2 face drug charges

after vehicle stop

SAINT CLAIR — Three people were charged by Saint Clair police after a vehicle stop about 9:55 a.m. Aug. 3 at 15 W. Franklin St.

Police said Renee M. Austerberry, 31, of Saint Clair, was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property and driving with a suspended license-DUI related. Police said Austerberry was driving a Nissan Altima that was reported stolen by Gloria Austerberry who said her daughter was driving the vehicle without permission.

As a result of the stop and a search of the vehicle, passenger, Devon Andrew Geiger, 18, of Saint Clair, was charged with possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia while another passenger, Angel Ann Pohronezny, 30, of Lehighton, was charged with possession of methamphetamine.

Police: Oneida man

stole, sold iron tube

ONEIDA — An Oneida man was charged by East Union Township police after an incident about noon Aug. 23 at 162 First St. in this village.

Police said Christian Delbert Good, 28, of 63 Third St., was charged with theft and receiving stolen property and will now have to appear before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Police charged Good with going to the home of his brother, Jonathan Good, entering a storage trailer in the backyard and stealing a cast-iron tube valued at $60 that Jonathan Good said he was going to use for scrap.

When questioned, Christian Good admitted stealing the item and taking it to a Hazleton area scrap yard where he sold it for $20, police said.

Ashland contractor

faces theft charges

MINERSVILLE — Minersville Police have filed felony theft charges against a contractor stemming from an incident earlier this year.

Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers charged Ryan J. Campbell, 31, of 16 N. 12th St., Ashland, with felony home improvement fraud, felony theft by deception and felony receiving stolen property.

Bowers said the charges stem from an incident on April 7 when Campbell, a contractor, entered into a written agreement with Tracey George III, 111 Middle St., Minersville, to complete home renovations.

The agreed price for the job was $4,400 and George provided Campbell with $2,500 down to begin the work, Bowers said.

On April 13, Bowers said George provided Campbell and additional $1,000 for materials.

Bowers said that Campbell then showed up to work for several hours and failed to complete the job despite receiving advanced payment.

Attempts to contact Campbell were unsuccessful and Bowers said that George is requesting restitution in the amount of $3,500 she paid to Campbell.

Campbell will now have to answer to the charges against him before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

Vandal damaged

door of vehicle

WILLIAMSTOWN — State police at Lykens are looking for the vandal who scratched the passenger-side door of a vehicle, police said Wednesday.

The incident occurred between 5 and 6 p.m. Aug. 24 at 230 E. Market St., Williamstown, Dauphin County. The vehicle was a Hyundai Santa Fe owned by Mary M. Williard, 78.

Police: Man tried

to illegally buy gun

ELIZABETHVILLE — State police at Lykens are looking for a man from Herndon, Northumberland County, who attempted to buy a firearm that he was prohibited from obtaining, police said Wednesday.

The incident occurred at 1:12 p.m. Aug. 9 at 4539 State Route 209 in Washington Township, Dauphin County, police said.

The accused was Robert John Schwartz, 34, whose last known address was 763 Amish School Road, Herndon.

Criminal charges of sale or transfer of firearms and unsworn falsification to authorities were authorized by the Dauphin County District Attorney’s office, police said.

An active arrest warrant was issued for Schwartz on Wednesday. An additional arrest warrant exists for Schwartz for an unrelated incident, police said.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call state police at 717-362-8700.

Hegins

The 28th annual Hegins Valley Arts and Crafts Faire will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 16 at Hegins Park. More than 200 crafters from Pennsylvania and nearby states will demonstrate and display their work, according to a release. The event will also feature a variety of food beginning with breakfast at 7 a.m. The fair will go on rain or shine. Parking is $2, which will benefit the Hegins Park Association. For more information, call 570-682-9541 or 570-682-8181.

Pottsville

Diakon Living and Learning, 118 S. Centre St., has a host of activities, classes, workshops and creative/healthful initiatives on its agenda. For more information regarding costs, types of sessions, dates/times and locations, call Susan Long at 570-624-3018 or email her at longs@diakon.org. More information also is available online at www.diakon.org/community-services/Living-Learning-After-50.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St., will sponsor family fun and magic from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 28 and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 30. The cost is $5. Local magician Lenny McHugh will perform tricks to entertain the entire family. The first 25 children ages 5 and older will receive a magic trick, according to a release. For more information, call the library’s Darren DeArment at 570-622-8880.

Schuylkill Haven

Rainbow Hose Company, 417 Dock St., has weekly Taco Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-581-6838.

Shenandoah

The borough hall, Washington and Main streets, will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day. The trash pickup schedule will be as follows: Monday’s garbage will be picked up on Tuesday and Tuesday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday. There will be no recycling on Wednesday. Trash pickup will adhere to the normal schedule Thursday. Recycling will resume on Sept. 13 on the East Side. For more information, email the borough at shenboro@ptd.net.

Shenandoah

The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society, 201 S. Main St., recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Louise Palubinsky from Joe and Andrea Pytak; for Virginia Cook from Joe and Andrea Pytak; for Karen Labosky Perrong from Joe and Andrea Pytak; for Albert Pronio from Joe and Andrea Pytak, Albert and Diane Bindie; for Theresa O’Boyle from Albert and Diane Bindie; for Rosemary Pollard from Joe and Andrea Pytak; for Donald E. Segal from Joe and Andrea Pytak; for Mary V. Supernavage from Joe and Andrea Pytak; for Burton Sweet from Joe and Andrea Pytak, Kathleen Merchlinsky; for Marie Rose Brilvitch from Joe and Andrea Pytak.

Tremont

The Tremont Community Organization will feature a vintage fashion show and tea from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 10 at the borough building, 139 Clay St. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. The show will feature models wearing bridal gowns and fashions through the years. For more information, call 570-640-8600.

Tremont

Most Blessed Trinity Parish, 113 Cherry St., will host We the Living Grief Support Group from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 14. The Christian-based grief support group will meet for seven consecutive Thursdays in the Brady Education Room, ending on Oct. 26. To register, call 570-695-3648 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. There is no cost. For more information, call 570-640-0701.

William Penn

The William Penn Fire Company, Mount Olive Boulevard (Route 54) just west of Shenandoah, will host its first 7K race — the Raven Run 7K — and one-mile fun run on Oct. 7 in the village of Raven Run, West Mahanoy Township, rain or shine. The fun run, for children, will start at 9:30 a.m. and the 7K will start at 10 a.m. The course will be in West Mahanoy and Union townships. If it’s successful, the race will become an annual event, organizers said in a release forwarded by President Rich Stevens. For more information, call 570-462-0338.

MAHANOY CITY — The Mahanoy Area school board Thursday decided to equip its buses with a Global Positioning System.

At its August meeting at the district’s Large Group Instruction Room, the board approved a five-year lease agreement with Synovia Solutions, Indianapolis, for GPSs for the district’s transportation vehicles at a monthly cost of $735.

“It’s brand new. We do not have any kind of GPS currently. And there’s a whole plethora of things that that will do for us,” John J. Hurst, Mahanoy Area business administrator, said.

“With the GPS, it will allow me to see in real time where the vehicles are. It will give me the engine diagnostics. In a case like this morning — I had a problem with one of the buses and had to run a spare bus. Maybe I wouldn’t have run that bus if I would have known what the problem was seeing it ahead of time,” Jason Burke, the district transportation director, said.

“There’s also a neat program called Here Comes The Bus, which basically gives our parents a notification when they sign up for it. You’ll know when the bus is within three minutes of your stop. It’s going to tell you your bus is arriving,” Burke said.

“We had a test unit installed in one of the buses for two months. It did phenomenal with the data. It told me where they were and how fast they were going. So if somebody calls and says the bus was speeding, I can see if they were speeding. It automatically logs a speed report, like if they’re speeding over the suggested speed limit. It will help me know how long the bus has been idling and how much fuel is being used. It’s a phenomenal program. I think it will be worth every dollar,” Burke said.

“When are they going to be installed, or have they been?” Jay Hanley, the school board president, asked.

“We can’t do anything until you guys do,” Burke said, referring to the school board.

“Estimated time of installation?” Hanley asked.

“Three or four weeks,” Burke said.

The units will be put in 10 big buses, three mini buses and eight vans, Burke said.

All members of the board present approved the motion unanimously. Also present were Steve Gnall, vice president; Karen Yedsena, treasurer; Nancy Boyle, secretary, and board members Gary Gnall, John Honus, Dan Lynch and Michael Mistishen.

Board member Mary Agnes DiCasimirro was absent.

Meanwhile, five of the district’s 1,057 students may not be allowed to come to school on Tuesday as a result of the changes to school immunization regulations by the state Department of Health, Superintendent Joie L. Green said.

“If they do not have proof showing us that they have an appointment to get the shots done or they already had the shots done, they will be excluded from school,” Green said.

According to the state Department of Health website, www.dontwaitvaccinate.pa.gov, the new vaccination requirements are:

• Combination form of diphtheria and tetanus

• Pertussis vaccination

• Combination form of measles, mumps and rubella

• Meningococcal conjugate vaccine for entry into 12th grade or, in an ungraded school, the school year the child turns 18

In other matters, Green said the school’s homecoming celebration won’t involve floats, as it had every year since 2010. In recent years, finding volunteers to make floats has become a chore, Green said.

“The class advisers asked if we can do that. The students have so many after-school activities that they didn’t have the time to meet to do the floats,” Green said.

“We talked about having each class, or each grade level, decorate a section of the school for homecoming. So the entire school will be decorated, K through 12,” Green said.

Homecoming will be Oct. 13.

Other actions taken at Thursday’s meeting included:

• Approved the placement of Thomas Smith as a full-time social studies teacher with a salary of $47,717 for the 2017-18 school year. Smith was Mahanoy Area High School principal in the 2016-17 school year. His salary was $79,573.59. At the end of the school year, he expressed interest in leaving his administrative duties and returning to the classroom as a social studies teacher. On July 27, the school board hired Stanley J. Sabol Jr. to the post with a salary of $74,000 for the 2017-18 school year.

• Appointed Dorothy Scicchitano as the high school yearbook adviser at a salary of $4,117.27 and as the high school newspaper adviser at a salary of $4,503.26.

• Appointed Eric Moucherson as elementary school yearbook adviser at a salary of $2,701.78.

• Hired Susan Scheeler, Delano, as the high school theater arts director at a salary of $2,550. Previously, Scheeler was the elementary school principal. She retired at the end of the 2016-17 school year.

• Appointed Meghan Karetsky as the high school assistant theatre arts director with a salary of $1,550.

• Appointed Karetsky and Megan Kurzinsky as co-elementary theatre arts directors. They will split the salary of $976.06 and each will receive $488.03.

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

POTTSVILLE — Two more people entered the Schuylkill County Drug Treatment Court on Thursday, as they try to conquer the addiction that led them to crime, while also attempting to earn dismissal of the charges against them.

Joann Faust, 57, of Tamaqua, and Jason E. Klemm, 36, of Lancaster, became the 32nd and 33rd people in the program, as Judge James P. Goodman accepted their guilty pleas while holding out hope that those pleas never will take effect.

“If you complete the program, the charges will be dismissed,” Goodman said.

In separate cases, Faust and Klemm each are charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tamaqua police charged Faust with possessing a salable amount of methamphetamine, and baggies, on July 6, 2015, in the borough.

“I’m looking forward to getting (my life) back,” Faust said.

Pottsville police charged Klemm with possessing a salable amount of heroin, plus syringes and spoons, on May 1 in the city.

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 to the process. 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. Only one person so far has been dismissed from the program and sent to prison.

Those already in the program, meanwhile, read from their mandatory weekly essays, which concentrated upon short-term and long-term goals. Some are simple, but all of them are vital in the eyes of those setting them.

“Continue to do what is expected of me,” including quitting smoking, cut down on things that stress him and getting a better job, Alex wrote.

Teddy had similar specific targets.

“Get off house arrest, find a job,” are two of them, he said.

Angelina wants to concentrate on getting another car and another house, although she said those are not her only goals.

“I have so many goals ... that I can’t do all of them,” she said.

James said that in between going to meetings, he has several short-term goals.

“Stay clean, get a job and not procrastinate,” he said.

Michael set both short-term and long-term goals, although they are related.

“Stay sober and save money” are the short-term ones, he said. “Continue to stay sober, finish the program and pay off my fines” are the long-term ones, he added.

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

POTTSVILLE — More than two dozen people stood with hands held in prayer Thursday evening outside the First United Methodist Church with the goal of raising awareness about the drug epidemic and helping those struggling with addiction.

“We are trying to get to kids before they get involved in drugs while remembering those who we lost and recognizing that people are still struggling today,” Cindy Nye, Pottsville, who organized the event, said.

Thursday was International Drug Overdose Awareness Day. Nye hosted a similar event last year after forming Vinny’s Angels, an outreach and ministry group named in memory of her son, Vincent Weiss, who died of a heroin overdose at the age of 32 in 2015. The organization aims to raise awareness about the drug epidemic and connect people with services, she said.

“He died here at the church at an (Alcoholic’s Anonymous) meeting December 22, 2015,” Nye said. “Someone brought drugs to the meeting. It really put a damper on the AA group and they have been really vigilant about watching everyone.”

Pictures of loved ones who lost their battles with addiction were on display outside the church at 330 W. Market St. Candles were lit in their memory as Pastor Jim Shields of Freedom in Christ Church, Pottsville, led them in prayer.

“The wind can blow out this candle but not their lights still in our hearts,” Shields said.

Most, if not all, of the people attending the service Thursday had been affected by the drug epidemic in some way.

“My brother died of an overdose in 2007,” Chris Smith, Pottsville, said.

He said his brother’s name, Joshua C. Miller-Smith, while holding a candle in his memory.

Smith said groups like Vinny’s Angels are having a positive impact on their communities.

“I think the only way to fight this is through education and education at a younger level in elementary schools,” he said. “If not, this is going to continue to happen. We have to give the addict choices to get help. We want everyone to get help and for them to not be able to give excuses. As long as we touch one person, that is all that matters.”

Looking at the photos of lost loved ones, Travis LeVan, Pine Grove, said his life was saved by people who care, and groups like Vinny’s Angels are encouraging people to seek help and celebrate recover.

“This could have been me,” LeVan said referring to the photos.

LeVan attended the event Thursday with Camille Lemmon, Pine Grove. Both said they are in recovery and attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings at the church.

“It’s nice to be able to hit the reset button and get another chance at life,” he said. “There are too many young people dying.”

Lemmon said events like the service Thursday show that there are people who care. She said there is progress being made to combat the drug epidemic. For example, she said that she recently completed rehab though the county’s Drug Treatment Court.

“This is the first time I have had good, supportive and encouraging people behind me,” she said. “I think it is a great program.”

Jim Patton, the youth Sunday school teacher and Bible study leader at the church, said the First United Methodist Church hosts meetings for the Renew U program at 10 a.m. every Thursday. He said the group brings together church leaders throughout the county to discuss treatment and connect people with faith-based recovery programs.

“It’s a community effort to find all kinds of addicts and guide them to a program to help them with recovery,” he said. “It is open to everyone, but we do feel that if they work with the Lord that they can overcome their addiction. People of faith have had very good results.”

Patton said that giving people the opportunity to get involved in their communities, whether it is through sports, music or charity, can prevent them from becoming addicts.

“If we keep people involved in the community, it will take the focus off addiction,” he said. “Drugs claim far too many lives of loved ones.”

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

SACRAMENTO — A Locust Gap man was seriously injured when the motorcycle he was driving collided with a car about 9:10 a.m. Thursday on Route 25 in Hubley Township.

State police Trooper John Sanchez of the Schuylkill Haven station said the crash occurred as Elizabeth T. Augustine, 64, of Sacramento, was driving a 2003 Suzuki Aerio and was exiting a driveway at 2338 E. Main St. to travel onto Route 25.

As the woman was exiting the driveway to make a left turn onto Route 25 east, she drove into the path of a 2017 Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was being driven west on Route 25 by William J. Birster, 60, of Locust Gap.

Sanchez said Birster was unable to stop and struck the left front of the woman’s car, throwing him from his motorcycle into the eastbound lane, about 25-feet away from the point of impact.

The motorcycle came to a stop on its right side in the eastbound lane facing southeast while the Augustine car came to a stop in the westbound lane also facing southeast, Sanchez said.

Sanchez said Birster was not wearing a helmet and suffered severe injuries. He was treated at the scene and the flown to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, in the Life Flight helicopter for additional treatment.

Sanchez said Augustine was not hurt but will be cited for vehicles entering or crossing roadways as a result of the crash.

Firefighters and fire police from Sacramento, Valley View and other surrounding companies responded to the scene.

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

HEGINS — One man was injured Thursday after the pickup truck he was driving crashed into the woods off Route 125.

The driver appeared to be traveling southbound on Route 125, when the truck missed a sharp right turn and traveled down a hill into a heavily wooded area, according to Chad Richards, Hegins Valley Fire Rescue vice president and engine chief. There were no passengers in the truck.

The male driver, who was not identified, was taken to a landing zone set up at the Tri-Valley Community Pool, Hegins, and was transported via Life Flight to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Richards said.

Responding to the scene, in addition to Hegins Valley Fire Rescue, were the Hegins Township police and fire crews and emergency responders from Hegins, Sacramento, Joliett and Pitman. They were called to the accident at 5:12 p.m., according to Richards.

A white pickup could be seen on its roof as workers from Hammer’s Towing, Minersville, hooked a chain around it and began pulling it back onto the roadside.

Traffic was reduced to one lane during the emergency response.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

SHENANDOAH — A man charged with attacking a Mahanoy City police officer on July 30 waived his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday.

Patrick L. Finneran, 23, of 8 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City, was scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker on charges of one felony count of aggravated assault, one misdemeanor count of resisting arrest and a summary offense of disorderly conduct.

After conferring with his attorney, assistant public defender Kent Watkins, Finneran waived all three charges to Schuylkill County Court.

Prior to waiving the charges, Assistant District Attorney Debra Smith and Mahanoy City police Officer-In-Charge Charles Kovalewski agreed not to oppose Finneran being released on $100,000 unsecured bail as long has he seeks mental treatment and has no contact with police.

In paperwork filed with the court at the time of Finneran’s arrest, Kovalewski said the charges were the result of an incident about 11:35 a.m. at the borough police station, 239 E. Pine St.

In his affidavit of probable cause, Kovalewski said he was at the police station completing reports when he heard banging at the door and a check on security cameras showed the man pounding and kicking on the door and then going from one door to another.

Since the department had several recent contacts with Finneran, including a resisting arrest incident, Kovalewski said he activated his body camera, went to the door and opened it.

Kovalewski said that as he opened the door and asked Finneran what his problem was, the man replied by saying, “What’s up, Charlie?” and took a swing at his head. Finneran forced his way into the police station as Kovalewski said he tried to avoid continuous punches and ordered Finneran to back up but he refused. Kovalewski said he then deployed his Taser weapon, hitting Finneran in the chest and arm.

Kovalewski said Finneran refused commands to get onto the ground and said, “(expletive) you, man.”

After being told to get on the ground again, Kovalewski said, Finneran cursed and came at him again, trying to hit him.

Finneran had to be struck several times with the Taser before Kovalewski said he was able to get him onto the ground and in handcuffs.

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

Deeds

Cass Township — Sharon A. Sulecki, executrix of the Estate of Julia Smerko, to Michael Gula; 0.82-acre property in Duncott; $5,000.

East Union Township — Wayne E. and Jo Ann Mensinger to Rodney B. and Deane W. Werley; 906 Center St., Sheppton; $25,000.

Matilda R. Flaim to Dennis P. Flaim; 956 Center St., Sheppton; $1.

Frackville — Kathleen Bratby, executrix for the Estate of Olga Chuma, to Kristopher Chuma; property on Railroad Avenue; $22,000.

Hegins Township — Robert L. Troutman to Terry L. Troutman and Tab R. Troutman; property on Centre Street, Valley View; $1.

TUSCARORA — It may be two or three weeks before investigators know what caused the death of a Lansford teenager found in a remote area of Schuylkill Township on Tuesday.

Cassidy Derr, 17, of Lansford, left her home Saturday night to attend a bush party. The teen left the party Saturday night or Sunday morning and was reported missing on Monday.

Her body was found near the bottom of a waterless pit about 6 p.m. Tuesday by search and rescue crews.

Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III said Thursday that a forensic autopsy was conducted at Forensic Pathology Associates, Allentown, by medical and forensic pathologist Dr. Barbara Bollinger.

Moylan said the autopsy revealed the teen had no signs of life-threatening trauma and that he is waiting on the results of toxicology and microscopic tests to make a final determination on the cause of death.

Moylan, however, said that Derr had Type 1 diabetes and that may have played a role in her becoming disoriented and ending up in the pit where she was found.

“The preliminary evidence indicates that diabetes could have affected her out there,” he said.

“She could have had complications from the diabetes,” Moylan said.

Although investigators are considering diabetes as a factor, the coroner said the final determination will come after all of the forensic testing results are received.

After crews spent Monday and most of Tuesday searching Tuscarora Mountain for Derr, the teen was discovered by search dogs and their handlers.

She was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:21 p.m. by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner David Truskowsky, Mahanoy City.

Schuylkill Township Police Chief Frank DiMarco is investigating the incident and said Wednesday that all indications are that Derr walked into the pit where she was found and did not fall.

Although no foul play is suspected, DiMarco said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

DiMarco said that anyone with information about the incident can call Schuylkill Township police at 570-668-1077.

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

ALLENTOWN — Twenty-nine Catholic bishops processed solemnly into St. Catherine of Sienna Cathedral on Thursday afternoon and, following a three-hour, elaborate ceremony, 30 left.

The Most Rev. Alfred M. Schlert was ordained and installed as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Allentown, where he had served as vicar general since 1989.

During his address to the congregation at the end of the ceremony, attended by nearly 700 people, including 29 bishops and 175 priests from Allentown and other dioceses, Schlert spoke of the need for more priests and religious.

“I composed a little mission statement when I became pastor of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish in Hellertown in 2008, It called the parish to be a ‘Roman Catholic family of faith, centered on the Eucharist, faithful to the Church’s teachings, bringing the light of Christ to each other and to our community.

‘We can not be centered in the Holy Eucharist without the priesthood. I invite my brother priests to help me create a culture of vocations in the diocese. We will need to be assisted by our deacons, religious women and men, our seminarians, and in a very generous way, by parents who will be willing to encourage and support a vocation to the priesthood and religious life — even from among their own sons and daughters. Fostering a culture of vocations is the work of every parishioner, teacher, catechist and coach throughout our diocese.’ ”

The Most Rev. Charles Chaput, metropolitan archbishop of Philadelphia, presided over the ordination and installation ceremony, which took place in the middle of the Mass following the reading of the Gospel. The Most Rev. Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, attended representing Pope Francis. Pierre read a letter from the pope mandating the appointment of Schlert, which Schlert presented to the bishops, priests and laity in the congregation. After prostrating himself before the altar while the Litany of the Saints was chanted, Schlert knelt before Chaput who placed his hands on his head, conveying the sacrament which, in Catholic teaching, leaves a permanent mark on the bishop’s soul. The granting of authority by laying on of hands, recorded in the New Testament, has been observed by the Catholic church for 19 centuries.

The Most Rev. John Barres, recently appointed bishop of Rockville Center, New York, whom Schlert succeeds, and retired bishop of Allentown Edward Cullen, were co-consecrators, followed Chaput, and the rest of the bishops after them. Schlert was then presented with a copy of the gospels, and the insignia of office: a ring, the mitre, and the crozier — the shepherd’s staff. Chaput and Pierre then led him to the episcopal chair and seated him to thundering applause.

Schlert, a native of Easton, is the first bishop of the diocese chosen from its priests. The previous four bishops were brought from other dioceses.

The Rev. Christopher Zelonis, St. Michael’s Parish, Minersville, a Saint Clair native, sees this as complimentary to the diocese.

“He is one of several bishops with roots in our diocese, and county,” he said Wednesday evening following a Vesper service during which Schlert had taken the Oath of Fidelity to the Holy See. “Over it 56-year history, several priests have been chosen from our priests to be bishops. It is a vote of confidence in the quality of our priests.”

Bishops are appointed by the Vatican.

The Most Revs. Ronald Gainer, Harrisburg, a Pottsville native, and Joseph Kurtz, Louisville, Kentucky, a Mahanoy City native, attended Thursday’s ceremony. Another Mahanoy City native, the Most Rev. Kevin J. Rhoades, is bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana.

Among various public officials, Schuylkill County Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr., past grand Knight of Columbus, district deputy and other offices, described his experience with dealing with the new bishop in his former role.

“He’s truly a leader for the people. He always had respect for anyone he’s come in contact with. As vicar general, he had to deal with many decisions, some of them tough, and you can always tell he based his decision on faith and what was best for the people,” he said.

Zelonis described Schlert as a “man of great personal warmth and insight. I’ve consulted him on a number of things.”

That warmth may help Schlert achieve his goal in furthering vocations according to Pottsville native the Rev. Kevin Lonergan, currently appointed to the Cathedral.

“When I was ordained a priest three years ago, as a new priest, I made Monsignor Schlert my mentor because he just has a profound and joyful sense of the priesthood. You can just tell he loves being a priest and will convey that mentality to young men considering a vocation,” he said.

The Rev. Jason Stokes, pastoral administrator of Most Blessed Trinity, Tremont, believes Schlert has the right idea about the responsibility for vocations resting on all Catholics.

“Every single baptized person is a vocation director,” he said.

Contact the writer: bsmith@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6005

Pottsville police have identified a second man wanted in connection with a robbery and assault in the city on Saturday.

Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said an ongoing investigation into the incident led to the identification of Edwin Boakai Sherman, also known as “BoiBoi,” New Jersey.

It was also confirmed that he participated in the robbery at 406 W. Market St. with Shawnelle Alexander Young, 23, of Pottsville, police said.

On Wednesday, Wojciechowsky said a warrant was obtained for Sherman by Detective Kirk Becker charging him with conspiracy to commit robbery, criminal attempt to commit robbery, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and terroristic threats.

Sherman remains at large and anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Pottsville Bureau of Police at 570-628-3792.

On Monday, Wojciechowsky said officers arrested Young, who was charged by Patrolman Joseph Krammes with three counts of conspiracy to commit robbery, criminal attempt to commit robbery, five counts of unlawful restraint, five counts of false imprisonment, three counts each of theft and receiving stolen property, simple assault, and five counts each of recklessly endangering another person and terroristic threats.

Young was taken into custody about 1:40 a.m. Monday at 411 Harrison St., arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $100,000 straight cash bail.

Wojciechowsky said a 40-year-old Pottsville man reported that two men, later identified as Young and Sherman, forced their way into his apartment and assaulted him while demanding to be told the location of a safe they mistakenly thought he had in his apartment, police said.

The resident further reported that the men brandished a handgun and struck him in the head with the weapon before throwing him down a flight of stairs several times and punching and kicking him, the chief said.

The victim said Sherman and Young stole his cellphone and told him that if he called police to report the incident they would send their friends to kill him, the chief said, adding that one of the men took the man’s picture on a phone and said they would send it to their friends.

Wojciechowsky said the victim suffered multiple lacerations, contusions and an injured right ankle, and he was taken to a local medical facility for treatment.

While at the scene, Wojciechowsky said, officers learned that four additional victims had been threatened at gunpoint by Sherman and Young while they were present during the robbery and were forced to remain there while the 40-year-old man was attacked. Two additional cellphones were stolen.

The chief said witnesses reported hearing what they thought was a shot fired and investigators recovered a spent 9 mm shell casing from the scene, though there was no evidence to suggest anyone was wounded by gunfire.

A subsequent investigation led to the identification of Young as one of the two men involved, brandished the weapon and participated in the assault, unlawful restraint, attempted robbery of a safe and robbery of the cellphones, Wojciechowsky said.

Young had also been groping the females and making lewd comments during the incident, the chief said.

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

BRANDONVILLE — State police at Frackville have obtained an arrest warrant for a Shenandoah man involved in an aggravated assault and robbery in East Union Township this week.

Trooper Joseph Hall obtained the warrant for Anthony Michael Romano, 23, of 310 Swatara Road, charging him with aggravated assault, robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, unlawful restraint, simple assault, terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person.

Hall said the charges are the result of an incident on Girard Manor Road, just south of Phineyville Road, between 9 p.m. Tuesday and 1:55 a.m. Wednesday.

Hall said police responded to the area to investigate a report of a woman who was assaulted.

At the scene, police found the woman at a home bleeding from her head, wounds around her eyes, and injuries to her forehead and the back of her neck.

Hall said a large amount of dried blood could be seen in the woman’s hair and on her clothing.

The investigation revealed that the woman was driven to the location by Romano and an unidentified female. Once there, Romano began to punch her in the face several times, Hall said.

He said the assault continued with Romano hitting the victim in the head several times with a metal object and then stealing her Apple iPhone, Apple tablet and Lenovo tablet, along with money.

The unidentified woman took part in the robbery by holding the victim down while Romano stole the items, Hall said.

Hall said Romano and the unidentified woman fled in a white sedan, leaving the victim bleeding with numerous head wounds. The victim wandered on the roadway looking for help and walked about two hours before coming to a home at Girard Road and Phineyville Road, where the owner helped her.

The woman was taken to a Pottsville hospital for treatment of her injuries and a warrant was obtained for Romano’s arrest from Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Hall said there is a possibility that Romano is in the Shenandoah or Frackville areas and asked that anyone with information on his whereabouts call the Frackville barracks at 570-874-5300 or the Schuylkill County Communications Center.

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

Woman charged with

assaulting husband

POTTSVILLE — A woman was jailed after being charged by Pottsville police with assaulting her husband on Monday.

Police said that about 4:25 p.m., officers were called to 400 Mahantongo St. for an assault report and located a 43-year-old Pottsville man sitting on a porch with a towel on his head.

Police said the man had blood on his face and chest and told officers he had been assaulted by his wife, Jessica Chattin, 32, his son, Timothy Ebert, 23, and Joshua Siluk, 24, all of Pottsville, while he was trying to leave a residence at 309 W. Norwegian St.

The man reported that a verbal argument began inside the residence and, as he exited the property through the rear of the apartment and onto the balcony area, his wife had hit him on the head with a baseball bat as Ebert and Siluk struck him repeatedly about the face, head and body with closed fists, police said.

Police said all of the attackers fled from the residence prior to police arriving, but Chattin was located in the 300 block of West Norwegian Street and taken into custody pursuant to domestic violence simple assault and, during a search of the woman, officers found she was in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, police said.

As a result of the incident, Patrolman Bryce Lewis charged Chattin with simple assault pursuant to domestic violence, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and possession of small amount of marijuana.

The woman was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge James J. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10 percent of $20,000 bail.

Additional arrest warrants were obtained for Ebert and Siluk and police are asking that anyone who may know there whereabouts to call the Pottsville Bureau of Police at 570-628-3792.

State police issue

holiday warning

The state police in Troop L of Berks, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties will be strictly enforcing violations of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code over the Labor Day weekend.

Troopers said the enforcement effort is designed to promote highway safety and safe travel.

Troopers will be targeting DUI, aggressive drivers, speeding and child passenger seat violations.

Drivers are also reminded to remember the “Steer Clear Law” and also buckle up and enjoy the holiday weekend.

Police charge 5 with retail theft

SAINT CLAIR — Saint Clair police reported charging five people with retail theft stemming from incidents at Walmart.

Those charged were:

Janice Lizette Ramos, 26, of Minersville — stealing items valued at $259.04 on June 29.

Tammy McShaw, 49, of Pottsville — stealing items valued at $204.03 on June 30.

Rachel Evelyn Guscott, 27, of Pottsville — stealing items valued at $8.48 on July 17.

Mary Dianantopoulos, 31, of Saint Clair — stealing items valued at $94.11 on July 6 and $60.05 on July 2.

Brian D. Starr, 26, of Pottsville — stealing items valued at $8.48 on July 7.

Charges against all five were filed with Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

Girardville man hurt

in one-vehicle crash

GIRARDVILLE — Girardville police are investigating a crash with injuries that was reported about 5 p.m. Thursday in the 700 block of East Main Street.

Police said it was determined that Shawn Shoup, 42, of B Street, Girardville, was driving east when he went off the left side of the road and struck a Verizon utility pole. The impact knocked the pole down and caused fiber optic wires to lay across the road, police said.

Shoup was treated at the scene by Ashland EMS and Shenandoah ALS and then flown to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for treatment.

Police said the crash remains under investigation and that Girardville firefighters assisted at the scene.

Woman to be cited

for one-car crash

JONESTOWN — A Pine Grove woman escaped injury when the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer she was driving crashed about 11:45 a.m. Sunday on Mount Wilson Road, south of Diamond Drive in South Annville Township.

State police at Jonestown said Charlotte D. Cool, 69, was driving north when she went off the road and struck a utility pole.

The woman was not hurt, but police said she will be cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic as a result of the crash.

Police: Burglar took

shotgun, 2 rifles

PINE GROVE — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a burglary that occurred between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday on Laurel Drive in Pine Grove Township.

Police said someone entered the home of a 64-year-old woman, forced open a locked gun cabinet and stole two rifles and a shotgun before fleeing the area undetected.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 570-754-4600 and refer to incident PA2017-929421.

Vehicle stop results in man’s arrest

TREMONT — A Pine Grove Township man was jailed after being arrested by state police at Schuylkill Haven after an incident about 5:20 p.m. Wednesday at Poplar and West streets.

Police said they stopped a vehicle for a violation and during the stop passenger Daniel Campbell Jr., 30, provided a false name and date of birth.

During the stop, Campbell admitted to have drug paraphernalia and then fled on foot but was taken into custody a short distance away with the assistance of two civilians, police said.

Campbell was also found with a controlled substance, police said, adding that he was charged with resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, false identification to law enforcement and disorderly conduct.

Campbell was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $15,000 straight cash bail, police said, adding that the man also has five outstanding bench warrants issued in Lebanon County.

Mahanoy City

The Upper Schuylkill Band will perform a free concert at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Mahanoy City Elder Apartments, Main and Centre streets. The public is welcome. For more information, call 570-773-3929.

Nuremberg

The 18th annual Nuremberg Celebration today and Sunday includes a poker run today called “Ride for Daniel,” with all proceeds and donations benefiting the family of 5-year-old Daniel McGeehin, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia last December. ALL, the No. 1 cancer in children, is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many immature lymphocytes. Daniel has been in remission since Jan. 5, with estimated treatment time being three years. This cancer has an 80 to 85 percent cure rate, organizers said in a release. Registration for the poker run is 10 a.m. to noon at the township park. The ride begins at noon and riders will depart as a group. The entry fee is $15 for drivers and $10 for riders. All motorcycles and vehicles are welcome. For more information, call 570-384-4485. The celebration will go from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days. The American Legion parade and opening ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. today. Activities will include a horseshoe tournament, water balloon toss, basketball shootout and a corn hole toss game. Entertainment today will include the Cellar Dwellers band at 11:45 a.m. and disc jockey Billy K from 1 to 5 p.m. followed by the Tommy Guns band from 5 to 10 p.m. On Sunday there will be a volleyball tournament at noon, blessing of animals at 12:30 p.m., weiner dog races at 1:30 p.m., water balloon toss at 2:30 p.m., a sack race at 4 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m. (rain date Monday). Entertainment will be by disc jockey Carmean Singley from 1 to 5 p.m. and Flashback from 6 to 10 p.m. All are welcome.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Public Library, 215 W. Market St., will have a used book sale from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, sponsored by the Friends of the Library support group. All are welcome.

Snyders

The West Penn Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the West Penn Community Park, located just off Route 309. The next meeting will be held Wednesday. For more information, call 570-386-2272.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization will hold its first meeting of the 2017-18 school year at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 in the school library. Room parents will be selected and plans for the coming year, including fundraisers, will be discussed. Any adult interested in supporting the students is welcome to attend.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Senior Citizens group has trips scheduled including on Sept. 18 to Dutchway Restaurant, Myerstown, and on Oct. 18 to Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes-Barre. Melody Weicker is the group’s president. Meetings are held at 1 p.m. Thursdays in the Tamaqua YMCA, 1201 E. Broad St. in the former Jamesway Plaza. People 55 and older are welcome to join.

Tower City

The Tower City Rotary Club will have a Chinese auction Sept. 17 at the Orwin Fire Company. Doors will open at noon and the auction will begin at 1:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available. Proceeds will benefit the Williams Valley community, according to a club release. For more information, call 717-647-2741.

Tower City

The Porter Tower Lions Club will sponsor an advance-order-only lobster and clam dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 9 at the club site, 517 W. Grand Ave. Tickets are $25 each. Meals include a whole Maine lobster, quahog clams, sweet corn, butter, lemon wedge and beverage. The deadline to order is Tuesday. To order or for more information, call 717-571-9564 or 717-439-1405. Baked goods will be on sale during the event.

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill S. Jackson Street

To Warner and Riana Dankulich West, Brockton, a son, Aug. 13.

POTTSVILLE — Parking meters could be a thing of the past in Garfield Square.

At its monthly meeting Friday, the Pottsville Parking Authority discussed potentially using an app for parking in the area.

Parking authority engineer John Levkulic said the city has several options in deciding how to address the parking in the square.

The city is in the midst of the Garfield Square Streetscape Project. Funded by a Community Development Block Grant, the $368,262 project includes the removal of trees, new trees planted, removal of six parking spaces, new sidewalks, curbs, architectural lighting and handicap accessibility improvements. The project involves the area from Fourth to Sixth streets.

Levkulic said the city can put the meters back in, but it would be expensive.

“We would need, probably, new meters. Get our meters updated,” he said, adding meters must be recertified every five years.

Several years ago when prices for meters were examined, it was about $300 for each meter head, Levkulic said. Another option would be a kiosk, with two probably needed for each side of the street. The cost could be thousands of dollars each.

The third option would be the parking app, which would be no cost to the city.

If people don’t have a smartphone, they can call an 800 number. A transaction fee would be charged.

“My opinion is: Let’s go after the app. Let’s research that,” Mayor James T. Muldowney, who is also authority chairman, said.

Four people are on the committee to examine that possibility: Levkulic, authority members Joe Devine and Dorothy “Dottie” Botto, and Michael Weiss, Pottsville Area Development Corp. executive director. A meeting date was not set.

Levkulic said two entities, Passport and Park Mobile, have apps. The committee will meet with representatives from the companies. Levkulic said the meetings are open to the public.

If the meters are not replaced, people with coins will be out of luck if they want to park in that area, Levkulic said. He said the companies could possibly accept residential stickers put into the system.

“The key to all of this is enforcement. If you don’t pay, you get a ticket,” Levkulic said.

Weiss suggested public meetings so the community can understand what the transition would mean and why the city decided to go that route.

No vote was taken on the matter Friday.

In other action, the authority voted to approve making employment offers to two people who applied for two parking enforcement officer positions advertised, pending background checks. Names were not provided.

Authority solicitor Thomas J. Campion Jr. said the names will be released if they accept the positions. Botto abstained from voting because she is related to one of the two. Weiss said, if hired, the people would start this month. He said 75 people applied for the openings, most of the applicants were from Schuylkill County.

The position’s starting wage is $13 an hour with no benefits. Those hired could work up to 20 hours a week.

The authority board also voted to put the money from Richard L. “Dick” Yuengling Jr., who pledged to donate up to $2.8 million for the parking deck on Mahantongo Street, in a money market account at CACL at rate of 1.35 percent. The check has not yet been received, Weiss said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Name incorrect

The Most Rev. Alfred A. Schlert’s middle initial was incorrect in Friday’s edition.

VALLEY VIEW — Hegins Township residents have to wait longer for a newly appointed supervisor to serve their community and for a new Dollar General to be erected.

The board of supervisors Friday split in a 2-2 vote in appointing someone to fill the vacancy left by the Aug. 8 passing of former supervisor and board vice president Sandra McCullough.

Supervisor Chairman Gary Harner and Bruce Klouser voted to appoint Doug Lucas as the interim supervisor, while supervisors Mike Begis and Brad Carl voted to appoint Brian Musolino to the five-member supervisors’ board.

Because of the split vote, the final decision will now rest with the vacancy board, which is comprised of the four current supervisors, Harner, Klouser, Begis and Carl, and vacancy board member Henry Ney.

The vacancy board will meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 13 to make a decision on the appointment. The person selected to fill McCullough’s seat will only serve until the end of the current year. The appointee can choose to run for the position in the next municipal election in November.

McCullough was a Republican and her six-year term would have expired in 2021. During Friday’s meeting, Harner called for a moment of silence in McCullough’s memory and expressed appreciation for her service to the community.

The board received several letters of interest from citizens willing to serve. In addition to Lucas and Musolino, those who were seeking the appointment included Gary Hornberger, Herbert Borchert, Linda Morgan, William Wolfgang and LeRoy Shuey.

In other business, the supervisors unanimously approved the land development plan for Dollar General in Valley View, subject to eight conditions, as outlined by the township engineer, Ty Leinneweber.

Drew Barton, project manager and engineer with Larson Design Group, Williamsport, and Mary Ann Wervey, vice president of development for Zaremba Program Development LLC, Lakewood, Ohio, explained Zaremba’s intention to construct a 9,100-square-foot Dollar General at 1204 W. Main St.

Barton said they were still waiting for final approval from the state Department of Transportation for a highway occupancy permit for an existing driveway. Wervey had said the company was hoping to break ground this fall but, instead, it would have to wait until spring to begin due to the permit delay.

The Dollar General will have a sidewalk installed at the front and will have a 26-space parking area, according to Barton.

Among some of the conditions, Leinneweber said, were that the company would submit a closure report stating that existing fuel tanks at the site are disposed of properly;and that the proper permits were obtained. Leinneweber said he saw no issue with the company’s waiver for an existing storm sewer pipe that was closer than 10 feet. The company’s septic system had already been approved, Leinneweber said.

Years ago, the property was the site of a former gas station and convenience store, Hentz Citgo Mini Mart & Deli. Zaremba, through its LLC, will own the property and the building, and has a 15-year lease agreement with Dollar General, according to newspaper archives.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

FRACKVILLE — Video from a dash cam in the car of a man who died in April in a crash on Burma Road led to charges being filed against the driver of the other vehicle involved who initially denied any wrongdoing.

State police at Frackville said the camera in the Chevrolet HHR driven by Paul Winans, Mahanoy City, showed footage of his car being forced off the road about 1:30 p.m. April 3 by a truck driven by Daniel Dansavage, 58, of 118 S. Catawissa St., Mahanoy City.

As a result, Trooper Christopher Rooney of the Frackville station obtained an arrest warrant Thursday for Dansavage charging him with felony offenses of homicide by vehicle, accidents involving death or personal injury while not properly licensed, aggravated assault and aggravated assault by vehicle.

Rooney also charged Dansavage with misdemeanor offenses of involuntary manslaughter, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person as well as summary offenses of overtaking a vehicle on the left, careless driving, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving on the wrong side of the road, not driving on roadways laned for traffic, turning movements and required signals, reckless driving and false reports.

Rooney said he was called to the area on Route 1006, Burma Road, about a mile south of Brockton Mountain Road in Ryan Township, and found the car driven by Winans off the road in a wooded area with the man dead and entangled inside.

Also at the scene was a Dodge Dakota pickup truck registered to Dansavage who said he was a passenger and that Mary Clickner, his girlfriend, was driving.

Clickner reported that she was driving the pickup south as the Winans vehicle approached rapidly from the rear and began to pass her, Rooney said, adding that the woman then said the Chevrolet struck the passenger’s side door of the vehicle she was driving.

Dansavage said he was not aware of the vehicle coming from behind until Clickner told him about it.

Trooper Eric Reber, a crash analysis reconstruction specialist from Troop L, Reading, arrived to assist in the investigation and found a video recording device inside the Winans vehicle.

On May 2, Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale issued a warrant to allow troopers to search and recover images from the camera and it was sent to state police headquarters in Harrisburg for analysis.

Rooney said that images from the camera revealed it had been activated before and during the collision and showed a chain of events that conflicted with what Clickner and Dansavage had provided.

The trooper said video from the camera clearly showed the pickup truck turning or swerving into the path of Winans’ car that was to left of the center line and passing in an area designated as a legal passing zone.

Rooney also said the video reveals the sound of the horn of the Winans vehicle sounding as the driver of the Dodge Dakota makes the maneuver and also shows that Dansavage was driving the truck and not Clickner.

It was also learned that Dansavage had a suspended or revoked license at the time of the crash.

Rooney said Clickner was then interviewed and recanted her previous statements, saying Dansavage was driving at the time of the crash and that she initially claimed to be the driver because Dansavage was not properly licensed to drive.

Once taken into custody, Dansavage will be arraigned on the charges and then have to appear for a preliminary hearing before Hale in her Frackville courtroom.

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