Lykens man faces

drug charges

LYKENS — State police at Lykens said a borough man is facing drug charges June 24 after an incident about 11:45 p.m. at Powell’s Valley Road and Sheetz Road in Wayne Township, Dauphin County.

Police said that they conducted a traffic stop and found Jason M. Lenker, 31, in possession of drug paraphernalia that contained a small amount of marijuana.

Police said the appropriate charges against Lenker will be filed with Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Margerum, Elizabethville.

Liquor enforcement

cites establishments

Four pubs in Schuylkill County were recently cited by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, District Enforcement Office No. 9 for liquor law violations.

Paul C. Smith, acting district office commander, listed the names of the establishments and the violations in Friday.

• Club 18 LLC, 110 N. 18th St., Pottsville, on April 13 furnished or gave alcohol to a minor, age 20, which is a violation of Section 493(1) of the Liquor Code.

• Curran Hotel, 155 Sunbury St., Minersville, on May 13 used a loudspeaker or similar device allowing the sound of music or other entertainment to be heard beyond the property line of the licensee, which is a violation of Section 493(34) of the Liquor Code.

• Salvatrice Conigliaro, 59 N. Second St., Saint Clair, on May 17 failed to adhere to the condition of an agreement with the bureau placing additional restrictions on the license, a violation of Section 404 of the Liquor Code.

• Martina’s Castle LLC, 200 S. Second St., Saint Clair, from May 23, 2016, to May 23, 2017, failed to adhere to the condition of an agreement with the bureau placing additional restrictions on the license, a violation of Section 404 of the Liquor Code.

The businesses face fines of between $50 and $1,000 for minor offenses and up to $5,000 for more serious offenses. An administrative law judge can also impose a license suspension or revocation and mandate training for the licensee.

Police: Debris

damaged vehicle

WILLIAMSTOWN — A truck carrying dirt and coal may have dropped debris that chipped a passing vehicle in Williamstown, Dauphin County, state police at Lykens said Friday.

The incident occurred at 12:11 p.m. July 11 on state Route 209 near Shomper’s Service Station. The truck was a 1999 Mack 600. The vehicle damaged was a 2005 Hyundai SSX, according to police.

Police did not name the driver of the car.

The truck was headed east. The car was headed west. And when the vehicles passed one another, the truck began to drop coal debris from its truck bed onto the roadway. The debris chipped the car’s windshield, police said.

Man charged in

2-vehicle collision

LYKENS — Three people escaped injury when two vehicles collided in Lykens, Dauphin County, on July 13, state police at Lykens said Friday.

The incident occurred at 2:31 p.m. July 13 when Mark C. Ellis, 46, of Dalmatia, was driving a blue 1997 Chevrolet Cheyenne 3500 west on Main Street when he collided with the back of a green 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, police said.

The driver of the Traverse was Gene G. Smeltz, 73, of Wiconisco. And a passenger in the vehicle was Betty A. Smeltz, 62, of Wiconisco, police said.

Both vehicles sustained moderate damage, and Ellis was charged with careless driving, police said.

Police investigate

child pornography

State police at Lykens are investigating a case involving possession of child pornography, police said Friday.

The incident occurred at 9 a.m. April 7 at 200 Block Church St., Washington Township, Dauphin County, police said.

Police did not name the suspect or the victim in the release.

Police probe

aggravated assault

GRATZ — State police at Lykens are investigation a report of an aggravated indecent assault that occurred between Aug. 1, 2016, and Aug. 31, 2016, at a community park in Gratz, Dauphin County, police said Friday.

Police did not name the suspect or the victim Friday.

State prosecutors announced on Tuesday that they have charged a Locustdale man with distributing child pornography from his home computer.

Kenneth L. Wehry, 64, faces 40 counts of sexual abuse of children-child pornography, five of disseminating photo or film of child sex acts and one of criminal use of a communication facility, according to the state attorney general’s office.

Wehry sits in prison in lieu of $250,000 straight cash bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. July 25 before Magisterial District Judge Craig W. Long, Catawissa.

Prosecutors allege they were conducting an online internet investigation on child pornography when they identified a computer that was sharing it. They said they searched Wehry’s residence and discovered he possessed that computer.

“Thanks to the hard work of the agents and prosecutors in our child predator section, one more predator is off our streets,” Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. “We are working relentlessly to get every predator out of our communities and keep Pennsylvania’s children safe.”

The office’s child predator section will prosecute the case.

The Monroe County district attorney’s office started the investigation in April, and later referred the case to the attorney general’s office.

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

POTTSVILLE — TruBridge is relocating from the Schuylkill Mall to the former property occupied by Rubbermaid on Laurel Boulevard.

The medical call center has been at the Schuylkill Mall since January 2015. It will occupy 10,000 square feet of office space. Thirty-two people work at the mall site, which is also 10,000 square feet.

“It’s a good location,” Danielle Smith, assistant director of private pay services with TruBridge, said Tuesday.

On Tuesday, workers from different companies were installing internet service and doing other needed work at the site. The goal is for TruBridge to begin operations at the 1410 Laurel Blvd. site in the first week of August.

“We have 200-plus hospitals that we do this across the nation for,” Smith said.

She was quick to point out the business, which is headquartered in Mobile, Alabama, is not a collection agency. The employees can answer questions about billing or accounts and take payments. Both Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill locations use the services of TruBridge, Smith said.

She said other sites were explored in the county, but the Laurel Street site met all of their needs.

“I think this is a great space. We are excited about the new location,” Smith said, adding the ample parking space was a big selling point.

Eventually, 80 people could work at the new location. Full- and part-time jobs are available. Those interested in employment may call 570-794-4022 or visit the website www.trubridge.com. Initially in August, 10 people may be hired.

Jim Miller Sr., owner of Miller Bros. Construction Inc., said a five-year lease, with a five-year option, was signed about six weeks ago for the space. Rubbermaid closed in 2015 to consolidate its operations to the Winchester, Virginia, facility.

The location has been known locally as the former United Metal Receptacle site. MBC Grings Hill, Schuylkill Haven, bought three parcels previously. MBC Grings Hill LP is the real estate division of Miller Bros. Construction. The property is about 175,000 square feet. About 100,000 square feet were torn down to make room for parking.

“The only people that come to look here need a lot of parking,” Darrin Rapali, project manager for Miller Bros. Construction Inc., said.

The 38,000-square-feet back warehouse space is the only remaining available space, Miller said. The other two entities are American Lighting, which leases space for a project to change street lighting in a 90-minute radius of Pottsville; and Grid One, which is seeking to change electric meters within a 90-minute radius of Pottsville. Both were hired by PPL. Negotiations are ongoing for two other spaces — each 9,000 square feet— of office space. Miller and Rapali declined to say who the entities are. Both entities are located in Schuylkill County, they said.

“They are both relocating from the county,” Miller said.

One of the companies expects to relocate by the end of the year, Miller and Rapali said.

“It’s a win/win for everybody,” Rapali said of TruBridge moving to Pottsville, adding it creates revenue for the school district, city and county.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Man charged with

assaulting girlfriend

GIRARDVILLE — A Girardville man was arrested by state police at Frackville after an assault about 2 p.m. July 10 on East Ogden Street.

Police said Reinoldo Hernandez-Herrera became involved in an argument with his live-in girlfriend that became physical with him choking the woman and punching her in the eye.

Police said Hernandez-Herrera was arraigned on charges of simple assault, harassment and strangulation and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $20,000 straight cash bail.

Police: Woman had

marijuana near child

SHENANDOAH — Shenandoah police filed charges against a borough woman stemming from an incident at 108 W. Penn St. on June 30.

Police said Tiffany Marie Koncsler, 26, of 109 N. Main St., was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of minors, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police said officers were called to 108 W. Penn St. and told by a woman that Koncsler and her boyfriend were upstairs doing drugs.

Going to the room, police said, officers found Koncsler and her boyfriend with an odor of marijuana inside and a rolled marijuana cigarette and a bag of marijuana in plain sight.

Also in the room was a 4-year-old child who was lying on the floor near the marijuana cigarette, police said.

When told she was being placed under arrest, police said Koncsler became aggressive, verbally abusive and physically resisted being taken into custody.

Police: Man stole

lottery tickets

FRACKVILLE — A Ringtown man was jailed after being arrested by state police at Frackville for a burglary about 9 p.m. Friday at the Frackville Exxon station on Altamont Boulevard in West Mahanoy Township.

Police said William G. Navitsky, 25, was charged with burglary, theft and related offenses, arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David Rossi, Tremont, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $20,000 straight cash bail.

Police said employees at the business discovered the theft of about $500 in higher-priced Pennsylvania lottery tickets through an audit and video images.

The video showed Navitsky reaching into a secured area of the store where the tickets are sold and on several occasions removing them while the clerk was distracted.

Navitsky was found to be staying in a nearby hotel and when taken into custody, found with drug paraphernalia.

Police said that it was also discovered that earlier in the evening on Friday, Navitsky tried to purchase merchandise with a counterfeit $100 bill.

3 face charges

after fracas

MAHANOY CITY — Mahanoy City police charged three people after an incident about 6:40 p.m. Saturday in the 100 and 200 blocks of East Market Street.

Police said Dennis J. Brennan, 55, of 1038 E. Market St., was charged with persistent disorderly conduct and harassment, and Donald C. Howley, 49, of 308 E. Pine St., was charged with persistent disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, public drunkenness, harassment and criminal mischief.

In addition, police said, Jacqueline M. Sippie, 23, of 514 Morea Road, Mahanoy City, was charged with persistent disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and harassment.

Police said Howley and Brennan became involved in an altercation and exchanged punches after Howley claimed Brennan struck his daughter, Sippie.

When being taken into custody, police said, Howley resisted and at one point Sippie struck an officer in the chest while trying to interfere with her father being taken into custody.

In addition, police said, Brennan continued to yell and scream and act aggressively toward Howley despite being ordered not to do so.

During the incident, police said, Howley had a strong odor of alcohol about him and also required significant force to be placed in handcuffs.

All three will now have to answer to the charges against them before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

McADOO — The new Kline Township playground will be next to the township’s municipal authority — if the supervisors have their way.

The supervisors have been looking for a spot for a new playground on land the township can own so they can seek grants to develop it.

The present playground, south of James Street between Second and Third streets in Kelayres, is on land the township leases. And the equipment at the 60-plus-year-old playground is outdated.

“We are looking at the fenced-in area at the Kline Township Municipal Authority across from the flags,” Supervisor Dale Wesner said, referring to the new veterans memorial at the entrance to Kelayres.

“It’s a flat area, a beautiful area, already fenced-in with the water as the backdrop,” Wesner said. “Maybe the front area can be for a parking lot, and it’s ADA (compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act) to go in.”

The supervisors have been working with a local charitable organization that may fund the playground, Wesner said.

“We will have a sit-down and lay out what the township will like, what equipment is available, what funds are available,” Wesner said. “They (whoever builds it) will need federal certifications for people who install it to ADA standards. Any investment, when they (the organization) put that capital in, they want you to own the land. We are open to any donations. We already have some businesses and residents who said they would like to donate. We are trying to do it without using tax money.”

The new playground will have equipment meant for children ages 2 to 12, Wesner said. The playground would be made up of a unit that includes sliding boards and climbing facilities. It would replace the decades-old swings, sliding boards and teeter-totters at the present playground.

There are also grants available for recreation, Wesner said, through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The township would only have to provide a $20,000 match to get $40,000.

At a recent meeting, Kelayres resident Jerry Notaro pointed out since the water company land is close to McAdoo, children from the borough may use the playground.

“That isn’t a bad thing, but it is a consideration,” Notaro said.

Wesner pointed out township children use the McAdoo playground, which isn’t far from the township.

The water company land was chosen after a search by the supervisors for a piece of land big enough for the playground, Wesner said.

“We talked to some people, but they didn’t want to give up any of the land,” Wesner said. “There were only a few places we could have went. Some of the land requires clearing. If someone is looking to donate land, we’ll take it. We are not in a position for an acquisition.”

The township owns the water company, so land ownership would not be an issue.

“There were areas we looked at,” Supervisor Carmen Cara said. “This was the one that we picked.”

More work has to be done, Wesner said.

“It is a slow process,” he said. “We have to do a site survey, talk to our solicitor and to the insurance company.”

Land sale

The supervisors are hoping to sell a parcel of land they acquired along Lofty Road and use that money to help develop the playground.

The 3.87-acre vacant lot was part of a subdivision in 1998 by Reading Energy Holdings.

“Designating an area for recreational purposes was required of the property owner,” Mark Semanchik, township solicitor, said. “Over the years, there was some use of that property, but it really has not been fully used, and it is in an area that is not really desirable for recreational activities.”

The supervisors voted to authorize Semanchik to petition Schuylkill County Court to allow the township to sell the lot without the restriction for recreational use.

“The township code allows you to petition the Court of Common Pleas of Schuylkill County, and request the court consider it is not a desirable property for recreation, hasn’t been used for it for a number of years, and there may be an opportunity to sell it and use the proceeds to improve another recreational site somewhere else in the township that might be more desirable,” Semanchik said.

Contact the writer: jdino@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3585

For the third time, the state Superior Court has rejected an appeal of a Lackawanna County man serving a state prison sentence for sexually molesting two boys in 2005 and 2006 in McAdoo.

Clark E. Mead Jr., 33, of Taylor, offered no reason why he should be sentenced again, a three-judge Superior Court panel ruled in a five-page opinion filed Tuesday.

As a result, Mead will remain at State Correctional Institution/Houtzdale in Clearfield County, where he is serving at least 27 1/2 years for his crimes.

After a two-day trial, a Schuylkill County jury convicted Mead on June 5, 2012, of six counts each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and indecent assault and two each of corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children.

County President Judge William E. Baldwin, who presided over Mead’s trial, sentenced him on Sept. 27, 2012, to serve 27 1/2 to 55 years in a state correctional institution, pay costs and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. In addition, Baldwin ruled that under Megan’s Law, Mead is a sexually violent predator and subject to lifetime sanctions once he leaves prison.

McAdoo police had charged him with sexually assaulting the two boys, who were 4 and 5 years old, on multiple occasions between August 2005 and March 2006.

In the panel opinion, Judge Anne E. Lazarus wrote that Mead had one year from the date his conviction became final to file his petition. Since his conviction became final on Sept. 30, 2014, and he did not file his latest petition until Sept. 27, 2016, it is untimely and cannot legally be considered unless it falls under a specific exception to that rule, according to Lazarus.

None of those exceptions applies to Mead’s case, she wrote.

The exception on which Mead attempted to rely, a newly recognized constitutional right to have a jury determine an element of a crime that would mean an increase in his mandatory minimum sentence, does not apply to his case, Lazarus wrote. That right has not been applied retroactively, she wrote.

President Judge Susan Peikes Gantman and Senior Judge William H. Platt, the other panel members, joined in Lazarus’ opinion.

Other Superior Court panels rejected previous appeals by Mead on Dec. 13, 2013, and Aug. 11, 2016.

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-366-9240.

The defendant

· Name: Clark E. Mead Jr.

· Age: 33

· Residence: Taylor

· Crimes committed: Six counts each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and indecent assault and two each of corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children

· Prison sentence: 27 1/2 to 55 years in a state correctional institution, plus lifetime Megan’s Law sanctions

ELIZABETHVILLE — Letters that Jonas Swab wrote home during the Civil War in 1865 are now at the Elizabethville Area Historical Society.

So are photos of the Eisenhower ancestral home, built in 1854 by Jacob F. Eisenhower, the grandfather of our nation’s 34th president, Dwight D. Eisenhower. The house still stands at 530 W. Main St.

There’s also a display paying tribute to Ledru Bender, the inventor of the miter saw, who was the great-grandson of Adam Bender. Adam Bender purchased the land that became “Benderstettle” and was later founded as Elizabethville on April 19, 1817. The borough marked its bicentennial this year, and the Elizabethville Area Historical Society Museum, 100 E. Main St., announced the opening of a new room and hours to celebrate.

Marilyn Henninger, society president, showed some of the items on display Tuesday. The society completed its Military/First Responder Room, which features letters, pictures, memorabilia and information from all wars.

“We’re very grateful for all donations given to us,” Henninger said.

Joining her were Barbara Minchhoff, vice president, and the Rev. Donald Raffensperger, secretary.

Klinger Lumber Co. donated supplies to build the new room, and Jim Facinelli and Lentz Electric donated manpower to get the display room and museum ready. The museum now contains several new acquisitions such as Bender information, military uniforms, photos from the early 20th century, artifacts, antiques, and books on local history and genealogy. The local American Legion had photos of service members on its second floor that were donated to the society and are now in framed displays in the new room. Jack Richter, a former Elizabethville resident who now resides in Oak Harbor, Washington, donated his time conducting research and contributed copies of World War II pension compensation applications. He also helped organize the information submitted. Richter will portray John Bender, Adam’s son, on the society’s parade float, Henninger said. His sister, Gretchen Minnich, now of Waynesboro, will portray his wife on the float.

Mary Schade, Ledru Bender’s granddaughter, who now resides in Millersburg, helped the society get copies of original Bender documents, some dating back to the 1780s, and translated them. Diane Schreffler, Halifax, organized and labeled them.

A 1968 proclamation from the late mayor, Alvin E. Michael Jr., recognizing April 19 as Founder’s Day, also hangs in the museum. Michael passed away in 2015.

Photos from devastating fires at Swab Wagon Co. and Walker Feed Mill are also part of the documented history.

In honor of the bicentennial, the society is selling crocks featuring community landmarks and several historical publications. The museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Additional hours open during the bicentennial week are 4 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15 to 17 and 4 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18.

The society will try to accommodate those who cannot visit during scheduled hours, Henninger said. To arrange for visitations at times other than the normal hours, call 717-362-8991 to make arrangements. More information is available on the historical society’s Facebook page or website at www.elizabethvillehistory.org.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS — In a unanimous vote Tuesday night, the West Mahanoy Township supervisors rejected a request to transfer a liquor license from Clarion House, Saint Clair, to Frackville Exxon, 541 Altamont Blvd.

The vote came after a public hearing where Evelyn Andrews and Ann Marie Wycheck, who reside in the township’s Altamont section, spoke out against it.

“Since that’s near the intersection of state Route 61 and Interstate 81, is that such a good idea having alcohol sold at a gas station near that juncture?” Andrews asked.

“How many police do we have on duty at any given time?” Wycheck asked.

“There’s usually an officer on at most times, one officer or a part-time officer,” David “Lucky” Lukashunas, the supervisors chairman, said.

Police Chief Marvin Livergood said the township has a total of two full-time officers, including himself, and two part-time officers.

“You’re going to add more of a problem for our police and for our neighborhoods up there. We don’t have the police coverage. And I don’t think that’s fair to our policemen either. And it’s not fair to the community,” Wycheck said.

Wycheck mentioned that a pediatrician, Bernard Adukaitis Pediatrics, 602 Altamont Blvd., has an office across the street from the Frackville Exxon.

One resident, John Gaverick, sent his objection to the supervisors via a July 3 letter from an attorney, Joseph P. Semasek, McAdoo.

“Mr. Gaverick objects to the transfer as it will devalue his residential property; this being a residential area,” Semasek said in the letter.

“And this Frackville Exxon is within spitting distance of my house,” Andrews said.

T&J Petroleum LLC — run by brothers, Tejinder and Jatinder Gill, Schuylkill Haven — have owned the business at the Frackville Exxon since October 2016. Tejinder Gill was present at the hearing. He was represented by a certified public accountant, Karen A. Ferenchick of St. Clair & Associates, P.C., Pottsville.

“Mr. Gill would like to be able to sell packaged beer from the Frackville Exxon. And there were no available licenses in West Mahanoy Township,” Ferenchick said.

“Correct,” township solicitor, James J. Amato, an attorney from Pottsville, said.

“There’s no intention to really operate a bar,” Ferenchick said.

The Gill brothers were planning to remodel the interior of the building to add seating for up to 30 people, she said.

“We believe it will be more of a trade of in and out. But we are following all of the guidelines that are set up by the LCB,” Ferenchick said.

“Are you looking at just beer? Or hard liquor or anything like that?” Supervisor Paul “Pepper” Martin asked.

“Just beer,” Tejinder Gill said.

“Is there going to be consumption of alcohol inside the building?” Lukashunas asked.

“We’re required to put in seating for 30. So there will be,” Tejinder Gill said.

Ferenchick said more small convenience stores are acquiring liquor licenses.

“This is a new wave in Pennsylvania,” she said.

“That’s fine, but that’s not within our community,” Wycheck said.

After a 10-minute executive session, Joseph Sweeney, supervisors vice chairman, made the motion to reject the request.

“I’ll make a motion to disapprove,” Sweeney said.

It was seconded by Martin and carried unanimously with a vote from Lukashunas.

Afterward, Tejinder Gill said he was surprised the supervisors rejected his request.

“This is pretty new to us, this whole process. We have to sit down and figure out what our options are,” he said.

He said he and his brother may try to move the license to another business they own.

In other matters at Tuesday’s meeting, the supervisors agreed to hire Schuylkill Paving for the Altamont Boulevard Reconstruction Project at a cost of $171,199.50.

It is part of the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority’s Altamont Boulevard Waterline Replacement Project, which will occur on the two-lane strip of Altamont Boulevard that crosses from West Mahanoy Township into Ryan Township.

Phase I is the replacement of 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, Patrick M. Caulfield, SCMA executive director, said recently.

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

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

In December, West Mahanoy Township received a state grant of $100,000 toward the Altamont Boulevard Reconstruction Project.

The township received four bids. Schuylkill Paving was the low bidder. The other three bidders were Barletta Materials & Construction Inc., $198,569; Landis C. Deck & Sons Site Contractors, a division of H&K Group Inc., $183,997; and Slusser Brothers, $228,248.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the supervisors officially agreed to borrow $35,000 from First National Bank to buy a new police vehicle, a 2017 Ford Utility Police Interceptor AWD.

The cruiser will cost an estimated $45,830, which includes $29,475 for the vehicle, $5,166 for a radio and $11,189 for accessories, Michael B. Michalik, township secretary/treasurer, said in June.

The supervisors contributed $4,030 toward the purchase, Michalik said.

In June, the supervisors submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Facilities Grant Program for the balance, $6,800. On Tuesday, the supervisors reported the $6,800 USDA grant was approved.

The supervisors approved a collective bargaining agreement with the township police department. The pact is retroactive to 2016 and it will expire in 2019.

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

POTTSVILLE — In recent Schuylkill County Court action, Judge Charles M. Miller accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Kyle J. Castellano, 24, of Pottsville; fleeing or eluding police, driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lane and careless driving; 30 days to two years in prison, $550 in fines, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $520 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew charges of recklessly endangering another person, stop sign violation, reckless driving, improper display of plate or card and operating vehicle without required financial responsibility.

Eric Klemow, 34, of Frackville; defiant trespass; 12 months probation and $25 fine.

Jon G. Koons Sr., 51, of Saint Clair; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 bench warrant fee.

Jon G. Koons Jr., 25, of Saint Clair; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 bench warrant fee.

Deanna M. Krulick, 25, of Hazleton; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance; 23 months probation, $100 SAEF payment, $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

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

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

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — A Schuylkill Haven woman is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving her right to a preliminary hearing on charges stemming from her alleged assault in June against her mother at their residence.

Brittany M. Zweizig, 29, of 220 W. Columbia St., faces charges of simple assault and harassment. Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over both charges for court after Zweizig waived her right to the hearing.

Schuylkill Haven borough police allege Zweizig punched Margaret Zweizig in her right eye at 3:40 p.m. June 8.

Police said Margaret Zweizig had asked her daughter to wake up and watch her two sons, ages 6 and 5. Instead, Brittany Zweizig pushed her mother and the two got into an argument, police said.

The defendant then slapped one of her boys and wanted to leave, police said.

Police said the 6-year-old boy did not want to go. When Margaret Zweizig intervened, her daughter punched her and then left the residence, according to police.

Brittany Zweizig is free on $2,500 unsecured bail pending further court action.

Also on July 11, Amber Eddie, 32, of 59 Grant St., Schuylkill Haven, who is charged with conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, waived her right to a preliminary hearing. Ferrier bound over both charges for court against her.

Ashland

The Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society, 318 Centre St., will sponsor Picnic in the Backyard beginning at 6 p.m. July 26. The event features people bringing a covered dish. For more information, call 570-590-9985.

Lykens

Zion Lutheran Church, Klinger Church Road, will have a card party from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 20. The cost is $2 per player. Beginner classes for the pinochle tournament will begin at 3 p.m. and the tournament will begin at 4 p.m. Treats including ice cream, burgers, soup and desserts will be for sale. For more information, call 570-425-2256.

Nuremberg

The Black Creek Township Recreation Committee will hold a pool party from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Rock Glen Pool. Admission is $4 for children 6 and older and free for children under 6. There will be free food, swimming and QB the disc jockey. Those who don’t want to swim can bring a lawn chair and join the fun. Season or day pool passes cannot be used for admission. For more information, call Kay at 570-384-4441 or Lori at 570-384-3674.

Pottsville

Theresa Santai-Gaffney, Schuylkill County register of wills and clerk of the orphans’ court, recently released the following report for June: Estates processed, 85; marriage licenses issued, 65; adoptions completed, 5; inheritance tax remitted to the commonwealth, $1,132,155; county fees collected, $17,702.75.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial donations: For Mara Sausser from Bob and Marilou Hoppe; for Cecilia H. Weiss from Rosie, Carl and Allie Raring, and Dr. William R. Davidson; for Lion Joseph Jones, WWII Navy veteran, from the Pottsville Lions Club; for Jason Jones, Afghanistan Army veteran, from the Pottsville Lions Club; for Lion Ben Shollenberger, WWII Navy veteran, from the Pottsville Lions Club; for John Holobetz from Rosie, Carl and Allie Raring; for Joan Andrews from Diane M. McCully; for Charlotte Muldowney from Joseph and Patricia Stoffey; for Eileen M. Letcher from Frances Lorenz and Dr. William R. Davidson. The library also acknowledged the following memorials/honors for the 2017 fund drive: Honors from Dr. William R. Davidson, Diane W. Beausang, Madeline Kerrigan, Sylvia Buehler, Anne Mercuri, Nancy Smink, Dr. William R. Davidson, Rachel M. Troxell, Marlene M. Troxell, Mathew M. Troxell; Memorials from Dorthy Rosenberger, Rick and Janet Thomas, Walter and Dolores Thomas, Rick and Jane Thomas, Lorraine Heffner Spotts and Gerald Spotts.

Shenandoah

The Polish American Fire Company, 115 W. Centre St., will host a LuLaRoe fundraiser from noon to 3 p.m. July 29 at the firehouse. A consultant from LuLaRoe will be on hand with displays of dresses, skirts, leggings, tops, kids’ clothing and other items. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-788-4498.

Tamaqua

The Cressona Band will play in a free concert at 7 p.m. July 26 at East End Park, Mountain Avenue. Food and refreshments will be available. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-622-8784.

Our veterans are without a doubt some of the most patriotic and loyal citizens. They don’t miss an opportunity to salute the flag or stand for the national anthem. Visiting national monuments and memorials, and historic sites are important to them.

For the past 10 years, the Schuylkill County Veterans Trip Organization has provided free trips to Washington, D.C., for more than 1,200 Schuylkill County veterans. This year’s trip is scheduled for Sept. 23.

The trip includes transportation, a picnic lunch and snacks, visits to some of the most meaningful memorials and sites, and a sit-down meal on the return trip. The trip is free to the vet and $50 for one companion. Reservations are now being accepted.

There are so many vets who would not be able to make this trip without the kindness and generosity of sponsors and donors. Businesses and individuals may “sponsor” a veteran by making a donation.

Reservations and sponsorships can be made by calling 570-622-0730 or mailing a check to Schuylkill County Veterans Trip Organization, PO Box 77, Pottsville, PA 17901. Email inquiries to veteranstrip@hotmail.com.

Fundraiser tickets are now being sold for a resin picnic table and summer-themed gift basket raffle to benefit the Ruth M. Steinert Memorial SPCA, Pine Grove. Donation is $5 and can be purchased by calling Diane at 570-640-9982, Lori at 570-573-4746 or Doreen at 570-640-4863. Tickets are also available at the shelter.

A Full Moon Clambake, Walk, and Night Float will take place on Aug. 5 at Sweet Arrow Lake, Pine Grove. The clambake will be served from 6 to 7 p.m. with registration and payment due by Monday. Cost and menu to be announced. Call Susan at 570-624-3018 to register or for details. Walk and float at your leisure. There are a limited number of canoes available for rent for $5 on a first-come basis. Reservations are required for canoe rental by calling 570-345-8952.

Therapeutic horseback riding volunteers

Times: Fall riding sessions start in September with volunteer training taking place on Aug. 19.

Responsibility: Help therapeutic horseback riding program in a variety of volunteer positions. Side walkers are assigned to a rider and are responsible for their safety before, during and after the lesson. Horse leaders need prior horse experience and are in charge of a horse during all the stages of the lesson. Ring and Facility Management assistants help with the preparation of the ring and equipment, groom and lead horses to the lesson area, clean tack, paint/repair fencing, tend to garden and more. Help is also needed with PR, volunteer recruitment and photography.

Skills: Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age, in good health, and able to walk for a hour at a time. Training required before each series of lessons. Contact organization for more details.

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

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

Road to Recovery

drivers

Times: Flexible. Choose own availability or location.

Responsibility: Drive patients to and from treatments. Use own vehicle or agency vehicle if available.

Skills: Must have valid PA driver’s license, good driving record, a reliable vehicle and vehicle insurance. Background checks and orientation required.

Location: In and out of county.

Call: American Cancer Society at 570-874-1458

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.

Deeds

Butler Township — Jamie L. and Charles L. Fetterolf to Patricia Valenza; 255 Germanville Road; $34,500.

Shane Lopez will spend the next five years behind federal prison bars as a judge sentenced him Wednesday in Scranton for participating in a heroin-trafficking ring in Schuylkill County.

Lopez, 22, of Shenandoah, must serve five years in a federal correctional institution, plus an additional four years on supervised release after completing the prison term, and pay a $100 special assessment, Senior U.S. District Judge James M. Munley ruled.

In sentencing Lopez, Munley said his actions contributed to the opioid epidemic in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Lopez pleaded guilty on Feb. 2 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of 100 grams of heroin. He admitted being a sub-distributor of heroin for Rhashean “Chicago” Strange, the leader of the conspiracy, according to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler.

Strange has pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing. He and Lopez are two of the 11 people who have been charged in the case, according to Brandler.

A federal grand jury issued a superseding indictment against Lopez on May 3, 2016, alleging he participated in a heroin-trafficking ring that operated from 2012 to May 2016 in the county.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police and Shenandoah police.

Federal prosecutors brought the case as part of the Heroin Initiative, a districtwide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic of heroin use and distribution. The U.S. Attorney’s Office leads the initiative, which targets heroin traffickers in the 33 counties of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, according to Brandler.

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

CRESSONA — Wilder Street opened to traffic Wednesday.

The street has been closed to traffic since Feb. 13. A truck route detour was put in place Jan. 10.

Sean Brown, state Department of Transportation safety press officer, District 5, Allentown, said Wednesday he hopes the motorists enjoy the road.

A retaining wall within PennDOT’s right of way failed, prompting the closure. A waterline was relocated because of the work. Additional work was also done as part of the $2,527,250 project.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — As the Schuylkill County Prison board moves forward with building an intermediate punishment center, the state Department of Corrections is no longer requiring the county to submit biweekly reports.

County commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr., who also heads the prison board, said Wednesday he received a letter a few weeks ago from Shirley Moore Smeal, state DOC executive deputy secretary, that relinquished that obligation.

“We want to continue to do the right thing as the prison board and this process has even increased our communication with all the different parties involved that have an affect on the population: the jail, the courts, adult probation, district attorney’s office, public defender’s office and sheriff’s office,” Halcovage said. “I look forward that they continue to meet and make sure we don’t run into any problems because communication is key.”

The county approved an agreement with the state DOC on July 28, 2015, to bring its inmate population below its approved capacity of 277. The prison was given until Nov. 24, 2015, or risk not being allowed to house additional prisoners.

The facility had 302 inmates that day and the state DOC on May 4, 2016, ordered that the facility was no longer allowed to take any additional prisoners sentenced between six months to five years until further notice.

Following a three-month ban on accepting new inmates, the county entered into another agreement with the state DOC that allowed the prison to open its cells to newly sentenced criminals on the condition that they continue to submit biweekly reports on the inmate census and ensure that it did not house more than 277 inmates through June 30, 2017.

The latest letter from the state DOC, dated June 30 and signed by Smeal, states:

“Upon review of the county’s reports and performance, the department has determined that the county has been in substantial compliance with the agreement by maintaining an inmate census under the maximum capacity of 277 since May 25, 2016. Pursuant to the agreement, and because the department has found the county to be in substantial compliance with its obligations under the agreement, the county is released from continuing obligations under the agreement, including biweekly reporting. The county’s work to address its census issues and to abide by the reporting requirements during the term of the agreement is to be commended.”

The average inmate population for June was 251. It peaked for the month at 263.

An average of 46 inmates were housed at other facilities in June. The county paid $59,232.68 last month for temporary housing.

On Wednesday, there were 37 inmates at other facilities. Berks County Prison, Leesport, had 15; Centre County Prison, Bellefonte, 7; Columbia County Prison, Bloomsburg, one; and Snyder County Prison, Selinsgrove, 14. The county also has agreements with Lackawanna County Prison, Scranton, and George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Glen Mills.

On June 21, the county commissioners announced they were requesting a proposal from Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates to provide an updated study that will concentrate on properly sizing the intermediate punishment center.

The engineering firm performed a study in 2008 to address the growing prison population and outlined several options, which included the construction of an intermediate punishment facility they referred to as a “stand-alone, sentenced inmate facility.”

The commissioners have not yet approved an agreement for the study.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6023

TREMONT — A Pottsville area woman was charged with causing the death of another woman when the ATV she was driving crashed in Foster Township last month.

Foster Township Police Chief James Nettles charged Patricia Lee Socko, 46, of 199 Brier City Road, with one misdemeanor count each of involuntary manslaughter and recklessly endangering another person; six summary counts of operation in an unsafe manner; and one summary count of operating on private or state property.

The charges against Socko were filed with Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, who scheduled a preliminary hearing for 1:45 p.m. Aug. 10 in his Tremont courtroom.

Nettles charged Socko with causing the death of Martina M. Barnhart, who was a passenger in the large Maverick ATV she was driving crashed about 9 p.m. June 3.

Nettles said the incident unfolded when Socko and other people were taking part in a Poker Run sponsored by the Clover Fire Company from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day.

About 8 p.m., Nettles said, Socko wanted to drive the ATV, owned by Anthony Chiccine, and began leaving the area with Nicole Chiccine as a front-seat passenger.

Sometime later, about 9 p.m., Socko returned and picked up Garrett Eichenberg and Barnhart, who sat in the back of the ATV.

Nettles said Socko and Chiccine had their safety harnesses on, but Eichenberg and Barnhart did not. None were wearing helmets.

About two miles into the ride, Socko decided to turn around and began turning left and accelerating at the same time, Nettles said.

The rear tires of the ATV began to spin, causing the vehicle to lean to the passenger’s side and roll over onto that side, Nettles said.

Nettles said that when the ATV rolled over, the roll cage landed on Barnhart.

The chief said that Socko, Eichenberg and Chiccine tried to lift the ATV off of Barnhart but could not do so. Eichenberg called for help and several other people arrived to lift the ATV and free Barnhart.

CPR was begun, but Barnhart was pronounced dead at the scene by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Albert Barnes at 9:38 p.m., Nettles said, adding that an autopsy determined the woman died from blunt force traumatic injuries.

At the scene of the crash, on a dirt trail about three-quarters of a mile east of Valley Road, Nettles said police found several empty beer cans in and around the ATV. The chief said Socko had an odor of alcohol on her breath and agreed to be taken to a Pottsville hospital for a blood-alcohol test. Court records have no further information about the blood-alcohol tests.

Nettles also said Socko was driving in the darkness, on unfamiliar trails and in a “careless, unreasonable manner” on private property without permission of the owner.

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

POTTSVILLE — The Tex-Mex Diner, 402 E. Market St., in Garfield Square, has closed.

Brown paper covered the windows of the restaurant, formerly the Garfield Diner, but no information was posted Wednesday as to why the building was shuttered.

“It’s a shame. They seemed to be doing well,” Justin Trefsger, city code enforcement officer, said Wednesday.

City Building Code Officer David Petravich noticed Monday that the building appeared closed. Neither Trefsger nor Petravich issued violations or notices.

A post on the Tex-Mex Diner’s Facebook page on July 5 said, “Keep calm and we’ll be back soon.”

On Sunday, notices from Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau were posted on the doors, warning of an upset sale in September if taxes were not paid. The notices were gone Wednesday.

Angela D. Toomey, director of the Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau, said Wednesday that $5,297 is owed for the property, which is listed as being owned by Jimmy Manaroulas and George Hazakis. Taxes are owed for 2015 and 2016. City, county and school district taxes are listed as being owed for 2015 on the property amounting to $3,637.89. Taxes owed for 2016 amount to $1,659.19, which is only the city and county taxes. If the taxes are not paid by the end of the month, the amount owed increases. A figure was not provided.

The Pottsville Area School District has an outside firm collect taxes owed. If taxes for 2015 are not paid by 4:30 p.m. Sept. 22, the property will go for upset sale at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 25 in the courthouse. If the property does not sell, the owners must pay 2015 and 2016 taxes to get it back. The property could be available for private sale if approved by Commonwealth Court.

Toomey said it is not uncommon for people to pay taxes at the last minute for any number of reasons.

Manaroulas was not available for comment.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — Six housing programs will receive $102,692 from the Schuylkill County Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

The county commissioners approved the 2017 funding recommendations Wednesday at a work session. Jeffrey A. Feeser, director of housing at Schuylkill Community Action, said there were six requests for funding totaling $183,000.

“They are all great projects,” Feeser said. “There is a great mix of housing rehabilitation for lower-income persons, also assistance to help renters, senior citizens and the disabled. We had to make some tough choices, but we were able to provide all the services with at least some assistance. Money is tight right now and every little bit helps.”

The Schuylkill County Affordable Housing Trust Fund was established by the county commissioners in 1996 and the Recorder of Deeds office has since collected about $5 million for affordable housing programs though real estate recording fees. These programs are defined through the state as “any program or project approved by the county commissioners which increases the availability of quality housing, either sales or rental, to any county resident whose annual income is less than the median income of the county.”

Funding recommendations are made by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund board to be approved by the commissioners. Schuylkill Community Action administers the funding. About 60 percent of the funds are dedicated to county-wide programs while at-large programs receive about 40 percent. At-large programs serve residents in a specific area, Feeser said.

Countywide programs receiving funding were Schuylkill Community Action and Schuylkill Women in Crisis. Saint Clair, Pottsville and Schuylkill County Housing Authority are the at-large programs receiving funding.

Schuylkill Community Action will receive funding for two programs. Its housing repair program for senior citizens and residents with disabilities will receive $36,615. The countywide program assists lower-income senior citizens repair or replace failed major systems in their homes and address accessibility needs for homeowners with disabilities. SCA requested $53,000 for the program.

SCA also received $12,500 for its housing counseling program, which provides comprehensive housing counseling to lower-income people with housing problems. Counseling includes homebuyer education, mortgage default and reverse mortgages. SCA requested $20,000 for the program.

Schuylkill Women in Crisis will receive $12,500 for its transitional housing and Section 8 and project-based voucher housing project. Funding will provide the required match for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funded transitional housing and Section 8 and project-based housing. Money will be used for utilities, maintenance, facility, upkeep and security. SWIC requested $20,000.

The borough of Saint Clair will receive $10,000 for its housing rehabilitation program. Funding will be used to assist the borough as it continues to administer HUD’s HOME grant in the North Ward and may be used to undertake major system replacement, such as roofs and furnaces. The borough requested $25,000.

The city of Pottsville will receive $10,000 for its housing rehabilitation program for low- to moderate-income residents. The city requested $25,000.

The Schuylkill County Housing Authority will receive $21,077 for moderate rehabilitation for Minersville High Rise kitchens and replacement of the boiler at the Ashland High Rise. The housing authority requested $40,000.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6023

A man who absconded from Schuylkill County Prison in June was apprehended by police in Tamaqua early Wednesday morning.

Gregorio Flores, 37, was wanted on a warrant for failing to return to the jail after being granted furlough to attend the burial of his newborn son.

The original charges against Flores include felony possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, according to previous information from the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office.

He was apprehended without incident, according to Tamaqua police, with assistance from Rush Township and Coaldale police about 12:30 a.m. after authorities received information that he could be found on Clay Street in Tamaqua.

A prison official said he was returned to the jail shortly after and believes he will face additional charges for not returning when he was supposed to.