State police release

July activity report

ELIZABETHVILLE — State police at Lykens reported receiving 638 calls for assistance during the month of July.

In the criminal division there were 133 offenses reported, 126 determined to be valid and 72 cleared resulting in 58 arrests.

In the patrol division there were 32 crashes investigated along with five hit-and-run crashes resulting in six people injured and no fatalities.

State police issued 315 traffic citation and 108 warning notices along with making 12 DUI arrests.

Police announce

DUI checkpoints

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

Travelers are reminded to call 911 if they suspect a drunk driver or to call, toll-free, 1-888-UNDER-21, to report underage drinking.

Ashland

Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ, 2400 Centre St., will have a free soup and sandwich lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 16. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-875-2700.

Hazleton

A Miller-Keystone blood drive is slated for 7 to 11 a.m. Friday at Hazle Township Commons, 103 W. 27th St., Hazle Township. For an appointment or more information, call 800-223-6667.

Mahanoy City

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, Shenandoah. General admission tickets are $10 each; children under 10 will be admitted free. A portion of the advance ticket sales will benefit each school. Advance tickets are available weekdays until the day of the game at the Shenandoah Valley School District office from 10 a.m. to noon and at the following Shenandoah locations: Catizone’s Barber Shop, the 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.

Mahanoy City

The local Elks Lodge, 135 E. Centre St., will have a broasted chicken dinner from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24. The cost is $10 per meal, which will include three pieces of chicken, baked potato, green beans, coleslaw, roll/butter and dessert. The deadline for tickets is Aug. 16. For tickets or more information, call 570-582-8003, 570-773-0467 or 570-467-2612.

Pottsville

Area children and young adults may audition for the show “Shrek Jr. the Musical” from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the United Presbyterian Church social hall, Third Street just off Mahantongo Street. The auditions are open to girls and boys in grades 1-12. All those who audition will be part of the show, according to a release, which adds that no prior experience is necessary. For registration information and forms, email schmusicevent@comcast.net. If unable to attend the Saturday auditions, inquire about an alternate time to audition. For more information, call 570-449-1293.

Schuylkill Haven

St. Mark’s (Brown’s) Church, 151 Summer Hill Road, will have a catered dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26 featuring roast beef or stuffed chicken breast by A&C Catering. The cost is $10 and advance orders are required. The deadline to order is Aug. 20. Mended Heart will perform at 6 p.m. Freewill offerings will be accepted. People should bring lawn chairs to enjoy the event.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Elks Lodge 592, 201 W. Broad St., will have an American Cancer Society benefit titled “In Honor of Our Lost Friends” from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 19. It will include a bike run. The cost is $15 per rider, $5 for passenger and $10 for non-riders. There will also be a basket raffle, pig roast and entertainment all day. The bike run sign-up will be at 10 a.m. with kick stands up at 11 a.m. The roast will be prepared by Chef Hiram Quinntanna of Lions Den Catering. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-668-0701.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network will host its fourth annual summer celebration beginning at 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St. It will be an evening of music, message and fellowship featuring the Blue Mountain Community Church Praise Band led by Pastor Jennifer Eckert. Members of the Tamaqua Ministerial Association will deliver short messages between praise sets. The evening will close with an ice cream fellowship. Freewill offerings will be accepted and split between the praise band and art center. All are welcome. TAFFN is an organization of lay leaders from Tamaqua area churches and other organizations “doing God’s work in the community,” organizers said in a release. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit and operates under the umbrella of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership.

Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky announced that Mahantongo Street, between South Centre and South Second streets, will be closed from about 6 a.m. to noon today.

The street will be closed because a crane company will be arriving and placing an antenna on the roof of the Necho Allen building.

Temporary parking restrictions will also be in place, the chief said.

Boy, 9, injured in

pit bull attack

ASHLAND — A 9-year-old boy was injured when he was bitten by a dog in the borough on Thursday.

Ashland police said the incident occurred about 6 p.m. in the area of 1211 Arch St.

The boy suffered injuries to his face that required medical treatment, police said.

Police said the dog that bit the boy was a pit bull owned by Tammy Cummings, Ashland.

Chief Mark O’Hearn said the case, as in all cases involving animal bites, was turned over to Rich Hine, Pennsylvania State Dog Warden for Schuylkill County.

O’Hearn said it will be Hine’s decision as to what, if any, charges will be filed and also what will be done with the animal involved in the attack.

Hine could not be reached for comment Tuesday on the status of his investigation.

Police: Someone

vandalized dugouts

JONESTOWN — State police at Jonestown are investigating a criminal mischief incident that occurred between noon Friday and 8 p.m. Sunday at the Mill Street Park baseball fields in Swatara Township, Lebanon County.

Police said someone went to the park at 426 N. Mill St. and spray painted obscenities on the dugouts before fleeing the area undetected.

Anyone with information is asked to call troopers at 717-865-2194 and refer to incident PA2017-839862.

Shenandoah man

faces drug charges

SHENANDOAH — West Mahanoy Township police have filed charges against a Shenandoah man following an investigation into an incident on Sept. 17, 2016.

Police said it was determined that Anthony Romano was in possession of a quantity of a controlled substance and also drug paraphernalia.

Charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia were filed with Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, police said.

Man charged after

alleged assault

FRACKVILLE — An incident at a local hotel on Thursday led to charges against a Mahanoy City man.

West Mahanoy Township police said William Rodriguez will have to answer to charges of simple assault before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville.

Police said Rodriguez was charged after he pushed another person to the ground and then struck that person several times in the head and face.

Investigation leads

to drug charges

SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS — An investigation into a July 11 report of a suspicious person led to charges being filed against a Shenandoah woman.

West Mahanoy Township police said that after receiving the report they located Leah Clark and found her to be in possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia and an access device that did not belong to her and also learned there was an active warrant for her arrest by the Schuylkill County detectives.

While being taken into custody on the warrant, police said, the woman resisted and tried to destroy the controlled substance, police said.

Clark was charged with resisting arrest, tampering with evidence, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, access device fraud and several summary offenses, police said.

Expired inspection

nets drug charges

PINE GROVE — Pine Grove police arrested a borough man as the result of an incident about 4 p.m. July 10 at Second Street and American Legion Boulevard.

Police said Thomas E. Zimmerman, 33, of 20 Natale Court, was charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving a vehicle without an official Certificate of Inspection, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and duty of driver on approach of emergency vehicle.

Police said officers on patrol tried to stop a vehicle driven by Zimmerman for an expired inspection sticker but as the patrol car came behind him the man motioned for police to go around him.

Zimmerman then suddenly stopped in the middle of the road, exited his vehicle and began to approach the police cruiser, officers said.

Zimmerman argued with officers and eventually got back in his vehicle, police said. The subsequent investigation revealed that Zimmerman had a suspended license and that he was wanted on an active arrest warrant out of Berks County.

Police said that when a tow truck arrived to impound the vehicle, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found inside.

Police charge

woman with assault

PINE GROVE — A borough woman was jailed after being arrested by Pine Grove police after an incident about 4:40 p.m. Monday at her 209 S. Tulpehocken St. home.

Police said Jamie M. Smith, 23, was arraigned on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $15,000 straight cash bail.

Police said Smith became involved in a disagreement with another woman and began to harass her verbally. When the woman tried to go into her home, police said, Smith blocked her way and then struck her in the face.

The woman tried to defend herself, but Smith started pulling her hair and repeatedly struck her head off a wall, police said.

James K. Reiley

A Tamaqua man arrested by Pottsville police for illegally having a firearm on May 15 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

Gerald C. Miller III, 44, of 45 W. Broad St., Apt. 5, was arrested by Capt. Steven Guers and charged with one felony count of possession of a firearm prohibited and a misdemeanor charge of recklessly endangering another person.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Miller will have to answer to both charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Guers said Miller was visiting the residence of his sister at 106 Market Square Apartments in the 100 block of North 12th Street and discharged a 9 mm Sig Sauer pistol into the right leg of his 50-year-old brother-in-law.

Further investigation revealed Miller is a person prohibited to possess or control a firearm due to several previous felony convictions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Guers said, adding that the man is also listed as a wanted person by Dauphin County.

Other court cases included:

Jeffrey S. Reed, 55, of 600 W. Race St., Pottsville; waived for court: aggravated assault, simple assault, endangering the welfare of children, DUI, DUI-highest rate and driving with an alcohol level of 0.02-percent while under license suspension.

John Danchison, 30, of 66 Pattersonville Road, Ringtown; dismissed after the victim withdrew the charges: simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment.

Noah T. Russell, 19, of 600 W. Norwegian St., Apt. 2, Pottsville; held for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Angus J. Angst, 26, of 66 Coal St., Apt. 1, Port Carbon; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brandon R. Courtney, 43, no known address, Pottsville; dismissed after the victim withdrew the charges: simple assault.

Bobby Lee Taylor, 24, of 400 E. Norwegian St., Basement Apt., Pottsville; waived for court: public drunkenness, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael E. Siluk III, 28, of 629 N. Second St., Pottsville; waived for court: retail theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jose O. Gonzalez, 36, of 207 W. Market St., Third Floor Rear, Pottsville; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christopher R. Lazarchick, 37, of 714 Mahantongo St., Apt. 6, Pottsville; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Keven M. Phelan, 29, of 434 E. Market St., Pottsville; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shaquille A. Young, 24, of 507 Fairview St., Pottsville; waived for court: fleeing or attempting to elude police, driving without a license, driving a vehicle without a valid inspection, reckless driving and passing where prohibited.

Natasha L. Twigg, 33, of 405 Prospect St., Pottsville; waived for court: hindering apprehension or prosecution.

Rebecca L. Grandy, 33, of 118 S. Morris St., Saint Clair; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Justine E. Ellinger, 34, of 1130 W. Arch St., Pottsville; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and altered or misbranded controlled substances.

Robert C. Brode Jr., 34, of 37 Goose Pond Road, New Ringgold; waived for court: receiving stolen property and theft by deception.

Anibal Luis Rodriguez, 26, of 439 Morgan Ave., Pottsville; withdrawn and Rodriguez taken into custody on a federal warrant: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and conspiracy.

Mary Jane Simon, 49, of 223 W. Union St., Pottsville; dismissed: failure to comply. Held for court: dogs not validly registered and failure to comply.

Haadee A. Bennett, 31, of 1100 Centre St., Ashland; held for court: simple assault and harassment.

Jarrod Keely, 31, of 313 N. 7th St., Pottsville; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia and no rear lights.

Stephen D. Smoot Jr., 42, of 427 E. Arch St., Pottsville; waived for court: possession of a controlled substance.

Tara E. Himmelberger, 37, of 427 E. Arch St., Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance.

Kenneth L. Smith Jr., 28, of 1234 E. Market St., Mahanoy City; waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, DUI, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, exceeding the speed limit and restraint system violation-booster seats.

Vincent J. Lutchkus III, 32, of 1132 Mahantongo St., Pottsville; waived for court: DUI and DUI highest rate.

Braxton J. Moore, 34, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; held for court: strangulation, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Kevin J. Gordon, 32, of 10 Gallow Road, Minersville; held for court: furnishing drug free urine.

Brian J. O’Doherty, 33, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

POTTSVILLE — A milestone was achieved Tuesday as Yorkville Hose Fire Company held its annual block party for the 90th year.

The community event is the only block party held by one of the seven fire departments in the city.

“Ninety years of tradition have been bringing everybody back here,” Chuck Bauers, financial secretary of the fire company, said Monday.

Fire company members have been preparing for the party for about three weeks.

John Wollyung, president of the Yorkville Hose Company, said people take vacation days to volunteer or work the block party.

“It’s giving back to the community,” he said.

Wollyung said a few thousand people show up to the party each year. He said the block party, which features games, food and Yuengling beer, is a highlight of the summer for some people.

“We try to keep our prices family friendly,” Bauers said.

This is the biggest fundraising event for the fire company. Tickets, which are 25 cents each, were used to buy food such as bleenies, pierogies, halushki, funnel cakes and Yuengling ice cream.

The initial block party started as a fundraiser for The Third Brigade Band, Wollyung said Monday.

“It’s always been the second Tuesday in August. People always ask us why we don’t change it and the answer is it’s tradition. It’s worked for us,” Bauers said.

The area from 19th to 21st Street was blocked off from traffic for the event. Fire apparatus from throughout the county participated in a parade that started at D.H.H. Lengel Middle School and ended at 20th Street.

“I’d love to see us be able to continue the tradition to make it to our 100th,” Bauers said.

Kurt Shelhamer, captain of the Yorkville Hose Company, said, “I think it is the unofficial class reunion of Pottsville.”

Attendance was good for the event, Shelhamer said. However, there was no official attendance number Tuesday.

“It’s ideal weather, so you can’t ask for much more than that,” he said.

William Kline, 70, of Pottsville, a lifetime member of Yorkville Hose, remembers when the price for everything was 10 cents. His wife, Betty Ann, said the event is good for getting together with familiar people.

“You meet old friends you haven’t seen for years,” she said.

Other fire companies in the county hold block parties and say manpower can be a problem to pull off the effort.

Ed Beneshunas, fire chief of Friendship Fire Company No. 1, Englewood, Frackville, said next year will be the 90th year for their block party.

“It takes a diverse group of people,” he said.

The block party is held Friday, Saturday and Sunday over Memorial Day weekend. It used to extend to Monday but has been reduced to three days due to a dwindling number of volunteers. At one time the fire company had two block parties, one run by the men of the firehouse and the other by the ladies auxiliary. Now it is a joint effort.

“Help is harder and harder to come by,” he said.

Beneshunas said the event is a homecoming for many people. He doesn’t foresee the fire company’s block party ending soon, saying it is likely to last for “at least another 10 years.”

Pine Grove Fire Chief Dave Sattizahn said the borough’s Hose, Hook and Ladder Fire Company No. 1 has an annual carnival that takes place from Tuesday through Saturday in the second week of June. It has been held for at least 40 years.

“It’s a lot of work,” he said.

The event is one of the biggest fundraisers for the fire company.

The borough’s other fire company, North End, does not have a block party.

Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney said Tuesday’s block party is a positive event for the community.

“The community comes out and celebrates being a community,” he said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Deeds

Cass Township — Michael S. Ceganick to Michael S. Ceganick; 728 Forest Lane; $1.

Michael S. Ceganick to Michael S. Ceganick; 0.331-acre property on Forest Lane; $1.

Cressona — Myquest LLC to Damian M. and Ellen P.B. Vega; 125 Pottsville St.; $110,000.

Frackville — Par-King Inc. to Par King Inc.; 1.281-acre property at South Mahanoy and East Frack streets; $1.

Minersville — Scott L. Andrews and Janet A. Orendo to Scott L. Andrews; 51 S. Delaware Ave.; $1.

North Union Township — Darren J. Bochmer to Tina Bochmer; property in Nuremberg; $1.

Port Carbon — Janell M. Flanagan to Janell M. and Michael J. Bowers; 243 Pike St.; $1.

Pottsville — Edward W. and Jaime M. Burke to Edward W. Burke; 312 W. Railroad St.; $1.

Kevin and Dane Breen to Raymond and Cathy Cinqmars; 122 Mahantongo Drive; $115,000.

Kimberly Stanell to Kyle A. Bruen and Katrina A. Bergey; 1618 West End Ave.; $88,000.

Tamaqua — Jose Carabello to Megan Marie Miller; 213 Orwigsburg St.; $61,500.

Washington Township — Clair R. and Janet W. Garman to Frederick W. and Helen E.H. Leffler; 0.069-acre property on Fidlers Road; $1.

Frederick W. and Helen E.H. Leffler to Frederick W. and Helen E.H. Leffler; 31 Fidlers Road; $1.

Wayne Township — Sheila Koinski to Anna I Heffner; 347 Lutz Valley Road; $1.

Terry and Lorie Reinert to Teresa Hiester; 503 Cherokee Drive, Lake Wynonah; $1.

Marriage licenses

Gerald J. Stehr, Ashland, and Sarah M. Fetterolf, Ashland.

Randy C. Fackler, Pottsville, and Jessica L. Silvestri, Pottsville.

Joshua W. Yeagley, Frackville, and Joleen M. Lazusky, Frackville.

Christopher N. Cruz, Tamaqua, and Dorothy Ana Vasquez, Tamaqua.

Evan M. Bortner, Schuylkill Haven, and Emily R. Husack, Schuylkill Haven.

Cade E. Holden, Hegins, and Malery Mae Masser, Hegins.

Anthony D. Loftus, Ashland, and Kimberly Rae McIntyre, Ashland.

Justin R. Matz, Saint Clair, and Elizabeth A. Green, Saint Clair.

Thomas S. Herbein, Schuylkill Haven, and Lindsey M. Halye, Schuylkill Haven.

Ryan C. Chattin, Pottsville, and Amber M. Wagner, Pottsville.

Zachary T. Miller, Pottsville, and Shelby Lynn Morgan. Pottsville.

Darnell Lloyd, Frackville, and Whitney Blaylock, Philadelphia.

Christopher J. Brouse, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Alyssa M. Neil, Pittsfield, Masschusetts.

Mark A. Buccieri, Tamaqua, and Devin M. Bodman, Tamaqua.

Andrew Naphtali, Coal Township, and Sarah E. Shinskie, Shamokin.

Zachary J. Lesher, Wernersville, and Kaitlynn H. Sophy, Orwigsburg.

Robert L. Schuld II, New Ringgold, and Nicole L. Kerrigan, Orwigsburg.

Elizabethville has a weeklong schedule of activities to mark its bicentennial from Aug. 12 to 19, culminating in country singer Lee Greenwood serving as grand marshal for the parade Aug. 19 and performing in concert that evening.

A Grammy Award winner and five-time country music male vocalist of the year, Greenwood agreed to be a part of the celebration nearly two years ago.

“As soon as I reached out to him, we got a favorable re-sponse,” Debra Boyer, bicentennial committee volunteer, said. “I found out that he does a lot of patriotic events for communities, and he gave us a great price.”

Initially, Greenwood didn’t think he’d be able to make it in time for the parade in this northern Dauphin County community after finishing another appearance in Virginia the day before, Mike Miller, Elizabethville Area Bicentennial Committee president, said.

After re-examining his travel schedule, Greenwood agreed to participate in the parade, Miller said. Cassandra Angst, the 2017 Miss Pennsylvania USA, is also slated to appear in the parade, he said.

The community support of the bicentennial activities has been appreciated, Miller said.

“We’ve had about 75 volunteers involved in the planning, fundraising and execution of our events. We’re blessed to have so many dedicated people and they’ve done a great job,” Miller said. “Our planning and fundraising have gone really well, and now we’ve got to pull off the execution.”

Borough families and businesses participated in the bicentennial beautification contest, embracing a patriotic theme in decorating front porches and storefronts.

“We had people out decorating around town and that turned out really well,” Dave Shadle, vice president of the bicentennial steering committee, said.

Miller, Shadle and Boyer were in the park Monday, working with crews to make sure the electrical systems were operating properly for the upcoming week of celebratory events. The list of winners of the beautification contest were released Tuesday. Visitors to the borough may want to view some of their handiwork. The winners included: Best of the Celebration Award, Jane and Karl Schader, 200 W. Broad St.; Best Neighborhood Effort, LuAnn Shadle, 166 E. Vicki Lane; Spirit Award, Christine Charles, 16 W. Main St.; and Judges Award, Steve and Tammy Wiest, 132 W. Main St. A complete list will be posted at www.elizabethville2017.org.

During Pool Day on Aug. 14, the Elizabethville Area Community Alliance will unveil a design of the new splash pad slated for the next phase of pool renovations. The EACA wants to make the splash pad project a joint effort between local businesses and organizations. The splash pad will be named in honor of the town’s bicentennial celebration. Pool Day is free and sunglasses will be given away to attendees.

Elizabethville’s grand finale celebration kicks off at noon Aug. 19 with a bicentennial parade. There are 90 entries slated to participate, Miller said. The procession will step off at noon from the Upper Dauphin Area High School to Market Street, then to Broad, Moore, Main, Bender and Church Street, and back to the high school.

The evening concludes with a concert at Elizabethville Veterans Memorial Park followed by fireworks. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The opening act for Greenwood will be The Badlees, featuring Brett Alexander and Friends, at 6:30 p.m. Greenwood, known for his song “God Bless the USA,” will then take the stage for the grand finale. According to event organizers, “ ‘God Bless the USA’ has been voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America.”

The show has general admission and there are no assigned seats. Attendees should bring lawn chairs. Alcohol is not permitted. Tickets are $20 each and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3014202 or one of the following local businesses: Klinger Lumber Co., Kerwin & Kerwin Law Office, Deibler Straub and Troutman Insurance, or Broad Mountain Winery. Tickets will be scanned and attendees will receive a wristband. Tickets will not scan more than once.

Miller wants visitors to know that there’s limited parking in the borough. A free shuttle bus service will be provided. Visitors arriving in town can park for free at RiteScreen, a designated parking area, and then take the shuttle to the park. Handicap-accessible parking was made available within 50 yards of the ballfield, Miller said. All other parking will be at the RiteScreen location, just off Route 209.

There’s also a bag policy. No purses, handbags, diaper bags, backpacks, briefcases, fanny packs, camera bags or binocular cases will be allowed. Guests can bring a clear one-gallon plastic bag, one per person, and a wristlet no larger than 4-by-6-inch by 1 inch with or without a strap.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Bicentennial events

Saturday, Aug. 12

· Sounding of the horns, sirens and bells, and demonstration by Reliance Hose Company No. 1 at 9 a.m. at Upper Dauphin Area High School

· Borough time capsule opening by Elizabethville Area Historical Society at 11:30 a.m. at the society’s parking lot, 100 Main St.

· Community day and borough’s 200th birthday party with games, prizes and snacks for kids ages 2 to 9 from noon to 4 p.m. at Elizabethville Borough Park

· Wine garden tasting and chicken barbecue from 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the park

· Bicentennial pentathlon with age groups 9 to 13 and 14 to 18 from noon to 5 p.m. at the park

Sunday, Aug. 13

· Community worship service at 10:30 a.m. at the high school

· Potluck lunch and musical entertainment by Men In Harmony following the worship service at the high school

· “Old Timers” baseball game at 3 p.m. at the legion ballfield

Monday, Aug. 14

· Pool Day hosted by the bicentennial committee and Elizabethville Area Community Alliance from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 15

· Pet parade at 6:30 p.m. at the legion ballfield, followed by live entertainment by Gas Station Disco

Wednesday, Aug. 16

· Block party with live entertainment by Britishmania, a Beatles Tribute Band at 7 p.m. at the park

Thursday, Aug. 17

· Baby parade at 6:30 p.m. at the ballfield

· Block party with live entertainment from Whiskey Shooter at the park

Friday, Aug. 18

· Community business day

· Block party with live entertainment from Shotgunn at 7 p.m. at the park

Saturday, Aug. 19

· Bicentennial parade at noon

· Concert and fireworks with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. at the park

America’s line

LLEWELLYN — Branch-Reilly police are investigating a break-in and theft at the Good Intent Fire Company between Sunday night and Monday morning.

Joseph Pothering, a former trustee with the company, said the thief or thieves broke in through an office window to the rear of the building and disabled a DVR security system. With the system disabled, Pothering said, the thieves went through the building undetected.

“They had full access to the hall and bar area,” he said.

There, the thieves emptied money from a cash register and smashed open a lock box and took money from inside.

Pothering said members were at the fire company late Sunday cleaning up from a benefit ATV run and discovered the theft the following day.

Pothering said the money collected for the benefit ATV run was deposited in the bank Saturday before the theft occurred.

He said that about $1,000 was stolen from the sales of food, drinks and other items as well as the DVR unit of the security system that costs several thousand dollars.

Branch-Reilly police said the investigation is ongoing and they are waiting for information from the fire company to determine exactly how much money was stolen.

Patrolman William Kantner said evidence was collected from the scene but provided no additional details on the crime or investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-544-9580 or the Schuylkill County Communications Center.

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

PORT CARBON — Kidnapping and other charges against an Orwigsburg man were dismissed Tuesday after the alleged victim failed to appear at his preliminary hearing.

Michael N. Krause, 27, of 30 White Birch Road, was scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko to answer to charges of one felony count of kidnapping and one misdemeanor count each of unlawful restraint and false imprisonment.

However, the charges were dismissed after the victim, Joanne Arcuri, 43, of Pottsville, was not there to testify.

“The victim does not want to appear in court or proceed with the charges,” First Assistant District Attorney John Fegley told Plachko.

Shortly after, Krause’s attorney, James Conville, made a motion to dismiss the charges, which the judge granted.

Plachko also ordered the $25,000 straight cash bail against Krause at the time of his arraignment be lifted.

Krause was arrested by state police Trooper Vincent Laselva of the Schuylkill Haven station in connection with an incident about 11 p.m. June 5 in the area of 509 W. Savory St., Palo Alto.

In his affidavit of probable cause, Laselva said he was called to the area of that address along with troopers Thomas Finn and Justin Humanick for a report of an abduction but was redirected to the area of White Birch Road, Wayne Township, to look for the fleeing vehicle involved in the incident.

Unable to find the vehicle immediately, Laselva said he returned to the scene in Palo Alto and interviewed a witness who reported taking Arcuri to a home in Palo Alto. The witness said Arcuri entered the home and then came out, saying she was going to stay there for the night.

As the witness was pulling out, he reported seeing Krause yelling at Arcuri, Laselva said.

Laselva reported the witness then said Krause “grabbed” Arcuri and “stuffed her” in the driver’s side of his truck and pulled away.

Laselva said the witness said he tried to block Krause, but he turned and fled.

The next morning, Laselva said, Schuylkill Township Police Chief Frank DiMarco and Patrolman Christian Deangelo found the truck in Middleport. The officers found Krause and another man outside the vehicle and Arcuri, who said she was being held against her will, inside.

Krause and the other man were taken into custody and the two, along with Arcuri, were taken to the Schuylkill Haven state police barracks.

Laselva said that when Arcuri was interviewed, she reported being at the Krause home on June 5 and sneaking out when he was sleeping because he was abusive.

Arcuri said that later in the day she received a ride to Palo Alto to the house of people she knows and, as she was walking on the sidewalk, Krause “came out of nowhere,” picked her up and threw her in his truck.

The woman said she started kicking and screaming but Krause would not let her out and drove on Tumbling Run Road, ending up at Turkey Hill in Port Carbon, Laselva said.

From there, Arcuri said, Krause drove to New Philadelphia, where he talked on his phone and then drove to Middleport where they were eventually found by Schuylkill Township police.

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

POTTSVILLE — No matter the experiment, Michael Durant, 16, said science is always intriguing.

“It is exciting because sometimes you think you know what the results are going to be, then it comes out completely different,” Durant said last week.

Last month, Durant joined other high school students throughout the country at the annual Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders last month in Lowell, Massachusetts. Durant, Port Carbon, was the first student from Nativity BVM High School to attend. He also received a congratulatory letter from Gov. Tom Wolf.

The honors-only program is for high school students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering or mathematics with the purpose of honoring, inspiring, motivating and directing them on their path of becoming scientists and technologists, according to an event press release. The 2017 event was held June 29, 30 and July 1.

“Kids my age are going to be the people making these discoveries and breakthroughs in the future,” Durant said last week.

Durant was nominated to attend the event by Dr. John C. Mather, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics and Science Director of the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists, to represent his school based on his academic achievement, leadership potential, and passion for science and technology.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all, then I read into it and thought it would be interesting to go and meet all these people who are helping the world,” Durant said.

During the three-day event, Durant heard Nobel laureates and National Medal of Science recipients talk about scientific research and the advances and future of science and technology. Some of the speakers made breakthroughs as teenagers, such as Jack Andraka, who created a new diagnostic test for pancreatic cancer research at the age of 15 in 2012.

Durant had the opportunity to meet and chat with Mather at the congress along with the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists Executive Director Richard Rossi. He said he will never forget one of the things that Rossi told the high school students.

“You have to embrace failure,” Durant said. “You might not get the results you wanted, but that does not mean it is an end. There is always something you can work back from.”

Entering his junior year at Nativity BVM High School, Durant said he is still looking at colleges as he considers a career in engineering or cybersecurity.

“This is a crucial time in America when we need more nimble-minded and creative scientists and technologists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially,” Rossi said in a prepared statement. “Focused, bright and determined students like Michael Durant are our future and he deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give him.”

For more information about the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists, visit www.scitechleaders.com.

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

Ashland

The Ashland Public Library, 1229 Centre St., in conjunction with Boy Scout Troop 745 and Cub Scout Pack 749, is holding a back-to-school supply drive through Aug. 25. Donations of new backpacks, pencil cases, red and blue folders, marble notebooks, highlighters, glue sticks and tissues will be appreciated, organizers said in a press release. Used band instruments will also be collected to donate to the North Schuylkill School District. Instruments must be in working order and good condition, according to the release. Donations can be dropped off at the library during regular library hours. Distribution to Ashland families with children needing supplies will be from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 25. For more information, call the library at 570-875-3175 during library hours.

Atlas

A meeting to offer help for families fighting addictions will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at Health/Legal Advocate Services LLC, 450 Route 61. The session is free.

Barnesville

The Rush, Ryan & Delano Senior Citizens Inc. group meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at the Ryan Township Fire Company, Route 54. People 55 and older are welcome to join. The group held its annual summer picnic July 25 at St. Peter’s Grove. Gene Morrison provided entertainment for the event that was catered by Hess Catering, Schuylkill Haven.

Girardville

Girard Hose Company No. 1, 120 E. Main St., will have its annual block party from 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday and all are welcome to attend. There will be ethnic food, games, live entertainment and adult beverages. A fire truck parade is set for 7 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 717-861-2501.

Minersville

The Minersville Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Josephine Sitkus from Jerry Sitkus; for Steve Sitkus from Jerry Sitkus; for Vito Sitkus from Jerry Sitkus; for Gabby and Nancy Jones from Sandra L. Jones; for Thomas Doyle from Lynn Pielacha; for Fred Wenner from John and Juliann Kowalchick, Karen Ecker, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Grieff, Patricia Walasavage, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hahner, Mr. and Mrs. Myron Hardock, Jane Yourey, Cheryl McElheny, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Cresswell, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Davenport, Joan Hufnagle, Mr. and Mrs. Russ Frantz, Diane and Alexis Huntzinger, Mr. and Mrs. Myron Sinkovich, Carolyn Domlesky, Marilyn Condrack, Gloria Dutcavich, Minersville High School Class of 1957; for Patricia Ralston from John and Juliann Kowalchick; for Helen Clay from John and Juliann Kowalchick, Cheryl and William Newton, Bill and Rose Ann Sep and Antoinette and Emily Purcell; for Rose Marie Shilcusky from Bill and Rose Ann Sep and Antoinette and Emily Purcell; for John Butcavage from Gloria and John Capik, Ellen Valent; for Edward Brady from Gloria and John Capik; for John Nush from Alana Nush; for Scott Palokas from Barb and Al Munster; for Steve Yuschock from Rick and Barb Pielacha; for David J. Murphy Sr. from Larry and Lorraine Palko, Ellen Valent and Debbie Cherrybon; for Shirley Neidlinger Legeza from Ellen Valent; for Scott Palokas from Debbie Cherrybon.

Pine Grove

The Pine Grove Area High School Class of 1967 will have a luncheon at noon Aug. 17 at the Red Lion Cafe, 697 Deturksville Road. Participants will pick items from the menu. For more information, call Keith at 570-345-6038.

Tamaqua

Revive Community Fellowship will present a production of “It is Well” at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St. The play is based on the life of Phillip Bliss, who some consider to be the second most famous Christian songwriter ever. Seating will be limited, so reservations are suggested. For reservations or more information, call 570-668-1192.

Tamaqua

Know Return, a Kansas tribute band, will be featured at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Tamaqua Art Center, 125 Pine St. Tickets are $15 each. For tickets or more information, call 570-668-1192.

POTTSVILLE — A Minersville woman returned to prison Friday after a Schuylkill County judge revoked her parole.

Loren M. Zelonis, 33, must remain in prison until Oct. 22, and could remain there until March 17, 2018, President Judge William E. Baldwin ruled. Zelonis also must undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation.

Baldwin revoked Zelonis’ parole after the defendant admitted violating it by failing to report to her supervising officer and not making payments on her costs and fines.

Zelonis originally pleaded guilty on Feb. 17, 2016, to resisting arrest, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of disorderly conduct. At that time, Baldwin sentenced her to serve one to 12 months in prison and pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and a $50 bench warrant fee.

Minersville police had charged Zelonis with resisting arrest on May 8, 2014, in the borough.

Also on Friday, Baldwin revoked the probation of Felicia Urbanski, 29, of Philadelphia, but placed her back on probation for six months.

Urbanski admitted violating her probation by failing to report to her supervising officer, failing drug tests and not making payments on her costs and fees.

“I have a lot of support now,” Urbanski said. “I just want to fix my life.

She originally pleaded guilty on Oct. 14, 2015, to retail theft in one case and receiving stolen property in another. At that time, Baldwin placed her on probation for 18 months and also sentenced her to pay costs, $100 in CJEA payments and $804.35 restitution and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Rush Township police filed both charges against Urbanski, alleging she committed the theft on Oct. 25, 2014, and received the stolen property on Feb. 26, 2015.

In another Friday case, Baldwin revoked the parole and probation of Barbara L. Figueiredo, 37, of Kingston, and sentenced her to spend six to 24 years in a state correctional institution.

Figueiredo, who had five cases against her, admitted violating her parole and probation by failing to report to her supervising officer, failing a drug test, moving without permission and not making payments on her costs and fees.

Also on Friday, Baldwin revoked the parole of Ashley Bynon, 23, of Tamaqua, and ordered her recommitted to prison until Aug. 28, 2018.

Bynon admitted violating her parole by failing to report to her supervising officer, not attending follow-up treatment, using drugs and not making payments on her costs and fees.

“She wasn’t complying at all,” Baldwin said.

Bynon originally pleaded guilty on March 19, 2014, to simple assault and disorderly conduct. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of simple assault and a charge of recklessly endangering another person.

At that time, Baldwin placed her on probation for 23 months, and also sentenced her to pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment.

Tamaqua police charge Bynon with committing her crimes on April 16, 2013, in the borough.

On Wednesday, prosecutors withdrew charges of indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom, against Adrian L. Steinmetz, 53, and Raymond A. Steinmetz Jr., 46, both of Pottsville.

Pottsville police had charged both Steinmetzes with violating a protection from abuse order on July 19 in the city.

Senior Judge D. Michael Stine, who had been scheduled to preside over hearings for each defendant, instead signed orders allowing prosecutors to withdraw the charges.

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

FRACKVILLE — The Pearl Theatre Stadium 8 will remain open through the end of the year.

The future of the movie theater at the Schuylkill Mall was unclear after an announcement in May of the mall’s closure by year’s end. At that point, tenants were encouraged by the mall’s owner, NorthPoint Development, Riverside, Missouri, to leave within 60 to 90 days. The theater announced it would stay open until September.

“We were the fly on the wall that would not die,” Zach Gilbert, general manager of the theater, said Tuesday.

He said the theater’s owners were in frequent contact with NorthPoint. Gilbert received a phone call Monday from the owners saying they could stay until the end of December.

“We haven’t reached an official closing date,” he said.

“It’s like a 50-pound weight got pulled from our chest,” he said.

The theater currently employs between 30 and 40 employees, mostly part time.

It has not been determined where the theater will move in the new year.

“We are trying to push toward the Pottsville area,” Gilbert said.

Several locations in Schuylkill County have been looked at, but the owners have yet to find a place with adequate parking and high ceilings for the screens. Gilbert said constructing a new building is possible, but it would likely be cost prohibitive.

The theater’s owners are committed to staying in the county.

“Schuylkill County can definitely support a movie theatre,” Gilbert said.

When the theater does vacate the mall, Gilbert said he will be sad because it was his first job. He started by sweeping floors.

A customer appreciation day is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 20. Movies will be $5. For every $5 spent, customers will receive tickets to enter into a basket raffle. The event was planned before the announcement of the theater’s extended life.

The extra time to see movies was good news to patrons Tuesday.

“I’m happy. There is not much here left in Schuylkill County,” Coleen McGuire, Frackville, said.

Chelsea Moran, 21, of Minersville, was equally enthusiastic.

“I think it’s awesome,” Moran said. She was at the theater to see “Kidnapped” with her boyfriend, Dylan Sensenig, 23, of Ephrata, Lancaster County.

Like the theater, the future of the few remaining tenants is not known.

Employees of Dunham’s Sports declined to comment Tuesday on any plans for the store. Previously, it was said efforts are underway to relocate. A call to the corporate office was not returned.

An employee at AT&T said the company is still looking to stay in the county.

Blum’s Auction will leave in September. Blum’s is looking to buy a building in the county.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — Every resident in Schuylkill County may soon be able to take their recyclables to the curb.

Last month, county commissioners approved the updated Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan that included the recommendation of one day eliminating its drop-off recycling collection program in favor of a curbside service in every municipality.

“We just need to move into the 21st century,” Joseph Scribbick, county solid waste and recycling coordinator, said Monday. “We need to realize what is in our trash and what is going to the landfill. Many of these materials can be recycled curbside. Making recycling convenient for every household in Schuylkill County has the ability to become a reality.”

In order to mandate that every municipality has a curbside recycling program, county commissioners would have to adopt a countywide curbside recycling ordinance. Before bringing such an ordinance to the board, Scribbick said he plans to meet with local waste haulers and municipal officials to get feedback as well as collect additional information on drop-off and curbside programs.

Schuylkill County has operated a countywide recycling drop-off program since 1994. There are currently 18 drop-off locations in the county where residents are able to recycle plastic, glass, metal and paper. The materials are transported to a local facility for processing and resale.

“It’s becoming cost prohibitive and less convenient than curbside recycling,” Scribbick said.

As the value of recycled materials continues to decline, the county has also had to deal with people dumping garbage at drop-off locations and dwindling state funding.

“What would happen if we go to curbside, that would be our exit strategy for the drop-off program,” Scribbick said.

Several municipalities in Schuylkill County have recently made the switch to curbside recycling. New Philadelphia started its curbside service in February while Saint Clair, Orwigsburg, Rush Township and East Union Township also went curbside over the last five years.

Since 1988, the state has mandated curbside recycling in municipalities with populations of more than 10,000 and those with populations between 5,000 and 10,000 with population densities greater than 300 people per square mile.

According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, 440 of Pennsylvania’s 2,700 municipalities are required to have the curbside service. In Schuylkill County, that includes Pottsville, Schuylkill Haven, Shenandoah and Tamaqua.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania also has 617 municipalities with voluntary curbside recycling programs.

Including the mandatory programs, there are 15 municipalities in the county with curbside recycling, Scribbick said. There are 33 municipalities in the county without any recycling program.

When it comes to finding a place for residents to recycle electronics, Scribbick said the county has the option of establishing a drop-off location and working with Unicor, previously known as The Federal Prison Industries program, which recently started a recycling program at Federal Correctional Institution/Schuylkill, Butler Township.

The Covered Device Recycling Act of 2013 bans all electronic devices from landfills and they must be recycled. The law also set an annual quota for electronic manufacturers to recycle.

Electronic recycling has become too expensive for the county to include in its annual Fall Cleanup in September.

“There is a possibility for a convenience center in Schuylkill County if the law doesn’t change,” Scribbick said Tuesday. “What we would do is put up a pole building on county land and have Unicor inmates haul them out through the pole building.”

Scribbick also said the county could have a collection event like its Fall Cleanup specifically for electronics; however, residents would likely have to pay per item.

“We can’t go on forever with no option,” Scribbick said. “There needs to be an outlet for electronics.”

The Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan, which is updated every 10 years, also included an ordinance establishing a hauler registration program for everyone who collects and transports solid waste generated within the county. The commissioners approved the Solid Waste and Recycling Transporter ordinance in July 2016.

“It’s for data accuracy to help the county know where our waste is being disposed and better plan for waste disposal,” Scribbick said.

There are 57 registered waste transporters operating in Schuylkill County and 11 operating outside the county but receiving solid waste from Schuylkill County.

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

MAHANOY CITY — The building that once housed the Mahanoy City Lumber & Supply Co. was recently donated to a nonprofit student-run newspaper that publishes quarterly.

On Sept. 9 and 10, the students who write for Coal Cracker, Youth-led News for PA’s Anthracite Coal Region will be painting sections of the exterior of the 12,500-square-foot building at 435 W. Centre St.

Meanwhile, the adults in charge — including Krista Gromalski, president of the nonprofit organization called “Coal Cracker Kids,” and Leslie L. Richardson, its project coordinator — are working to figure out how to find the money to keep the lights on and make necessary repairs.

“Eventually, we need to replace the back roof and do some electrical work and plumbing,” Gromalski said Tuesday.

The newspaper is just one of the projects supported by the nonprofit organization and more projects are in the works, she said.

“Currently, our board of directors is working on a strategic plan and gearing up for a major fundraising effort. We want to maintain the youth-led newspaper as our cornerstone project and help it to grow into our new headquarters. There is obviously a lot of renovating to do, such as replacing the back roof. But we are researching similar ventures such as the Railroad Street Youth Project in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and Appalshop in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Our intent is to find new ways for young people to explore the social, economic, ecological and cultural fabric of their community and in doing so to discover and actualize the means for positive change,” Gromalski said.

History

The lumber company building was constructed about 1900, according to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator.

Its first tenant was Harrison Ball Lumber & Hardware.

“The original owners were Harrison and Anna Ball. It was sold to the Mahanoy City Lumber Company in 1921,” Peg Grigalonis, president of the Mahanoy Area Historical Society, said Tuesday.

“When the lumber company was in operation, from the early 1920s through the mid-1990s, it was the source of building materials for many of the homes in and around the Borough of Mahanoy City. It also employed local people as laborers, carpenters and office workers,” Gromalski said.

The Mahanoy City Lumber & Supply Co. closed around 1995, Gromalski said. Then the building served as an office for Pedriani Construction and Custom Design Inc. Gromalski said the president of that company, Frank E. Pedriani, is her cousin.

“When the lumber company and hardware store closed, a portion of the building remained in use until January as offices for Hallmark Homes,” Gromalski said. “Over the past decade, Hallmark Homes and the home-building company vacated. They’ve been using it as storage. They maintained bookkeeping and accounting services here, but it made economic sense to move bookkeeping to main offices in Mountain Top.”

Gromalski, co-founder of Heron’s Eye Communications, Greeley, Pike County, started the Coal Cracker student newspaper in 2013. She assembled a board of directors to support it. Members include Grigalonis and James J. Rhoades Jr., an environmental group manager for Alfred Benesch & Co., Pottsville.

According to Gromalski, the adults support it because it’s an educational experience for students.

“It’s a newspaper by young people. It’s community news. It’s news for everyone. And it’s a youth perspective on the community. We don’t really have a student or youth newspaper in this area,” she said.

“And where would any of us be without mentors, people that are willing to share what they have learned? The group of young people that are writing for Coal Cracker are open and intelligent and really on top of the issues. Who wouldn’t want to be involved with young people like that? I am hoping that any guidance I can provide will help them to be able to express their thoughts as well as become better informed about current issues in their community. When it is their time to step up and lead, they will be ready,” said Richardson, who as project coordinator is a paid subcontractor.

It’s a quarterly print and online youth-led media outlet for children ages 12 to 18, according to its website at www.coalcrackerkids.org.

It’s not affiliated with any school district, Richardson said.

Its student writers include Myla Wall and Oceana O’Boyle, both 12 and Mahanoy Area students who will be in seventh grade in the 2017-18 school year.

“We’re grant-funded. We’re not advertising-based. And we do compensate our writers for their work, using grant funds from the Community Reporting Alliance,” Gromalski said.

The student group had been meeting at the Mahanoy City Public Library. The group received its nonprofit status in August 2016.

“Now we’re officially known as ‘Coal Cracker Kids.’ And we not only focus on youth-led journalism. Now that we have the nonprofit status, we can focus more on professional development projects for young people. We can now branch out and do other things, which we still have to decide on,” Gromalski said.

On Dec. 22, the Mahanoy City Lumber Co. sold the property at 435 W. Centre St. for $1 to the “Coal Cracker Kids, 502 W. Railroad St., Mahanoy City,” which is Gromalski’s home address, according to the parcel locator.

The Centre Street side of the building has three levels: a basement, former hardware store and offices. The Railroad Street side also has three levels, all warehouse space. There are still remnants of the lumber company there, including collections of decorative window shutters and moulding.

Gromalski and Pedriani have been talking about the building for years.

“Even though ‘Coal Cracker’ has only been a reality for the past four years, it’s an idea I’ve had for some time,” Gromalski said.

“For a property of this age, it is unique in that it has only had three owners: Harrison Ball, the Mahanoy City Lumber & Supply Company, and now Coal Cracker Kids, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to empower young people of Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal Region through youth-led projects that explore sense of place and promote professional development,” Gromalski said in a grant application to Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

Future

“Coal Cracker Kids was given the building in early 2017, along with a donation to help cover our first year of basic expenses,” Gromalski said in the application. The donation from Pedriani was $14,500, Gromalski said.

“We plan to use the offices as the editorial headquarters for our youth-led newspaper, which teaches journalism and photography skills to young people ages 10 through 18. Long-term, we plan to renovate the hardware store and warehouse space into a community center or event space,” Gromalski said in the application. “Although the Lumber Company is structurally sound and its offices are in good condition, the building’s facade has deteriorated. In particular, its exteriors on Centre and B streets, which are visible to travelers along PA Route 54 through the Borough of Mahanoy City, are in need of painting.”

Coal Cracker Kids received a grant from the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Fresh Paint Days program to paint the building’s exterior. It included 20 gallons of paint and a $50 gift certificate for Home Depot.

The group is looking for volunteers to paint on the weekend of Sept. 9 and 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. People interested can contact Gromalski at 570-647-6407.

The decorative tiles on the side of the building facing Centre Street that spell out the name of the former lumber company will not be changed, Gromalski said.

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

RINGTOWN — The borough council Tuesday filled a vacancy on the board with a former mayor.

The council accepted the resignation of Peg Forgotch Thompson in July.

With a unanimous vote, the board appointed Leonard Kamarousky to her seat.

“We can only appoint him until the end of the year for municipal election,” council President Julian Milewski said at the council’s August meeting at the Ringtown Senior Citizens Building.

Councilman David Seresky made the motion to appoint Kamarousky. It was seconded by Councilman James Compton Sr. and carried unanimously with votes by Councilman Thomas Murray and Milewski.

Kamarousky was not present at Tuesday’s meeting.

In other matters, the council revised its contract for a paving project that will include drainage improvements on East Main Street.

In July, the council hired Blue Ridge Excavating-N-Hauling LLC, Shamokin, the low bidder, choosing three options that cost a total of $101,672.50. On Tuesday, project manager Jacqueline A. Peleschak of Alfred Benesch & Co., Pottsville, recommended a change.

“At the last meeting, you made a motion to award the contract for the base bid and the two bid additions. You’re using liquid fuels as your funding source and anything above $100,000 will need to be prevailing wage,” Peleschak said.

She admitted she’d made a mistake while communicating the information to the council: “When I said at the last meeting that you should award for all three, the base bid and the two additions, that was my goof. I should have only recommended the base bid and the paving.”

The council Tuesday voted to keep Blue Ridge’s base bid of $60,842.50, which includes the stormwater work, the additional job of repaving of the wearing course at a cost of $30,150, and 1 1/2 milling, 21-feet wide, at a cost of $5,025.

“So I need a motion to just award the contract based on the base bid and those bid additions in the amount of $96,017.50,” Peleschak said.

Dropped was the base repair, which cost $5,655.

“It may not be a biggie but to not have that up front makes me feel a little goofy. I got to tell you, I’m a little disappointed at that,” Milewski said.

Compton, Milewski and Murray approved the change. Seresky voted no, since he disagreed with the project’s initial concept.

In other matters, the council is still looking for an emergency management coordinator. In February, Thompson announced her resignation as emergency management director for personal reasons.

“We still don’t have a person. We talked about sharing services, and I have not heard anything. Do we want to send a letter to Union Township? They supposedly have an active person there. Do you want to see if we can share their person?” Milewski asked the board.

“He gets paid by the township. I think he would do it if he got paid here,” Mayor Albert Breznik Jr. said.

The council decided to send a letter to Union Township to inquire about the possibility.

In June, the council decided to allow its police force to work with the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force once insurance information was verified.

In July, S. John Price, borough solicitor, said he still had questions regarding insurance. Price said Tuesday he’s working to find answers.

“I’ve been in touch with Pat Leonard, who’s the first deputy attorney general for the commonwealth, which is the second highest law enforcement office in the commonwealth next to the attorney general. He did not have an immediate answer. He’s researching it, and he’ll be back in touch with me,” Price said.

Breznik said since last month’s meeting, he spoke with a representative of the borough’s insurance carrier.

“He did say we are covered as long as we are paying our police officer to do the work,” Breznik said.

The council took no action on the matter Tuesday, allowing Price more time for research.

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

Have you had enough summer fun yet? There’s still more time to make memories before the kiddies go back to school and our calendars fill.

Boscov’s in Pottsville will host Summer Reading on the Road in the children’s toy area at 11 a.m. Saturday. Local libraries will host bingo games. Play bingo and win books. The games are free and all ages are welcome.

Heisler’s Dairy, Lewistown Valley, will feature its last summer concert for the year. Ann Marie Calabrese will perform at 6 p.m. Sunday. Take the family to enjoy miniature golf, arcade, driving range, ice cream and music. The concert is free.

The 25th annual Pioneer Day will take place Aug. 19 at Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train. Celebrate the Pioneer Tunnel’s 55th anniversary as a tourist attraction. In addition to its coal mine tour and steam train rides, there will be entertainment provided by the Breaker Boys and musical entertainment provided by MAK. Enjoy food, crafts and games. Take a lawn chair and enjoy the day.

The annual Island Park Festival will be held Aug. 19 in Schuylkill Haven. There will be non-stop entertainment, family fun, food, Kid’s Korner, beer garden, live bands and more. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 4 and under.

The annual Heritage Day and Parade of Nations is slated to take place in downtown Shenandoah on Aug. 26. The parade, starting at 10 a.m., will feature more than 20 nations in full ceremonial dress, live jazz and marching bands and more. Following the parade, wander through the park to taste foods of many nations, purchase crafts and enjoy more live music. This family fun day is not to be missed.

Schuylkill Women in Crisis’ summer wish list includes 8-inch-by-10-inch blank canvases for art projects, twin fitted sheets, wash cloths and bath towels. If you can help them out, it would be greatly appreciated.

Pregnancy center

volunteers

Times: Flexible.

Responsibility: Help in a variety of ways including office assistance, events, maintenance and housekeeping, clothing organizing, window display and more.

Skills: Friendly and reliable. Able to perform assigned task. Contact agency for details.

Location: Pottsville

Call: Care Net of Schuylkill County, 570-624-7244.

Hospital volunteers

Times: Flexible

Responsibility: Help needed with gift shop, information desk, clerical assistance and/or special projects, friendly visitor to help with Dietary Department, outpatient surgical services, mail room, emergency room, nursing units and Eucharistic ministry. Dependable and friendly. Training and on-going support provided. Mileage reimbursement available.

Skills: Must be age 55 and older.

Location: Lehigh Valley Health South and East, Pottsville

Call: Darla Troutman, RSVP of Schuylkill County, at 570-622-3103.

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.

Customers of Frontier Communications may experience service disruptions due to a cut line, according to the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency.

The disruption may affect landline and voice over internet customers in Schuylkill and Luzerne counties. There were reports Wednesday that North Union Township was without service.

Schuylkill County Communications Center will monitor the situation, determine the extent of the outage and assess the impact to 911 circuits, according to a press release.

Frontier Communications did not know when service would be restored.