By Frank Andruscavage

SHENANDOAH — A Shenandoah man wanted for his role in a kidnapping in the borough last year was taken into custody by state police troopers on Saturday.

Juan Jose “Montana” Perez, 31, of 215 1/2 N. Jardin St., was taken into custody by Trooper Chris Rooney of the Frackville station at Dutch Kitchen, Frackville.

Rooney went into the business, recognized Perez and was subsequently able to take him into custody on a felony warrant from Shenandoah police patrolmen David Stamets and Joshua Pastucka.

Perez was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, on felony charges of kidnapping, former convicts not to possess firearms and firearms not to be carried without a license; misdemeanor offenses of corruption of minors, unlawful restraint, simple assault and false imprisonment; as well as a summary charge of harassment.

He was then committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $250,000 straight cash bail set by Hale.

Already arrested and in custody for the Dec. 19 to 21 incident are Almaldo Perez-Rodriguez, then 30, of 77 Locust Hill, Apt. 813, Yonkers, New York, and Ramon Devalle, then 16, of 923 Buttonwood St., 1st Floor, Reading.

Both are charged with felony counts of kidnapping and felony possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance along with misdemeanor crimes of unlawful restraint, stalking, false imprisonment, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and harassment.

In addition, Perez-Rodriguez was charged with one misdemeanor count each of simple assault and corruption of minors, while Devalle also faces an additional count of false identification to law enforcement.

Both Perez-Rodriguez and Devalle appeared for preliminary hearings during which Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, dismissed the stalking charge against each man but ordered the remaining charges be held for Schuylkill County Court.

Perez has been on the run since the incident until his capture on Saturday.

Stamets and Pastucka charged all three men with allegedly kidnapping and threatening William Murphy at his 9 N. Bower St. home and making them drive them to Reading in neighboring Berks County.

At the preliminary hearing, Murphy said the three came to his home where Perez made him undress completely in front of two children, threatened him and waived a handgun around.

Murphy said the men made him stay away from windows and when, at one point, when he went to the door one of the men pointed the handgun at him and told him to stay away.

During the hearing, Murphy said that the three men eventually ordered him to his vehicle, made him drive them to Reading and inside the vehicle continually spoke about shooting him and also pointed a handgun at him.

Once in Reading, Murphy said he began to cry and at one point was stopped alongside another vehicle whose driver saw him crying and began to follow him.

He said that a short time later the men became distressed about being followed, jumped out of the vehicle and fled without their belongings.

Then, on Dec. 21, Murphy said Delvalle and Perez-Rodriguez came to his house again, where they were taken into custody by Stamets and Pastucka after he alerted authorities.

While in custody, Stamets reported that Devalle was found to be in possession of a large amount of methamphetamine that had a preliminary weight of 31.1 grams.

Perez will now have to answer to the charges against him at a preliminary hearing before Kilker in his Shenandoah courtroom.

A U.S. senator and local leaders met Monday in Pottsville to talk about the ongoing heroin crisis in the county.

“We know there’s an opioid problem,” Melissa Kalyan, administrator of Schuylkill County Drug and Alcohol Program, said.

She talked about what the department and Clinical Outcomes Group Inc. is doing to help stem the tide of drug use in the county. Federal efforts to combat the growing epidemic were also discussed. Kalyan was joined by Dr. John Stefovic, who provides medication-assisted therapy to clients who attend COGI, Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey.

Naloxone is available to police and first responders. Citizens are also able to get naloxone at pharmacies. Those who go through a training session are also permitted to get the life-saving medicine.

Hess said drug use is an “epidemic that surrounds, not just all over the state and all over the country, but definitely right here in Schuylkill County.”

Schuylkill County instituted a drug treatment court earlier this year to address the drug problem.

Casey discussed the federal efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in the country through the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and the 21st Century Cures Act. Both were signed by former President Barack Obama and provide funding to address the opioid crisis.

“Wherever you live, in a town the size of Pottsville or Scranton or a much larger urban area, increasingly and over the last couple of years we’ve had terrible tragedies in small towns and rural areas,” he said.

Casey said efforts to undo parts of the Affordable Care Act can have long-lasting implications for those who need help with drug problems and behavioral health issues that can accompany them.

“We could step back years if we do the wrong thing on the ACA and Medicaid,” he said.

Citing an OpED article in “The Hill,” a Washington, D.C.-based publication, Casey said significant funds cost be lost.

“Repealing the mental and substance use disorder coverage provisions of the ACA would withdraw at least $5.5 billion annually from the treatment of low income people,” the article states.

Stefovic said compassion needs to be shown to those suffering from addiction.

“The vast majority of the people that we treat did not go out and decide to get addicted,” he said.

When someone is addicted it affects not just the addict, but also their family and others.

“We have to start accepting this as a disease process,” he said.

Getting help quickly can give an addict a better chance of overcoming their addiction, Stefovic said. The 77 people who died last year due to drug-related causes didn’t have to die.

“The question is how high it’s going to go this year,” he said.

Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III said Monday 12 people have died of suspected drug-related deaths so far this year.

“We are on the pace to have 60 deaths for the coming year. Although this is a slight improvement for the total we had for 2016, we are still at crisis levels,” he said.

Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Deb Detweiler said of the 12 people, eight are males.

Preliminary toxicology tests show three had oxycodone in their system, two had methamphetamine, two had a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, one had heroin, one had fentanyl, and three are pending, she said. Final toxicology tests are not back yet from NMS Labs, Willow Grove.

MINERSVILLE — A borough man was jailed Sunday charged by Minersville police for sexual acts involving a child.

Shawn D. Schlauch, 23, of 210 Sunbury St., Apt. 17, was arrested by patrolmen Eric Sterner and Jason Klouser in connection with the incident about 12:30 a.m. at a home on North Second Street.

Schlauch was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, on two counts of indecent assault and one count each of corruption of minors and resisting arrest.

He was then committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $25,000 straight cash bail set by Hale.

The officers said they were called to the address for a report of a sexual assault and learned that Schlauch entered the bedroom of a 14-year-old girl about 12:30 a.m. and said the girl’s name but she did not respond and was pretending to sleep.

Sterner and Klouser reported that Schlauch then laid down on the bed with the girl and performed a lewd act next to the girl.

When interviewed about 5:30 p.m. Sunday, the officers said Schlauch told them he went into the bedroom to see if the teen wanted to watch a movie and then admitted to the events related by the victim.

At the time of his arrest Sunday, Schlauch was scheduled to begin serving a sentence at the Schuylkill County Prison.

Schlauch was arrested on July 26, 2016, and charged with felony failure to verify address and/or be photographed as required pursuant to him being a registered Megan’s Law offender.

On Feb. 22, Schuylkill County Judge John Domalakes accepted Schlauch’s guilty plea to the charge and ordered him to serve a sentence of 11 1/2 to 23 months in prison.

Deeds

Tamaqua — Wells Fargo Bank NA to David W. Corra; 101 Catawissa St.; $20,000.

Ruth J. Kerr to Kendrea Properties LLC; 9 W. Elm St.; $11,000.

Borough of Tamaqua to Child Development Inc.; 240 Center St.; $25,000.

Edward H. and Norma A. Smith to Stacia A. Smith and Tammy Falisi; 237 Spruce St.; $1.

Christian L. and Bridget Hadesty to Christian L. and Bridget Hadesty; 502 Lombard St.; $1.

Tower City — Ruth E. Bender, by attorney in fact Elizabeth A. Herb, to Alyssa N. Leffler; 430 E. Wiconisco St.; $100,000.

West Brunswick Township — Zions Red Church to Terry L. and Cheryl A. Ernst; property on Red Church Road; $100,000.

Terry L. and Cheryl A. Ernst to Terry L. and Cheryl A. Ernst; property on Red Church Road; $1.

Zion’s Red Church to Faron A. Breiner and Roxanne Spontak, administratrix of the Estate of William A. Breiner; 12.379-acre property on Red Church Road; $26,400.

Marriage licenses

Jason M. Schmidt, Tamaqua, and Christine M. Byrd, Tamaqua.

John M. Klemko, Aston, and Evonne M. Flickinger, Aston.

Matthew P. Wildermuth, Orwigsburg, and Amy M. Frickert, Orwigsburg.

Randolph J. Dombrowski, Schuylkill Haven, and Donna L. Hoagland, Schuylkill Haven.

John J. Campbell III, Frackville, and Shane Andrewcavage, Frackville.

Divorces granted

Christina Neifert, Tamaqua, from Bruce Neifert, New Ringgold.

Duane Allen, Tamaqua, from Judith Allen, Tamaqua.

John Delowery, Ringtown, from Krystina Delowery-Kakol, Ringtown.

Robert Morgan, Ashland, from Bonnie Lou Morgan, Ashland.

MINERSVILLE — A woman burned critically when flames tore through the apartment building where she was living in Minersville a year ago this month has died.

Crystal Pederson, 34, formerly of 2 Sunbury St., Apt. C, was pronounced dead at 3:44 p.m. Saturday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown.

According to Andrew Kehm, Lehigh County chief deputy coroner, Pederson’s death was due to complications of second- and third-degree burns she suffered in the fire at her residence on March 25, 2016.

The manner of death was ruled accidental, Kehm said.

The 2:40 p.m. fire left a total of 16 people, including Pederson, homeless.

Shortly after arriving on scene and being met with heavy fire to the rear of the building, firefighters pulled Pederson from the second-floor apartment and turned her over to Minersville EMS for treatment. She was subsequently flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital by helicopter, suffering from burns over 64 percent of her body.

In addition to Pederson, Rose Toney who lived in a third-floor apartment was taken to a hospital for less serious injuries.

Also living in the building were Toney’s husband, Nate Toney, and their daughters, Kaila and Brittany; Steven Harmer; Terry O’Shaugh-nessy; Sandra and Joseph Klusman; Budd Houser; Daniel Houser; Mike Greenawalt; Liza Calvin; and Tina Pauley.

Visiting that day were Kyle Nelson and Mallory Wentzel, according to Minersville police Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers.

Beside Peterson and Rose Toney, no one else living in the eight-apartment building was injured.

Minersville Fire Chief Eric Eichenberg conducted the investigation into the cause of the fire with the assistance of state police fire marshal Trooper Thomas Finn of the Schuylkill Haven station and Bowers.

That investigation determined the fire started in the area of the stove in the Peterson apartment and was ruled accidental.

Turkey Hill LP placed the winning bid on a Schuylkill County restaurant liquor license in Pottsville.

It was up for bid at auction by the state Liquor Control Board in January.

The Lancaster-based company had the winning bid of $67,100. It also bid on three other licenses, one each in Lancaster, Lebanon and Luzerne counties.

The PLCB auctioned off 50 available licenses in 48 counties. A minimum bid was $25,000 for each license.

A representative from the company did not return a call for comment Friday.

Other bids came from companies such as Sheetz Inc. and Giant Food Stores LLC. Giant had the highest bid at the auction — $463,802 for a license in Abington Township, Montgomery County. Winning bidders have 14 days to pay the amount. If not received, the second highest bidder had the opportunity to pay the amount. Once paid, the bidder has six months to file an application with PLCB.

Elizabeth Brassell, a media representative with PLCB, said the payment for the license in Pottsville had not been received as of Friday. Turkey Hill has two applications pending with PLCB for a restaurant liquor license, one in Berwick and the other in Selinsgrove.

According to PLCB, some of the rules for a restaurant liquor license are: “The primary purpose of the ‘R’ licensed establishment is to habitually and principally provide food service to the public. The service of liquor, wine or beer products is secondary. The interior dimensions must be no less than 400 square feet, equipped with at least 30 chairs, or the equivalent seating, at tables for public use.

“Even though “R” licensees may serve liquor, wine and beer products, they are under the same restrictions as “E” licensees regarding the sale of these products for takeout purposes. “R” licensees may not sell any single, open container of alcoholic beverage for consumption outside the establishment.”

An intermunicipal transfer of a liquor license is permitted but must be approved by the accepting municipality.

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill S. Jackson Street

To Jonathan Fantini and Carissa Tobin, Hegins, a son, Feb. 25.

Jenny Murphy-Shifflet has enjoyed her 29 years as the only executive director the Sexual Assault Resource and Counseling Center of Lebanon and Schuylkill Counties ever has had, but she said Monday it is time to hand over the group’s reins to someone else.

“I hope that there will be a new leader in this chair by September,” Murphy-Shifflet said after announcing that she will be retiring this year as the center’s leader. “I’ve been blessed to be in this leadership role long enough to see the organization grow.”

She said she is retiring to her home near Hummelstown, Dauphin County, due to her daughter’s health problems.

“I need to refocus my time and energy to her,” she said.

Murphy-Shifflet’s successor will inherit an organization that started by serving people solely in Lebanon County but expanded to Schuylkill several years ago in the wake of problems with its predecessor, the Rape and Victim Assistance Center of Schuylkill County.

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency asked SARCC to take over the programs that the Rape and Victim Assistance Center had conducted, she said.

“We were able to take all the best parts of that program and keep the services in the community,” she said.

Founded in 1988, the same year Murphy-Shifflet started as the center’s leader on a part-time basis — the post long since has become a full-time one — SARCC offers services to all victims of sexual assault in the two counties. The center, which is a member agency of Schuylkill United Way, has offices in Lebanon and Pottsville; the office in the city is at 17 Westwood Centre.

SARCC offers a 24/7 hotline, accompaniment of victims to the hospital or police station, ongoing support through the legal system, legal and medical advocacy, and training to medical professionals, Murphy-Shifflet said. It has 16 staff members, nine in Lebanon County and seven in Schuylkill, and approximately 55 volunteers, including members of its board of directors, according to Murphy-Shifflet.

Murphy-Shifflet and the agency have been assets to Schuylkill County, according to commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr.

“Jenny has done an excellent job as head of SARCC,” Halcovage said Monday. “She’ll be missed.”

Schuylkill United Way Executive Director Kelly K. Malone said Murphy-Shifflet also said has done an admirable job in establishing SARCC in the region.

“They came in, they made a difference. They made it an agency that is flourishing and is really needed in our community,” Malone said.

Malone described Murphy-Shifflet as an excellent businesswoman and a caring person, and she hopes SARCC picks a successor who is just like her.

Murphy-Shifflet is proud of what her agency has accomplished, especially in helping people to understand how large a problem sexual assault — discussion of which had been taboo for many people — is in the region.

“One of the biggest changes has been the community ... embracing the issue of sexual violence” and looking for ways to work with SARCC to eliminate it, she said. “It’s important that this message get out.”

Schools, hospitals, law enforcement, volunteers and donors have combined to help make that possible by enabling SARCC to serve more people, Murphy-Shifflet said.

“We see well over 1,000 individuals,” and bring educational programs to more than 15,000 students a year, she said. “We’re in all of the schools, from pre-school to college.”

Christine Verdier, Tamaqua, is heading the committee that is seeking Murphy-Shifflet’s successor. She said the 10-member committee is conducting a local, regional and statewide search for Murphy-Shifflet’s successor.

“The search committee is looking for a leader with integrity and experience with sexual assault programming who can build relationships, communicate effectively, foster teamwork, be flexible and have the ability to make decisions, set priorities and solve problems related to the needs of sexual assault clients,” she said.

Halcovage said the county has benefitted tremendously from SARCC and Murphy-Shifflet.

“They’ve provided a valuable service to the county,” he said. “She’ll be leaving SARCC with a good team.”

Verdier agreed.

“Murphy-Shifflet has situated SARCC to move into the future with a strong strategic plan that has been well vetted to include expanded programming for sexual assault victims, community awareness and cross-training for staff,” she said.

DEER LAKE — A 65-year-old man escaped without injury when he drove his vehicle into the side of Geisinger-Orwigsburg about 4 p.m. Monday.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said George Brown, Schuylkill Haven, drove his 2014 Chevrolet Cruz into the medical building located at 300 Hollywood Blvd., West Brunswick Township, when his foot slipped off the brake and onto the accelerator, causing the vehicle to lunge forward.

Police said Brown was not injured.

The vehicle damaged the wall and door at the entrance to the pharmacy. L&K Construction Inc. put up a temporary enclosure before the expected snow storm.

The medical clinic closed early after the accident.

Schuylkill County residents in need of a ride have some new alternatives to catching the bus or hailing a cab.

There are now Uber drivers serving the area as well as a new ride referral company called Skookie Rides.

“I think there has been a huge need in this area for a long time,” Justin Jalbert, a driver for both Uber and Skookie Rides, said Monday.

Uber allows customers to request transportation through a mobile app. It also allows them to see where drivers are, pay directly from their phone and rate their experience. Founded in 2009, Uber is headquartered in San Francisco and provides services in more than 500 cities worldwide, according to the company’s website at www.uber.com.

Jalbert, 38, of Pottsville, has been a part-time driver for Uber since November.

There are a few Uber drivers in Schuylkill County, but Jalbert was the only one listed available in the Pottsville area Monday morning. He also runs the Uber Pottsville Taxi Facebook page.

Uber drivers use their own vehicle. In Jalbert’s case, he drives a red 2014 Toyota Corolla with an Uber badge in the corner of the windshield.

“The only downside is before I pick you up, I have no idea where I’m going,” he said.

There is no limit to the distance of an Uber ride, but the driver must follow state laws regarding time spent behind a wheel, Jalbert explained. However, an Uber driver can deny any ride request.

“You can pick up as many hours as you want,” Jalbert said. “It’s not an hourly wage. You are only getting paid when you have someone in your vehicle.”

Uber takes 25 percent of the driver’s fee on a ride. Jalbert said about another 20 percent goes into gas. Although he also has a full-time job taking up most of his day, Jalbert said he makes up to $250 a week on about 25 drives for Uber and Skookie Rides.

“The difficult part in this area is that there is not enough demand for someone here to make enough money full time,” Jalbert said. “There isn’t enough demand anywhere really.”

Jalbert said he was drawn to Uber to make some extra money while still being able to spend time with family.

“I have always been an entrepreneurial thinker,” he said. “I don’t like the strict environment with rules and bosses. I’ve been thinking for years about starting a new business in Pottsville, but I don’t have a lot of capital. This gives me an opportunity to run my own day.”

Anybody can drive for Uber, although there are a few minimum requirements, according to the company’s website at www.uber.com.

For example, the driver must be at least 21 years old, have at least one year of driving experience and use a four-door vehicle. Drivers also must pass a criminal background check and have a clean driving record.

Jalbert also recently started driving for Skookie Rides, which formed about three weeks ago.

The service is similar to Uber, but is technically a “ride referral service” that connects customers to independent drivers in the area, Nichole Miller, Skookie Rides campaign coordinator, said. Miller, 39, of Pottsville, handles the referral requests and the Skookie Rides Facebook page.

Instead of using a mobile app, Skookie Rides customers can request a ride by calling or texting 570-291-8131 or through Facebook. The company then pairs the customer with a driver in the area and makes a referral fee.

“Currently, we’re handling about 60 referrals per week,” Miller said. “We have a total of 5 drivers involved. We’re hoping to grow those numbers to 200 percent in just the next few weeks. We’re only dealing with a client pool of under 20. We also plan on expanding this business very quickly to include other areas within the next three months.”

Unlike Uber, Miller said Skookie Ride customers can schedule rides ahead of time and drivers already know where they are going before picking them up. Skookie Rides customers can pay with cash or use the driver’s mobile square credit card reader.

“Uber doesn’t allow for peace of mind for the driver, they don’t know where the rider is going,” Miller said. “Uber also in this area doesn’t allow a scheduled time for pickup because there are not enough drivers. Our goal is to get people where they want to go on time, scheduled or unscheduled, picked up on time and to their destination on time at the best rate possible.

I think the lack of transportation available in this area just gives us an amazing opportunity and I think we have seen those results so far in just these few weeks.”

Jalbert said both Uber and Skookie Rides are fulfilling a need in the area. While there are other transportation options available in the county, limited hours, set routes and higher costs can be inconvenient for some people, he said.

“I feel like even though I’m putting some money in my pocket, it is really helping people out too,” Jalbert said. “It makes me feel good that I have an opportunity to do that in addition to making some extra cash.”

Carrie L. Gousalves, Pottsville, said she has used Skookie Rides four to eight times a week since she decided to stop driving due to diabetes impairing her vision.

“They are dependable and punctual and the drivers are very pleasant,” she said during a trip to the grocery store Monday. “I’m glad the service is here.”

ORWIGSBURG — Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier said Tuesday that he likes his job and wants to keep it another six years.

Ferrier, Wayne Township, has announced his candidacy for a sixth term in Magisterial District 21-3-03, a post he has held for more than 30 years.

“I am proud of my record in office and humbly ask both Republicans and Democrats to allow me to continue to serve them,” he said.

A 1972 graduate of Blue Mountain High School, Ferrier has cross-filed on both the Republican and Democratic tickets for the May 16 primary election.

Ferrier was first appointed to his position in 1986. He was elected to his first full six-year term in 1987 and has been re-elected four times.

His office is on the second floor of Orwigsburg Borough Hall, 209 N. Warren St. His district includes Auburn, Cressona, Deer Lake, Landingville, New Ringgold, Orwigsburg, Port Clinton and Schuylkill Haven boroughs and East Brunswick, North Manheim, South Manheim, Walker, Wayne, West Brunswick and West Penn townships.

He thanked district residents for their past support and pledged to continue to provide the same courteous, dedicated and enthusiastic service that he has given since gaining the position.

“Service to the public is an honor and a trust, one which I take very seriously,” Ferrier said. “The hallmarks of my service will continue to be a thorough knowledge of the law, a tough but fair and commonsense approach to dispensing justice, a desire to help others and an emphasis on education and outreach as key parts of the fight against crime.”

Ferrier first completed what was at the time the district justice qualification course in 1984, and has been recertified every year since. He is a member of the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania and the District 10 Magisterial District Judges Association.

In addition to his record, Ferrier cited his background in law enforcement and his involvement in the community as positives he brings to the position.

He served as a police officer in several local police departments, achieving the rank of corporal. An honorably discharged Air Force veteran, he is a graduate of the Air Force Police Academy and served with the Air Force Security Police, earning a commendation medal.

Ferrier also helped establish the Schuylkill County Communications Center Advisory Committee and the Southern Schuylkill Council of Governments Regional Police Study Committee.

As an extension of his office duties, Ferrier has been and continues to be a frequent guest instructor and lecturer in continuing education programs.

Most recently, he spoke at the state Department of Education’s statewide meeting on truancy and is part of the state Department of Transportation’s highway safety organization.

He has been a frequent guest speaker before the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association and has spoken to a number of community crime prevention and driver awareness groups.

Also, he speaks to local high school business law and government classes, has been a guest lecturer in law classes at the Penn State Schuylkill, has conducted youth drug awareness programs and has assisted with the Schuylkill Haven Drug Abuse Resistance Education program and the “Prom Promise” program.

Also an active community member, Ferrier is a past president of the Cressona Lions Club and Eagle Residents Against Drugs, and a past master of Cressona Lodge 222 F&AM. He is also a past president and life member of the Schuylkill County Motorcycle Club, and a member and legislative officer for the Deer Lake Harley Owners Group.

He also is a member of St. Mark’s United Church of Christ, Cressona, and the Blue Mountain Eagle Foundation and is a former Blue Mountain High School head girls’ track coach.

He and his wife, Diane, have one daughter, Jennifer, and two grandchildren, Brandon James and Alexandria Diane Ferrier.

n Fountain Springs: The North Schuylkill school board meeting on Wednesday has been postponed and rescheuled for 6 p.m. March 22 in the high school LGI room.

n Frackville: The Frackville pool group will sponsor a paint-and-sip event from 7 to 9 p.m. March 30 at the Frackville Municipal & Community Center, Center and Oak streets. The cost is $35. Participants will paint a spring picture to benefit the pool project, according to a release. Registration in advance is required by contacting Creative Changes for Arts and Humanities. For more information, call 570-874-1109.

n Frackville: The Frackville Area Municipal Authority announced that customers will be allowed to pay their sewer bills on March 17 without penalty due to the office being closed for Winter Storm Stella. FAMA’s monthly board meeting scheduled for today has been canceled.

n Gordon: The regular meeting of the borough council that had been scheduled for Tuesday has been rescheduled to March 21 due to the inclement weather, according to borough Manager Paul L. Snyder. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Gordon Municipal Building, East Plane and Otto streets.

n Mahanoy City: The regularly meeting of the borough council that had been set for Tuesday has been rescheduled to 7 p.m. March 21 due to the snow storm.

n McAdoo: A Taize prayer service will be held at 6 p.m. March 26 at the Church of All Saints, 21 N. Cleveland St. It is an ecumenical service, meaning people of all denominations are welcome. Taize is a small village in the hills of the Burgundy region of France. It is home to an ecumenical community in the monastic tradition and was founded during World War II by Brother Roger. The prayers take place three times a day and are at the center of their life. Today, Taize is a place to which visitors of all ages and backgrounds go on pilgrimage to participate in international meetings of prayer and reflection. The songs of Taize, according to organizers, are meant to help people take time in God’s presence. They consist of small Scripture passages with easy melodies repeated over and over and are sung long enough to allow distracted thoughts to calm down and for the words to sink in. The faithful are asked to join in the singing as they become comfortable with the melodies. During the services, there are also periods of silence for reflective meditation. All are welcome.

n Pottsville: The city remains in Snow Emergency Level 2 with a parking ban that was declared Monday, according to a city press release. All vehicles must be removed from snow emergency routes and fire lanes. More information is available on line at www.city.pottsville.pa.us or by calling the mayor’s office at 570-622-1234, ext. 316.

n Pottsville: A St. Patrick’s Day party is slated from 6 p.m. Thursday at the Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St. There will be themed games, crafts and music. It is for children ages 3-12. Snacks will be provided and children can choose a prize book. For more information, call 570-622-8880.

n Shenandoah: Mayor Andrew Szczyglak said in a press release residents must abide by the local snow emergency areas and remove all vehicles from Main Street and on Centre Street between White and West streets until further notice. Vehicles in violation will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. Additionally, there is no parking in any alley. Borough police said in the release conditions will be monitored and parking restrictions will be updated as needed.

n Shenandoah: Psyanky, Ukrainian Easter egg decorating, classes will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. April 5 and 9 a.m. to noon April 8 in St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall, 300 W. Oak St. The cost is $45, which includes supplies. Participants are “guaranteed to leave class with a completed egg.” To register or for more information, call Paul at 570-668-5789. The church office can be reached at 570-462-0809. Additional classes will also be available.

Schuylkill County residents spent Tuesday digging out of the more than a foot of snow from snowstorm Stella that fell across the region Monday into Tuesday.

Some businesses, schools and government offices were closed. The snow was even too much for the U.S. Postal Service to trudge in. People took off work or called off.

“By the time I get this done, it will be spring,” Sharon Snyder, a city resident, said Tuesday as she was digging out her car.

To say she didn’t like all the snow is an understatement, although she is not surprised about the amount. She called off work.

“How are you supposed to go to work in this stuff?” she asked.

She remembers the snow of 1993, when a lot of snow blanketed Schuylkill County. She didn’t go to work then either.

“It was just like this. You couldn’t go anywhere,” she said.

Donna Schenck, Pottsville, enjoyed the snow.

“I love it. I love this,” she said.

Originally from Pottsville, Schenck lived in Eagle River, Alaska, for 15 years before moving back to Pottsville years ago to take care of her parents. She measured 16 inches on snow on her back porch in Pottsville at 10 a.m.

In Alaska, she said, schools do not close unless the parking lots of the schools are not plowed. The last time a school closed since she last lived there was in 1998 when 3 1/2 feet covered the area.

Not everyone was trying to move the heavy snow. ATV riders were seen on several streets in Pottsville trying to have a good time. Few vehicles were seen on city streets, although seeing people walking in the street was common. At times they were seen throwing snow into the road or using their snowblower, blowing the snow back into the street, which is illegal.

This is just one of the things the city street department had to deal with while attempting to plow the more than 40 miles of city streets.

Tom Whitaker, Pottsville street department supervisor, was out on the streets since midnight Tuesday. The workers started at 1:30 a.m. Whitaker said the employees would likely leave shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday. All 16 trucks were out on the roads Tuesday. All streets in the city were plowed “at least five times,” he said.

“I’m very tired. I’m exhausted,” he said.

Six cups of coffee and lots of gum helped him stay awake. He took an occasional break for the coffee or to eat.

“It didn’t start to get bad (the roads) until 3:30 in the morning,” when the heavy snow started to fall at a faster pace.

Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said for the most part, residents have been cooperative during the storm with removing their vehicles, although two vehicles were towed.

Residents can help by keeping their vehicles off designated snow emergency routes. Clearing a space around fire hydrants also is helpful. Only five fire hydrants were shoveled out, Whitaker said.

Removing the snow will take time, something he estimated at two days. Snow will be taken to the parking lot of the JFK pool in Pottsville starting today.

Some taxpayers did call in about the conditions of their roads. With all the snow, Whitaker said, they used up a large supply of the salt and anti-skid material, amounting to about 200 tons, which will be replenished. When asked if he is worried about blowing and drifting snow, Whitaker said not really. Workers will be out again in the morning removing snow and checking the roads.

If motorists or residents do go outside, they should be careful, “be patient and use common sense while traveling,” he said.

He said the storm lived up to its hype.

“This is my second winter. Both winters have had major winter storms. I’m being tested. Hopefully, I’m passing,” Whitaker said.

MINERSVILLE — While Mallory Ebert’s one-of-a-kind personality may be impossible to imitate, her “Double” scores high marks.

The Double keeps Ebert, who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, connected as she studies from home.

A Minersville Area High School senior, Ebert, 18, is believed to be the first student in Schuylkill County to use the telepresence robot, according to Jeffrey C. Kay, Special Projects Technology Manager, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, Milton.

Being there

“It actually feels great to be able to see everyone in the classroom,” Ebert said. “Obviously, I miss being there. It feels like I’m able to participate in class and like I’m actually there.”

Ebert, who has a compromised immune system due to her treatments, demonstrated how the technology worked in a few classrooms Monday. On Thursday (weather permitting), Ebert’s scheduled to go on a field trip with her Advanced Placement biology class to the Whitaker Center to see a virtual surgery from Hershey. Ebert will remain at her home in Minersville, while the robot will gather the information and send real-time images and audio back to her laptop from on-site. During the trip, Ebert will be able to ask questions and share in the experience with her friends. The field trip was organized by Advanced Placement biology instructor Dee Motley, who also is Ebert’s homebound instruction teacher.

“My favorite class is AP bio. I’ve always enjoyed science, and I like the way Ms. Motley teaches,” Ebert, who has committed to Miserocordia to study physical therapy, said.

Partnership

The robot was made available through a program called Classroom Connect, which is a partnership between Geisinger Health Center (Child Life, Danville) and the CSIU. Geisinger Health Center provides the funding for the project and the CSIU assists in deploying robots to the students who need them, according to Kay. The robot weights approximately 15 pounds and is 47 inches tall. It can be raised by the driver to a height of 60 inches tall and is 10 inches wide. Ebert can remotely drive the robot where she wants it to go or can allow a fellow trained classmate to carry the robot from place to place. It sported a mini Minersville jersey with Ebert’s No. 18 on the back of it and the words “We Are Stronger Together” on the front. The robot arrived at the school March 9.

“I have to really get use to it. It’s going to be an awesome experience. I’m very grateful to have it,” she said. “Yesterday, I drove it through the hallways to get the feel of it.”

When she’s not doing her homework, Ebert tries to keep herself busy.

“Usually, I just watch movies. Lately, I’ve been pedaling this little bike thing that my mom ordered for me because my legs got really weak. I’m trying to eat. I eat a lot of salty foods. I’m not into the sweets yet,” she said.

Palermo’s Italian wedding soup is one of her favorites.

“Every Sunday I get it,” she said.

Obtaining the robot for Ebert was a collaborative effort.

“The Child Life staff at Geisinger Health Center identify potential pediatric patients who they feel would benefit from connecting to school through a robot. Once they get parent and patient permission, they contact me. From there, I contact administrators, teachers and the technology coordinator from the identified district to discuss what is needed to get the robot working for their student,” Kay said.

So far, the program has only been piloted within the 17 member districts of the CSIU. Ebert is the first student to use a robot for Classroom Connect outside of the CSIU’s member district area, Kay said, and the first one in Schuylkill County of which he’s aware.

Treatment

It’s hoped the robot will be able to bring some normalcy back into Ebert’s senior year of studies. Since she was diagnosed with leukemia on Jan. 26, she was first hospitalized for two weeks as the doctors were aggressive in starting chemotherapy treatment. In addition, she also had to endure bone marrow biopsies, spinal taps and other diagnostic tests such as echo cardiograms and ultrasound to make sure that none of the medication she has been taking has affected her heart. She completed the last two weeks of the induction phase as an outpatient at Foss clinic, Danville.

As of Feb. 26, Ebert entered the consolidation phase. She was scheduled to continue for four weeks receiving chemotherapy by way of spinal taps. Her father, Dave Ebert, said his daughter has had to receive blood transfusions prior to taking some of her treatments. She has been receiving a spinal tap and a shot on Fridays in Danville, and then receives a shot on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at her home in Minersville. After the consolidation phase, Ebert will need to stay in the hospital for three to four days, so doctors can monitor her for any side effects of her treatment every two weeks, her father said. Eventually, she’ll enter a maintenance phase, where she’ll take a pill. Her total treatment time is expected to last 2 and 1/2 years, her father said.

In addition to her father, her family includes her mother, Linda; and sisters, Mariah and Melissa. Her father works for The Republican-Herald as distribution manager at the Bulls Head Plant.

Involved

Ebert is ranked at the top of a very competitive senior class, consistently maintains distinguished honor roll status and studies a very rigorous course load. She is a leader on the varsity soccer and softball teams. She is a member of the Spanish Club, SADD, TAT, Yearbook and Prom Committees. She also volunteers in her community with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society.

“She’s a phenomenal student, a hard worker who goes the extra mile,” Motley said. “She’s a very social person. I think that’s one of the hardest things is for her not to be able to be with her friends. This will help so much. She can listen to the lecture, then go back to work on the lab and talk with her friends.”

Assisting with the robot on Monday were Minersville Area High School Principal James Grabusky and the district’s Technology Director Mike Hoptak.

Taking action

Grabusky has helped others diagnosed with leukemia, as part of the “Be The Match” registry.

“I really don’t like telling people about this experience in my life, but I do because it is extremely important. My wife, father-in-law and I were at Watkins Glen race track. There was a booth to see if you were a bone marrow match. We all registered. A couple of years later, I was notified I was a match and asked if I would consider donating. I immediately agreed, but I had some questions. The process was made easy. Please visit this site and start the registration process today. You may be able to give someone hope when they need it most. If you are between the ages of 18 and 44, you could be someone’s cure,” Grabusky said.

The Minersville Area School District has set up a GoFundMe campaign at www.gofundme.com/battlin-for-mallory. The funds raised through this campaign will be donated directly to the Ebert family to assist with expenses that result from her hospitalization and treatments.

Friends

Ebert’s childhood friend, Rebecca Andruchak, a fellow senior, shares many of the same classes as Ebert and has learned how to operate the robot on her friend’s behalf.

“They called me up to the guidance office and taught me how to use it. Then I went to her (Ebert’s) house and taught her. It’s really a cool experience for her to socialize and to be able to go to school,” Andruchak said.

The two have been neighbors for years and have known each other since they were 3-years-old.

“She’s a social butterfly and she really does love school,” Andruchak said.

Another senior, Cassidy Barton, said she’s known Ebert since pre-school.

“Being with friends makes the day go by a lot faster for her,” Barton said.

Double robotics

Double Robotics is the creator of Double, the world’s leading telepresence robot, according to Kay. Double helps telecommuters feel more connected to their colleagues by giving them a physical presence where they can’t be in person, whether it’s the office, classroom or conference.

The robot was originally designed for businesses to be able to connect remote staff to each other. Educators found out about the robot and decided that it would work in schools as well.

“We took it a step further and tried to use it to specifically connect students to their classrooms. The CSIU started with three robots in 2014 and then joined forces with Geisinger to purchase five additional robots,” Kay said.

Plans are in the works for five more robots to be purchased through Geisinger Health Center in a partnership with IU18, Wilkes-Barre.

“I am currently working with IU18 staff to start a similar Classroom Connect project with their member districts,” Kay said.

For more information, visit the Double Robotics webpage, www.doublerobotics.com.

Deploy robots

The funding for Ebert’s Double came from Geisinger Health Center, although Key was not sure of the total amount. Geisinger purchased four robots for the Classroom Connect Project at a cost of $3,200 each, he said. The robot will eventually come back to the CSIU for cleanup and reformatting. It will then be used for the next student who needs it.

“Minersville could certainly purchase their own robot at the $3,200 cost. We also have a program where a school district could rent to own a robot,” Kay said.

Kay does not know an exact number of robots available across the state.

“I know that we have seven robots to use with our member districts (four through the Classroom Connect project and three that our Board of Directors allowed us to purchase and deploy in 2014). We have a great relationship with Double Robotics that allows us to resell their robots through education pricing (which is 4 percent off retail). Through this relationship, we have assisted other school districts and Intermediate Units in Pennsylvania to purchase and deploy their robots,” Kay said.

Anyone interested in obtaining a robot for their district, can contact Kay directly at the CSIU, at jkay@csiu.org or 570-850-6312.

An Ashland man is headed to prison after admitting March 8 in Schuylkill County Court that he removed markings from a shotgun that he was not supposed to have at all.

Jordan M. Adams, 28, pleaded guilty to altering or obliterating mark of identification, prohibited possession of offensive weapon and disorderly conduct.

Judge Charles M. Miller then sentenced Adams to serve six to 23 1/2 months in prison, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Miller made the sentence effective at 9:30 a.m. Friday.

Butler Township police charged Adams with removing the markings from the shotgun on March 5, 2016, in the township.

Miller also accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on these people:

Alexis R. Acosta, 22, of McAdoo; disorderly conduct; 12 months probation and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of disorderly conduct and charges of resisting arrest, indecent exposure and public drunkenness.

Kerri A. Cooper, 45, of Shenandoah; disorderly conduct; $150 fine. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Frederick N. Crespo, 20, of Mount Carmel; no contest plea to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and defiant trespass; 12 months probation, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 CJEA payment and $176 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Harrisburg.

“Wise up and get out of the drug culture,” Miller told Crespo.

Connie E. Delowery, 52, of Mount Carmel; defiant trespass, 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.

Derrick L. English, 33, of Wernersville; retail theft; nine to 24 months in a state correctional institution, $50 CJEA payment, $731.32 restitution and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Jonathan P. Feisel, 48, of Hulmeville; false statement under penalty; 12 months probation and $50 CJEA payment.

Christopher Furlani, 45, of Hazleton; access device fraud; one to two years in a state correctional institution and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew charges of theft and receiving stolen property.

Todd A. Generella, 45, of Port Carbon; improper furnishing of drug-free urine; 12 months probation consecutive to current sentence and $50 CJEA payment.

Sarina Gillott, 26, of New Ringgold; false reports to law enforcement; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and $50 bench warrant fee.

Charles Hausman, 34, of Dallas, Pa.; driving under the influence and driving under suspension-DUI related; 60 days to six months in prison, $300 fine and $100 SAEF payment. Prosecutors withdrew charges of operating vehicle without valid inspection and scattering rubbish.

Nikki R. Leininger, 33, of Tremont; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Steven A. Lorah, 32, of Minersville; two counts each of DUI and careless driving and one of disregarding traffic lane; five days to six months in prison, $675 in fines, $200 in SAEF payments, $60 restitution and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew charges of failure to drive at a safe speed and violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Gordon Machay, 41, of Tamaqua; harassment; six months probation.

Gina M. McGinley, 50, of Pottsville; no contest plea to defiant trespass; 12 months probation and no contact with victim.

Joseph W. Skymba, 29, of Grantville; corruption of minors, conspiracy, receiving stolen property, fleeing or eluding police and driving without a license; one to two years in a state correctional institution, $200 fine, $100 in CJEA payments, $2,728 restitution and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew three counts of theft from a motor vehicle, two each of stop sign violation and improper turning movements and one each of driving the wrong way, disregarding traffic lane, speeding, careless driving and reckless driving.

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

A three-judge Commonwealth Court panel has upheld Schuylkill County’s reassessment of a South Manheim Township property, rejecting the owners’ claim that it delayed too long in making the change.

In a nine-page opinion and order filed Monday in Pottsville, the panel ruled 2-1 that the county had reassessed Cole and Courtney Fasnacht’s property at 348 Berne Drive in a reasonable time after the construction of improvements had been completed.

Such a reassessment is permitted by law and is not an unlawful spot assessment, Judge Michael H. Wojcik wrote.

“The reassessment of the property was not made ‘at some arbitrary time in the future’ and did not constitute impermissible spot reassessment,” Wojcik wrote in upholding the Feb. 10, 2016, decision of county Judge Charles M. Miller.

As a result, the Fasnachts’ property has a fair market value of $132,244, which will be the amount their tax bills to the county, township and Schuylkill Haven Area School District will be based.

In the opinion, Wojcik wrote that Miller had accepted the testimony of Debra Detweiler, a county field appraiser, who had determined construction at the Fasanachts’ property, was still going on in May 2014 and had been completed on April 20, 2015, and she initiated the assessment change at that time. He noted that the panel has no power to change that determination of credibility.

The state Consolidated County Assessment Law allows for reassessments based on new construction and does not provide a set time during which that decision must be made, Wojcik wrote. The county acted reasonably in reassessing the property after construction was completed, he wrote.

Of the other panel members, Judge P. Kevin Brobson joined in Wojcik’s opinion, while Senior Judge Rochelle S. Friedman dissented.

Friedman wrote in her dissenting opinion that Detweiler could not say exactly when construction had been completed, and that Miller should have determined when it had been completed before reaching his conclusion that the change in assessment did not constitute an unlawful spot assessment.

Driver to be cited

for striking car

Pottsville police investigated a crash in the 300 block of Peacock Street that was reported about 3:45 p.m. Friday in the city.

Police said their investigation revealed that Kailei Ochenrider, 27, of Pottsville, was driving a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta east on Peacock Street when she struck the rear of a 2001 Saab 9-5 being driven east by a 20-year-old Minersville man who was slowing for a line of traffic in front of him.

No injuries were reported, and police said the Ochenrider vehicle had to be towed from the scene.

As a result of the crash, police said, Ochenrider will be cited for driving a vehicle at an unsafe speed.

Police: Chase

ended with crash

Charges are pending against a 36-year-old Pottsville man after a traffic stop about 9:35 p.m. Sunday in the city.

Police said Patrolman Paul Olson initiated a vehicle stop on a Chrysler 300 driven by Said Rivera in the area of North Centre and Norwegian streets for a Vehicle Code violation.

Rivera initially pulled off to the side of the road to come to a stop but then accelerated away, turning to travel east on East Norwegian Street and then south onto Route 61, police said.

Despite being followed by a marked police cruiser with its visual and audible warning devices activated, police said, Rivera did not stop and continued south on Route 61 a high rate of speed.

Police said responding officers reduced their speed for safety reasons and subsequently found the car in the area of routes 61 and 183 where it struck a retaining wall that crosses the Schuylkill River.

The vehicle struck the wall as Rivera was traveling at a high rate of speed. The car came to a stop in the grass median, and Rivera fled the area on foot but was located a short time later in the area of the Manheim Diner and taken into custody, police said.

Rivera was transported to a local medical facility for blood-alcohol test based on the preliminary investigation and on receiving the results of that test, police said, the appropriate charges against including attempting to flee or elude police will be filed by Olson.

State police from the Schuylkill Haven station and Penn State Schuylkill campus police assisted in locating Rivera. Police also said that Schuylkill Haven firefighters and Schuylkill EMS assisted at the scene.

Man accused of

threatening cops

SHENANDOAH — A borough man was jailed after being arrested by Shenandoah police after an incident involving a disturbance Saturday in the area of 121 S. Main St.

Police said officers were called to the area after receiving a report of a man who lives above the Pizza Shop was breaking things and throwing glass bottles out of a second-floor window.

At the scene, officers saw a large amount of glass, soil and a flower pot scattered on the sidewalk on Main Street.

When officers knocked at the apartment door and identified themselves, Christopher Troutman, 49, of 119 S. Main St., shouted he would kill them, quickly opened the door and lunged at the officers, police said.

The man was immediately taken to the ground where he proceeded to resist arrest, scream and threaten to kill the officers, police said.

Troutman was searched and found to be in possession of a spring-assisted folding knife. Drug paraphernalia was found inside the apartment.

Police said Troutman was charged with terroristic threats, prohibited offensive weapons, resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, recklessly endangering another person and numerous summary violations.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $10,000 straight cash bail.

Police: Driver

hit 2 parked cars

Pottsville police investigated a crash that occurred about 11:50 p.m. Friday in the 500 block of North Centre Street in the city.

Police said Stephanie White, 36, of Port Carbon, was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu north when she struck a legally parked 2002 Chevrolet Impala and then struck a legally parked 2002 Buick Rendezvous, both of which were legally parked unattended on the east side of the street facing north.

No injuries were reported, and police charges are pending against White when the results of a blood-alcohol test are received.

DUI checkpoints

now underway

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

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

No injuries in

2-vehicle crash

No injuries were reported by Pottsville police in a crash that occurred about 10:25 p.m. Friday.

Police said Micaela Schrader, 26, of Port Carbon, was driving a 1998 Jeep Cherokee at the west exit of the A-Plus convenient store parking lot waiting to turn left onto Route 61.

As Schrader began to exit the parking lot and enter Route 61 she collided with a 2011 Kia Sorento that was being driven northbound in the left lane of Route 61, police said.

Both vehicles sustained disabling damage and had to be towed from the scene, police said, adding that Pottsville firefighters assisted at the scene for fluids on the roadway.

As a result of the crash, Patrolman Joel Methven will be charging Schrader a Vehicle Code violation dealing with vehicles entering or crossing a roadway.

SHENANDOAH — A man was arrested after calling a Shenandoah police cellphone offering to sell methamphetamine, authorities said.

Shenandoah Police Chief George Carado identified the man as Charles E. McDowell, 34, whose last known address was 202 E. Ogden St., Girardville.

Carado said that on March 2 a person, later identified as McDowell, began texting a department telephone number, identifying himself as Chuck and offering to sell methamphetamine.

The following day, police received another message from “Chuck” saying he would be willing to meet.

Then, on March 6, Carado said police made arrangements to meet the man to purchase $200 worth of methamphetamine. An undercover state police trooper met with “Chuck” in the 100 block of South Main Street in Shenandoah and completed the transaction, the chief said.

Carado said the man was then taken into custody and the pre-recorded money recovered.

Also recovered from the man were a ledger, a digital scale, packaging materials and two additional bags of methamphetamine.

The man was then returned to the Shenandoah police station where he identified himself as David McDowell and provided a date of birth, Carado said.

A subsequent check determined there were no outstanding arrest warrants for David McDowell but another officer arrived at the station and identified the man as Charles McDowell.

Carado said it was learned that McDowell had used his brother’s name and date of birth and when confronted by officers, admitted using the false name. Another computer check then determined Charles McDowell was wanted on an outstanding warrant from Beaver County, the chief said.

Carado said McDowell was charged with delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and false identification to law enforcement.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $50,000 straight cash bail.

McDowell will now have to answer to the charges against him at a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

On St. Patrick’s Day, plan before you party.

St. Patrick’s Day has become one of the nation’s biggest times to celebrate and party but unfortunately too many people are taking to the roads after drinking alcohol, making the holiday one of the most dangerous.

In fact, 30 people were killed in drunken driving crashes across the United States during 2015 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period that ran from 6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18.

For this reason, police departments in Schuylkill County are teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reach all drivers with an important life-saving message and warning: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

According to NHTSA, 252 people were killed in drunken driving-related crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period from 2011 to 2015.

In addition, more than a fourth of those people were killed in drunken driving crashes that occurred in the early morning, post-party hours between midnight and 5:59 a.m.

“These needless deaths could have been prevented,” David R. Everly, regional coordinator with the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program, said. “Planning a sober ride home before the party begins is the first step in staying safe on St. Patrick’s Day.”

Everly continued by saying “don’t wait until you’ve already been drinking to make your transportation decision, designate your sober driver in advance and never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking … Remember Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.”

He also urged those planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day to use the following tips to stay safe.

•Before celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year, decide whether you’ll drink or you’ll drive. You can’t do both.

•If you’re planning on driving, commit to staying sober. If you’ve been out drinking and then get behind the wheel, you run the risk of causing a crash or getting arrested for a DUI.

•If you have been drinking, call a taxi or sober friend or family member, use public transportation or Uber. Also, try NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, which helps users call a taxi or a friend for a ride home and identify their location so they can be picked up.

•Help those around you be responsible, too. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention could put you at risk of getting hit by a vehicle. If someone you know is drinking, do not let them get behind the wheel and help them find a sober ride home.

•If you see someone who appears to be driving drunk, call the police. Your actions could help save a life.

Everly stressed that impaired driving causes tragedies all year.

According to NHTSA, 35,092 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2015, and 10,265 or 29 percent of those fatalities occurred in drunk-driving-related crashes.

“Remember this St. Patrick’s Day, Plan Before You Party … Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving,” Everly said.

He added that more information can be obtained by visiting www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov.