PINE GROVE — Luna’s cuddly cuteness could leave you fooled, Patrick Miller, an educator and falconer from ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, Hershey, said.

The screech owl was one of six animals Miller brought Tuesday for a special program on native Pennsylvania species at the large pavilion at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. About 80 people attended the event, sponsored by the Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association.

Other animals shown included Black Jack, a black rat snake; McBrown, an Eastern box turtle; Comet, a peregrine falcon; Brewster, a barred owl; and Mildred, a skunk. Miller showed the two tufts at the top of Luna’s head, explaining they weren’t her ears, just feathers. Although she’s a screech owl, she doesn’t actually make a screeching noise but is a very quiet, stealthy hunter, he said.

Luna was Olivia Teter’s favorite.

“I liked the little owl because it’s cute,” Teter, 7, said.

She was there with her father, Brian Teter, Auburn. Throughout the program, Olivia was able to answer several questions posed by Miller and also had a few questions of her own.

“I wanted to know why the barred owl eats so many different things,” she said.

Olivia said she learned a lot of information about animals from watching the TV show “Wild Kratts.” Brian said they try to visit the park a couple times a year and enjoy boating and fishing at the lake.

Denise Donmoyer, president of SALCA, welcomed the crowd to the program and announced several upcoming events at the park for Memorial Day and onward. Many wildlife fans set up their lawn chairs by the pavilion 30 minutes before the program was set to start. Because last year’s ZooAmerica program held in the clubhouse was so popular, this year’s event was moved outdoors, Donmoyer said, to create more space for visitors.

“I saw it on Facebook, and thought it would be something fun to do with the kids, plus it’s free,” Jennifer Hablett, Cressona, said.

She brought along her three children, Mylei, 10, Macey, 7, and Nick, 11. Hablett said she had just chaperoned Macey’s second-grade class on a field trip to ZooAmerica, and that the children enjoyed it.

Joyce Bender, Joliett, attended with her boyfriend, Bob Houser, Pitman, her daughter, Charlene Spicher, and three grandchildren, Logan Harman, 7, Riley Harman, 10, and Addyson Spicher, 2, all of Hegins.

Miller said he wanted to show the audience some of the unique features of each animal and how they could more easily find them in their own backyards. He said that the black rat snake is the longest nonvenomous snake in Pennsylvania at 8 feet; the peregrine falcon, which is no longer endangered, is the fastest animal on the planet, able to vertical dive at speeds of more than 200 mph; and the call of the barred owl sounds like someone saying, “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all.”

None of the animals he brought were dangerous to humans, he told the crowd, however, none of them are to be “petted, hugged or kissed.”

Miller said the zoo has about 200 animals, and those animals in the zoo exhibit are wild. Some of the animals are used as “educational animals” and are specifically conditioned to be in front of people.

For more information on upcoming programs, visit www.sweetarrowlakepark.com.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Police charge man

in theft of ATV

DELANO — A theft that occurred between 12:30 and 9:30 a.m. Saturday at 162 Mogish Drive was investigated by state police at Frackville.

Police said Tyler Smith, Mahanoy City, stole an ATV owned by James Steward and that the vehicle was located Sunday.

Police said Smith was charged with theft and receiving stolen property and will now have to answer before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Police: Ringtown

man hit woman

RINGTOWN — A borough man was jailed after being arrested by state police in connection with an assault about 3:40 a.m. Sunday on North Centre Street.

Police said Robert M. Paul Sr., 47, was charged with simple assault pursuant to domestic violence, arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post bail.

Police said Paul became involved in a verbal argument with a 47-year-old Ringtown woman over sexual issues and that the argument escalated with Paul hitting the woman several times in the face and head with a closed fist, causing redness and swelling.

Following incidents,

4 facing charges

ORWIGSBURG — Four people are facing charges by Orwigsburg police stemming from an investigation into a January incident at 420 Ridge Road.

Police identified those involved as Cole Angstadt, 20, and Rye Angstadt, 22, both of Wayne Township, and Dylan Evans, 20, and Devon Kurten, 19, both of Orwigsburg.

Police said all four are facing charges ranging from recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, disorderly conduct, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and/or criminal mischief.

The charges, police said, are the result of a chain of events that unfolded at the Evans residence during the overnight hours from Jan. 23 to 24.

Teen cited for

Pottsville accident

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police investigated a two-vehicle crash in the 2300 block of West Market Street that was reported about 10:50 a.m. Friday.

Patrolman James Englert, the investigating officer, determined that Madison Legutko, 18, of Ashland, was driving a 2004 Hyundai Sante Fe east when she turned into a westbound Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 33-year-old Pottsville man.

Police said both vehicles were towed from the scene and that Englert will be citing Legutko with vehicles turning left as a result of the crash.

Police announce

DUI checkpoints

The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced that Sobriety Checkpoints and Roving DUI Patrols will be conducted May 22 through May 30 along 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.

PORT CARBON — A Port Carbon woman charged by Minersville police with stealing more than $9,000 while serving as treasurer of an area softball team waived her right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday.

Michele M. Polatz, 47, of 604 Third St., Port Carbon, was scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko on charges of forgery, theft, failure to make required disposition of funds, receiving stolen property and access device fraud.

After consulting with her attorney, James Conville, Schuylkill Haven, Polatz chose not to have the hearing and instead have the charges against her heard in Schuylkill County Court.

Minersville police Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers charged Polatz with taking money from New Minersville Fire Company women’s Make-A-Wish softball team at various times in 2016 and 2017.

The alleged crimes came to light in February when members of the team learned the organization’s bank account contained only $20, Bowers reported.

He said the team conducted its own audit and learned that Polatz had been using the account for her own personal use without permission.

Bowers said it was determined that Polatz also altered a $1,000 check issued by the team’s sponsor and kept the entire amount.

Between ATM withdrawals, checks and donations intended to be submitted to Make-A-Wish, Polatz stole a total of $9,112.51, Bowers said.

When confronted, Bowers said, Polatz admitted to “borrowing” the money, claiming her bank account was frozen.

Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013

MAHANOY CITY — With packets of spinach and sweet basil seeds in hand, a Penn State Extension Schuylkill master gardener helped to kick off the first phase of Healthy Mahanoy’s Community Garden Project.

“Who can tell me what plants need?” the master gardener, Jen Clinton, New Ringgold, asked a group of 13 who came out to Herman’s Community Park on the southeast corner of Fifth and Centre streets Tuesday evening for an educational workshop, Gardening 101.

“Water,” one said.

“Sunshine,” another said.

Clinton said soil and nutrients are also very important, and it’s OK to talk to your plants.

“There have been studies showing the extra carbon dioxide when you breathe out can make them grow a little bit better,” she said.

“It’s going to be a community garden. It’s not our garden. They have to build it. They have to own it. They have to want it,” Jeanne Elberfeld, director of community programs at Schuylkill County’s VISION, said.

A family recently stepped up to become “garden managers,” she said.

They are Gavin and Jessica Billbe, Mahanoy City, and their three children, Austin, 9, Sicarious, 7, and Leviathyn, 1.

“We like to give back to the community,” Jessica Billbe said at the park Tuesday.

“And we want to improve the area in which we live,” her husband said.

Others there Tuesday included Peg Grigalonis, president of the Mahanoy Area Historical Society, and Carl Kramer, Helfenstein, who is a wellness ambassador for Rite Aid, Shenandoah.

Volunteers will be at the park all day June 10 to work on Phase 1 of the garden project.

“It could be an all-day affair. It depends on how many volunteers we have,” Elberfeld said.

The build on June 10 will involve the development of 14 raised beds on a grassy lot on the south end of Herman’s Community Park. Each will measure 10 feet long by 3 feet wide and 10 inches high, she said.

“We are actively seeking volunteers to join the effort. Residents may register to rent a raised bed for $5 each; raised beds will be free to senior citizens for the growing season 2017. Gardeners will be expected to help to maintain the garden space throughout the growing season. Raised planting beds will be reserved on a first-come first-served basis. Gardeners will be responsible for their own seeds or seedlings, Elberfeld said Tuesday.

One person who registered was Gail Ellman, Mahanoy City.

“I had a garden years ago. I grew remember I used to plant pole beans. Here I hope to plant tomatoes and I’m not sure what else,” Ellman said at the park Tuesday.

“Aside from blueberries, you can pretty much grow any vegetable or fruit. Blueberries require the soil to be very, very acidic,” Clinton said.

And Clinton gave them advice on how to run soil tests.

Mahanoy City residents interested in renting a raised bed can call Elberfeld at 570-622-6097.

Last year, Borough Manager Dan Lynch suggested Healthy Mahanoy consider a garden project that would be educational and encourage local people to eat healthy.

“With the guidance of the Schuylkill County Conservation District, Berks Nature, Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area and the Schuylkill River Greenway Association, Healthy Mahanoy was able to secure funding from the Herman Yudacufski Charitable Foundation and FABCON Precast to make this garden a reality,” Elberfeld said.

The Yudacufski foundation donated $1,200 toward the garden project and FABCON donated $100, she said.

“Phase 2 and 3 of the community garden will follow in either fall 2017 or spring 2018 depending upon additional funding. The garden will have a total of 35 raised beds when it is complete,” Elberfeld said.

During the project, other educational programs will be held there. Topics will include “composting” and “preserving the harvest,” Elberfeld said.

“The educational programs are free of charge and open to any residents of Mahanoy City,” she said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6011

FRACKVILLE —Two people were killed in a fiery crash on Interstate 81 on Wednesday afternoon that sent another person to a trauma center by helicopter.

The crash occurred about 2:15 p.m. in the northbound lanes, near mile marker 121.8, about two miles south of the Frackville exit.

State police Trooper John Carr of the Frackville station said the crash occurred as Brian Barrett, 45, of Greentown, was driving a 1990 International tractor-trailer north in the left lane as traffic ahead of him was slowing due to a construction zone ahead.

The Barrett truck struck the rear of a Nissan Rogue, causing both vehicles to become totally engulfed in flames, Carr said.

The impact from the tractor-trailer pushed the Nissan into the back of a 2002 Dodge RAM pickup being driven by Bryan Ketcham, 24, of Hop Bottom, pushing the pickup truck into the trailer portion of a tractor-trailer driven by Roman Zhuk, 50, of Feasterville.

Firefighters from Frackville, Englewood and Altamont were called to the scene to extinguish the fire that completely destroyed the cab of the first tractor-trailer as well as the SUV it collided with.

Two people inside the Nissan Rogue died at the scene.

Both were pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Andrew Sczcyglak, Shenandoah.

Szczyglak said it has been confirmed that the two victims were both men and that their identities are being withheld until their family has been notified.

The deputy coroner said both men were burned beyond recognition and that autopsies are planned.

Carr said Ketcham suffered severe injuries and was flown to a trauma center in a medical helicopter that landed in the northbound lanes where traffic was brought to a standstill.

Both Barrett and Zhuk were not hurt.

Due to the intensity and amount of fire produced by the truck and passenger vehicle, tanker trucks were dispatched from surrounding communities to shuttle enough water to the scene to extinguish the blaze.

Assisting at the scene were state police accident reconstruction experts and the Forensic Services Unit based at Troop L, Reading.

The northbound lanes of the interstate were closed into the nighttime hours while troopers conducted their investigation and the vehicle and debris removed from the highway.

A spokesperson at the Frackville station said that as of 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, the interstate was still shut down.

Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill County commissioners renewed an inmate housing agreement with Columbia County as they review proposals for an intermediate punishment facility.

On Wednesday, the commissioners approved the agreement to continue sending inmates to the Columbia County Prison, Bloomsburg, at a rate of $60 a day per inmate. The county has agreements with six facilities to house inmates at rates ranging from $60 to $72 a day per inmate.

There were 236 inmates at the county prison with another 51 being housed at other facilities. Berks County Prison, Leesport, had 20; Centre County Prison, Bellefonte, 15; Columbia County Prison, Bloomsburg, 6; and Snyder County Prison, Selinsgrove, 10. The county also has agreements with Lackawanna County Prison, Scranton, and George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Glen Mills.

The county spent $65,213 to house inmates at other facilities in April. The average inmate population for April was 239, peaking at 247 for the month.

Meanwhile, county officials are still reviewing the five companies that responded to a request for qualifications issued for firms with experience building or managing intermediate punishment centers. The commissioners issued the request for qualifications last month. The deadline was May 12.

Qualifications could include the ability to retrofit an existing building, construct a new facility or operate an intermediate punishment center that can accept 125 to 175 individuals.

Nine companies had responded to the county’s request, but only five submitted their qualifications: Fedetz & Martin Associates, Allentown; Geo Reentry Inc., Houston, Texas; Core Civic, Nashville, Tennessee; Heim Construction Co. Inc., Orwigsburg; and Crabtree, Rohrbach & Associates, Mechanicsburg.

After reviewing the qualifications, the commissioners will specify their plans and then start accepting proposals, commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr., who also serves as prison board chairman, said.

An intermediate punishment center, also called a prerelease center, was proposed several years ago, but it was scrapped in 2011 when bids averaged $4.2 million. It was about $1 million more than the board had budgeted.

In addition to clearing more space at the county prison, an intermediate punishment center will be able to provide treatment for drug-addicted offenders and help them find jobs as they re-enter society.

Lycoming County has a prerelease center in Montoursville. It allows offenders to participate in work release, educational programs, drug and alcohol counseling, life-skills training, community service and recreational activities, while expecting them to pay costs, fines, restitution and board, according to Lycoming County’s website, www.lyco.org.

After a three-month restriction on housing newly sentenced inmates last year, the state Department of Corrections does not allow the county to exceed its approved capacity of 277.

Contact the writer: mgilgerjr@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky issued the following traffic advisory for Monday’s Memorial Day activities.

The activities include the annual Memorial Day parade and honor ceremony at Garfield Square.

Due to these events, the chief said the following temporary parking restrictions and road closures will be in effect:

Beginning at 7 a.m. until the conclusion of the events about 12:30 p.m., there will no parking at the following locations: West Market Street from North Centre Street to 14th Street; North Centre Street from West Market Street to Arch Street; West Arch Street from North Centre Street to North Fourth Street, and North Fourth Street from West Arch Street to West Market Street.

The chief also said that beginning at 9:15 a.m. that day, temporary road closures will be in effect for the same areas until the completion of the ceremonies.

MAR LIN — When addressing the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 graduating Class of 2017, the school’s new executive director, Gregory S. Koons, said students remind him to remain optimistic.

“Although I’ve only been here for a short period of time, I have had the pleasure of meeting with many of our students. It is impressive to think of all the wonderful things our students teach us on a daily basis,” Koons said at the auditorium of the Maple Avenue Campus on Wednesday morning before a crowd of more than 120.

“Each one of our students has taught me the value of staying optimistic, despite the challenges that are thrown our way. The smiles that we see every day help to brighten our lives in our school,” Koons said.

“I will end with sharing a quote from Bob Dylan. It’s actually his birthday today. He’s 76 years old,” he said.

Quoting Bob Dylan’s lyrics for “Forever Young,” Koons said, “May your wishes all come true. May you always do for others, and let others do for you. May you build a ladder to the stars, and climb on every rung. May you stay forever young.”

“The students graduating today are part of our IU 29 family. Like any family, they have made us laugh, cry, smile and celebrate,” Paula Hromyak, principal of the Maple Avenue Campus, said as she opened the ceremony.

There are seven students graduating from IU 29 this year. They include Dennis Morgan of Pottsville Area, Dakota Lucas of Pine Grove Area, Laura Voskuhl of Pottsville Area and Michael Cody Betz of Shenandoah Valley.

“Dennis lets us know when he’s going out fishing on a boat over the weekend. Dakota is a very hard-working young man and displays manners beyond his years. And Laura always has a friendly smile. And Cody Betz always has his routine in the lobby with Mr. Nemits, telling him ‘Not today, Mr. Nemits,’ ” Hromyak said, referring to Steve Nemits, a teacher at the Maple Avenue Campus.

“As I do every year I search for a quote and found a few by Dr. Seuss, who seems to be my go-to for my speech every year. I think you will agree that these are a pretty good fit: ‘Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.’ We have lots and lots of memories with these great children that we have been blessed to work with over the years,” Hromyak said.

“The second quote is: ‘So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s a Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! 98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed. Kid, you’ll move mountains.’ And these kids have moved mountains over the years and will continue to do so,” Hromyak said.

Among those who received class awards were Morgan, who was given the Lessie E. Weaver Memorial Award. Betz received the culinary award. Voskuhl received the music award. Lucas and Voskuhl both received the academic award and wood shop award. Lucas also earned the work mentor award. And Voskuhl received the outstanding senior award.

Voskuhl, the senior class president, delivered the “Senior Class Response.”

“On behalf of the graduates, I would like to thank everyone who has made an impact on our lives. We will miss our days at school and will look back on the fond memories we have made at the Maple Avenue Campus, the culinary program, the spring dance, and our senior trip to Lake Tobias to name a few. The Class of 2017 appreciates all the help and support we have received over the years,” Voskuhl said.

“The mission of the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit remains the same, with a focus on students. In collaboration with school entities, community agencies and business and government partnerships, we serve the changing needs of education through delivery of services, improvement of current programs and implementation of new initiatives. I’d like to thank all the parents, family and friends of graduates who are here today. You are the support system that helped each one of these graduates get to this important milestone in their lives,” Koons said.

Koons also thanked the staff.

“There is an old saying that ‘it takes a village.’ And that is definitely the case in this world of education,” Koons said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6011

Frackville

Elks Lodge 1533, South Third Street, will have its annual Flag Day service at 2 p.m. June 11 to honor the American flag and its history. The event is open to the public. Tickets will be provided to those attending for food and refreshments following the ceremony. For more information, call the lodge at 570-874-2500. The lodge will also host a Red Cross community blood drive from 1 to 4 p.m. June 5. Walk-ins are welcome. The lodge’s all-you-can-eat mackerel breakfast will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. June 4 at the lodge. The cost is $8 and people may eat at the lodge or take meals out.

Orwigsburg

The Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library will sponsor a Mustard Seed Dine-Out beginning at 10:30 a.m. June 7 at DiMaio’s Mustard Seed Cafe, 110 E. Market St., a BYOB establishment. A percentage of the eatery’s proceeds will benefit the library. For more information, call 570-366-1638.

Pottsville

Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 W. Arch St., will have an indoor yard sale from 8 a.m. to noon June 10. Vendors will bring a donation for the food pantry. Food will be for sale. The cost to have a table at the event is $10. For more information, call 570-622-9910.

Pottsville

Bill Davidson, chairman of the Pottsville Rotary Scholarship Committee, presented the following awards during a recent meeting: The Henry Fick award to Nativity BVM student Tyler Zimerofsky; the Dr. William R. Davidson award to Pottsville Area High School student Jillian Mullin; the William J. Parulis award to Minersville Area student Reiley Lonergan; the Henry (Hammer) Herring award to a Penn State Schuylkill student could not be presented due to a scheduling conflict, according to the Rotary bulletin. Each student received a $1,000 award to be used to help further his/her education. The awards are based on need and potential for scholastic success and the recipients are chosen by each school’s scholarship committee. The Rotarians also head from Nativity BVM High School students of the month Chloe Manus and Kevin Sweeney, who spoke about their school/community activities and plans for the future.

Pottsville

The Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, 1440 Mahantongo St., will have summer camp for young people ages 3-14 from 9 a.m. to noon Monday to Thursday from June 19 to 23 and June 26 to 29. Costs vary. For more information, call Sandra Coyle at 570-622-2788. The council will also have a second summer arts camp series from July 17 to 20 and July 24 to 27.

Schuylkill Haven

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Chapter 413 will meet and have its annual picnic beginning at noon June 13 at Bubeck Park. For more information, call 570-386-2904.

Shenandoah

Andy Ulicny will have Shenandoah Trivia II at 6 p.m. June 6 during a meeting of the Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society at its 201 S. Main St. museum/headquarters. Admission is free, the public is welcome and refreshments will be served.

Tamaqua

Trinity United Church of Christ, 22 Lafayette St., will have a rummage sale from 5 to 8 p.m. June 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 6 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 7. Baked goods and refreshments will also be available. No televisions or monitors will be accepted. People may bring items to contribute during regular office hours. The church will have a buffet-style chicken dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday in its Founders Hall. The cost is $9 for adults and $4.50 for children under 12. For more information, call 570-668-4139.

Many new names will appear on voters’ ballots in the General Election as write-in candidates will be added to high-profile municipal races in Schuylkill County.

A total of 11,199 write-in votes were tabulated Tuesday by the Schuylkill County Election Bureau.

Any candidate who has won a nomination as a write-in will receive paperwork in the mail from the election bureau informing them of the next step in running for the position. They can also decline the nomination.

To receive a party nomination, a write-in candidate has to have as many votes as they would need signatures to get on the ballot. The number of signatures vary per position.

Write-in upsets

In three township supervisor races, a write-in candidate received more votes than the candidates on the ballot.

Timothy Houser had 300 write-in votes to defeat two Republicans seeking the party nomination for West Penn Township supervisor. Republicans Randy Troxell received 69 votes and Dave Frederick received 62 votes. Houser will compete against Democratic nominee Lawrence J. Stival for the six-year position in the General Election.

Robert Houser received more write-in votes than the candidate on the ballot seeking the Democratic nomination for Branch Township supervisor. Houser received 68 write-in votes while Brian Smith had 44 votes.

Houser will challenge the Republican nominee Anthony Bertasavage for the six-year position in the General Election.

Robert Garadi is still in the race for East Union Township supervisor after winning the Republican nomination with 76 write-in votes. Garadi ran on the Democratic ballot but lost the party nod to Jon J. Dettery.

Jonathan E. Biros received 70 votes as the only Republican on the ballot.

Candidate for Gordon mayor

A write-in candidate for mayor in Gordon will be the only candidate listed on ballots in November.

George Brocious won a spot on the Republican ticket with 12 write-in votes. There was no candidate seeking the position.

Challengers enter the race

Two mayoral races and a borough council race now include write-in candidates after the positions went unchallenged in the primary election.

Edward Burns earned the Democratic nomination for Girardville mayor with 25 write-in votes. If he accepts the nomination, Burns will challenge Joseph Catizone Jr., who went unchallenged for the Republican nomination, in the General Election for the four-year seat.

Dane Watro received 64 write-in votes to win the Republican nomination for McAdoo mayor. He will challenge the Democratic nominee Robert S. Wills, who went unchallenged in the primary, for the four-year seat in the General Election.

Port Carbon Mayor Charles “Chuck” Joy won a spot on the Democratic ballot for borough council. Joy received 22 write-in votes. He is not seeking another term as mayor.

There are four, four-year seats available on the borough council. There were no names on Democratic ballots in the primary.

Deniece Krater, Justin J. Richter and Robert C. Kline also received enough write-in votes to be included on the Democratic ballot. Richter, Kline, Michael Quercia and John P. Frank won Republican nominations.

Meanwhile, Krater and Michael Welsh won Republican nominations for the two, two-year seats available on the council. Welsh and Thomas Pavlick also received enough write-in votes to appear on the Democratic ballot.

More for borough councils

Nine borough council races will now have more candidates as people received enough write-in votes to be included on General Election ballots. The six races had more positions available than candidates.

In Auburn, Jesse Spencer won the third Republican nomination for the borough council with 12 write-in votes. There were only two Republicans seeking the party nod for three available seats on the council. Spencer will join Douglas F. Naftzinger and Todd L. Graybill on the Republican ticket. There are no candidates on the Democratic ticket.

In Coaldale, Frank Hutta received 23 write-in votes to be included on the Democratic ticket for the borough council. Anne Girard will have her name on both ballots after getting 13 write-in votes from Democratic voters. There are three, four-year seats on the council. Angela Krape is the other Democratic nominee. The Republican ticket also includes Joel Johnson and Harry R. Hontz Jr.

In Gordon, two write-in candidates won spots on the Republican ticket for the borough council. Todd Houser received 21 write-in votes and Richard Babb had 13 to win party nominations for four available seats. Shannon Dumboski won a Democratic nomination. She was the only candidate seeking the position.

In McAdoo, Frank Orem received 30 write-in votes to appear on Republican ballots for the borough council. Peter Minecci, who won a Democratic nomination, received 11 write-in votes to also appear on Republican ballots. The two write-in candidates join Edward J. Bilen Sr. on the Republican ballot.

There are three seats available on McAdoo Borough Council. Minneci, John J. Shigo and Clara Perputnick will be on the Democratic ballot.

In Middleport, Mary Jane Heisner received 10 write-in votes to appear on Democratic ballot for the borough council. Heisner joins John R. Difilippo Jr. and Joseph A. Rolenaitis on the ballot for three available seats on the council.

Wendy Dempsey won a Republican nomination. She was the only party candidate.

In Orwigsburg, Katie Bedway and Tony Stokes each received enough write-in votes to appear on Republican ballots for the borough council. There are four, four-year seats available on the council. They join Angie Hoptak-Sloga and Rod Schaeffer on the Republican ballot. There are no Democrats running.

In Mahanoy City, Lou Huber won a spot on Republican ballots for the borough council with 14 write-in votes. Huber sought the Democratic nomination for one of three available seats. Thomas C. McCabe, Scott Kline and Thom Maziekas won the Democratic nominations. Maziekas and Kline also received enough votes to appear on Republican ballots.

In Pine Grove, Anthony Gurski received enough write-in votes to be included on Democratic ballots for the borough council. Gurksi received 19 votes to join Skip Bulter, Scott Zimmerman and Tom Fickinger on the ballot. Zimmerman and Fickinger also won Republican nominations for the four available seats with Terry L. Noll and Wade D. Gettle Jr.

In Port Clinton, John Blackwell received 13 write-in votes to be included on the Republican ballot for four available seats on the borough council. Herman Baver and Gregory A. Boltz will also appear on the ballot. There is no one on the Democratic ballot.

School board ballots

Two write-in candidates won party nominations for the one, two-year seat available on the Mahanoy Area School board.

Larry Levy received 25 votes for the Democratic nomination and James Hanley received 28 for the Republican nomination. There were no candidates appearing on party ballots for the position in the primary election.

Meanwhile, a write-in candidate will be included on the Democratic ballot for one of five, four-year seats on the Pine Grove Area school board. Walter Randy Sump, who was the only candidate not to crossfile, received 14 write-in votes to be included on both ballots along with Alethea Wessner, Steve Brill, David Frew and David Lukasewicz.

Both party nominations

In other races throughout the county, candidates secured both party nominations.

Sheriff Joseph G. Groody, incumbent Democrat, received 1,015 write-in votes also appear on Republican ballots in the General Election. There were no Republican candidates.

Ricky A. Ney Jr., the Republican nominee for Tremont mayor, defeated two Democrats for the party nomination with 41 write-in votes.

Other candidates winning both party nominations on the municipal level were unopposed.

Lykens woman hurt

in Dauphin accident

WICONISCO — A Lykens woman was taken to a medical center for minor injuries when the 2004 GMC Envoy she was driving crashed Saturday afternoon on Pottsville Street in the area of the One Stop in Wiconisco Township, Dauphin County, police said.

State police at Lykens said Heather A. Maletich, 42, was driving west through a left turn about 1 p.m. when she lost control and slid into the oncoming lane where her vehicle rolled over about three times.

Police said Maletich climbed out of the vehicle’s driver’s side window and was later taken by Williamstown EMS to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, for treatment of minor injuries.

Lykens firefighters assisted at the scene, and police said Maletich will be cited for failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic as a result of the crash.

Hit-and-run crash

under investigation

BARNESVILLE — State police at Frackville are investigating a hit-and-run crash that occurred about 9 p.m. Monday on Route 54, just west of Crystal Lane in Ryan Township.

Police said John J. Bianchi, 63, of Tamaqua, was driving a 2002 Saturn SL east in a left curve as a westbound vehicle crossed over into his lane and sideswiped his car before continuing west without stopping.

The vehicle is described as being a light-colored pickup truck and may have blue paint transfer on the side.

Police said anyone with information is asked to call 570-874-5300 and refer to incident PA2017-525154.

Charges pending in

incident in store lot

HAMBURG — Tilden Township police are investigating an incident that occurred at 2:50 p.m. Monday on the parking lot of Wal-Mart, 1800 Tilden Ridge Drive, Berks County.

Police said a 29-year-old Lenhartsville woman, who was not identified pending charges, and a companion ran out of the store to a Jeep Liberty, backed up quickly and struck a Wal-Mart scooter that was being driven by a 76-year-old Pine Grove woman.

The male passenger in the Jeep exited, walked to the back to see the injured woman and returned to the SUV. He and the woman drove away, police said.

Police said a broadcast was issued and the Jeep was stopped a short time later by Northern Berks Regional Police on Route 61 in Muhlenberg Township.

Police said the woman driving the SUV will face charges of accidents involving personal injury and related offenses.

5 face theft charges

for incidents at store

SAINT CLAIR — Borough police said theft charges were filed against five people after incidents at the Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Charged with summary retail theft were Joshua D. Zellner, Pottsville; Destiny L. Siluk, 19, of Pottsville; Jessica L. Siluk, 23, of Pottsville; and, Edward J. Miller, 28, of Orwigsburg.

Charged with misdemeanor retail theft was Eric J. Piacenti, 27, of Hazleton.

All five will have to answer to the charges before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

Distracted Driver

initiative underway

FRACKVILLE — State police from Troop L will be conducting a Distracted Driver Initiative now through Tuesday, with police strictly enforcing violations where cellphone usage of calling for commercial vehicle drivers and texting by drivers in all vehicles are observed.

In 2015, police said there were 954 distracted driver crashes in the Troop L coverage area — 161 in Schuylkill County, 165 in Lebanon County and 628 in Berks County.

Woman not injured

in vehicle rollover

POTTSVILLE — A Minersville woman will be cited by Pottsville police after officers were called to the 1000 block of West Market Street about 2:30 a.m. Friday for a vehicle accident.

At the scene, police said, officers found an SUV on its roof blocking the road along with two damaged vehicles that were legally parked.

Police said an investigation revealed that Cheyenne Gaburick, 22, was driving a 2004 Subaru Forester west when she drifted to the right while trying to make a telephone call.

The right front corner of Gaburick’s vehicle struck the left rear corner of a legally parked 2002 Chevrolet Impala owned by a Pottsville man, causing moderate damage. This impact, police said, caused Gaburick’s vehicle to overturn and hit the left rear bumper of a legally parked 1994 Ford F150 owned by another Pottsville man, causing minor damage to that vehicle.

Police said no injuries were reported and that the Gaburick vehicle had to be towed from the scene.

Pottsville firefighters assisted at the scene, and police said that as a result of the crash, Patrolman Michael Messner will be citing Gaburick for careless driving.

Alleged assault nets

charges for woman

McADOO — A borough woman was arrested by McAdoo police and charged with simple assault and harassment after an incident at 18 N. Sheridan St. about 2:20 p.m. May 14.

Police said Amanda Reed, 36, will have to answer to the charges before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua.

Police said Reed became involved in a verbal argument with another woman, with Reed punching the woman in the face, causing her to suffer a black eye.

Woman arrested on

outstanding warrant

McADOO — A vehicle stop by McAdoo police about 10:40 p.m. Friday resulted in a woman being taken into custody on an outstanding warrant.

Police said they stopped a vehicle driven by Chantel Segura Vazquez, 21, of Hazleton, for having a driver’s side headlight out. They learned the woman had no license and also was wanted on an outstanding warrant from Luzerne County for possessing a weapon on school property.

The woman was committed to Schuylkill County Prison on the warrant and will also be cited for driving without a license, police said.

Police allege man

gave false report

McADOO — A 55-year-old borough man was charged with false reports to law enforcement stemming from an incident about 11:30 p.m. Oct. 16, 2016.

Police said officers were dispatched to contact Thomas Gaughan Sr., 55, in reference to being threatened. Gaughan, police said, reported that his brother charged at him and threatened to kill him and that his brother threw a 3-inch piece of PVC pipe at him from a moving vehicle as he was walking along South Kennedy Drive.

Officers examined the pipe and found no scratches, marks of anything to indicate that it had been thrown from a vehicle, police said.

A subsequent investigation determined that nothing Gaughan reported actually occurred, police said.

2 drivers not hurt

in Pottsville collision

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police investigated a two-vehicle crash that was reported about 12:05 p.m. Friday at Third Street and Humane Alley.

Police said Patrolman James Englert, the investigating officer, determined that William Griffin, 24, of Shenandoah, was driving a Chevrolet Impala south in the 300 block of North Third Street, signaled a left turn and turned into the path of a Chevrolet Blazer that was being driven north by a Pottsville woman.

No injuries were reported, and both vehicles were towed from the scene, police said, adding that as a result of the crash Englert will be citing Griffin for vehicles turning left.

Pottsville firefighters assisted at the scene with traffic control.

POTTSVILLE — A Lavelle man returned to prison May 18 after a Schuylkill County judge revoked his court-ordered supervision for the fifth time in less than four years.

Jason T. Kerstetter, 27, must remain behind bars without a chance for reparole until his sentence ends, President Judge William E. Baldwin ordered.

“Every time you’re out on parole, you blow it off,” Baldwin told Kerstetter, who wore a prison jumpsuit during the hearing. “You can serve the max.”

Baldwin had revoked Kerstetter’s parole after the defendant admitted violating it by failing to report to his supervising officer.

Kerstetter originally pleaded guilty on March 20, 2013, to simple assault and disorderly conduct, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of criminal mischief and harassment. At that time, Baldwin placed him on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Butler Township police charged Kerstetter, who admitted May 18 that he has used heroin for years, with committing his crimes on Jan. 3, 2012, in the township.

Baldwin subsequently revoked Kerstetter’s probation on July 26, 2012, his parole on April 17, 2014, his parole and probation on April 16, 2015, and his probation on June 10, 2016.

Also on May 18, Baldwin revoked the probation of Alyssa Bensinger, 28, of Tamaqua, in three cases and sentenced her to serve one to two years in a state correctional institution.

Bensinger, who sat through Thursday’s hearing wearing a prison jumpsuit, admitted violating her probation by not reporting to her supervising officer for 26 weeks and not making any payments on her costs and fees since 2015.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell originally admitted Bensinger into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program on Oct. 9, 2014, after she had been charged in one case with simple assault and retail theft.

Rush Township police alleged Bensinger had committed her crimes in that case on June 5, 2013, in the township.

However, Russell removed Bensinger from the program on April 16, 2015, and Bensinger pleaded guilty before Baldwin on Oct. 14, 2015, to simple assault and retail theft in that case and possession of drug paraphernalia in two others. At that time, Baldwin placed her on probation for 23 months, and also sentenced her to pay costs, a $100 fine, $200 in payments to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, a $50 CJEA payment, a $50 bench warrant fee and $24 restitution, all of which she still must pay under the terms on the May 18 sentence.

Tamaqua police had charged Bensinger with possessing drug paraphernalia in the borough on Jan. 2, 2015, and again on May 1, 2015.

In another case May 18, Baldwin revoked the probation of Samantha M. McGeehan, 25, of Tamaqua, and sentenced her to time served to 12 months in prison and 12 months concurrent probation.

McGeehan admitted violating her probation by not reporting to her supervising officer, moving without permission and not making payments on her costs and fees.

“You totally blew off your probation,” Baldwin told McGeehan, who sat through Thursday’s hearing wearing a prison jumpsuit.

She originally pleaded guilty on Jan. 18 to two counts of retail theft, with prosecutors withdrawing two counts of receiving stolen property. At that time, Baldwin placed McGeehan on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced her to pay costs, $100 in CJEA payments and $27.44 restitution, all of which she still must pay under the terms of Thursday’s sentence.

Rush Township police charged McGeehan in each case, alleging she committed the thefts in the township on Dec. 20, 2014, and April 29, 2016.

In court action May 17, Senior Judge D. Michael Stine found Joshua C. Acker, 40, of Zion Grove, not guilty of indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom.

State police at Frackville had charged Acker with violating a protection from abuse order on March 15.

Stine on May 17 also found Stanley K. Daniels, 48, of Schuylkill Haven, guilty of indirect criminal contempt and sentenced him to spend 180 days on probation, pay costs and a $300 fine, and undergo a mental health evaluation. Prosecutors withdrew a second charge of indirect criminal contempt.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had charged Daniels with violating a protection from abuse order on March 30.

Also on May 17, Stine found Gregory J. Williams, 45, of Ashland, guilty of indirect criminal contempt and sentenced him to serve 17 days to six months in prison with immediate parole, pay costs and a $300 fine, and undergo mental health and drug and alcohol evaluations.

Ashland police had charged Williams with violating a protection from abuse order on May 1 in the borough.

In court action Friday, a Pottsville man returned to prison after being sentenced by a Schuylkill County judge on a charge of escape.

Brandon M. Stephens, 30, must serve nine to 23 months in prison and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, under the terms of Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin’s sentence.

Dolbin imposed the sentence after revoking Stephens’ probation, which the defendant admitted violating.

Stephens originally pleaded guilty on Feb. 17, 2016, to escape. At that time, Dolbin placed Stephens on probation for 23 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs and $50 to the CJEA, which the defendant still must pay under the terms of Friday’s sentence.

Schuylkill County detectives charged Stephens with escaping on June 29, 2015, in Pottsville.

Also on Friday, Dolbin revoked the probation of Scott D. Petrie, 42, of Schuylkill Haven, and sentenced him to 24 months in the intermediate punishment program.

Petrie, who admitted violating the terms of his probation, originally pleaded guilty on Dec. 9, 2015, to two separate charges of receiving stolen property, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of conspiracy. At that time, Dolbin placed him on probation for 23 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs and $100 in CJEA payments, all of which Petrie still must pay under the terms of Friday’s sentence, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Schuylkill Haven borough police charged Petrie with possessing stolen property on Oct. 29, 2014, in the borough, while state police at Schuylkill haven charged him with possessing stolen property on Oct. 24, 2014, in Auburn.

In another Friday case, Dolbin revoked the probation of Jonathan Evanco, 23, of McAdoo, and sentenced him to serve six to 12 months in prison and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation.

Evanco, who admitted violating his probation, originally pleaded guilty on Feb. 17, 29016, to possession of drug paraphernalia. At that time, Dolbin placed him on probation for 12 months, consecutive to his existing sentences, and also sentenced him to pay costs, $100 to the SAEF, a $50 CJEA payment and a $50 bench warrant fee, all of which Evanco still must pay under the terms of Friday’s sentence.

McAdoo police charged Evanco with possessing paraphernalia on Jan. 21, 2015, in the borough.

Also on Friday, Dolbin revoked the parole of William T. Stichter, 26, of Shartlesville, and recommitted him to prison. He will remain behind bars until Oct. 6 under the terms of Dolbin’s order.

Stichter, who admitted violating his parole, originally pleaded guilty on Sept. 7, 2016, to false identification to law enforcement, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. At that time, Dolbin sentenced him to serve six to 12 months in prison and pay costs, a $100 SAEF payment, a $50 CJEA payment and $239 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Pottsville police charged Stichter with committing his crimes on March 6, 2016, in the city.

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6014

POTTSVILLE — Phillip Holzer is headed to state prison after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him Wednesday for selling heroin in October 2015 in Cressona to an undercover detective.

“I learned my lesson,” Holzer, 36, of Schuylkill Haven, said after Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin sentenced him to serve one to two years in a state correctional institution.

Dolbin also sentenced Holzer to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and $40 restitution to the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force. The judge made the sentence effective at 10 a.m. June 2.

“I believe you are contrite,” Dolbin told Holzer.

After a one-day trial over which Dolbin presided, a jury found Holzer guilty on April 6 of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Schuylkill County detectives charged Holzer with selling $40 worth of heroin on Oct. 20, 2015.

During the trial, Holzer did not deny selling the heroin but claimed he was entrapped by a friend who turned out to be a confidential informant. The informant did not appear at the trial to testify for either prosecutors or Holzer.

A second undercover detective testified no one forced Holzer to sell the heroin.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Holzer apologized for what he did, saying he knew he was doing bad things at the time of the incident.

Ronald R. Pellish, Pottsville, Holzer’s lawyer, successfully argued that his client has straightened himself out and did not deserve to spend 17 to 34 months in state prison, as Assistant District Attorney Kimm R. Montone had requested.

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6014

Defendant: Phillip Holzer

Age: 36

Residence: Schuylkill Haven

Crimes committed: Delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance

Sentence: One to two years in a state correctional institution

FRACKVILLE — All three charged in the death of Alexandria “Alex” Sienkiewicz, 23, of Tamaqua, are headed to Schuylkill County Court.

Kyle Jacob Merenda waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale on Wednesday. Merenda did not have a lawyer present but said he has met with an attorney and is working on getting legal counsel. Hale advised him that it is important for him to retain an attorney.

Merenda, 22, of Barnesville, has been charged with drug delivery resulting in death, delivery of a controlled substance, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

“You are charged with some very serious crimes,” Hale told Merenda.

Merenda didn’t say very much in the courtroom Wednesday. Outside the office, he said he decided to waive his hearing because his lawyer was in another hearing.

“It’s a very sad case. I feel very passionate about it,” he said.

His sister, Amy Merenda, died of a drug overdose, Merenda said. An obituary for Amy Merenda, who was 27, said she died unexpectedly Jan. 11, 2014.

“I know exactly how the family and friends are feeling about the alleged crimes,” Merenda said.

Those comments didn’t seem to impress John Sienkiewicz, Alex’s father, who was in the courtroom Wednesday. Tammy Sienkiewicz, Alex’s mother, was not in the courtroom. Both will attend when the case is heard in county court.

“If Mr. Merenda knew how we felt, then why is he dealing death?” John asked.

He said he was surprised at the arrogance of Merenda’s comments.

“The evidence speaks for itself. Our family is going to keep pushing forward with the charges and the conviction of all three. We will not stop,” he said.

Melanie Kropp, 24, of Mahanoy City, and Jonathan Seekins, 33, of Coaldale, both were sitting in court Wednesday. Both have also been charged in the death of Alex, who died from acute fentanyl toxicity April 2, 2016. The Schuylkill County coroner’s office ruled the death a homicide. Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III said previously if the case is prosecuted, it would be the first drug delivery homicide case in the county, something District Attorney Christine A. Holman previously confirmed.

Seekins and Kropp waived their rights to a preliminary hearing in March.

Kropp is charged with criminal solicitation-delivery of a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Seekins is charged with drug delivery resulting in death, criminal solicitation-delivery of a controlled substance and possession of controlled substance.

First Assistant District Attorney John Fegley agreed the charges Merenda is facing are serious.

“We are going to stay on top of this and fight this to the fullest,” he said.

When asked if a plea deal might be offered to any of the defendants, Fegley said it is too early to tell. He expected a lot of motions by the defense.

Holman said previously the earliest the case would be held is October of this year. Trial terms are June, August and October.

“We will prosecute this case zealously,” Holman said Wednesday.

Drug delivery resulting in death is defined as the following: “A person commits a felony of the first degree if the person intentionally administers, dispenses, delivers, gives, prescribes, sells or distributes any controlled substance or counterfeit controlled substance ... and another person dies as a result of using the substance.”

Those convicted could face imprisonment up to 40 years.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — Although Connor McNamara’s lederhosen came from Amazon.com, his German cultural heritage and the ceramics on display Wednesday at Nativity BVM High School came from his grandparents.

Lori Cassidy and her daughter, Elina Cassidy, meanwhile, donned yukata, ceremonial dresses, as they explained Japanese culture, offered pork dumplings and taught students about the Hiragana written language and how to write their names in Japanese.

They were among featured presenters Wednesday at Nativity BVM’s first Diversity Day. Senior Erin Warcola came up with the concept and coordinated the student-initiated activities at her school.

“I wanted to do this so that all of our students could learn about different cultures around the world,” Warcola, 17, of Gordon, said.

Jennifer Daubert, director of development, said students organized their peers into five groups of about 39 students each from all grade levels. Each group wore a different colored shirt, red, yellow, green, blue or purple. As a group, the students rotated to five locations within the school, stopping for a different cultural experience at each station.

Cultures highlighted included Eastern European, Asian, Mexican, Pennsylvania Dutch and a “Hands Project” — bringing all heritages together. Many of the presenters wore traditional or ceremonial dress as they offered a peek into the languages, food, weather, customs, clothing and transportation of each area.

“We are focusing on this because it’s something we’d like to help students understand and improve relations among cultures in the community,” McNamara, 16, of Minersville, said.

He said in Germany people wear modern-day clothing. However, during Oktoberfest, males wear lederhosen, or leather breeches, while females wear dirndl, or ceremonial dresses.

Some of the Polish items he brought came from his aunt’s au pair, he said.

Junior Andres Cardena, an international student from Merida, Mexico, assisted in the presentation about his homeland. He shared some Spanish terms and Mexican customs like the Day of the Dead, which is celebrated in November. The event celebrates loved ones who have passed away, he explained. Students tried on sombreros and also sampled some cheese quesadillas. Cardena will return to Mexico in June and plans to attend college there before possibly returning to work in the film and movie-making industry in America, he said.

Lori Cassidy, who is a teacher and chairwoman of Nativity BVM’s English Department, said she had lived in Japan for about five years and moved to the United States with Elina when her daughter was about 15 months old. She said one of the reasons she chose Nativity BVM for Elina to attend was because of the school’s student exchange program.

“I wanted my daughter to be exposed to the world, and Schuylkill County offers that,” she said.

Elina will be traveling to Germany, Spain and China this summer, visiting with students she’s met while attending Nativity BVM, her mother said.

Warcola said there were 10 students on the committee and 10 teachers who volunteered to assist for Diversity Day. She said the county youth conference, designed to promote a “World of Understanding” that was held at Penn State Schuylkill, prompted her into action. Warcola was this year’s Arnold Delin Award winner for Nativity BVM.

One of the final stops for students Wednesday was in the gym, where a hands project was created.

Each student could select a washable paint color to make a palm print on one cloth fabric. The painted cloth will hang in the school and, since it’s portable, it can also be taken down and used within the community at public events to spread the message of acceptance.

“Even though we are diverse, we can come together as one family,” Warcola said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Art and entertainment is in the air. Mark your calendars for these fun-filled events you won’t want to miss:

A Folk Art Festival, Pawcasso Pet Art, Introduction to Watercolor, Paws Around Town Pet Parade and the Paul Christman Reception Exhibit will be held at the Walk In Art Center during First Saturday on June 3. You can find details at http://www.walkinartcenter.com or on their Facebook page.

June Jamboree will take place June 8 on the Square in Orwigsburg.

The Strawberry Playhouse, Tuscarora, will present the musical “Oliver” June 9-11 and June 16-18. For details or ticket information, call 570-325-4368.

The playhouse is also accepting registrations for its Summer Theatre Camp, which runs for two weeks from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 19-23 and June 26-30. Film and stage skills, dance, music, set design and technical overview will be areas of focus. Call 570 325-1368 to register or for more information.

The Walk In Art Center Summer Camps will be held on every Wednesday mornings from June 14 through July 24. Meet live animals from the Lehigh Valley Zoo, learn the art of marionettes, creative arts, music and Snapology during the six-week camps. You can find registration information at www.walkinartcenter.org.

“Into the Woods” will be presented by the Majestic Players at 7 p.m. June 16 and 17. Enjoy the Stephen Sondenheim and the Brothers Grimm-inspired play that features the characters Cinderella, Little Red, princes, Repunzel, Jack and an angry Giant and more, in roles that are not what you remember from childhood. To order tickets, call 570-628-4047.

On Monday, we observe Memorial Day. Originally known as Decoration Day, it began in the years following the Civil War to recognize those lost while fighting in that war. Later expanded, it now honors the men and women who died while serving in the U. S. military. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by paying tribute to deceased family members who served in the military, whether they were lost during service or not. Each year, visitors gather at monuments and parades. A national moment of silence takes place at 3 p.m. local time.

We offer a heartfelt and solemn thank you to those who served and gave all for our country. Our military is the backbone of America and we would not be who we are today had it not been for the bravery, dedication and loyalty of our servicemen and women. Let them never be forgotten.

Avenues volunteers

Times: Flexible.

Responsibility: Volunteers needed to help with a variety of opportunities for child and adult consumers, vocational training, special events, Duck Race, golf tournament and more.

Skills: Contact agency for requirements.

Location: In Schuylkill County.

Call: Avenues at 570-622-7920.

Therapeutic horseback riding volunteers

Times: Flexible.

Responsibility: Help therapeutic horseback riding program with a variety of volunteer positions. Side walkers are responsible for their safety during the lesson. Horse leaders are in charge of a horse during all the stages of the lesson. Ring and facility management assistants help with ring and equipment preparation, groom and lead horses to the lesson area, maintain fencing, etc. Administrative volunteers help with PR, the newsletter, volunteer recruitment and photography.

Skills: Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age, in good health and able to walk for an hour at a time. Most positions need no prior experience. Required training for summer sessions is June 24. Contact organization for more details.

Location: Horses and Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center, Inc., New Ringgold.

Call: Harvey or Elaine Smith at 570-386-5679.

Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Use the preceding contact information for those specific opportunities and search other listings on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Find us on Facebook. Call us at 570-628-1426 or email jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

HAZLETON — The Hazleton Area school board is studying whether to make changes to its program for students learning English.

In the proposed Newcomer program, students learning English would spend their school day together, ideally with teachers certified in either mathematics or English and English as a second language. Students might remain together for months to a year or more before entering mainstream classes, whereas now they go to mainstream classes except for pull-out sessions with teachers of English as a second language.

Superintendent Craig Butler said that in the proposal, students would learn English and math while receiving an introduction to American schooling through the program that would “nurture them in an environment more adapted to their needs.”

Difficulty that students have while learning language hampers them in other subjects and translates into below-average scores that Hazleton Area schools receive on many statewide tests.

Board member Bob Mehalick thinks the Newcomer program might help students learn English faster.

“We’ve got to find a better way to get them on the level,” Mehalick said earlier this month.

Board President Jared O’Donnell described a spillover effect.

“If newcomers don’t understand, don’t speak English, don’t understand how education works in the U.S., it affects every single student and it affects the teacher,” O’Donnell said.

Initially, a Newcomer proposal discussed May 18 at a committee meeting called for a pilot program just at Maple Manor Elementary School for students in fifth or sixth grade.

O’Donnell said the board is thinking bigger after hearing that more than 400 English learners enrolled in the district this year. Last year, about 14.5 percent of the district’s 11,340 students took the proficiency test for English learners.

“Should we be looking at a pilot program or a program that’s really going to fill the needs of the district?” O’Donnell said.

Board member Jackie Scarcella thinks the program would be a help to students learning English.

“Though I am concerned about the budget,” Scarcella said.

Board member Clarence John favors extra instruction in English for students learning the language and referred to the Allentown School District, which has had a Newcomer Academy for six years.

Patricia Galloway, the Hazleton Area district’s supervisor of federal programs and ESL, visited the Allentown academy.

“We liked the program model and design. We are in the very beginning stages of planning in Hazleton,” Galloway said in an email.

James Chapman, a board member, said the Newcomer program sounds good, but the board has to learn more before committing to it.

“It’s better to be discussed too much than not enough,” Chapman said.

Board member Tony Bonomo noted the growing number of students who are learning English as a second language.

“We have ESL teachers for high school kids. People have no idea what these teachers (and) administrators are dealing with,” Bonomo said.

The district’s website lists 36 teachers and two assistants who teach English as a second language.

Contact the writer: kjackson@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3587

Deeds

Ashland — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Leonard John and Nancy Hoover; 314 Oakland Ave.; $27,410.

Raymond J. Cope to DJH Properties LLC; 1215 W. Walnut St.; $1.

Raymond J. Cope to DJH Properties LLC; 1027, 1029 and 1035 Brock St.; $1.

Raymond J. Cope to DJH Properties LLC; 921 Walnut St.; $1.

Raymond J. Cope to DJH Properties LLC; 1524 W. Centre St.; $1.

Apartments for Lease LLC to George and Linda Boggs; 1125 Centre St.; $50.

Apartments for Lease LLC to George and Linda Boggs; 1129 Centre St.; $50.

Auburn — Evelyn D. Berger to Karen C. Berger-Lewis, James E. Berger, Frederick C. Berger and Brenda J. Berger-Kline; 329 Market St.; $1.

Butler Township — Lisa Misstishin, executrix of the Estate of Richard A. Yeager Sr., to Lisa Misstishin, Richard A. Yeager Jr. and Andrea G. Krise; 21.23-acre property at Beaver Dam and Valley Hill roads; $1.

Coaldale — Emily M. Bateman and Jeffrey R. Frable to Emily M. Bateman; 14 E. Ruddle St.; $1.

Dustin and Samantha L. Kranch to Danielle E. Erbe; 123 E. Early Ave.; $84,900.

Deer Lake — Sharon J. Buckley, individually and as executrix of the Estate of Joseph E. Buckley, to The Gratz Bank; property on Laurel Road; $1.

East Norwegian Township — James P. and Mildred Ann Dimmerling to Anne B. McCormick; 2001 Pine St.; $10.

Frackville — Kathleen E. Riedlinger to Justin D. Pogash; 63 N. Balliet St.; $110,000.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to 224 South Nice Street LLC; 224 S. Nice St.; $30,001.

Frailey Township — Carolyn J. Wagner, individually and as executrix of the Estate of Pauline E. Straub, to Carolyn J. Wagner and Kristen B. Land; 107 E. Spring St., Donaldson; $1.

Girardville — Girardville Area Medical Professional Center to Borough of Girardville; property on B Street; $1.

Raymond F. and Elizabeth Ann Flannery to Michael and Virginia Segars; 228 E. Main St.; $8,000.

Gordon — Neil N. and Shannon M. Stefanisko to Neil N. and Shannon M. Stefanisko; 612 McKnight St.; $1.

Hegins Township — Louise E. Mack to Kenneth D. and Jody L. Mack; property on Maple Street; $1.

Joseph E. Troutman, by attorney in fact Barbara A. Troutman, and Joey E. Troutman to Joey E. Troutman; two properties in Hegins; $1.

Mahanoy City — Service Electric Co. to Service Electric Cablevision Inc.; 201 W. Railroad St.; $1.

Sarah A. Devine to Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC; 1103 E. Centre St.; $1.

Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC to Secretary of Veterans Affairs; 1103 E. Centre St.; $1.

Donna M. Zelonis to Jeffrey Najunas; 601 E. Centre St.; $23,000.

Mahanoy City, Schuylkill Township and Shenandoah — Francis DeVizia to Country Q LLC; 107 W. South St., 327 Valley St. and 410 W. New York St.; $3,398.

Mahanoy Township — Janet M. Kurzinsky to Janet M. Kurzinsky, trustee of The Janet M. Kurzinsky Revocable Living Trust; 160 Park Place Road, Shoemakers; $1.

Ringtown Rentals LLP and Brook Rentals LLC to CDM Security LLC; property; $24,683.

Middleport — Elaine Savitsky and Frank Crampton to Elaine Savitsky; 11 Walnut St.; $1.

Minersville — Bernard J. Jr. and Lauren M. Walasavage to Jacob T. and Alyssa S. Albright; 223 Quality St.; $116,900.

Orwigsburg — MBC Development LP to Fanelli Group Properties LLC; 2.2491-acre property on West Market Street; $229,000.

Timothy S. and Christine M. Benner to Matthew A. and Kelly M. Baran; 0.076-acre property on Clark Drive; $1.

Matthew A. and Kelly M. Baran to Matthew A. and Kelly M. Baran; 190 Clark Drive; $1.

Matthew A. and Kelly M. Baran to Timothy S. and Christine M. Benner; 1.475-acre property on Clark Drive; $1.

Timothy S. and Christine M. Benner to Timothy S. and Christine M. Benner; 200 Clark Drive; $1.

Pine Grove — Damien A. and Natalie S. Fried to West Schuylkill G.E.M. Realty LLC; 162 N. Tulpehocken St.; $5,500.

Pine Grove Township — Kevin Brown, executor of the Estate of Harry S. Boltz Jr., to Angela L. Leffler and Jason W. Wessner; 441 Old Forge Road; $41,500.

Port Carbon — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to JMAC Realty LLC; 6 Spring St.; $14,441.

Joseph and Pamela Palko and William L. and Marion Guers to Kathleen M. Tebin; 130 Pike St.; $75,000.

Pottsville — Mark S. McCrary to Jacob E. Cobb; 500 Orchard Lane; $32,000.

William E. Kirwan, executor of the Estate of Raydelle H. Berger to James William Walsh Jr.; 2031 W. Market St.; $65,000.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Cenlar FSB; 6 York Farm Road; $1,224.55.

Andrew Dries, by Alyssa Marie Dries, to Julio A. Muniz; 529 1/2 E. Market St.; $7,000.

Susan and Shaun McNally to James A. Thomas; 520 Howard Ave.; $1,000.

Susan and Shaun McNally to James A. Thomas; 522 Howard Ave.; $1,000.

Tiffany L. Reedy to Jamie and Tammy Dietrich; 2041 Mahantongo St.; $87,000.

Ringtown — Federal National Mortgage Association to Kent Sullens; 261 W. Cherry St.; $40,333.

Rush Township — Aaron P. and Megan L. Gimbel to Aaron P. and Megan L. Gimbel; 92 Ben Titus Road, Ginther; $1.

Saint Clair — Raymond J. Cope to DJH Properties LLC; 32 Ann St.; $1.

Michele Dulsky, executrix of the Will of Ruth G. Simmens, to A1 Properties & Housing; 12 E. Thwing St.; $1.

Schuylkill Haven — Gary L. Bair II and Amy Strouse to Melissa Ebling; 113 W. Columbia St.; $53,000.

Schuylkill Township — Ethel E. Kopena to Ethel E. Kopena and Barbar Ott; 56 Walnut St., MaryD; $1.

Ethel E. Kopena to Ethel E. Kopena and Ann Marie Ziajka; property on Walnut Street, MaryD; $1.

Ethel E. Kopena to Ethel E. Kopena and Barbar Ott; property on No. 12 Road, MaryD; $1.

Tamaqua — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Atanos Jarrah LLC; 514 Arlington St.; $18,001.

Jay L. Hinrichs to Atanos Jarrah LLC; 302 Arlington St.; $1.

James and Danielle Reppert to Shawn M. Fleck; property on Patterson Street; $1,700.

Harry M. Miller, executor of the Estate of Harry L. Miller, to Rocci and Heather Schuima; 27 Market St.; $27,500.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Nationstar Mortgage LLC; 304 Market St.; $1,0443.12.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to The Bank of New York Mellon; 130 Clay St.; $1,179.41.

Tremont Township — Howard M. and Shirley Mills to Carl M. Jr. and Nina M. Heffner; 107 Molleystown Road, Molleystown; $135,000.

Union Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Branch Banking & Trust Co.; 89 15th St.; $1,2007.30.

Eugene H. and Angela R. Carls to Kennya and Tameka Jackson; 189 Zion Grove Road, Zion Grove; $10,000.

Walker Township — Service Electric Co. to Service Electric Cablevision Inc.; 0.23-acre property on Legislative Route 53017; $1.

Washington Township — Scott A. Zechman to Ryan L. and Keisha M. Hummel; 12 Farm View Road; $18,000.

Mark A. Stretch to Raymond Terek and Christine Schuebel; 1424 Mountain Road; $200,000.

David C. Readinger to Amy L. Readinger and Bradley M. Killian; two properties; $1.

Wayne Township — Rose M. Powell and Carl W. Yeich to Nathanael L. and Phyllis M. Eby; 1.3-acre property on Carl Lane, Friedensburg; $31,000.

West Brunswick Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Arthur R. Barnes Jr.; 113 Sculps Hill Road; $162,000.

West Mahanoy Township — Italia Inoa to Laura Memmery; 105 Schuylkill Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $7,500.

FRACKVILLE — Frackville police are investigating what they are calling a suspicious death that was discovered in the borough Wednesday night.

Police Chief Richard Bell said the incident occurred at a home in the 400 block of North Third Street.

The chief said late Wednesday that a search warrant was obtained from the on-call magisterial district judge and that the investigation is ongoing.

The identity of the person found deceased has not been released.

“All indications are that it is a male victim,” Bell said.

Police blocked off North Third Street, at the intersection with Pine Street, while they processed the scene with the assistance of the state police Forensic Services Unit from Troop L, Reading.

Representatives from the Schuylkill County Coroner’s Office were also at the scene.

Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013

Police investigate

burglaries, thefts

LYKENS — State police at Lykens are investigating three burglary and theft incidents that occurred in their coverage area recently.

Police said that between May 3 and 8, someone caused minor damage to an equipment shed at the Williamstown Baseball Field in Williams Township, Dauphin County.

The, about 11:30 p.m. Saturday, someone stole a bicycle owned by a Williamstown man from the front porch of his home on Vine Street.

Finally, police said that Michael Ryan Zettick, Williamstown, reported someone stole an air compressor, drills, saws, routers, wrenches, a gas can and a tool box from his garage between Sunday and Tuesday.

Anyone with information on any of the incidents is asked to call state police at 717-362-8700.

Police charge 4 with

underage drinking

LYKENS — Four people were charged with underage drinking by state police at Lykens after being caught at a party inside a garage about 8 p.m. Sunday on North Street in this Dauphin County community.

Charged were Logan Maurer, 20, and Blake Messner, 18, both of Lykens; Zachary Johns, 18, of Elizabethville; and a 17-year-old Elizabethville girl, police said.

All four will now have to answer before Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Margerum, Elizabethville.

Police said that while in the area on a separate incident they located the four inside a garage. All four were in possession of alcohol and admitted consuming alcoholic beverages, police said.

Police: Man threw

garbage along road

WILLIAMSTOWN — A 39-year-old borough man was arrested by state police at Lykens and charged with scattering rubbish after an incident about 10 p.m. May 18 on Water Street, near the intersection with South Street, in Williams Township.

Police said Emilio Antonio Stewart threw multiple bags of garbage along the berm of the roadway.

The man will now have to answer before Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Margerum, Elizabethville.

Man faces charge

for not finishing job

WILLIAMSTOWN — A Williamstown man was charged with theft by state police at Lykens stemming from an investigation into an incident in the 200 block of Walnut Street in this Dauphin County community between Aug. 1 and 30.

Police said Trent Williard will have to answer before Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Margerum, Elizabethville.

Williard, police said, offered to cut down a tree for a 92-year-old Williamstown woman for a cost of $3,500.

The man cut the limbs off of the tree but after receiving his final payment did not return to finish the job, police said.