FRACKVILLE — A former borough councilman told the council Wednesday that its plan to build a new community pool is a waste of money.

“We can’t afford this pool in Frackville. We need our streets fixed,” Vince Roman said in the public portion of the council’s August meeting at the municipal building, 40 S. Center St.

“It’s a community asset, something that’s worth having. We’re not giving up on it,” Councilwoman Karen Domalakes, chairwoman of the council’s recreation committee, said. “There is so much that we’ve lost already. We have control of this.”

“You have to try to get people to want to live in Frackville, to get your tax base up,” council President Ron Jordan said. “What you have to do is make it attractive to live in town.”

“Well, if they come down Arch Street looking for a house, Mr. President, they’re going to need shocks by the time they get to the Elks,” Roman said. “Is that attractive? Do you think they’re worried about a pool?”

“Not to bash other towns, have you drove around to other towns?” Jordan said.

“They’re all bad,” Roman said.

“No. They’re worse than Frackville,” Jordan said.

“No money for streets goes to the pool. They’re different subjects,” Domalakes said.

The pool at Memorial Park, built in 1978, did not open in 2015 after three of its walls had pulled away and other walls were cracked. All of the pool’s filtration buckets were also cracked.

In 2016, the council decided to keep the pool closed and look at options to replace it. In April, the council decided to apply to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a $750,000 matching recreational grant from the Community Recreation and Conservation Program.

In May, the council approved a resolution to apply for another matching grant to support the project, up to $250,000 from the state Department of Community and Economic Development. They are 50 percent matching grants, Domalakes said. She said the council may not know whether it received any funding until year’s end.

In May, the council approved an ordinance giving it the ability to borrow $1.5 million to build a new swimming pool at Memorial Park. Domalakes said previously the borough would not use that line of credit unless state money was available to cover half the cost of the project.

“Can you name me another town north of the mountain that has a swimming pool outside for the community?” Roman asked.

“No,” Domalakes said.

“And why don’t they have one? Because they know they can’t afford it,” Roman said.

“I can’t say why they don’t have them,” Domalakes said.

“Ask them,” Roman said.

“But they don’t have one. We do. And we decided we’re not going to throw it away. And if we’re offered a half a million dollars from the state ...” Domalakes said.

Roman interrupted her, saying, “How much money, right now, were we offered?”

“Well, right now, we’re not doing anything,” she said.

“You have nothing, zero,” Roman said.

“We made an application and we should hear an answer in December. And if they’re offering us a half a million dollars, are we really going to say ‘no, we’d rather have less for our community?’ You really got to think about it, if you want to turn down a half a million dollars for us,” Domalakes said.

“Where is the borough getting the other $500,000?” Roman asked.

“We don’t pay it all at one time. You pay it through a loan over the course of years,” Domalakes said.

Roman also said the cost of running the pool continued to increase. He claimed it cost the borough $34,000 to run the pool in 2012, $39,000 in 2013 and $41,000 in 2014.

“You didn’t take off income. It didn’t cost $41,000. That’s just looking at expenditures. That’s not decreasing them by what was taken in at the pool. So that doesn’t show the cost. It was never $40,000,” Domalakes said.

Roman asked how much a new pool would cost to operate.

“We won’t know until it actually happens. You were on council. You know you make a budget of projected income and expenditures. And you really didn’t know what they were until the year was over,” she said.

In a related matter, Domalakes said, “There was a successful basket auction by the library and rec board for the pool. We raised over $5,000.”

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

MOREA — A man was seriously injured when the ATV he was riding crashed in a wooded area of Ryan Township on Thursday afternoon.

Firefighters were called to an area behind the Wheelabrator Frackville Energy Co. just off the Frackville-Morea Highway about 4:45 p.m. for a report of an ATV crash with the victim not breathing.

Firefighters from Englewood, Altamont, Frackville and Ryan Township responded along with Shenandoah ALS.

A paramedic from Shenandoah ALS was taken to the crash site to begin emergency treatment on the man until he could be brought out of the woods.

Rescuers used an SUV and four-wheel drive pickup truck to reach the man and were able to get him out of the woods and into a waiting ambulance at 5:22 p.m. He was taken to State Correctional Institution/Mahanoy, placed aboard the MedEvac helicopter and flown to a trauma center.

The identity of the man, and the extent of his injuries, was not available.

State police from the Frackville station and West Mahanoy Township police assisted at the scene.

Police said they were not sure if any information on the crash would be available since it occurred on private property.

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

Gilberton

Continental Hose Company No. 3, Main Street, will have a hoagie sale beginning at 9 a.m. Aug. 26 with proceeds to benefit Vicki Brassington. Hoagies are $6 each and varieties include regular, ham and cheese, Italian, meatball and turkey. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-933-0415.

Heckscherville

Clover Fire Company, 8 Clover Road, will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. Aug. 20. The cost is $8 for adults and $3 for children. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-294-0612.

Landingville

Landingville Fire Company, 1 Firehouse Road, will have a cash bingo from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m. Monday. Tickets are $20, $25 and $30. The event is for people 18 and older; refreshments will be available. For more information, call 570-691-7160.

Mahanoy City

Washington Hook and Ladder Fire Company will hold a car wash from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the firehouse’s new location, 700 W. Mahanoy Ave., weather permitting. The cost is $5 for exterior only and $15 for exterior and interior.

McAdoo

All 2017 Hazleton Area School District real estate taxes for McAdoo borough have been mailed. The Homestead Exclusion can only be received on one’s primary residence and can only be claimed once. If eligible, it has already been deducted from this tax, according to a release. Tax collection hours are listed at the top of each tax bill. Residents with questions can call Andrew DeBalko, borough tax collector, at 570-929-1628.

Orwigsburg

A free program called Healthy Steps in Motion by Diakon Community Services will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in September and October at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 232 E. Market St. It is an exercise program designed for people 50 and older of all fitness levels, held one hour twice a week for four weeks, taught by a certified instructor. To register in advance by Sept. 8, call 570-624-3017. Diakon will also have Health Steps for Older Adults from 10 a.m. to noon Fridays and Mondays free at St. John’s, aimed at minimizing risks including falls. Call the aforementioned number to register in advance by Sept. 8 or for more information.

Pottsville

M&T Movies at the Majestic will feature “Beauty and the Beast” at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Majestic Theater, North Centre Street, sponsored by the Pottsville Recreation Commission and M&T Bank. Admission and popcorn are free.

Schuylkill Haven

A free program called “Living a Healthy Life” by Diakon Community Services will be held from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays in September and October at the Senior Community Center, 340 Haven St. The six-week workshop is designed for people 50 and older living with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, COPD, heart disease and other conditions. Caregivers also are welcome. To register in advance by Sept. 1 or for more information, call 570-624-3017.

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah Valley School District is having high school and elementary registrations for the 2017-18 year from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. now through Aug. 24 by appointment only. To make an appointment or for more information, call 570-462-1957. Prior to appointments, registration packets must be picked up at the high school office. For registration, parents/guardians need student’s birth certificate/report card, up-to-date immunization record, Social Security card (optional) and any three of the following: Occupancy permit (available at the borough hall); valid driver’s license or vehicle registration card; lease or deed for property of residence, current utility bills, or paycheck stub within 30 days with name and address.

HEGINS — Tri-Valley School District Superintendent Mark D. Snyder received a new five-year contract Wednesday, under an agreement approved 7-0 by the school board.

The board approved reappointing Snyder with a salary increase of 2 percent each year of the pact, Jerry R. Beaver, board president, said. Snyder’s 2016-17 salary was $104,481, according to The Republican-Herald archives.

“If you look at the county, two percent is pretty low,” Beaver said following the meeting.

Snyder is in the final year of his contract, which will end June 30, 2018. His new pact starts July 1, 2018.

Directors approving the reappointment were Beaver, Carl D. Shankweiler, John E. Schmeltz, Roger D. Heidlebaugh, Guy M. Julian, Jennifer Reed and Curtis H.E. Zemencik. Board members Diane C. Dietrich and Kelly M. Carter were absent.

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve,” Snyder said after the reappointment.

The board held an executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters prior to the regular board meeting. In other personnel action, the board approved:

• Intent to retire from two elementary teachers, Patsy Krammes and Sharon Shadle. Krammes’s retirement is effective Dec. 31, 2017, or June 30, 2018; Shadle’s is effective at the end of the 2017-18 year.

• The following coaches and salaries for the 2017-18 school year, pending receipt of clearances: Jordyn Ebersole, co-head cheerleading, $1,050; Alyssa Felty, co-head cheerleading, $1,050; Tara Nahodil, assistant volleyball, $1,400; Kevin Scheib, assistant junior high wrestling, $3,140.

• Volunteer coaches for 2017-18, pending clearances: Corey Shadle, football; Tyler Heffner, volleyball; Jay Wilcox II, boys’ soccer; Karrie Bowman, junior high boys’ basketball; Gerald Leonard, junior high boys’ basketball.

• Transferring Michelle Cupsta from a substitute aide to a part-time aide, effective at the start of 2017-18 year.

• Retroactively appointing Wendy Header temporary summer cleaner at rate of $9 per hour, effective July 10

• Retroactively accepting resignation of Crystal Engle as part-time aide and summer cleaner, effective July 14.

• Appointing aides at $9 per hour, effective at the start of the 2017-18 school year, pending receipt of clearances: Melissa Ney, Nicole Schwartz and Morgan Tomay.

• 2017-18 substitute teacher and nurse list.

• Joanne Risso as volunteer in high school and Gerald Anderson, retired elementary principal, as volunteer in high school and elementary.

• The following to provide student transportation in the 2017-18 school year: Donna Coleman, $30 per day; Connie Reed, $50 per day; Judy Rothermel, $40 per day; and Crystal Weikel, $100 per day.

The board tabled action on extracurricular positions for the 2017-18 school year.

Under transportation, the board took action regarding its contracted busing company. Bowman Bros. Trucking Inc. requested to exercise its right under a change of ownership clause in the current student transportation contract. The board approved entering into a proposed five-year transportation contract with Hegins Valley Transportation to provide student transportation beginning with 2017-18 school year and end current contract with Bowman Bros. Trucking Inc., effective the date when Hegins Valley Transportation Inc. begins to provide services under its contract.

On a related note, the board approved the 2016-17 student reconciliation rate of $2,798.90 per day to make payments to Hegins Valley Transportation, beginning in 2017-18 school year, until a rate for 2017-18 is approved in September or October.

The board also approved:

• A resolution amending Article III of the Schuylkill County Area Vocational Technical School articles of agreement specific to financing of 2017 capital improvement project for Schuylkill Technology Centers.

• A memorandum of understanding between Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and the district for the 2017-18 school year, with the district’s allocation of $244.

• Special education service agreement for 2017-18 with IU 29, including payment distribution schedule, for $258,198.

• A la carte breakfast and lunch pricing list for the 2017-18 school year; Shankweiler voted no.

• Entering documents for the PlanCon Part K project refinancing, revision for the Hegins-Hubley and Mahantongo Elementary projects.

• Permitting Gretchen Dingman and seven high school students travel to Louisville, Kentucky, Oct. 24-28 to attend FFA Convention.

• Adding cross country account to the student activities account.

The board heard reports from high school Principal Charles W. Hall and elementary Principal Robert L. Felty Jr. about readying the schools for first day of classes. Felty and Snyder thanked Anderson for assistance following his retirement and during transition at Hegins-Hubley and Mahantongo elementary schools. Felty said student classroom assignments will be available Monday. Kindergarten orientation is 9:15 a.m. Aug. 24 at Hegins-Hubley and 12:45 p.m. at Mahantongo.

Hall said band camp began Tuesday and sports camps begin Monday. Student schedules will be available at the high school office beginning Monday.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

A federal grand jury in Scranton indicted four Schuylkill County residents on Tuesday for allegedly participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy starting in July 2016 and lasting through May.

David “D” Castro, 27, Anibal L. “Lou” Rodriguez, 26, and Malcolm “Sleep” Wilfong, 26, all of Pottsville, and Laverne Schaeffer, 45, of Schuylkill Haven, all have been charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler announced Thursday.

Additionally, Castro and Rodriguez each face five counts, and Wilfong faces one count, of distributing methamphetamine.

Prosecutors allege Castro, Rodriguez and Wilfong were involved in distributing more than 500 grams of meth, while Schaeffer was involved in distributing more than 50 grams of meth.

Castro, Rodriguez and Wilfong each could be sentenced to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, if convicted of conspiracy. Schaeffer could be sentenced to 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years in prison.

Additionally, prosecutors are seeking the forfeiture of Schaeffer’s residence and property in Schuylkill Haven.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police and Shenandoah police investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa.

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

Christina E. Hale

FRACKVILLE — A Shenandoah woman charged with having a teenage girl try to steal a license plate for her had charges against her held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale.

Heather Leigh Winslow, 34, of 193 Pioneer Road was arrested by Frackville police Patrolman Phillip Petrus and charged with corruption of minors, receiving stolen property, theft and disorderly conduct.

Hale determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered all four charges against Winslow be held for Schuylkill County Court.

Petrus charged Winslow with an incident on Feb. 28 at 4 N. Fourth St. where she had the juvenile exit her vehicle and try to remove a license plate from a parked vehicle.

When interviewed, Petrus said, Winslow told him she was in Frackville looking for a license plate sticker to put on her vehicle but instead of removing the sticker, the juvenile removed the entire license plate.

Other court cases included:

John J. Weikel, 43, of 3334 E. Mahanoy Ave., Girardville; waived for court: burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, theft, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and operation on streets and highways.

Thomas D. Wakefield, 43, of 1529 Centre St., Ashland; withdrawn: criminal trespass. Waived for court: loitering and prowling at night.

Reinoldo Hernandez-Herrera, 27, of 206 E. Ogden St., Girardville; withdrawn: strangulation, simple assault and harassment.

John C. Skinner, 56, of 136 B St., Girardville; dismissed: criminal trespass, defiant trespass, having a blood alcohol level of 0.02-percent or higher-third offense, driving without a license, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving without insurance.

Tyler J. Dougherty, no age available, of 31 Will Ave., Box 37, Barnesville; withdrawn: theft, Waived for court: receiving stolen property, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and trespass by motor vehicle.

William G. Navitsky Jr., 25, of 543 W. Main St., Ringtown; withdrawn: dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal attempt to commit theft. Waived for court: criminal trespass, possession of drug paraphernalia and retail theft.

Michael A. Flickinger, 23, of 1904 Centre St., Ashland; held for court: criminal mischief.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH — A Mahanoy City woman charged with sending threatening messages to another woman on June 29 had charges against her held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Tonya Lee Wadnik, 47, of 421 W. Spruce St. was arrested by Mahanoy City police Patrolman Matthew Williams and charged with terroristic threats and harassment.

Kilker determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered both charges against Wadnik held for Schuylkill County Court.

Williams charged Wadnik with sending threatening messages to the other woman whom she thought was concealing her 17-year-old runaway daughter.

Among the messages sent by Wadnik were “you are going to feel the pain I feel” and “you better have eyes in the back of your head,” Williams said.

Other court cases included:

Stephanie L. Bamrick, 32, of 228 S. Ferguson St., Shenandoah; waived for court: altered or misbranded controlled substances, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Enrique Torres, 52, of 104 W. Laurel St., Shenandoah; withdrawn: aggravated assault, possessing instruments of crime, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, harassment and restrictions on alcoholic beverages. Waived for court: disorderly conduct.

Christina L. Torres, 42, of 104 W. Laurel St., Shenandoah; withdrawn: simple assault, harassment and conspiracy. Waived for court: disorderly conduct.

John A. Riddick, 38, of 423 W. Oak St., Shenandoah; waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, obstructing the administration of law, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kevin E. Holmes, 41, of 108 W. Penn St., Shenandoah; waived for court: simple assault, harassment, burglary, defiant trespass, possessing instruments of crime and disorderly conduct.

Alexa Kuilan, 41, of 1018 E. Centre St., Mahanoy City; waived for count: DUI-controlled substance and driving without insurance.

Tonia Brennan, 27, of 19 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City; waived for court: terroristic threats and disorderly conduct.

Bruce J. Layton, 27, of 23 Newtown Road, Shenandoah; waived for court: fleeing or attempting to elude police, resisting arrest, recklessly endangering another person, driving with a suspended or revoked license, driving without a license, driving over a divider, driving at an unsafe speed, careless driving, reckless driving, duties at a stop sign and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

Benjamin F. Fadiz, 46, of 43 Lost Creek Road, Box 91, Lost Creek; withdrawn: aggravated assault, possessing instruments of crime, recklessly endangering another person, conspiracy and harassment. Waived for court: disorderly conduct.

Francis Guida, 52, of 332 E. Lloyd St., Shenandoah; withdrawn: burglary. Waived for court: criminal trespass, loitering and prowling at night, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and criminal mischief.

Amanda Rivera, 29, of 18 E. Market St., Box 281, Sheppton; withdrawn: obstructing justice, hindering apprehension or prosecution and simple assault.

Connie M. Markiewicz, 24, of 1414 E. Centre St., Mahanoy City; waived for court: no rear lights and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Albin Kaminsky, 42, of 425 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah; waived for court: public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ty Devon Hinkle, 19, of 254 Ben Titus Road, Tamaqua; withdrawn: DUI-minor, unsafe movements-passing on the right, careless driving and minors prohibited from operating a vehicle with alcohol in their system. Waived for court: DUI, obedience to traffic control signals, turning movements and required signals, exceeding the speed limit and lighted headlamps in work zones.

David A. Plachko

PORT CARBON — A 34-year-old Barnesville man charged with an assault in Norwegian Township on July 3 had charges against him held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko.

Brandon Ross Snyder, 48, of Chee St., was arrested by state police Trooper Ian Keck of the Schuylkill Haven station and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest, harassment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Plachko determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered all charges against Snyder held for Schuylkill County Court.

Keck charged Snyder with assaulting state police Trooper Mark Knock by hitting his right forearm two times while resisting arrest causing injuries.

Keck said troopers were called to the area of 843 Ann St. for a report of a disturbance and learned that Snyder became agitated, threatened to damage a window and then threw a large piece of shale at a vehicle.

When Knock arrived, Snyder was still in an agitated state, again threatened the victim and struck the trooper while resisting arrest, Keck said.

Other court cases included:

Samuel T. Steffie, 46, of 114 Broad St., Saint Clair; withdrawn and reduced to summary disorderly conduct: simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.

Tara Lynn Sweigert, 20, of 26 Hill Top Terrace, Pottsville; waived for court: access device issued to another person and theft.

Michael Tobias, 31, of 1549 Centre Turnpike, Orwigsburg; waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate, improper tires, failure to carry registration, disregard for single traffic lane, driving at an unsafe speed and careless driving.

Joseph E. Boris III, 27, of 416 Harrison St., Pottsville; waived for court: theft and conspiracy.

Donald J. Seiger, 51, of 315 Broad St., Saint Clair; waived for court: retail theft.

David Tavares, 30, of 301 Lewis St., Minersville; held for court: burglary, theft, criminal mischief, defiant trespass and harassment.

Deisree T. Palatino, 28, of 104 S. Third St., Minersville; withdrawn: theft and receiving stolen property.

Cheryl A. Rupp, 55, of 410 Pine Hill St., Apt. B, Minersville; withdrawn: theft and receiving stolen property.

Angela M. Haas, 34, of 523 Church St., New Ringgold; withdrawn: theft of services and criminal mischief.

Edward W. Sonnon, 32, of 235 Oak St., Pottsville; held for court: retail theft.

Natasha S. Dettery, 25, of 124 S. Chestnut St., Shenandoah; waived to court: waived for court: retail theft.

Deborah I. Arena, 63, of 495 N. Second St., Minersville; waived for court: retail theft.

Patricia H. Bierman, 52, of 9 Bassininsky Lane, Pottsville; waived for court: DUI, careless driving, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kris Dean Prutzman Jr., 27, of 221 Middle St., Minersville; held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Travis R. Lucas, 33, of 221 Middle St., Minersville; held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shawn M. Tobin, 31, LKA 83 Washington St., Box 291, Middleport; waived for court: receiving stolen property.

Michael G. Sinko, 27, of 346 High Road, Pottsville; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia, retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Elisah Ann Wonsock, 33, of 221 Middle St., Minersville; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Travis I. Gorey, 26, of 534 N. Third St., Port Carbon; waived for court: firearms not to be carried without a license, endangering the welfare of children, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jeffrey T. Sartori, 30, of 336 Cherry St., Minersville; waived for court: endangering the welfare of children, simple assault, terroristic threats and harassment.

Thomas M. Kelly, 32, of 94 New St., Pottsville; waived for court: theft and conspiracy.

Rachel Ann Serakas, 36, of 7 Oak Road, Schuylkill Haven; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

John F. Culbert Jr., 50, of 401 S. Nicholas St., Saint Clair; waived for court: child pornography.

Scott M. Frey, 18, of 215 Laurel St., Minersville; waived for court: disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Danville

Free Saturday trains programs are held from 10 a.m. to noon at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church, Pine and East Market streets. There are free classes for children and adults plus dozens of trains. All are welcome.

Douglassville

The Pennsylvania State Police of Troop L (Berks, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties) will conduct Camp Cadet at Camp Manatawny from Sunday to Aug. 19. Camp Cadet, according to a release, is a police-oriented summer camp for boys and girls ages 12-15. All camp activities are supervised by a counseling staff of state and local law enforcement. Candidates must reside in the counties served by Troop L. Cadets will see presentations by law enforcement — bomb squad, SERT, patrol, K-9, aviation, Secret Service, FBI and computer crimes. Non-law enforcement presentations recently included were water rescue and fire service. Cadets will also participate in marksmanship, swimming, horseback riding, volleyball and kick ball. The camp is located at 33 Camp Road. For more information, call 484-401-4324.

Friedensburg

St. John’s Reformed Church, 17 Chestnut St., will present a concert by the Lumber River Quartet at 7 p.m. Aug. 26. Freewill offerings will be accepted; all are welcome. For more information, call 570-449-2296.

Pottsville

The Schuylkill on the Move has announced its 2017 walk schedule is available by emailing Patrick M. “Porcupine Pat” McKinney, environmental education coordinator with the Schuylkill Conservation District, at porcupinepat@yahoo.com or calling him at 570-622-4124, Ext. 113. Hikes are scheduled throughout Schuylkill County and led by volunteers Judge John E. Domalakes, Mike Centeleghe, Tom Pesock and state park education specialist Robin Tracey as well as McKinney. SOM, McKinney said in a release, is “a special project of Schuylkill County’s VISION that is co-sponsored by the Schuylkill County Conservancy, Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau, Schuylkill County Historical Society and the Schuylkill Conservation District.” All hikes are free and open to the public.

Shenandoah

The borough has an ordinance requiring people who walk pets on public streets or sidewalks to clean up after them. Those who do not are in violation of the law and can face a fine. Pet owners may not allow their animals to roam in the borough unleashed or out of control. Driving ATVs on public streets or areas where they are not allowed, such as parks or private property, also is unlawful. Anyone who witnesses such violations is asked to contact borough authorities. To reach borough police, call 570-462-1991.

Shenandoah

A free Kitchen Kettle meal is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the third Saturday of the month at Restoration Fellowship Church, 201 W. Oak St. All are welcome.

Shenandoah

The Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens group, 225 N. Market St., holds a social from noon to 4 p.m. every Wednesday. It includes a light lunch followed by bingo. For more information, call the center at 570-462-3115.

Summit Hill

A Miller-Keystone blood drive is slated for 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 22 at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 462 Ludlow St. All eligible people are urged to donate blood. For an appointment or more information, call 570-645-2664.

Tamaqua

Zion Lutheran Church, Mauch Chunk and Greenwood streets, will host its annual peach social beginning at 4 p.m. Aug. 23. Along with the traditional peaches, cake and ice cream, the event menu will include hamburgers, hot dogs, beef and chicken barbecue, corn fritters, BLTs, and homemade corn noodle and fresh vegetable soup. The social is a project of the Zion Culinary Crew. Takeouts will be available; all are welcome.

Recently, the student musicians in the Mahanoy Area High School band were given their marching orders.

To the outsider, the orders look like secret plans in code.

Morgan DeWitt, 16, a clarinetist who will be a junior in the 2017-18 school year, said that with practice, the routines for football season shows become easier to follow. Attending summer band camp is the only way to do it.

“It’s difficult, especially at first. And it’s hard teaching the younger ones. For some, this is their first show and they have to learn how to march and play music. It gets easier. Is there a trick to it? Practice and memorizing the music,” DeWitt said.

Schuylkill County students in high school marching bands spent part of the summer at their school districts doing just that at band camps.

“Band camp is a daily camp where members of the band and band front, flags and majorettes in our case, work to produce our football field show routine as well as our stand music for football season. Band camp is free to students who wish to be part of the marching band. At Mahanoy Area, we practice daily for three weeks, starting August 1,” Allison Kline, Mahanoy Area band director, said.

“During band camp, you learn to bond with your section. You develop lifelong friendships and make musical memories. My time at band camp helped me not just develop as a musician, but as a person,” John P. Shoener, band director for Shenandoah Valley, said. “It teaches you team skills when working together with a large group of people. The only problem with band camp is fighting with the weather. Bands have to practice outside in all elements. I’ve been through snowstorms, thunderstorms, torrential downpours, mud-soaked fields and blazing sun, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”

Shoener is the son of Craig Shoener, the band director at Pottsville Area. Previously, Craig Shoener was also band director at North Schuylkill.

“Growing up with my dad at North Schuylkill and working with my dad as a band assistant for the past five years with the Pottsville band has given me insight into being a band director. It showed me things a band director has to do behind the scenes. He taught me to rely on your staff of professionals that are always for the benefit of the students in the band. Surround yourself with good people and you will have excellent results,” John Shoener said.

Each year, high school bands develop these routines with marching formations for the football game shows.

“Marching band shows are usually conceived the previous school year. As a band director, you listen to a lot of music ideas and try to come up with something that your students and audience will enjoy,” Craig Shoener said.

Some area schools commission Christopher J. Evans, band director for Blue Mountain, to devise them.

“Band directors select new music each year and then have their shows designed based on the number of instrumentalists. Coincidentally, I design shows for Tri-Valley, Shenandoah Valley, Mahanoy Area, Blue Mountain, Pottsville, Eastern York, Sharon and Lebanon Valley College. Some directors design their own shows or pay to have them custom designed,” Evans said.

“Chris works really well with our size band and he’s really accommodating for whatever we need. If I just bought a drill off of a website, it may be roughly for this many people. But he’ll customize it for exactly the number I have,” Kline said.

The 2017-18 Mahanoy Area band consists of 50 musicians, 10 flag twirlers, six majorettes and four members of the honor guard.

“We are large for a Mahanoy Area band this year. I think we’re fortunate. So, if I say to him, ‘I want the second tune to feature my band front’ or ‘I want to feature my percussion,’ he’ll arrange that so they’re front and center,” Kline said.

This year, Mahanoy Area commissioned Evans to come up with one.

“The drill cost $600,” Kline said. He charged Pottsville Area and Shenandoah Valley the same amount.

On Aug. 4, Kline was helping Mahanoy Area band memorize a routine for “Handclap,” a tune made popular by Fritz and The Tantrums. Evans came up with 11 pages of maneuvers. Each page is a diagram that represents the field with rows of letters indicating band members.

“C is for our clarinets; P is for percussion ... and so forth,” Kline said.

As the students marched in place on Aug. 4, the drum major, Kathryn McCarthy, a senior in the 2017-18 school year, used her smartphone to play a version of “Handclap” via a YouTube video. Kline used a speaker to amplify it.

“Our field show this year consists of three popular songs. The other two are ‘Closer’ and ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling.’ We also work on our national anthem, alma mater and the Penn State fight song (Fight On State). Other popular stand tunes we perform include ‘Happy,’ ‘Uptown Funk,’ ‘Final Countdown,’ ‘The Horse’ and ‘84 and Thunder,’ the last two being Mahanoy Area traditions,” Kline said.

“I’ve been a musician all my life. I joined the band about three years ago,” said Kayla Schmerfeld, 17, of Mahanoy Area, a clarinetist who will be a senior. “It’s hard to learn the steps and learn the song separately. When you join them together, it takes a lot of coordination and you have to think about it. But the music is a key. If everyone works together, we can have an overall really good sound.”

When the Shenandoah Valley band started band camp in late July, John Shoener ran them through drills to teach newcomers fundamentals or marching and to give veteran band members a refresher.

“It allows us to work on marching techniques so we’re good for the field show,” said Mark Honus, 16, a cymbal player who will be a sophomore.

“You have to learn to march backward. It’s tough. When you march backward, the tendency is to bump up and down. It has to look smooth,” John Shoener said.

“It gets us out of the house. But if you sign up for band, you have to go to band camp,” said Danilyn Migliaccio, 15, a clarinetist who will be a sophomore.

“Or you’ll be benched for games,” Honus said.

The Pottsville Area High School band was practicing drills Tuesday morning on the parking lot at the Howard S. Fernsler Academic Center.

“This is my first year,” said Jayden I. Vernosky, 14, an alto saxophone player who will be a freshman. She said the challenge is trying to remember steps and tune.

“The first year is hardest,” said saxophonist Grace C. Muench, 16, who will be a junior and in her third year. “The trick to it? Repetition.”

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

PORT CARBON — Two men were injured, one critically, in a shooting in the borough Friday night.

The shooting occurred about 6:15 p.m. inside a home at 125 Spruce St., near the intersection with Pine Street.

Emergency personnel at the scene said one of the men, believed to be 23 years old, was shot in the chest and possibly the face. He was treated at the scene by Schuylkill EMS and taken by ambulance to a trauma center for additional treatment.

The other man, believed to be in his 50s, suffered a gunshot wound to the arm and was taken to a Pottsville hospital for treatment.

Neighbors standing in the rain said the younger man was found shot in the kitchen of the home, while the older man, identified by neighbors as Ken Boyer, was found outside on the steps of the residence.

State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating along with the Troop L Major Case Unit comprised of troopers from Reading, Schuylkill Haven, Frackville, Jonestown and Hamburg.

Troopers blocked off the 100 block of Spruce Street while conducting the investigation, and interviewed witnesses including neighbors and people who were inside the home at the time of the shooting.

As rain fell and daylight faded, the lights of state police cruisers lit up the streets, reflecting red and blue light off windows of the nearby homes.

Police said no other information was available except that their investigation into the shooting is continuing.

Assisting the scene were police officers from Saint Clair, Pottsville, Palo Alto and Schuylkill Haven along with Port Carbon firefighters.

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

McADOO — A borough man was arrested by McAdoo police and charged with sexually assaulting a person with a mental disability earlier this month.

Thomas J. Danishefsky, 77, of 103 S. Cleveland St., was arrested by McAdoo police Patrolman Frederick Lahovski and charged with one felony count each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person with a mental disability and sexual assault and one misdemeanor charge of indecent assault of a substantially impaired person.

Danishefsky was arraigned Aug. 4 by Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Lahovski said the charges against Danishefsky stem from an incident about 5:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at his South Cleveland Street home.

The officer said he was called to the home on Aug. 4 for a report of inappropriate sexual contact and spoke to the victim who has the genetic disorder Down syndrome and is learning disabled.

The victim reported that he was at the Danishefsky home when the man took him to an upstairs bedroom and performed a sex act, Lahovski said.

When interviewed, Lahovski said, Danishefsky admitted to committing the sexual act and said that he “made a mistake.”

Danishefsky will now have to answer to the charges against him at a preliminary hearing before Bayer in his Tamaqua courtroom.

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

FRACKVILLE — Next week, 51 S. Lehigh Ave., part of the downtown business district that was once home to Heaven Scent Florist, will be coming down.

“There will be asbestos remediation Monday. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, traffic in the area will be rerouted by PennDOT. Then that road will be opened for the remaining debris to be removed in a safe fashion. So that’s good news,” Helen M. Miernicki, member of the council, said at the August council meeting.

“East Oak is going to be shut down beginning Monday morning. That was issued through a PennDOT permit. PennDOT will be out Monday to block off roads. And we’ll be out to monitor traffic in the area,” Police Chief Richard Bell said.

The road closure is planned from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. The detour will utilize Route 61, Industrial Boulevard, Morea Road and Oak Street, Sean Brown, safety press officer for state Department of Transportation, District 5, Allentown, said Thursday.

In June, Schuylkill County commissioners awarded ADM Logistics, Port Carbon, a contract for the demolition work, at $42,299.

Soon ADM will also take down 60-62 N. Lehigh Ave. for $46,599, a county contract.

“That’s the former Amberdeens near the library. That project should start right before or after Labor Day,” Miernicki said.

In other matters, the council decided to offer a blighted property at 38-40 N. Lehigh Ave. to the Schuylkill County Land Bank.

“If it’s the land bank purchasing it, it automatically blocks out any prospects to purchase it,” Miernicki said. “This would be done with land bank dollars, not borough dollars.”

Miernicki made a motion to offer the land bank the opportunity to work with the property. Seconded by Vice President Peter Zuber, it carried unanimously by other council members in attendance, President Ronald Jordan and members Karen Domalakes, Charles Berger and Stephen P. Tertel. Councilman Paul Martin Sr. was absent.

The Schuylkill County Land Bank will have to consider whether it is interested in the property, borough solicitor Mark Semanchik, an attorney with an office in Frackville, said. If the land bank isn’t interested in it, the property will remain as it is.

“The vote was to identify that property for consideration by the land bank so the land bank could acquire it through the county,” Semanchik said. “If the land bank accepts it, they can then use their funding for acquiring it and demolishing it.”

The council also approved improvement plans for tennis courts at Memorial Park.

“I’m going to make a motion to rescind a motion made two years ago to hire SealMaster to reseal and refinish the courts for no more than $8,000. I’m making that motion because they didn’t do it and now can’t meet the price,” Domalakes, Recreation Committee chairwoman, said.

The council approved the motion.

“And I’m going to make a motion that we contract with Breneman (Co., Lancaster) to resurface the tennis courts for $7,500,” Domalakes said.

“Just so everybody knows, the outfit that’s going to do the work at the Memorial Park is the one that did the work at the Arch Street Park on the basketball courts, so they can duplicate what they did down there,” Jordan said.

The council approved.

“If anybody doesn’t know, the tennis court is on one side and today there’s a vacant macadam area. Some kids play wiffle ball there. Some people play hockey, but you don’t see it used much. We’re actually turning that into a basketball court,” Jordan said. “And that’s due to the fact that the one currently at Memorial Park is in bad shape. It has a lot of roots going through it. It would cost a lot to try to resurface and change it around and take trees down. So we decided to make this macadam area the basketball court. It will face the correct way. If anybody’s ever played basketball at Memorial Park, they know with the sun makes it difficult to shoot to the basket. It was set up east to west, so at some point the sun’s in your face. Talking to kids who play there, they felt it would be good to change the basketball court so it would face north and south. And this is one of the cheaper ways to do it, rather than redoing the entire court.”

To make it happen, Domalakes made a motion to buy basketball posts, backboards and nets.

“It costs $999 for each. We’re going to be buying two to be installed,” Domalakes said.

The council approved the motion.

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

POTTSVILLE — An apparent lost truck driver ruptured a fuel tank late Thursday night, creating a six-block trail of diesel fuel.

Thomas Whitaker, superintendent of streets for the City of Pottsville, said the incident occurred about 11 p.m.

He said the driver of a tractor-trailer became lost or disoriented while on the Gordon Nagle Trail and used his GPS in an attempt to get back to Route 61. The driver apparently thought he was on the truck route in North Manheim Township but instead came up Hillside Road and onto Morris Street in the city.

When the driver turned left to travel north on South Centre Street, he took the turn too wide and struck a fire hydrant, breaking it at its base. The hydrant went under the truck and punctured one of the saddle fuel tanks, Whitaker said.

Diesel fuel poured from the ruptured tank and onto the street.

Unaware of the damage, the driver continued north on South Centre Street for about six blocks before apparently running out of fuel in the area of the Rite Aid store, Whitaker said.

Pottsville street workers and Pottsville firefighters were called to the scene and used floor dry and sand to try to soak up the fuel.

Whitaker said crews were out about 1:30 a.m. and came back later in the morning to put down additional absorbent.

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

MAHANOY CITY — In June, state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, proposed a constitutional amendment to change the way the lieutenant governor is selected.

Now he’s considering running for the post in 2018.

“I’ve been asked to look at a candidacy for lieutenant governor by some of my traditional supporters. So we are exploring that possibility. If I choose to move ahead, I would have to circulate petitions for the primary next May,” Argall said Friday.

“I think there’s a desire for change. Certainly, you can make more of an impact on state government as lieutenant governor than you can as one of 50 senators. We saw that crystal clear last session when the lieutenant governor voted against my bill to eliminate the school property tax,” Argall said, referring to Amendment No. A-4499.

The 24-24 tie vote occurred on Nov. 23, 2015. Lt. Gov. Mike Stack broke the tie, voting no.

“It’s a classic example of how the spot can make a difference,” Argall said.

The bill to eliminate the school property tax was reintroduced in June as Senate Bill 76 and the bill is being reviewed by the Senate Finance Committee, Argall said.

Argall said he’ll make his decision whether or not to run for lieutenant governor in December, after he figures out which candidates will be running for governor in 2018.

“The key is to have a good relationship with the governor. What we see right now is an embarrassment. The governor and the lieutenant governor have admitted that they don’t even talk to each other. They often don’t meet for weeks on end,” Argall said.

In June, the forced political marriage between Gov. Tom Wolf and Stack inspired the amendment to the state constitution, Senate Bill 761.

If approved, it would allow gubernatorial candidates to select their running mate, subject to the approval of their state committee, after the primary.

But due to all the steps involved in the approval process, the earliest it may be approved is 2022, Argall said.

“So even if that constitutional amendment passes this session, I would still have to run for lieutenant the old-fashioned way next year. A constitutional amendment takes about three or four years,” Argall said.

But if Argall decides to run, he believes he’ll be able to establish a good working relationship with the governor elected in 2018.

“If you look at my history, I’ve been able to work with my colleagues in the House. I’ve been able to work with my colleagues in the Senate. So I think I’ve been able to develop good relationships in the past. And I would hope that I would continue to do that,” he said.

The post

The lieutenant governor is elected for a term of four years, and is president of the Pennsylvania State Senate and the Board of Pardons. The lieutenant governor presides over the Senate, but has no vote unless the Senate is equally divided, according to The Pennsylvania Manual, Vol. 122 (2016).

Under the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the lieutenant governor shall be chosen at the same time, in the same manner, for the same term, and subject to the same provisions as the governor.

“In case of the death, conviction on impeachment, failure to qualify, resignation or other disability of the governor, the powers, duties, and emoluments of the office for the remainder of the term or until the disability be removed shall devolve upon the lieutenant governor,” according to The Pennsylvania Manual.

Since 1875, there have been 33 lieutenant governors in Pennsylvania.

Mike Stack has held the post since Jan. 20, 2015.

If elected, Argall believes he would be the state’s first lieutenant governor from Schuylkill County.

Argall

The grandson of local Cornish, Welsh and German farmers, coal miners and factory workers, Argall was born in West Chester, Nov. 21, 1958. He is a son of Miriam Argall, Saint Clair, and the late Arthur Argall.

“My parents were from Schuylkill County. They took jobs outside the county when they graduated from college in 1957. They moved back, to Port Carbon when I was 2 years old in 1960. We lived in Port Carbon for five years. Then we moved to Tamaqua,” Argall said.

Argall graduated from Tamaqua Area High School in 1976. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies from Lycoming College in 1980, a master’s in American studies at Penn State’s Harrisburg campus in 1993 and a doctorate in public administration from Penn State in 2006.

He is married to the former Beth C. Koch. His family includes a son, A.J., and a daughter, Elise.

He resides in Rush Township.

From 1978 to 1983, Argall served as an aide to William K. Klingaman Sr., Tamaqua, a Republican representative of the 124th District for six terms before retiring.

In 1984, Argall won his first term as a state representative the 124th District. At the time, he was the youngest representative ever from Schuylkill County. He held that seat until 2009.

Argall served as Republican Whip from 2004 to 2008.

Following the death of Sen. James J. Rhoades, R-29, in October 2008, Argall was elected to fill his post in a special election held March 3, 2009.

In 2010, Argall challenged incumbent Congressman Tim Holden for the 17th Congressional District seat, but lost.

Argall’s current term as senator expires in 2020.

He is also a college instructor.

“This summer, I taught a government class at LCCC (Lehigh Carbon Community College) in Tamaqua, but with the prospect of the campaign it looks like I won’t be taking on any classes for the next year,” Argall said.

For the next few months, he’ll be talking to fellow lawmakers and politicians about the prospect of becoming lieutenant governor.

“The exploration so far has been going very well. Yesterday I had to take my son to the airport in Philadelphia. And while I was there I met with the chairman of the Bucks County party in Doylestown, and I met with some of the members of the state committee in Philadelphia. As time permits, I sit down and ask people what they think,” Argall said.

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

MAHANOY CITY — An in-patient drug rehabilitation facility called Silver Pines Treatment Center will open Tuesday in the former White Owl Manor in Mahanoy Township.

The people behind the operation at 2 White Owl Drive met the public at an open house Friday. They include Antoinette Sacco, the CEO.

“This is an adult drug and alcohol substance abuse program and detox. We are a 50-bed facility. We have six detox beds, 28 for males for residential treatment and 16 for females for residential treatment. And it is going to be segregated for gender-specific treatment. So the men and women won’t have interaction. Groups and meals will all be segregated,” Sacco said.

“On August 15, we’re taking our first client,” Sacco said.

The facility will have a physician assistant, Jaclyn DeLauretis, who will have the ability to prescribe medication. According to her business card, she will also be “Head of Detox.”

White Owl Manor was operated as a personal care home at 2 White Owl Drive for many years. It was closed July 1, 2011, by the state Department of Public Welfare after three residents died and the owner of the personal care home, James F. McGill Jr., Kelayres, failed to report the deaths as required to DPW. The failure to report the deaths and other violations caused DPW to close the facility and have the 32 residents moved to other personal care homes in the area, according to the newspaper’s archives.

On Aug. 31, 2012, Mahanoy Township officials closed and padlocked the building after Schuylkill County Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin issued an injunction ordering that McGill cease operating it as a boarding house. Mahanoy Township zoning officials had ruled against his application to do so, according to the newspaper’s archives.

For more than three years, a group of investors from Luzerne County have been trying to find a location to establish an in-patient drug rehabilitation facility.

Calling themselves CDS Group LLC, they include Michael Cabell, John Darrow, Dr. Jude Sidari, Paul D. DeAngelo and Paul DeAngelo Jr.

The group had trouble finding a location. Previously, they made attempts in Butler Township, Luzerne County, and Hazle Township, Luzerne County.

“The biggest challenge that we faced was NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) Syndrome. It’s a real thing. Some people are very accepting of things and say, ‘We really need treatment centers. We really need places for people to get help, but not in my back yard,’ ” Cabell, the managing partner of CDS, said Friday.

On Nov. 1, 2016, DCS Realty LLC, Hazleton, acquired the building in Mahanoy Township for $167,019.99, according to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator.

Cabell said he and his partners had no trouble working with Mahanoy Township in acquiring a building permit to renovate the property.

“The township was amazing. What the township realized was this was an eyesore, this building. It was a liability to them. It was pretty much abandoned. We said, ‘We’re going to make it beautiful. We’re going to help people. And we’re going to be great neighbors,’ ” Cabell said.

The renovation work started in January. Darrow Homes Construction, Hazle Township, was the general contractor.

A zoning hearing wasn’t necessary, he said.

“We were an allowed use. We just had to apply for a building permit to do the renovations and we were good to go. But to operate the treatment center, we needed a state license. There was a grueling process we had to go through. It went on for months. We just got our license on Tuesday,” Cabell said.

Initially, Silver Pines Treatment Center will have 20 employees, Cabell said.

“I would say we’ll have 12 full-time and eight part-time to start. Then when we’re fully occupied, we’ll probably have about 35 employees. We’ll have a good amount of LPNs. We already have three full-time and four part-time LPNs. We have a physician assistant, she’s full time. We have our CEO and then our clinical staff,” Cabell said.

“It’s a nice facility. And I think it’s going to be good for the community,” said Heidi Securda, a representative of Concept Medical, Ashland, one of the firms the center will do business with.

“It’s going to put a positive light on recovery. And the renovation work gives you a warm feeling,” Adam Czeponis, a pharmacist with Concept Medical, said referring to the decor.

The walls were redone in various shades of beige. Additions included new light fixtures, floors and furniture.

“You’re not coming in to a facility with drab walls or things like that. When people are recovering, they’ll have a sense of home,” Czeponis said.

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

POTTSVILLE — People participating in the Schuylkill County Drug Treatment Court must be honest with everyone, including themselves, a judge told them Thursday at their weekly session.

“Be honest with everyone,” Judge Jacqueline L. Russell, who presided over the court in the absence of Judge James P. Goodman. “Be a stand-up kind of guy, or woman.”

Russell told all the participants that the program is voluntary, and those who want to succeed must tell the truth about any problems they have. The consequences of slip-ups will be worse for those who do not tell the truth, she said.

Goodman had issued a similar warning at last week’s session after seeing some backsliding among the 30 people in the program.

Schuylkill County officials started the drug treatment court program this year to try to combat the widespread drug-addiction problem, using a carrot-and-stick approach. Other counties in Pennsylvania also have instituted drug treatment courts.

People in that 14-month program must undergo substance abuse treatment, make regular court appearances, submit to random drug testing and home visits, meet with probation officers, and comply with directives from the court and those officers. Participants must complete all five phases in order to graduate from the program; graduation is the carrot, resulting in dismissal of the charges against them.

However, since the defendants enter guilty pleas to the charges against them, failure to complete the program is the stick, resulting in them being sentenced, quite possibly to time in a state correctional institution.

Participants also read their weekly essays, which concentrated this week on what they believe courage is. Many of them focused on avoiding people, places and things that led them into their addictions.

“I have found the courage to change my way of thinking,” Michael said. That change means avoiding bad influences, especially those from the time when he was addicted, he said.

Alexander agreed that he has to shield himself from his previous experiences.

“I have shown courage by not associating with my old friends,” he said.

Randy also said a break from the past is necessary.

“The most courageous thing I’ve done is to block out people from my old life,” especially when his new life is showing itself to be better than what he had before, he said.

Dan agreed with Randy that courage is shown in setting a course for a new life.

“I’m so better off,” he said. “I could not care less about my old friends and my old ways.”

Kelcie had a different focus on defining courage.

“The most courageous thing I have done in recovery ... is to be myself,” she said. “The best is yet to come.”

John said courage has allowed him to become an adult and not live exclusively for himself.

“We have to have the courage to admit our powerlessness,” he said

Jennifer wept as she agreed that progress should result from showing courage, even if it leads to some difficult juggling of responsibilities and roles. It also should help her family, she said.

“I’m doing my best to have the courage to move forward,” she said. “My kids need their mother back.”

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

LOYALTON — Two representatives from the Elizabethville Bicentennial History Committee presented a gift Tuesday to Upper Dauphin Area School District.

Committee members Dennis Henninger and Ed Bechtel, both former school board directors, announced the committee is donating three 2017 bicentennial books to each of the district’s libraries, along with DVDs of the 1967 book prepared for the borough’s 150th. They can be used at the high school in Elizabethville and the middle school and elementary school in Loyalton.

They also shared literature about upcoming bicentennial events taking place from Saturday to Aug. 19.

Superintendent Evan Williams and school board President David Barder accepted the donation at Tuesday’s school board meeting.

Henninger explained the committee revised the initial book created for the 150th celebration and added to it for the bicentennial edition. One of the sections in the book details the education system.

“Mr. Williams was very helpful,” Henninger said.

“You’ve done an awesome job,” Barder told the committee members.

In addition to Barder, directors present were Mills Eure, Jack Laudenslager, Angela Mattern, the Rev. Nathan Minnich, Kathryn Talhelm and Steven Welker. Directors Roni Mace and Kirk Wenrich were absent.

The board approved a job description for a part-time substitute teacher. The description includes a guarantee of four work days, as administratively scheduled, and not exceeding 30 hours a week. Williams said that during the negotiating process with Upper Dauphin Education Association, the union expressed concern about the amount of preparation time taken away from teachers. Williams said the district may consider hiring two part-time teachers under this job description as a way to increase the district’s bank of substitutes.

The board just approved the job description and wanted to give Williams time to talk with the association about possibilities.

In other business, the board considered reducing the price of its building trades home, which is listed for $220,000. The board will seek advice from its real estate agent before deciding on a new asking price. The building trades home is built by UDA high school students.

The board discussed bank proposals for depository of district funds. Laudenslager removed himself from discussion and voting to avoid any violation of the ethics act, he said. Business Manager Mary Bateman said she’d have more information at future meetings.

In other action, the board approved:

• A modification to Policy 227.2 on extracurricular code of conduct, after consulting with athletic director Brent Bell, high school Principal Matthew Schwenk and middle school Principal Jared Shade. It addresses non-participant support for extracurricular activities. The modification states, “Students wishing to attend non-regular season extracurricular competitions during the school day for the purpose of supporting student participants may do so if they meet the academic eligibility guidelines contained in this policy, meet applicable attendance requirements, complete an educational trip request form in advance and return a ticket stub from the event (if tickets are used). The educational trip request form must be submitted at least one day prior to the day of the event.”

• Program volunteers for the 2017-18 school year.

• The following students to participate in vo-ag program at the high school for the 2017-18 school year, reimbursed at state-approved tuition rate: Halifax Area students, Seth Deppen, Kolton Mumma, Chase Fisher, Earl Stipe, Thomas Enders, Isaac Lapp and Chris Swartz; Northern Dauphin Christian School, Laura Henry.

• 2017-18 school bus stops.

• Bus drivers for the 2017-18 school year.

• Authorizing the superintendent to temporarily approve bus drivers to start the 2017-18 school year.

• The 2017-18 high school student/parent handbook.

• Agreement between the district and the Dauphin County Technical School for participation in the child nutrition program.

• Agreement between district and Capital Area Intermediate Unit for participation in child nutrition program.

• The settlement agreement and mutual release regarding uncollected back taxes with the Upper Dauphin Income Tax Office.

• Substitute teachers for the 2017-18 school year.

• Classified employee substitutes for 2017-18 school year.

• Resignation of Jill Blasser, job coach, effective immediately.

• James Burns as emotional support learning support K-2 teacher at a salary of $54,050, effective the 2017-18 school year.

• Athletic fees for 2017-18 school year with no increase from last year. Fees are: family pass, $105; individual pass, $75; adult individual pass, $5; student individual, high school, $3; adult individual, middle school, $3; student individual, middle school, $2.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

MAHANOY CITY — A Mahanoy City borough worker has filed a federal lawsuit against the borough, its mayor and police department.

The lawsuit on behalf of Lawrence “Larry” Levy was filed in United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Listed as defendants were Mahanoy City borough, Mahanoy City police, former Police Chief John Kaczmarczyk, former police Cpl. Michael Dissinger and Mayor Patricia A. Schnitzius.

Levy, 527 E. Market St., is seeking compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $600,000 plus attorney fees and costs.

In the lawsuit, Levy said he reported Dissinger to borough officials for carrying on “romantic affairs” with women while on duty both in the police vehicle and inside the police station.

As a result of the complaint, Levy claims that Kaczmarczyk and Dissinger used their positions on the police force to punish him.

Specifically, Levy claims Kaczmarczyk and Dissinger “in concert and conspiracy together and with others” intentionally and unlawfully fabricated a criminal investigation to unlawfully search and seize his property and to falsely arrest and prosecute him for crimes they knew he did not commit.

At that time, the lawsuit said, Dissinger, Kaczmarczyk and the co-defendants knew or should have known the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office and Pennsylvania State Police were conducting an investigation into thousands of dollars in missing cash and other items from the police department evidence room.

Levy claims that he unwittingly stepped into the ongoing corruption with his new complaints and that the officers conspired and pursued a scheme to falsely arrest, discredit and ruin his name so he would not pose a threat to their “already precarious existence.”

On Nov. 12, 2015, Levy claims Dissinger fabricated and filed false criminal charges of stalking and tampering evidence against him. The lawsuit also claims there was no pornography charge despite Dissinger’s claim of it being seized at Levy’s home.

Then, on Nov. 24, Dissinger filed a second set of criminal charges with fabricated evidence, the lawsuit claims, in order to charge Levy with harassing and stalking another person, completely unrelated to the first set of charges.

The lawsuit claims that the allegations were investigated by the state Office of the Attorney General that requested the court nolle pros the criminal charges and that Levy be found not guilty of the summary harassment charge.

As a result of the actions of Kaczmarczyk and Dissinger, Levy claims he continues to suffer personal injuries, including physical injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish and related financial losses.

The counts listed in the filing included false arrest-abuse of process, malicious prosecution, retaliatory prosecution, failure to supervise and discipline municipality liability and invasion of privacy-casting a false light.

Kaczmarczyk has since retired from the department. Dissinger’s employment was terminated by the borough.

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

FRACKVILLE — On Saturday, more than 400 people flocked to the 103rd annual Lithuanian Days celebration that has a new venue this year, St. Joseph the Worker Parish Hall at 9 S. Broad Mountain Ave.

“This is good,” said Paul Domalakes, an attorney from Frackville, who is the treasurer for Knights of Lithuania Council 144, which hosted the event.

Previously, the event was held at the Schuylkill Mall, Frackville. But in May, the owner of the mall, NorthPoint Development, Riverside, Missouri, announced the mall would close later this year.

“I was sort of partial to being here. I had suggested this place as a fallback,” his brother, Schuylkill County Judge John E. Domalakes, said.

Suzanne Domalakes, president of the Knights of Lithuania Council 144, is the judge’s wife.

“It’s much more homey. The people are together. It’s more like a homecoming. The mall was wonderful for many years and provided us with a lot of neat things. But this is more like what Lithuanian Days is supposed to be. It’s a celebration and a real familial, family atmosphere,” Paul Domalakes said.

“There’s some parking, not as much as there was at the mall. But there’s better parking than there is at a lot of other places. And it’s fairly roomy. It’s not the ideal place, but it’s a good fallback,” John Domalakes said.

Where the event will be held next year is still to be determined, the judge said.

Cecile Stiner, Benton, Columbia County, a crafter who was demonstrating her skills in card weaving, thought the venue worked.

“And I think the stage is nice,” Stiner said.

Performers like the Malunas Lithuanian Folk Dance Group, Baltimore, Maryland, worked the stage all day Saturday.

The 103rd annual festival will continue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at St. Joseph the Worker Parish Hall. Admission and entertainment is free. It celebrates Lithuanian culture, cuisine, song and dance.

On Saturday, the event attracted many historians.

They included Anne Chaikowsky, formerly of Shenandoah. She and Darryl Ponicsan co-authored a 2016 book in the Images of America series, “Shenandoah.”

Now she’s writing one about the history of the Lithuanian people of Schuylkill County.

“I’m hoping to have the book done for next year to sell it here. Since there are so many people here, I hope they find a way to expand it next year. Look at this place. It’s crowded and that’s wonderful. I think it would be great if they would take it out to Primrose, where they hold the Ukrainian festival,” Chaikowsky said, referring to the St. Nicholas Church picnic grounds.

People interested in telling their stories can contact her at chaikowskylavoie@hotmail.com.

Andris Jonas Dunduras, Cleveland, Ohio, director of the Cleveland Lithuanian Cultural Documentation Center, was there talking with local historians including Carol Luschas, Bloomsburg, the public relations/webmaster of Council 144, and Peg Grigalonis, president of the Mahanoy Area Historical Society.

“He’s trying to gather information from people here whose grandparents immigrated from Lithuania. The younger generation in Lithuania is trying to find their long-lost relatives. He’s an interesting guy,” Grigalonis said.

“What we’ve started in Cleveland is going very well and we’d like to see something similar here. And I also have connections with archives in Vilnius in Lithuania. There are people who are interested in the history of the coal region,” Dunduras said.

“It all starts at the grass-roots level. We want to see people taking an interest in their past, taking care of their family documents, their photographs and histories, even something as small as a church bulletin from 1957, which is a snapshot of what happened then,” Dunduras said.

The first Lithuanian newspaper in America was once published in Schuylkill County.

The Saule was established in 1888, according to “Schuylkill County Pennsylvania: Genealogy-Family History-Biography, Volume I,” published by J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago, in 1916.

The title is Lithuanian for Sun, Luschas said.

It was once published at a three-story structure at 337-339 W. South St., Mahanoy City.

Copies of the newspaper are on file at the Knights of Lithuania Council 144 Lithuanian Museum and Cultural Center, 37 S. Broad Mountain Ave., Frackville.

“Today, I’m here to assist if someone needs help with translation,” Dunduras said.

The event featured many historical exhibits, including one dedicated to the Lithuanian military. It was set up by the Lithuanian Partisan Living History Unit, Baltimore.

Among its members are Marcus E. Simkunas, Coal Township, Northumberland County.

He was dressed in a vintage uniform representing the 1944 Panzer Division.

“It’s Lithuanian, but it’s a German uniform,” Simkunas said.

Among the artifacts he had with him was a picture of his father, the late Stanislaus Simkunas.

“My parents were Partisans. They were resisting the occupation. I believe my father came to America in 1950. He died in 1992,” he said.

St. Joseph the Worker Parish Hall is remembered by many in the community as the former Annunciation BVM Parish Hall. St. Joseph the Worker parish was created with the July 2013 consolidation of St. Joseph, St. Ann and Annunciation BVM parishes.

For more information, visit the Council 144’s website, www.kofl144.weebly.com, and click the tab for the 103rd Annual Lithuanian Day.

The complete entertainment lineup can be found at the event’s Facebook page, “103rd Lithuanian Days.”

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

Police: Woman stole

pills from co-worker

ORWIGSBURG — A borough woman is facing charges by Orwigsburg police stemming from a theft of prescription medication that was reported on Tuesday.

Police said the victim reported the medication Vicodin was stolen from her purse while she was at work in the 1100 block of East Market Street on Aug. 3.

Security cameras from the victim’s work revealed that her co-worker, Natalie Hohman, 35, removed the items from the woman’s purse.

Hohman later confessed to the theft and is facing charges of theft, receiving stolen property and related drug offenses, police said.

Verbal dispute leads

to warrant arrest

ORWIGSBURG — Orwigsburg police reported taking a man into custody on a bench warrant in the 500 block of North Warren Street on Wednesday.

Police said officers were called to the area for a verbal dispute between Anario M. Thompson, 29, of Pottsville, and another person.

At the scene, police said, they learned that Thompson was wanted by Schuylkill County detectives and taken into custody.

He was arraigned pursuant to the warrant and committed to Schuylkill County Prison, police said.

Intoxicated man

faces myriad charges

ORWIGSBURG — A borough man is facing charges by Orwigsburg police after officers were called to Margaret Avenue and North Warrant Street for a report of an intoxicated person on Tuesday.

At the scene, police said, officers met Norman F. Trinkley, 22, who was under the influence to the degree that he posed a danger to both himself and to others in his vicinity.

Trinkley was also found with an open container of alcohol, a small amount of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a set of brass knuckles, police said.

As a result of the incident, police said, Trinkley is facing charges of public drunkenness, prohibited offensive weapons, possession of drug paraphernalia and drug-related offenses.

State police probe

alleged rape

ELIZABETHVILLE — State police at Lykens are investigation the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old borough girl that occurred about 2 a.m. Aug. 3 in this Dauphin County community.

Police called the incident a case of rape and sexual assault and would only say their Criminal Investigation Unit is investigating.