A storm brought thunder, lighting, pounding rain and hail Saturday to Schuylkill County.

Penny-sized hail struck the Pottsville area at 2:45 p.m. while temperatures were in the mid- to high 50s.

“I didn’t hear of any damage, but it was pretty fierce,” Thomas W. Whitaker, Pottsville’s superintendent of streets, said.

Flooding followed, and Whitaker found himself working to unclog street drains to prevent it.

On Saturday afternoon, the National Weather Service, State College, issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the region, including Lebanon County and Schuylkill County.

“It quickly overwhelmed us. It was about 3:15 p.m. when it started to get pretty nasty. And the flooding started on Laurel Boulevard in the area of the 1300 block. It overruns the inlets and completely covers the roadway. And while we were there we got called to four more areas,” Whitaker said.

In all, seven full-time workers for the city street crew, including Whitaker, were called out Saturday afternoon. To deal with the flooding, they brought out dump trucks, a backhoe and the street sweeper, Whitaker said.

He said there were “wash outs” on Mauch Chunk Street and Anderson Street.

“We had the street sweeper at various locations, including Peacock Street, downtown, and also at Mauch Chunk Street,” Whitaker said.

At 3:25 p.m., he and Josh Barnhart, a street worker, were working to prevent flooding on North Fourth Street between West Market Street and West Arch Street.

“The first emergency call I got from the communications center was for Fourth Street. The inlets were just not able to take the water. There were two. It was caused by debris on the side of the road. Normally at this time of the year we don’t have these kind of rainstorms, so we’re not out with the street sweeper. When the time spring comes along, we usually have things cleaned up. So the inlets were blocked up. But we were able to pop the grates off of them and it cleared out pretty quick. They’re in frames. So you can take the lids off. You can normally lift them up. We use pry bars,” Whitaker said.

Then, the street crew helped the state Department of Transportation to deal with flooding on the southbound lane of Route 61 between East Norwegian Street and East Union Street.

“That was a PennDOT issue, but we provided traffic control for PennDOT. And some of our guys did unblock inlets for them also,” Whitaker said.

Meanwhile, at 3:20 p.m., local firefighters responded to a vehicle stuck in the flooded tunnel at the Mount Carbon Arch.

The storm also brought down trees in other parts of Schuylkill County and caused outages.

At 7:20 p.m. Saturday, there were some areas without power. That included about 55 PPL customers near Minersville and more than 60 near Friedensburg, according to the PPL Outage Center online.

“Some of the most severe, hardest hit areas are the Lehigh Valley, Scranton area and Lancaster. Schuylkill County is not included on that list,” PPL spokeswoman Teri J. MacBride, based in Bloomsburg, said Saturday night.

Today, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 40. Tonight, the skies will be mostly clear with a low about 28. On Monday, there will be a 20 percent chance of precipitation after 2 p.m., according to the website for the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov.

David J. Rossi

TREMONT — A Pine Grove man is wanted by law enforcement authorities after failing to appear Thursday for his preliminary hearing on a drug-related charge arising from an incident in November 2016.

Henry T. Glunz, 30, of 47 Waterfall Road, still faces a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. After the hearing, Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi ruled prosecutors had produced enough evidence to support the charge, which he ordered held for court.

Rossi also asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Glunz.

Pine Grove police alleged Glunz possessed paraphernalia on Nov. 19, 2016, in the borough.

Other defendants whose cases Rossi considered on Thursday, the charges against each one and the judge’s disposition of the matters included:

Andrew R. Bassininsky II, 30, of 44 Lien Ave., Minersville; four counts each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance and three of possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Justin Gerber, 36, of 29 Laurel St., Pine Grove; two counts of simple assault and one each of unlawful restraint, strangulation and harassment; charges dismissed.

Jose L. Gonzalez, 38, of 426 Frear Hill Road, Tunkhannock; driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lane, failure to drive at a safe speed, careless driving and violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Kole Kreiser, 33, of 57 N. Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove; simple assault, terroristic threats and harassment; charges dismissed.

Amber L. Melochick, 23, of 51 Mill St., Branchdale; resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Ricky L. Schannauer, 50, of 135 Chapel View Drive, Reinholds; four counts of simple assault and two of harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

John L. Speer Jr., 27, of 800 W. Market St. Apt. 1, Pottsville; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Tara L. Sweigert, 19, of 26 Hill Top Terrace, Pottsville; 10 counts each of forgery, theft by deception and receiving stolen property; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Justin Washick, 29, of 1036 Butter Lane, Reading; two counts of conspiracy and one of burglary; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge of burglary withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Fifty-seven people charged with crimes received a second chance Thursday in Schuylkill County Court from the judicial system, as they entered a special program that could enable them to emerge from their experience with no criminal record.

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program allows first-time nonviolent offenders to complete a probationary period during which they must comply with directives from the court and the county Adult Probation and Parole Department, pay the costs of participation in the program and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and perform community service.

If they successfully complete the program, they can have charges against them dismissed and petition the court to have their records expunged.

“You can say that you don’t have a criminal record,” President Judge William E. Baldwin told them.

However, people who does not successfully complete the program can be removed from it and have their case put back on the trial list.

Those whom Baldwin admitted into the program, and the crimes they were charged with committing, included:

Stephen Alvarado, 28, of Pottsville; driving under the influence.

Winetta E. Ashline, 20, of Girardville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robert J. Bainbridge, 44, of Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joshua P. Bickelman, 21, of Pottsville; two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Lorena Bingaman, 29, of Tower City; DUI.

Vincent W. Bloss, 22, of Gilberton; DUI.

Jesse J. Bolinski, 31, of Minersville; DUI.

James A. Bradford III, 24, of Lansdale; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Diane S. Bridges, 54, of Pottsville; bad checks.

John A. Burget, 41, of Lykens; unlawful duplication.

Adalberto Burgos-Colon, 26, of Reading; DUI and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Robert J. Cohan, 52, of Orwigsburg; DUI.

Michael J. Conti Jr., 22, of Ringtown; DUI.

Justin L. Cooper, 27, of Donaldson; simple assault.

Amanda L. Davis, 32, of Minersville; endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.

Eboni A. Dunnings, 21, of Shenandoah; resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and DUI.

Matthew J. Fenstermacher, 28, of Schuylkill Haven; DUI.

Marshall J. Garger, 31, of Bath; workers’ compensation insurance fraud.

Darryl J. Hetherington II, 32, of Ringtown; DUI.

Brad B. Hosler, 23, of Tamaqua; DUI.

Andrew A. Huber, 19, of Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Margaret N. Hunsinger, 21, of Pottsville; bad checks.

William C. Johnson, 22, of Girardville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Alvin C. Jones II, 26, of Pottsville; theft and receiving stolen property.

Bradley R. Knapp, 25, of Shenandoah; possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Terry L. Knorr, 56, of Hegins; DUI.

Lacey J. Kroh, 20, of Tremont; DUI.

Melissa A. Lucas, 37, of Ashland; two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Matthew J. Lascala, 24, of Schuylkill Haven; DUI.

William M. Martin, 33, of Pottsville; DUI.

Carol S. Maurer, 63, of Williamstown; DUI.

Jeffrey R. McNitsky, 41, of Pottsville; DUI and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Andrea R. Miller, 40, of Coaldale; DUI.

Jason P. Miller, 34, of Jim Thorpe; DUI.

William L. Miller Jr., 34, of Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Chantal M. Mills, 26, of Middleport; DUI.

Roy I. Nagle III, 51, of Schuylkill Haven; DUI.

Tori A. Papanek, 25, of Lansford; two counts of theft by deception and one of receiving stolen property.

Corey A. Pronio, 22, of Lost Creek; DUI.

Agnes M. Redman, 35, of Pottsville; public welfare fraud.

Jodi L. Reed, 53, of Donaldson; retail theft.

Michael G. Reno II, 25, of Pottsville; DUI.

Robert J. Sadusky, 45, of Pottsville; DUI.

Samantha M. Schaeffer, 26, of Pottsville; theft, conspiracy, theft by deception and receiving stolen property.

Joseph K. Schmidt Jr., Ashland; propulsion of missile into occupied vehicle, resisting arrest and three counts of disorderly conduct.

Lisa M. Sharrow, 42, of Berwick; retail theft.

Joshua A. Somers, 29, of Cressona; DUI.

Ethan J. Sweat, 40, of Pottsville; criminal mischief.

Michael F. Tarson, 34, of Mahanoy City; terroristic threats.

Blake A. Tiley, 25, of Ashland; DUI, possession of a controlled substance, manufacture of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Douglas M. Tobias, 51, of Schuylkill Haven; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Angelina M. Velousky, 21, of Shenandoah; two counts of false reports to law enforcement and one of false alarm.

Trisha L. Wagner, 40, of Tremont; DUI.

Ryan Walkusky, 26, of Frackville; DUI.

Nicholas J. Whalen, 28, of Pottsville; possession of a small amount of marijuana.

TOWER CITY — A Tower City photography company offered to provide services to the Williams Valley School District for student portraits, and photos of sports and extra-curricular activities.

Mike and Christy Leiter, of The Leiter Side Photography, brought samples of their work and presented a proposal to the Williams Valley school board Thursday.

Mike Leiter said he’s fully insured, and answered questions in regard to the number of photographers on staff, which photo labs are used and how quickly the turn-around time would be if there were any corrections needed.

The district currently has a contract with Kim Schlegel, of Schlegel Photography, Millersburg. Schlegel offered information on what services she could provide at last week’s school board meeting. The board took no action on the photography provider. Directors Tedd Johns, John Mika and Joanna Stroup were absent.

The board approved a program of studies for ninth through 12th grade for the 2017-18 school year. Director Tracey Minnich asked if there were music electives being offered, and if an extra music teacher would be included in the scheduling. High School Principal Tracey Weller confirmed there were music electives in there, and said the school board approves the program of studies, but does not approve the schedule. After looking at the figures for the upcoming budget, the board would decide if funds would be available for that music position, directors and administrators told Minnich.

In other action, the board approved:

• Accepting the resignation of Steven Hill as an elementary part-time paraprofessional, that was effective Friday.

• Rental requests, as submitted, waiving custodial and renter fees.

• Appointing Roger Ulsh, Tower City, as a volunteer high school baseball coach for the 2016-17 school year.

• A Chinese auction fundraiser for the student council from March 10 to 12 to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

• Rescinding a motion from Oct. 27, 2016, on a repository sale for property located in Tower City for parcel No. 66-01-0194.000 for $1,006.

• Repository sale for property located in Tower City for parcel No. 66-01-0194.000 for $1.

• A repository sale for property located in Wiconisco for parcel No. 69-010-011 for $650.

• The proposed Schuylkill Technology Center Secondary Budget for the 2017-18 school year.

• The 2017 amended sponsorship agreement of the Harrisburg Area Community College.

The next school board meeting will be 7:30 p.m. March 9 in the board room of the high school in Tower City. An executive session for board members and administrators will begin at 7 p.m.

Early one summer morning, a couple of years ago, I was walking along the railroad tracks off Route 895 near the village of Molino. It was early, before 7 a.m., but the air was already warm and heavy with moisture. Mist rose off the Little Schuylkill and floated in wisps above a marsh where two blue herons were busy fishing. Looking around me, I was filled with a sense of the beauty and harmony of nature.

Then I rounded the bend. Atop five or six utility poles sat a committee of vultures. On the ground, the skeleton of a deer, what had recently been its carcass, lay next to the tracks, picked dry to the bone.

The vultures followed me with their eyes, and as I advanced further down the tracks, they changed positions, spreading their wings, rising into the air and settling on the next pole, not letting me out of their sight.

They were waiting, for another train, for another strike. They were waiting for me to turn into a carcass. They were hungry and saw me as a potential next meal.

This month, in the dead of winter, I got to feel what it’s like to be a vulture. I went to my first public auction. I joined a “committee” and honed in on the prey.

I’m partly joking of course, but only in part. Above all, I’m not criticizing or making fun of others, because the “vulture spirit” swooped down and took hold of me.

It all started with a newspaper, a weekly called Le Perche, the name of the region where I have my country home. I buy the paper faithfully every Wednesday, the day it appears, and read it on the train to Paris, paying special attention to the classified ads. For months, I’ve been on the lookout for a particular kind of auction, a sale of the contents of what the French call a maison bourgeoise, the home of a family belonging to the upper middle class.

About a week ago, eureka, I found one. I cut out the ad, visited the online site, and printed the photos of objects that interested me.

On the Saturday morning of the sale, under a dark sky, in pouring rain, I set out for the town of Longny-au-Perche, driving about 20 miles through hills and forests that reminded me a lot of Schuylkill County.

Once I arrived, I drove in circles looking for the site of the sale and only found it once I parked my car in the municipal parking lot and set out on foot. I had believed I was looking for an auction house. I ended up in front of the maison bourgeoise. All its contents and the house itself were up for sale.

We, the “committee,” tramped through the house, opening drawers and closets, trying out chairs, testing mattresses, rifling through boxes, elbowing anybody who got in our way. We handed over blank checks in exchange for a bidding number. Then we continued to comb through the contents of the house, waiting impatiently for the sale to begin.

A rich life had been lived there, rich in terms of experience and love. A happy couple had spent a long life together, some of it abroad, in Asia and Africa, at a time when France still had colonies in those parts of the world. The house was filled with their souvenirs.

And they had cherished their home and organized it with great care. I recognized a sense of order, not rigid or obsessive, but put in place so the inhabitants of that house could get on with the more important things in life. Monsieur played pool in the billiard room; Madame was an amateur pastry chef and had a veritable laboratory for baking in the basement of their home.

Then they got old. They moved from the master bedroom upstairs to a back bedroom off the kitchen, perhaps once meant for domestic help. They went from a double to single beds. Medical equipment filled the last room they shared. One died; then the other. Their grown and already aging children had no use for what they had lovingly accumulated throughout their long life together.

Sensing their story as I studied their things, I felt like one among a horde of intruders, soiling with our muddy boots and shoes a lifetime of intimacy.

But my scruples were superficial. I wanted to be there as much as the rest of them, the professionals from the antique barns that pop up regularly along the main roads in the region, a few Parisians with upscale antique shops, lots of young people selling their wares online, the curious, those looking for a bargain, a crowd where most people seemed to know the rules.

Despite the rain and the cold, in a house with all the doors thrown open, the rooms were heating up. I had to wait my turn to go up and down the stairs and there was a line in front of certain rooms. The billiard table had a lot of success, as did a 19th century children’s bed, a cross between a cradle and a boat, perfect for Winkin, Blinkin and Nod “setting off in the night into a sea of dew.”

So many things awakening so much craving for what we did not yet have! But if we were wily bidders, not bidding too much but just enough to clinch the deal, we could leave at the end of the day, our craving satisfied.

I know what I want but have no idea how to get it. I’ve never bid at an auction before and hold tight to the number issued me in exchange for my signed blank check.

The agents of the auction house are entering the rooms, pushing us toward the doors, down the stairs, locking doors behind them, chasing us outside, into the rain and cold, where the sale will take place.

The auctioneer, called a commissaire-priseur in French, member of a tight-knit and exclusive corporation, is the only one who looks dressed for the occasion (I’m not, I thought the sale would be inside and once it’s underway, I’m shaking like a leaf). He’s wearing a handsome flat cap made of Harris Tweed, a padded-jacket to keep out cold and rain, wide wale corduroy trousers and thick-soled black boots. Standing on a wooden chest, gavel in hand, he is about to set the sale in motion (to be continued March 26th).

(Honicker can be reached at honicker.republicanherald@gmail.com)

Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers and Orwigsburg police are asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible for a theft that occurred in the borough last month.

Police said the burglary and theft occured at Town Self Storage on South Wayne Street sometime between Jan. 16 and 24.

Police said someone cut a lock on a self-storage unit and stole saddles and bridles.

The items taken are valued at $2,500.

Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information on the identity of those responsible for this theft or on any other unsolved crime in Schuylkill County.

Callers are asked to refer to case 02-26-17 when calling with informationabout the theft at Town Self Storage in Orwigsburg.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 877-TIPS4SC (877-847-7472).

Callers can also relay their information directly to Orwigsburg police at 570-366-3102.

All information receiving will remain confidential.

Top basic grad

Jackson Schuster, son of Joseph and Beth Schuster and a grandson of the late Robert and Georgine Schuster, formerly of Pottsville, recently graduated as the “Top Honor” grad from Bravo 2-19 basic training, U.S. Army Infantry, Fort Benning, Georgia.

He will attend jump school at Fort Benning followed by the Ranger Assessment and Selection program.

Schuster graduated from The University of North Georgia in May.

Blue Mountain

Connor Kerstetter and Julia Kutz, both seniors enrolled in the college preparatory curriculum, were named students of the month for February at Blue Mountain High School.

Connor is a son of Kevin and Jill Kerstetter, Schuylkill Haven. He was the recipient of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Character Award and serves as the student representative to the District Wellness Committee.

He is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Phi Sigma Language Honor Society, and Science (treasurer), Social Studies and English honor societies. His athletic participation includes football (captain) since ninth grade and basketball for three years. He is also a member of youth leadership, varsity club, mini-THON and physics club.

Connor plans to attend college and major in biomedical engineering.

Julia is a daughter of Chuck and Angie Kutz, Pottsville. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Phi Sigma Language and the English, History and Science honor societies.

She has been a member of student council and youth leadership since the ninth grade. Athletically, Julia was a member of the soccer team for three years and a four-year member of the basketball team. She serves as a mini-THON committee chairwoman and is involved in varsity club.

Julia plans to attend East Stroudsburg University and major in speech pathology while continuing her basketball career at the collegiate level.

Minersville Area

Mallory Ebert and Connor Andruchek were named students of the month for February at Minersville Area High School.

Mallory is a daughter of Dave and Linda Ebert, Minersville. Her school activities are National Honor Society secretary, yearbook club, prom committee, SADD, TAT, Spanish club and a member of the varsity soccer and softball teams.

She volunteers with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society and MAYB Tournament. She plans to attend college and major in physical therapy.

Connor is a son of John and Jennifer Andruchek, Minersville. His school activities include Academic League, TAT, SADD, school-sponsored dodgeball tournament coordinator and varsity football and baseball.

He raised funds for the Cancer Awareness football game and volunteers with the American Cancer Society, Red Cross Blood Drive and the St. John’s Annual Church Picnic.

Connor plans to attend Shippensburg University and major in criminal justice.

Pine Grove Area

Kamryn Felty and Tanner LeVan were named students of the month for February at Pine Grove Area High School.

Kamryn is a daughter of Paul and Denise Felty, Pine Grove. She studies in the advanced placement, honors and college preparatory curricula.

Her high school activities include junior drug advisory representative, National Honor Society, SADD member and president, Cardinal Spotlight Theatre, varsity club, Cardinal marching/concert/jazz band, special events coordinator, chorus, art club, prom committee and PGA golf team.

Kamryn plans to attend Bloomsburg University and major in theater with a minor in history.

Tanner is a son of Casey LeVan, Tremont, and Tara Brown, Pine Grove. He studies in the advanced placement and college preparatory curricula.

His high school activities include baseball, SADD, student council, National Honor Society, varsity club and class vice president.

He plans are attend college and pursue a career in either engineering or physical training.

Colton Butler was named a student of the month for January at Pine Grove Area High School.

Colton is a son of Lamar and Carol Butler, Pine Grove. He studies within the college preparatory curriculum.

His high school activities include the Cardinal marching band, concert band and jazz band. He also serves as band president.

His future plans are to attend Lebanon Valley College, Annville, to major in biology and minor in music.

Pottsville Rotary

Pottsville Area High School seniors Abbey Kostyal and Logan Spevak, Nativity BVM High School seniors Madison Ulsh and Justin Steffan and Minersville Area High School seniors Adrienne Kroznuskie and Lucas Rinaldo were named Pottsville Rotary students of the month for January.

Abbey is a daughter of Jeff and Lisa Kostyal, Pottsville. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Quill and Scroll National Journalism Honor Society. She is also editor in chief of Pottsville Tide Lines.

Abbey is band treasurer and a member of the drama, sketch and Shakespeare clubs and choir. Her activities include the Majestic Players, Spotlight Kidz, Schuylkill Free Shakespeare and Artists in Motion.

She plans to attend West Chester University and major in graphic design with a minor in theater.

Logan is a son of Drew and Tammy Spevak, Pottsville. He is a member of the National Honor Society, soccer team and concert and stage bands. He is vice president of the drama club and marching band and co-captain of the Quiz Team.

His community activities include L.A. Dance Theatre, Actors Guild of Schuylkill County and the Majestic Theater. Logan plans to attend Penn State University, University Park campus, and major in secondary English education.

Madison is a daughter of Mike and Michelle Ulsh, Schuylkill Haven. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society.

Her school activities at Nativity include the math, science, Interact, athletic and yearbook clubs, Student Ambassadors, Peer Listening, campus ministry, Meals on Wheels and student government. She played basketball, soccer and track and field for four years.

Madison was named Lehigh Valley Soccer Scholar Athlete and she plans to attend Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, and major in marketing.

Justin is a son of David and Armila Steffan, Mar Lin. He is the senior class president, member of the math, science and Interact clubs and student government.

A member of the National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society, Justin plays baseball and football. He plans to attend the University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, for pharmacy.

Adrienne is a daughter of Denise and Mike Kroznuskie, Pottsville. Her school activities include National Honor Society and SADD vice presidents, chemistry club, TAT and the cross country, basketball and softball teams.

She volunteers at blood drives, church picnic and orientation night. She plans to attend Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, for pharmacy.

Lucas is a son of Jeffrey and Christine Rinaldo, Minersville. His school activities are yearbook and prom committees, SADD, TAT, chemistry and drama clubs, annual musical tech crew and soccer, basketball and baseball teams.

He volunteers at orientation night and his church picnic and is a weekend lector at church and a junior borough council member. He plans to attend Bloomsburg University and major in exercise science.

Deeds

New Ringgold — George H. Reppy to Joseph S. Jr. and Emily E. Caracappa; 43 Hughes St.; $225,000.

Rush Township — Deborah J. James to Deborah J. James and Holly Bones; 1.7519-acre property on Back Street, Barnesville; $1.

Greater Tamaqua Industrial Development Enterprises to Greater Tamaqua Industrial Development Enterprises; 14.577-acre property at Tide Road and Progress Avenue, Tidewood East Industrial Park, Hometown; $1.

Schuylkill Haven — Tammy L. Yorski to M&T Bank ; 57 Stanton Ave.; $1.

Shenandoah — Miguel Vasquez Torres to Raul Bautista-Reyes and Reveca Gutierrez-Debautista; 25 S. West St.; $3,000.

South Manheim Township — Vicki M. Walsh to Vicki M. Walsh and Kelly Ann Penny; 2631 Wynonah Drive, Lake Wynonah; $1.

Tamaqua — Deborah J. James to Deborah J. James and Holly Bones; 324 Market St.; $1.

James E. and Denise M. Bodman to Christopher Delarue and Victor Del Villar; 0.48-acre property on Cottage Avenue; $47,400.

Wayne Township — Hamid Butt and Tahira Butt to Robert J. and Mary B. Urban; Lot 1218, Geronimo Drive, Lake Wynonah; $7,000.

Alvernia

Betty-Jo Bowers Legutko received her doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with a concentration in corporate leadership from Alvernia University at its winter commencement ceremony on Dec. 10, 2016.

Her dissertation research, “An Exploration of the Emergent Leadership Styles of Fortune 500 Executives as Communicated in Annual Report Letters to their Shareholders,” was also successfully defended and approved by her committee on Oct. 20, 2016.

Legutko also earned a master of business administration and bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from Penn State University, and post-baccalaureate certificate in medical studies from Drexel University, Philadelphia.

She resides in Hazle Township, Luzerne County, with her husband, Rob, and daughter, Grace, and is also mother to son, Zachary (deceased).

She is a daughter of Anthony Bowers, Mahanoy City, and Betty Alsvan, Drums.

In an effort to improve health services in the area, the state Department of Health is planning to meet with regional health care and community leaders in Schuylkill County.

A presentation, Public Health 3.0: Moving Health Forward, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 27 at the Health and Wellness Building at Penn State Schuylkill, Schuylkill Haven.

Representatives of six counties — Carbon, Columbia, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Snyder and Union — will participate, April L. Hutcheson, press secretary for the state Department of Health Office of Communications, Harrisburg, said Wednesday.

“This is something new,” Kay Jones, executive director of Schuylkill County’s VISION, said Monday.

“The Department of Health had contacted us, meaning myself, the two hospitals in the community and VISION. They want to bring representatives of six counties in our region to this meeting in Schuylkill. They want to have a discussion on how health is being addressed in these communities. They want to know if there is any kind of difference they can make,” Kelly K. Malone, executive director of Schuylkill United Way, said Monday.

Similar events are being held in other locations in the state.

“We are holding four regional events,” Hutcheson said.

One was held with representatives of Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Greene and Indiana counties; another will focus on Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties; and another will be held in Philadelphia County, Hutcheson said.

“These areas have been chosen based on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings health outcome data around the five health priority areas that were defined within the Health Innovation in Pennsylvania Population Health plan: obesity, diabetes, oral health, substance use and tobacco use. These areas have also been defined as having the highest need in terms of socioeconomic factors and health equity,” Hutcheson said.

“The event was open to the public by registration only, but due to capacity being reached, the registration is now closed,” Michael Gerber, press assistant with the state Department of Health Office of Communications, said Wednesday.

“These meetings bring together professionals from various sectors — education, housing, transportation, local government — to begin breaking down silos that exist in order to lay the groundwork that will improve health outcomes at a local level. We are using the events as a catalyst to begin implementing strategies that were defined in the State Health Improvement Plan at the local and regional levels,” Hutcheson said.

The website for the state Department of Health contains information about the Pennsylvania State Health Improvement Plan, a multi-year strategic plan that began in 2015.

Its three primary health priorities are obesity, physical inactivity and nutrition, primary care and preventative services, and mental health and substance use, according to the site.

“Today we know that to encourage people to make healthy choices requires having all sectors of our county — business, education, non-profits, government, transportation and others — work together to put health considerations in all our work, planning and policies,” Jones said.

“The outcome that I would like to see is for us to pick maybe one or two needs, things that need to be addressed in our community, and have a funded program come out of that,” Malone said.

“Funds are not currently available from the state, however, we are confident that these new partnerships will result in joint applications to federal and foundation sources,” Hutcheson said.

Another plan concerning health care in Pennsylvania may be discussed at the session.

The Health Innovation in Pennsylvania Plan, a 123-page document, was released June 30, 2016, and is available online at health.pa.gov.

“Many states are exploring innovative approaches to transform health and health care delivery. The Commonwealth’s Health Innovation in Pennsylvania (HIP) plan is a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder statewide initiative to improve the health of all Pennsylvanians by redesigning the way we pay for, deliver, and coordinate health and health care services. The plan includes strategies to advance population health, health information technology, and workforce development. Led by Governor Wolf, the HIP plan, once implemented, will lead to better care, smarter spending, and healthier Pennsylvanians,” according to the site.

“The effort to transform health and health care delivery in Pennsylvania recognizes that collaboration is key to success across payers, providers, health systems, public health, business leaders, foundations, consumer groups, academic health centers, community-based agencies, professional health associations and state agencies,” according to the site.

MUIR — More than 175 people gathered Saturday near the site of a former mine in Porter Township where nine men died in March 1977, and they dedicated a sign recognizing the history of the event, the “Porter Tunnel Mine Disaster.”

“It’s three foot by five foot. It’s made of aluminum and the frame is made of wood,” said Beth Harman, Valley View, daughter of one of those miners, Dennis L. Morgan. She came up with the idea for the sign.

“I knew we were coming up on the 40th anniversary and I felt that something should have been done. I wasn’t emotionally ready to open up old wounds and I think that’s why nothing has been done in the past. Who wants to remember something horrible that had happened? But I want future generations to remember what happened and to remember how dangerous coal mining was back then. We installed it back in the fall because I didn’t expect it to be 70 degrees in February,” Harman said Saturday.

With yellow and white words on a black background, the sign offers a brief history of the event and the names of the nine men who died.

It’s on the south side of Route 209, between Muir and Joliett, at the former entrance to the mine on property owned by Rausch Creek Land LP, Valley View, according to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator.

At the dedication Saturday, state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, and state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, said they’re making an effort to have a state historical marker placed on the site.

“On March 13, I’m going to be in the House of Representatives. I’m going to offer a resolution. I invite you all to come. It’s going to be on the state record. Senator Argall and I are working on making sure we get a state marker that would be on the highway here so that people, forever, when they drive by this location understand the tragedy that happened here,” Tobash said.

“I further challenge all of us to commit on this day to seek the approval of the PA State Historical Commission to formally recognize this event as a historical event and seek an official PA State Historical Marker to mark it for eternity so that future generations always remember what happened here,” Tower City Mayor Dan Daub said in a proclamation recognizing the miners.

History

The incident occurred at the Kocher Coal Co. Porter Tunnel Mine at 11:50 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, 1977.

Tons of impounded water flooded the West Skidmore South Dip conveyor gangway.

“The thing about water is you can’t run from it. You can’t hide from it. Water is a deadly killer whether you’re inside the coal mine or outside,” said David A. Lucas, Hegins, who was at Saturday’s event. He’s a retired coal miner known in the community for organizing the annual Independent Bootleggers’ Coal Miners Picnic at Hegins Park.

The flooding caused the death of nine miners.

They were Gary L. Klinger, Hegins; Mark Kroh, Good Spring; Timothy L. Grose, Ashland; Philip Sabatino, Hegins; John Moyer, Ashland; Ronald R. Herb, Valley View; Dennis L. Morgan, Valley View; Donald E. Shoffler, Gordon; and Ralph Renninger, Donaldson, according to Harman and the newspaper’s archives.

Sabatino was 50 when he died.

His wife, Pearl, was 49 at the time. She is 89 now and was at Saturday’s event with her daughter, Sharon Erdman, Hegins, and Sharon’s daughter, Tammy Erdman, Hegins.

“They found him on the first day, but they didn’t bring him out until the second day,” Sharon Erdman said.

“I’ll always remember that day because that was my seventh birthday,” Tammy Erdman, who turned 7 on March 2, 1977, said.

“He was a hard worker. He’d work in the mine during the day then he’d come home and farm. He was funny, very generous. He helped everyone,” Sharon Erdman said of her father.

“I was told he had gotten out of the mine then went back in. He went back in to help more people, but he didn’t get out the second time,” Tammy Erdman said.

Dennis Lee Morgan was 30 when he died.

“He was very hardworking,” Harman said of her father.

“I remember him playing a bass guitar. He played in a band. I think it was called The Country Rocks. He played with his uncle, Clayton, who was also a coal miner. And he also played bass guitar at the Foursquare Church in Muir,” she said Friday.

In March 1977, she was 11 and a student at Hegins-Hubley Elementary School.

“I was at school at that time. I remember coming home and coming into the kitchen and that’s when my mom told me what happened,” she said.

Her mother was Barbara Herb Morgan, who died in 1993. The family also included two other children, Donald and Cathy.

“Mom said there was an accident and they were trying to find him. But they couldn’t find him. And for 28 days I was hopeful,” Harman said.

On March 28, 1977, the remains of her father were found in the tunnel.

Following his funeral, Dennis Morgan was buried at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, which is behind St. Andrew’s Church in Valley View. His date of death is listed as March 1, 1977.

When the accident occurred on March 1, 1977, another miner, Ronald Adley, Tower City, became trapped inside Big Lick Mountain. He was stuck there for 122 hours, which is five days and two hours. Rescue crews tunneled through a 50-foot wall of coal to free Adley, according to the archives.

At the time, it was the worst mine disaster in the anthracite region since Jan. 22, 1959, when the Susquehanna River broke through the Knox Coal Co. mine at Port Griffith, killing 12 men, according to the archives.

“Since then, the mine has been filled in. It had been filled in 10 years ago. There’s nothing there to see now but a pipe where water comes out, ironically,” Harman said.

Memories

Timothy Grose was 19 when he died. His body was recovered from the mine on March 29, 1977, according to the sign dedicated Saturday.

His sister, Debra Demboski, Ashland, was there Saturday holding a framed picture of him. It was taken when he graduated from Tri-Valley High School in 1975.

“I think this is wonderful to finally be able to memorialize all these men that were lost,” Demboski said.

“This is a wonderful thing to have in memory and in honor of these coal miners,” Lucas said.

One of the miners who survived the March 1, 1977, flooding at the mine, John Morgan, Tower City — a cousin of Dennis Morgan — was also at the event Saturday.

He was 33 at the time of the flood.

Now, John Morgan resides in Muir.

“He’ll be 74 in June. He was stuck in here. The water had come up over his head and he passed out. And he said that he and Ernie, when they were in there, they looked at each other and said, ‘Well, I guess this is it,’ ” John Morgan’s granddaughter, Pam Miller, said.

John Morgan managed to crawl up an air shaft after the mine was flooded. He was taken to the former Pottsville Hospital for treatment, according to the newspaper’s archives.

Miller was referring to Ernest R. Morgan, Valley View, who also survived the flooding.

Argall presented a wooden plaque, a Certificate of Remembrance from the Senate of Pennsylvania.

“We need to find a central locale so everybody can see that. That’s something we’re working on,” Harman said.

It included the following statement: “While coal mining has deep roots in this area and contributes significantly to our area’s economy, it comes with great risks — as evidenced by the Porter Tunnel Mine Disaster. May we never forget the men who lost their lives in that incident, or the emergency workers, relatives and residents who aided in recovery efforts, saving lives in the process.”

Speakers at Saturday’s event included the Rev. Carl D. Shankweiler, secretary of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

“Although I’m from Valley View, I wasn’t living in this area at that time. Forty years ago, I was down in Berks County. But we certainly knew what was taking place here at this tunnel. It was national news,” Shankweiler told the crowd.

“This news was an event that had an effect on our community. One of those who died, Dennis Morgan, was a classmate of mine. His wife was also a classmate of mine,” Shankweiler said.

“To lose a classmate is one thing. But the families involved, it was losing a father, a son, a brother, an uncle. It becomes much, much more personal. So for my friend, Barbara Herb, it was the loss of a husband. For her children, it was the loss of a father. For everyone who died there’s a similar story of family that was changed forever,” Shankweiler said.

Other local dignitaries, including Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess and William Schaeffer, a supervisor with Porter Township, presented proclamations. One of the trustees of the Tremont Area Historical Society, Perry Pillar, said a few words.

“We may not have the same blood running through our veins, we may not have the same names, but we’re one family in the coal region. I want you to take that with you. Be proud of your heritage,” Pillar said.

The sign dedicated Saturday was made by a group of volunteers, Harman said.

They included representatives of Felty Custom Graphics, Fort Ashby, West Virginia.

“That’s actually my nephew. His name is Dennis Felty. He was named after my father,” Harman said.

Others included Dennis and Cathy Felty, West Virginia; Jeff and Nick Harman, Valley View; Katie Schroding, New Philadelphia; Jeff Harman Jr., Mountville, Lancaster County; and Mark and Clair Harman, Hegins.

Following the dedication, there was a reception at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Valley View.

In 2016, Girl Scout Troop 30984 of Schuylkill Haven — a group of 22 Scouts ages 10 and 11 — was hoping to sell 4,270 boxes of cookies, in an effort to raise money for a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

“We’ve been raising funds for that for three years,” Rebecca “Becki” Toothaker, Pottsville, a troop leader with Troop 30984, said Saturday morning.

By the end of 2016, they sold 4,940 boxes.

So they set their goals higher for 2017.

“We’d like to sell 5,500 boxes this year. And we’re off to a good start. Since January 1, we’ve had 4,672 pre-orders,” Toothaker said.

That was enough to inspire the troop to make travel plans.

“We’ve been raising funds for that for three years. Each child had to raise $900. We’re going on that trip from September 26 to October 1,” Toothaker said.

She and a few of her Scouts were selling cookies at Josie’s Place at Renninger’s Farmers Market in Schuylkill Haven from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

They included Toothaker’s daughter, Faith, and other Scouts including Dakota Zweizig and Abbey Garrity, all 11 and of Pottsville.

“On Saturday, we ended up selling 82 boxes,” Toothaker said.

And they will return there today to continue selling box after box from 9 a.m. to noon.

They were among the more than 400 Girl Scouts who were out and about in Schuylkill County this weekend to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scout cookies.

Allie Einsiedel, communications manager for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, on Friday said “about 450” Girl Scouts would be out in Schuylkill County this weekend selling cookies either at booths, online or door-to-door. And she said “about 10,000” Girl Scouts will be out selling cookies across the state.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, four troops from Minersville sold cookies at a table outside Boyer’s Food Market, 2247 W. Market St., Pottsville.

“We have four different troops: Daisies, Troop 30987; Brownies, Troop 30990; Juniors, Troop 31026; and Cadets, Troop 30406,” the troop leader for all four, Missy Scott, Minersville, said.

Scouts hard at work there included her daughters, Mikayla Scott, 8, and Ashley Scott, 12, and other scouts including Emily Richard, 12, and Avery Wallace, 5.

Wallace was walking around with a hand-made sign which reminded people “WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS.”

“Not all troops do that, but we decided to and it really boosts our sales,” Missy Scott said.

And Mikayla Scott was walking around with a sign emblazoned with the words “GIRL SCOUT COOKIE ZONE.”

Cookie sales also help the Minersville troops go on trips.

Missy Scott said a trip to Baltimore, Maryland, is scheduled in June.

“We’re going to the National Aquarium and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not,” she said.

The sales also help them give back to the community.

“Since we’re Girl Scouts, we help our community. And every year we do a fundraiser for different causes. This year, I’m doing it for my brother, Ryan Scott,” Ashley Scott said.

Ryan Scott, 18, was a 2016 graduate of Minersville Area High School.

“It’s called ‘Project Cookie Jar,’ ” Missy Scott said.

These scouts are collecting funds for soldiers, in particular the “United States Air Force 33rd Fighting Wing, 359 TRS, F-35 Avionics Maintenance, stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida,” according to a donation jar on their table.

“My son is stationed there this year and we’re donating to his flight crew,” Missy Scott said.

The rain cut their cookie sale short Saturday.

“Today we only sold about 80 boxes. We got rained out. It started around 1:30 p.m. We were supposed to be there until 3 p.m. But we left as soon as the rain started. The rain isn’t usually what scares us off. It’s the thunder and the lighting. We don’t want to take any chances,” Missy Scott said.

Today, Scott and her troops will sell cookies from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at BG’s Value Market, 70 Kings Village Plaza, Minersville.

The cookies are made by Little Brownie Bakers, which is licensed by Girls Scouts of the USA to provide eight varieties for the annual cookie sale, according to littlebrowniebakers.com.

“They just got delivered on Wednesday. We got 4,312 boxes in. That’s 362 cases of cookies,” Toothaker said. She said she will have to order more.

“The only way to purchase Girl Scout Cookies is from local Girl Scouts and only during your local council’s cookie season. To find cookies and learn when cookie season starts in your community, visit girlscoutcookies.org,” according to the site.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program was started in 1917, according to the website for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania at gshpa.org.

“It started in 1917 when Girl Scouts in Muskogee, Oklahoma, did what Girl Scouts everywhere always do. They had a great idea, got together, and took action to make it a reality. The girls of Mistletoe Troop hit upon the clever idea to fund their projects by selling cookies they made themselves in their kitchens at home. So simple — and so smart! Other troops took note, and the idea of Girl Scouts selling cookies took off,” according to the site.

In 1935, the “Girl Scout Cookie” name started appearing on cookie boxes. In 1970, cookie sales supported Earth Day activities. In 1992, the first Girl Scout cookies went to outer space. In 1994, low-fat and sugar-free cookies were introduced. In 2013, the first national “Girl Scout Cookie Day” was held. It’s in August. And in 2014, cookie sales began online, according to the site.

“Fast forward to this year, when over a million amazing girls will sell hundreds of millions of boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to support their mission of making the world a better place,” according to the site.

On Aug. 10, 2016, on National S’mores Day, Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania announced it would add two new cookies to observe the centennial, Girl Scout S’mores sandwich cookies and gluten-free Toffee-tastic cookies.

“And they’re delicious,” Missy Scott said.

While traditional cookies cost $4 a box, the S’mores and Toffee-tastic cookies cost $5 a box, she said.

n Lansford: The Cancer Telethon.org Committee will hold a multi-holiday shopping event from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 6 at the cancer/telethon office, 33 W. Ridge St. Decorations, gifts and items for St. Patrick’s Day will be available, including festive hats, beaded ties, shot glasses, garland, lights and other fare. For more information, call 570-645-4228.

n Pine Grove: Outwood Lutheran Church, 934 Oak Grove Road, will hold an Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Imposition of ashes and communion will be part of the service, which is part of the community services through the Pine Grove Area Council of Churches. All are welcome.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Area High School Drama Club will present “Titanic the Musical” at 7:30 p.m. March 17 and 18 and 2 p.m. March 19 at 16th Street and Elk Avenue. Tickets in advance are $7 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults. General admission tickets are $10. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-621-2960.

n Pottsville: The Diakon Living and Learning Center, 201 N. Centre St., will have a program on everyday natural products from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 27 at the center. The cost is $25 for one session. Registration is due by March 13 by calling 570-624-3018.

n Schuylkill Haven: Diakon Living and Learning Center will have a presentation on all natural products for the home from 10 a.m. to noon April 27 at the Schuylkill Haven center, 340 Haven St. The cost is $20 for one session. Registration is due by April 13 by calling 570-624-3018.

n Shenandoah: The William Penn Fire Company, Mount Olive Boulevard (Route 54), will have a cheese steak sale beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday. For orders and free local delivery, call 570-462-0338. The company will also have an advance-order-only “Almost Armondo’s” unbaked pizza sale with the order deadline set for March 13. The cost is $10 for plain and $12 for pepperoni and 75 cents extra for hot sauce. There will be no walk-ins or deliveries for the pizza sale.

n Shenandoah: The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society will have a basket auction March 19 at its 201 S. Main St. history center. Doors will open at noon and the auction will start at 1:30 p.m. A shop-and-drop will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. March 18. Admission is $10 and refreshments will be available. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-462-3626.

n Shoemakersville: Music instructors of Lee Hartman’s Shoemakersville-based Rock School are offering free music instruction for youths ages 8 to 18 who cannot afford music lessons. Rock School teachers, according to a press release from Hartman, will instruct on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, piano, keyboard and drums. Parents may call 610-562-4488 and leave name of student interested, age, instrument they wish to learn, phone number and a good time to be reached, according to Hartman’s release. Parents who call are also asked to mention that it is for the free music program. All messages will be returned as soon as possible and time slot for lessons. “Rock School provides an avenue where youth may gain key developmental assets needed to become successful young adults. Our goal is to have music instruction available to all that want it, regardless of income,” Hartman said in the release. Rock School’s address is 1060 Pottsville Pike, Shoemakersville, PA 19555. It can be reached via email at rock_school@verizon.net and on online at rockschool.strikingly.com.

n Tamaqua: A pysanky Ukrainian egg worship will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. March 28 at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St., with instructor Paul Corinchock. The cost is $45 per person with all material included. For more information, call the center at 570-668-1192.

KLINGERSTOWN — James Masser’s teachable moment at the Mahantongo Elementary School Environmental site will shed light on the use of solar power.

Masser plans to install a solar light at the school’s pavilion this spring as an Eagle Scout project. The project will also serve as a demonstration site for students to learn more about harnessing the sun’s energy.

A member of Boy Scout Troop 652, Klingerstown, Masser serves as the troop’s junior patrol leader and is a junior at Line Mountain High School.

“The plan is to be a demonstration project to show how solar power works,” Masser, 16, of Pitman, said. “We’re going to put a post in the ground with one solar panel. We’ll have a control box that holds the 12-volt battery; light switches and a light.”

He expects the light to be a five-strip LED light placed inside the pavilion. A flood light is the other option. He said instead of placing the solar panel on the roof, out of sight, the panel would be placed where students could see it.

Masser was at the site Tuesday and had diagram drawings of the project he received from Elmer Ebersol, of Universal Solar, Millersburg, who helped design the system.

Masser said project costs are estimated at $1,450. Fellow Scouts from his troop would be helping with the project during after-school hours, or when school is not in session, he said.

“James approached me about doing a project at the site. I loved the idea of the solar lighting. It will be both useful and educational,” Jacqueline Deibert, Mahantongo Elementary first-grade teacher and a Mahantongo Environmental Club adviser, said.

Funding for the solar project is on behalf of the Lions Club of Hegins and the Mahantongo Environmental Club will cover the balance, Deibert said. The Lions Club donated $500.

Andy Rothermel originally constructed the environmental site many years ago as a part of his Eagle Scout project, which was a large undertaking, Deibert said. Recently, volunteers have been renovating and updating it.

The pavilion was erected in 2015 when the MEC had the idea of building an “outdoor” classroom.

“As a result of fundraising, grants and community support, we were able to make it happen. Parents, grandparents and community members, even some that do not have children at our building, constructed the pavilion. There was no cost to the district,” Deibert said.

Masser said he made the decision to go with a solar project after speaking with Jim Wiest, another community volunteer.

“I was ready to have an Eagle Scout project begin. Jim Wiest told me they were starting to build the pavilion, so we thought about getting electricity in here. But the school does not want anything hooked up to the school, because of underground wires, you’d have to go around geothermal and what they have here,” Masser said. “So, we had to figure out what we could use here. With solar power, as long as the battery is functional, it will run. The battery may die after five or six years, then it would be time to replace the battery,” Masser said.

In order to meet his Eagle Scout requirements, Masser has to have the project completed before his 18th birthday in May 2018. He anticipates completing the work this spring.

His scout master is Terry Troutman.

“We were thinking about going larger, but it got to be too expensive, and Mrs. Deibert was concerned about the costs,” Masser said. “We decided to go with a smaller scale, demonstration project.”

Despite its size, Masser’s solar light project will add more functionality to the pavilion.

Deibert said the pavilion is used for outdoor lunches, some classes and evening activities, such as a “Make/Take Duct Tape Night” and “Tie-Dye Night.” A “Painting on Canvas” activity is upcoming.

The pavilion is part of the elementary school’s environmental site.

“Recently we were awarded a $4,000 grant from the Tri-Valley Rotary to be used toward nature inspired playground equipment. The Mahantongo Environmental Club will be putting $5,000 toward it. We just ordered two pieces of equipment, a large replica of a bee and a honeycomb, that will be installed this spring at the site. We have a lot of exciting things happening at the site. I’m always looking for grants and holding fundraisers to help fund our dreams,” Deibert said.

Masser, a son of Nolan and Melinda Masser, plans to pursue a career in the farming industry, he said.

The joy of Palm Sunday in the distribution of blessed palm fronds was put to the flame at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, on Sunday as the palm was burned in preparation for Ash Wednesday.

Monsignor Edward J. O’Connor, pastor, officiated at the ritual as palm fronds from last year’s Palm or Passion Sunday were burned in a portable fire pit in the alcove outside the church. In addition to some adults, a group of Confraternity of Christian Doctrine children at the church for a First Communion/First Penance retreat had the opportunity to view the palm burning and received a lesson on how ashes are created.

For the children who are part of the CCD religious instructional program, the ritual burning provided an important lesson that will continue in a few days when they receive the ashes in the sign of a cross on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of the season of Lent — the preparation time of prayer, fasting, penance and almsgiving leading to Easter Sunday and the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

While Lent begins in western Christian churches on Wednesday, eastern Christian churches begin Lent or Great Fast today without the imposition of ashes.

O’Connor said before the burning, “The fire for Holy Saturday is also right out here (in the alcove). This is the first one we’ve publicly done that I can recall. We’ve done them at the cemetery, but we haven’t done them in a number of years.”

O’Connor said there has not been a palm burning since the parish had a supply of ashes from previous years. Some parishes purchase ashes from Catholic supply companies as needed.

Several containers of palm fronds were available for burning, with the fire pit filled by parishioner and volunteer Charles Taronis and parish Secretary Debbie Walker.

“People brought them from their homes,” O’Connor said. “This year we asked to bring them early so we could burn them.”

When the children were brought outside from the church, O’Connor greeted them.

“You’re having a special day with Jesus today at your retreat in preparing for the sacraments,” O’Connor said. “We all know that this Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, when we get a cross on our heads with ashes that helps us remember that we’re in a penitential season. We burn the palm up to make the ashes for Lent, our season of penance. This Wednesday when everyone comes to Mass, they’ll get the sign on their forehead of ashes and the priest of minister will say to them, ‛‘Remember you are dust, and of the dust you will return,’ or ‛‘Turn away from sin and faithful to the Gospel.’ So we’re going to burn these ashes today as a sign of our getting ready for Ash Wednesday.”

O’Connor started with the sign of the cross and then prayed, “Today we bless and burn these palms to make ashes for Ash Wednesday. The burning of these palms reminds us that all earthly glory is passing. These palms were used to welcome the Lord in his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and now they are to be burned into ashes. Human life and earthly glory fades. What remains is our faith in God. Remind us to live out our faith in God so that we may partake worthily of his life. Let us pray that God may bless these palms to ashes and those who receive them this Wednesday.”

As O’Connor blessed the palms, he said, “God of tender mercy, you fashioned us from the dust of the earth and bid us follow your Gospel call in the company of the church. Look on us with kindness as we prepare these ashes which will mark the beginning of our Lenten journey. Amen.”

Taronis then went to the fire pit and used a lighter to start the fire. The dried palm fronds quickly began to burn and as the blaze began to die, more palm fronds were placed into the pit until all were consumed and leaving nothing but ashes, which before Ash Wednesday will have water added to dampen them for placement on foreheads.

The parish will celebrate Masses on Ash Wednesday at 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 12:05 p.m. and 7 p.m., during which ashes will be distributed.

Christina E. Hale

FRACKVILLE — An Ashland man charged with an assault at his home on Dec. 29, 2016, waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale.

Jason E. Stahr, 42, of 920 Market St., was arrested by state police Trooper Joseph Hall of the Frackville station and charged with two felony counts of aggravated assault and one misdemeanor count each of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Stahr will now have to answer to both charges against him in Schuylkill County Court.

Hall charged Stahr with getting into an argument with his wife, Shannon Stahr, over her being out late with friends. The woman said she left the home and returned only to find Jason Stahr lying on the floor upstairs with an empty pill bottle on a bed.

As Shannon Stahr tried to wake her husband, Hall said the man grabbed the shotgun. Shannon Stahr tried to get control of the weapon and pointed the barrel away from her when George Stahr discharged the weapon, hitting a wall and not his wife, Hall said.

Other court cases include:

Charlotte J. Dowling, 48, of 136 B St., Girardville — waived for court: terroristic threats, resisting arrest, driving with a suspended or revoked license and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

William Schultz, 55, of 416 Centre St., Ashland — held for court: public nuisance.

Michael R. Klemer, 18, of 230 N. Balliet St., Frackville — withdrawn: theft, receiving stolen property and theft of property lost, mislaid or delivered by mistake.

Brian C. Smith, 33, of 107 W. Biddle St., Gordon — waived for court: burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property.

Joshua M. Phelan, 29, of 649 Big Mine Run Road, Ashland — withdrawn: driving an unregistered vehicle and failure to carry registration. Waived for court: possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving a vehicle with a suspended registration.

Justine E. Ellinger, 33, of 530 Lytle St., Minersville — held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joseph M. Klusman II, 25, of 501 W. Arch St., Apt. 2, Pottsville — held for court: default in required appearance.

Philip Ike Klemow, 30, of 213 S. Wylam St., Frackville — held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tanner S. Steinhart, 19, of 109 Timber Road, Pottsville — waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI-controlled substance and exceeding the speed limit.

William J. Huth Jr., 36, of 125 S. Third St., Minersville — waived for court: false identification to law enforcement.

Driver sought

in fiery car crash

MOUNT CARBON — State police at Schuylkill Haven are looking for the motorist who crashed a vehicle in North Manheim Township on Thursday, causing the vehicle to burst into flames.

Police said Sunday that the incident occurred at 6:09 a.m. as the vehicle was traveling south in a wooded area off of Hillside Road, next to St. Joseph Cemetery. For unknown reasons, the driver drove the vehicle on a dirt road that was blocked by a fence but tried to access Hillside Road by driving through a wooded area and struck several large rocks with the undercarriage of the vehicle, damaging the gas tank.

Police said the vehicle became hung up on the large rocks, but the driver continued to try to drive the vehicle forward. The driver failed, got out of the vehicle and fled through the woods. The vehicle caught fire and was fully engulfed within minutes, police said.

Mount Carbon Fire Company assisted on scene, police said.

Magazine stolen

from surplus store

HAMBURG — State police at Hamburg are looking for a man who stole a 100 drum magazine from Priority One Surplus LLC, 1708 Tilden Ridge Drive in Tilden Township, Berks County.

Police said the incident occurred at 3:12 p.m. Saturday and the suspect is a Caucasian and between the ages of 30 and 35.

Surveillance video from the store showed the man hiding the 100 drum magazine under his shirt and in his pants. He purchased another item and exited the store without paying for the 100 drum magazine, police said.

PINE GROVE — Uniformed cadets, part of the Cardinal Battalion of the Pine Grove Area Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, embody a drive toward excellence that has made their unit consistently one of the best.

For the 33rd year in a row, Pine Grove JROTC has been recognized as an Honor Unit with Distinction, the highest evaluation rating attainable. They practiced teamwork and leadership skills while on march recently in front of their high school, and shared information about their dedication to the program.

Cadet Lt. Col. Jesse Kennemore, a senior, serves as current cadet battalion commander and unarmed drill team commander.

“You definitely learn that everyone has their own traits and different ways they need to be led and need to be worked with. It gives you a variety of people and you learn how to work with others, no matter what. We consistently plan and practice,” Kennemore said. “Our staff will come in multiple times to practice our brief to make sure it’s as perfect as we want it to be. As a battalion, we study and go over exactly what’s going to happen and brief all the cadets. We do plenty of planning to see that it all falls into place.”

Kennemore, 17, of Tremont, has enlisted in the Navy to pursue a career as an operation specialist, and leaves Aug. 24 for basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois. His experience in JROTC has improved his leadership and time management skills, he said.

To be a JROTC officer, students attend a leadership camp in the summer in Boswell, and also complete an essay for the position they’re seeking.

The Pine Grove JROTC program is under the guidance of instructors retired Maj. Will Shiffer and retired Sgt. 1st Class LeRoy Bates. However, they said the program is student-driven.

“We don’t stand up in front of the kids and just talk all the time. It’s a preferred method of teaching, getting the kids involved. We try to get them to do the presentations. We’ll break them down into pairs, or singles, or threes, and say ‘This is your part, now you’ve got to be able to teach the whole class.’ That’s how we do it,” Shiffer said.

Learning experiences

Senior Alexandra Tobias had the responsibility to serve as battalion commander the first half of the year, and now serves as executive officer for the second half. She’s also the armed drill team commander.

“My personality changed a lot in the years that I’ve been in JROTC,” Tobias, 17, of Pine Grove, said. “I was super shy going in my freshman year, but because of this program it built up my confidence. Now, I’m really outgoing, and it made me a better leader overall.”

A DAR scholarship winner, Tobias plans to attend Widener University, Chester, to major in nursing and participate in the ROTC program there.

“We’re all a very close-knit group of people and we all want to achieve the same goal and work really hard together to make sure everything runs smoothly. As we’re working toward our goal, we’ve built really close friendships and became a team,” Tobias said. “Before you’re a leader, you need to be a follower, so you can understand what other people are thinking and make it easier for others to accomplish the goal. It made me a more caring person.”

Cadet Command Sgt. Maj. Cameron Shollenberger, 18, said he first learned of JROTC opportunities when he was a middle school student and the unit gave a presentation before the student body. His job is to be the “right hand man” to the battalion commander, and to cover any duties in the commander’s absence.

Shollenberger, Pine Grove, plans to enter the Air Force and has an interest in computer security. The senior soccer and track athlete will attend Bloomsburg University, studying digital forensics and will commute to Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, for its Air Force ROTC classes to become an officer.

He said of all the community events where the JROTC has served, the Veterans Day ceremonies are the most rewarding to him.

“Last year, I went up to Penn State Schuylkill. There were a bunch of veterans sitting in the crowd while we did a flag detail. They all stood up and saluted the flag. You think these people all served their country, and you’re still in high school. They went to other countries to do that for you, so it’s rewarding that you get to give a little bit back to them,” Shollenberger said.

Breaking it down

There are four levels of classes at Pine Grove for JROTC. The first year is level one; followed by the second, third and fourth years at levels two, three and four, respectively.

The U.S. Army Cadet Command provides the curriculum and guidelines for the program. JROTC is a one credit elective offered five days a week for the entire school year.

“We give everybody a chance who wants to come in,” Shiffer said. “We teach the same leadership models as the military academies do.”

Shiffer said there’s sometimes a misconception that JROTC recruits students into military service, or teaches them tactical military maneuvers. It does not.

Some of the topics cadets do learn are citizenship, first aid, health and physical fitness, land navigation, career development and goal setting, conflict resolution, diversity, drill and ceremony skills, community service, team development and how the Department of Defense integrates with the armed forces.

Bates said there’s a service learning component, where cadets work on a continuous improvement project. Students select what they want to improve upon.

Every Thursday morning, the JROTC gets all the cadets together during the homeroom period in the gymnasium. There’s a weekly staff briefing at 7 a.m. Thursday, giving cadets a time to share information on their most recent events and to go over plans for future community engagements or public events.

Their unit has a drill team, rifle team and a flag detail team. They participate in Memorial Day and Veterans Day services, community parades, school functions and complete public service projects, such as roadside cleanups. They will host their 34th annual Army JROTC military ball at 3 p.m. March 25 in the high school cafeteria. Guest of honor is retired Army Col. Clifford Keys.

On average, there are 80 to nearly 100 cadets in the district’s JROTC program.

Reaching goals

Junior Ashley Somers, 16, serves as an S-1 in administration. Her duties are to keep accurate details of each cadets’ challenge records and awards, as well as document all of the community events where the JROTC has participated. Those records are submitted to cadet command and are used in evaluating the units for their honor designation.

She said she thought about entering the military, but due to her asthma condition, she was unable to do so. Her father had served in the Army, she said.

Somers, Pine Grove, hopes to become battalion commander next year.

“I’ve gained a lot in the way of leadership, and found my own voice. I used to be really soft-spoken and not always the first to step up. It’s helped me in other situations, too. I work at McDonald’s and I got promoted to being a student manager at my job,” she said, crediting skills learned in JROTC.

She’s also drum major for the Cardinal Marching Band.

“It’s a good program to be in. You don’t have to have an interest in the military. You learn about personal finance and how to read a map, and a lot of basics in life that some classes don’t teach anymore. It’s an important class and teaches a lot of respect,” Somers said.

She plans to attend Bloomsburg University, majoring in chemistry, and hopes to become an anesthesiologist.

Senior Jordan Nicholas, who serves as A-Company commander, said his job is to ensure the JROTC cadets stay in line, fall in correctly and keep their uniforms straight.

“Sergeant Bates and Major Shiffer do a good job to make sure all the cadets know their stuff,” he said.

Serving during a Memorial Day ceremony in Tremont was one of his most rewarding experiences, Nicholas said, especially when people in attendance offered the cadets their thanks for being there.

Nicholas, 18, of Tremont, said he may join the Navy and is interested in working in cryptology networking or as an operation specialist.

Shiffer said the JROTC cadets are well-respected in the community and by district students and staff, a sentiment echoed by Superintendent Heath W. Renninger.

“We are very proud of JROTC students and the skills they exhibit and practice on a daily basis,” Renninger said. “The students continue to strive to better themselves as leaders, to improve their communication skills, and enhance team building. The JROTC program instills respect for others, self-respect, responsibility and self-discipline. The program continues to have a favorable impact on the lives of our students, their families, and our community.”

Running a JROTC

Across the nation, there are 1,670 Army JROTCs, according to Shiffer. The other branches of the military operate their own version of the JROTC program.

In Pennsylvania, there are 28 schools that offer Army JROTC programs, with Pine Grove being the only one in Schuylkill County. Other nearby schools that host cadets are Panther Valley, Wilson, Shikellamy, Gettysburg, West Shore, Cumberland Valley and Carson Long Military School.

Shiffer said the JROTC program costs approximately $150,000 to $200,000 annually to operate. Much of the funding comes from the Army.

To provide a uniform for each student costs $450 each. The Army pays for the uniforms, as well as provides computers, projectors and other supplies. The school district is reimbursed half the salary of the instructors by the Army. The school district pays for the other half of the instructors’ salaries, provides the electricity and classroom space and contributes about $4,000 annually, which is used mostly for transportation costs and any other needs. Cadets also conduct fundraisers, selling ham sandwiches twice a year and a discount merchant card.

The Pine Grove JROTC is already off to a good start for accomplishments that will go toward next year’s evaluation results. During a command briefing before Bucknell University ROTC on Feb. 16 at its cadet formal inspection evaluation, the unit scored 584 out of 600 total points, or a 97 percent. All Honor Units with Distinction must score a 96 percent or higher. The unit proved its fulfilling the JROTC mission: “To motivate young people to be better citizens.”

MAHANOY CITY — The presentation of the Citizen of the Year award highlighted the annual banquet Saturday of the Citizens Fire Company No. 2 and Mahanoy City EMS.

Jason Wagner was honored with the Citizen of the Year award for 2017 and presented the plaque by the 2016 recipient, Paul Brutto Jr.

Wagner, the son of company president Harry Wagner Jr., is an 18-year member of the company and active on both the firefighting and EMS aspects of the organization.

Jason Wagner thanked his “brother and sister” firefighters for choosing him for the honor.

“I love you all,” he said.

Five additional members were honored for their service to the company and earned Life Membership status. They were Thomas Ward Sr., 62-year member; Robert Wagner, 60 years; William Paul, 64 years; Robert Thompson, 60 years, and Anthony Urban, 54 years.

Russell Zimmerman earned a pin for 25 years of service while Robert Schrepple and Frank Andruscavage, a reporter for The Republican-Herald, earned pins for 35 years of service.

The life member awards were presented by Harry Wagner while trustee Mark Bernardyn presented awards to the 25- and 35-year members.

The guest speaker for the evening was Dan Markiewicz, Mahanoy City borough fire chief.

Markiewicz said when he began his firefighting career in 1984 in Mahanoy City the borough’s five fire companies frequently disagreed, leading to arguments and a lack of working together.

With the efforts of the “great leadership” of previous fire chiefs — Randy Kalce, Frank Bedisky and Paul Macleary — that has changed.

“We all started to work together and be a proactive fire department instead of a reactive fire department,” he said. “Now we go after the fire instead of waiting for the fire to come to us.”

Markiewicz said he is proud to be in charge of what he called one of the best fire departments in the state of Pennsylvania.

Speaking about the borough’s five fire companies, Markiewicz said, “We are all in this together as one big family.”

John Bowman Jr. presented a brief report on the company’s emergency medical services saying a total of 578 calls were responded to in 2016.

A highlight of the year was on Nov. 25, 2016, when crews, assisted by Shenandoah ALS, successfully revived a cardiac arrest victim in front of the firehouse.

“They used the AED, brought him back and he was subsequently released from a hospital,” Bowman said.

Harry Wagner noted that in 2017 the Citizens Fire Company is celebrating 147 years of service to the community and Mahanoy City EMS 78 years of service.

He commended all the men and woman — both current and past members — for making the organization a success.