Ashland

Ashland Lodge 294 Free and Accepted Masons will have a Miller-Keystone blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Ashland Masonic Temple, 2500 Centre St. People 17 and older are asked to donate blood. For more information, call 570-400-6970.

Friedensburg

The Lady Eagles soccer team will have a car wash and bake sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Dewald & Lengle Hardware Store, 1418 Long Run Road. The cost is $5 per car. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-205-9562.

Gilberton

Continental Hose Company, Main Street, will have a hoagie sale beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday. The cost is $6 per hoagie and varieties include regular, ham and cheese, Italian, meatball, and turkey. For more information or to order, call 570-933-0415.

Hazleton

The Survivors After Suicide Loss Support Group meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at Catholic Social Services, 214 W. Walnut St. It is a no-fee, open-grief group that welcomes survivors at any stage of the grieving process, according to a release, which adds, “You don’t need to sign up, just show up.” Anyone in need of support after the loss of a loved one is welcome. Participants enter the group, leave and return as they feel the need. For more information, call 570-455-1521 or visit www.helpstopthesilence.org.

Kulpmont

Serenity Gardens, 135 Vermont Drive, will have a job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. All are welcome.

Llewellyn

Good Intent Hose Company, 12 Silverton Road, will have a meat bingo from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the firehouse. The cost is $20; doors will open at noon. Meat is provided by Tony’s Meat Market. For more information, call 570-544-9974.

Mahanoy City

The Washington Hook and Ladder Fire Company will hold a car wash from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday at the firehouse’s new location, 700 W. Mahanoy Ave., weather permitting. The cost is $5 for exterior only and $15 for exterior and interior. All are welcome.

New Philadelphia

The New Philadelphia Community Organization will sponsor a townwide yard sale beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday. It is free and no registration is necessary, according to a release. For more information, call 570-277-6957.

Pine Grove

The North End Fire Company, 118 N. Tulpehocken St., will sponsor a steak dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the firehouse. The cost is $15 per meal, which will also include salad, potato, vegetable, dessert and beverage. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-294-5147.

Shenandoah

Local faithful, following the request of Our Lady of Fatima, are praying the rosary at 7 p.m. on the 13th of each month through October, according to the Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Parish bulletin. Weather permitting, participants will gather at the grotto in Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. In the event of inclement weather, participants will meet in Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Church, Cherry and Chestnut streets. All are welcome to participate.

Tamaqua

Tryouts for Black Widows 10U softball are set for 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Tamaqua Area School District’s Rush Elementary School, 50 Meadow Ave. For more information, call Kyle at 570-952-4940 or email kfaust518@gmail.com.

Cabela’s shareholders approved selling the outdoor outfitter to rival Bass Pro Shops for roughly $4 billion, the company announced Tuesday.

Founded in 1961, Cabela’s has 85 stores in the United States and Canada, with its largest being located at Interstate 78 and Route 61 in Tilden Township, near Hamburg.

The Nebraska-based chain said that shareholders had voted for the deal that will pay them $61.50 per share.

Company officials have said they expect the deal to close later this year, but banking regulators have yet to approve the sale of Cabela’s credit card unit that is part of the transaction.

“We are pleased that our combination with Bass Pro Shops has received the overwhelming support of Cabela’s shareholders,” Cabela’s CEO Tommy Millner said. “Today’s results are an important milestone as we look forward to completing the merger and creating the premier retailer in outdoor sporting goods, with an unparalleled commitment to customer loyalty and satisfaction.”

Cabela’s announced in October last year that its top competitor, Bass Pro, would buy it and consolidate the companies in Bass Pro’s home of Springfield, Missouri.

Bass Pro Shops, which was founded in 1971, has 99 stores and Tracker Marine Centers in the United States and Canada.

GIRARDVILLE — An unoccupied garage and apartment near Line and Oak streets in the borough was damaged by fire Monday night.

Girardville firefighters were called about 10:25 p.m. to a report of a working building fire at 104 Line St. and found heavy fire inside a garage located on the ground floor of the two-story structure.

Girardville Fire Chief Frank Zangari said the building, owned by Theresa Kulbitsky, 105 Reed St., Girardville, sustained extensive damage and will probably have to be demolished.

Zangari said firefighters, arriving at the scene within minutes after being dispatched, were met with heavy fire in both the garage and the kitchen area of the two-room apartment on the second floor.

He said crews were able to knock the majority of the fire down within about 15 minutes but remained on-scene until midnight to make sure the fire was completely extinguished.

“The guys did a great job. It was a quick knockdown,” the chief said. He added crews were battling not only the fire but warm and humid weather conditions.

One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion, but no other injuries were reported, Zangari said.

Zangari said the cause of the fire has not been determined. He is being assisted in the investigation by state police fire marshal Trooper John F. Burns of the Frackville station.

Zangari said the tenants had recently moved out, and the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

Assisting at the scene were EMS units from Girardville, Ashland and Shenandoah; Girardville fire police; and Girardville, Shenandoah and Mahanoy Township police.

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

Nine fire companies in Schuylkill and Carbon counties, an ambulance company and CNJ Locomotive 113 in Minersville received grants Monday from the First Federal Charitable Foundation of Hazleton.

Eight fire companies received the maximum amount of $2,500 and one received $1,000. Railway Restoration Project 113, a Minersville-based nonprofit organization, received $5,000.

The following fire companies in Schuylkill County received $2,500 each: Rangers Hose Company, Girardville; Phoenix Park Community Fire Company, Pottsville; West Penn Fire Company No. 1, New Ringgold; Mountaineer Hose Company No. 1, Minersville; and Alert Fire Company No. 1, Saint Clair.

East Penn Township Volunteer Fire Company, Nesquehoning Hose Company, Nesquehoning Ambulance Corp. and Hauto Volunteer Fire Company in Carbon County received $2,500 each. Bowmanstown Volunteer Fire Company in Carbon County received $1,000.

“The things we use to help people cost a lot of money,” Will Heitmann, a firefighter with West Penn Fire Company, said.

The money will go toward replacing a thermal imaging camera. He said money is tight and funding from outside sources helps.

Michael Zangari, firefighter with Rangers Hose Company, said they will likely use the money to replace an airpack at $4,200.

“It takes some strain off of our volunteers,” he said.

Lt. Tim Bower with Alert Fire Company said the money will go toward a rescue tool, such as cutters or Jaws of Life. The department has a cutting tool, but one “with more spread” will help, he said.

Robert Umbenhen, president of Mountaineer Hose Company, said they would like to spend money on a whole station generator. It can help open the fire company doors if the electricity goes out. He said they risk losing valuable emergency response time when the power goes out.

Michael Spairance, chief of Bowmanstown Volunteer Fire Company, said funds will go toward a new laptop and possibly a second one. The computer they use operates on Windows Vista. Recently, the computer froze when they were completing a grant application, causing them to miss the deadline.

Cynthia Sabol, trustee, and Diana Walls, secretary for Hauto Volunteer Fire Company, said the grant will go toward turnout gear for firefighters.

In Minersville, a group gathered at the Minersville Train Station to learn the good news. Robert Kimmel Jr., president of Railway Restoration Project 113, said they appreciated the grant.

“It’s always a positive when someone takes the initiative to say your project is worthwhile,” he said.

Funding will go to repair the train. Michael Fenstermaker, Kutztown, a volunteer with Railway Restoration Project 113, said the drivers — wheels — will be profiled. Maintenance will also be performed on bearings or related parts that need attention.

“It’s going to help the ride be better,” he said.

Fenstermaker added the improvements will last for years because the train isn’t used often except for occasional train ride events.

Tony Cusatis, president of First Federal Charitable Foundation, which was established in 1998, said the foundation’s mission is to help those in need. Helping fire companies is one way they can do that, he said.

Megan Kennedy, executive director, said funding is normally awarded three times a year. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations in Schuylkill, Carbon, Luzerne and Columbia counties may apply. An entity headquartered in another area that services those counties is also eligible. According to the foundation website, www.1stfederalcharitable.org, “It strives to nurture nonprofit institutions and programs that will serve those in need from our community, empower nonprofit institutions and programs that expand their presence in and services, and promote opportunities for new nonprofit institutions and programs that serve the unserved.”

In all, more than $4 million has been distributed, Cusatis said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

ORWIGSBURG — Charles P. Hummel Jr. is headed to Schuylkill County Court for what police allege was his burglarizing of a South Manheim Township vacation home in July 2016.

Hummel, 26, of 204 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, has been charged with burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property. On Tuesday, he waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, who bound over all four charges for court.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Hummel with breaking into 2635 Wynonah Drive, Lake Wynonah, the vacation home of Terrance Carroll, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. July 15, 2016. The home was unoccupied at the time, according to police.

Once inside the building, Hummel stole a Samsung 48-inch LED television, police said.

Police said a surveillance camera filmed the car in which Hummel entered the development.

Police are not certain of the location of the stolen television.

Hummel is free on $5,000 unsecured bail pending further court action.

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

The defendant

· Name: Charles P. Hummel Jr.

· Age: 26

· Residence: Pottsville

· Charges: Burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property

GRATZ — A Gratz man has crafted some of the Hometown Heroes banners proudly recognizing veterans and celebrating patriotism in Schuylkill and Dauphin counties.

Chad Phillips, operator of Chad’s Signs & Grafix, has produced nearly 300 of the vinyl banners that now hang in Gratz, Lykens and throughout the Hegins Valley.

“My mom’s very artistic and I always liked to draw race cars as a little kid,” Phillips, a part-time Gratz borough maintenance worker, said. “I really got into this business when I was lettering my own race cars.”

Phillips used to race go-karts, motorcycles, ATVs, mountain bikes and micro sprints before retiring from racing in 2006.

For the past 11 years, Phillips, who people call “The Sign Guy,” has been producing banners, posters and signs at his 244 E. Market St. shop. Another local sign maker helped him get started, he said.

He uses a custom-built computer, which he describes as a high-end gaming computer. His system has a lot of memory, with a high-speed processor and graphics card. Phillips uses Corel Draw graphic software, and some of the best vector software available, he said. Every two to three years, he needs to purchase a new computer since it’s run heavily. His system had also incorporated a large format digital printer to produce graphics.

In designing the Hometown Heroes banners, Phillips works on his computer, deciding where to place the photo that’s been submitted by the veteran’s family, and keys in the branch of service, dates of service, sponsor of the banner and other pertinent information the customer requests.

He sends a proof of the banner to the community or organization that sponsored the banners, to be sure he has the correct spelling of the veteran’s name, and that the right photo gets matched with the right information. Phillips can also use Photoshop software to improve any aging military photos, so they’ll reproduce well and be more visible when hung as a banner.

Once the proofs are checked and returned to him, the 24-by-52-and-1/2-inch banners are printed in one solid sheet of vinyl, then cut. The size of his banners enable the graphic itself to be 2-foot-by-4-foot.

“Making sure the banners are clear is a priority,” he said.

Phillips sews the hems on the tops and bottoms of each one, and cuts the grommets for the banner brackets for hanging. He charges $150 for each banner, which includes the bracket hardware. The communities and organizations can then charge what they wish for each one.

He thanked Kylie Bender, Gratz; Dave Ney, Lykens; and Mike Winn, junior warden of Valley Lodge 797, for allowing him to create the Hometown Heroes banners for their respective communities.

“They deserve a lot of the credit. They devoted their time and energy into this project. I’m conducting business,” he said.

Two of the banners are dedicated to Phillips’ family members. One is of his uncle, John Phillips, Gratz, who served in the Air Force. The other is of his grandfather, Richard Ossman, Hegins, who served in the Coast Guard.

In addition to the Hometown Heroes projects, Phillips has designed the building signage and posters for the Gratz Fair, Rocky Mountain Structures, and several other businesses. Graphics for a 40-foot trailer, belonging to Gessner Logging, is probably one of the largest pieces he’s created, he said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

MAR LIN — On Monday night, the board of directors of Schuylkill County Area Vocational-Technical School took a step toward replacing the roofs of the Schuylkill Technology Center buildings in Frackville and Mar Lin.

The board devised a formula to determine how much each of the 12 school districts in Schuylkill County will put into the project that’s expected to cost more than $3.1 million. The board approved a motion to send the recommendation to school boards for approval.

The plan is based on 66.667 percent of a district’s market value and 33.333 percent of student enrollment budget at STC, Brian A. Manning, business manager at Schuylkill IU 29, said.

With the formula, school districts would contribute the following amounts:

• Blue Mountain, $605,655.26

• Mahanoy Area, $139,683.89

• Minersville Area, $194,465.34

• North Schuylkill, $279,929.50

• Pine Grove Area, $319,583.87

• Pottsville Area, $400,901.79

• Saint Clair Area, $137,956.02

• Schuylkill Haven Area, $218,672.81

• Shenandoah Valley, $120,135.28

• Tamaqua Area, $421,052.15

• Tri-Valley, $178,640.47

• Williams Valley, $136,986.61

“It’s a middle ground,” Manning said.

Previously, the board members discussed a formula of 75 percent market value and 25 percent STC budget enrollment, and 50 percent market value and 50 percent STC budget enrollment.

“I spoke to almost all of my board members. They are receptive to a split of 66/33. They feel they didn’t want to budge from 50/50, but they do see the need,” Mary Jo Moss of Blue Mountain said.

“Can we move forward on this tonight?” Charles “Chaz” Hepler of North Schuylkill asked.

“What we’re suggesting tonight, I believe, is that this board approve a recommendation to go out to the districts,” James Caravan, solicitor for the STC board, said.

If all districts agree on the formula, the STC board can seek a contractor, Manning said. If they don’t, discussions about the formula will continue.

Hepler made the motion to send out the board’s recommendation. It was seconded by Larry A. Wittig of Tamaqua Area and carried unanimously in a roll call vote by board members present.

The others present were board President Scott Jacoby of Schuylkill Haven Area and members Helene Creasy of Shenandoah Valley, Roger Heidlebaugh of Tri-Valley, John Mika of Williams Valley, Gretchen Ulmer of Minersville Area, Jay Hanley of Mahanoy Area, Scott Thomas of Pottsville Area and Michael Holobetz of Saint Clair Area. David Frew of Pine Grove Area was absent.

Manning estimated the cost to replace roofs at STC-North, Frackville, and STC-South, Mar Lin, to be $3,153,663 and include capital repairs. The roof replacement at STC-North is estimated at $1,690,600; roof replacement at STC-South is $818,500; HVAC upgrades at both schools $539,563; and exterior masonry repairs at STC-South to be an estimated $105,000, Manning said.

In 2015, Robert McCarthy of international roofing manufacturer The Garland Company spoke to the board about the roofs. He provided an update Monday, particularly on the roof at STC-North.

He said, “The roof is beyond its useful life. One of the challenges there is it doesn’t drain well. It’s supposed to be sloped to drains. It’s a flat roof which doesn’t slope. And there’s quite a bit of ponding water. It’s been a challenge. If it leaks in one of those areas, which it has, we get a deluge of water into the building.”

In other matters, the board decided to hire CFM Commercial HVAC Inc., Orwigsburg, for emergency replacement of the HVAC system at STC-South. It will cost $83,895 and that will come from STC’s budget, Manning said.

John Nabholz, facilities director at Schuylkill IU 29, made the recommendation. The system was installed in 1989 and Nabholz anticipated it would fail in the first week of the 2017-18 school year. A new unit will take eight weeks to install, he said.

“It’s a 30-year-old unit. It’s limping. And I know darn well it’s going to die the first week of school. The districts are going to hear about it from parents and it’s going to come back on me. And if we wait until then, then that will take another eight weeks. We need to make a decision on this as soon as possible,” Nabholz said.

Instead of bidding the project, the board unanimously decided to move forward Monday to hire CFM to do the work since it was considered an emergency. The project will include switching the power source from electricity to natural gas.

Contact the writer: spytak@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6011

Police: Man assaults

woman, is charged

POTTSVILLE — A Ringtown man was jailed after being arrested by Pottsville police about 6:20 p.m. July 2 after officers were called to a domestic assault.

Police said the investigation determined that John Danchision, 30, assaulted his 25-year-old ex-girlfriend about 6 p.m. by holding her down by her wrists and fingers, causing injuries to her hand.

Police said the woman was able to escape from Danchision, flee the apartment using the fire escape and then go to a nearby business to call 911.

As a result of the assault, Patrolman Bryce Lewis charged Danchision with domestic violence simple assault, harassment and criminal mischief.

The man was taken into custody at his home by state police troopers and transported back to Pottsville City Hall. He was then arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10 percent of $20,000 bail, police said.

Ashland police aid

U.S. Marshals

ASHLAND — Ashland police assisted the U.S. Marshals Service in apprehended a fugitive Tuesday morning.

Ashland police Patrolman Philip Schlegel said officers were called about 6:45 a.m. to meet U.S. Marshals in the area of 17th and Middle streets. The marshals advised officers that they had a fugitive arrest warrant for Joseph Blackburn, 40, who lived at 1630 Walnut St. in the borough, Schlegel said.

Ashland police assisted by providing the marshals with information about the area.

Schlegel said that when he and the marshals were approaching the front of the Blackburn home, the man tried to flee through the backyard but was quickly taken into custody without incident by agents who were staged on Spruce Street behind the home.

Schlegel said that once Blackburn was taken into custody, he was transported to a state correctional facility by the marshals and incarcerated.

No information was available as to why Blackburn was wanted by the federal marshals, Schlegel said.

Police investigate

destroyed mailbox

NEW RINGGOLD — State police at Frackville are investigating a criminal mischief incident that occurred between June 30 and July 3 at 490 Mountain Road in Blythe Township.

Police said Stephen Stripe, New Ringgold, reported someone destroyed his mailbox by placing an M80-type firecracker inside and lighting it.

Anyone with information is asked to call Trooper Michael Allar at 5700-874-5300.

Mainville man faces

myriad charges

BROWNSVILLE — A man was arrested by West Mahanoy Township police stemming from an incident on Thursday in the Brownsville section of the township.

Police said officers were called to the area for a report of disturbance and learned that a man broke several items inside of a home and caused injury to another person who did not seek medical attention.

The man, identified as Richard Andino Jr., who has a last known address of Mainville, was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.

Andino was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, intimidation of a witness or victim, recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest, loitering and prowling at night, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness, police said.

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

Truck driver hurt

in I-78 accident

KUTZTOWN — A Newark, New Jersey, truck driver suffered serious injuries when the 2016 Volvo VNL he was driving crashed about 2:20 a.m. Friday in the westbound lanes of Interstate 78, at mile marker 41.1 in Greenwich Township, Berks County.

State police at Hamburg said Byung D. An, 57, was driving west on poor weather conditions with rain and wet road surfaces when his trailer went off of the road and struck a guide rail.

After impact, police said, the trailer and tractor went off of the road where the trailer struck a tree, causing it to jackknife. The tractor came to a stop facing east while the trailer came to a stop facing north blocking both westbound lanes of travel, police said.

Emergency personnel used power equipment to remove An from his truck and he was then taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, for treatment of serious injuries.

Police said An was not wearing his seatbelt and that his tractor and trailer were towed from the scene. As a result of the crash, police added that An will be cited for driving at an unsafe speed.

Assisting at the scene were firefighters from Hamburg, Kutztown, Weisenberg and Kempton, police said.

The crash shut down the westbound lanes of Interstate 78 for about five hours and police from the Fogelsville station assisted with diverting traffic off of the highway at Exit 45 westbound.

Police arrest 3

for explosive

GIRARDVILLE — Three people were charged with disorderly conduct by state police at Frackville after incidents in the 200 block of West Ogden Street and also in Butler Township about 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Police said Kyle Anthony Konas Jr., 20, Nicholas C. Popp, 20, and a 17-year-old boy, all from Ashland, will have to answer to the charge before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville.

Police said they received a complaint about an explosion in the 200 block of West Ogden Street in Girardville where a witness said three men fled the area traveling west.

A short time later the three were found at the PennDOT bridge construction site on Route 4030 playing with and possessing construction equipment, police said, adding that all three also admitted setting off a quarter stick explosive on West Ogden Street.

Police: Man asleep

at wheel had drugs

GILBERTON — A Mount Carmel man is facing charges after he was found slumped over steering wheel of his vehicle about 4:35 p.m. Monday on Upper Main Street at the upper end of Gilberton.

State police at Frackville said police found David Brown, 33, inside the vehicle along the berm of the highway with drugs and drug paraphernalia in plain view.

Troopers said Brown will be charged appropriately pending the result of the analysis of laboratory tests.

Va. SOM

Erika Snyder graduated May 6 with honors from the Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, and will begin her residency training in family medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia.

She is a 2008 graduate of North Schuylkill High School, a 2012 graduate of Albright College, Reading, and a daughter of Randall and Attorney Ruth K. Snyder, Ashland.

Shippensburg

Bridget Elizabeth Dunkel, Den-Mar Gardens, graduated magna cum laude May 13 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in criminal justice at Shippensburg University. She plans to attend Towson University in Maryland for her graduate studies.

Bridget is a daughter of Trish Catizone-Dunkel and Jim Dunkel, Den-Mar Gardens, and a granddaughter of Jeanne Catizone, Frackville, and the late Anthony Catizone, the late Connie Spieles-Catizone, formerly of Centralia, and the late Betty and George Dunkel, formerly of Pottsville.

Philadelphia

Ahna Huss, Shenandoah, graduated from Philadelphia University with a degree in fashion merchandising and management.

She interned at and was recently hired by League Collegiate Outfitters.

At Philadelphia U., Ahna was president of Delta Mu Delta, an international honor society that recognizes academic excellence. Athletically, she was a member of the women’s rowing team, starting out in the varsity four as a walk-on her freshman year and was in the varsity eight for the last three seasons.

Ahna was a two-time Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association National Scholar-Athlete, owns the second-best 2K erg score in program history, represented the women’s rowing team on the university’s student-athlete advisory committee for the 2016-17 school year, was a three-time gold medalist at the Bill Braxton Regatta and sat stroke in the varsity four in the Murphy and Knecht cups her senior year. She was also in the varsity eight in the Bergen Cup.

She is a 2013 graduate of Shenandoah Valley High School and a daughter of George and Cindy Huss, Shenandoah.

Geisinger CSOM

Roni L. Dermo earned her doctor of medicine degree from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, on May 7. She will complete her residency in obstetrics-gynecology at WellSpan York Hospital, York.

Roni is a 2010 graduate of Bucknell University, Lewisburg, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology. In 2012, she earned her master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton.

She is a 2006 graduate of Pottsville Area High School and a daughter of Ron and Donna Dermo.

Dickinson

Randy R. Rubright, son of Dr. and Mrs. Herb Rubright Jr., Kaska, graduated May 21 from Dickinson College, Carlisle, with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience.

He is a graduate of Pottsville Area High School.

Alexia V. Tobash, daughter of Mike and Amie Tobash, Pottsville, graduated magna cum laude May 21 from Dickinson College with a bachelor’s degree in art and art history. She was a dean’s list student.

Alexia is a graduate of Pottsville Area High School.

Keystone

Daniel J. McSurdy, Ringtown, earned a bachelor’s degree from the School of Professional Studies during commencement ceremonies May 13 at Keystone College, La Plume.

Scranton

Keith E. Northey Jr., a Mahanoy City native now living in Pittsburgh, received his master’s of business administration degree from The University of Scranton during May 27 graduate commencement ceremonies.

Keith’s MBA is in operations management with a supply chain management certificate through the university’s Kania School of Management. He earned a 3.78 grade-point average.

Keith is western regional manager for APR Supply Co., Lebanon, and a son of Keith and Deborah Northey, Mahanoy City.

Champlain

Scott McCoy, Ashland, graduated May 13 with a bachelor’s degree in web design and development from Champlain College, Burlington, Vermont.

IUP

Christopher J. Schweigert graduated May 13 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

A son of Christopher L. and Annette E. Schweigert, Schuylkill Haven, he is a 2013 graduate of Schuylkill Haven Area High School.

Are you tired of summer fun yet? We didn’t think so. There are more fun, entertaining and educational events taking place this month.

Calling all golfers: Avenues invites you to participate in their 29th annual Foundation Golf Classic on July 28 at Hidden Valley Golf Course, Pine Grove. Contests include hole-in-one, longest drive, pot of gold and closest to pin. There will be drawings and a prize at every hole. Registration fee of $90 includes breakfast, lunch on the course, dinner and refreshments and all proceeds benefit individuals with developmental and/or acquired disabilities. Call 570-622-7920 for details.

The 83rd annual Ukrainian Day will take place on July 30 at St. Nicholas Picnic Grove in Primrose, rain or shine. The festival of food, music, entertainment and fun is free and open to the public. There will be music and a performance by the Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble. Delicious homemade Ukrainian and Slavic foods as well as traditional Ukrainian and Eastern European items by vendors and crafters will be available for purchase. There will also be a theme basket auction, games, and pysanky demo and class.

Tamaqua Area Community Theater presents “Our Town” at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center at 7 p.m. July 28 and 2 and 7 p.m. July 29. Tickets sell for $10 for students and seniors and $12 for adults. Call 570-668-1192 for information.

Make A Difference Day may be months away but we ask nonprofits to look around their facilities now and see if there’s any help you could use that could be turned into a MADDay project in October.

Do you need help with light weeding and yard work? Could you use donations of something like food, socks or craft supplies? If your answer is yes, email your needs to this office and we’ll promote them in the upcoming weeks and share your ideas with groups who want to participate in the nation’s largest day of doing good, but don’t know how to best serve others.

Last year, one nonprofit was “adopted” by so many groups that not only were their needs fully met, but they had extra for this year to boot. Project adoption promotion isn’t always as successful, but every bit helps. Contact us for questions and with your potential project for adoption.

Historical society

volunteers

Time: Flexible.

Responsibility: Help with a variety of tasks including filing and data entry, light cleaning, assisting patrons with research, scanning photos for electronic storage, gift shop help and more.

Skills: Reliable and friendly.

Location: Schuylkill County Historical Society, 305 N. Centre St., Pottsville

Call: 570-622-7540.

STS Bus Buddies

Times: Choose own availability.

Responsibility: Escort new riders on their first ride to help them become familiar with the STS bus riding process.

Skills: Friendly and reliable. Staff will train and accompany volunteer until they’re comfortable with the route and procedure.

Location: Throughout Schuylkill County.

Call: Joan, STS, 570-581-8838.

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.

POTTSVILLE — A Tamaqua man went to prison Wednesday after he admitted to a Schuylkill County judge that he assaulted a security guard in November 2016 at a local hospital.

Shawn H. Stintsman, 49, must serve six to 12 months in prison and pay costs, a $100 fine and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account under the terms of Judge Charles M. Miller’s sentence.

“The victim was in agreement” with the sentence, Assistant District Attorney David J. Rice said.

Stintsman pleaded guilty to simple assault and criminal mischief, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of disorderly conduct.

Coaldale police had charged Stintsman with spitting in the guard’s face on Nov. 15, 2016, at St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus, in the borough.

Police said Stintsman was in an observation room when he became aggressive and broke a safety window in the door to the room. Stintsman then became agitated and verbally abusive to other people in the room, according to police.

Hospital staff members helped put Stintsman in restraints for his and other people’s safety when he spat in the guard’s face and threatened other people in the room, police said.

Stintsman said little during Wednesday’s hearing except that he understood the conditions and consequences of his plea and that he was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.

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

Defendant: Shawn H. Stintsman

Age: 49

Residence: Tamaqua

Crimes committed: Simple assault and criminal mischief

Prison sentence: Six to 12 months in prison

FRACKVILLE — As the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority continues to make plans for a pipe installation and road repair project near the Schuylkill Mall, local officials said they hope the owner of the mall is on board.

“We’re asking the new owners of the mall to contribute and help,” Clyde C. “Champ” Holman, vice chairman of Ryan Township supervisors, said Tuesday.

Years ago, Ryan Township had an agreement with the mall regarding the upkeep of that stretch of Altamont Boulevard in Ryan Township. It’s owned by the mall, and Ryan Township does not receive state liquid fuels funding for it, Holman said.

In January, NorthPoint Development, Riverside, Missouri, bought the mall.

While making plans for the water line project, Patrick M. Caulfield, SCMA executive director, said he and representatives of the Schuylkill Economic Development Corp. have been in touch with NorthPoint.

“We met with them once and SEDCO has been coordinating communication with the entities. NorthPoint has not formally responded in a contract; however, they have conceptually agreed to participate,” Caulfield said.

Holman has faith that it will work out. “NorthPoint is very community-oriented and understands the prior agreement,” he said.

The Altamont Boulevard Waterline Replacement Project will focus on the two-lane strip of Altamont Boulevard that crosses from West Mahanoy Township into Ryan Township. The project area is about 1,170 feet long.

SCMA will discuss bids for pipe installation at its next meeting, July 19, at its office at 221 S. Centre St., Pottsville.

Called Phase I, the plan is to replace 1,170 feet of 10-inch ductile iron waterline with 12-inch coated ductile iron waterline along Altamont Boulevard from Industrial Park Road to the entrance of State Correctional Institution/Frackville. The estimated cost of Phase I is $348,750. In March 2014, the state gave SCMA $200,000 toward the project, Caulfield said.

Phase II is the reconstruction of that section of Altamont Boulevard.

“Phase II includes total reconstruction of the roadway paving, additional stormwater drainage, and grading of shoulders to eliminate future ponding and freezing of stormwater,” Caulfield said.

SCMA has been working with West Mahanoy Township on Phase II.

In December, West Mahanoy Township received a state grant of $100,000 toward the project. The total cost of the project is estimated at $193,000, Caulfield said.

The West Mahanoy Township supervisors may discuss bids for Phase II at their next meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the municipal building at 190 Pennsylvania Ave., Shenandoah Heights.

About 800 feet of the project will be in West Mahanoy Township, and the rest will be in Ryan Township.

A plan to finance the paving of the road in West Mahanoy Township following the pipe installation project is in place. However, there still isn’t one regarding the section of the road in Ryan.

“In affiliation with SEDCO, we approached the new owner of the mall. So we are currently in negotiations with them. Essentially, we told them SCMA has to replace this water line regardless. We are going to have a successful contractor on hand. We’ve already partnered with West Mahanoy to get the road reconstructed in its entirety to this point. If you had plans to reconstruct that road, it would certainly behoove you to participate now. Financially, you’re probably not going to get a more efficient, less expensive cost to do so,” Caulfield said.

Caulfield said he anticipates NorthPoint will provide funding to fix the road after the new pipes have been installed. If not, SCMA will only repave the area that was cut to do the installation.

“We’re going to cut a 5-foot-wide opening in a 24-to-27-foot-wide road that’s very deteriorated. That road gets a lot of traffic,” Caulfield said.

The section of the road in Ryan Township was built in 1979 by the contractors hired by the owners of the mall back then, Holman said.

“The road was an access point to the area, but it was a dirt road until Crown America paved it when the mall was built,” Holman said.

“Originally Crown America, the developer of the mall, obtained, built, and constructed and owned the infrastructure, including the roadway network,” Caulfield said.

The Schuylkill Mall opened on Oct. 9, 1980.

In March 2007, Empire Schuylkill LP, Philadelphia, became the mall’s owner. In October 2016, Empire filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

In January, a federal bankruptcy judge approved the auction sale of the mall to NorthPoint Development for $2.1 million. In May, NorthPoint announced the mall would close later this year.

“The condition of the road now is fair to poor. It was patched a few years ago,” Holman said.

Representatives of NorthPoint could not be reached for comment this week.

Contact the writer: spytak@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6011

A federal grand jury indicted a Coaldale man on Tuesday, allegedly he possessed a large amount of methamphetamine with the intent to sell it to others.

Jerry Breck III, 34, faces a charge of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Prosecutors alleged Breck was found with approximately 200 grams of methamphetamine on July 5 in his residence.

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob.

If convicted, Breck could be sentenced to as much as 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release after leaving prison, according to prosecutors. He faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years, prosecutors said.

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

MOUNT CARBON — The owner of a historic Mount Carbon tavern damaged by fire last month hopes to rebuild the business despite not having insurance on the building.

Harry Haughney spent his Tuesday morning the way he has done almost every day since the June 30 fire, cleaning the building and salvaging what he can.

Haughney, 68, has owned the business for 26 years, purchasing it from Rose Julian in 1991.

Haughney said that he had the business, along with two apartments on the second floor, insured until 2015 when he was dropped by his carrier. Haughney said the insurance company canceled his policy after he submitted two claims for water pipe issues that totaled $15,000. The cancellation, paired with constant flooding at the Mount Carbon Arch a short distance away, made it impossible to obtain insurance, he said.

“I couldn’t get insurance. No one wanted me,” he said.

Haughney said he is hoping to get enough money to re-open the business.

“This fire closed a piece of history,” Haughney said.

Haughney said that in the early 1900s, when railroads ruled Schuylkill County, the building served as a general store and later became a tavern when purchased by the late Bud Julian.

Since that time, the tavern, with a historic bar and ornate wooden mirrored back wall, has been the site of gatherings.

“We were known all across the United States as a friendly place to come, sit back and unwind,” he said.

Haughney said he has been working on cleaning the fire damage as best he can and has been offered help from bar patrons and friends.

One friend, James Simatos, started a GoFundMe account for Haughney in the hopes of getting money to assist living and medical expenses along with the rebuilding of his business. Simatos said anyone wishing to help can donate at www.gofundme.com/harrys-medical-living-expenses.

Haughney said the fire that he believes started with an overheated air conditioner in his apartment left him with virtually nothing.

“A pair of boots is all that I had to my name,” he said.

Haughney said he was sitting on the front porch when he went up to his apartment about 6:30 p.m. and smelled what he thought was wires burning.

When flames broke out, Haughney said, he tried to get a woman staying in an apartment — Holly Rhode — out but could not. He then ran outside and, with the help of firefighters and others, the woman was rescued.

Although he suffered burns on his hands and arms trying to get Rhode out, Haughney said both he and the woman are lucky they did not suffer more serious injuries.

“This is all I know for the past 26 years. I want to be open again for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

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

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — An Orwigsburg man died Tuesday from injuries he suffered in an incident in North Manheim Township on Friday.

Martin Moyer, 74, was pronounced dead at 5:34 p.m. Tuesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, according to Lehigh County Coroner Scott M. Grim.

Grim said he attributed the cause of death as blunt force trauma and ruled the manner of death accidental.

The coroner said Moyer was sitting inside Robin’s Diner at 366 Route 61, just south of Schuylkill Haven, about 8:40 a.m. Friday when he was struck by flying debris from a vehicle accident that occurred outside the business.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said the crash leading up to the fatal incident involved a 2017 Mack truck driven by Fred W. Clark, 59, of Sicklerville.

Trooper Justin Bedford said Clark was driving north in the right lane of Route 61 when the driver’s side rear tires of his vehicle became disengaged, crossed over into the R&R Auto Group parking lot and struck a 2017 Chevrolet TRX.

The tires then continued and struck six 2017 Cadillac XT5 vehicles on the dealership lot, continued north and struck a Mazda 3 and a Chevrolet Equinox as well as the south side of the restaurant, Bedford said.

As a result of the building being hit, Bedford said, Moyer suffered injuries along with patron Elton P. Alonge, 59, also of Orwigsburg.

Moyer was flown to the Lehigh Valley Hospital by helicopter while Alonge was taken to a Pottsville hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

After the tires became disengaged from his vehicle, Bedford said, Clark continued north and came to a stop in the parking lot of the Sheetz store.

No additional information as to why the tires of the Clark vehicle became disengaged was available.

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

MAHANOY CITY — The borough council is working to build a community park on the site of the Kaier Brewery building, which was demolished in March.

At its meeting Tuesday, the council hired Alfred Benesch & Co., Pottsville, to do design work at a cost of $14,800, according to Borough Manager Daniel L. Lynch.

In November, when the borough council opened bids for demolition of the building at the north end of Main Street, it announced it would build Kaier’s Park. Smart Recycling Inc., Dunmore, had the low bid on the demolition, $67,220.

In a related matter, council member Diane Rachuck said a blighted building nearby will soon come down.

“Mr. Lynch and myself, we received a very good phone call yesterday from Senator (David G.) Argall’s office regarding the owner of the land behind the former Kaier’s Brewery, which is Girard Estates,” Rachuck said.

There’s a blighted building there, Lynch said.

On Monday, Girard Estates started seeking bids to have it torn down. Girard Estates will pay for the demolition work, Rachuck said.

That building is at North Main Street and Park Place Road.

“That’s great!” said borough solicitor Michael A. O’Pake, an attorney with an office in Pottsville.

“Fantastic!” council President Thom Maziekas said.

Lynch thanked Argall, R-29, Tamaqua, and state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, Mahanoy City, for contacting Girard Estates, Philadelphia, about the blighted structures.

“We wouldn’t want those dangerous buildings next to a brand-new playground,” Lynch said.

In other matters, the council agreed to apply for a $140,000 state grant to develop plans to improve the community.

“I make a motion that we authorize the borough manager to submit an Act 47 grant application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development in the amount of $145,000,” Rachuck said.

She said the grant would be used for the following:

• Appointment of four consultants. One each for the following projects: developing a capital improvement plan, developing a blight abatement and prevention plan, conducting an energy audit of buildings owned by the borough, and updating the codification of the borough’s ordinances and regulations.

• Wage supplements for two part-time assistants. One for code enforcement and one for the police department.

• Purchase of new computer equipment and a new HVAC unit for borough hall.

“There is no required monetary match for the borough. Act 47 grant funds will cover 100 percent cost of the projects,” Rachuck said.

The council approved the motion unanimously.

The council also decided to spend $6,500 on the emergency demolition of 228 E. Mahanoy St.

In May, the council hired Mr. Z Contracting, Shenandoah, to take down 230 E. Mahanoy Ave. for $22,000. On Tuesday, the council hired Mr. Z to take down 228 as well.

“The condition of 228 East Mahanoy is so severe it will likely not stand after the completion of 230 East Mahanoy,” council Vice President Francis P. Burke said.

In other matters, the council hired attorney John G. Dean of Elliott Greenleaf, which has offices in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, as a special counsel regarding UCC and zoning issues at a rate of $100 an hour.

The council signed a Keystone Communities Program Funding Agreement with the Schuylkill County Land Bank in order to utilize awarded Keystone Communities funding for demolition and development.

The council bought a collection of blighted properties from Schuylkill County repository, each for a dollar:

• 1115 E. Pine St., owned by Juan Tovar Zamudio.

• 602 W. Railroad St., owned by John and Peggy Kessler.

• 412 W. Mahanoy St., owned by Investment Property Cheap Inc.

• 612 W. South St., owned by Robert and Patricia Fizel.

The council also signed a cooperation agreement with Schuylkill County to demolish those four properties and a few others:

• 600-602 W. Railroad St.

• 1115-1119 E. Pine St.

• 701 E. Centre St.

Contact the writer: spytak@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6011

Brooklyn man faces

harassment charge

McADOO — A Brooklyn, New York, man was charged with harassment by McAdoo police after an incident about 11:10 p.m. July 3 on South Hancock Street.

Police said officers were called to a home for a report of a domestic disturbance and spoke with Sean Greene, who reported having a verbal argument with his girlfriend that escalated into her spraying him in the face with pepper spray and him punching her in the head.

Greene will now have to answer before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, police said.

McAdoo man faces

disorderly charge

McADOO — McAdoo police have filed charges of disorderly conduct and public drunkenness against a 24-year-old borough man after officers were called about 4:30 p.m. June 29 to Fegley’s Mini Mart for a disturbance.

Police said Matthew Bahrey will have to answer to both charges before Magisterial District Judge Stephen Bayer, Tamaqua.

Police said that at the store officers found Bahrey yelling and banging on a lottery machine at which time he was taken into custody without further incident.

Police: Man stole

lottery tickets

McADOO — An investigation into an April 24 theft at Fegley’s Mini Mart led to McAdoo police filing charges an employee.

Police said Anthony Reed, 19, of Tamaqua, was charged with theft, receiving stolen property and retail theft and will now have to appear before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua.

Police said video surveillance showed Reed, an employee at the time, leaning over a counter and scanning lottery tickets that he had printed from the machine. The tickets, police said, can only be accessed by the employee behind the counter.

Printouts of lottery tickets printed by Reed during his shift showed that no lotteries were rung through his register at the time, police said.

In addition, police said, the investigation revealed that merchandise was also taken by Reed and not paid for. The man rang up the merchandise on his register and then before leaving at the end of his shift voided the transactions, police said.

POTTSVILLE — Jason E. Demanczyk is headed back to state prison after he admitted Wednesday to a Schuylkill County judge that he violated the registration requirements of Megan’s Law.

Demanczyk, 44, of Pine Grove, pleaded guilty to failure to verify address or be photographed as required, and must serve 18 to 36 months in a state correctional institution, Judge James P. Goodman ruled.

Pursuant to the plea agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, Goodman also sentenced Demanczyk to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Demanczyk with failing to appear at their station in Wayne Township on Jan. 17 to provide the information required by Megan’s Law.

As a result of Wednesday’s sentence, the defendant will go to state prison for a second time.

He originally pleaded guilty on Aug. 22, 2007, to statutory sexual assault, indecent assault and corruption of minors, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and aggravated indecent assault. At that time, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin sentenced him to serve nine to 23 months in prison, plus five years additional probation, submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities and have no contact with his victim.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had charged Demanczyk with assaulting the minor victim on April 1, 2006, in Tremont Township.

However, Dolbin revoked Demanczyk’s probation on July 8, 2011, and promptly sentenced him to serve 15 months to three years in a state correctional institution.

Demanczyk said little during Wednesday’s hearing except that he understood the terms and consequences of his plea and was making it knowingly and voluntarily.

The Megan’s Law sanctions to which Demanczyk is subject require him to provide his name, address, employment, any schools he might attend, registration of any vehicles he owns and other information to the Pennsylvania State Police. Any violation of the sanctions is an additional crime and, as happened to Demanczyk, subjects a sex offender to further prosecution.

Megan’s Law was enacted in Pennsylvania, numerous other states and at the federal level after the July 29, 1994, murder of Megan Nicole Kanka, 7, in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. Jesse Timmendequas, Kanka’s killer, was one of her neighbors and a twice-convicted sex offender; his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment after New Jersey enacted legislation to abolish the death penalty in that state.

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

Defendant: Jason E. Demanczyk

Age: 44

Residence: Pine Grove

Crime committed: Failure to verify address or be photographed as required

Prison sentence: 18 to 36 months in a state correctional institution

Kutztown

Katrina Quinn, a communications studies major at Kutztown University, made the dean’s list for the spring semester with a 3.67-grade point average.

A 2016 Minersville Area High School graduate, she is a daughter of Michael Quinn and Heather Leonard, Minersville.

Lehigh

The following local residents made the dean’s list for the spring semester at Lehigh University, Bethlehem:

Tyler Cavenas, Mahanoy City; Andrew Dohmann, Auburn; Rachel Shields, Pottsville.

Lincoln Memorial

Naomi Kessler, Lykens, a medical laboratory science major at Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, was honored with dean’s list recognition for the spring semester.

Misericordia

Mitchell J. Haney, a junior at Misericordia University, Dallas, Luzerne County, made the dean’s list for the spring semester with a 4.0 grade point average.

He is majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry while pursuing his doctorate in physical therapy.

Mitchell is a 2014 graduate of Minersville Area High School. He is a son of Glenn A. and Marybeth Haney and a grandson of Joseph Baruka, all of Minersville.

Penn State

Michael Dudash, a freshman administration of justice major at Penn State Schuyl-kill campus, made the dean’s list for the spring semester.

A 2016 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, he is a son of Mike and Lynn Dudash, Pottsville.Sarah Simatos, Mechanicsville, a junior at Penn State Schuylkill, earned dean’s list status for the spring semester with a 4.0 grade-point average.

A 2010 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, she is a psychology major with a minor in criminal justice. Sarah is a daughter of James and Susan Simatos and a granddaughter of Jerry Simatos, all of Mechanicsville.

Alaina Demalis, a freshman kinesiology major at Penn State University, University Park campus, made the dean’s list for the spring semester with a 4.0 grade-point average.

A 2016 graduate of Shenandoah Valley Area High School, she is a daughter of Anthony and Judy Demalis and a granddaughter of Susan Guers and Anthony and Lucy Demalis, all of Shenandoah.

Gregory Merchlinsky, New Boston, a broadcast journalism major with a minor in political science, attained the dean’s list for the spring semester at Penn State University, University Park campus.

He is a son of Suzanne and Greg Merchlinsky.

Penn College

Tyler M. Troup, Pottsville, a major residential construction technology and management major with a concentration in building construction technology, was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport.

Tyler, a 2016 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, is a son of Jennifer Mackey and Dennis Troup, both of Pottsville, and a grandson of Ida Mackey, Minersville.

Pittsburgh

Eliza Schally, a bio-engineering major at the University of Pittsburgh, made the spring semester dean’s list.

A 2015 graduate of North Schuylkill High School, she is a daughter of George and Margaret Schally, Frackville.

York

The following local residents made the dean’s list at York College of Pennsylvania:

Caitlin Chiaretti, Ashland, a junior biology major; Emily Greeninger, Pine Grove, a sophomore respiratory care major; Benjamin Hinkel, Ashland, a junior international relations major; Richard Jones, Tamaqua, a senior mechanical engineering major; Brandi Mazaika, Hamburg, a senior psychology major; Gavin Pascavage, Ringtown, a sophomore hospitality management major; Zachary Rebuck, Tower City, a sophomore psychology major.

Villanova

Kristin Marie Goodman, a junior computer science major and James C. Curvey scholar at Villanova University, was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester.

She is a 2014 graduate of Nativity BVM High School and a daughter of Ed and Marianne Goodman and a granddaughter of Kiki Goodman and Tina Pellish, all of Pottsville.

Joseph M. Zukowski Jr. was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Villanova University with a 3.8 grade-point average. He is a law and economics major.

He is a son of Joseph and Joan Zukowski and a nephew of Elaine and Ron Yodis, all of Shenandoah.

Wilkes

The following local residents made the dean’s list for the spring semester at Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre:

Tyler Bartol, Auburn; Amanda Boyer, Girardville; Meghan Kisela and Matthew Seltzer, Schuylkill Haven; Sarah Metzinger and Laura Misiewicz, both of Ashland; Katelyn Shaffer, Lykens.

Auburn

The Greater Berks Food Bank Mobile Market will be at St. John’s Church, 200 Pearson St., beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The market is open to Schuylkill County residents. Tickets are $12. For more information, call 570-294-9363.

Frackville

The local Elks lodge will have the third annual charity purse bingo from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the lodge, 307 S. Third St. The cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The event includes brands such as Coach and Michael Kors. There will be 20 games and options of buying additional games and specials. The kitchen will be open and there will be a cash bar. All proceeds will support the Pennsylvania Elks Home Service Program, which provides support and advocacy services to people of any age who have a developmental disability. For more information, visit www.paelkshomeservice.org or call 570-874-2500.

Friedensburg

The Friedensburg Fish & Game Association will have its annual pig roast from 2 to 10 p.m. Aug. 5 at the association site, 169 Stone Mountain Road. For more information, call 570-710-7111. All are welcome.

Orwigsburg

The Blue Mountain Recreation Commission will offer dog obedience classes starting at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16 and going for seven weeks on Wednesdays at the front lawn of the Blue Mountain Middle School. The registration fee is $50 for Blue Mountain School District residents and $60 for nonresidents in enrolled by Aug. 15. Instructors are Diane Buhl and Kathy Maydosz. Registration forms can be picked up at the Blue Mountain Recreation Commission office or people can register online at www.bluemountainrec.com. For more information, call the commission office at 570-366-1190.

Pottsville

The Trinity Episcopal Church concert series will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at the church, 200 S. Second St. The performers will be Samantha Wood, soprano, and John Kline IV, pianist, in a recital of American song. A reception will follow; freewill offerings will be accepted. The site is accessible to the handicapped. People should leave extra time to find parking, according to an event release. For more information, call 570-449-7553.

Summit Station

The Summit Station Fire Company will host its second annual kids Fire Camp Cadet on Wednesday and July 20 and 21. The camp will teach children about the fire services, according to information provided by Bryan Dronick. “We even have a show-up of Life Flight air medical,” he said. For more information, call Dronick at 570-527-4275 or email bdronick@summitstationfire.com.

Tamaqua

A Miller-Keystone Blood Center blood drive is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Bungalow Swimming Pool, 200 Catawissa St. Miller-Keystone is the only blood provider to Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton; Palmerton Hospital; Schuylkill Health System; the Lehigh Valley Health Network including LVH-Hazleton; and St. Luke’s University Health Network including St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus, Coaldale. For more information or to schedule an appointment for the Bungalow drive, call 570-225-1315.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Area Community Theater will present “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder, directed by Zane Bachert, at 7 p.m. July 28 and 2 and 7 p.m. July 29 at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St. The cost is $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. For more information, call the center at 570-668-1192 or visit TamaquaArts.org. Know Return, a Kansas tribute band, will perform at the center at 7 p.m. Aug. 12. Tickets are $15 each. A wide variety of classes, performances and other offerings are available at the center. For information on presentations, dates, times and costs, call the center or visit the website.