lead contamination bills today. Yudichak is introducing a bill authorizing a legislative study of the scope of the lead problem, including problems with older buildings and best remediation practices.

FRACKVILLE — The RadioShack/Sprint store is closing Monday at the Schuylkill Mall.

A RadioShack spokesman, who declined to be identified, confirmed the closure on Tuesday.

“We’re sad to see our Schuylkill Mall store location close. In the normal course of business, stores open, close and move locations. We always try to keep any disruption within the neighborhood to a minimum. The store will be closing next week with the last day of sales on Monday,” the spokesman said.

Additional information was not provided.

The 2,609-square-foot RadioShack store at the mall has been there since 1980, when the mall opened. Elaine Maneval, mall manager, confirmed the store is original to the mall. She declined further comment.

The Sprint side of the store is also closing. A person who did not want to be identified said it’s closing Saturday. Roni Singleton, media relations representative with Sprint, confirmed the closure.

“We’re always reviewing our store footprint and evaluating every store’s performance. After thoughtful consideration, we made the difficult decision to close the Sprint store in Frackville. We’re confident this will not impact the level of service we provide to customers in the area. Customers will continue to be able to visit one of several Sprint locations in the area, including company-owned stores and third-party retailers. In addition, customers can always take advantage of the convenience of our online store at Sprint.com for their shopping needs. We recognize that this may be a difficult time for impacted employees, and we will do all that we can, including where possible moving them to another Sprint location. Where this is not possible, Sprint employees will receive separation benefits,” Singleton said in an email.

Gary Hinkle, 28, of Sunbury, decided to take advantage of the good deals Tuesday. He bought some Ethernet cables and chargers. He often shopped at the store when he needed electronics while in the area.

“It’s a shame because they’ve been around for a long time. Nobody likes to see a store close,” he said of RadioShack.

Lydia Fritz, 43, of Saint Clair, also said the closure of the store is disappointing.

“It’s sad. This mall is becoming more empty,” she said.

RadioShack announced in 2014 that it planned to close up to 1,100 stores in the United States. The company has 1,679 locations in the United States, according to its website, www.radioshack.com. There are 86 locations in Pennsylvania. RadioShack Corp. filed last year in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware for Chapter 11 bankruptcy that would enable another company to buy its assets, according to a company news release.

In recent weeks, a group of juniors and seniors at Nativity BVM High School have been painting a new mural at the school.

It’s at the bottom of the north stairwell, which leads to the cafeteria. The new mural will make it appear as if there’s another doorway down there too, an entrance to a different part of the campus, the front entrance to the building at 1 Lawton’s Hill.

“The title is going to be ‘The Doorway To Nativity BVM High School.’ It’s not completed yet. It’s about three-quarters of the way done,” Tom Derfler, a volunteer for the school and one of the advisers on the project, said Wednesday.

In recent years, Nativity BVM has been working to give its art students more opportunities, according to Jennifer Forney Daubert, Nativity’s director of development.

At the end of the 2013-14 school year, students painted two murals on a wall bordering the hallway near the cafeteria and the art room on the school’s lower level.

This is the school’s third mural, said Derfler, who came up with the concept for the mural in January.

“I asked if they wanted to do a mural and they were all excited about it. That was in January. The students took the concept and drew out the plans for it. And we kind of put two of them together,” Derfler said.

Nativity students involved with the mural project include: seniors, Ashley Strausser, Lauren Moyer, Lindsay Lord and Chris Opolsky; and juniors, Erin Warcola, Mallory Sanders, Ana Ozorio and Allegra “Allie” Miske.

The mural is more than 8 feet high, and it includes a painting of a path leading up to the a replica of the front of the school building.

“We’re using latex on this,” Derfler said.

“It was kind of hard to do, especially the whole shading part, to get the walkway to look like it was in perspective. Certain parts had to be darker than other parts,” Strausser said.

“It was also challenging because some of us aren’t in the same class and sometimes we have to pick up where others left off,” Sanders said.

“Sometimes it’s hard to get students out of class to work on it, with testing and everything else going on,” Derfler said.

Some of the project’s detail work is three-dimensional.

“I wanted to go 3-D. I added a door knob. We’re going to drill it in. On the image of the door, I wanted to add moulding. So when you’re coming down the stairs, it should give you the perspective that you can walk into it,” Derfler said.

Derfler estimated the mural will be completed in a month.

The advisers on the project are Derfler and Sandra Schwenk, a teacher at Nativity BVM High School.

Nativity BVM is a four-year Catholic high school run by the Diocese of Allentown.

Nicholas J. Grimm, who admitted indecently assaulting a youth in June 2014, will be subject to Megan’s Law sanctions for more than two decades, a Schuylkill County judge ruled Wednesday.

Judge James P. Goodman decided Grimm, 28, of Williamstown, is not a sexually violent predator, the same conclusion reached by the state Sexual Offenders Assessment Board, but is a sexual offender and must comply with the sanctions for 25 years.

The Megan’s Law sanctions will require Grimm to provide his name, address, employment, any schools he might attend, registration of any vehicles he owns and other information to the state police. Any violation of the sanctions would be an additional crime and subject Grimm to further prosecution.

“You must comply with all the requirements,” Goodman warned Grimm, who said he understood the sanctions.

Grimm originally pleaded guilty on Nov. 12, 2015, to indecent assault, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of minors. At that time, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, Goodman placed Grimm on probation for two years, and also sentenced him to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Grimm with assaulting the victim on June 7, 2014, in Hegins Township.

Grimm agreed to be sentenced before the board completed its evaluation of him.

Megan’s Law was enacted in Pennsylvania, numerous other states and at the federal level after the July 29, 1994, murder of Megan Nicole Kanka, 7, in Hamilton Township, New Jersey.

Jesse Timmendequas, Kanka’s killer, was one of her neighbors and a twice-convicted sex offender. His death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment after New Jersey enacted legislation to abolish the death penalty in that state.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Visitors to Bubeck Park in Schuylkill Haven will notice that Rammy is on the nest once again.

The female swan was sitting on seven eggs Tuesday. Rambo, the male, was busy chasing ducks from the water.

“The eggs usually hatch around Mother’s Day weekend,” BJ Folk, Schuylkill Haven Borough recreation manager, said.

Early Wednesday, Folk noticed seven eggs. He said the first egg was visible March 10 after borough workers placed two bales of straw in a corner of the swan enclosure. The swans are 13 years old and a well-known fixture at the park. Jodi Hummel, South Manheim Township, said she looks forward to when the eggs hatch.

“When the first egg comes, you know its spring,” she said.

She often comes to the park to walk and look at the swans.

Folk said while the swans look beautiful, he asked people not to disturb them.

“Don’t put your fingers in the fence. Don’t feed them,” he said.

A sign on the fence says no one is permitted inside the fence.

“Leave the swans to enjoy their family,” Folk said.

Helen and Paul Seiders, who are the Swan Patrol, were there checking on the swans. They feed them and look out for their safety.

Last year, there were seven eggs. Of those, six cygnets hatched. One cygnet did not survive and the Seiders buried it. The others were given away.

Folk said elementary-age children in the Schuylkill Haven Area School District can submit names until the May 1 deadline. Children, ages 12 or below, can submit one male and female name for consideration by visiting the recreation website at www.havenrec.com or on the recreation department Facebook page, Schuylkill Haven Recreation Department. The recreation board will then select the top three male and female names for the public to vote. The names, age and child’s names for the swans must be submitted. The winning names will be announced in June. Prizes will be awarded but are still being finalized, Folk said.

In addition to his sentence, a Pottsville man must comply with Megan’s Law sanctions for the rest of his life, a Schuylkill County judge decided Wednesday.

Jason M. Joy, 25, admitted committing more than one crime that would subject him to the sanctions, thereby requiring lifetime restrictions, Judge James P. Goodman ruled.

“When you have more than one offense you’re convicted of, it’s a lifetime registration requirement,” Goodman told Joy.

Goodman also decided, in accordance with the recommendation from the state Sexual Offenders Assessment Board, that Joy is not a sexually violent predator.

The Megan’s Law sanctions will require Joy to provide his name, address, employment, any schools he might attend, registration of any vehicles he owns and other information to the state police. Any violation of the sanctions would be an additional crime and subject Joy to further prosecution.

“You must comply with all the requirements” or face the possibility of being charged with an additional crime, Goodman said.

Joy pleaded guilty on Nov. 12, 2015, to 15 counts of sexual abuse of children-child pornography and one of criminal use of a communication facility, with prosecutors withdrawing five additional counts of sexual abuse of children-child pornography and 19 additional counts of criminal use of a communication facility.

At that time, Goodman sentenced him to serve three to 23 months in prison and an additional three years on probation, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Joy had agreed to be sentenced before the board completed its evaluation.

Megan’s Law was enacted in Pennsylvania, numerous other states and at the federal level after the July 29, 1994, murder of Megan Nicole Kanka, 7, in Hamilton Township, New Jersey.

Jesse Timmendequas, Kanka’s killer, was one of her neighbors and a twice-convicted sex offender. His death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment after New Jersey enacted legislation to abolish the death penalty in that state.

n Ashland: Borough offices will be closed Friday in recognition of Good Friday. Ashes will be picked up Thursday.

n Erdman: Zion Lutheran Church, Klinger’s Church Road, will have a card party from 4 to 8 p.m. April 2. The cost is $2 per player. Pinochle and euchre will be played and the top 24 pinochle player will receive prizes. Homemade burgers, soups, ice cream, desserts and baked goods will be available. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-425-2256.

n Frackville: Student clubs will sponsor a free craft show and basket auction from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 2 at the Schuylkill Technology Center-North Campus, 101 Technology Drive. More than 40 vendors will participate, there will be a large-prize basket auction and food. For more information, call 570-544-4748.

n Locustdale: The Locustdale Fire Company has relaunched its Monday bingo games. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games begin at 6 p.m. Refreshments are on sale and the games feature hard cards and paper specials. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-875-3297.

n Mahanoy City: Borough Manager Daniel L. Lynch announced the spring street sweeping schedule in the community will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. as follows: following spring street sweeping schedule. The sweeper will be out from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following streets: April 4, south side of Centre Street; April 5, north side of Centre Street and D Street; April 6, south side of Mahanoy Avenue and Main Street; April 7, north side of Mahanoy Avenue and Catawissa Street; April 8, West Railroad Street; April 11, north side of Pine Street and south side of Market Street; April 12, south side of Pine Street and north side of Market Street; April 13, south side Spruce Street, and B and Linden streets; April 14, north side of Spruce Street and Second and Fourth streets; April 15, Sixth, Eighth, 10th, 12th and 14th streets; April 18, East Railroad Street; April 19, First, Third, Fifth, Seventh and Ninth streets; April 20, 11th, 13th, Locust, A and C streets; April 21, South Street; April 22, Maple Street. The schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions or equipment problems, according to a press release.

n Mahanoy City: The Mahanoy City Elks Lodge, 135 E. Centre St., will have a meat bingo from 7 to 10 p.m. April 2. The cost is $1 per card. For more information, call 570-573-2649. The lodge will also have a pork chop dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. April 5. The cost is $9 per meal, which will include two breaded pork chops, scalloped potatoes, vegetable, coleslaw, roll, butter and dessert. Patrons may eat at the lodge or take meals out. Walk-ins are welcome.

n Pine Grove: For opening day of trout season, April 2, there will be a breakfast from 6 to 10 a.m. at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children. For more information or directions, call 570-345-8952.

n Pottsville: M&T Movies at the Majestic will feature “Minions” at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St., Hosted by the Pottsville Recreation Commission and sponsored by M&T Bank. Admission is free and there will be free popcorn. For more information, call 570-628-4647 or go online to www.majestictheater.net.

n Saint Clair: Assumption BVM School will have a browse-and-bid basket auction from 4 to 6 p.m. April 9 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 10 in St. Clare of Assisi Church Hall, Mill and Hancock streets. Homemade food will be on sale during the events. Themed baskets include a 40-inch TV, fire pit, autographed Yuengling mirror, jewelry, a Dyson vacuum and other valuable items. For more information, call 570-622-0106.

n Saint Clair: The Saint Clair Community and Historical Society will have a soup sale beginning at 10 a.m. April 2 at the society building, Nicholas Street. The cost is $7 per quart and $3.50 per pint. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-429-1850.

President Barack Obama signed a disaster declaration for Pennsylvania, making federal funds available for eligible costs incurred during the snowstorm of Jan. 22 and 23.

Gov. Tom Wolf requested the president declare the major disaster in February.

Funding is available to the state, local governments and qualifying private and nonprofit organizations for work associated with the storm on a cost-sharing basis for “emergency work and repair or replacement of facilities damaged by a severe winter storm and snowstorm,” according to a White House press release. Money is also available for costs incurred for a 48-hour period associated with the storm. Meetings will then be held with the applicants at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency at various locations, John Matz, Schuylkill County emergency management coordinator, said previously.

The following counties can receive funds in addition to Schuylkill County: Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Somerset, Westmoreland and York counties.

Additional declarations could be forthcoming if requested by Pennsylvania and further investigation requires, the statement read.

Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney was thrilled with the news Wednesday.

“It’s welcomed. We need it desperately. We had a snowstorm that was unbelievable,” he said.

More than 2 feet of snow fell in the city.

Tom Whitaker, Pottsville street department supervisor, said he was also happy to hear the news.

“It’s fantastic news,” he said.

Orwigsburg Borough Manager Robert Williams also was thankful.

“We are ecstatic,” he said.