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Pedestrians killed in crashes on Route 924, Interstate 81

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Two men — one from Ringtown and the other from Hazleton — died in pedestrian crashes that occurred 10 minutes apart in two locations Saturday night.

The first crash occurred about 10:45 p.m. on Route 924, Ringtown Boulevard, in West Mahanoy Township, according to Trooper Joseph Aponick of the Frackville station.

Trooper Justin Humanick of the Schuylkill Haven station said the second crash occurred about 10:55 p.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate 81 at mile marker 133.6, the Delano exit in Delano Township.

Killed in the first crash was Onesimo Palomino Asencio, 24, of Hazleton, according to the Schuylkill County Coroner’s Office.

Aponick said that Asencio was walking in the northbound lanes of Route 924 when he was struck by a 1999 Toyota Rav 4 driven north by Monica L. Arnold, 19, of Mahanoy City.

Asencio died at the scene while Arnold and her two passengers — Derec Kovach, 20, of Ringtown, and Abigail Foose, 18, of Mahanoy City — were not injured.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:15 p.m. by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Andrew Szczgylak, Shenandoah.

In the second crash, Humanick said Raymond Milosh III, 40, of Ringtown, was driving a vehicle that became disabled on the right berm of the interstate just south of the Delano exit.

Milosh exited his vehicle and, for some reason, walked into the right lane of the interstate and into the path of a 2004 Ford Explorer driven south by a 26-year-old man.

The driver of the SUV tried to swerve to the left in an attempt to avoid hitting Milosh but was unable to do so and struck the man with the right front of the vehicle.

Humanick did not release the identity of the driver or two passengers who were with him at the time of the crash. Emergency personnel at the scene said the driver and his passengers were not hurt.

Milosh was pronounced dead at the scene by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner David Truskowsky, Mahanoy City.

On Route 924, firefighters from Shenandoah Heights and Shenandoah EMS assisted troopers, while firefighters from Ryan Township, Delano and McAdoo along with Ryan Township EMS and American Patient Transport Services assisted on Interstate 81.

Both vehicles involved in the fatal crashes were towed from the scene of their respective locations.

Troopers said no charges are expected to be filed against the drivers in the two crashes and that a state police accident reconstruction expert assisted in the investigations.


At first Kennedy Dinner, Cartwright stresses concerns about voting rights

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PRIMROSE — At the inaugural Kennedy Dinner, hosted by the Schuylkill County Democratic Committee on Sunday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-17, said this election year voting rights may be a concern in some parts of the country.

“The Voting Rights Act was gutted three years ago by the U.S. Supreme Court. What the Voting Rights Act did was it made a list of jurisdictions where there had been voting rights abuses, mostly in the southern states, mostly in the deep South,” Cartwright said before a crowd of more than 125 at St. Nicholas Hall in Primrose.

In June 2013, the Supreme Court, in a vote of 5 to 4, struck down the heart of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, allowing nine states to change their election laws without advance federal approval.

The law had applied to nine states — Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia — and to numerous counties and municipalities in other states, including Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx, according to an article published on the website for The New York Times.

“The Voting Rights Act said these are the jurisdictions where, historically, there have been problems. So we’re going to institute a rule that any time there is a voting rule change in any of these jurisdictions, it has to be pre-approved by the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., before they’re allowed to do it. That was the pre-clearance rule. And the Supreme Court held that in tact. But what they did three years ago is said ‘The list of jurisdictions is outdated. That was 50 years ago. You have to do it over,’ ” Cartwright said.

“Maybe they realized that Congress is Republican-controlled right now and they’re not passing civil rights acts right now. Or maybe they’re on the up and up. But either way, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is now still inoperable because of that. And I say that because I want you to pay attention to it in the fall,” Cartwright told the crowd.

“If you think Donald Trump is an embarrassment to the Republican party — and he is, and he will continue to embarrass them — what will really come out as an embarrassment this fall is when we see the same types of voting rights abuses happening in the deep South that happened all along. And they’re going to do it and they’re going to get away with it because there is, effectively, no pre-clearance rule right now. So stay tuned this fall. There are going to be a lot of regrettable, sad voting rights abuses particularly in the deep South but also in other places. These are the things that the Kennedys fought against,” Cartwright said, referring to the family of John F. Kennedy, the 35th U.S. president, who Sunday’s dinner was named in honor of.

Kennedy was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. And Sunday was the 48th anniversary of the assassination of his brother, Robert F. “Bobby” Kennedy, a U.S. senator who was campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination when he was shot June 5, 1968, in Los Angeles, California. He died the next day at age 42, according to www.history.com.

“Civil rights were something that the Kennedys stood up for. Things were changing in this country. And part of looking forward and being a forward-thinking person was standing up for civil rights. Let’s all pledge together to do that,” Cartwright said.

The Inaugural Kennedy Dinner was held to bring together members of the Schuylkill County Democratic Committee, and the plan is to make it an annual event, Hugh Reiley, the committee’s chairman, said Sunday.

“One aspect of the dinner is to recognize the contributions of individuals who have supported and sustained the values of the party,” Marybeth Matz, the committee’s finance officer, said.

The following 19 individuals, who were very involved in the Democratic politics, were honored posthumously at the event:

Peter J. Swoboda, Frackville; Beatrice A. Beatty Belsak, New Ringgold; Margaret H. “Betsy” Leganza, Orwigsburg; Margaret G. Doyle, Cass Township; Metro Litwak, Shenandoah; John R. Klinger Sr., Pine Grove; Connie A. Caldonetti, Tamaqua; Sen. Albert I. Nagle, Auburn; John G. Toner, Saint Clair; Robert D. Evans, Tamaqua; Ronald J. Parker, Pottsville; George J. Koval, Pottsville; Peter J. McCloskey, Pottsville; Ethel McCloskey Joyce, Pottsville; Patrick J. McGeever, Pottsville; Mayor Michael A. Close, Pottsville; Mayor Terence P. Reiley, Pottsville; James M. Benedict, Pottsville; and Magisterial District Justice Charles V. Moran, Minersville.

“I’d like to take a minute to explain how these people were selected. They are not meant to be the only people to be recognized. This is meant to be an ongoing event. There are others who will be recognized in the future. However, these are the ones that we’re honoring today,” Chester C. Corse, the committee’s parliamentarian, said.

Matz said an invitation to Sunday’s event was sent to Hillary Clinton. While the presidential candidate was unable to attend, she did send a letter to the Schuylkill County Democratic Party. Dated June 5, 2016, it was put on display at the event.

“I am delighted to send my warmest greetings to everyone gathered in Pottsville for the Schuylkill County Democratic Committee’s Inaugural Kennedy Dinner. While I regret that I cannot be with you in person, I am sending my best wishes for what is sure to be a wonderful evening in the company of your fellow Democrats and in support of the progressive values we hold dear,” Clinton said in the letter.

She goes on to say: “There is a lot at stake in this election. We need to secure Democratic victories up and down the ticket, not just in the presidential race, because we know all too well what happens when we don’t. Across the country, we have witnessed the effects of the steady, deliberate push by the Republican Party to flood our cities, counties and states with politicians who preach their out-of-touch, out-of-date agenda. We have to fight back, we have to compete everywhere — at all levels of government — and we have to win.”

Around the region, June 6, 2016

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n Eckley: An archaeological field school sponsored by the University of Maryland will conduct archeological excavations at Eckley Miners’ Village through July 8. The village is a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission historic site in Luzerne County preserving the buildings and interpreting the lives of anthracite miners and has been an active site for more than 160 years, according to an Eckley press release. Bode Morin, site administrator, said the village is pleased to welcome back the university’s archaeology field school. This is the sixth year that the archaeology team, led by Paul Shackel, a university professor, will be working in northeastern Pennsylvania. The archeology is focusing on Back Street, where the new immigrants tended to settle and live as they pursued economic stability, Morin said. Camille Westmont, a doctoral student at the University of Maryland, will use the results of the excavations for her dissertation research. Those participating in the excavations come from the region and as far as Arizona. Excavations are open to the public and also will be accessible during Patchtown Days on June 25 and 26. For more information, call the village at 570-636-2070, visit www.eckleyminersvillage.com or Facebook at Eckley Archaeology Project.

n Pine Grove: Two wildlife day camps for children are being offered this year at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. The first camp, for children ages 4 through 6, will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and the second camp, for children ages 7 to 9, will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Both are June 22 to 24. Both camps will be led by Patrick M. “Porcupine Pat” McKinney, environmental education coordinator with the Schuylkill Conservation District and are being run on a “donation only” basis, according to a press release. “We want to make the camps available to all children regardless of ability to pay,” McKinney said in the release, adding, “You can pay for one day or all three days, whatever you decide is fine.” The focus of each camp is learning about wildlife, insects and plants and will include activities designed to stimulate curiosity and natural awareness. The camps are sponsored by the Snayberger Memorial Foundation and the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation. All campers must be registered in advance by calling McKinney at 570-622-4124, ext. 113 or emailing him at porcupinepat@yahoo.com.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial donations: For Betty Burns from Dory Laudeman; for Regina Farber from the Ellen C. Schlitzer family; for Myrtle Y. Furness from Harold Furness; for Nancy Gellegher from Bette Chelak and Jacci Lord; for Keith D. Mitchell from Ellen and Jay Zane; for Ellen Schlitzer from the Donohue family, Peggy and Ralph Jaeger; for Florence Silberling from Margaret Thomas, Donald Schneider; for Susan Tonitis from Steve Lilienthal; for Regina J. Yanek from Dr. and Mrs. William R. Davidson.

n Pottsville: Laptime at the Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 Market St., is set for 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. The free event will include free play, readings, singing and a simple craft. It is a way to introduce young children to a group environment, according to a library press release. Siblings are welcome. The program will go from June 8 to July 27 and is recommended for children 17 months to 3 years old. People are asked to register. For more information, call 570-622-8880. Storytime, for children ages 3 to 5, will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays today through July 25 at the library. People are asked to register. The library will also sponsor “Builders’ Bonanza” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays in June and July beginning today, for children 5 to 12. It will involve creations with LEGOs and Goldieblox plus other educational toys. Donations will be accepted and people are asked to register. Family Night at the library will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays in June and July beginning July 9. There will be special programs and guests and children who participate will have the opportunity to take home prizes. Call the aforementioned number for more information.

Schuylkill County plans annual Fall Cleanup

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Schuylkill County has started planning its annual Fall Cleanup for September.

The event gives county residents an opportunity to properly dispose of items that are not collected by garbage trucks, like tires, electronics, appliances and bulky items.

The cleanup will start Sept. 12 and end Sept. 24.

It is funded through the county commissioners and the state Department of Environmental Protection, which reimburses the county up to 50 percent of the costs.

There will be 13 collection sites throughout the county. Although some locations are still being finalized, they will be in Pottsville, Minersville, CES Landfill, Girardville, North Manheim Township, Pine Grove, Tamaqua Transfer Station, Ringtown and Tremont.

Since 2013, federal law has forbidden trash haulers from collecting electronic devices such as TVs, computers, keyboards, printers or air conditioners. These items must be recycled as they may contain hazardous waste not suitable for a landfill.

A cost may be associated with some items. The county still has to solicit bids for electronic collection services.

Last year, the county did not receive any bids to collect electronics. It wasn’t until within a month of the event that Vintage Tech Recyclers, Philadelphia, agreed to haul the electronic waste away free of charge.

The 2015 event collected:

60.59 tons in tires

288 tons in electronics

65.66 tons in scrap metal and appliances

79.08 tons in bulky items

Exact locations and further information will be listed on the county website at www.co.schuylkill.pa.us/Offices/Recycles.

Minersville boy raises money for steam locomotive project

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MINERSVILLE — Thomas Wagner has a special request for his birthday.

Instead of having a party, the 5-year-old from Minersville with a love of trains wants people to make donations to CNJ Locomotive 113.

Thomas, who celebrates his birthday Thursday, almost hit his goal of raising $500.

To raise the funds, Thomas sent letters to family and friends, and posted a request on Facebook, his dad, John Wagner, said.

“He’s very passionate about trains,” John Wagner said.

Wagner said his son came up with the idea when he was asked by his mother, Laura, what he wanted to do for a party.

Thomas said he often sees the train when he is riding in the car with his parents.

On June 3, Thomas got to take a ride on the locomotive with conductor Mike Smith and engineer Chris Bost. He wore a shirt with the locomotive on it, a blue and white hat and headphones to muffle the loud noise.

Thomas departed from the Minersville Train Station for a short ride down the rails. The boy didn’t have a lot of time, as he was going on vacation.

Thomas said he wants to be a train engineer when he grows up.

Robert Kimmel Jr., president of Railway Restoration Project 113, a Minersville-based nonprofit organization, said he was thankful for the Thomas’s generosity.

“That’s pretty amazing for a 5-year-old boy,” he said.

Both Kimmel and Wagner share a birthday. Kimmel will be 51.

Kimmel said the upkeep on CNJ Locomotive 113 is an ongoing issue.

“There’s always little things,” he said.

The steam engine dates back to 1923 when it was used to pull cars around in a rail yard by the Central Railroad of New Jersey. Restoration on the locomotive started in 1999 and cost about $600,000, he said previously. Though his wish was granted, Wagner said his son will still get gifts for his birthday.

 

 

Alleged child rapist’s trial highlights June criminal court term

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The trial of a Shenandoah man who allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl and got her pregnant will highlight the June criminal term, which will start today and run through June 14 in Schuylkill County Court.

Hector Rico, 34, faces 32 sex-related charges, including four counts each of rape of a child, aggravated indecent assault and statutory sexual assault.

However, the exact starting date of his trial has not been determined, nor has it been assigned to a judge.

Shenandoah police have alleged that Rico had sexual relations with the child in a borough residence during most of the 2014-15 school year, lasting until March 19, 2015, when she told her mother what had occurred.

At Rico’s preliminary hearing on May 7, 2015, the girl testified Rico had sexual relations with her more than once a week while her mother was at work.

Assistant District Attorney Debra A. Smith will prosecute the case, while Assistant Public Defender Kent D. Watkins will represent Rico.

Rico’s jury trial is one of 12 scheduled to be held during the term, Deputy Court Administrator John Richmond said Friday.

While officials had expected the term to have more cases, Richmond said guilty pleas and continuances reduced the number of trials that would be held.

First Assistant District Attorney John T. Fegley said Friday that some cases that were expected to be tried could not be.

“There were some last-minute issues that required continuances” in some of those cases, he said.

Four jury trials are scheduled to begin today. Defendants in those cases include:

• Robert Boardman, 52, of Pottsville, who is charged with driving under the influence, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and careless driving. Judge Jacqueline L. Russell will preside over the case.

• Clarence E. Eckert Jr., 47, of New Philadelphia, who is charged with aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and simple assault. President Judge William E. Baldwin will preside over the case.

• Donna Hartranft, 42, of Pottsville, who is charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Judge John E. Domalakes will preside over the case.

• Marcellus A. Jones, 37, of Frackville, who is charged with aggravated harassment by prisoner, simple assault and harassment. Judge James P. Goodman will preside over the case.

Criminal court, June 7, 2016

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A Frackville man admitted Thursday in Schuylkill County Court that he drove under the influence twice in August 2015.

Shane M. Drumheller, 33, pleaded guilty to DUI in one case and DUI, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages and driving under suspension-DUI related in the other.

Judge James P. Goodman accepted the plea, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and said he would schedule Drumheller’s sentencing for a later date. Goodman allowed Drumheller to remain free on $10,000 unsecured bail pending sentencing.

Frackville borough police in the one case alleged Drumheller was DUI on Aug. 10, 2015, in the borough.

West Mahanoy Township police in the other case alleged Drumheller was DUI and possessed drugs and paraphernalia on Aug. 28, 2015, in the township.

In other recent county court action, Judge Charles M. Miller accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Jamell C. Boyd, 24, of Leesport; terroristic threats and harassment; six to 12 months in prison concurrent with current sentence and $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of harassment.

Bradley J. Haslam Jr., 22, of Pottsville; fleeing or eluding police, trespass by motor vehicle, operating snowmobile or ATV without muffler and operating snowmobile or ATV at unsafe speed; 18 months probation concurrent to current sentence, $125 in fines and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew charges of operating snowmobile or ATV without registration certificate, unlawful operation of snowmobile or ATV on streets or highways, operating snowmobile or ATV without liability insurance and stop sign violation.

Steven M. Hensel, 30, of Minersville; disorderly conduct; six months probation and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of disorderly conduct.

Thomas J. Kehl, 25, of Tamaqua; receiving stolen property and criminal mischief; nine to 24 months in a state correctional institution, $50 CJEA payment, $2,641.67 restitution and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Shy Ann Kilraine-Richter, 27, of Minersville; possession of a controlled substance; 12 months probation, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 CJEA payment and $239 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

“Stay away from the stuff,” Miller warned Kilraine-Richter. “You’ll ruin your health.”

Drarwin G. Knight Jr., 24, of Pottsville; receiving stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of theft.

Davina I. Leymeister, 44, of Saint Clair; possession of a controlled substance; 23 months probation, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Adam Lutz, 29, of Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia; time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment.

Robert Macharsky Jr., 42, address not known; theft by deception; one to 23 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment and $153.71 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew charges of receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Megan R. Maguschak, 24, of Beaver Meadows; theft; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and $64.91 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew charges of retail theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Charles A. Palina, 27, of Mechanicsville; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; 18 months probation, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Justin A. Pasinski, 26, of Pottsville; driving under the influence; 48 hours to six months house arrest with electronic monitoring, $500 fine, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street.

Andrew T. Putlock, 33, of Schuylkill Haven; four counts of identity theft and two each of access device fraud and theft by deception; time served to 24 months in prison with immediate parole, 11 months consecutive probation, $150 in CJEA payments, $150 bench warrant fee, $514.36 restitution and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of receiving stolen property.

Shannon K. Reed, 33, of Pottsville; six counts of possession of a controlled substance and two of possession of drug paraphernalia; 23 months probation, $200 in SAEF payments, $100 in CJEA payments and $365 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of public drunkenness.

Holly A. Rhode, 47, of Pottsville; failure to drive at a safe speed; $25 fine. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of DUI.

Edward L. Rivera Jr., 31, of Tamaqua; two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one each of possession of a controlled substance and operating vehicle without valid inspection; 12 months probation, $25 fine, $300 in SAEF payments and $150 in CJEA payments. Prosecutors withdrew an additional count of possession of drug paraphernalia and one count of driving under suspension.

Ernest A. Rosemond, 38, of Pottsville; criminal trespass; $75 fine. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of defiant trespass.

Melissa A. Rossin, 41, of Cumbola; disorderly conduct and public drunkenness; 12 months probation, $25 fine and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew charges of theft and harassment.

Scott L. Sargent, 31, of Shenandoah; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

James B. Schubert, 54, of Aliquippa; bad checks; one to two years in a state correctional institution concurrent with current sentence, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

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

Inmate found not guilty of spitting on corrections officer

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Marcellus A. Jones did not spit at a corrections officer in June 2014 at State Correctional Institution/Mahanoy, a Schuylkill County jury ruled Monday.

However, Jones, 37, of Philadelphia, will be going nowhere except back behind bars, since he already is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder.

After deliberating about 15 minutes, the jury of eight men and four women decided he was not guilty of aggravated harassment by prisoner and simple assault. Judge James P. Goodman, who presided over Jones’ one-day trial, also found the defendant not guilty of harassment.

Jones smiled and thanked the jury for its verdict.

State police at Frackville alleged that while Jones was being transferred to a different cell at SCI/Mahanoy, he spat on Lt. Jeffrey Banks on June 30, 2014.

“He spat in my direction. He sprayed the left side of my face. I believe all I did was flinch and raise my arm,” Banks testified.

Banks also testified that Jones was uncooperative during his transfer.

“He kept squirming,” Banks said. “There was just no compliance.”

When cross-examined by Hank J. Clarke, Pottsville, Jones’ lawyer, Banks said the defendant refused to move initially but then did so, although he complained the entire trip.

Corrections Officer Paul Peters also testified he saw Jones’ saliva hit Banks. He said Jones originally was uncooperative but did walk to his new cell.

Corrections Officer Christopher Swartz testified he filmed the entire move and also saw Jones spit on Banks.

In her closing argument, District Attorney Christine A. Holman said the evidence proved Jones’ guilt.

“It’s clear” that Jones spat on Banks, and nurse Sherry Whitecavage also saw the spit on the victim, Holman said. “This was spit. It was saliva. He was put in imminent fear.”

However, jurors accepted Clarke’s closing argument that the video Swartz shot did not show any spitting by Jones but does show him treated roughly by the officers.

“They’re just wrong, and the video shows that,” Clarke said of the corrections officers.

Jones already is serving life plus 12 1/2 to 25 years after being convicted on June 4, 2012, in Philadelphia County Court of first-degree murder, robbery and possessing instrument of crime. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 24 in Philadelphia before Judge Steven R. Geroff, who presided over his trial and imposed the sentence he is serving, on his petition for a new trial in that case.

Philadelphia police charged Jones with killing Tyrek Taylor, 19, on Sept. 6, 2008.

The defendant

· Name: Marcellus A. Jones

· Age: 37

· Residence: Philadelphia

· Verdict: Not guilty of aggravated harassment by prisoner and simple assault; also found by judge to be not guilty of harassment


Vietnam veteran honored posthumously with Purple Heart in Mahanoy City

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MAHANOY CITY — A Mahanoy City veteran of the Vietnam War was posthumously honored on Monday with the presentation of the Purple Heart and seven other medals during a special ceremony held by the local congressman.

U.S. Rep Matt Cartwright, D-17, conducted the ceremony at M&M Redzone in Mahanoy City in order to present the military medals earned by the late Manuel “Manny” Fernandez to his widow, Carol Moucheron Fernandez, Mahanoy City, and his family.

Fernandez served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969 in the Army as a specialist. He died at age 67 on March 11, 2014, from cancer attributed to his exposure to the chemical herbicide called Agent Orange.

Before the ceremony, Carol Fernandez spoke of her husband as a kind man who was a great father and very interested in the community. He earned his Purple Heart in combat saving a fellow soldier in February 1968.

“He was a squad leader that day and they were being attacked by the Vietnamese,” she said. “His friend went ahead of him and was shot. My husband went to help him and they shot my husband, who picked up his friend despite being wounded and carried him over his shoulder like you see in the movies. While he was running, a grenade went off and threw both of them.”

Fernandez said it wasn’t an error that her husband did not receive his medals, but because he never sought them.

“He told me that he didn’t feel that he needed them, that he didn’t deserve them, he didn’t want them because he knew what he did over there,” she said. “He was a very humble man. I think, too, that he didn’t want to be reminded what he saw and what he did over there. That’s just the way he was.”

After being discharged in May 1969, Fernandez returned home to Mahanoy City and married Carol one month later. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Pottsville as a mail carrier for 35 years.

“He was a fantastic person,” Carol said. “He was very active with all different organizations.”

He was active with the Mahanoy City Elks Lodge 695, American Legion Post 74, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS and Saint Clair Fish and Game Club, and was a coach of the Mahanoy Area Midget cheerleaders, Mahanoy City Little League coach for the Rotary team, Midget football and the Mahanoy City Elks Teener League.

After Fernandez had passed away, his wife began looking into the awards her husband had earned. Carol completed forms provided by the DAV through Veterans Service Officer Bruce Kosack and she submitted them to the office of state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, of Mahanoy City, who in turn forwarded them to Cartwight’s office.

“Within the month, I got the call (from Cartwright’s office),” Carol said. “I knew he was entitled to some medals, but I didn’t realize how many.”

The call came from Sabrina A. McLaughlin, who is Cartwright’s veterans affairs caseworker.

“She told me that there were 12 in all (including ribbons), and there is a 13th that is pending. She told me that the congressman said he is a true war hero and deserves to have these presented and not sent in the mail. That’s how this came about.”

The medals, mounted in a glass-covered display or shadowbox, are the Purple Heart, Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Double Bronze Star Attachment, the Combat Infantryman Badge, an Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, and a Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle and Machine Gun Bar and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.

The Purple Heart is the oldest military honor that can be bestowed upon military personnel, its origins going back to the War for Independence and Gen. George Washington. It is awarded to individuals who are wounded or killed in combat in defense of the country as a result of an act by an enemy force in opposition to the United States.

The medals shadowbox, three small cases with the award ribbons and a framed photo of Manuel Fernandez were placed on a table in front of Cartwright as he began the ceremony.

“I talked to Carol on the phone and this is really my favorite job as a congressman. It is so important to do this — to recognize the contributions of those who risked their lives for our liberty and our freedom and our civil rights,” Cartwright said.

Cartwright spoke of Fernandez’s military record in Vietnam and read the awards being presented, explaining the purpose of each one.

In addition to Carol Fernandez, other relatives attending the ceremony were their daughter, Gina Morgan and her husband, Ryan Morgan; granddaughters, Brianna and Madison “Maddie” Marquardt; nephew, Bobby Moucheron, owner of this restaurant, and his wife, Cassie Moucheron; nephew, Thomas Moucheron and his wife, Paula Moucheron; Fernandez’s brother-in-law, Al Moucheron.

Cartwright explained the injuries sustained by Fernandez in Vietnam.

“The act of heroism which led to Mr. Fernandez being wounded in Vietnam and being awarded the Purple Heart medal which I am presenting to him today occurred in combat in 1968,” Cartwight said. “In the chaos and fog of war, Mr. Fernandez saw that one of his service buddies was shot while his squad was under heavy fire. He was selflessly running to his wounded comrade to rescue him when he was also shot in the back of his left shoulder. Mr. Fernandez managed to lift his friend in an attempt to bear him away to safety while still under enemy fire and in spite of being wounded himself. While trying to carry his fellow infantryman he was also hit with a grenade blast which severely damaged his leg. He was evacuated to an Army hospital in Japan so that the serious wounds he suffered could be treated.

Cartwright continued, “Mr. Fernandez’s wounds were so severe, the Army doctors’ initial prognosis was that he would require amputation of both his arm and leg. In fact, the Army even called Mr. Fernandez’s mother to break the news that he was seriously wounded in combat and told her that he had lost an arm and a leg. Fortunately, the Army medical staff was able to save his limbs and his prognosis improved to the point where amputation was not required. However, Mr. Fernandez patiently bore the pain of his wounds for the remaining decades of his life. He carried small shards of shrapnel that were too small to remove inside his body throughout his life, and he also suffered from illnesses including lung cancer, which were the direct result of his combat service and exposure to Agent Orange while he was in Vietnam.”

Cartwright presented the shadowbox to Carol Fernandez and said, “By order of the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense, I am pleased to present to you the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, the Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, and the Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle & Machine Gun Bar.”

Fernandez listened to the congressman and could be seen holding back her tears, and then accepted the medals with a smile, followed by tears.

“On behalf of a grateful nation,” Cartwright said in handing her the medals, which was followed by applause from everyone.

Cartwright asked if anyone wanted to say a few words. Several family members spoke, including Gina Morgan, who was tearful as she came over to stand next to her mother.

“First of all, thank you to everybody for coming,” Morgan said. “It means so much to us. We’re so proud of him. He was always my hero and now everyone can see what a true hero he really was. Thank you so much.”

Pottsville Pride to launch Fitness Challenge

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To encourage citizens to stay in shape, Pottsville Pride has come up with a new initiative.

It’s called the “2016 Pottsville Fitness Challenge.” It’s a schedule of activities — like walking, running and dodge ball — to be held in the city on 23 days between June 25 to July 23. More than 40 events have been scheduled, City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said Monday.

“This communitywide initiative will be open to area residents of all ages and fitness levels. Our goal will be to encourage participants to be fit now and fit for life,” Mayor James T. Muldowney said in an April 5 letter seeking sponsors for the program.

“Jim really wanted to do something like this, and he mentioned it in his State of the City address,” Palamar said.

“This communitywide fitness and wellness initiative will encourage healthier lifestyles for all ages and fitness levels. Our goal is to coordinate local recreational and support resources in our area and motivate people to be fit for life. It is anticipated that this initiative will be held in the summer,” the mayor said in his address Feb. 4.

Palamar said the initiative is also the mayor’s response to a report released in March, which stated that Schuylkill County is among the 10 unhealthiest counties in Pennsylvania. Schuylkill ranked 61st healthiest of the state’s 67 counties in the seventh annual County Health Rankings by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute.

“So we thought the time couldn’t be better for us to put something together,” Palamar said.

The organizers include: Muldowney; Palamar; Robert J. Oravitz, CEO of the Schuylkill YMCA; city Councilman Joseph J. Devine Jr.; Eric Muldowney, nephew of the mayor, and his wife, Jenn; Kelly Lombel; and Josh Muldowney, the mayor’s son.

There are more than 20 sponsors who provided financial support, according to Rebecca Trefsger, Palamar’s secretary.

And the events will be held at locations including Schuylkill YMCA, the City of Pottsville JFK Recreation Complex and the track at Pottsville Area School District’s Veterans Stadium.

Registration will be $10 until the day the events start, June 25. Then registration goes up to $15, Palamar said.

“And the first 100 people who register get a T-shirt. So people should register early because we can run out of shirts,” Oravitz said.

“And we’re only going to guarantee shirts for the first 100,” Palamar said.

Palamar said the shirts will feature logos designed by two area school students.

The schedule

There are a variety of activities on the schedule.

It begins 11 a.m. June 25 with “Independent Walking/Running.” The location is still being determined, Palamar said.

It continues June 27 with two events scheduled for 6 p.m. that night, an Introduction to Yoga hosted by Beth Shields at The Warehouse at 300 E. Railroad St., and “Aqua Aerobics at JFK.”

Other events include “The Jungle Speed & Agility Camp” scheduled for 6 p.m. June 28 at Schuylkill YMCA, hosted by Craig Stevens, an instructor at The Jungle Fitness Center, Schuylkill Haven.

From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 30, participants can test their endurance in an “Army Bootcamp” at the Schuylkill YMCA, Oravitz said.

“As of right now, that’s going to be run by Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Wazelle, a recruiter from Army Recruiting Center, Pottsville. And there may be others, based on his schedule. But right now, he’s the lead on that project,” Oravitz said.

For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page, “2016 Pottsville Fitness Challenge.”

Local artists

To promote the program, Pottsville Pride needed a logo for T-shirts, and held a contest in April to encourage local artists from area schools to develop one.

By the deadline for entries, which was May 1, the city received 21. And after reviewing them, the organizers picked two winners.

The design that will go on the front of the T-shirts was developed by Daijah Walker, 12, of Pottsville Area. She will be a seventh-grader in the 2016-17 school year.

The design that will go on the back of the shirts was developed by Cierra Zelanko, 18, who is graduating from Nativity BVM High School today.

The designers received $50, two of the T-shirts and two challenge registrations, Palamar said.

Allentown Diocese announces new appointments, transfers of priests

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ALLENTOWN — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown announced Monday new and additional pastoral assignments for 28 priests in the five-county diocese, including several in Schuylkill County, effective June 14.

The Rev. Paul L. Rothermel will become the new pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Ashland, which has been without a pastor after the death of the Rev. John W. Bambrick on March 11. Monsignor William F. Glosser, dean of the Schuylkill Deanery and pastor of St. Clare of Assisi Church in Saint Clair, has been the administrator.

Rothermel currently pastors Most Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Tremont. The parish also includes Ss. Peter and Paul Chapel in Tower City.

A Schuylkill County native, Rothermel was ordained in 1994 by the Most Rev. Thomas J. Welsh, then bishop of Allentown, in the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Sienna, Allentown.

The Rev. Jason Stokes has been appointed as administrator of Most Blessed Trinity Parish, along with prison ministry at State Correctional Institution/Mahanoy, SCI/Frackville, Federal Correctional Institution/Schuylkill, Minersville, and Schuylkill County Prison. His current assignment is parochial vicar at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Sinking Spring.

In Shenandoah, the Rev. G. Jose Kochuparambil (Father Johnson) will leave as parochial vicar of Divine Mercy Parish to become administrator of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Allentown. During his time at Divine Mercy, Father Johnson has provided ministry to the Hispanic population in the Shenandoah area. The diocesan announcement did not mention a replacement.

Diocesan Director of Communication Matt Kerr was contacted Monday and said that the regional priest coordinators from the Diocesan Office of Hispanic Affairs are working out a plan that will involve a rotation of priests to celebrate Masses and deacons to carry on the ministry.

The Rev. David W. Karns will leave as pastor of St. Stephen Parish, Port Carbon, and become the pastor emeritus of the parish, with residence in his private home, effective July 1.

In his place, Glosser will become the administrator of St. Stephen Parish. The Rev. Christopher M. Zelonis was assigned as part-time parochial vicar at St. Clare Parish and will continue in his pastoral ministry at Schuylkill Medical Center and area nursing homes.

The Rev. William N. Seifert, who had been pastor of St. Stephen of Hungary Parish, Allentown, will be part-time parochial vicar at St. Patrick Parish, Pottsville, and part-time pastoral ministry at Schuylkill Medical Center and area nursing homes.

The Rev. Kenneth A. Medve is reassigned from pastor of St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Lansford, to Special Ministry: Catholic Charities, Allentown, with residence at St. Patrick Parish, Pottsville.

Around the region, June 7, 2016

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n Cressona: People will be able to support the Schuylkill County Fair on June 16 at Hoss’s Steak and Sea House. The fair and eatery are teaming up for the fundraiser. Hoss’s will donate a portion of patrons’ food checks, beginning at 11 a.m. and going throughout the day, to the Foundation for Agriculture and Resource Management, parent of the county fair. People who visit Hoss’s on that day will need a Hoss’s Community Night letter which can be obtained by visiting the fair’s website at www.schuylkillfair.com/exhibits, where there will be a PDF copy of the fair premium book. The letter is toward to end of the document. The 2016 Schuylkill County Fair will run Aug. 1 through 6 at the fairgrounds in Summit Station. For more information about the fair, visit its website, Twitter or Facebook.

n Frackville: A free lunch program for children will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Mondays through Fridays now to Aug. 19 at Memorial Park, West Spring Street. Only children can receive the food and must remain in the park while eating, according to a release. The lunch will not be held July 1 or 4. Registration and other requirements are not needed.

n Frackville: The Frackville Ministerium Food Bank will be open from 9 to 10 a.m. June 16 to serve eligible residents of the borough. New applicants will need proof of eligibility — a Frackville borough address. The food bank is at Zion Lutheran Church, downstairs entrance by the parking lot on South Beech Street. For more information, call 570-874-0255.

n Frackville: St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, 414 W. Oak St., will have a bleenie sale beginning at 11 a.m. Friday at the church.

n Shamokin: Pennsylvania Retirees Subchapter 8601 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 13 will meet at 1 p.m. today at Brewser’s Sports Grille, 839 W. Water St.

n Shenandoah: Tickets for the Shenandoah Sesquicentennial Dinner Dance, to be held from 6 to 11 p.m. June 25 at the Columbia Hose Company, Centre Street and Stadium Road, are now available at the 116 N. Main St. headquarters of the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. Tickets are $25 each. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-462-2060 or 570-462-9361.

n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Fire Police Association will sponsor the annual rubber duck race on the Schuylkill River at 3 p.m. June 19 — Father’s Day — starting at the Elm Street bridge and ending south of the Cedar Street bridge. The first prize is $1,000, second is $500 and third and fourth are $250 each. Tickets are available through any fire police officer and people need not be present to win. Tickets are $5 each. The rain date is June 26.

n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua High School classes of 1952 and 1953 will hold a combined class picnic on June 25 at Leiby’s Grove in the Lewistown Valley. Anyone who was ever a member of the classes at any time down through the years is invited to attend. Reservations are $23 per person and must be in by June 18. Anyone who has not received an official invitation and registration form and wants more information should call 570-668-1831 or 570-668-3109.

n Weston: Members, volunteers, donators and guests of the Weston Athletic Association are invited to an ice cream social from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Weston Park. Registration is required. To register or for more information, call MaryAnne at 570-384-2375, Diane at 570-384-3311 or Mary at 570-384-3511.

n Zion Grove: Mount Zion Lutheran Church will host a strawberry festival at 4 p.m. June 18. The event will also feature Leilani Chesonis, a Shenandoah area variety singer and entertainer. All are welcome. The church will also have a chicken barbecue from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. The menu will include a half barbecued chicken, baked potato, vegetable, cole slaw, roll, beverage and dessert. All are welcome. For tickets, see any church member.

Pottsville condemns apartment complex, owner appeals

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Frustrated over problems with a roof at a six-unit apartment complex in Pottsville’s Fifth Ward, the city’s code enforcement office Friday condemned the building and insisted all of its residents vacate the premises by Monday night.

The owner of the property, located at 517-523 Fairview St., Mark J. Ameer, Pottstown, Montgomery County, said he’s contacting a lawyer to appeal the matter.

“We have between 13 and 15 people living here. We were given the notice on Friday and they’re making everyone vacate the premises tonight,” Ameer said Monday.

Justin Trefsger, the city’s code enforcement officer and rental inspector who submitted the notice of violation to Ameer, refused to comment on the matter Monday.

“We’re dealing with the lawyers — our lawyers and their lawyers — and I can’t release anything,” Trefsger said.

Trefsger would not release a copy of the violation notice he submitted to Ameer on May 27, but Ameer had a copy Monday. It contains Trefsger’s history of the case:

“Dear Property Owner: On April 24, 2015, you received notice about the roof leaking and the roof was not repaired. Then on March 28, 2016, you again received notice about the roof and that it needed to be replaced. You removed the roof covering from the building and have left the building sit with a tarp on the roof since. No attempt was made to put a new roof on the building. If the roof is not on the building by next Friday — June 3, 2016 — the building will be posted and all the residents will be forced to vacate the premises. The last three days it did not rain during the day and no work has taken place on the building. If you are not going to make the necessary repairs to the building it will be shut down. The building is in violation of 2009 International Property Maintenance Code Section 304.”

Trefsger said Ameer faces three violations in particular:

• “09 IPMC 304.7 roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains, gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance.”

• “09 IPMC 305.3 interior surfaces. All interior surfaces, including windows and doors, shall be maintained in good, clean and sanitary condition. Peeling, chipping, flaking or abraded paint shall be repaired, removed or covered. Cracked or loose plaster, decayed wood and other defective surface conditions shall be corrected.”

• “09 IPMC 301.2 the owner of the premises shall maintain the structures and exterior property in compliance with these requirements, except as otherwise provided for in this code. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit another person to occupy premises which are not in a sanitary and safe condition and which do not comply with the requirements of this chapter. Occupants of a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit are responsible for keeping in a clean, sanitary and safe condition that part of the dwelling unit, rooming unit, housekeeping unit or premises which they occupy and control.”

At the end of the May 27 letter, Trefsger said, “Therefore, within 30 days from the date of this notice the necessary repairs need to be made to the structure. If the work is not completed within this time frame tickets and court mandated citations may be imposed.”

According to Ameer and one of the residents at the complex, Ray Zweizig, Trefsger posted the property Friday by taping signs to the front doors.

Printed on them in red capital letters is the following: “This dwelling unit is in violation of the housing code and its use or occupancy is prohibited.”

In black marker above and below those words, Trefsger wrote the following: “This structure is unsafe and its occupancy prohibited by the code official. As of 6-3-2016. All units 517-523 Fairview Street.”

Ameer said Trefsger told him Friday the tenants had to be out by 6 p.m. Monday.

Ameer and Zweizig weren’t sure if all the tenants could vacate the premises in such a short time frame.

When asked about that Monday, Trefsger said, “That’s the owner’s responsibility.”

City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar agreed.

“I believe whatever approach Justin is taking he’s taking it on the advice of our solicitor. It’s certainly not our responsibility to find alternate housing for people. Our responsibility is to protect their safety. And if Justin believed their safety was compromised by being in that house, then it would have been posted,” Palamar said. The city solicitor is Thomas “Tim” Pellish, Pottsville.

Transwoman shares story, deems controversy overblown

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SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — While the Great American Bathroom Wars rage, a longtime borough resident, well acquainted with the matter at the core of the controversy, questions the motives of some activists.

“It’s a circus,” Diane Lee Morgan, 72, born Dale Lee, said. “I don’t want to be in a circus. I want to be in the future. I am human. I want respect. I give respect.”

Living as a woman since 1973, Diane said she believes that some parties claiming grievances may be looking for money or fame, while politicians are quick to jump on the bandwagon believing slogans of “I support transgender rights” will win them votes. Moreover, identifying as a political conservative — a registered Republican who voted for Ted Cruz in the primary — Morgan dismisses the Obama administration’s May 13 advisory to the nation’s schools on transgender rights “illegal” as in unconstitutional.

Morgan said that she believes someone genuinely striving to live as the opposite sex, or who has completed the physical transition, as she has, would go unnoticed in a restroom.

“They are blowing it out of proportion,” she said. “If a person looks like what they are pretending to be — so to speak — there shouldn’t be a problem.”

As for girls being exposed to male anatomy in public changing areas, she said, “It’s inappropriate. I am not in favor of a boy showing himself in a girls’ locker room.”

However, a transitioning person should be able to cover up with a towel or use a private stall, she said.

“Until Obama, no one made a big deal out of it,” she said.

On the other hand, Morgan said she thinks the fears are unfounded that sexual predators will use the open bathroom policies for cover as a pervert. Prompted by conflicting claims swirling around the news networks and internet, she said that she thought her own story might provide some perspective.

Terminology

Diane distinguishes between transgender and transsexual, an exactitude many reject.

While “transgender” is used generically for anyone identifying with the opposite sex, Diane prefers the older label “transsexual” for those undergoing a transition culminating in sex re-assignment surgery. Diane, whose name has been legally changed and has the sex on her birth and Social Security records and driver’s license, regards herself as fully a woman and no longer a transsexual.

It was a transition that started at age 5, completed only in 2012.

Starts at a young age

Dale Lee Morgan was born March 10, 1944, in Allentown, to Robert and Vivien Miller, unmarried although having the same last name. He was the fourth child of Vivien, who subsequently married George Morgan, Dale’s stepfather whose last name he took.

From age 5, Dale felt he was a girl.

“You know at 4, 5, 6 years old,” Diane said.

Dale was repelled by his male anatomy and liked to dress up in women’s clothing, being reprimanded two or three times when he was caught. At 12, a psychologist diagnosed gender dysphoria — called gender identity disorder at the time — something his mother and stepfather did not accept.

Attending Louis E. Dieruff High School, Allentown, he was in the band, choir, glee club and drama. While working at Sears, he bought a guitar for $110 and taught himself to play. His favorite musicians were Jimi Hendrix and Fats Domino, but he didn’t care for Elvis. He loved Motown, because “it had a lot of feeling,” and The Beatles, who were “so innovative.”

Although he enjoyed music and was an average student, teachers and family often called him “stupid” and he left school in December 1962 without graduating.

A ‘quirk’

“I always lived straight, except for one brief period,” Diane said, explaining that Dale wasn’t completely sure at first what was amiss with him.

In fact, partly to prove his maleness and partly to preempt the draft, he joined the Coast Guard in 1963, scoring a 97 on the entrance exam — Diane flies a Coast Guard flag and the Stars and Stripes on her front porch. Dale went to radio school in Connecticut and was assigned to the cutter Rockaway. Honorably discharged early in 1965, Dale earned a GED and married.

“At that time, I thought I was a transvestite,” Diane said, calling it “my personality quirk,” something Dale explained to his fiancee, Judy, before their marriage that year.

The couple had three children. While Dale Lee Jr. died at age 2 of a viral infection, Tracy, 51, and Bryan, 44, have given Diane six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

“The truly rewarding part of the marriage was the children,” Diane said.

Dale studied computer programming at Lehigh Carbon Community College. An intelligence test he took at the time showed a 137 IQ — putting the lie to the “stupid” appellation, although he didn’t finish the studies.

Yet, the “quirk” proved too much and the marriage broke up in 1972. Thinking he might be a homosexual, Dale lived with a man for six months, and Judy divorced him. He concluded he was not a homosexual and, the following year, he began to live as a woman.

Wanting to keep his initials, Dale chose the name Diane. She went to Dr. Charles Renninger, Allentown, who provided hormone injections causing breast growth and wore a wig.

“I never got harassed or picked on,” Diane recalled, except for a few times before she no longer needed the wig to look feminine. “I guess at five foot eight, I was a little imposing.”

Business and transition

In 1975, Diane met Ann, a lesbian, and the couple married in 1976 before a magistrate as man and wife.

They remained together until Anne’s death in April 2015, in what Diane said was a celibate marriage of convenience and not always happy.

It was more of a business partnership as the couple set up as Morgan & Morgan Alarm Systems, using the electronic know-how acquired in the service and studying computers, as well as a natural knack.

“I can convert anything to anything. No one ever told me boys do this and girls do that,” Diane said.

Ann did the office work for the business. The couple moved to Schuylkill Haven in 1988.

Music continued to play a role in Diane’s life, which included stints in several bands over the years, most lately Just Ducky in Hazleton.

In 2009, Ann began to suffer kidney failure, requiring dialysis.

In 2012, the Morgans sold their business and Diane took out a home equity loan to pay for sex reassignment surgery, which she had put off for years due to the expense. The operation, not covered by insurance, cost $18,500, and was performed at Lower Bucks Hospital by Dr. Christine McGinn.

“I’m glad I went through it. It is the best thing I ever did for myself, outside of having my kids,” Diane said.

Ann did not go with Diane for the surgery, nor was she supportive of it. In April 2015, as Diane was taking Ann for dialysis, she collapsed and died in Diane’s arms outside their home.

Controversy

Dale doubted he was a boy, but Diane has no doubts about being a woman. Society is divided on the matter, and even in the medical establishment, some have spoken against the use of surgery to treat gender dysphoria, although they are a minority.

During transgenderism’s sudden transformation into a civil rights movement, a notable voice of dissent has been Dr. Paul R. McHugh, professor of psychiatry at John Hopkins School of Medicine.

In 1979, when he was chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, he ended reassignment surgery at the hospital, which had started there in the 1960s. Writing in a much publicized June 12, 2014, Op Ed in the Wall Street Journal, McHugh reaffirmed that transgenderism is a “disorder,” comparable to anorexia and bulimia, for which surgery is not the appropriate treatment.

He said that John Hopkins studied the long-term results of the surgery and found patients’ subsequent psycho-social adjustments were no better than those who did not have the surgery. Moreover, research shows a higher suicide rate among the post-operative transsexual.

Similar criticism has been raised in Canada. In 2013, Dr. Joseph Berger, a psychiatrist in Toronto, Canada, delivered a statement to the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights as it considered a bill to outlaw discrimination based on gender identity.

A Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Berger’s opinion is similar to McHugh’s.

Diane finds the critics “annoying” but said they do not anger or enrage her.

“I know what is, and what is not me,” Diane said.

“If anything gets close to angering me, it’s the IRS,” she joked.

The etiology of transgenderism remains elusive, as the phenomenon is too complex to pinpoint a single cause or accurately tally a cluster of them.

Diane puts much stock in theories focusing on the brain as a source, citing studies suggesting the hypothalamus of transgender males, while in the womb, did not differentiate as male along with the rest of the body.

“It’s physiological, not psychological,” she affirmed.

Diane’s argument against her sex determining XY chromosomes is more of a stretch.

Having taken female hormones for so many years, she muses, “maybe they have changed my DNA.”

Moreover, she must still take hormones, although injections are long in the past and she only needs 1.5 milligrams of Ogen every day. Diane regards it as equivalent to a vitamin supplement.

Looking ahead

Diane blames the John Hopkins decision to drop the surgeries on suicides. However, she said that is something that can be prevented by better preparing patients for life after surgery.

“If you have something positive, and look ahead, you will never think of suicide,” she said.

That is what she has been doing, looking through various online dating services and enrolling in Penn State to study for a degree in psychology. She hopes to open a joint psychology office with friend Yvonne Zukosky, a pharmacologist. Diane wishes to specialize in gender disorders.

Meanwhile, she wants to make herself available to help those going through what she went through.

While her stepfather called her “crazy,” Diane said she was never physically abused during her upbringing. That is not always the case, and Diane fears for “the child beaten half to death” or the adult transgender stabbed to death for “being different.”

Wayne County man dies in crash

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A 76-year-old man from Waymart, Wayne County, died in a car accident Monday, state police at Frackville said.

The man, identified as Joseph G. Dills, was pronounced dead at 1:47 p.m., Deputy Coroner David Truskowsky said.

“He went across a lawn and hit a tree,” Truskowsky said, adding he was the only occupant of the vehicle.

He did not know if the man was wearing a seat belt. He also did not know the cause of the crash.

State police at Frackville said the 12:56 p.m. accident took place on Route 895 in East Brunswick Township, when Dills was driving at 2011 Honda Element east on Route 895 down a small, curved hill and failed to follow a curve. He went straight off the road for about 250 feet and drove through two lawns before hitting a tree in the front yard of 803 Summer Valley Road, police said.

He died at the scene.

Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III said a virtual autopsy was performed at the Simon Kramer Cancer Institute, New Philadelphia, at 6 p.m. Monday, but could not be performed entirely because of technical factors. Of what he could examine, Moylan said, it looked as if the man had rib fractures and a compound fracture of the right lower leg. A traditional autopsy will be performed possibly today, he said. Moylan said he could not see any injuries to the head and neck.

“Our working diagnosis is he may have had a medical event before striking the tree,” Moylan said.

He said the man had heart surgery previously, which was discovered after talking to relatives and looking at his body.

Along with Truskowsky, state police, Schuylkill EMS, the Orwigsburg Fire Department and New Ringgold Fire Department responded to the scene.


Police log, June 7, 2016

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Mahanoy City man

faces drug charges

MAHANOY CITY — A borough man was arrested by Mahanoy City police on drug charges after an incident about 11:30 a.m. Thursday at his 119 E. Pine St. home.

Police said Joshua D. Joseph, 30, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a small amount of marijuana. He will now have to answer to the charges before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Police said officers were called to the home to assist Schuylkill County Adult Probation officers and while there found Joseph, who kept putting his hands in his pockets and refused numerous commands to keep his hands in view.

Joseph was taken into custody and found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana and also a small vial that he claimed was “Molly,” later identified as cocaine, police said.

Shenandoah man

charged with DUI

MAHANOY CITY — Mahanoy City police charged a 60-year-old Shenandoah man in connection with an incident about 3 p.m. May 23 at Catawissa and Pine streets.

Police said John Urban, 3 Willow St., was charged with DUI, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, drivers required to be licensed and restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Police said they received a report of an intoxicated man inside the office of a borough physician. As Urban left the office, he was seen by officers and subsequently pulled over and showed signs of being intoxicated, police said.

A check of the man’s license revealed he was under DUI suspension and police said officers found a bottle of what appeared to be whiskey and several opened cans of beer.

Urban refused to submit to a blood alcohol test and subsequently charged with DUI and the other offenses, police said.

Police: Man stole

from apartment

MAHANOY CITY — Mahanoy City police filed theft charges against a Girardville man in connection with and incident that occurred about 3 p.m. May 21 at the Mahanoy City high rise, 10 W. Centre St., apartment 305.

Police said Joseph S. Zendrosky, 113 W. Main St., was charged with theft and will now have to answer before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Police said that Patricia Kechula was taken from her apartment to a local hospital, at which time officers secured the door in her presence.

When the woman returned, she reported finding $500 and two $5 scratch-off lotteries were missing, police said.

Police said the woman reported asking Zendrosky, her daughter’s boyfriend, to return to the apartment to retrieve $200 and some pill bottles and that he was the only person with access while she was in the hospital.

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 1-888-UNDER21 to report underage drinking.

Police obtain arrest warrant for man allegedly involved in Pottsville shooting

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Pottsville police have obtained a warrant charging a man with attempted homicide for shooting at another man in the city Monday morning.

Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said his department is charging Courtland Irving Stackpole III, 39, with three counts of attempted homicide, three counts of aggravated assault and one count each of recklessly endangering another person and possessing instruments of crime.

Courtland is described as being white, about 5 feet, 5 inches tall with a thin build, blue eyes and light-colored hair.

Wojciechowsky said Stackpole has not been seen since the 2:40 a.m. incident and asks that anyone with information on his whereabouts call police at 570-628-3792.

Wojciechowsky said officers were called to the area of the 500 block of East Market Street for a report of shots fired and subsequently received information from a local hospital that a man came in for treatment of a gunshot wound.

The man, only identified as a 50-year-old Pottsville resident, was treated and released later in the morning, the chief said.

The initial investigation at both the scene and the hospital showed that the man had been inside his vehicle parked in the 500 block of East Market Street when two men approached from behind his Chevrolet Suburban and one, later identified as Stackpole, fired a round from a shotgun into the window of the SUV.

As the victim exited the vehicle, the same assailant fired a second round at him, Wojciechowsky said.

The victim described his attackers as being white men and said they fled from the scene in a red truck, the chief said, adding that the continuing investigation led to identifying Stackpole as the alleged shooter.

Wojciechowsky added that a 23-year-old Cressona man and a 19-year-old Kaska woman were inside the Chevrolet Suburban with the victim at the time and were not injured.

The identity of any caller providing information on the whereabouts of Stackpole will be kept confidential if requested.

Police arrest Mount Carbon man allegedly connected to attempted homicide

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A man wanted for an attempted homicide in Pottsville during the early morning hours Monday was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon by Pottsville police.

Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said Courtland Irving Stackpole III, 39, of Mount Carbon, was charged with three counts of attempted homicide, three counts of aggravated assault and one count each of recklessly endangering another person and possessing instruments of crime.

He was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post $250,000 straight cash bail.

Wojciechowsky said that about 4 p.m. Stackpole was taken into custody without incident by Pottsville police and an assisting state police trooper in the area of King and Queen streets, Pottsville.

The chief said authorities were alerted to Stackpole by a resident who had viewed his published picture and reported seeing him in the area of routes 209 and 901, initially on the Gordon Nagle Trail, and then in the area of West End Avenue.

At the time he was taken into custody, Wojciechowsky said, Stackpole was found to be in possession of an unloaded .22-caliber handgun and a large Bowie knife.

Earlier Tuesday, Wojciechowsky said officers located the 1990 Chevrolet pickup truck Stackpole was believed to be driving in the 900 block of First Street in Mechanicsville.

Wojciechowsky said the events unfolded when officers were called to the area of the 500 block of East Market Street about 2:40 a.m. Monday for a report of shots fired. A local hospital reported that a man came in for treatment of a gunshot wound.

The man, only identified as a 50-year-old Pottsville resident, was treated and released later Monday morning, the chief said.

The initial investigation at both the scene and the hospital showed that the man had been inside his vehicle parked in the 500 block of East Market Street when two men approached from behind his Chevrolet Suburban and one, later identified as Stackpole, had fired a round from a shotgun into the window of the SUV.

As the victim exited the vehicle, the same assailant fired a second round at him, Wojciechowsky said.

The victim described his attackers as being white men and said they fled from the scene in a red truck, the chief said, adding that the continuing investigation led to identifying Stackpole as the alleged shooter.

Wojciechowsky added that a 23-year-old Cressona man and a 19-year-old Kaska woman were inside the Chevrolet Suburban with the victim at the time and were not injured.

Stackpole will now have to appear for a preliminary hearing at a later date before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley in his Pottsville courtroom.

Pennsylvania strawberry crops smaller, later this year

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That juicy berry most associate with summer — the strawberry — began appearing at farmers markets across Schuylkill County this week.

Consumers may see a slightly higher price this year, based on supply, and the strawberries have ripened a bit later.

A frost three weeks ago forced many producers to irrigate their crop to ensure there was a layer of protection between the delicate berries and the damaging frost. Most strawberries were saved and look hearty. However, this year, one producer is eliminating the pick-your-own portion of his business, due to the number of strawberries lost to frost; while another producer is trying a new, late-growing variety this year.

Barron “Boots” Hetherington and his wife, Robin, hope to offer the “Malwina” variety later this month at B&R Farms, 129 Strawberry Lane, Ringtown. They’ve been growing strawberries for 37 years.

“It’s a new variety that was just released last year, and it’s just putting blossoms out now,” Barron Hetherington said Monday. He said the Malwina strawberry plants were planted last April and this will be the first year they will be picked.

Other varieties offered at B&R Farms are the Wendy, which is an early bloom, and early harvest, dark-colored strawberry good for freezing and jam and jelly-making; the All Star, which is a popular, larger, bright red berry known for good flavor; and the AC Valley Sunse, which is another later variety.

They grow eight acres of strawberries, making B&R Farms one of the largest producers of the fruit in the county. At top yield, B&R Farms will produce 4,000 quarts of strawberries per acre, up to nearly three tons total, the couple said. They just began picking their strawberry crop this week and opened their farm for pick-your-own customers on Tuesday. The berries cost $1.40 per pound for pick-your-own. Picked quarts are also available. The farm is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Hetherington’s said they battled the frost, as well, but fortunately their 200-sprinkler irrigation system was successful in saving their strawberries. At the county’s west end, farmers fought to maintain most of their crop, too.

“We lost about 30 percent to frost,” said Brett Stehr, who co-owns Kenny Stehr & Sons Farm, Pitman, with his brother, Henry. The farm, at 34 Bull Road, does have berries, but just not as many. The brothers raise four acres of several varieties, averaging about 24,000 quarts of strawberries per year, or about 6,000 to 8,000 pounds per acre.

“This cooler weather has slowed them up even more, but they do look good,” Stehr said of those remaining. “The bulk of our crop is going to be in next week,” he said.

The farm is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed Sunday. For years, he said, his family’s farm has supplied the fruit for the Berrysburg Church Strawberry Festival.

Stehr said during the frost, he checked the thermometer at 2 a.m. and it was 31 degrees, and by 4 a.m., the temperature had dropped to 28 degrees.

“We ran the irrigation, until about 8 a.m., but we could only cover about half of our acreage,” he said. Stehr started picking the fruit Friday, but decided to halt the pick-your-own option. He suspects prices will be slightly up, possibly $5 per quart wholesale. The typical strawberry harvest season is 24 days to four weeks.

Meanwhile, John Heim, McKeansburg, began picking his first crop of strawberries Saturday.

“The crop looks fairly good,” he said.

Heim raises a third acre of Early Glow, AC Wendy and All Star varieties. He, too, had to irrigate his berries three weeks ago to avoid a frost.

“We started irrigating at 11:30 (p.m.) when it hit 33 degrees. At 5 (a.m.), I had 29 degrees. We expected that and were ready for it, so we had no frozen berries,” he said.

Heim’s Fruit Farm, 1705 Chestnut St., New Ringgold, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There are approximately 17 strawberry producers in Schuylkill County with 23 acres in strawberry production, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, the latest data available.

Ag tourism has become a large part of the strawberry farm appeal.

“People have picked here for two, or three generations,” Robin Hetherington said. “They love to bring their grandchildren and relatives from out of town, and they compare their kids’ heights to the wagon, or the buckets.”

That experience is what draws families, she said, in addition to the fresh produce.

“It’s a chance to get back to nature and show their kids how fruit grows. It’s an opportunity to make that farm-to-face connection,” she said.

Kathy Demchak, Penn State Senior Extension Associate, said harvest across the state was about a week behind normal.

“Some growers are reporting losses from the cold temperatures, and some are reporting very heavy yields. I expect that overall yields will be maybe slightly below average due to losses from cold early in the season, and wet hot conditions during harvest for some parts of the state,” she said.

Police log, June 8, 2016

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Man killed in

tractor accident

HEGINS — A man died when the lawn tractor he was operating rolled on top of him on his Poplar Street property on Monday.

Donald W. Bensinger was pronounced dead at 11:45 p.m. by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner David Truskowsky, Mahanoy City.

Bensinger, 65, was completing work near the end of his yard when his tractor went down an embankment and came to a stop on top of him, Truskowsky said.

Hegins and Joliett firefighters and Hegins EMS assisted at the scene.

Pottsville police

of telephone scam

Pottsville police reported receiving complaints from citizens detailing a new attempted telephone scam targeting the area.

Police said information indicates that callers posing as employees of PPL are demanding cash payments for “outstanding” bills and threatening that the customer’s electric service will be terminated if the money is not received immediately.

Anyone receiving such a call should terminate the conversation immediately and if necessary, initiate contact with PPL on their own to verify their account status, police said.

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