America’s Line

Marywood

Brianna L. Kuperavage, Cumbola, graduated magna cum laude from Marywood University, Scranton, with a bachelor’s degree in architecture.

She was inducted into the Delta Epsilon Sigma and Kappa Gamma Pi honor societies and received honorable mention for the Sister M. Margrete Kelley Medal for Distinction in Service.

At Marywood, Brianna was a member of Dance Elan, the Marywood University dance company. She was the founding vice president of Women in Architecture, vice president of Colleges against Cancer, member of the American Institute of Architecture and a founding member of the School of Architecture Student Council.

Brianna was a member of the Marywood women’s softball team and holds one Colonial State Athletic Conference Championship. She was a student tutor, orientation leader and teacher assistant of the Design Your Future Architecture Workshop.

She spent her fourth years studying abroad at the International Studies Institute, Florence, Italy. She will travel abroad this month to pursue her master’s in historical and sustainable architecture from New York University, London, England.

A 2012 graduate of Nativity BVM High School, Brianna is a daughter of Bernard and Kimberly Kuperavage, Cumbola, and a granddaughter of Barbara Kostura and the late Paul Kostura and Florence Kuperavage and the late Bernard Kuperavage Sr.

Temple

Brooke Kuperavage, DMD, graduated summa cum laude May 19 from Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University, Philadelphia.

A 2009 graduate of Nativity BVM High School, she graduated summa cum laude in 2013 from Moravian College, Bethlehem, with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Brooke is continuing her dental training as a general practice resident at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Muhlenberg, Bethlehem. She is a daughter of Bernard and Kimberly Kuperavage, Cumbola, and a granddaughter of Barbara Kostura and the late Paul Kostura and Florence Kuperavage and the late Bernard Kuperavage Sr.

Penn State

Alyssa Schafer graduated May 6 from Penn State Harrisburg with a bachelor’s degree in project and supply chain management. She graduated with a 3.62 grade-point average and was also named to the dean’s list for the spring semester.

She has accepted a position with GEODIS, Chambersburg, as a warehouse supervisor.

A 2013 graduate of Blue Mountain High School, she is a daughter of William and Nancy Schafer, Schuylkill Haven.

Ithaca

Nora Rich, an Orwigsburg native, graduated in May from Ithaca College’s School of Humanities and Sciences with a degree in psychology.

LLEWELLYN — People got dirty for a good cause Saturday at the seventh annual Good Intent ATV Run.

The event brought out 1,400 registered riders who rode the 26 miles of trails. Participants paid $40 to ride the trails and received a sports bottle. Riders could also camp out earlier in the week for $10, something 105 campers did.

The event is the biggest fundraiser for Good Intent Hose Company No. 1. The registration cost increased this year. Before taking to the trails, riders had to sign a liability waiver. The trails were open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cutoff time to start the trail was noon.

Muddy clothes and smiling faces were common sights on the trail.

“She doesn’t like dirt, but I think she’s coming around,” Deliah Pauley, 33, of Birdsboro, said about her daughter, Casey Carpenter, 8.

Also riding with them was Deliah’s husband, Wade Pauley. Their ATVs were caked in mud.

“We just like four-wheeling,’” Deliah said.

Wade helped Chris Dierwechter charge his battery and wash mud off his ATV. The mud was clogging the radiator, which was overheating.

Russ Coover, 30, of Schuylkill Haven, said those riding the trail help out those who need assistance. Saturday was his fourth year doing the run.

“It’s like a vacation away from home,” he said.

“Let’s go, Wade,” Casey said, eager to get back on the trail.

Before Deliah, Wade and Casey continued, they stopped at a checkpoint to take a break and bought hot dogs and drinks from Boy Scout Troop 600, Llewellyn. It was the only checkpoint that had refreshments available.

“Last year, we made $3,800 selling hot dogs,” Jeff Hubler, assistant scoutmaster, said.

With that money, the troop leaders can send the Boy Scouts on trips and fund troop activities.

John Bushar, president of the fire company and chairman of the event, said he was happy with the turnout. Last year, 2,298 riders registered for the event. The first year, there were 498 riders, members said. Local EMS and police were there to provide assistance if needed.

Organizations such as the Hillside SPCA and Black Diamond Navy Club were also there to clean off mud from the ATVs.

In addition to having fun on the trails, participants were entered into a drawing to win $125, a gift card and a 2017 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Kevin Adcroft has a taste for two things in life — the perfect glazed doughnut and vintage automobiles.

Adcroft, a second-generation co-owner and operator of the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in South Scranton, Lackawanna County, and his family celebrate 60 years as franchisees of Krispy Kreme in 2017 while the national parent company marked 80 years in business earlier this month.

Adcroft’s father, Joe, opened his first shop on Wyoming Avenue in 1957, where Adcroft started working by age 14 along with his eight siblings. By the late 1970s, the family built up the South Side location, and today, five out of nine of the Adcroft kids remain in the family business between the Clarks Summit and Scranton locations.

Time to make the doughnuts

“Slinging rings” (or making doughnuts) remains a father-son affair for Adcroft, whose youngest son, Jordan, also works at the shop. But the city resident’s other multi-generational project is the restoration of his 1977 Volkswagen Westfalia bus, which was the vehicle for numerous family road trips, impromptu local garage band concerts and even occasional doughnut deliveries back in the day.

The distinct yellow bus pops up throughout family albums that show many memorable summer adventures Adcroft shared with his two sons, Jordan, 27, and Ben, 29. The Westfalia has seen better days as of late, however, so it rests in Jimmy Ryan’s Body Shop off Keyser Avenue, where mechanic and family friend Paul Sidarovich works on repairing the extensive rust damage whenever he can. The goal, Adcroft said, is to get the bus road-ready again.

Yet the VW bus isn’t the only vintage gem to catch Adcroft’s eye. His personal collection includes a 1971 VW bug and a 1978 convertible among a dozen or so motorcycles, dirt bikes and scooters he keeps at home, but it was a special visit from the Krispy Kreme Cruiser during the most recent St. Patrick’s Parade Day that garnered a great deal of attention.

The impressive machine once served as musician Ray Charles’ tour bus, and remains a brilliant sight to behold — a massive touring bus bathed in bright red and green that features a state-of-the-art doughnut rack inside. Adcroft and his family hosted the cruiser in March for its appearance in the Scranton parade, and its immaculate condition further fueled the desire to return the Westfalia to working condition.

Part of family history

“It’s etched into vacations and fun memories (with my kids),” Adcroft, 55, described of his VW bus. “Even broken down, it would hang out. I’ve done everything in the bus. I used to deliver pizzas for extra money. We’d take road trips to Stone Harbor, the Thousand Islands and Niagara Falls. I’d drive and they’d sleep in the back. We’d eat peanut butter-and-fluff sandwiches and coast to gas stations. I’ll never get rid of it.”

“It was like a playhouse on the road,” his son, Jordan, added. “It’s part of the family, really, like a family member.”

Adcroft bought the bus in 1991 for $200 from a then high school-aged Tom Siddons, Scranton, who followed the Grateful Dead on tour in the Westfalia for years before his father made him sell it, Adcroft recounted. At the time it didn’t run great and needed a spark plug, but after a year, Adcroft invested in a new engine and some bodywork to get it ready for years of adventures to follow.

From functioning as the gig mobile for the family punk rock band comprised of Adcroft, his young sons and their cousins to the thousands of miles it clocked in transporting the family to far-flung destinations, the converted camper Westfalia has earned its due respect and continued support.

“I’ve known this bus a long time. People walk through the door and gravitate to it. I had one guy come from far away to see it,” Sidarovich said. “It’s a cult following. Everybody who had them loved them, and they’ll never sell them.”

While Adcroft and his youngest dream up new travel plans and patiently wait for the bus to be ready, they continue to enjoy each day spent making doughnuts together until they hit the open road again.

“I start at 4 in the morning and when I see him come in at 5, I say, ‘It’s good to see you,’ and I mean it,” Adcroft said.

“I think it’s great working with my dad everyday,” his son agreed.

Contact the writer: pwilding@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100, ext. 5369

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — When it comes to lighting, Denney Electric Supply has everything someone would need.

But that’s not the only reason people keep coming back to the lighting specialty store at 375 Center Ave.

“We are an advisory service and provide a much more personal experience,” Christopher Dillon, showroom manager, said Thursday. “Personalization has become a big part of our business, and shaking people’s hands has been a huge part of my job.”

Denney Electric Supply opened its first store in Ambler, Montgomery County, in 1938. The Schuylkill Haven location opened in 1983 and is one of eight stores in the state, Jill Weiskopf, the company’s marketing coordinator, said.

“Buying lighting is way more technical than you would expect it to be,” Weiskopf said.

That’s why the store features a large showroom dedicated to showing off lighting of all shapes and sizes and a staff with both the design and technical experience to help customers find what they need.

“We are a specialty store and do everything from homeowners and small contractors to big businesses,” Dillon said. “We have a great variety to offer a homeowner and we have a lot of experience in electrical industry. We try to get it right the first time for homeowners.”

There is a team of seven employees working at the Schuylkill Haven store. Dillon joined the store as showroom manager in May.

With a degree in architecture and more than five years of experience in the lighting industry, Dillon is a great resource for local homeowners and small contractors, Weiskopf said. In addition to helping homeowners and contractors select lighting to meet their needs and fill their spaces, Dillon also offers design and style advice, performs lighting design and layout work, provides new product education, negotiations special contractor pricing agreements, connects contractors to training and vendor seminars and gives access to home decor and complementary accessories.

“Nobody can really deny the rise of do-it-yourself projects, but electrical is a little slower on that part,” she said. “Our staff not only provides you with a product, but offers advice on how to do it safely.”

The company continues to add and renovate showrooms in their stores and deals with a variety of manufacturers to ensure competitive pricing, Weiskopf said.

“We provide a different selection and experience than what you would find online,” she said.

The store also includes other home accessories, such as ventilation systems, ceiling fans artwork, clocks and other accent pieces, to go along with lighting.

“If you doing a space, you start from the floor up and lighting is just the first piece of decor that goes with it,” Weiskopf said. “We have a lot of other things that help build on that.”

The showroom is also a way to show the latest trends and technology to customers. For example, Dillon said, LED lighting and wireless technology has really taken off over the last seven years.

“That has really opened up a whole new market,” Dillon said. “This has really been a whole new realm for the lighting business.”

Now that outdoor projects are wrapping up with the end of summer, Weiskopf said customers will soon start visiting the store for advice on indoor projects.

“It’s always a good thing to get a jump on your project, especially for the holidays,” she said.

For more information about Denney Electric Supply, visit www.denneyelectricsupply.com.

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

BARNESVILLE — On Tuesday morning, Christina Tippett, Schuylkill Haven, and her daughters, Jillian, 4, and Mikayla, 5, visited Locust Lake State Park.

Christina’s niece, Mackenzie Brower, 17, came along, and Christina brought her camera.

The trees, lawns and waterways provided nice backdrops for family photos.

As they walked down a flight of steps toward the spillway, they were approached by the park manager, Tarah Brugger.

“We’re trying to get feedback from the public on what we do well, what we can improve on and what you’d like to see in the future,” Brugger said as she handed them a pamphlet on the state’s plan to improve the park system and a one-page survey.

“We’ve been handing out these surveys to get feedback from people who visit our state parks. We’re trying to reach as many people as we can. I randomly walk the beaches on the weekend and I’ll take a handful of surveys with me,” Brugger said.

In June, the Wolf administration announced a public survey would be distributed to chart the future for the 121 state parks. The initiative is called “Penn’s Parks for All — Planning for the State Parks of Tomorrow.”

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’s Bureau of State Parks plans to develop a preliminary plan by fall 2018 and submit a final report in 2019.

“The survey started at 12 state parks on the Fourth of July weekend. It will end Oct. 31, 2017. We are easily over 8,000 replies now. We want to hear what the people want, what they like and dislike, and how best to finance improvement,” Terry Brady, press secretary for DCNR, said Wednesday.

The public can also take the survey online at the official website for the project, www.pennsparksforall.com.

“I think it’s a great thing. They did one about 25 years ago,” Brugger said, referring to a survey that influenced a plan called “Pennsylvania State Parks 2000.”

That survey was done in 1989.

“It was a strategic plan to give us some idea of the direction we should be going. Pet camping came out of that,” Brugger said.

“During the last 25 years, DCNR has made tremendous improvements in most state parks such as modernizing facilities, adding comfortable cabins and expanding recreation opportunities. The department also has worked to better conserve and manage the parks’ natural resources, and expand the number of education staff and programs,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in a press release June 28.

Earlier this year, DCNR contracted researchers at Penn State to develop the survey. They include Andrew J. Mowen, a professor in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management at Penn State University, University Park.

“We worked cooperatively with DCNR staff to develop this survey. But also this survey was heavily influenced by the survey that was done in 1989. So a lot of the questions that we have in there are things that were asked back in ’89. Some Pennsylvanians may have the same views on these issues, or maybe not,” Mowen said.

The survey is a one page, double-sided questionnaire.

“Researchers from Penn State are working with Pennsylvania State Parks to help inform the strategic plan for the next 25 years. Your opinions, perspectives, and experiences as a visitor are important for informing State Parks’ future management,” according to the survey’s introduction.

Mowen hopes to receive more than 10,000 responses by the end of October.

“I think we’ll get over 10,000 easily. We’re over 7,000 right now with the online surveys. I’m not exactly sure where we are with the paper surveys,” Mowen said.

Mowen said he prefers the surveys be done online.

“There’s more of an opportunity there for people to write in things. And we tend to get a younger audience with the online survey,” he said.

The paper survey Brugger handed out Tuesday started out with an introduction: “Please fill out the survey and return it to a park office/visitor center or drop it in the mail. Your participation in this survey is voluntary and responses are anonymous.”

Completed paper surveys can be mailed to: PA Bureau of State Parks, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551.

Most of its inquiries are multiple-choice questions, to which survey takers will submit their opinions by circling areas indicating if they strongly disagree, disagree, neither disagree nor agree, agree or strongly agree.

Topics include:

• “Should we change the current outdoor recreation opportunities or experiences in State Parks?”

• “Should we enhance existing overnight accommodations in our State Parks?”

• “How should we pay for our State Parks?”

• “How can we protect our State Parks?”

• “Should we provide more modern conveniences in the State Parks?”

“One big topic is should we be charging an entrance fee. Right now, we do not. It’s free. The only thing we charge for is overnight accommodations or reservations for picnic pavilions or boats,” Brugger said.

“There are careful and deliberate management approaches to be outlined in this plan, and public input gleaned from these surveys will help protect and sustain our state parks now and into the future,” Dunn said.

People with questions can contact Mowen and his team at pennsparksforall@gmail.com.

Pennsylvania’s state park system began in 1893 with the establishment of the first state park at Valley Forge. In the early years, the park system concentrated on preserving and protecting rare, scenic, historic and natural areas, according to the website for DCNR.

In Schuylkill County, there are three state parks: Locust Lake State Park in Barnesville, Swatara State Park in Pine Grove and Tuscarora State Park in Barnesville.

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

PORT CARBON — Safety is the main concern for neighbors of a clock tower that appears to be falling apart.

“It’s going to fall down. I’ve been waiting for that to fall,” Theresa Competus, who lives on Pine Street across from the apartment building at 117-119 North St., said Sunday.

Competus said it looks like the weather has caused the front of the clock to bend toward the street.

“I’m waiting for it to hit a car,” she said, adding it looks like the top of the structure has recently deteriorated more.

Yellow caution tape marked off an area on the Pine Street side of the building. Competus said the area was blocked off Saturday.

Despite that, tenants of the apartment building, which used to be the former Soldiers Memorial High School, still use that side of the building. A woman sat with a small dog on stairs below the tower Sunday. She said the clock was not going to come crumbling down.

“It’s definitely a safety hazard and a safety concern,” Port Carbon Mayor Chuck Joy said Sunday.

He said the borough council is aware of the situation and is working to resolve it. Joy said the situation could be discussed at the council’s meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday. The borough’s engineer has been in contact with people who manage the property.

The clock tower has looked like it will collapse for at least a week. Joy urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area.

“We’re not looking to make this a legal thing. The safety is the main concern,” Joy said.

Steve Pavlick, who lives on Second Street, said he will avoid the area when walking.

“It looks pretty bad,” he said.

The Schuylkill County Online Parcel Locator lists the property owner as 512 Centre St. LLC, Allentown. A man who said he is with Hyman Properties said the company owns the building. The man, who refused to give his name, said the situation looks worse than it actually is.

“The clock is not the issue. The clock stabilizes the wood. I doubt it, if anything, is going to fall,” he said.

He said he understands why those in the community are concerned.

“The wood is not going to fall by itself,” he said.

He said someone inspected the clock a month ago and said it was stable. The company is aware of the appearance and is taking steps to fix it.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

A Freeland woman charged with stealing more than $5,000 from the store she worked at last year at the Schuylkill Mall is among those scheduled to enter not guilty pleas during arraignments Thursday in Schuylkill County Court.

Kassandra K. Mandak, 24, of 457 Hemlock St., was arrested by New Castle Township Police Patrolman Michelangelo Bokeko and charged with one count of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds and two counts each of theft and receiving stolen property.

Bokeko charged Mandak with stealing $5,295.58 by failing to deposit sales for Dec. 23 and 24 for the Bath and Body Works store where she was employed.

When interviewed, Bokeko said Mandak admitted failing to deposit the sales receipts and keeping the money and also to taking $121 worth of coupons.

Others scheduled to appear for arraignment include:

Montgomery L. Maser, 59, of 159 Black Diamond Road, Pottsville — DUI-high rate, accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Carl Kostowskie, 44, of 111 N. Jardin St., Shenandoah — driving under combined influence, driving under the influence of drugs, habitual offenders, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brian D. Kampsky, 52, of 117 N. White St., Shenandoah — DUI, DUI-high rate, driving under the influence of drugs, careless driving and limitation on turning around.

Christian D. Letcavage, 20, of 134 Lake Front Drive, Deer Lake — driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a small amount of marijuana, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, exceeding the speed limit, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Andrew S. Lutz, 42, of 65 Haddock Road, McAdoo — DUI and accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property.

Crystal C. Linn, 39, of 418 Pine Hill St., Minersville — DUI and disorderly conduct.

Richard J. Green, 58, of 4 S. Centre St., Pottsville — possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence of drugs.

Jose L. Olayo-Barriga, 48, of 226 S. Main St., Apt. 1, Shenandoah — DUI-highest rate, driving under the influence of drugs, driving under combined influence, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, drivers required to be licensed, restrictions on alcoholic beverages and period required for signal lights.

Stacey M. Pukiewicz, 41, of 353 Park Place Road, Mahanoy City — DUI, general lighting requirements and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Dylan M. Evans, 20, of 307 E. Union St., Schuylkill Haven — possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Rye A. Angstadt, 22, of 44 Blue Mountain Heights, Schuylkill Haven — criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

David L. Somers IV, 31, of 110 E. Main St., Apt. 2, Schuylkill Haven — possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Justin D. Blume, 44, of 16 Golf Road, Barnesville — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jonathan W. Kline, 29, of 529 E. Norwegian St., Apt. B, Pottsville — recklessly endangering another person, simple assault and harassment.

Sarah J. Wetzel, 29, of 1748 W. Market St., Pottsville — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Danielle A. Heckman, 29, of 17 Country Hill Road, Apt. 17, Orwigsburg — DUI-highest rate and careless driving.

Andrew Whitacre, 32, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — criminal mischief.

David R. Cipko, 39, of 218 Pine St., Port Carbon — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Melissa M. Lucas, 31, of 642 Suedberg Road, Pine Grove — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dustin C. Parsons, 31, of 65 N. Berne St., Schuylkill Haven — fleeing or attempting to elude police, driving under the influence of drugs, disorderly conduct, general lighting requirements, obedience to traffic control signals, driving at an unsafe speed, driving without lights to avoid identification or arrest, period required lighted lamps, careless driving, reckless driving, unauthorized transfer or use of registration, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving without insurance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sonya E. Spicher, 47, of 136 W. Pine St., Tremont —theft and receiving stolen property.

Joshua M. Kopinetz, 34, of State Correctional Institution/Mahanoy, Frackville — possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Stephanie Miller, 53, of 101 W. Race St., Apt. 301, Pottsville — DUI.

Stephen Holmes, 44, of 300 N. 12th St., Pottsville — criminal mischief.

Thomas E. Halye, 42, of 657 Pine Hill St., Minersville — theft of leased property and receiving stolen property.

Tonia L. Brennan, 27, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — institutional vandalism and disorderly conduct.

Joshua M. Wentzel, 24, of 302 N. Jackson St., Pottsville — possession of a controlled substance.

Melissa A. Rossin, 42, of 117 North St., Apt. 3J, Port Carbon — possession of drug paraphernalia and false identification to law enforcement.

Pedro Cabrera-Lasanta, 30, of 219 N. Centre St., Apt. 3, Pottsville — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Scott A. Wagner, 46, of 351 Prospect St., Pottsville — possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

John E. Myers, 33, of 1251 Mount Hope Ave., Pottsville — possession of a controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and driving a vehicle without an official Certificate of Inspection.

Shannon K. Reed, 34, of 105 N. George St., Pottsville — furnishing drug-free urine.

Alexander J. Faust, 24, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jaxson R. Detweiler, 24, of 9 Stanton St., Schuylkill Haven — possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Steven M. Miller, 34, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — strangulation, simple assault and harassment.

Morgan N. Natale, 32, of 109 S. Second St., Minersville — strangulation and simple assault.

Carlos A. Cruz, 19, of 406A Sunbury St., Minersville — discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure, recklessly endangering another person, criminal mischief and a city ordinance violation.

Joseph E. Boris, 27, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Shane Pillsbury, 22, of 442 Old Forge Road, Pine Grove — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Amber L. Manhart, 23, of 921 Centre St., Box 503, Ashland — possession of a controlled substance.

Malcolm L. Woomer, 50, of 207 W. Market St., Apt. 2, Pottsville — simple assault and harassment.

Roberto Rodriguez, 47, of 723 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville — possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Richard T. Kilburn, 29, of 457 Carbon St., Minersville — indecent exposure, open lewdness and disorderly conduct.

Jeremy L. Weaver, 32, of 70 Steep Mountain Road, New Ringgold — simple assault and harassment.

Heather M. Weingard, 26, of 16 N. Lehigh St., Shenandoah — possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Clifton E. Thompson, 42, LKA 36 Raven Run Road, Lost Creek — conspiracy.

Benjamin F. Vadiz, 46, of 43 Lost Creek Road, Lost Creek — misbranding of a controlled substance, soliciting a ride, public drunkenness, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ricky L. Smith, 23, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kenneth L. Smith, 56, of 338 Sunbury St., Minersville — possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and exhaust system violations.

Devon A. Kurten, 20, of 204 Walnut Court, Orwigsburg — recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, possession of a small amount of marijuana, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

John A. Shellhammer, 35, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christopher A. Schill, 25, of 706 Mount Hope Ave., Pottsville — driving under the influence of drugs and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Robin M. Dease, 52, of 1330 Spruce St., Ashland — driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Scott Noll, 42, of 211 Linden St., Minersville — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Daniel A. Starr, 40, of 208 Howard St., Pottsville — simple assault and harassment.

Sheri Sadusky, 60, of 19 Main St., Middleport — bad checks.

Jayme L. Eckenroth, 27, of 139 N. Walborne Ave., Apt. 3, Orwigsburg — theft of leased property and receiving stolen property.

Deena J. Schaarschmidt, 71, of 401 Walnut St., Ashland — theft of leased property, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

Rachel T. Markus, 36, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mallory E. Haldeman, 31, of 421 S. Wayne St., Orwigsburg — furnishing drug-free urine.

Eric N. Keefe, 36, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kasey D. Prutzman, 25, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

William A. Wallace Jr., 27, of 420 E. Race St., Pottsville — theft by deception and receiving stolen property.

Kelly M. Davis, 33, of 201 Fidler Ave., Schuylkill Haven — theft by deception and receiving stolen property.

Ashley M. Schwartz, 30, of 246 W. Main St., Girardville — unsworn falsification to authorities, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and tampering with public records or identification.

Beau V. Schenck, 33, of 216 Howard Ave., Apt. 2, Pottsville — possession of drug paraphernalia and retail theft.

Steven E. Hunt Sr., 58, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — defiant trespass.

Cody A. Brill, 23, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — possession of a controlled substance.

Tomasso J. Dino, 19, of 103 Railroad St., Cressona — possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.

William H. Flail Jr., 43, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — criminal attempt to commit theft, criminal attempt to commit receiving stolen property, false alarms to agencies of public safety, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct.

Michael D. Heiser, 34 of 1319 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City — aggravated assault on police, simple assault and harassment.

Brittany M. Zweizig, 29, of 220 W. Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven — simple assault and harassment.

Amber Eddie, 32, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.

Charles P. Hummel Jr., 26, of 204 Mahantongo St., Pottsville — burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property.

Luke R. Kopp, 55, of 1821 E. Grand Ave., Tower City —strangulation, simple assault and harassment.

Israel D. Cleveland, 26, of SCI/Mahanoy, Frackville — aggravated assault on police, terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment.

Dennis J. Velez, 34, of SCI/Mahanoy, Frackville — weapons or implements for escape, prohibited offensive weapons and recklessly endangering another person.

Jorge A. Henriquez, 20, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville — burglary, criminal trespass, theft, criminal mischief and possession of drug paraphernalia.

William F. Booth, 50, of 15 N. Gilbert St., Shenandoah — retail theft, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jeremy C. Maurer, 26, of 240 Virginia Ave., Shenandoah — public drunkenness, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Vincent W. Bloss, 22, of 200 E. Main St, Gilberton — theft by deception, theft and receiving stolen property.

Stephen W. Bennett, 55, of 224 W. Broad St., Tamaqua — disorderly conduct.

Robin Erney, 25, of 423 Hazle St., Tamaqua — simple assault and harassment.

Colleen J. Arner, 59, of 342 Mush Dahl Road, New Ringgold — theft of services and theft by deception.

Phillip Ryan, 28, of 402 Hazle St., Tamaqua — aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a small amount of marijuana, escape and retail theft.

William J. Evanco, 28, of 27 E. Monroe St., McAdoo — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michelle L. Kondash, 32, of 7 S. Madison St., McAdoo — simple assault and harassment.

Brian E. Niece, 46, of 41 W. Main St., Quakake — simple assault, harassment, aggravated assault on police and resisting arrest.

Michael J. O’Boyle, 38, of 224 Market Square, Pottsville — possession of drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct and scattering rubbish.

William Thomas, 22, of 2406 Railroad St., Mahanoy Plane — disorderly conduct, defiant trespass, operation on private or state property, railroad protection/vandalism and interference with transportation facilities and disrupting, delaying or preventing operation of a train or facility.

Noah J. Shaak, 19, of 75 Wilder St., Cressona — theft, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

Chase A. Fegley, 19, of 201 Reedsville Road, Schuylkill Haven — criminal mischief.

Nicholas Viania, 55, of 347 Archery Club Road, New Ringgold — terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment.

Matthew J. Kimmel, 22, of 118 W. Washington St., Frackville — conspiracy.

Jeffrey K. Reimard, 36, of 331 W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City — aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Jennifer L. Hoffman, 36, of 725 Howard Ave., Pottsville — theft of services.

Charica N. Bryant, 34, of 15 S. Chestnut St., Shenandoah — disorderly conduct.

Rhiannon Meyer, 39, LKA 319 W. Centre St., Shenandoah — receiving stolen property, terroristic threats, resisting arrest, defiant trespass and disorderly conduct.

Tiffany M. Koncsler, 29, of 109 N. Main St., Shenandoah — endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of minors, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jeffrey K. Reimard, 38, of 331 W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City — flight to avoid apprehension, trial or punishment, resisting arrest and harassment.

Sydiq Shenoster, 18, of 319 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah — terroristic threats, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.

Mark Kessler, 45, of 126 S. Second St., Frackville — unsworn falsification to authorities and applications of firearms-false statement.

Valerie D. Aponte, 30, of 21 W. Oak St., Shenandoah _ simple assault and harassment.

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

Bethlehem

The Hazleton area’s ’70s Flashback Band will headline on The Festplatz Stage from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Tuesday for Musikfest. The group, formed five years ago, includes members from several former local bands. All are welcome to attend the show.

Elizabethville

The Elizabethville Area Historical Society, 100 E. Main St., will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Additional hours open during the community’s bicentennial event will be 4 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15-17 and 4 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18. Society members have announced completion of the Military/First Responder Room, which includes letters, pictures, memorabilia and information from all wars including the Civil War. The site also has myriad new acquisitions. To arrange for visitations at times other than the normal hours, call 717-362-8991 to make arrangements. More information also is available on Facebook at Elizabethville Area Historical Society or at the society’s website at www.elizabethvillehistory.org.

Shenandoah

An alumni football game featuring the Mahanoy Area Golden Bears and Shenandoah Valley Blue Devils is set for 7 p.m. Friday at the Shenandoah Valley School District’s Veterans Memorial Stadium along Stadium Road. General admission tickets are $10 each, and children under 10 will be admitted free. A portion of the advance ticket sales, according to a release, will benefit each school. Advance tickets are available through Friday weekdays at the Shenandoah Valley School District office from 10 a.m. to noon and at the following Shenandoah locations: Catizone’s Barber Shop; Downtown Shenandoah Inc. office; Jean’s News Stand; Vernalis’ Restaurant and The Pizza Shop. Mahanoy Area fans can buy tickets from any member of the Mahanoy Area Football Boosters Club.

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.

Shenandoah

The region’s oldest and longest continuously running downtown open-air farm market is in full swing on Tuesday and Friday mornings throughout the growing season and into the fall. Regional growers feature produce, flowers, plants and even baked goods from about 8 a.m. to noon along the east side of the first block of South Main Street and at times even on the south side of the first block of East Centre Street near the more than century-old former Bolich & Burke Building. The market is sponsored by the Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce. Mark Bernardyn is chairman of the chamber’s market committee. New growers are always welcome. For more information, email Bernardyn at mbernardyn@mtb.com or chamber Secretary Betty Ann Bugden at hairlady@ptd.net.

Tamaqua

Horses & Horizons Therapeutic Learning Center Inc. is looking for volunteers to help with its program of therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with special needs. The center is a registered nonprofit staffed entirely by volunteers, according to a release. It is located about 10 miles south of Tamaqua near Route 309. It offers special riding lessons on Monday and Wednesday evenings from May through October. A required volunteer training session for new lesson volunteers is set for 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 19 at the center. Anyone who wishes to volunteer to help with the riding lessons must attend the hands-on training. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, in good health and able to walk for an hour at a time. To become a volunteer or to get more information, call volunteer coordinator Jane Ostroski at 610-298-2546 or email jeohhtlc15@gmail.com. More information also is available at the center’s website at www.horsesandhorizons.org or by calling Elaine or Harvey Smith at 570-386-5679.

If you’ve relished the weather this summer, you’ll probably enjoy what will follow this fall.

The long-range forecast for September, October and November released last week by AccuWeather predicts summer warmth will linger into autumn in Eastern Pennsylvania, with higher-than-average temperatures probably hanging on through at least September and October.

Nights will be a little muggier than usual, and rainfall should be about average.

“Right now, we are thinking it’s going to be at least a degree or two and perhaps three or four degrees above normal for most of eastern Pennsylvania,” AccuWeather’s Evan Duffey said Thursday.

However, it won’t be exceptionally warm, he said.

“It’s not going to be from any strong heat wave or anything. It’s going to be steady, progressive — every day, a degree here, a degree or two there, maybe a little warm-up where it gets three or four degrees above normal,” Duffey said. “It’s going to be a general warmness, not a super-sharp heat wave sort of warmth.”

That will be a contrast from the fall of 2016.

During last September, October and November, the months regarded as autumn by meteorologists and climatologists, the average temperature at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport was 51.5 degrees, according to National Weather Service records.

That was 3.6 degrees above average, with much of the difference attributable to an extremely hot September, when temperatures averaged a scorching 5 degrees above normal.

“I think this fall, when compared to last fall, the daytime highs won’t be as high, but the overnight lows might be warmer than they were last year,” Duffey said.

Another difference is expected to be rainfall. Last fall, the area received about 7.7 inches of rain from September through November, or almost 3 inches less than usual.

Rainfall so far this summer is running well above normal, and Duffey said he foresees no change in that pattern, with precipitation values at or somewhat above average through the fall. With all that moisture and the warmer temperatures, people can also expect some humid nights, he said.

The long-range forecast suggests conditions will become more unsettled late in the fall.

In November and then into early winter, temperatures are expected to moderate to near-normal levels, “with maybe some below normal here and there and then some sharper warm-ups,” Duffey said.

AccuWeather said it is too soon to tell how the forecast will affect a seasonal favorite: fall foliage. The autumn colors in the mid-Atlantic region typically hit their peak in mid- to late October.

One worry, Duffey said, is that the alternating cold shots and warm-ups not expected to show up until November could fool forecasters and arrive early, producing strong winds that prevent the leaves from hanging around for long.

“Those fronts are usually pretty vigorous and come with some nice, breezy days behind them,” he said. “If we start getting an active pattern early enough in the fall, we could see the foliage taking a hit on the leaf coverage. If it happens in November, we get through most of the (foliage) season with most of the leaves still there.”

Contact the writer: dsingleton@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9132

VALLEY VIEW — The Hegins Township supervisors decided to relocate playground equipment from one Valley View park to another, to make room for a parking area.

The supervisors on Wednesday agreed to donate the play equipment to the Valley View Park Association. The sliding board, swing set, monkey bars and rocking toy structures are currently at one of the parks in the center of town beside the baseball field, a block back from Main Street. The play equipment will find a new home at Valley View Park, 524 Gap St.

Once the equipment is removed, the township hopes to use the space, and unused tennis courts, for an additional parking area for patrons attending ballgames. Traditionally, fans had parked nearby in a lot that is scheduled to be developed as a new Dollar General store.

Supervisor Bruce Klouser and resident Alvin Wetzel volunteered to transport the equipment to its new destination. In addition to Klouser, supervisors Gary Harner, Sandra McCullough and Mike Begis approved the donation. Supervisor Brad Carl was absent. Last month, the Valley View Park Association indicated to the township that it would welcome the donated pieces into its own playground site.

In other business, the board approved, by a 3-1 vote, Kenny Graham to serve as the new member on the Hegins-Hubley Water Authority. Graham replaces Donald Stutzman, who passed away. Begis had nominated Jack Specht for the position and voted for him. Graham attended the meeting.

The board announced the land development plan for Rausch Creek Trail Riders is still in its extension stage until Oct. 4, while the land development plan for Dollar General is also in its extension stage until Sept. 9.

The board received a thank-you note from St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church for its steeple run fundraiser.

The board announced there will be a fall cleanup between Sept. 21 through 23, with more details to follow for the township.

The next board meeting is Sept. 6 and the next food pantry is Sept. 20.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

MAHANOY CITY — The Healthy Mahanoy Community Garden Project has experienced growth since it was started in May.

There are plots there where tomatoes, lettuce and pumpkin plants are growing. More may soon be added to the garden at Herman’s Community Park on the southeast corner of Fifth and Centre streets.

“Right now, we have 14 plots. We’re hoping to put in 16 more, for a total of 30,” Jeanne B. Elberfeld said Tuesday. She became executive director of Schuylkill County’s VISION on July 1.

Also there on Tuesday were the garden managers, Gavin and Jessica Billbe, Mahanoy City, and their three children, Austin, 10, Sicarious, 7, and Leviathyn, 1.

The Billbe family also has a plot there filled with bean, garlic, lettuce and potato sprouts. So, too, does the ACTION Youth Group in Mahanoy City, according to Natalie Morrison, one of its advisers.

“Christine Wiekrykas, one of our advisers, purchased the plot for the youth group. She also got the plants put in,” Morrison said Tuesday. “We have peppers right now, and I believe we have tomatoes. And she’s looking for marigolds to put in.”

“I planted citronella, rosemary and lavender,” Gail Ellman, Mahanoy City, said.

“And tomatoes and oregano?” Elberfeld asked her.

“Yes. And where are my peppers?” Ellman asked herself as she looked through the leafy plants.

Meanwhile, Joan Goodman, Mahanoy City, was there Tuesday to water plants including broccoli, kale and tomatoes. She brought a pail of water and a glass jar to distribute it.

On June 10, volunteers came out to the park to put 14 raised beds on the grassy lot on the south end of Herman’s Community Park. Each measures 10 feet long by 3 feet wide and 10 inches high.

The project has received financial support from a few agencies. So far, the Herman Yudacufski Charitable Foundation donated $1,200.

One of the foundation’s representatives, Kenneth Huebner, visited the garden Tuesday.

Fabcon Precast Concrete Products, Mahanoy City, donated $100, and Home Depot sold all materials “at cost,” Elberfeld said.

“The local store has sold the concrete block, hardware, building materials to us for the price that gains them no profit. It has substantially reduced our costs and allowed us to stretch our budget significantly,” Elberfeld said. “Their community outreach representative, Dave Seresky, also has applied for a grant to complete the garden. This grant will include funds and man-power to build the additional 16 garden beds.”

On top of that, she said there was $220 in community donations to the garden project.

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

The borough owns the park. In June, the borough donated a fence to wrap around the garden, Lynch said Tuesday.

“We had some left over,” he said. “Our public works department came out to install it. We’re excited to see an outside organization come in here to do some really good things.”

“And it’s working,” Peg Grigalonis, Mahanoy Area Historical Society president, said Tuesday.

“So far, so good. The borough is trying to be as supportive as it can. And soon we’re hoping to get the water hooked up for them. There’s water that runs underneath. It’s not connected right now,” Lynch said.

Looking ahead, Lynch said that might happen next year.

Residents could rent a raised bed for $5 each, Elberfeld said.

“All 14 have been reserved, but there are three that have not yet been planted. These may be available if the original registrant releases them back to the manager,” Elberfeld said.

Mahanoy City residents interested in being put on a wait list can call Elberfeld at 570-622-6097.

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

A restaurant that has been at the Schuylkill Mall, Frackville, for about 30 years will close Saturday.

Suglia’s Pizzeria & Restaurant owner John Sylaj said he is sad to go but has no choice.

New Castle LLC, Riverside, Missouri, purchased the mall for $2.1 million earlier this year and told tenants in May they had to vacate.

Sylaj decided Saturday would be the last day because he needs time to move the equipment to the new location at Gold Star Plaza on Route 924 between the Dollar Tree and Redner’s Warehouse Markets, Shenandoah. None of the employees will lose their jobs, he said.

The date of the closure was announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page this weekend.

“Thank you everyone for your support,” the post said, which encouraged customers to visit the restaurant’s other locations, including Suglia’s Express Pizzeria & Restaurant in downtown Schuylkill Haven. Suglia’s is in the process of renovating a site at 831 Fountain St., Ashland, near North Schuylkill High School. The date of completion is “unknown at the moment,” according to the post.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — Four days after returning to county prison, former high school football star Phillip M. Ryan IV headed to state prison after being sentenced Monday by a Schuylkill County judge in a separate case.

Ryan, 28, of Tamaqua, must spend 2 1/2 to five years in a state correctional institution, Judge Charles M. Miller decided.

“The last time you were before me, I told you not to come back,” Miller told Ryan, who wore a prison jumpsuit during the 45-minute hearing. “You’re making excuses. You’re not controlling yourself. You’ve been given plenty of opportunity in Schuylkill County.”

Miller revoked Ryan’s probation before sentencing Ryan to serve two to four years behind bars. He made that term consecutive to the one of six to 12 months that Judge John E. Domalakes imposed on Ryan on Thursday.

“I’m not a violent person,” Ryan said in an effort to stay out of state prison. “I have a drug problem.”

However, Miller accepted the testimony of Tamaqua police Officer Timothy J. Walsh and Kline Township police Officer Frederick J. Lahovski Jr., who detailed Ryan’s actions that led to outstanding charges in separate cases.

“I received four stitches,” Walsh said of the June 11 chase on which Ryan led him. “He wasn’t saying anything. He just would not stop running.”

Lahovski told a similar story about the May 13 incident at a Dollar General store, where he said Ryan stole and ate a candy bar.

“He turned and ran ... out the back door of the store,” Lahovski said of Ryan.

Ryan originally pleaded guilty on March 8 to resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension-DUI related and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. At that time, Miller sentenced him to serve 60 days in prison and 12 months probation and pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $176 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Tamaqua police charged Ryan with committing those crimes on July 22, 2016, in the borough.

An offensive lineman at Marian and the University of Connecticut, Ryan signed a contract with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals in 2012 but was released by that team on May 2, 2012. He never played in the NFL.

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

NEW PHILADELPHIA — Officials from Blythe Township aren’t concerned about the latest effort to stop one of its pet projects, the development of a construction/demolition landfill.

On July 27, the Borough of Saint Clair decided to take its case against the proposed Blythe Recycling and Demolition Site in Blythe Township to the state Supreme Court, Harrisburg.

“We’re not even worried about that,” Albert J. Lubinsky Sr., chairman of the Blythe Township supervisors and vice chairman of the township’s solid waste authority, said in a phone interview Monday.

The Blythe Township Solid Waste Authority was scheduled to hold its August meeting at 5 p.m. Monday at the headquarters of the Blythe Township Water Authority. But according to a note on the door, the meeting was canceled. The next meeting will be held 5 p.m. Sept. 5, according to the notice, written by Edward Stillwagner, the solid waste authority’s secretary.

“They couldn’t get a quorum, as far as I understand. I wasn’t available,” Lubinsky said Monday.

The solicitor for the Blythe Township Solid Waste Authority, Gino DiNicola, an attorney from Pottsville, could not be reached for comment Monday.

The other members of the authority are: James E. Zembas, authority chairman and vice chairman of the township supervisors; Adam J. Nothstein, a member of the township supervisors and solid waste authority; and Keith Rokosky, treasurer of the authority.

The last time the township solid waste authority held a meeting was in June. The July meeting was also canceled.

Blythe Township and a private entity called FKV LLC have been working for more than a decade to develop BRADS on a 252-acre tract in Silver Creek along Burma Road. However, the Borough of Saint Clair has been fighting the proposal, claiming the dump will pollute the area and water.

In June 2016, the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board dismissed Saint Clair’s appeal.

On July 6, 2016, the Blythe Township supervisors organized a solid waste authority to manage the BRADS project.

On Dec. 5, 2016, that authority hired Earthmovers Unlimited Inc., Kylertown, Clearfield County, the lowest of seven bidders, to do the bulk excavation. The base bid from Earthmovers Unlimited was $5,792,419.

When the authority learned Saint Clair had appealed the case to Commonwealth Court, the project’s potential investors put the project on hold, curious about the outcome, Zembas said at the June meeting of the solid waste authority.

In early July, the Commonwealth Court gave BRADS its blessing.

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

SUMMIT STATION — State police at Schuylkill Haven moved into their new headquarters last week in Wayne Township.

The new building, at 1070 South Route 183, about 2 1/2 miles south of the former station, boasts an increase of more than 3,000 square feet.

Sgt. Fred Krute, station commander, said the former barracks in Reedsville served troopers for 31 years, opening in 1986. He said that building, about 5,000 square feet, was getting older and the Schuylkill Haven station was growing in terms of manpower and the amount of incidents handled.

“It was time for an upgrade,” Krute said.

The new station is designed as part of a plan to standardize state police building styles and will someday be the norm for all state police stations.

Krute said the Schuylkill Haven station is similar to the new building constructed recently to replace the Jonestown station in Lebanon County and is a “mirror image” of a new structure built for the Mansfield station in Tioga County.

With about 8,000 square feet, Krute said there is enough room for the 40 employees — troopers, criminal investigators and other staff — to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.

Among the additions that come with the new building is a “sally port” similar to those used in county and state prisons. Krute said this will allow vehicles to enter, often carrying prisoners or witnesses, into a secured area and have those passengers exit without coming into the view of outsiders.

There is a larger garage that can be used to store vehicles or other large items, and a larger, up-to-date evidence room.

Also enhanced is the area of the po-lice communications officer, commonly referred to as the dispatch center.

“In the long run, this building will be beneficial, allowing us more work space, more storage and more security,” Krute said.

He said the move to the new station went smoothly with only a few hiccups.

“We had some small issues, but nothing out of the ordinary when you have a new building and new equipment,” the sergeant said.

Although the building is officially in operation, Krute said it will take some getting used to by everyone there.

“Let’s just say we’re still unpacking,” he said.

Krute said talk of building a new barracks began in August 2015, with construction underway early in 2016.

“The construction phase took about 18 months from the time it started until we moved in,” Krute said.

The station also has a new telephone number, 570-754-4600. Krute said the former number, 570-739-1330, will remain in operation for an extended period of time until people get used to calling the updated telephone number.

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

POTTSVILLE — Former Marian High School football star Phillip M. Ryan IV returned to prison Thursday after a Schuylkill County judge revoked his probation in one case and his parole in another.

“You seem to be in an awful lot of trouble,” Judge John E. Domalakes told Ryan, 28, of Tamaqua, after sentencing him to serve six to 12 months in prison. “I just don’t understand. You’re not making use of your abilities, your education.”

Ryan, who admitted violating his parole and probation by failing to report to his supervising officer, failing to take drug tests, moving without permission, committing new crimes, cutting his ankle bracelet, failing to notify his supervising officer of the new charges and engaging in assaultive behavior, said he believes the county is bad for him.

“I’ve got to get out of this area,” he said.

Ryan originally pleaded guilty on April 20, 2016, to recklessly endangering another person, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. At that time, Domalakes sentenced him to serve 153 days to 18 months in prison and pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Tamaqua police charged Ryan with committing his crimes on Oct. 2, 2015, in the borough.

Then on April 19, Ryan pleaded guilty in a second case to accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property, driving under suspension, failure to notify police of accident, operating vehicle without valid inspection and violation of use of certificate of inspection. Domalakes sentenced him to 60 to 90 days in prison and 12 months on probation and pay costs and $1,375 in fines.

State police at Frackville had charge Ryan with committing those crimes on June 12, 2015.

Also in the county court, Domalakes accepted a guilty plea on Wednesday from Krysta M. Dehaven, 31, of Tower City, to a charge of simple assault. Domalakes immediately sentenced her to time served to 23 months in prison with immediate parole and to pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment.

Prosecutors withdrew two counts of aggravated assault, an additional count of simple assault and one count each of terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had charged Dehaven with assaulting Charles Matthews Jr. with a pocket knife on April 27. Assistant District Attorney David J. Rice said both the police and Matthews agreed to the plea.

Also in the county court, Judge Jacqueline L. Russell on July 24 found Jason L. Ryan, 39, of Orwigsburg, not guilty of retail theft.

Orwigsburg police had charged Jason Ryan with committing the theft on Jan. 20 in the borough. Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, had found him guilty on May 15, but the defendant appealed that ruling on June 6.

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

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill United Way distributed 1,445 backpacks to organizations and school districts this year — the most it has collected as a part of the Stuff the Bus campaign in its 15-year history.

During the campaign’s first year, 363 backpacks were given away, Kelly Malone, Schuylkill United Way executive director, said Monday.

“This is my favorite project we do,” she said at the Pottsville Salvation Army building as she watched 90 volunteers fill backpacks for children.

This year’s Stuff the Bus effort started July 1 and ended July 31. Donation boxes were stationed throughout the county for people to give school supplies such as pens, paper, erasers, crayons and highlighters. Dollar General Distribution Center donated about 500 notebooks, Malone said.

Joey Chipriano, 2, of Schuylkill Haven, donated crayons, notebooks and glue. Tammy Chipriano, her mother, said they wanted to give back to the community.

Colton Williams, 8, of Pottsville, stuffed backpacks in memory of his cousin, Haley Nicole Williams Wetzel, 19, of Pottsville, who died in June in an automobile accident. Williams often came to the event to help children get a better start.

Other volunteers included Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Wells Fargo, American Red Cross, Kohl’s and Avenues.

Backpacks were given to Schuylkill United Way member agencies and area school districts.

Patty Daley, disaster captain of the Tri-County Chapter of the American Red Cross, helped stuff backpacks Monday. The organization, a member agency, also received 25 backpacks to give to school-age children who are fire victims.

The Tamaqua Salvation Army received about 200 backpacks. Distribution will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at that location. A birth certificate for each child in first through 12th grade and a photo ID for the parents is required to receive a backpack, Maj. Sharon Whispell said.

Corin Reed, Pottsville, was at the Pottsville Salvation Army with her daughter, Sylvia Nelson, 5, to get a backpack. Reed has two other children. The school supplies provided help her stretch her dollar a little more.

“She’s super excited and nervous,” Reed said before her daughter received her purple backpack with stars.

Jessica Ludwig, a county resident, brought her daughter, Nhysia Zimmerman, 5, to get her backpack.

Reed and Ludwig receive services through Child Development for their children.

John Matz, a member of the Schuylkill United Way board, seemed to express the sentiment of many when he said, “It’s great to be able to help kids.”

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — Additional monthly parking spaces could soon be available downtown.

The Pottsville Parking Authority approved a lease agreement between Giant Food Stores and the authority for 20 spaces at the store parking lot near the southern corner at 500 Progress Ave. Approval is contingent on a sign being installed on the lot designating it as monthly parking.

“It would be renewable every year up until May 31, 2020, unless written notice is given by either party 60 days prior,” authority solicitor Thomas J. Campion Jr. said

The authority and Giant would split the revenue.

Parking spaces at Mike McGeever Memorial Park was also discussed. The park is in the 500 block of North Centre Street.

“Parking is always at a premium and there are several spots in there, and I don’t know if they are being monitored or policed or if people are taking advantage of the spaces. So it might be worthwhile for us to investigate a little bit to see who is parking there and see if we have a signed agreement or have an understanding with the Y(MCA) on the utilization of those spaces” City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said.

He said only people at the YMCA or those visiting the park should use the spots. He added that an agreement would be a way to “encourage the park to be maintained.”

The YMCA is “not being charged anything. The least they could do is maintain the area,” authority member Joe Devine said.

According to newspaper archives, the YMCA is the park’s caretaker. The city owns the parking spots.

Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney, authority chairman, said there have been some management changes with the organization. Palamar suggested that if the YMCA isn’t interested in the parking spaces, they should be for rent.

In other matters, Campion said the parking authority is going to advertise for part-time enforcement officers. Don Boyd is the parking enforcement officer with the authority. He is on medical leave, Muldowney said, and does not know if or when Boyd will be able to return to work.

Authority and city Councilwoman Dorothy “Dottie” Botto said everyone is hoping he gets better. She said Boyd is appreciated as both a person and employee.

“We are probably going to be looking at two to start,” Campion said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

VALLEY VIEW — The Hegins-Hubley Authority board of directors welcomed a new member Monday and received an update on Hubley Township’s status with the joint Act 537 sewage plan.

Kenneth Graham, Hegins, attended his first meeting, filling the vacancy left by the passing of prior director, Donald Stutzman.

Chairman Clark Romberger asked Graham to introduce himself. Graham said he’s a retired police detective and private investigator from New York, and he and his wife, Lois, have two grown children. Graham has a master’s degree in public administration.

The Stutzman family sent a note to the authority, thanking board members for their concerns and acts of kindness. Romberger said Stutzman will be missed.

In other matters, the board entered into a 15-minute executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters.

All directors were present, including Romberger and Graham, Kenneth Richter, Keith Masser, Deb Martz, Thomas Miller and Kris Wetzel.

Masser, who’s also Hubley Township supervisor chairman, read from a prepared statement updating Hubley Township’s action as it relates to the Act 537 plan. The township on July 5 decided to appeal the June 7 decision of the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board, which made the joint plan null and void. Since then, at the Aug. 2 meeting and as reported in The Republican-Herald, Hegins Township voted to file a cross petition in Commonwealth Court, basically appealing Hubley’s appeal.

Masser’s statement included the benefits both townships could gain with a joint plan, including increasing available funds from Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority in low-interest loans/grants from $10 million to $20 million. He also said the alternative 10 site, advocated by the appellants, at the CASA Trucking site west of Spring Glen had a user rate of $69.04/EDU per month, compared to the $66.32/EDU per month rate for the 2012 alternative 6 plan on Fearnot Road, Sacramento.

“After modifying the plan to include additional users and moving the sewage treatment plant to a lower cost site, the 2014 alternative 6 plan was submitted at a cost of $71.52/EDU/month, approved by both townships and subsequently approved by Pennsylvania DEP,” Masser said.

His statement continued, “If the Hubley Township appeal of the EHB decision is upheld and Hegins Township’s cross petition is denied, the additional construction costs associated only with the delay, are estimated by (Alfred) Benesch (engineer) to exceed $1.6 million. If not, Hegins and Hubley townships will embark on creating their own separate Act 537 plans, creating even more costs for our community. Based on the Benesch analysis, compared to the PA DEP approved alternative 6 plan, a separate Hegins Township plan will cost Hegins Township users $7.50 per month more than the joint plan and requires finding a suitable Hegins Township sewage treatment plant site.”

He said Hubley made the decision to appeal, hoping to save the plan and avoid costly DEP enforcement action, while trying to salvage some of the costs.

“The EHB determined that DEP’s approval of the plan was lawful, reasonable, and supported by the facts, and that the plan as adopted by both townships and approved by PA DEP was implementable,” he said.

In other business, the board:

• Approved a PennDOT private status agreement for utility, allowing the use of the authority’s right of way for construction near the Gap Street bridge.

• Heard committee reports on planning, IT and human resources from Richter, Miller and Romberger, respectively, addressing meters and mapping; technology contractors and electronic billing; and employee evaluation forms.

• Heard a report from manager Demetrius Kasmari. He said the mapping system should be completed within a couple of months. Kasmari said there were eight services that were leaking in the system. Two of them were the authority’s leaks, and the other six were from private individuals. All leaks were repaired and the amount of consumption has dropped considerably since the repairs were made, he said.

• Decided to have Kasmari use his discretion in regard to a request from the Rausch Creek Trail Riders. The group wants its own service put in at the authority building, so it can retrieve bulk water. Kasmari said the group will pay for all costs involved in installing the new service. The trail riders don’t currently own property that’s close to the authority’s distribution system, Kasmari said he was told. “On holiday weekends, they’re lined up here,” he said. He estimated the group may get 60,000 to 70,000 gallons of water at a time. The trail riders get a quarterly bill for their water used, he said.

• Voted to seek three quotes each for costs of 200 feet of ductile iron pipe versus plastic pipe. The pipe would be used for the installation of a new fire hydrant west of Church Street. There would be no tapping off that portion of pipe, Kasmari said. Masser and Martz both said their business operations use underground plastic pipe and have had no problems with it.

• Approved giving Kasmari money transfer authorization to transfer money from one PLGIT account to another authority PLGIT account.

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