POTTSVILLE — For 44 years, Bowman’s Meats & Produce set up shop downtown twice a week.

“We have seen four generations of customers,” Robert Bowman said before packing up the market truck for the last time Friday.

The third generation farm in Hegins has decided to retire its market in downtown Pottsville. However, the farm will not be closing.

“I can’t believe you’re not going to be back again,” Cindy Bell, Pottsville, said after buying some fruit and vegetables.

Bell said she regularly bought green beans from Robert and Carol Bowman in Pottsville and made sure to stop by on their last day downtown. She ended up leaving with watermelon, carrots and tomatoes.

“I’m going to miss them,” Bell said.

Bowman and his family started selling meat and produce from their farm in Pottsville at a store where Mama Millie’s Bakery is now at 216 N Centre St. When that store closed, Bowman said city officials actually encouraged them to set up shop at the corner of Arch and North Market streets with their truck.

Since then, they had come to downtown Pottsville from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

“They didn’t care what the weather was like, they would always be there,” Eric Gilbert, Bowman’s son-in-law, said.

Robert and Carol Bowman said they wanted to thank all their customers for their years of support and the time they had spent together.

“They are like family,” Bowman said.

The Arch Street parking lot will continue to host a farmer’s market from about 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday during the summer.

“I’m sure people are going to miss Mr. Bowman. We will miss him,” Thomas A. Palamar, city administrator, said. “There is going to be a void, but also a big opportunity for someone else. I think having a consistent farmer’s market downtown would be very good for foot traffic in our business district.”

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

ORWIGSBURG — There are not many places where you can order a dish like pho for lunch, have some French macarons for dessert, and buy some local art and crafts on your way out. That’s the charm of 419 Market Cafe & Eatery.

“It’s unique,” Vicki Hill, McKeansburg, said while having lunch at the cafe Friday.

With daily specials, 419 Market Cafe & Eatery offers a menu unlike anywhere else in Schuylkill County. For example, every Friday and Saturday the menu includes pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup with a choice of broth and meat.

“It’s different,” Hill said. “There is a nice flare of different flavors they put together. It livens up your taste buds.”

Meanwhile, Heather Gosch, McKeansburg, had crab cakes and they both had a macaron for dessert.

“The macarons were delicious,” Gosch said.

“They were out of this world,” Hill said.

“They are comparable to anywhere else in the world,” Gosch said.

Amanda and Evan Bowen opened 419 Market Cafe & Eatery two years ago in September. A historical building in the borough, the business was once home to the Old County Seat cigar factory. It was then turned into an arts and crafts store by Evan’s mother called the Old County Seat Antique and Collectible Store.

“My mother-in-law had this store for 30 years,” Amanda said.

Evan was a chef for about 20 years at a country club in Kutztown before returning home to Orwigsburg, Amanda said, while she operated an online business. Although she is not from Schuylkill County, Amanda said she quickly fell in love with Orwigsburg as shown by numerous historical photos hanging on the hallway wall at the cafe.

“I was fascinated because this town has so much history,” she said. “It’s just a really cool town that needs to be put on the map.”

When they decided to operate a cafe out of the store, Amanda said they wanted to offer county residents something new.

“When we sat down to write our menu, we wanted to have things that weren’t on anyone else’s menu,” she said.

The menu is not the only reason customers continue to come back. Diners have the choice of sitting on the outside patio or among the various arts and crafts for sale, most of which were made by local artists. Every month, the store features a new gallery by an artist with a studio at the Walk In Art Center, Schuylkill Haven.

“You feel good vibes as soon as you come through the door,” Amanda said.

A former painter with a degree in art, Amanda said they are proud to support local artists.

“I feel like food is my art now,” she said.

All the meals are made from scratch, she said, including the salad dressing. Daily specials are posted in the morning on the 419 Market Cafe & Eatery’s Facebook page and they also offer a catering service.

“I like that it is all fresh,” Amanda Rymarkiewicz-Bobella, Pottsville, said Friday. “It’s healthy and you are not going to find food like this anywhere else.”

Bonni Fetterolf and Pam Strouse, both of Orwigsburg, said they have been going to the cafe for lunch ever since it opened two years ago and recommend it to all their friends.

“It’s fantastic food and it is like being on vacation,” Fetterolf said.

“The bakery can not be beat,” Strouse said. “It’s different and we tell everybody about it.”

The 419 Market Cafe and Eatery is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, find the 410 Market Cafe & Eatery on Facebook or visit their website at www.419marketcafeandeatery.com.

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

POTTSVILLE — With area schools starting the 2017-18 school year on Monday and to help raise awareness for safe travel of all students in the city, the Pottsville Bureau of Police will be conducting extra mobile and foot patrols during the first days of school.

Mayor James T. Muldowney and the police department will once again be using a program they have named “Safe School Start,” according to Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky.

Wojciechowsky said that during the first days of school, uniformed officers, independent of regular patrol duties, will be participating in specialized patrols concentrating on highlighting public awareness and enforcement of existing Pennsylvania Vehicle Code restrictions.

A particular emphasis will be placed on school travel safety issues such as school zone safe speeds, distracted driving and duties at a school bus.

The chief said that officers will also be focusing on promoting safe pedestrian travel practices by students.

Wojciechowsky said he and the Pottsville Bureau of Police are asking everyone to cooperate in creating the absolute safest environment for the students by employing extra caution and vigilant safety practices on a regular basis throughout not only the first week of school but the entire school year.

“Leave early, always be alert and look out for all children as if they are your own, and please remind another person to do the same,” the chief said.

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

Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers and the Pottsville Bureau of Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a man wanted on a felony arrest warrant for a theft in the city earlier this year.

Police said they are looking for Stephen W. Novakovich, 34, who was last known to live in Dauphin County, in connection with the theft of a vehicle that was reported stolen on June 23 and then located by state police troopers abandoned after a crash on Interstate 83 near Harrisburg three days later.

Police said that video surveillance, witness statements and other physical evidence showed that Novakovich took the vehicle from the unit block of North Jackson Street after stealing the keys from a residence in the 400 block of East Norwegian Street.

Although Novakovich is originally from the Harrisburg area, police said he is also known to frequent Pottsville and Saint Clair and may be in the area at this time.

There is currently a warrant issued for his arrest for felony theft of a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property and driving under suspension, police said.

Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information on the whereabouts of Novakovich or on any unsolved crime in Schuylkill County.

Callers are asked to refer to case 08-27-17 when calling with information on where Novakovich can be located.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 877-TIPS4SC (877-847-7472).

In addition, anyone with information can call Pottsville police Detective Kirk Becker at 570-622-1234, Ext. 332.

All information will remain confidential.

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

Deeds

Branch Township — Lisa M. Smolskis to Danielle M. Raczka; 636 Minersville-Llewellyn Highway; $120,000.

Lorraine F. DiRenzo, by attorney in fact Patrice DiRenzo, to Jeanne C. Drust and Michelle Drust; 1393 Bunting St., Llewellyn; $167,500.

Butler Township — Timothy F. Twardzik to Paul Fallon to Tracy Teasenfitz; 618 W. Nicholas St.; $150,000.

East Union Township — Lane Irvin to Kathleen Hoystrich; 101 Second St., Oneida; $50,000.

Frackville — Nationstar Mortgage LLC to Southern Specialty Properties LLC; 119 S. Second St.; $3,000.

Frantz SBM Partnership and Land Management LP to Frederick N. Corrado, Michele Corrado and Jeremy Miller; property on Nice Street; $58,500.

Stacy Krupiewski to Amber Smith; 129 E. Frack St.; $76,400.

Tracy Teasenfitz to Matthew Edwards; 24 N. Broad Mountain Ave.; $89,900.

Thema Partnership LP to Ann Marilyn Stefanski; 113 S. Railroad Ave.; $16,200.

Mahanoy City — Mark Snyder to Ken Wright and William Sullivan; 1024 E. Pine St.; $7,050.

Christopher and Crystal Kessock to Scott and Jennifer Kline; 712 E. Mahanoy Ave.; $36,000.

Christopher and Crystal Kessock to Scott and Jennifer Kline; property on East South Street; $1.

Elrena Gibson to Junior A. Perez Paulino; 1031 E. Pine St.; $7,000.

Minersville — Gary W. Ralston and Lori B. Ralston to Kelsey Nagy-Deak; 428 New Castle St.; $1.

New Philadelphia — Christine Malanowicz to George M. Sr. and Ann E. Reed; 22-24 Clay St.; $16,000.

North Manheim Township — Philip S. and Mary Keil and Kurt A. and Lorraine Keil to Philip S. and Mary Keil; 499 Gordon Nagle Trail; $1.

Brenda A. Bauer Leymeister to Thomas J. and Tina L. Blankenhorn; 61 Meadow Drive; $195,000.

North Manheim Township and Orwigsburg — Seton Manor Inc. to Seton Drive Land LLC; two properties; $45,000.

North Union Township —

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Cesar and Fatima Fabian; Lot 45EA, Egale Rock; $46,359.

Damian N. Joy to Edward Altman and Marina Reyngold; Lot 70A, Eagle Rock; $275,000.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Maria E. and Robert W. Duquette; Lot 53AV1, Eagle Rock; $39,289.

Tighe J. and Kathleen E. Scott to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 3EA, Eagle Rock; $8,000.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Manuel F. and Ma Corazon B. Lim; Lot 3EA, Eagle Rock; $47,369.

Norwegian Township — Seiders Hill Inc. to Harbor Woodland Estates LLC; 62.9-acre property on Hillside Road; $1,221,000.

Orwigsburg — Seton Manor Inc. to 900 West Market St. LLC; 900 W. Market St.; $468,000.

Seton Manor Inc. to 1000 Seton Drive LLC; 11.4352-acre property; $3,787,000.

Pine Grove Township — Chad B. Kramer to Chad B. and Veronica Nagle Kramer; 194 Stanhope Road; $1.

Porter Township — Bruce A. and Paula A. Schwalm to Dustin C. Kessler and William A. Ochs; 439 Dietrich Ave., Orwin; $78,000.

Pottsville — Bank of America NA to Ysidro Rafael Nunez; 622 Mahantongo St.; $1,872.

Aaron R. Frymyer to Justin Romig; 900 W. Race St.; $32,500.

Rush Township — Gerald E. and Phyllis M. Mace to David E. Mace and Karen L. Buch, trustees of The Gerald E. and Phyllis M. Mace Irrevocable Trust; 27 Frankford Ave., Hometown; $1.

Ryan Township — GLM Real Estate Group LLC to David L. Morgan; 246 Hillside Drive, Barnesville; $10,000.

Saint Clair — Elizabeth Charlock to Charles M. Ross; 109 S. Morris St.; $109,900.

Krystal L. Martician to Krystal L. Martician and Carl P. Martician Jr.; 42 N. Morris St.; $1.

Dolores H. Lipinsky to Dolores H. Lipinsky, Sonia M. Egan and Rachelle M. Kemfort; 221 N. Mill St. and 504 E. Hancock St.; $1.

Schuylkill Haven — U.S. Bank NA to Joann Haller and Melissa Umbenhauer; 250 N. Margaretta Ave.; $20,000.

Shenandoah — Neil Frank DeLuca, individually and as executor of the Last Will & Testament of Carmella A. Fonslick, to Julissa Hernandez; property on South Jardin Street; $18,000.

Anna M. Boychak to Robert and Elizabeth Schlack; property on West Coal Street; $16,000.

Shenandoah and Union Township — Joseph J. and Donna M. Gawrylik to Joseph J. and Donna M. Gawrylik, Robyn M. Jordan, Traci A. Kowalick and Jason J. Gawrylik; two properties; $1.

South Manheim Township — Ryan Geist and Tristin E. Hutchinson to Clay H. Rinehart and Amber L. Crespo; 71 Hickory Lane; $190,000.

Tamaqua — Frank P. Alicandri and Peter A. Alicandri to Peter A. and Ann M. Alicandri; 101 Market St.; $1.

Charles Abdoo to Dennis J. and Deborah J. Tamagini; property on North Center Street; $4,500.

Washington Township — Daniel R. Ebling to Thomas J. and Barbara A,. Murphy; 997 Mountain Road; $115,000.

Wayne Township — Brian L. Miller to Jason Ulsh; 1988 Fair Road, Summit Station; $35,000.

Nancy J. Sweitzer to Gary E. and Debra L. Schultz; 107 Creek Drive; $9,000.

West Mahanoy Township — Eleanor W. Isgate to Francis J. Isgate Jr.; 193 Weston Place; $1.

West Penn Township — Theodore W. Luhowy Jr., administrator of the Estate of Theodore W. Luhowy Sr., to Eric N. and Cheyenne Barr; two properties; $175,000.

James D. and Tammie L. Dunn to Mary E. Guresik; 387 Archery Club Road; $92,500.

Nicholas and Dawn Viania to Dawn Viania; 347 Archery Club Road; $1.

Marriage licenses

Steven L. Wheeler, Schuylkill Haven, and Katherine S. Snoke, Schuyllkill Haven.

Jimie Joe Ciccanti, Pottsville, and Tonia M. Frame, Pottsville.

Christopher L. Carl, Pine Grove, and Tara Lynn Bohler, Pine Grove.

Keith E. Thomas, Auburn, and Bonnie L. Motley, Auburn.

James E. Weikel Jr., Ringtown, and Patricia A. Michael, Ringtown.

Hunter J. Velez, Pine Grove, and Kymberly R. Hess, Pine Grove.

Paul J. Bedway, Orwigsburg, and Ashley E. Shotwell, Orwigsburg.

Lloyd B. Yeager, Pine Grove, and Cynthia K. Brooks, Elmira, NY.

Paul J. Macenka, Coaldale, and Karen E. Phillips, Coaldale.

Kim A. Sherman, Schuylkill Haven, and Dolores L. Zinewicz, Schuylkill Haven.

Derek J. Flail, Shenandoah, and Anna M. Malocu, Shenandoah.

Jay C. Umbenhouer, Pottsville, and Michelle Lee Deiter, Pottsville.

Divorces granted

Sherri Hutnick, Schuylkill Haven, from Charles Hutnick Jr., Ashland.

Jessica D. Lane, Frackville, from Stephen M. Gaughan, Mahanoy City.

Heather Sborz, no address available, from Alanzo Enrique Guerrero, Pottsville.

I sure hope wherever you were during the solar eclipse last Monday you enjoyed what you witnessed. I was in Missouri and despite the fact that this was the second total solar eclipse I’ve seen in my lifetime it was so special to share it with my wife and good friends. If the good Lord permits, I plan to see the next total solar eclipse in USA on April 8, 2024, although they’ll be many more solar eclipses across the world between now and then. Time to check my frequent flyer miles!

This week in Starwatch, I want to share with you the joy of stargazing in the early morning hours over Pottsville. For many years, I’ve been a super early riser, but not by choice. In order for me to be to work on time at 5 a.m., I arise a little before 4 a.m. As brutal as that may be, one of the great things about it is that if clouds don’t get in the way, I can start my day with the stars. This time of year it’s especially a treat because as I look in the east, the stars are especially dazzling and bright.

That’s because those stars make up the great winter constellations that are on the rise and adorning in the early morning eastern skies. These are same stars we see in the early evening skies in early January. I lovingly call this part of the sky “Orion and his Gang.”

Even if you’re not all that hip to the constellations, chances are you recognize Orion the Hunter. It’s the one that resembles an hourglass or a cockeyed bowtie. It’s hallmark are three bright stars lined up neatly in a row that make up Orion’s belt. Just below the belt there are three more fainter stars in a row that make up Orion’s sword. The middle star in the sword is really fuzzy. That’s because it’s not a star but rather a huge cloud of hydrogen gas more than 8,500 trillion miles away when new stars are gravitationally being born.

To the lower right of Orion’s belt is Rigel, the brightest star in Orion marking the hunter’s left knee. The other super bright star, to the upper left of belt, is Betelgeuse, marking Orion’s armpit. Without any problem at all, you can see that it has a reddish glow. Betelgeuse is what astronomers call a super red giant star that is a little under a billion miles in diameter. Our own sun is less a million miles in girth.

Elsewhere in Orion’s gang, there’s Auriga, the retired chariot driver with the bright star Capella. There’s also Taurus the bull with the little arrow pointing to the right, which outlines the face of the bull with the reddish star Aldebaran marking the angry red eye of the beast. Just above Taurus are the Pleiades, a beautiful bright star cluster that resembles a tiny Big Dipper. The Pleiades Star Cluster is made up of more than 100 young stars, probably less than 100 million years old.

The brightest member of Orion’s Gang in the eastern half of the sky is actually “renting out space” among the regular winter shiners. It’s Venus, one of Earth’s next door neighbor in the solar system, currently 120 million miles from Earth. It’s taken up temporary residence just below in the constellation Gemini the Twins, parked just below the bright stars Castor and Pollux.

What stars we see as well as when and where we find them in the skies has everything to do with where the Earth is around the sun and where you are on the rotating Earth. Both Earth’s orbit around the sun and its daily rotation on its axis determine what direction in space you’re facing at any particular time. All the stars and constellations are so far away that from our perspective on Earth it seems like we’re inside of giant celestial bowl. That’s more or less what more folks up until the 17th century A.D. believed.

Obviously, we now know that isn’t the case but observationally that’s how it seems. The constant change of the night sky on a daily and seasonal basis is one of the joys of stargazing and amateur astronomy to me and many other stargazing fanatics. The stars are always on the move and everything go in familiar cycles.

So set that alarm, grab that cup of strong coffee and enjoy a little winter stargazing without the windchill!

Celestial hugging this week

On Tuesday and Wednesday evening this week, the first quarter waxing gibbous moon will be passing by the fairly bright planet Saturn in the low southern sky. It’s always worth it to take a gander at Saturn with even a small telescope. The ringed wonder of our solar system is just more than 900 million miles away from Earth right now. On Tuesday night, the moon will be just to the upper right of Saturn and Wednesday night it’ll just to upper left of sixth planet our from our sun.

(Lynch, an amateur astronomer and professional broadcast meteorologist, can be reached at mikewlynch@comcast.net)

POTTSVILLE — John Zubris, 66, of Brockton, knows all too well how thieves can steal someone’s hard-earned cash without anyone suspecting anything.

His son, Zachary Zubris, 25, of Brockton, was the victim of a skimming device installed at a local gas pump earlier in the year. Thieves got away with $600. Zachary got his money back from his local financial institution after he noticed something amiss with his account. Zubris said the information showed that the withdrawal originated in Connecticut.

“It’s good that he was looking,” Zubris said.

Zubris said he uses cash to pay for gas at gas stations, something he did Friday when he bought gas at the Exxon gas station on West Market Street in Pottsville.

Louisa Bosack, 58, of West West Terrace, is equally as cautious, although she still uses her debit card for gas transactions.

“I just look to make sure there are no wires hanging out,” she said.

The level that thieves go to to try and steal, Bosack said, makes her a little hesitant at times to use her card for gas transactions at the pump.

“I just check my account every day,” she said.

Carolyn Dunkelberger, 37, of Hegins, said she keeps her financial safety is mind when she gets gas for her vehicle. She looks at the gas pump to see if anything appears out of the ordinary before she fills up her tank. Thankfully, she has not been a victim.

State officials want the public to know there are ways they can protect themselves from being the victim of skimmers, a card reader that captures information from a debit or credit card, at gas stations and ATMs. The device can be outside of the pump or inside if the perpetrator has a key for the machine.

The Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Police, the state Department of Revenue, and the state Department of Banking and Securities want people to know they can take steps to keep their financial information safe. A handout is available at www.dobs.pa.gov/Documents/Publications/Handouts/SkimmingAlertCard.pdf.

“Card skimming is a serious offense that not only affects customers and merchants locally, but has also been known to have links to international organized crime,” State Police Commissioner Tyree C. Blocker said. “As skimming devices and the criminals who use them become more sophisticated, law enforcement agencies must work together to protect consumers against this type of high-tech fraud.”

For example, Secretary of Banking and Securities Robin L. Wiessmann said people can do the following to help them from being a victim of theft:

• Choose gas pumps that are closer to and within the line of vision of the cashiers

• Use ATMs in well-lit, secure locations and avoid using ATMs that are stand-alone units in corners of stores or other out-of-the-way locations

• Look at the card reader slot and surrounding areas to see if anything looks out of place, mismatched or loose

• Make sure no one is watching you enter your PIN, or possibly filming you on a cellphone

• Consider using your credit card instead of your debit card to avoid compromising your PIN and to gain other consumer protections

• Check your bank and credit card statements frequently to watch for fraudulent activity and report any unfamiliar activity immediately

• Other warning signs include out-of-date pump inspections, a lack of tamper-resistant tape on the pump, scant or a lack of video surveillance, and pumps that are not close to the station or in a dark area.

Those who are a victim should contact their local or state police, contact their financial institution and can monitor their credit report.

Minersville Police Chief Michael Combs said the threat of skimming devices is very real.

“You need to be cautious because unfortunately there are thieves out there,” Combs said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

SHENANDOAH — He has written countless stories about the borough throughout his career, but on Saturday it was John E. Usalis’ turn to make the front page as the grand marshal of this year’s Parade of Nations and Heritage Day celebration.

Usalis, a longtime local journalist and former staff writer for The Republican-Herald, led the parade on North Main Street and then received proclamations from state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, and Mayor Andrew Szczyglak declaring Aug. 26 as “John Usalis Day.”

“It’s an honor to be chosen,” Usalis said. “I want to thank everyone who wanted me to be grand marshal.”

While Usalis said he was surprised Downtown Shenandoah Inc. selected him to be grand marshal, it was an easy decision for the borough’s revitalization group. Szczyglak said three things stand out about Usalis: his work ethic, his pride in his Lithuanian heritage and his devotion to his faith.

“He is a fantastic reporter and always went above and beyond,” Szczyglak said. “He brings pride back to Shenandoah, especially with his coverage of the borough’s sesquicentennial last year.”

Usalis thanked his parents for always pushing him to learn, former co-workers at the Shenandoah Evening Herald, Bill O’Brien and Ed Schreppel, and God.

The 18th Parade of Nations kicked off the 19th Heritage Day at 10 a.m. Saturday with 15 nations represented by flags, traditional clothing and music. The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico were new additions this year.

“It’s such a diverse town,” Mary Luscavage, DSI executive director and Main Street Program manager, said. “There are so many ethnicities in this town and it is important to be proud of that and celebrate it.”

Wearing authentic Victorian dresses, Amy and Anne Andruscavage, both of Shenandoah, waived Lithuanian flags as they walked down Main Street.

“Everyone is represented,” Anne said. “I think it is wonderful because it brings everyone together. We look forward to it every year.”

Ivan Monjaraz, Shenandoah, and his family walked behind a Mexican flag with the children wearing the country’s colorful and traditional clothing.

“The kids really enjoy the traditional outfits and the dancing,” Monjaraz said. “It’s wonderful. We have many cultures represented.”

Meanwhile, Peter Cieslukowski, Shenandoah, was in his traditional Polish clothing.

“It’s important to keep this going because this is what makes up the community and we need to preserve it,” Cieslukowski said. “Many towns have heritage days, but nothing like this.”

Robert Taylor and his family had many flags waving from their float in the parade.

“We try to add a new country every year if we can,” he said. “We all live in the same world and I’m proud of my ancestry like I think everyone here is.”

The annual event also brings former borough residents back home.

Bernadette and Ed Levitsky, Allentown, said they come back to where they grew up every year for the parade.

“We just like seeing the different people being represented,” Bernadette, who wore a “Polish Pride” shirt, said.

“That there is still some life left in town,” Ed said.

“The town is so diverse,” Theresa Kehl, Brandonville, said. “It’s amazing.”

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

Altamont

The Altamont Fire Company, 209 Green St., will feature “Dr. Dirty” John Valby from 9 to 11 p.m. Sept. 30 at the firehouse. Tickets are $20 each and the event is for people 21 and older. For advanced tickets or more information, call Brian at 570-527-7515 or Jim at 570-985-8388. Refreshments will be available for an additional charge.

Barnesville

The Committee to Elect Christine Holman District Attorney will hold an end-of-summer deck party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Mountain Valley Golf Course, 1021 Brockton Mountain Drive. The cost is $35. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information, all Mary Beth Dougherty at 570-590-6362.

Heckscherville

Clover Fire Company, 8 Clover Road, will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday at the firehouse. The cost is $8 for adults and $3 for children. For more information, call 570-294-0612.

Lykens

Zion Lutheran Church, Klinger’s Church Road, will have a card party beginning at 3 p.m. Sept. 24 at the church. The cost is $2 per player of pinochle and euchre. Beginner classes will start at 3 p.m. followed by the tournament at 4 p.m. Homemade food will be for sale. For more information, call 570-425-2256.

Mahanoy City

Edwin Miller, secretary-treasurer of Post Q Anthracite Region, Travelers Protective Association of America, was feted with the Fraternalist of the Year Award at the 127th annual national TPA convention held at Ameristar Casino Resorts in St. Charles, Missouri. His wife, Dolores, who accompanied him to the confab, is a past winner of the award. Also at the convention, four new national directors were elected, including E.L. Reed, Missouri; William Kern Jr., Post Q, Pennsylvania; Linda Payseur, North Carolina; and Richard Martin, South Carolina. Kern is the fourth member from Post Q to be elected as national director. The others were his late father, William Kern Sr., Emil Yenchick and Edwin Miller.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St. will host a free session regarding “Playing it Safe: What you can do today to protect your identity” at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sept. 12. Participants will learn how their personal and business information can be stolen and hear tips to prevent it, how to monitor and repair your identity and where to find additional free or affordable help. People planning to attend must call to reserve space for either session at 570-622-8880. The library will also have a free program regarding health insurance Q/A at 6 p.m. Oct. 2. David Buono, consumer liaison for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, will be on hand to answer questions. Call the aforementioned number for more information.

Schuylkill Haven

The Healthy Haven group and Lehigh Valley Health Network sponsor Yoga in the Park at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through September at Bubeck Park. People should bring beach towels or yoga mats. The sessions are free. For more information, call 570-617-6511.

Tamaqua

Ted Catranis, a retired science teacher, will share tips on the mechanics of completing a book and getting it published at 10 a.m. Sept. 16 during a meeting of the Black Diamond Writers Network at the Tamaqua Public Library, 30 S. Railroad St. Catranis is the author of “What Is Leadership,” a collection of insights useful for personal growth and success, according to a network release. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, call Anna Getz at 570-645-2717. For directions, call the library at 570-668-4660. All are welcome.

My summer has been a busy one and I’ve devoted a lot of my time to strengthening the Pottsville-Paris-Perche connection.

I’ve had a friend from my Pottsville High days visit and my niece from Auburn came for an extended stay. For a good part of the summer season, I’ve been busy honing my skills as tour operator and guide.

Now I’m off. I’ve put my house back in order, caught up with weeding and hoeing in the garden and can sit down for a rest. I get up early, do yoga and listen to the radio, all elements in a cherished routine I’ve let go for too long. But now that dear friends and family are gone and quiet and calm have replaced the bustle, the outside world has come rushing back in.

It’s the radio, a habit and a passion. I don’t stream the news, I don’t podcast. I collect information the old-fashioned 20th century way, tuning in to favorite shows on a little transistor at set times each day, imagining that, all over France, others are doing the same. I like that idea of a community of “unlike-minded” individuals, doing the same thing at the same time, sharing a real-time experience while preserving our independence of mind.

My mother also loved the radio; she was a member of WVIA and a great fan of public radio. Her favorite shows were “Car Talk” and “Prairie Home Companion.” “Morning” and “Evening Editions,” along with The Republican-Herald, were her main sources for the news.

In France, I listen to the equivalent of American public radio, two national public-service stations whose names say it all: France Culture and France Musique. Since I arrived in France 30 years ago (the first day of summer 2017 marked the anniversary), France Culture has been my constant companion, and to all those voices on the radio I owe much of what I know about France and the world. I can even say that radio has helped to bring about important and radical changes in my life.

Thanks to France Culture, soon after my arrival in France, I discovered the Austrian writer Thomas Bernhard. Although his name may not be a household one, at a difficult turning point in my life, this man’s novels helped me to move forward and change. I also traveled to Austria to visit the places he wrote about and to attend his plays at the Burgtheater in Vienna, all because of what I’d heard on the radio.

On France Musique, I discovered Betty Davis. Her “Anti Love Song” was released in 1973, but I have to admit I listened to it for the first time in 2016. What a voice! What a woman! Better late than never to discover one of the greatest voices of funk.

The radio also brings me the kind of in-depth reporting it’s difficult to find anywhere else. French radio still takes its time; one-hour programs are the rule, some extend to two or three. For me, the radio is a true school of life.

Sometimes, though, I can’t take it all in. The news is too painful, incomprehensible, so far beyond anything I have ever experienced that I want to shut it out. Just this morning, I listened to a report on France Culture about the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad and how his government eliminates any trace of dissent.

The words I heard were raw: if a Syrian protests, he or she disappears from the face of the Earth. Like the Nazis before them, the regime has documented the process: victims are tortured and killed, then they are numbered, a tattoo on their skin. No name, no identity. Finally, the corpses are photographed. One courageous insider released those photos to the world, but that is no guarantee justice will be done.

I listened to the broadcast a second time to prepare this article. The same harsh words, the same unimaginable reality as I sit comfortably at my desk. Garance Le Caisne, author of “Opération César,” a book documenting the Syrian project of mass execution that has already resulted in more than 100,000 deaths, emphasized that as she spoke Syrians were continuing to be tortured to death.

That’s the radio. That’s having some time to myself: the juxtaposition of opposing realities as I, an onlooker living in comfort, come up against the constant specter of pain and death.

During the broadcast, I heard an interview with David Crane, founder of the Syria Accountability Project and co-author of the 2014 Syrian Detainee Report. He claims that “beyond a reasonable doubt,” the Syrian regime is committing crimes against humanity, calling the methods “medieval” in their cruelty.

The rack, the Catherine wheel, the iron maiden, repeat strangulation, poison gas, drowning or beating to death. Torture and cruelty traverse the ages with apparent ease.

I listen, keep my distance, do not participate.

During the recent visit of my niece, Leah Graup, Auburn, we spent a lot of time immersed in beauty, natural beauty and the creations of artists from around the world, their works spanning thousands of years.

We hiked through the hills and valleys of le Perche, where farms and churches, hundreds of years old, blend with the landscape in an almost perfect marriage between nature and humankind. In Paris, we visited two museums a day, taking in wonders until we were ready to drop.

As we walked in the country or toured the city, whenever I had a spare moment, I read a biography that had taken hold of me, “Dorothy Day: The World Will Be Saved by Beauty,” written by her granddaughter, writer Kate Hennessy.

Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, held up by Pope Francis as the very model of an American saint, devoted her life to the downtrodden and forgotten, working tirelessly to offer them better lives. She helped and sometimes saved those she could, but she placed her faith in God and beauty when it came to the salvation of the world.

Listening to the radio, confronting the horrors of torture and war, I’d like to believe Dorothy Day was right. Beauty can save the world. It transforms onlookers into participants and makes us more alive and aware. We all need beauty and we need to share it. Pottsville, Paris and le Perche have grown closer together this summer because I have shared beauty with family and friends.

(Honicker can be reached at honicker.republicanherald@gmail.com)

Midland

Ian L. Recla, a 2014 Nativity BVM High School graduate, completed his junior year and made the dean’s list for spring semester at Midland University, Fremont, Nebraska. He is majoring in business management.

McCloskey

The following students made the director’s academic honor list at the completion of the Nursing 200, Nursing 201 or Nursing 202 courses at the Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing, Pottsville:

Nursing 200 — Michael Neidlinger, Adrienne Pinchot.

Nursing 201 — Allyson Finster, Victoria Yaracz.

Nursing 202 — Megan Bowers, Samantha Green, Mariah Sands.

The following students made the director’s academic honor list at the completion of the Nursing 300/301 course:

Madison Blasko; Olesya Careyva; Anita Carver; Mikayla Davidson; Alexandra DiNicola; Shannon Goodman; Krystal Londono; Sarah Mansell; Ahmed Mansour; Kelly Mitchell; Brian Noonan; Amber Reber; Michelle Roberts; Kristen Ruskuski; Katey Scheeler; Christina Schew; Brooke Sims; Devin Smith and Terri Starr.

Geisinger SOM

Jenna Marinock, McAdoo, a first-year doctor of medicine student, received a white coat at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine’s ninth annual White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2021.

The white coat is the first symbol of their new profession.

Susquehanna

Adeline Wolfe, Elizabethville, was inducted into Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity for women at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove.

Adeline is a mathematics- secondary education major in the Class of 2020. A 2016 graduate of Upper Dauphin Area High School, she is a daughter of Tom and Dawn Wolfe.

Alvernia

Local residents who are upperclass students at Alvernia University, Reading, served as orientation weekend leaders and assistants.

Sarah Englert, Schuylkill Haven, who is studying occupational therapy and is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School, served as an orientation weekend assistant.

Olivia Grube, Pottsville, who is studying occupational therapy and is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School, and Kyrsten Runkle, Ashland, who is studying occupational therapy and is a graduate of North Schuylkill High School, served as orientation weekend leaders.

Shauna Redanauer, Orwigsburg, was named a resident assistant at Alvernia University for the 2017-18 academic year. She is studying nursing at Alvernia and is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School.

Wilkes

Savannah Savakinas, Ringtown, a biology major, was one of six students at Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, who participated in a summer research project with Ken Klemow, a professor in the biology department.

Students are examining a section of the Transco Interstate Pipeline owned by Wilkes for regrowth after expansion occurred in 2016. The students are assessing if pipeline corridors create a pathway for invasive plant species to spread into areas that have previously not been impacted. Findings will also illustrate the rate of revegetation and if the corridor may serve as a source of pollution for streams across the site.

Thomas Hagenbuch, Delano,was one of three Wilkes University students who participated in collaborative summer research projects with professor Del M. Lucent, assistant professor of physics at Wilkes.

Hagenbuch is a graduate student in the master of science in bioengineering program.

Two projects were researched over the summer. In the first project, the students worked in collaboration with Sofya Chepushtanova, assistant professor of math and computer science, and Lucent. They analyzed how the mathematical concepts of shape can be applied to protein folding simulations.

Students also collaborated with Adam VanWert, associate professor of pharmaceutical science and William Terzaghi, professor of biology, and used computer simulations to understand how to transport protein functions, specifically in kidney stones.

The research on protein folding collected data that could enable treatment for numerous diseases that occur when proteins misfold in the human body. It has implications for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, cystic fibrosis, Type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer.

An upper Dauphin County man sits in prison after a federal grand jury in Harrisburg indicted him on multiple drug charges, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

Chester L. Hubler III, 38, of Lykens, has been charged with two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count each of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Hubler has been detained pending a hearing at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 6 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson in Harrisburg.

Prosecutors allege that Hubler and Berry L. Boltz Sr., 54, of Jonestown, distributed meth on multiple occasions between February and April in Lebanon County. It also alleged that Boltz, a convicted felon, possessed four firearms and distributed heroin and fentanyl in addition to meth.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli.

U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III will preside over the case.

Prosecutors brought the case as part of the Heroin Initiative, a districtwide program to combat the nationwide epidemic of heroin use and distribution. It is also part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership, another districtwide initiative, which the U.S. Attorney’s Office is leading to fight the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, which includes most of the northeastern and central parts of the state.

The grand jury filed its superseding indictment on Aug. 9.

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

Coastal Carolina

KateLynn LaScala, Schuylkill Haven, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, magna cum laude, and Sierra Perambo, Cressona, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in hospitality, resort, and tourism management during commencement ceremonies in the spring at Coastal Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina.

Eastern Mennonite

Kristine Miller Stover, Tower City, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing during commencement ceremonies at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia.

A man charged with killing his father inside a home in Ryan Township on Father’s Day is among those scheduled to enter not guilty pleas during arraignments Thursday in Schuylkill County Court.

Michael D. Marchalk, 37, currently an inmate at the Schuylkill County Prison and formerly of 21 Pear St., Barnesville, was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Joseph Hall and charged with murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, murder in the third degree, robbery, theft, access device issued to another person, possessing instruments of crime, criminal homicide and voluntary manslaughter.

Hall charged Marchalk with beating his father — prominent Schuylkill County attorney Gary Marchalk — to death on June 18 and then fleeing the home in the man’s vehicle.

Michael Marchalk was the subject of a nationwide alert and eventually taken into custody without incident in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Others scheduled to appear for arraignment are:

Morgan L. Miller, 27, of 224 S. Mill St., Saint Clair; DUI and DUI-high rate.

Scott A. Greis, 52, of 113 Evergreen Drive, Pottsville; DUI and DUI-highest rate.

Kevin M. Wagner, 23, of 116 Pottsville St., Port Carbon; driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ryan M. Swanzy, 28, of 712 S. Kennedy Drive, McAdoo; driving under the influence of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Patric W. Boyer, 39, of 644 Chestnut St., Hegins; DUI, DUI-highest rate, careless driving, improper tires and driving without insurance.

Kyle C. Kaplafka, 36, of 218 Virginia Ave., Shenandoah; DUI, accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property, not driving on roadways laned for traffic, restrictions on alcoholic beverages, failure to use safety belts and stop and yield sign violations.

Heather L. Horbach, 40, of 1802 Market St., Ashland; DUI, DUI-highest rate, accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property and careless driving.

Heather N. Breidigan, 30, of 120 Graeff St., Cressona; DUI and careless driving.

Kaitlyn M. Viars, 22, of 14 Judy Drive, Cressona; DUI, DUI-high rate, not driving on roadways laned for traffic, careless driving and general lighting requirements.

Kathy D. Tonkin, 22, of 315 E. Broad St., Tamaqua; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

Bruce J. Layton, 27, of 23 Newtown Road, Shenandoah; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

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

Kyra N. Honsby, 21, of 238 S. Chestnut St., Shenandoah; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dorothy M. Brenneman, 35, of 308 N. Coal St., Port Carbon; theft of leased property and receiving stolen property.

Rhiannon Meyer, 39, no address available, Shenandoah; robbery of a motor vehicle, theft, defiant trespass, DUI, criminal mischief and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kimberly A. Endicott, 46, of 320 E. Railroad St., Saint Clair; retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Carol A. Shatalsky, 41, of 3 Produce St., Cressona; misbranding of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shana M. Marler, 34, of 17 Fritz Reed Ave., Schuylkill Haven; resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and harassment.

Kenneth L. Smith, 56, of 311 W. Market St., Pottsville; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

John T. Morrison Jr., 65, of 307 Village Road, Orwigsburg; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Erika L. Hauptly, 35, of 60 York Farm Road, Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cassandra A. Canaan, 29, of Rear 309 W. Sherman St., McAdoo; theft and receiving stolen property.

Samantha R. Boylan, 19, of 1 S. Lehigh St., Apt. 2B, Tamaqua; bad checks.

Jacob R. Hartzell, 21, of 1 S. Lehigh St., Apt. 2B, Tamaqua; theft by deception.

Ian P. McGregor, 32, of 110 E. High St., Coaldale; resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Shane M. Kostingo, 25, of 408 W. Chestnut St., Second Floor Apt., Frackville; terroristic threats, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, false imprisonment, disorderly conduct, harassment and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brittany Bainbridge, 25, of 143 S. Balliet St., Frackville; public drunkenness, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joseph Zendrosky, 39, of 113 W. Main St., Third Floor, Girardville; false identification to law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cordell Adams, 33, of State Correctional Institution/Frackville, Frackville ; assault by life prisoner, aggravated assault on police, assault by prisoner, simple assault and harassment.

Brian J. McClintock, 41, of 417 E. Market St., Pottsville; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Lisa D. Leymesiter, 47, of 6 May Ann Hill, Schuylkill Haven; bad checks.

James W. Hrbek, 35, of 216 Jackson St., Port Carbon; violation of Public Welfare Code.

Stephanie A. Powanda, 39, of 70 Coal St., Port Carbon; violation of Public Welfare Code.

Diane M. Kutsko, 47, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; furnishing drug-free urine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Eric N. Keefe, 36, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; assault by prisoner, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

William D. Jubilee, 46, of 10 N. 50th St., Philadelphia; aggravated assault on police, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, fleeing or attempting to elude police, recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest, driving under the influence of drugs and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

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

Jarrod Keely, 31, of 313 N. Seventh St., Pottsville ; possession of drug paraphernalia and general lighting requirements.

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

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

Kenneth L. Smith, 28, of 1234 E. Market St., Mahanoy City; DUI, possession of a small amount of marijuana, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, exceeding the speed limit and restraint system violations.

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

Kevin J. Gordon, 32, of 10 Gallow Road, Minersville; furnishing drug-free urine.

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

Brian J. O’Doherty, 33, of SCI/Frackville, Frackville; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Brian E. Burns, 34, of 1140 Valley Road, Pottsville; harassment.

Matthew J. Bahrey, 25, of Box 15 Haddock Road, McAdoo; theft and receiving stolen property.

Christopher W. Yost, 57, of 50 Long Lane, Barnesville; confinement of dogs.

Keith J. Schlosser, 34, of 249 W. Rowe St., Tamaqua; prohibited offensive weapons, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Pamela Laureano Pena, 24, of 206 W. Grant St., McAdoo; possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy.

Thomas M. Kelly, 32, of 94 New St., Pottsville; theft and conspiracy.

Kasha L. Higginbotham, 28, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; arson, risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief and recklessly endangering another person.

Justin E. Androsko, 21, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.

Daniel J. Merva, 25, of 124 S. Chestnut St., Shenandoah; retail theft.

John F. Culbert, 50, of 401 S. Nicholas St., Saint Clair; child pornography.

Keeray J. Thomas, 22, of 288 Wood St., Cumbola; simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment.

Sabrina L. Appenzeller, 19, of 620 Altamont Blvd., Frackville; retail theft.

Rachel A. Serakas, 36, of 7 Oak Road, Schuylkill Haven; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Scott M. Frey, 18, of 217 Laurel St., Minersville; resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Justine E. Ellinger, 34, of 1130 W. Arch St., Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance and misbranding of a controlled substance.

Rebecca A. Grandy, 33, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gerald C. Miller III, 44, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; recklessly endangering another person and persons not to possess or use firearms.

Jacob A. Klinger-Mumma, 22, of SCI/Mahanoy, Frackville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mary J. Simon, 49, of 223 W. Union St., Pottsville; dogs not validly registered and failure to comply.

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

Shaquille A. Young, 24, of 507 Fairview St., Pottsville; fleeing or attempting to elude police, drivers required to be licensed, driving a vehicle without an official Certificate of Inspection, reckless driving and no passing zone violations.

Keven M. Phelan, 29, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christopher R. Lazarchick, 37, of 717 Mahantongo St., Apt. Second Floor Rear, Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Noah T. Russell, 19, of 101 N. George St., Apt. 3, Pottsville; possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Angus J. Angst, 26, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bobby L. Taylor, 24, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; public drunkenness, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael E. Siluk, 28, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; retail theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Justin P. Heacock, 31, of SCI/Mahanoy, Frackville; burglary and theft.

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

Kevin E. Holmes, 41, of 107 N. Jardin St., Shenandoah, and 232 W. Penn St., Shenandoah; simple assault, disorderly conduct, harassment, burglary, possessing instruments of crime and defiant trespass.

Tonya L. Wadnik, 47, of 421 W. Spruce St., Mahanoy City; terroristic threats and harassment.

Stephanie L. Bamrick, 32, of 228 S. Ferguson St., Shenandoah; misbranding of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cheryl Parks-Kane, 36, of 633 W. Centre St., Mahanoy City; receiving stolen property.

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

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

Bruce J. Layton, 27, of 23 Newtown Road, Shenandoah; fleeing or attempting to elude police, resisting arrest, recklessly endangering another person, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, drivers required to be licensed, driving on divided highways, careless driving, reckless driving, driving at an unsafe speed, stop and yield sign violations and duty of driver on approach of emergency vehicle.

Catarino Hernandez-Velasquez, 41, of 63 N. Lake Road, Pottsville; accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, following too closely, careless driving, duty to give information and render aid and immediate notice of accident to police.

Tyler J. Dougherty, 19, of 31 Will Ave., Box 37, Barnesville; receiving stolen property, trespass by motor vehicle and unauthorized use of automobiles.

Heather L. Winslow, 34, of 193 Pioneer Road, Shenandoah; corruption of minors, theft, receiving stolen property and disorderly conduct.

Michael A. Flickinger, 23, of 316 W. Centre St., Ashland; criminal mischief.

William G. Navitsky, 25, of 543 W. Main St., Ringtown; criminal trespass, theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thomas D. Wakefield, 43, of 1529 Centre St., Ashland; loitering and prowling at night.

John J. Weikel, 43, of 334 E. Mahanoy Ave., Girardville; burglary, criminal trespass, theft, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, criminal mischief and operation on streets and highways.

Joseph E. Boris III, 27, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; theft and conspiracy.

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

Police: None hurt

in 4-vehicle collision

PINE GROVE — No one was injured when four vehicles collided at 1:25 p.m. Thursday on Interstate 81, near mile marker 98, in Pine Grove Township.

State police at Jonestown said Mark W. Shimel, 62, of Bridport, Vermont, was driving a 2008 Kenworth T660 north on Interstate 81 in the merge area of the construction zone and rear-ended a 2007 Saturn Ion that was traveling slowly due to traffic. The collision caused the Saturn to rear end a 2015 Kia Sorento, which then rear ended a 2008 BMW 328XI, police said.

A passenger in the Kenworth, Christopher J. Aumand, 44, of South Newfane, Vermont, and the driver of the Saturn, Devin J. Delisle, 20, of Malone, New York, the driver of the Kia, Thomas S. Brindle, 66, of Scranton, and the driver of the BMW, Rita M. Pirozzi, 71, of Mechanicsburg, were also not injured, according to police.

Ashland

The revitalization group Ashland Downtown Inc. will host an exhibit of the artwork of Bob McCormick at its office, 733 Centre St., next to BB&T Bank from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, featuring original paintings that are in his recent book, “Almost Touching: Shades of a Coal Town Childhood.” The paintings will be displayed and prints, giclees, books and cards will be on sale. A portion of all art sales will benefit ADI, while card sales will support the Ashland Public Library.

Pine Grove

Residents 55 and older in the 125th Legislative District are invited to attend the fourth annual Senior Expo sponsored by state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, Pottsville, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 8 at Pine Grove Hose, Hook and Ladder, 1 Orchard St. More than 40 vendors will be on hand. “I always look forward to this event because it allows our area seniors the opportunity to connect with services and resources that are available to help improve their lives and they are located close to home,” Tobash said in a press release. The Office of Attorney General will offer top-10 scams seminars at 10:30 a.m. and noon. The Schuylkill County Sheriff’s Office will provide a prescription drug drop-off box. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. There is no admission fee; door prizes and refreshments will be available. Caregivers are welcome to accompany senior residents who require assistance. For more information, call Tobash’s office in Schuylkill Haven at 570-385-8235 or in Williamstown at 717-647-7208.

Pine Grove

The Pine Grove Light Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Hose, Hook and Ladder Fire Company, 1 Orchard St. All are welcome. The company will have a hamboat and ham-and-bean soup sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Werner’s Lumber lot. Anyone wishing to donate baked items to sell at the event should have them there by 10 a.m., according to a release. For more information, call 570-345-3849.

Pottsville

The Schuylkill County Historical Society, 305 N. Centre St., will have a program called Music, Memories and the Military from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 19. It is free to the public; donations will be accepted. It will honor the 100th anniversary of World War I and feature the music and story of the Third Brigade Band. At 7 p.m., participants will walk to the nearby Majestic Theater for a pictorial history of the band, followed by a concert of World War I-era songs. For more information, call 570-622-7540.

Saint Clair

St. John’s United Church of Christ will have a theme basket bingo event beginning at 11 a.m. Sept. 17 at the Saint Clair Lions Club, McCord Avenue. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Prizes will include flat screen TVs, $100 Lottery board and $100 grocery gift certificates. For advance tickets or more information, call 570-429-0549 or 570-429-9939. The site is accessible to the handicapped.

Schuylkill Haven

Myriad events are planned in September at the Walk In Art Center. For the schedule, including events, times and fees if applicable, email information@walkinartcenter.com or go online to walkinartcenter.org or call 570-640-3122.

Tamaqua

A wide variety of classes, performances and other offerings are available at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St. For information on presentations, dates, times and costs, call the center at 570-668-1192 or go online to www.TamaquaArts.org.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — By the end of the 2017-18 school year, the North Schuylkill School District will establish a Wall of Fame to honor alumni for outstanding achievements.

“Right now, we’re looking for nominees,” North Schuylkill Superintendent Robert J. Ackell said Monday.

“Anyone can submit a nomination. You don’t have to be a graduate to nominate someone,” Christina E. Hale, a member of the committee formed to guide the project, said Monday.

To nominate someone, people must fill out a two-page form that is available in the high school principal’s office. On Aug. 10, a link to it was put up on the district’s website. It’s on the home page under the section titled “Important District News.”

This school year, the committee will raise funds to erect a display in the high school lobby. One or more monitors will be mounted to a wall, and they will flash information about the inductees, Mark Andrewcavage, the district’s coordinator of computer services and technology, said.

The first five inductees will be announced during the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2018, Ackell said.

“We’re looking for people who have had great success in their chosen careers,” Hale, a magisterial district judge with an office in Frackville, said.

“We’re looking for people who have made a difference in people’s lives with what they do,” John Malinchok, an insurance salesman from Frackville, said Aug. 21. He is also on the committee.

Recently, a few people in the community made suggestions on who should be named to the North Schuylkill Wall of Fame.

“How about Dr. Muscalus?” Paul Domalakes, an attorney in Frackville, said Aug. 17.

Dr. Robert S. Muscalus, a Frackville native and a 1975 North Schuylkill graduate, was the state’s physician general, according to the newspaper’s archives.

“There was somebody who was drafted for the Seattle Seahawks. He graduated from North Schuylkill around the time I graduated,” Kim Y. Phillips, the mayor of Frackville, said Tuesday. She graduated from North Schuylkill in 1980.

“That was Ron Mattes. He graduated in 1981,” Jim Gross, the North Schuylkill athletic director, said Tuesday.

David Kessler, the chairman of the Butler Township supervisors and a 1970 North Schuylkill graduate, came up with the names of a few athletes who could be named to the Wall of Fame.

“Right off the top of my head, we’ve had a couple guys who have done some pretty neat things,” Kessler said Tuesday.

He named Terry Rakowsky, who graduated from North Schuylkill in 1978.

Rakowsky was also the Schuylkill County football scholar-athlete that year, Gross said.

Rakowsky went on to play for Penn State.

“He was the quarterback who became a dentist,” Kessler said.

Athletes can be nominated for the Wall of Fame, Hale said.

“It is not an athletic hall of fame though. We already have a football hall of fame at North Schuylkill. This new Wall of Fame is to recognize the contributions of North Schuylkill’s most accomplished graduates who have achieved noteworthy and outstanding achievements in their chosen professions. So it could be any professional field including athletics,” Hale said.

Hale said she came up with the idea for the North Schuylkill Wall of Fame when she visited Shenandoah Valley School District in 2015.

“Superintendent Rakowsky invited me to Shenandoah Valley to give a talk to students on bullying,” she said, referring to the late Stanley G. Rakowsky, who died in November 2015.

“While I was there, he gave me a tour of the school. And he was very proud of their wall of fame,” Hale said.

Shenandoah Valley Wall of Fame was established in 1998. It’s in the high school lobby. Inside a hand-crafted wooden frame are plaques with pictures of the inductees. To date, there have been 60.

“I thought it was a great idea. I brought the idea back to Dr. Ackell and he agreed,” Hale said.

Discussions began on how to establish one at North Schuylkill.

After speaking with Robert Yudinsky, Shenandoah Valley public relations director, Ackell said he learned Shenandoah Valley was running out of space on its Wall of Fame.

“There’s a plan underway for an addition,” Yudinsky said Tuesday.

Taking that into consideration, officials at North Schuylkill thought of another way to showcase its inductees, via monitors in the high school lobby.

In April, the North Schuylkill School District Association Wall of Fame Committee adopted its bylaws. Its purpose is “to formally recognize and honor NSSD graduates for outstanding achievements.”

Members of the committee include: Hale, Gino Capone, Charles “Chaz” Hepler, Doug Gressens, Harry Lucas, John Malinchok, Sue O’Neill, Bill Rugg, Cindy Shadle, Janine Simms, Ruth Snyder, Diane Sturm and Rick Wetzel.

The bylaws outline the “Wall of Fame Election Process.”

“At least 10 classes must have graduated from the time of the nominee’s graduation before he/she becomes eligible for election to the Wall of Fame. Any alumni meeting the 10-year rule are eligible to be nominated and selected,” according to the bylaws.

The deadline for submission of nominating forms is March 15.

The association’s voting members will be instructed to vote for 10 nominees and rank them on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.

“The Executive Committee will tabulate the results based on a weighted tabulation to determine if a second vote is necessary to select the top five to be inducted,” according to the bylaws.

Induction ceremonies for the newly inducted members will be held during commencement exercises.

“Each inductee will receive a plaque on the night they are inducted into the Wall of Fame,” according to the bylaws.

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

Eight municipalities in Schuylkill County have had mosquitoes test positive for the West Nile virus this year.

Those mosquitoes were found in Cressona, Schuylkill Haven, Gilberton, Frackville and Tamaqua boroughs, and Rush, Mahanoy and West Mahanoy townships. There have been 16 positive samples of the virus in the county.

The West Nile virus is mostly spread by mosquitoes, but can also be spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breast feeding and during pregnancy, according to a fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus causes flu-like symptoms and can result in encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. Symptoms can show three to 14 days after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus.

The West Nile virus wasn’t reported in the United States before 1999. It was first detected in the state in 2000. It is named after the river in Egypt where it first appeared in 1937.

Cressona had the first mosquito sample to test positive for the virus this year in the state.

Last year, the first mosquito to test positive for the virus in Pennsylvania was found May 24 in Altoona, Blair County. The first case of the virus last year was May 2 in a red-tailed hawk in Worth Township, Centre County.

There is one positive human case of the virus, a man from Montgomery County who tested positive earlier this month. So far, 24,334 mosquito samples have been collected statewide with 10,185 tested and 1,403 positive samples. There are 1,424 positives cases of the West Nile virus statewide. So far, 66 avian samples have been collected, with 53 tested and 20 positive. None of the avian positives are in Schuylkill County.

Forty-one of the state’s 67 counties this year have tested positive for the West Nile virus. Of those, the virus has been found in mosquitoes in 39 counties. Philadelphia has the most positive samples with 179; Delaware is second with 127 cases; and York is third with 113. Closer to home, Berks County has 68 and Northumberland has 16.

There were 16 positive cases of the virus detected in humans statewide in 2016; none of those were in Schuylkill County.

Residents can help protect themselves from the virus by being vigilant. Eliminating standing water, where mosquitoes breed, is one way county residents can prevent the virus.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

ORWIGSBURG — The smiles were as bright as the sunflowers Sunday at Second Mountain Sunflowers.

“That’s what it is all about — the smiles,” Ken Smith, owner of the farm, said.

It was the fourth weekend this year the family-owned farm opened its fields for the public to pick sunflowers, take pictures and ride a horse-drawn carriage through the farm. It is only $5 to fill a bag with flowers while parking and admission is free. Leiby’s Carriage Service provided $5 carriage rides from 3 to 8 p.m. The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The family business had always been Christmas trees. Last year, Smith said he planted the farm’s first eight fields of sunflowers for his nephew’s wedding before opening it up for the public on weekends.

“We planted eight fields just for the wedding and his mother said that it was so beautiful that we should open it up to the public,” Smith said. “The people that came said they liked it so much that we said we would try and do better this year.”

It wasn’t until Second Mountain Sunflowers made a Facebook page earlier this summer that word spread and people from all over started showing up on the weekend. Smith said there were days this summer when more than 2,000 people went through the sunflower fields.

“Four generations of families come here and all of them are smiling,” Smith said. “It’s about making people happy and giving them something to do with their families.”

The farm has 12 fields of sunflowers strategically planted for weeks of continuous blooming. Smith said he is starting to cut back on the number of Christmas trees on the farm and add more sunflowers next season.

“As I clear fields of trees, I’m planting sunflowers,” he said.

Not all sunflowers have seeds, Smith said. So when this season is over, he will have to replant the fields. However, he didn’t seem to mind.

“There’s just a fascination with sunflowers,” Smith said. “It’s peaceful here, quiet, surreal. This has everything families are looking for today.”

In two weeks, Second Mountain Sunflowers will announce on its Facebook page a new location with 12 more fields of sunflowers.

Nearly every tractor ride back to the blooming sunflower fields was full Sunday afternoon. Maria Cichy drove with her two daughters, Annie and Clare, from Wilkes-Barre to see the sunflowers as well as the horses.

“I just thought the kids would enjoy it,” she said. “They’ve never seen anything like this.”

Megan and Jordan Smith, Blandon, also brought their daughters, Delaney and Reighlyn, after seeing photos of the farm shared online.

“It’s beautiful and they wanted to ride the horse carriage,” Megan said.

Sandi Sippel, Pottsville, said her husband, Charlie, surprised her with a trip to the farm after breakfast Sunday.

“The best part is seeing everyone happy and saying hi to each other,” Sandi said. “It gets you away from everything else going on in the world. It’s just heartwarming to see people who never met before get into that wagon and smile at each other. That’s how it is supposed to be. I applaud the man who did this. It truly makes everyone happy.”

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