A Girardville man will spend more time behind bars after being sentenced Monday in Schuylkill County Court for violating his probation on a charge resulting from a May 2009 fire in Shenandoah.

David M. Riedel, 31, must serve three to 23 months in prison, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin ruled after revoking his probation.

Riedel initially pleaded guilty on Dec. 15, 2009, to arson and risking a catastrophe, with prosecutors withdrawing one count of criminal mischief and two additional counts of arson.

At that time, Dolbin sentenced Riedel to spend nine to 23 1/2 months in prison and an additional five years on probation, pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $47,174.98 restitution and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Shenandoah police charged Riedel with starting a fire at 12:10 a.m. May 21, 2009, at a home at 320 W. Penn St. Police said the fire caused severe damage to that home and lesser damage to two adjoining buildings.

Also on Monday, Dolbin revoked the parole of David T. Osenbach Jr., 32, of Zieglersville, but immediately reparoled him.

Prosecutors had asked that Osenbach be sent to prison until at least March 1, 2014, but Nicholas A. Quinn, Pottsville, the defendant's lawyer, successfully argued that his client was working and needed to be free to support his family.

Osenbach also had asked to be allowed to support his family.

"I don't want my wife and my kids to be homeless," he said. "Me being here (isn't) helping my family."

Osenbach had pleaded guilty on March 20 to receiving stolen property. At that time, Dolbin sentenced him to serve one to 12 months in prison and pay costs, a $50 CJEA payment and $184 restitution.

State police at Frackville had charged him with committing his crime on Aug. 9, 2011.

In another county case, prosecutors on Wednesday withdrew charges of simple assault and harassment against Sandra E. Thoroughgood, 32, of Pottsville.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had charged her with committing her crimes on Aug. 15.

President Judge William E. Baldwin signed an order allowing prosecutors to withdraw the charges and directing Thoroughgood to pay the costs of the case.

Also in the county court, Judge Jacqueline L. Russell accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Robert J. McShaw, 57, of Pottsville - retail theft; six to 23 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment, 20 hours community service, no contact with the victim and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Jeremy M. Shafer, 19, of McAdoo - 16 counts of theft from a motor vehicle and one of conspiracy; 23 months probation, $50 CJEA payment, $707.84 restitution and 340 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew 15 counts each of theft and receiving stolen property and one of loitering and prowling at nighttime.

Jacob D. Shuey, 21, of Ashland - delivery of a controlled substance; 14 days to 23 months in prison with immediate parole, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment, $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, drug and alcohol evaluation, 20 hours community service and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Matthew Sleva, 25, of Pottsville - delivery of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; six to 23 months in prison, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment, $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, 40 hours community service and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Daniel A. Starr, 36, of Pottsville - resisting arrest; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and 20 hours community service.

Heidi Wagner, 19, of Tamaqua - defiant trespass; $25 fine. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of criminal mischief.

John P. Wagner, 36, of Tamaqua - possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and 100 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Robert W. Weyman Jr., 33, of Hegins - simple assault; six to 23 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment, 20 hours community service and no contact with the victim. Prosecutors withdrew charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.

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

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - The North Schuylkill School District has earned accreditation through the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools.

District Superintendent Andrew D. Smarkanic said it is a great accomplishment for the district.

"Now we are officially a Middle States accredited junior-senior high school," Smarkanic said recently.

According to the Middle States website, more than 3,000 schools, school districts and educational institutions throughout the United States and in more than 85 countries around the globe are accredited by the MSA-CESS. The organization's standards, protocols and accreditation services reflect the latest research on school effectiveness and school improvement and uses volunteers trained in critical peer review to provide an external validation of a school's or school district's performance.

"It was an 18-month process," Smarkanic said. "We had to apply to the Middle States accreditation board for the opportunity to show a visiting committee the rigors of our curriculum and so forth. They (committee) spent four days in the school, going into the classes, meeting with staff members, board members, administrators, teachers and students and talking to them about the school. They looked at our curriculum standards and courses and did a full evaluation. They essentially came back with a 'Good Housekeeping' stamp of approval, so to speak."

Smarkanic said the MSA board met in October and approved the North Schuylkill accreditation, which went into effect Sunday.

"The seven-year accreditation goes into the year 2020," he said. "It's a pretty big deal. There is a lot of planning and self-study that was done. It was something that I felt was important for the district to have."

MSA accreditation provides its members with the knowledge and processes necessary for implementing school improvement and achieving higher levels of student performance.

Recent research suggests the critical differences between schools that make the grade and those that struggle are the:

- Degree to which the school clearly understands what it needs to do to improve;

- Extent to which the plan to improve is supported by school and community stakeholders; and,

- Capacity of, and commitment by, the school to implement and sustain its plan to improve over time.

Middle States accreditation helps a school critically review its current performance, set a course for improvement and build the commitment and support necessary for significant and long-term improvement. Accreditation helps ensure that schools are making the most efficient use of available resources. Middle States accredited schools are better positioned to use time, talent and money in the most efficient and effective way possible.

During the Nov. 20 meeting, Smarkanic said outgoing North Schuylkill board members Robin Hetherington and Deborah Hampton were each presented with a plaque and watch for their years of service. Hetherington and Hampton did not run for reelection this year.

The board acted on the following agenda items:

- Approved Gwen Sites as a long-term substitute secondary art teacher at a salary of $38,000 for the current school year, retroactive to Aug. 20 and until on or about Apr. 9, 2014.

- Approved Nancy Snyder as a part-time special education aide at $9 per hour, pending written satisfactory evaluation after a 60-day probationary period, retroactive to Oct. 30.

- Approved the return of Lisa Balkiewicz as teacher aide retroactive to Oct. 15 at an hourly rate of $11.75.

The school board also approved the following extracurricular appointments and activities:

- Approved the following high school assistant track coaches and salaries: Robert Moyer, $5,668; Anthony Chatkiewicz, $3,200; George Kriesher, $2,300.

- Approved the following junior high assistant track coaches and salaries: Rachael Hughes, $950; John Darrah, $1,700.

- Approved Ty Wartman as as assistant varsity basketball coach for the winter season at a salary of $2,000.

- Approved Marc Wislosky as a seventh grade boys basketball coach for with winter season at a salary of $700.

- Approved Garrett Kelly as a ninth grade boys basketball coach for the winter season at a salary of $509.18.

- Approved Cory Houser as a junior varsity boys basketball coach for the winter season at a salary of $800.

- Approved Michael Tomko, Chris McCormick and Scott McCormick as volunteer assistant track coaches.

- Approved Lindsey Weist as a volunteer girls basketball coach.

- Approved Jeremy Keiter, Joseph Newhouser and Steve Ennis as volunteer assistant boys basketball coaches.

- Approved the formation of a junior fire fighters group under the supervision of science teacher Ryan McGurl.

- Approved the 2015 North Schuylkill prom to be held at Capriotti's Catering, McAdoo, on May 19, 2015.

MAR LIN - Norwegian Township residents will not see a tax increase in 2014, the township supervisors noted at Monday night's board meeting.

Supervisor Robert Kirwan said taxes will remain at 2.73 mills if the $739,362 budget gets approved Dec. 27.

"As far as everything goes, we are holding everything tight," he said. "No tax increases across the board."

All taxes will remain the same, with the earned income tax at 0.5 percent, local services tax at $52 and realty transfer tax at 0.5 percent. The township has not increased taxes in 23 years, according to Kirwan.

The budget is available for public inspection at the township municipal building, 506 Maple Ave.

While the supervisors have no plans to raise taxes in the upcoming year, the township will pay $1 more per ton to dispose of its trash at the Commonwealth Landfill. The township is not not passing the extra cost onto residents. The trash fee will stay at $60 a year per household if paid on time.

Commonwealth Landfill did not give a reason for the increase in a letter sent to the township, Kirwan said. The supervisors plan to pursue the matter.

Although trash bills won't increase, residents of Mar Lin, Seltzer and Woodland Acres will have to pay $2 more a month for sewer service effective Jan. 1, amounting to a monthly charge of $43. The increase is due to a rate change by the Minersville Sewer Authority, the supervisors said. Businesses in the township will also see an increase in fees.

"The Minersville Sewer Authority raised the sewer rate 5 percent, which amounts to $2 a month," Kirwan said.

Kirwan said the township can't use general fund money to compensate for the increase.

In other news, six security cameras were installed outside the township municipal building about a month ago. The cameras cost $3,500 and include a digital video recorder and a screen. The cameras work 24 hours a day, the supervisors said.

"We installed them for safety," Kirwan said. "We haven't had any damage or anything like that, but we have some lawn damage. People riding across the lawn in the summer time and the winter time just putting tire tracks in the grass."

The supervisors also voted to adopt an updated hazard mitigation plan for the county. Hazard mitigation plans generally deal with steps a municipality would take in the event of a natural disaster. The previous plan was adopted in 2007.

Township solicitor B.J. Evans said the township could apply for grants to deal with any issue related to hazard mitigation in the municipality, such as the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

HMGP provides grants to states and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency website, www.fema.gov. The purpose of the HMGP is to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.

Harlan West, the township's planning commission chairman, said the public is invited to a public hearing on a comprehensive plan for the township shortly after 7 p.m. Jan. 27 and Feb. 24. The comprehensive plan discussed will be a guide for the future growth plans of the municipality.

Deeds

Ashland - Michelle E. Herb to Walter H. Wallace; property on Walnut Street; $55,000.

Coaldale - Heidi Rhoads to Bank of America NA; 115 W. Phillips St.; $1.

Cressona - Dawn Lindsay George to Dawn Lindsay George and Tamara M. George; 66 River St.; $1.

Delano Township - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Maribel V. Remp; 25 Trenton St., Trenton; $1,136.

East Norwegian Township - Robert F. Brennan, Thomas P. Brennan, Jule Ann Bender and Frank Uhrin to Frank Uhrin; 749 Saint Clair/Port Carbon Highway; $1.

Frackville - William and Deborah Hartman to Barbara J. Lindenmuth; 241 N. Broad Mountain Ave.; $83,500.

Girardville - Walter C. and Lynnann Hughes and Michelle E. and Gary L. Weikel to Gary L. and Michelle E. Weikel; 246 W. Main St.; $1.

Mahanoy City - Karl V. and Susan L. Petritsch to Susan L. Petritsch; 719 E. Market St.; $1.

McAdoo - James D. and Kimberly A. Eckrote to James D. Eckrote; Rear 26 S. Cleveland St.; $1.

Minersville - G.R. Gorman Properties LLC to Matthew A. Uroskie; 222 Oak St.; $10,500.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to T&D Oak St. LLC; 248 Oak St.; $3,350.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to T&D Oak St. LLC; 234 Oak St.; $3,200.

North Manheim Township - Helen I. Weiss to Randall K. and Carolyn M. Haag; 17 S. Greenview Road; $148,800.

Norwegian Township - Anthony S. and Marie B. Ford to Thomas J. Bettinger; 210 Chestnut St., Mar Lin; $26,000.

Orwigsburg - Jody L. Frantz Mack, Gary L. Frantz and Glenn R. Frantz, co-executors of the Estate of Joyce E. Frantz, to Jason A. and Tiffany J. Fanelli; 125 Station Road; $103,000.

Pine Grove - Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. to Lynn S. Unger and Angela Eileen Yeagley; 41 Laurel St.; $19,900.

Pine Grove Township - William Jr. and Lisa M. Spittler Moyer to Thomas E. and Margaret H. Nocket; 282 Sweet Arrow Lake Road; $115,000.

Pottsville - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to 618 Mahantongo St. LLC; 618 Mahantongo St.; $12,500.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to T&D Pottsville Management LLC; 213 George St.; $2,500.

Milton J. and Sandra D. King and Heather M. Donati to Jose O. Moreno Salazar and Lara B. Moreno; 521 N. Third St.; $10,000.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 416 Fleet St.; $1,048.41.

William H. and Melissa L. Phillips to William H. Phillips; property on 14th Street; $1.

William H. and Melissa L. Phillips to William H. Phillips; 1398 Laurel Blvd.; $1.

Paul H. and Loretta B. Souto to Robert R. and Peggy A. Mason; 2413 Sharp Mountain Road; $160,000.

William J. and Sharon M. Fanelli to William J. Fanelli; property at West Market Street; $1.

Nancy Weigand to Gary C. Weigand; property on Mount Hope Avenue; $1.

Scott C. and Karen A. Glunz to Karen A. Glunz; 1879 Third Ave.; $1.

Rush Township - Gene S. Lutz to Jeffrey A. Lutz; property in Barnesville; $1.

Schuylkill Haven - Gerald G. Sr. and Margaret F. Curran and Kathleen Margaret Curran DeSanto to Susan Clare Kanezo; 45 Moorenoll St.; $130,000.

Tamaqua - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to T&D Tamaqua Holdings LLC; 108 Schuylkill Ave.; $2,550.

Tower City - Mark A. and Angel M. Hoffman to Kayla J. Brill; 1026 E. Grand Ave.; $79,000.

Union Township - Marie and John Lapotsky to Carl J. and Debra A. Shoup; 1.97-acre property on Legislative Route 53065; $8,000.

Wayne Township - Pusti Margiya Vaishna Samaj of North America to Pusti Margiya Vaishna Samaj of North America; 14.636-acre property on Fair Road; $1.

Pusti Margiya Vaishna Samaj of North America to Pusti Margiya Vaishna Samaj of North America; 15.485-acre property on Fair Road; $1.

Pusti Margiya Vaishna Samaj of North America to Pusti Margiya Vaishna Samaj of North America; 8.661-acre property on Manor Road; $1.

West Mahanoy Township - Tecla A. Garbarino to John Jr. and Kelly Savakinas; 19 Lia Road; $175,000.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Hidden River Credit Union; 315 S. Lien St.; $1,183.42.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to T&D Ohio Ave. LLC; 260 Ohio Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $725.

West Penn Township - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to 21 Spirit Ct. LLC; 21 Spirit Court; $5,000.

Chase, crash in

stolen car case

Pottsville police investigated an incident that occurred about 7 p.m. Sunday in the 500 block of North Centre Street.

Police said at the scene, officers spoke to Michael Ciccanti, who reported that Steven M. Miller, 22, had just stolen his Chrysler Crossfire while it was parked in the 500 block of North Centre Street.

Ciccanti said a witness, James Rose, saw Miller steal the car. When interviewed, police said Rose confirmed he saw Miller commit the theft.

Police said officers later saw Miller driving the car in the 200 block of Pierce Street and tried to pull him over, but the man failed to stop and led officers on a pursuit that resulted in Miller crashing the car in the area of Eighth and Pierce streets.

Miller suffered a traumatic leg injury as a result of the crash and was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, police said.

Pottsville firefighters and Pottsville-Schuylkill Haven Area EMS assisted at the scene, police said, adding that Miller will be charged with theft of a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property, fleeing or attempting to elude police and numerous traffic violations as a result of the incident.

Man not injured

in 1-car accident

CRESSONA - A Reading man escaped injury when the 2010 Subaru Legacy he was driving crashed about 12:30 p.m. Thursday on the Gordon Nagle Trail, just east of Woodlawn Drive in North Manheim Township.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Harold J. Delaney, 72, was driving west on the Gordon Nagle Trail, Route 901, when he swerved to miss a dead animal on the road and lost control of his car. The car crossed the eastbound lane, went off of the road and struck in a yard, police said.

Delaney's vehicle sustained moderate damage and had to be towed from the scene, police said.

As a result of the crash, police said, Delaney will be cited for failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Both drivers hurt

in Rt. 901 crash

A Pine Grove woman and an Auburn woman suffered injuries in a two-vehicle crash that occurred at 2:50 p.m. Wednesday on Route 901 at Cressona Road in North Manheim Township, police said.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said a 2008 Ford Focus driven by Kassandra H. Kopinetz, 20, of Auburn, was traveling east on Route 901 and was attempting to make a left turn onto Cressona Road. Police said Kopinetz turned in front of a 2003 Subaru Legacy driven by Lindsi A. Miller II, 24, of Pine Grove, which was traveling west on Route 901. The vehicles collided nearly head-on and came to rest in the roadway.

Both vehicles had heavy front-end damage and were towed from the scene. The women were transported to local hospitals for non-life threatening injuries, police said.

A Minersville man charged with assaulting two teenage girls in 2011 and 2012 was among those who pleaded not guilty Monday during arraignment in Schuylkill County Court.

Joseph L. Johnson, 40, of 524 Pine Hill St., was arrested by Minersville police Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers and charged with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, indecent assault, indecent exposure and another felony sexual offense.

In the second case, Bowers charged Johnson with rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, corruption of minors, indecent assault, indecent exposure and another felony sexual offense.

Bowers charged Johnson with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl who was staying with him at his Minersville home. He said Johnson gave the teen a pill that caused her to pass out and then be able to see and hear, but be unable to move. When the girl was incapacitated, Bowers said Johnson touched her inappropriately.

Bowers said Johnson sexually assaulted the second girl, who was 16 at the time, at a home in Duncott and also at his Minersville home.

At the time the complaints were filed against Johnson, in August, two months after police were made aware of the assaults, Johnson had left Minersville and could not be located, Bowers said.

Johnson was eventually picked up in Georgia by U.S. Marshals and returned to Schuylkill County to face the charges against him.

Others who pleaded not guilty, and the charges against them, include:

Justin N. Nieves, 19, of 22 Bridge St., McAdoo - DUI and DUI-minor.

Vanessa M. Horvath, 30, of 253 Silverbrook Road, McAdoo - DUI, turning movements and required signals violation and driving on the wrong side of the road.

Ashley M. Weirich, 19, of 308 Washington St., Tamaqua - prohibited offensive weapons, use of electric or electronic incapacitating devices, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.

Jason R. Steinbrunn, 23, of 346 Mushdahl Road, New Ringgold - recklessly endangering another person and careless driving.

Debra L. Beibleheimer, 57, of 523 Miller Road, Zion Grove - DUI, DUI-highest rate and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Scott L. White, 22, of 15 N. Kennedy Drive, Apt. 2, McAdoo - possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cassie J. Zapotocky, 20, of 5 W. Cherry St., Tresckow - DUI-minor, minors prohibited from operating a vehicle with alcohol in their system, illegal purchase or consumption of alcohol and turning movements and required signals violation.

Omar A. Vargas, 22, of 68 N. Kennedy Drive, Apt. 1D, McAdoo - DUI, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, careless driving and windshield obstructions and wipers violation.

Ashley A. Capiga, 24, of 39 Schuylkill Ave., Shenandoah - possession of drug paraphernalia, robbery, conspiracy, theft and receiving stolen property.

Michael R. Mikulak, 48, of 904 Brock St., Ashland - possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a small amount of marijuana and public drunkenness.

Nicholas J. Reese, 26, of 210 W. Cherry St., Shenandoah - DUI-highest rate and driving an unregistered vehicle.

James C. Wronski, 24, of 1113 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City - aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment.

Angel J. Delrio, 25, of 9 W. Centre St., Ashland - DUI, false identification to law enforcement, DUI-highest rate, one-way roadway violation and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Deborah Arena, 59, of 26 S. Catherine St., Shenandoah - retail theft.

Edward J. Clark, 65, of 1042 Fountain St., Ashland - DUI and DUI-highest rate.

John J. Preneta, 62, of 14 S. Catherine St., Shenandoah - DUI-high rate.

Sean Keating, 28, of 35 Schuylkill Ave., Apt. 2, Shenandoah - driving under the influence of drugs, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic and violation of general lighting requirements.

Archie F. Drumheller, 49, of 109 W. Washington St., Shenandoah - DUI and DUI-highest rate.

Elizabeth M. Parker, 51, of 283 Indiana Ave., Shenandoah - criminal trespass, terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment.

John M. Tym, 31, of 1142 W. Centre St., Shenandoah - possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Daniel C. Schwartz, 25, of 621 S. Kennedy Drive, McAdoo - possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Louis R. Getz, 35, of 348 Roosevelt Drive, Mahanoy City - possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and violation of rules regarding commonwealth property.

Dennis R. Mohl, 39, of 316 Pine Hill St., Minersville - possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of rules regarding commonwealth property.

Christopher M. Turofski, 19, of 107 Gordon St., Gordon - indecent assault of a person under the age of 13, corruption of minors and indecent exposure.

James Lucas, 44, of 143 Barry Road, Ashland - DUI, DUI-high rate, driving at an unsafe speed and careless driving.

George J. Bonetsky, 35, of 262 4th St., Coaldale - possession of a controlled substance and retail theft.

Kyle J. Merenda, 19, of 57 Shady Lane, Barnesville - conspiracy, delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jason P. Tessitore, 29, of 300 Ridge Terrace, Coaldale - possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bryant A. Umholtz, 20, of 909 W. Maple St., Valley View - DUI, driving under the influence of drugs, driving under combined influence, DUI-minor, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, driving at an unsafe speed, careless driving, reckless driving and driving a vehicle without an inspection certificate.

Ann M. Eaton, 46, of 1015 W. Maple St., Valley View - driving under the influence of drugs and careless driving.

Thomas F. Steranko, 36, of 371 Valley Road, Pottsville - criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Jamie D. McCabe, 35, of 808 N. Third St., Pottsville - access device fraud, theft, receiving stolen property, theft by deception, fleeing or attempting to elude police, recklessly endangering another person, reckless driving, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and identity theft.

Donald E. Long, 37, of 64 Cherry St., Cressona - theft, theft by failure to make required disposition of funds and receiving stolen property.

Robert F. Willie III, 25, of 306 South St., Minersville - aggravated assault, robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, terroristic threats, theft, receiving stolen property, possessing instruments of crime, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Warren L. Frey, 24, of 417 W. Lloyd St., Shenandoah - aggravated assault, robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, terroristic threats, theft, receiving stolen property, possessing instruments of crime, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Denis E. Lehman, 36, of 23 Sunbury St., Minersville - resisting arrest and public drunkenness.

Shawn M. Tobin, 27, of 218 N. Third St., Minersville - possession of a controlled substance.

Vaughn G. Vesay, 52, of 400 Carbon St., Apt. 2R, Minersville - DUI, DUI-high rate, driving following license suspension, turning movements and required signals violation and careless driving.

Luke E. Miller, 19, of 37 Chestnut St., Cressona - theft.

Theodore W. Dyess, 58, of 19 Main St., Kaska - failure to provide accurate registration information.

Cora J. White, 26, of 111 Sunbury St., Apt. 2, Minersville - DUI-highest rate.

Cory Clocker, 19, of 33 S. Shuestring Lane, Schuylkill Haven - delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Albert J. Patrick Jr., 58, of 40 Blue Bird Hill, New Ringgold - DUI and DUI-high rate.

Julio A. Sylvester Jr., 46, of 11B Frieden Manor, Schuylkill Haven - involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact or communications with a minor, sexual assault, indecent exposure, corruption of minors and indecent assault.

Bonnie Jean Roeder, 57, of 398 Sixth St., Port Carbon - driving under the influence of drugs.

Melissa M. Deibert, 18, of 514 Chestnut St., Tamaqua - DUI and DUI-highest rate.

Aric S. Campos, 26, of 3859 Sweet Arrow Lake Road, Pine Grove - DUI, driving under the influence of drugs, driving under combined influence, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and careless driving.

Michael V. Putalavage, 61, of 398 Sixth St., Port Carbon - possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

James A. Johnson, 44, of 1331 Walnut St., Ashland - criminal trespass.

Sarah J. Parenzan, 25, of 24 Hilltop Mobile Home Park, Schuylkill Haven - retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Ryan M. Natale, 25, of 106 S. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove - driving under the influence of drugs, driving without insurance and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Luke E. Miller, 19, of 37 Chestnut St., Cressona - theft and receiving stolen property.

William J. Boyd, 34, of 102 Carter St., Donaldson - possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving without insurance and following too closely.

Robert A. Teijaro II, 22, of 513 S. Shenandoah Road, Ringtown - possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kenneth G. Leymeister, 65, of 235 N. Third and Pearson streets, Box 263, Auburn - criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and depositing waste on a highway

Mathew A. Yulick, 23, of 1350 Long Run Road, Box 155, Friedensburg - delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

New legislation will allow sports fans to participate in small betting pools as they get ready to gather at their favorite local bar later this month to watch the college football bowl games.

Gov. Tom Corbett signed into law Wednesday legislation allowing commercial bars, restaurants and taverns to have small games of chance and places with a license to hold sports betting pools.

House Bill 209 was introduced by state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, and state Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-18, and allows places with a small games of chance license to participate in betting pools if the entry is $20 or less, there are no more than 100 participants and all proceeds are awarded to the contestants.

"Many veterans' organizations, volunteer fire companies and social clubs across Schuylkill County allow small betting pools in conjunction with special sporting events, such as the Super Bowl and NCAA basketball tournament," Goodman said Monday in a press release. "Many of them are struggling financially, and these pools help them increase patronage."

Boscola first introduced legislation to legalize small betting pools in 2011. Most of the provisions of her bill, called Senate Bill 483, and one introduced by Goodman earlier this year, were amended into House Bill 290.

"I am pleased that our law finally recognizes the legitimacy of this harmless and leisurely activity that so many Pennsylvanians have taken part in for so many years," Boscola said in a press release.

House Bill 1098 allows commercial bars, restaurants and taverns to apply for small games of chance licenses. Small games of chance are defined by a set cap in total prize payout and include pull-tab games, daily drawings and raffles. After several amendments, the bill allows non-profit groups that net less than $40,000 annually from small games to keep the first $20,000 they make. For other qualifying clubs, 60 percent of small game proceeds need to me set aside for community or charitable purposes after hitting $20,000.

Bob Dittmar, co-owner of Maroons Sports Bar & Grill in Pottsville with his wife, Karen, said the legislation can help local businesses.

"It's a good opportunity for more establishments to get more people to fill the seats, so I think it's a good thing," Dittmar said Monday.

For more information about House Bills 209 and 1098, visit www.legis.state.pa.us.

n Girardville: The Good Time Club is selling its annual commemorative Christmas ornament featuring the former St. Joseph High School/Immaculate Heart Elementary School, which will be demolished in the near future. The ornament may be purchased from any club member or by calling Jeanette at 570-276-6356 or Edna at 570-276-6430.

n Pine Grove: In cooperation with the Pennsyvlania Higher Education Assistance Agency, the Pine Grove Area High School Guidance Department will host a free financial aid night for students and families from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 9 in the high school auditorium. According to a release, parents and students will learn what they need to do to apply for all types of financial aid, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is required to qualify for most student aid programs such as the Pennsylvania State Grant, Federal Pell Grant, institutional awards and low-cost federal student and parent loans. Participants will also be briefed on the Pennsylvania-specific aid programs as well as the importance of searching out free money awards like scholarships to help pay for educational expenses.

n Ringtown: St Paul's United Church of Christ will host its annual "Hanging of the Greens" at 7 p.m. Dec. 8. The program is by local soloists and choirs. There will be a free-will offering collection and refreshments will be served following the program. All are welcome.

n Schuylkill Haven: Jerry and Fafar Bowman and Bill and Cynthia Sowers are getting their homes ready for the Holly "Rose" Trail scheduled for Dec. 14 in the Schuylkill Haven area. Other homes on the trail include William and Mary Yazujian and Paul and Margaret Bedway. The Covenant United Methodist Church, Church of the Nazarene and East Ward Wellness Center, all in Schuylkill Haven, will also be stops on the trail. Tickets are available at the East Ward Wellness Center, 134 E. Union St.; Hess Catering, River and St. John streets; Lewis General Store, 22 E. Main St.; Luckenbill's Family Restaurant, 18 W. Union St.; Schuylkill Haven Borough Hall, 12 W. Main St., and Valenti's II Restaurant, 107 E. Main St. People can enter a drawing to win a free pass to the trail at Valenti's II Restaurant and Brok-Sel Market, 22 E. Main St. For more information on the event, contact Jerry Bowman at 570-385-1750.

n Shenandoah: The monthly homemade soup sales sponsored by the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. have returned for the fall and winter. They are held at 10 a.m. the second Thursday of the month at DSI's downtown center, 116 N. Main St. The cost is $2.50 per pint and $5 per quart. For more information or to order in advance, call 570-462-2060. Everyone is welcome. The next sale is scheduled for Dec. 12.

n Shenandoah: In conjunction with its Light Up the Park Christmas season Girard Park decoration effort, the Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a Christmas in the Park event beginning at 5 p.m. Dec. 7. At a recent chamber meeting, Secretary Betty Ann Bugden said, "We're trying to stimulate more activity and bring life to our town." She said the event is open to all children and added Santa will be on hand to greet youngsters at the park pavilion. There will also be candy canes and hot chocolate. This year's decoration scheme also includes large frame figures at the Pennsylvania Anthracite Miners Memorial, Main and Washington streets at the entrance to the park.

n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Salvation Army Angel Tree program is designed to make the Christmas season brighter for children in need. Angel Trees can be found at numerous businesses as well as the Salvation Army Community Center, 105 W. Broad St. The trees bear tags containing the name, age, gender, clothing size and special Christmas needs/wishes of a child. Participants select a tag and then buy new items based on the tag information. The unwrapped items, along with the tag, should be returned to the Salvation Army no later than Dec. 11. Cash donations are also being accepted. For more information, or tree locations, call 570-668-0410.

MAHANOY CITY - The Mahanoy Area School District now requires occupancy permits when registering new students.

District Superintendent Joie L. Green said the new policy will make certain students live within the district.

"From now on, the district will require an occupancy permit for registering their children in our school," Green said. "We will work hand in hand with the borough (Mahanoy City). That way the borough will know who's moving into the school district."

The requirement also applies to students in the Borough of Gilberton and the townships of Mahanoy, Ryan and Delano.

"Our business manager (John Hurst) was contacted by (Mahanoy City borough manager) Dan Lynch, who asked if it was possible to require the occupancy permits, so we had our solicitor look into that," Green said. "There are only certain forms that we're allowed to collect from a resident. And since we're able to do that, we're now requiring that occupancy permit as a proof of residency."

Mahanoy City recently began partnering with the Mahanoy Township Authority in order to keep track of people moving into the borough. When someone applies for an occupancy permit, the borough provides the information on the new residents to the water authority. If the water authority receives a request for water service, then those requests are forwarded to the borough. Both government entities can then cross-reference the lists.

In another matter, Green said the district has amended its transportation policy regarding audio recording on buses to add video surveillance.

"We had to contact the county district attorney to ask permission to put audio on the buses," Green said. "We received the permission as long as we got approval from our school board and change the police and notify the parents that we were doing this. We then got policy change approved by the board, and we're going to send out an addendum to our student handbooks in all three buildings, and we'll send a ConnectEd message to parents to let them know this is now changing."

The addendum says: "The board authorizes the recording of both audio and video on transportation vehicles for disciplinary and security purposes. The board shall ensure that permanent signs are maintained on all vehicles in which recording of audio and video may be taking place notifying drivers and passengers of such recordings."

During the Nov. 21 school board meeting, Green recognized three board members who are leaving - Sharon Trusky, Julie Fazio and Colleen Coleman. Trusky and Fazio were in attendance and Green presented them with gifts.

The board also appointed the following for sports programs:

- Paul Kimmel and Steve Ennis as volunteer boys basketball coaches.

- Nathan Fegley, Nick Forte and Frank Scicchitano as volunteer wrestling coaches.

The appointments are contingent on receipt of Act 34, 114 and 151 clearances and required trainings.

Gearing up to bring an armed security force into its schools, the Pottsville Area school board on Monday updated a security plan, defining the role of a "school police officer."

Asked when the six local full-time police officers hired as part-time employees would start work, board President John F. Boran said, "I cannot tell you for security purposes. But it's going to be very soon."

For months, the district has been working to develop a plan to have armed security guards on its campuses. And recent negotiations with the Pottsville police department led to changes in the plan the school board approved in September, district solicitor Richard A. Thornburg said Monday.

On Sept. 18, the school board approved a "building security plan," which included the conditions of employment for the part-time security force. That plan, stated the security officers will be independent contractors, not district employees.

On Nov. 20, Thornburg and Stephen C. Curran, district business manager, said the "school police officers" would be considered district employees.

"Mr. President, I have to apologize, I did not get this out to the members of the board until this afternoon. It's a revised policy which was approved by the police department of the City of Pottsville. I circulated that for review. I'm not sure if you want to take action on it now. I would suggest that we do because they are going to start very shortly," Thornburg said.

"Are there any discussions? I feel very comfortable with the recommendation," Boran said.

Other board members present for the special meeting for general purposes Monday at the Howard S. Fernsler Academic Center were: Vice President Scott D. Krater, and members Dr. Gary A. Cortese, Cindy Petchulis, Karen E. Rismiller and Charles R. Wagner and two recently-elected board members, who were sworn in at the meeting, Patrick F. Moran and Christina M. Dicello.

Board Member Linda Grube was absent from Monday's meeting.

"If the two new board members would like to abstain, that is fine," Boran said, referring to Moran and DiCello.

But Moran and DiCello did not. They were part of the unanimous vote to support the new policy.

According to the three-page document outlining the purpose and essential functions of school police officers, a "school police officer" is responsible for enforcing "good order," as defined by Section 7-778 of the Public School Code of 1949. The officers will work in the district's school buildings, on school buses if requested by school administrators and on the district's ground, according to the policy.

"A SPO will also maintain professional relationships with local law enforcement, assist with misdemeanor and felony investigations when requested by on-duty local law enforcement and coordinate safety efforts with other first responders and staff from both PASD and other districts," according to the plan.

The "Essential Functions" of school police officers will be as follows:

-Maintain high visibility in PASD facilities to help maintain good order of the school.

-If requested by local on-duty law enforcement, investigate and prosecute all summary offense incidents while working for the PASD related to violations of the PA Crimes Code and School Code.

-Refer misdemeanor and felony investigations to the appropriate law enforcement agency for prosecution.

-If directed by local on-duty law enforcement, properly manage and secure crime scene evidence through the chain of custody.

-Respond to incidents and take appropriate action, as needed.

-Testify in court as needed.

-Assist program by acting as liaison for PASD with police, family and social agencies.

-Maintain a safe learning environment for all students, staff and visitors.

-Act as a role model for PASD students.

-Adhere to the established work schedule through regular and consistent attendance.

-Perform other duties as assigned consistent with this policy.

According to the policy, school police officers must be at least 21 years of age and have Act 120 and Act 235 certification.

When reporting to work, school police officers must report to the main office of the building they are assigned to that day, then report to the district's security liaison, Gary Keener, the district's supervisor of In-School-Suspension.

The district will issue uniforms, including shirts, jackets and badges, to the officers, according to the plan.

The Public School Code of 1949 required the district to petition the court to hire school police, Thornburg said previously.

On Nov. 15, the school district asked Schuylkill County Court to appoint six.

According to the petition, four of the six are city police officers: Richard Pugh, Brian Reno, Mark O'Toole and Charles Webber. The other two are John Borchick, Girardville, and Stephen Krater, Mahanoy City.

Thornburg said to hire more officers, the district will once again have to petition the court.

In other matters, the school board held a reorganization meeting Monday.

In November, there were four seats up for election. The winners were two incumbents, Boran and Wagner, and the two newcomers, Moran and Dicello.

At the start of Monday's meeting, Schuylkill County President Judge William E. Baldwin swore in those four board members.

Then the board unanimously reappointed Boran board president and Scott D. Krater as vice president. They will be serving their fifth year in those positions in 2014.

Thornburg, who has been serving as the board's solicitor for 26 years, was reappointed as solicitor for his 27th year, with a salary of $1,250 per month, which is the same as last year.

During public comment, Eli Nabholz, a junior at Pottsville Area, asked the board why carpets were removed from the locker room.

"Eventually we are not going to have carpet in areas where students are for bacteria reasons, cleanliness reasons, maintenance reasons. We went in with the best intentions. And we expect you to go in Schuylkill League and maybe districts and maybe onto state's this year with or without a carpet," Boran said.

n Ashland: American Hose Company No. 1 is holding its annual Christmas toy raffle. First prize is a Lionel Three Rivers Fast Freight train set, second is a children's Wi-Fi-accessible tablet and third is a bundle of children's toys. Tickets are $2 each, with proceeds to benefit the company's equipment fund. For tickets, contact any member, stop at the firehouse, Walnut and Seventh streets, any Wednesday evening, or call 570-875-1910. The drawing will be held at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 21.

n Branchdale: The Reiley Township supervisors presented the proposed township 2014 budget, according to Secretary Mary Ann Matukewicz. The budget will be up for final adoption at the Dec. 18 meeting. She said residents wishing to review the budget should contact any of the supervisors or her.

n Drehersville: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary's annual holiday open house is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday featuring activities "designed to get families outside and into the holiday spirit." There will be hot cider and $1 soft pretzels, gift ideas, an art exhibit by wildlife artist David Hughes, nature-themed activities and the sanctuary's live raptor programs. The visitor center will remain open until 5 p.m. and trail fees will apply for those who walk to scenic overlooks. Sanctuary members are always admitted free, according to a press release. For more information, go to the sanctuary's website at www.hawkmountain.org or call 610-756-6961.

n Frackville: The annual Frackville Christmas parade and party with Santa and friends will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Frackville Municipal & Community Center, Center and Oak streets. It will include music, snacks, gifts, a bounce house and some of the most popular TV and movie characters to meet and greet. Prior to the event, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be escorted into town in a fire truck parade that will begin at 1:30 p.m. and take them to the center. The event is sponsored by the Frackville Recreation Board and Frackville Elks Lodge 1533 and is free to Frackville children and their families, but registration is needed by Dec. 8. Register at the Frackville Free Public Library or call 570-874-3382 or 570-590-5015.

n Minersville: God's Bountiful Table provides meals for people who are disadvantaged or in need. The meals are served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Father Anthony J. Ricapito Annex of St. Matthew the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 139 Spruce St.

n Port Carbon: The Port Carbon Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial contributions: For Michael Kondrack from William and Myrna Everly; for Jimmy Kruss from Ron and Robin Goodman; for Ann Legutko from Dave and Julie Legutko; for Sophie Karmazin from Michael Karmazin; for Mary Lescavage from attorney James C. Bohorad; for Louis Miller from Barbara Miller; for Mary A. Lescavage from John and Linda Frankenstein. The library also acknowledged donations from Lawrence and Mary Burns, Ted and Elaine Naradko, William and Myrna Everly, Ed Matzura.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Kiwanis Club board of directors met Nov. 19 at the Pottsville Zone in lieu of the regular club meeting. The directors voted to donate $100 to the Kiwanis Foundation to support the current relief effort to Kiwanians in need after the typhoon disaster in the Philippines. They also discussed new bylaws the club must adopt as required by Kiwanis International and the PA Kiwanis. Attorney Hank Clarke and Dolly Malec volunteered to serve on a committee with attorney Glenn Roth Jr. to work on the new bylaws. Board members also discussed the need for social media outlets such as Facebook. The Pottsville Kiwanis Club Facebook page is expected to be up shortly. Salvation Army Kettle bell-ringing by the Kiwanis is set for Dec. 7. Kiwanians wishing to sign up for ringing should contact Al Barnes. The club's Dec. 17 meeting will be at Luther Ridge with the choir of the Pottsville Area School District's D.H.H. Lengel Middle School singing Christmas songs. Luther Ridge will provide lunch and the residents of the facility will also be invited to enjoy the choir, according to the Kiwanis bulletin.

Once again, the Schuylkill River is in the running to be named Pennsylvania River of the Year.

After losing to the Monongahela River last year, by only 146 votes, the Schuylkill is among five waterways nominated across the state for the 2014 competition.

"So many unique natural resources and so much recreational potential are showcased individually in these nominations," Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Acting Secretary Ellen Ferretti said. "Collectively, these rivers and streams demonstrate just how blessed Pennsylvania is with its wealth of major waterways."

The award, which is meant to raise awareness of the important recreational, ecological and historical resources associated with the state's rivers and streams, has been presented annually since 1983.

The organization nominating the winning river will receive a $10,000 leadership grant to help fund their River of the Year activities.

Rivers nominated along with the Schuylkill are the Kiskiminetas-Conemaugh rivers in the southwest, Ohio in the west, Brodhead Creek Watershed in the northeast and the West Branch of the Susquehanna in the north central section of the state.

Nominations were based on each waterway's conservation needs and successes, as well as celebration plans should the nominee be voted 2014 River of the Year.

After a waterway is chosen for the annual honor, local groups implement a year-round slate of activities and events to celebrate the river, including a paddling trip, or sojourn.

Sierra Gladfelter, outreach coordinator for Schuylkill Headwaters Association, said that the Schuylkill River deserves the nomination since 1.75 million people receive water from it each year and countless more depend on it for recreation from Schuylkill County to Philadelphia.

She also said the river played an important part during the industrial revolution, moving coal and other raw materials downstream.

"Its place in American history would definitely qualify it to be voted the River of the Year," Gladfelter said. "Even if people don't live directly on the banks, living in the watershed means you're contributing to the health of the river."

In cooperation with DCNR, selection of public voting choices was overseen by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

POWR, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, administers the River of the Year program with funding from DCNR.

The public can vote for their favorite state waterway until 5 p.m. Dec. 27, by visiting www.pariveroftheyear.org.

PORT CARBON - Borough councilman Ray Steranko suggested Tuesday that the council consider making improvements to the borough garage, which is just off Commerce Street.

"It's in bad shape. There are holes in the walls and so forth. I think we should do some repairs there, possibly add some insulation," Steranko said at the council's December workshop Tuesday.

No decisions were made on the matter during the meeting, but Steranko asked fellow council members to set aside time to visit the site with him in the next few weeks to consider options.

In other matters, the council Tuesday planned to hold four recreation meetings in the new year. One of the topics of discussion will be its plans to spend $60,000 to install a basketball court in 2014.

"I think we should have a recreation meeting every three months," councilman John Franko said.

The council decided to hold those four recreation meetings following their 7 p.m. workshop sessions on the first Tuesdays in February, May, August and November.

In late 2012, the borough received a grant to put up a basketball court at Francis E. Lubinsky Playground. It's a $60,000 project. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Harrisburg, will contribute $40,000 to the proposed project and the borough will have to chip in $20,000, borough engineer James S. Tohill of Alfred Benesch & Co., Pottsville, said previously.

The playground is located near Pottsville and Commerce streets. The proposed basketball court will be at the south end of the park near the pavilion.

In other matters at Tuesday's work session, council member Andy Palokas said the J. Harry Bowe American Legion Post 371, Port Carbon, donated a framed American flag to the borough. Palokas brought it to show the council Tuesday night.

Recognizing "Operation Enduring Freedom," the flag was flown at FOB Walton, Kandahar, Afghanistan on Oct. 7, according to the inscription on the back of the wooden frame.

Representatives of the Army had presented the flag to Legion Post 371, according to the inscription.

The council plans to display it a borough hall, 301 First St.

The 2014 budget, which has no tax increase, will be adopted at its next meeting, 7 p.m. Dec. 10.

The community is invited to the borough's annual holiday tree lighting at 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at the gazebo near Port Carbon Janet Eich Public Libray, Port Carbon, 111 Pike St. Refreshments will be served after the tree lighting at Grace United Methodist Church, 223 Pike St., according to Sandra Palokas, borough secretary/treasurer.

"It's a good night where the town turns out," Palokas, wife of Councilman Andy Palokas, said.

The council will hold its reorganization meeting and its first work session of 2014 at 7 p.m. Jan. 6.

Police charge

man for DUI

TAMAQUA - A Bangor man was charged with DUI by state police at Frackville about 10 p.m. Nov. 16 after officers received a report of a careless driver on Route 309.

Police said Monday that Michael H. Ortoski, 54, will have to answer to the charge before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua.

Police said they saw a vehicle driven by Ortoski shortly after hearing a radio broadcast by the Schuylkill County Communications Center about an erratic driver approaching Tamaqua traveling north on Route 309.

The vehicle was stopped and Ortoski found to be intoxicated, police said.

Assisting were police from Tamaqua and Rush Township.

On paper, women in the United States and Afghanistan have a constitutionally guaranteed right to vote.

In the United States, no one questions that right any more, but it's on shakier ground in Afghanistan.

With American troops steadily withdrawing and the election of a new president on the horizon, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey is hoping to ensure Afghan women get to vote during the election in Afghanistan next April.

He and Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, are sponsoring an amendment to the defense appropriations bill that would ensure polling stations include staffing by female military officers. The bill is expected to come up for a vote later this month.

The amendment would authorize spending up to $5 million to recruit and train women to act as polling station officers.

It would also require the Defense Department to work with Afghan security forces - police and army - to promote the safety of women during the transition to a new president. President Hamid Karzai is leaving office next year.

The department would have to evaluate whether existing training properly sensitizes Afghan National Security Forces to the issue of women voting; come up with a plan to recruit more female security officers; and come up with ways of holding accountable Afghan troops who violate codes of conduct related to the rights of women.

The issue is critical to Afghan women because leaders of the Taliban believe women have no place in society outside the home and should not be allowed to vote, hold jobs or go to school. The Taliban ruled the country before the United States ousted them during the current war, but they remain a force in parts of the country.

"What we're trying to do there is both short-term and long-term. Short-term is the election, to make sure women who are trying to vote in the April election, they can actually vote," Casey said.

The long-term goal is to get more women in security forces. Fewer than 1 percent of security force members are women.

"If you allow the kind of Taliban and Sharia law to be reimposed as part of a peace agreement, and women are not just discriminated against, but even become the subject of violence and real hostility, you not only will drive down their participation in government and voting and all that. You increase the likelihood that extremism will develop even more," Casey said.

Deeds

Butler Township - Henry J. Dorn, individually and as executor under the Last Will & Testament of Camille Joan Dorn, and Louis A. Dorn and Stuart J. Barranco, trustees under the Last Will & Testament of Camille J. Dorn, to Henry J. Dorn; property on Laurel Street; $24,000.

Henry J. Dorn, individually and as executor under the Last Will & Testament of Camille Joan Dorn, and Louis A. Dorn and Stuart J. Barranco, trustees under the Last Will & Testament of Camille J. Dorn, to Henry J. Dorn; property on Laurel Street; $24,000.

Stuart J. Barranco, Louis A. Dorn and Joanne C. Lazusky, executors under the Last Will & Testament of Henry J. Dorn, to John Green and Theresa A. Zitkus-Green; 610 Nicholas St.; $180,000.

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG - A Schuylkill Haven woman is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving her right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday for allegedly stealing items in October from a North Manheim Township store.

Amber L. Faust, 25, of 10 E. Liberty St., faces charges of receiving stolen property and retail theft.

Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over the charges for the county court after Faust waived her right to a hearing.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Faust with taking $78.94 worth of items from Adult Book Store 61, Route 61, on Oct. 22.

Items that Faust took included a vibrator, balm, two body mists and two gels, according to police.

Video surveillance showed Faust concealing the items and leaving the store without paying for them, police said.

Furthermore, Faust admitted when questioned that she had the stolen items, police said.

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

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

Robert E. Pruden III, 22, of 402 Scotland Road Room 3256B, Edinboro; corruption of minors and selling or furnishing liquor to minors; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Thomas J. Zelina, 25, of 127 Saturn Lane, Greer, S.C.; driving under the influence; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

by peter e. bortner

Daniel T. Langtry must serve time behind state prison bars, and pay more than $72,000 restitution, for assaulting his neighbor in May, a Schuylkill County judge decided Tuesday.

"This was a vicious attack, really for no reason at all," President Judge William E. Baldwin said before sentencing Langtry, 24, of Tremont, to serve one to two years in a state correctional institution.

Baldwin also sentenced Langtry to pay costs and $72,443.27 restitution to David A. Kramer, the victim of his assault.

The restitution is for Kramer's medical bills, Assistant District Attorney Thomas J. "Tim" Pellish said.

In a one-day trial over which Baldwin presided, a jury of seven men and five women found Langtry guilty of simple assault and not guilty of aggravated assault. Baldwin found Langtry guilty of harassment.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Langtry, who did not testify during his trial and said nothing during Tuesday's sentencing hearing, with assaulting Kramer about 11:30 p.m. May 24 at the defendant's 69 Spring St. residence.

"I was hit in the face repeatedly, I'm going to say 15 or 20 times. He just went nuts on me," Kramer testified at the trial. "I did not have a split second to even defend myself."

Kramer said he had gone to Langtry's residence to complain about loud music and had been let in by Langtry's girlfriend, Nikki Leininger. He said he went to talk with Langtry and denied touching him at all.

Baldwin accepted the request of Pellish, who asked that Langtry be sent to a state correctional institution in order to protect area citizens.

"The commonwealth is very concerned" about Langtry's violent behavior, Pellish said in asking for a state prison sentence. "Mr. Langtry is a habitual type of offender."

Assistant Public Defender Lora J. McDonald, Langtry's lawyer, asked Baldwin to send her client to county instead of state prison.

"He overreacted. He's sorry for the damage he did," McDonald said.

However, Baldwin rejected that request.

"You have a history of violent behavior," he told Langtry. Defendant: Daniel T. Langtry

Age: 24

Residence: Tremont

Crimes committed: Simple assault and harassment

Prison sentence: One to two years in a state correctional institution

SAINT CLAIR - The borough council adopted its 2014 budget with a 1-mill tax increase Tuesday night.

The tax rate was set at 5 mills and comes after the council increased the tax rate from 3.34 mills to 4 mills last year to help finance the continuing battle against the Blythe Recycling and Demolition Site landfill.

The motion to adopt the 2014 tax ordinance was originally voted down Tuesday, as it was a tie and Mayor Robert Maley had the deciding vote.

Earlier in the night, the borough council approved a resolution authorizing a council member to participate via speaker phone or through a computer. Councilwoman Valaria Davis, who was not in attendance, was called but could not be reached.

A short time later, Davis arrived at the meeting and a motion was approved to bring the tax ordinance vote up again, when it then passed with Davis' vote of approval.

Councilmen Thomas Brennan and John Houseknecht and Vice President Michael Petrozino opposed the tax rate increase.

In other business, the borough council approved a motion to allow borough solicitor Edward Brennan to file any paperwork necessary to vacate the interest penalties assessed by borough residents due to the failure of the tax collector to promptly turn in the taxes.

In December 2012, borough tax collector Kimberly Lutzkanin deposited money into a wrong account. This caused residents to receive delinquency notices, but the situation is now being rectified.

According to newspaper archives, Lutzkanin said that she signed off with the school district, the borough and the county on Jan. 15 as having all tax deposits balanced, but then in March, telephone calls began to come in.

She later learned that when she made a deposit in December when the school district was closed, she was out of deposit slips, but explained to the bank who she was and the about $15,000 deposit was made.

"That deposit was erroneously deposited into another Saint Clair Area School District account," Lutzkanin said previously.

The borough council also approved a motion to raise the price of parking tickets to $25 from $10.

ORWIGSBURG - The borough plans to build a development of 33 townhouses between Grove Street and Hope Avenue on Route 443 East.

"It would be our intent to break ground in late spring or early summer (2014)," said Brian Kobularcik, a partner in B5K-K46, a limited partnership business entity headquartered in Sinking Spring, which is working on the development project.

He said B5K-K46 wanted to built there because "it presented itself as a site," adding that "a lot of people have a desire to live in Orwigsburg Borough."

The borough council gave conditional final approval for the plan April 8, 2009.

Borough manager Mike Lonergan said "the developer ran into financial problmes and the property was turned over to Vist Bank in lieu of foreclosure," adding it took the bank time to find a buyer for the property.

Kobularcik provided few details. "I'm hesitant to say anything," he said.

He added that a highway occupancy permit from PennDOT and from the Schuylkill County Conservation District also was not received. The permit from the district allows the developer to disturb the soil. The engineering firm for the project, Brinkash & Associates Inc., Ashland, is reviewing the plans for compliance with applicable regulations, he said. Borough manager Mike Lonergan said the plan must conform with the borough subdivision and land development ordinance.

An exact cost has not been determined for the homes but they could cost between $125,000 and $150,000. The homes will have garages, he said. There will be a homeowners' association for the residents.

Lonergan said the planned development, which was formerly referred to as The Bottom, will be named The Villas of Orwigsburg. The name was changed at the request of borough officials, who wanted a more appropriate name, Lonergan said.

The development will have public water and sewer.

In November, the council voted to removed the walking trails from the development. They essentially didn't got anywhere, Lonergan said.

A waiver was also approved for sidewalks contingent on them being constructed within six months after the borough notifies the responsible party. The sidewalks interfered with a highway occupancy permit with the State Department of Transportation, Lonergan said.

The preliminary subdivision and land development plan dated June 2008 shows 33 lots, two common areas (places where residents may frequent), a wetland area that can't be disturbed and two roads and other features. Lots are either 24 feet or 30 foot, according to the plan. Even though it is 2013, Lonergan said the lot size hasn't changed. An updated plan showing the changes will be submitted at a later date, he said.

There is one entrance area.

Lonergan said he is looking forward to the added revenue and the residents the development will bring to the borough.

"There hasn't been a new home building permit for several years," he said, with the last permit being for Ridgeview Development in 2006 or 2007.

The last two developments were Lantern Green, a 28-home development on East Market Street, and Ridgeview, which has 97 lots.