In conjunction with the annual Sol Lipton Half Marathon and 5K races on Sunday, the Pottsville Bureau of Police announced parking and traffic restrictions will be in effect for that day in the city.

Beginning at 6 a.m. and continuing until about noon, there will be no parking on North Centre Street, from Harrison to West Norwegian streets, and on Laurel Boulevard, from North Centre Street to Progress Avenue.

In addition, beginning at 7:30 a.m., vehicle traffic restrictions will be in effect on the following roadways: Progress Avenue, North Centre Street, Laurel Boulevard, North 16th Street, Maple Avenue, Westwood Road, Wood Glen Road, First Avenue, Walter Griffith Avenue, Peacock Street, Terry Reiley Way, East Railroad Street and Atlantic Avenue.

Motorists are asked to plan ahead and are thanked, in advance, for their cooperation.

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

According to a company official, the brakes have been put on a proposed $300 million power plant in Good Spring that could have brought 20 new jobs to Schuylkill County.

Michael P. Witzing, project director for Future Power PA LLC, said in a brief phone interview Friday: “That project is on hold.”

Witzing did not answer questions about the reason for the pause or who made the decision, saying he was in a “very important meeting.”

The Schuylkill County Zoning Hearing Board last year approved a special exception for the plant, which could employ those 20 people, and up to 250 construction workers to build the facility, according to The Republican-Herald archives.

Witzing had said in 2016 that the company would start seeking construction funding through bank loans. Once funding was secured, then construction was originally slated to begin. The proposed project is located on 83 acres between Main Street, Porter Township, and Route 125, Frailey Township.

Frailey Township supervisors Chairman Donald Allar said he was also unaware of the status of the project.

“I haven’t heard anything in months,” Allar said.

The project has seen a number of changes over the years. The company received a zoning permit for a coal gasification and power facility in November 2009 but decided to use natural gas instead of coal in 2012. Although the zoning hearing board had told the company in July 2013 that the approval for the coal-powered facility was valid regardless of fuel source, that permit was set to expire July 2, 2016.

EmberClear Corp., a Canadian-based energy developer with an office in Moosic, started the project several years ago and then partnered with Tyr Energy, Kansas City, Missouri, in 2014 to finish developing the project. Tyr Energy currently owns and manages 12 power facilities. Future Power PA LLC is a subsidiary of EmberClear.

Natural gas was to be supplied by the Atlantic Sunrise pipeline, part of the $3 billion expansion of the Transco transcontinental pipeline.

Designs for the facility included a building with administrative offices, operational control room, warehouse/machine shop; water treatment building; circulating water chemical feed building; chemical laboratory for conducting water samples; fire water pump house; steam turbine generator enclosure; gas turbine generator enclosure; emissions monitoring enclosure; and electrical switch building.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Deeds

Butler Township — Andrew P. and Christene Kenenitz to Andrew P. Kenenitz; 327 Germanville Road; $1.

East Union Township — Police and Fire Federal Credit Union to Migdalia Torres and Robert Levy; 93, 95 and 97 Third St., Oneida; $13,500.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Bonifacio Jr. and Carmelita L. Sigue; Lot 89WS, Eagle Rock; $48,379.

Lorille Q. Soleta and Beverly Q. Radil to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 268HF4, Eagle Rock; $31,310.

Ronald Casareo and Theodore Casareo to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 191HF4, Eagle Rock; $4,354.28.

Mahanoy City — Jose Dolores La Luz to Jose Omar Ramos and Evelyn Metz; 605-607 Spruce St.; $10,000.

Porter Township — Juleann Schaeffer to Juleann Schaeffer and Michelle L. Carl; 105 S. Yohe St., Reinerton; $1.

Pottsville — Maryann Shadler to Maryann Shadler; 1716-1718 West End Ave.; $1.

Reilly Township — Mary Elizabeth Renninger, Michael Behm and Robert Behm, individually and as executor of the Estate of Helen C. Gottschall, to MSR-SLR LLC; property on Meadow Street, Branchdale; $15,000.

Rush Township — Roxanne B. Dombrosky to Paul M. Ringer; 554 Tuscarora Park Road, Barnesville; $112,000.

Tatiana A. Gatis to Jeffrey J. Tanner; 24 Cumberland Ave., Hometown; $124,900.

Ernest D. Scaran III and Cynthia A. Getz to Ernest D. Scaran III; 2 Ardmore Ave., Hometown; $1.

Daniel D. and Nancy A. Dubosky to Steven D. and Alyssa Martucci; 0.319-acre property on Great Oaks Drive, Lake Hauto; $550,000.

Saint Clair — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Joshua E. Carmelo; 120 E. Patterson St.; $1,721.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Esther J. Mead; 248 N. Nicholas St.; $1,159.55.

Bruce T. Hart and Joshua B. Hart to Joshua B. and Shawna Hart; property at Elmwood Court and Fernwood Avenue; $1.

Marsha Ann Chwastiak, administratrix of the Estate of Sonia A. Chwastiak, to Peter J. Symons; 0.054-acre property at West Franklin and North Morris streets; $45,000.

Marsha Ann Chwastiak, administratrix of the Estate of Sonia A. Chwastiak, to Peter J. Symons; 0.054-acre property on North Morris Street; $45,000.

Marsha Ann Chwastiak, individually and as administratrix of the Estate of Sonia A. Chwastiak, to Marsha Ann Chwastiak; 151 N. Nicholas St.; $1.

John R. Yeakel and James R. Yeakel to Tiffany Long; 116 E. Patterson St.; $14,500.

Ethel Dougherty and Teresa Wigoda to Hollie Hooper; 217 S. Third St.; $24,000.

Shenandoah — Mark C. Rhode to Heather A. Rhode; 226 N. 20th St.; $1.

POTTSVILLE — Local efforts are taking place in Schuylkill County to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

County residents are donating blood to help in the aftermath of the hurricane, parishes in the Diocese of Allentown and Harrisburg are collecting donations, and local business and organizations are also organizing donation efforts. Veterinarian offices are collecting donations for animals.

“In light of all the recent horrible things that are happening, it’s more important than ever to donate,” Rachel Steranko, 37, of Port Carbon, said as she stood in line waiting to donate blood for the “Pint for a Pint” Blood Drive for the American Red Cross in Pottsville. An American Red Cross Bloodmobile was at Fifth and Mahantongo streets near Yuengling Brewery. The bloodmobile is there twice a year, near Memorial Day and Labor Day.

“I feel so bad for those people it is such a shame,” Karen Abdo, 45, of Pottsville, said.

In addition to donating blood, she made a financial donation earlier in the day to the American Red Cross.

Schuylkill Haven Mayor Mike Devlin was in the area and noticed the vehicle and made an appointment on the mobile app to donate blood.

“I know it will go to a good cause,” he said.

Alana Mauger, communications manager for Northeastern PA Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross, is appreciative of the blood donations.

“A lot of people want to do something,” she said.

She said a blood donation is a simple way to give back.

A request has not been sent out specially for donations in the aftermath of the hurricane, she said. Asked if the blood collected in the county might find its way to Texas or Louisiana, Mauger said it is a possibility.

“If the blood is needed there, it may be sent there,” she said.

The organization has an ongoing need for blood daily.

“We are still in an urgent need for blood,” she said, adding donations usually drop during the summer months.

Adrian Grieve, executive director of the Tri-County Chapter of the American Red Cross, which covers Schuylkill, Berks and Chester counties, said three people from Chester County left to help in Texas. Nationally, 2,000 Red Cross disaster workers are down south. Hundreds more are on their way. Mexican Red Cross volunteers are also there to help.

“The vast majority are in Texas,” he said.

As of Thursday, the Red Cross and its partner agencies have served more than 250,000 meals and snacks since the storm made landfall Aug. 25.

Since the storm hit, more than 33,800 people have sought shelter from Red Cross and partner agencies in Texas alone. Shelters in Louisiana are also helping to house more than 450 people. There are shelter supplies, such as cots and blankets, for more than 70,000 people, Grieve said.

People might be concerned for their pets. Unless they are service animals, they are not permitted in shelters, but Grieve said there are often shelter accommodations nearby with food and water for animals.

Grieve said financial help for the victims is appreciated. Those wanting to donate can call 800-Red-Cross, visit www.redcross.org or text “Harvey” to 90999 to make a $10 donation that will be charged to the phone bill. Call 570-622-9550 or 610-375-4383 with any questions about how to donate.

Donations are also being collected in Pottsville.

The Rotary Club of Pottsville is donating $2,000 to victims of the Texas flooding. The club was contacted Wednesday morning by Rotary District Gov. Mike Hornby, District 7360, who said there are four Rotary districts in Texas directly affected by the hurricane. The Pottsville club decided to split its donation evenly, giving $500 to each of the four districts.

The Empire Beauty School at 396 Pottsville Saint Clair Highway, Pottsville, and those in 21 other states will hold a Haircuts for Harvey Relief fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday.

“As involved and responsible members of our communities, Empire Beauty Schools is committed to assisting people in need,” Frank Schoeneman, chairman and CEO of Empire Education Group, said. “The devastation we are seeing affect our neighbors in the south is heartbreaking. We are committed to assisting this effort by giving to the American Red Cross through our Haircuts for Harvey Relief fundraiser.”

All parishes in the Diocese of Allentown and Harrisburg will have a special collection. The Diocese of Harrisburg will hold its collection today and Sunday. The Diocese of Allentown will have its collection Sept. 9 and 10. Donations in the Diocese of Harrisburg will also be accepted for the next two weekends and should be indicated they are for Hurricane Harvey Relief. Parishioners may also donate online at www.HbgDiocese.org/donate via the natural disasters option.

Weis Markets announced that all donations received for the 10th annual Fight Hunger program through Wednesday, including an additional corporate donation, will go to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, according to a press release. The program raises awareness of food insecurity and provides donations to food banks and food providers. Shoppers can make a donation at the checkout line at their local store.

Animals in Texas and Louisiana also need help. Veterinarian offices are stepping up to lend a hand. Alyssa Miller, a receptionist at Brookside Animal Hospital, Orwigsburg, said several veterinarian offices are collecting donations. They include Brookside, Mountain Shadow Veterinary Hospital, Schuylkill Haven, Bliss Haven Animal Clinic, Hamburg, Brunswick Veterinary Hospital, Orwigsburg, Paw Prints Pet Salon, Orwigsburg, Vetcetera, Schuylkill Haven, and Anthracite Animal Clinic, Ashland. Items needed include collars, leashes, toys, stainless steel bowls, dog and cat beds, and cat litter. Monetary donations are welcome. Deadline to donate is 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20

Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center, Whitehall, orchestrated the drive. Donations may also be dropped off there until Sept. 24.

A veterinarian from Brookside Animal Hospital may also go down to the area, but a flight has not been booked yet, Miller said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

SHENANDOAH — The borough is taking steps to demolish a cluster of buildings ravaged by fire in 2016.

The borough will try to acquire them at a judicial sale at the Schuylkill County Courthouse in Courtroom 1, at 10 a.m. Sept. 8, Joseph Palubinsky, the borough secretary, said.

There are numerous charred and blighted homes on the property.

“They’re all on one deed. And it’s all under one address, 17 N. Union St.,” Palubinsky said.

If the borough secures ownership, the county will try to knock them down by the end of the year, Gary R. Bender, the director of Schuylkill County Community Development/Central Services, said Wednesday.

According to the deed on file at the courthouse, Mary A. Dumblesky bought the 4,367 square-foot property from Reading Co. for $3,000 on Sept. 24, 1954.

At one time, the property bordered railroad tracks owned by the Reading Company Shenandoah Branch. It also borders East Centre and East Mount Vernon streets.

The property has been delinquent on borough, county and school district taxes since 2013, Angela D. Toomey, director of the Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau, said Wednesday. According to records in Toomey’s database, a total of $4,666 was owed for 2013; $3,775 for 2014; $3,480 for 2015; and $3,372 for 2016.

Shenandoah Valley School District has been working with Portnoff Law Associates Ltd., King of Prussia, to collect its share, so some of the district’s taxes may have been collected, she said.

On Sept. 28, 2015, the property was listed at an upset sale. There it was available at an “upset price” which included delinquent taxes, all the current year taxes and any municipal claims. It didn’t sell, Toomey said.

“That’s how it got on the judicial sale list. That’s the free and clear sale,” Toomey said.

On June 22, 2016, a fire destroyed 13 vacant properties on the property. The fire cause was arson, according to state fire marshal Trooper Joseph Hall of the Schuylkill Haven barracks.

“Shortly after the fire, the borough contacted an adjoining property owner who expressed interest in purchasing the properties and at their own expense demolishing them,” Palubinsky said.

But it didn’t come to pass.

The borough continued to work with county officials including Bender, Toomey and Michelle O’Connell, assistant coordinator/compliance officer for Schuylkill County, to knock them down.

“I can’t say enough about the assistance and the cooperation Gary Bender has given to the borough in trying to address these properties. And we got nothing but cooperation from him and Angela Toomey, and their staffs,” Palubinsky said.

“He’s doing his homework. To participate in the county program, we like the municipality to own the property or have an owner to demolish,” Bender said Wednesday.

Toomey did not know what the opening bid would be on the property at judicial sale scheduled for Sept. 8. She said it will include whatever it cost the Schuylkill Tax Claim Bureau to get it to sale, mailings and the newspaper advertisements.

If the borough acquires the property on Sept. 8, Bender said the county will schedule the demolition.

“We’ve already assessed the asbestos. And we’ll put it in the demolition program. And they’ll go our for bid hopefully in the next couple of weeks,” Bender said.

The demolition will be financed using the $1.4 million in state funding Schuylkill County received earlier this year, Bender said.

In January, state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, said the grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development will help Schuylkill County with its blight fight.

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

American

Kirsten Nicole Bickelman, a daughter of John and Diane Bickelman, Schuylkill Haven, graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in international relations with a minor in Spanish language and a 3.91 GPA from American University, Washington, D.C.

She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest academic honor society.

Kirsten received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to Spain from the U.S. Department of State and the J. Willliam Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. She will support the teaching of English as part of the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship for the 2017-2018 academic year in addition to conducting a yearlong volunteer project in her host community.

Fulbright award recipients are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement as well as service and leadership potential in their respective fields. The program is the flagship international educational ex-change program sponsored by the U.S. government and de-signed to build lasting connections between people of the United States and other countries.

Kirsten is a 2013 graduate of Blue Mountain High School.

Duquesne

Marc A. Twardzik, Ringtown, graduated from Du-quesne University, Pittsburgh, with a Bachelor of Science De-gree in Nursing.

He is a son of Chris and JoAnn Twardzik, Ringtown, and a 2012 graduate of Shen-andoah Valley High School.

Marc accepted a position with Allegheny General Hospital/Jefferson in the intensive care unit.

NYU School of Law

Arthur J. Argall, JD, graduated cum laude on from the New York University School of Law in the top quarter of the Class of 2017.

At NYU, he received the Desmarais LLP full-tuition merit scholarship for a student in Intellectual Property law and served as the Patent Committee co-chairman for the Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law Society. While in New York, he served as a summer associate and law clerk for the Cravath, Swaine and Moore and the Paul Hastings LLP law firms.

Arthur is a 2007 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School and a 2011 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and a master’s degree in chemistry. He earned a Fulbright Fellowship to conduct research in Germany at the University of Heidelberg and in 2014 he earned an master’s in electrical engineering at Columbia University.

He is a son of David and Beth Argall, Lake Hauto, and a grandson of Miriam Argall, Hometown, and Elizabeth Koch, Lewistown Valley and the late Lowell Koch and Arthur Argall. He will soon begin work as a law clerk to Circuit Judge Alan D. Lourie of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C.

Pittsburgh

Kelsey E. Holland, Tampa, Fla., daughter of Dave and Cheryl Holland, Pottsville, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a master’s degree in health, physical activity and chronic disease.

While at the university, she served as a graduate assistant and kinesiology instructor.

She received a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Penn State University in 2016 and is a 2012 graduate of Pottsville Area High School.

Kelsey is employed by the University of South Florida, Tampa, as the coordinator of fitness programs.

West Chester

Zachary C. Wile, Pottsville, graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in finance from West Chester University. He was also a proud member of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.

In June, Zachary accepted a position with JP Morgan Chase & Co., Delaware, as a securities settlement specialist. He currently resides in West Chester.

Zachary is a 2013 Pottsville Area High School graduate and a son of Al and Cyndi Gregitis Wile, Pottsville. He is a grandson of Marie Gregitis, New Philadelphia, and the late Robert Gregitis and the late Alvin “AJ” and Margaret “Peg” Wile, formerly of Mechanicsville.

Boston

Heather Marie Shappell graduated from Boston University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences with a Ph.D. in Biostatistics.

Heather, a 2007 Pottsville Area High School graduate, attended Arcadia University, Glenside, where she received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science in 2011. She went on to attend Boston University, where she earned her master’s in biostatistics in 2013.

Heather has accepted a postdoctoral position at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, in the biostatistics department, where she will continue her research in the development of statistical methods for the analysis of complex brain networks. She is a daughter of John Shappell, Pottsville and Sharon Souchak, Schuylkill Haven.

King’s

The following local students earned bachelor’s degrees during the 68th commencement at King’s College, Wilkes-Barre:

Kyle R. McGee, Mahanoy City, criminal justice; Molly B. McMullen, Mahanoy City, professional writing; Rhonda C. Carl, Ashland, neuroscience; Christopher J. Marconi, Lost Creek, and Elliot J. Phillips, Ringtown, both business administration accounting.

Geisinger Medical Center, Danville

To Lance Matthew and Alison Joy Payne Raup, Wilburton, a daughter, Aug. 23. Maternal grandparents are Cynthia Payne, Daytona Beach, Fla., and Ann and Donald Payne, Nuangola. Paternal grandparents are Heidi and Mark Rodman, Coal Township, and Sheila and Darren Raup, Myerstown.

University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore

To Len and Amanda Guzick Mueller, Federalsburg, Md., twin boys, May 26. Maternal grandparents are Tom and Cathy Guzick, Pottsville. Paternal grandparents are Jim and Rosie Mueller, Federalsburg, Md.

The guy many Republicans think can finally beat U.S. Sen. Bob Casey lives practically in Casey’s backyard.

They say U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, the illegal immigration-opposing Republican former Hazleton mayor, stands the best chance of knocking off the well-known Scranton Democrat next year.

Barletta beat a 26-year incumbent, Rep. Paul Kanjorski, to win his seat in 2010. However, Kanjorski is no Bob Casey and Pennsylvania isn’t the 11th Congressional District where Democrats only slightly outnumber Republicans.

Pennsylvania still has 800,000 more Democrats than Republicans, and Casey has the top political brand name in state history along with big wins in all his five statewide elections in a state known for close races.

G. Terry Madonna, the state’s veteran political analyst, can’t understand why any Republican sees Casey as vulnerable, considering his political strength, President Donald Trump’s declining stature and the promise of a strong year for Democrats in 2018. It’s especially hard to understand why Barletta wants to give up a safe congressional seat to take on Casey, Madonna said.

“I have no clue,” he said. “I’m just puzzled.”

Barletta, who announced his Senate run Tuesday in an online video, is no lock to face Casey either.

Jeff Bartos, a Montgomery County Republican and real estate developer, launched a limited television advertising campaign last week on Fox News Channel that targets Barletta right along with Casey.

“Career politicians make big promises, but fail to deliver,” the ad’s narrator says as pictures of Casey and Barletta glide across the screen.

Bartos’ campaign has more than $1 million in cash on hand compared to Barletta’s $513,000, even if half came from Bartos.

Bartos also has a super political action committee called Keystone Priorities PAC backing him. That PAC can raise money without caps on donations and already has $1 million in commitments.

They aren’t the only ones in the race. So are former energy executive Paul Addis; cyber security consultant Cynthia E. Ayers; state Rep. Jim Christiana, R-15, Beaver County; state Rep. Rick Saccone, R-39, Allegheny County; and several more obscure candidates.

However, only Addis raised more than $100,000 ($106,000, but that includes his $100,000 loan).

Madonna’s doubts aside, Republicans see plenty of reasons to view Casey as vulnerable.

First, he’s served in either Harrisburg or Washington, D.C., for more than 20 years, and anti-incumbent fever runs high these days.

Second, Republicans think most voters can’t name a significant Casey accomplishment.

“He’s more of a cipher than a U.S. senator,” said Christopher Nicholas, Addis’ political consultant. “That kind of rope-a-dope strategy has helped him election-wise because he’s a pleasant fellow and a fairly well-known name, stays out of the limelight and doesn’t do a lot good or bad. Maybe that’s good for a survival strategy. It’s not good for accomplishing anything.”

John Brabender, the political consultant handling Barletta, pointed to a recent NBC News/Marist University poll that shows Casey’s favorability rating trailing Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf’s by 8 percentage points with a third of voters still with no opinion of him.

“For somebody who’s been in office for as long as Bob Casey has, for so many people to even just say I don’t have an opinion of him, oftentimes is disastrous for an incumbent,” Brabender said.

Third, Republicans think Casey started out as a moderate Democrat, pro-life and pro-guns, but tracked leftward and away from mainstream Democrats, especially lately. For the first time in his career, he advocated more gun control, mainly in response to the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Pro-life advocates have long questioned his anti-abortion commitment because he hasn’t always supported every new abortion restriction that they do.

“I think he’s gone, on both issues, from being off the Democratic reservation to firmly on the Democratic reservation,” Nicholas said.

In recent months, Brabender said, Casey consciously sided with liberal senators like Democratic leader Charles Schumer and Massachusetts’ Elizabeth Warren as part of the Democratic resistance to Trump.

“We’re talking about a state (Pennsylvania) where Donald Trump did win,” he said. “What he (Casey) is betting everything on is that there’s going to be buyer’s remorse, particularly among the Democrats who supported Trump.”

Fourth, they see Casey’s recent electoral history.

In 2006, when Casey routed incumbent verbal bomb-throwing Republican Sen. Rick Santorum, he won every region of the state except central Pennsylvania. In 2012, when he beat coal-mining magnate Tom Smith by roughly half his 2006 margin, Casey also lost the northwest and southwest. Both were once full of Casey Democrats, the conservative Democrats long associated with his late father, former Gov. Robert Casey.

“If you look at where the drop-off is, it’s the same area where the president did well in the 2016 elections, and I think that speaks volumes,” Brabender said.

Brabender contends Barletta also cuts right into Casey’s base in the northeast and around Harrisburg.

“Those very Democrats, in the west particularly, but all across the state, who voted for Donald Trump last year, they have a lot in common with the type of things Lou Barletta has fought for, particularly immigration reform,” he said.

The same Marist poll shows more voters viewing Barletta unfavorably than favorably (10 percent favorable/16 percent unfavorable). Brabender discounts that because about three-quarters have no view of his candidate. He points to all the majority of voters who don’t have any opinion of Casey or think unfavorably of him.

Nicholas said he thinks Barletta’s ties to Trump would cost him in the southeast where 40 percent of state voters live and where Casey now thrives. He also said he thinks Addis being from Delaware County outside Philadelphia makes him more viable.

Madonna see no serious reason to doubt Casey’s strength. Casey opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal that Trump canceled and favors reforming the North American Free Trade Agreement like Trump.

“He may be now more liberal in his voting record, but on the whole he’s maintained his relationship with a lot of Democratic leaders through the northeastern part of the state and the southwestern part of the state,” Madonna said. “He’s not deserted the working class.”

Madonna said he thinks Trump could be a problem for any Republican next year, which is shaping up as a good year for Democrats.

Indeed, the Marist poll shows almost a quarter more state voters view the president unfavorably than favorably.

The Casey campaign knows the tide can turn in favor of the president, but for now it’s happy to lasso Barletta to Trump.

Barletta, Steele said, supported anti-illegal immigration measures as mayor that left his city facing millions of dollars in legal bills, backed Social Security privatization (for a time) and supported Medicare reform that would cost senior citizens more money.

“Barletta supported the disastrous Republican health care bill (meant to replace Obamacare) that even President Trump called mean,” Steele said. “Trump won the state obviously, and I think that’s why they are particularly paying attention here. I think the senator has put together a really strong record. The folks all over the state, they know him. He’s been fighting for them for a long time.”

Contact the writer: bkrawczeniuk@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9147; @BorysBlogTT

The state Department of Transportation has projects set for Schuylkill County roadways this week, according to Sean A. Brown, safety press officer with District 5, Allentown.

The following work is scheduled:

• Milling and paving on Main Street/Hazle Street in Delano and Rush townships between Theodore Rogosky Street and Route 309 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. There will be lane restrictions.

• Pothole patching on Route 309 in Tamaqua between Tuscarora Park Road and Owl Creek Road from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. There will be lane restrictions.

• Bridge work on Main Street in Girardville, between Powder Hill Road and Route 54 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. There will be lane restrictions.

• Drainage work on Route 61 in North Manheim Township between Route 183 and Tumbling Run Road from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. There will be lane restrictions.

• Inspection work on Route 209 in Pottsville between routes 61 and 901 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. There will be lane restrictions.

For all projects, motorists should expect delays and use caution driving through the work zone.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 825 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices by calling 5-1-1 or by following Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Ashland

The borough hall will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day. Normal business will resume Tuesday. The trash and street sweeper schedules will not change.

Ashland

The Ashland Area Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Margaret (Hebert) Kleman from the Class of ’59 Ashland Area Joint High School; for Anita L. Learn-McCartney from Joann and Frank Woodward, Ann Abalo; for Anne Carduff Bramley from Joann and Frank Woodward; for Joyce Schenk from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sherman, Bob and Barbara Nestor, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McGinley; for Helen and Bernard Shearn from the family; for Vivian Burcin from the Kaufman family, Rene, Tom, Janet and Mark. The library also acknowledged the following honor donation: for April Wytovich from Rosann Sitkus.

Barnesville

Naturalist Robin Tracey will lead a hike on the Crow and Lake View trails beginning at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Tuscarora State Park. The 5.5-mile excursion is rated moderate to difficult. The trails cross over two creeks and run parallel to the lake. Participants will have a “spectacular view” of the dam and explore the state game lands near the spillway pond. Meet in the Crow Trail parking lot off Tuscarora Mountain Road. The shine-only hike is dog friendly, but all pets must be leashed and get along with other pets and people.

Hegins

The Keystone Garage Club will host its third annual car cruise Saturday to benefit the PA Wounded Warriors. Cruisers will go from Halifax to Hegins Park. Registration will be from 8 to 10 a.m. at the old Engle Risinger Ford dealership, 1661 N. River Road, Halifax. Breakfast will be available and the cruise will start at 11 a.m. and head through Millersburg, Lenkerville, Rife, Elizabethville, Lykens, Wiconisco, Williamstown, Tower City, Keffers and Valley View and will arrive in Hegins about noon. People in the cruise communities are asked to be out to greet the cruisers with American flags. There will be food vendors at the park plus music by The Jam Band. The cruise cost is $15 per vehicle. All trucks, cars and motorcycles are welcome and all proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warriors. For more information, call David Lehr at 570-527-3450 or Kerry Teter at 717-635-5026. Craft and vendor spaces are available at the park for $20.

Mahanoy City

First United Methodist Church, Fourth Street and Mahanoy Avenue, will have a yard and bake sale from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 16. There will be a $2 bag sale and free meatball subs from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information, call 570-773-1165.

Minersville

The Minersville Area High School Class of 1968 will have a class reunion meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Dunkin’ Donuts at the Westwood location, Pottsville. Participants will plan for the class’ 50-year reunion. For more information, call 570-544-4458.

Pottsville

Diakon Living and Learning, 118 S. Centre St., has a host of new activities, classes, workshops and creative/healthful initiatives on its agenda throughout Schuylkill County. 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 Republican Liberty Caucus of Pennsylvania will have a candidates forum at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at Pine View Acres, 145 Chamberlaine Ave. Local candidates will speak. For more information, call 570-445-0763.

Sheppton

The Sheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Company will be the beneficiary of the 2017 Cargill Open charity golf tournament Sept. 30 at Mountain Valley Golf Course, Barnesville. Tickets are $100 each. For more information or to register, call Eric at 570-384-8403 or John at 570-384-8452.

Summer stargazing can be so comfortable! However, if you have an early wake-up for work the next day like I do, you have to restrict your nights under the stars to the weekend.

During most of the summer, it’s not really dark enough until well after 10 p.m., making it tough on early risers. Another problem with summer stargazing for everyone is humidity. It naturally tends to keep the skies a bit more on the hazy side, and the added moisture in the air also intensifies the effects of light pollution.And then there are those wonderful hungry mosquitoes!

The beauty of September is that all of those nighttime nuisances start gradually going away. I would much rather wear a jacket instead of bug dope when I’m looking out into our universe ... and I love what I’m seeing in the sky this time of year. Next month we’ll have a full harvest moon.

During this first week of September, we get to enjoy a full moon. As lovely as the last full moon of summer is over Pottsville, it’s really going to put the kabosh on serious stargazing and telescoping. The heavens will just be too lit up. Do yourself a favor and make a point to take in an evening walk in the moonlight and plan to really kick off September stargazing next week.

The summer constellations still dominate much of the sky, with the “Summer Triangle” dazzling bright overhead as soon as evening twilight ends.

Just find the three brightest stars you can see at the top of the celestial dome and that’s it.It’s one of the best tools for helping you navigate that part of the sky because the three stars you see, Vega, Altair and Deneb, are all the brightest stars in their respective constellations — Lyra the Harp, Aquila the Eagle and Cygnus the Swan, otherwise known as the Northern Cross. From those three constellations you can branch out with your eyes to find other surrounding fainter constellations like the delightful Delphinius the Dolphin.

In the low south-southwest sky are two of my favorite constellations, Scorpius the Scorpion and Sagittarius the Archer. Sagittarius is also known as the “Little Teapot” because that’s what it actually looks like. Sagittarius lies in the general direction in space of the center of our Milky Way Galaxy. To the right of the Little Teapot is Scorpius, a constellation that actually looks like a scorpion, but by this late in the summer much of the end of the tail is at or below the horizon.

The lovely planet Saturn, now a little more than 900 million miles away, is still nestled between Sagittarius and Scorpius and is still the brightest star-like object in that part of the sky. It’s usually so great to check out Saturn and its wonderful ring system with even a small telescope.

This summer, however, the night track of Saturn has remained fairly low in the sky, and because of that there’s a lot more of our Earth’s blurring atmosphere in the way. That can give Saturn a really fuzzy look, especially if there’s a lot of turbulence. It’s still worth your telescope time with Saturn.

In the northern heavens, the Big Dipper is hanging by its handle in the northwest sky. The Big Dipper isn’t actually a constellation, but outlines the derrière and tail of Ursa Major, the Great Bear of the night sky.

Using the adjacent map and a little eyeball elbow grease, you can also see the rest of the big bear’s torso, head and at least two of his curved legs.

As you continue to face north you’ll see the fainter Little Dipper standing on its handle, and at the end of the handle is the somewhat brighter star Polaris, known as the North Star. The Little Dipper is also known as Ursa Minor, the Little Bear. Polaris is at the end of the junior bear’s tail. Every single celestial object visible in the sky appears to circle around Polaris since it’s shining directly above the Earth’s terrestrial North Pole.

Facing the east, look just below the bright W that outlines Cassiopeia the Queen and you’ll see the first of the autumn constellations, Pegasus the Winged Horse. Just look for the “Great Square,” or the diamond of four brighter stars rising in the east that outline the torso of the flying horse!

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

Police: Homeless

woman charged

SAINT CLAIR — A 46-year-old woman was charged by Saint Clair police after a vehicle stop about 11 p.m. Aug. 14 in the area of the South Ward Playground.

Police said they stopped a pickup truck driven by Michael Donaldson, Saint Clair, with Kimberly Ann Endicott, homeless but with a last known address of Saint Clair, as a passenger.

Police said Endicott was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant and found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

She was committed to Schuylkill County Prison on the outstanding warrant and also arraigned on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Driver not injured in crash with deer

MINERSVILLE — A Schuylkill Haven man escaped injury when the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado he was driving struck a deer about 5:35 a.m. Tuesday on Sunbury Road in Cass Township.

State police at Frackville said John Peters, 56, was driving on Sunbury Road, just west of Owl Road, when he struck the deer that was crossing the road.

Alleged thief leads police on foot chase

SAINT CLAIR — Saint Clair police charged a borough woman after an incident about 2 a.m. Aug. 10 at Walmart.

Police said Dominique Lee Petrozino, 26, was charged with retail theft, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

Police said the woman was seen by store security concealing items valued at $199.34 and exiting the store through a fire escape door when officers arrived.

After a brief foot chase, police said, Petrozino was taken into custody in a wooded area east of North Mill Street.

As a result of the foot chase, police said, one officer suffered a minor injury and damage to his uniform.

Charges against Petrozino were filed with Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, police said.

Man charged with

DUI after car crash

PINE GROVE — Pine Grove police filed charges against a borough man as the result of a crash about 12:40 p.m. July 19 in the 200 block of South Tulpehocken Street.

Police said Randy Lee Monger, 61, of 90 S. Tulpehocken St., was charged with DUI and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Police said officers were called to the area for a report of a crash and found emergency personnel removing Monger from his 1990 Dodge truck.

Inside the ambulance, police said, they found Monger with a smell of alcohol on his breath. He agreed to submit to a blood-alcohol test.

Inside the truck, police said, they detected an odor of burnt marijuana. According to police, Monger admitted he uses the illegal drug. A subsequent search of the truck uncovered a small amount of marijuana.

Police investigate

vehicle vandalism

SAINT CLAIR — State police at Frackville are investigating a criminal mischief incident that occurred between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 7:30 a.m. Thursday at 114 Broad St., New Castle Township.

Police said that someone slashed the passenger’s side front tire of a woman’s 2011 Subaru Legacy and scratched the paint before fleeing the area undetected.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 570-874-5300.

Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine A. Holman and Schuylkill County detectives are asking for the public’s help in finding a man wanted on an outstanding bench warrant.

Detective said Justin M. Koons is wanted for failure to appear at his preliminary hearing on charges of felony possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and misdemeanor offenses of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Koons, 27, is white, 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs about 185 pounds, detectives said. His last known address is 245 Nichols St., Pottsville, detectives said.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Koons or on any other fugitive in Schuylkill County is asked to call the district attorney’s office at 570-628-1350 or Schuylkill County Tip Line at 570-624-3988. Information can also be sent by email to dadd@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

In addition, anyone who may see or come in contact with Koons is asked to call the Schuylkill County Communications Center or their local police department immediately.

All information received will remain confidential.

A complete list of Schuylkill County bench warrants is available on the Schuylkill County website at www.co.schuylkill.pa.us

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

HEGINS — Hegins Township supervisors Friday heard from citizens stressed by the limbo surrounding the Act 537 plan litigation.

David and Julie Peterson told the board that residents living on their retirement and with fixed incomes don’t have the money for “expensive” hookup fees or monthly sewer bills that may be part of the plan.

“What will be done for us?” David Peterson asked.

Julie Peterson said it was creating a stressful situation. She wanted specific costs and asked if plans could be put on display for the public to examine.

The supervisors said the township followed the appropriate channels while the sewage plan was being developed and held public hearings and displayed drawings at Tri-Valley High School and Tri-Valley Public Library.

“Until the appeal is settled, not much can be done,” Gary Harner, board chairman, said.

Hegins Township is taking its case involving its Act 537 sewage plan before Commonwealth Court, and remains at odds with Hubley Township.

By a 3-1 vote last month, Hegins Township supervisors approved attorney John G. Dean to “file a cross petition to review” in Commonwealth Court. The paperwork to be filed is Hegins Township’s appeal of the appeal filed by Hubley Township in July.

Hubley had filed an appeal of the state Environmental Hearing Board’s June 7 decision, which made the submitted Hegins-Hubley Joint Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan null and void.

In response to the Petersons, supervisor Brad Carl said that PENNVEST does have a low interest loan program, and he’d like to obtain more information about that option. Supervisor Mike Begis said there’s also a Community Development Block Grant program available for people with low incomes.

Carl was appointed to serve as board vice chairman.

In other action, the board:

• Accepted, with regret, the resignation of Neal Schadel from the township road crew, effective Sept. 29. The township will advertise to seek applicants for Schadel’s replacement by Sept. 22.

• Accepted the estimate from Herb Plumbing and Heating, Pitman, for $5,375 to repair/replace the police department’s air conditioning system. Witmer Plumbing & Heating, Hegins, had submitted a bid of $4,950. Although Witmer’s bid was lower, the board decided to use Herb for the work because Herb had also done prior work on the system and offered to subtract the costs of those service calls if awarded the job for the township.

• Accepted a quote from D.E. Gemmill, Red Lion, for $2,956 for roadway line painting.

• Accepted Police Chief Beau Yarmush’s report, showing 165 calls to service for the month of August. There were 14 offense reports, one non-traffic citation, three misdemeanor arrests, two felony arrests, three reportable accidents, one non-reportable accident, 16 traffic citations and 17 traffic warnings issued. Police logged 2,115 miles on patrol vehicles for the month and conducted a scam awareness presentation.

• Announced the land development plan for Rausch Creek Trail Riders was still in the extension phase until Oct. 4.

• Approved a “trunk-or-treat” event from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29, which would close Maple Street from Park to Gap streets in Valley View.

• Approved trick-or-treat night from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29.

• Approved four resolutions related to Berkheimer serving as collector of delinquent per capita taxes.

The vacancy board will meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 13 to appoint a new supervisor, filling the vacancy left by the Aug. 8 passing of Sandra McCullough. The next board meeting will be 7 p.m. Oct. 4.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Lebanon Valley

The following local residents were recognized at the spring awards and recognition ceremony for academic achievement in natural sciences, social studies or humanities during the annual Inquiry celebration at Lebanon Valley College, Annville:

Michael Halcovage, Pottsville, graduate of Pottsville Area High School pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music education, and Maggie Kergick, Frackville, a graduate of North Schuylkill High School pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English, both received College Writing Award.

Justin Mengel, Hamburg, a graduate of Hamburg Area High School pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music education and music, received Reynaldo Rovers Memorial Award.

Kyle Patrick, Tamaqua, a graduate of Tamaqua Area High School pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, received the Freshman Achievement Award in Chemistry.

Jonathan Snyder, Pitman, a graduate of Tri-Valley High School pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, received the Physical Chemistry Award.

Paige Mealing, Schuylkill Haven, a graduate of Blue Mountain High School pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology, received the Beta Beta Beta Sophomore Achievement Award in Biology.

A Shenandoah man involved in an aggravated assault and robbery in East Union Township is now behind bars, state police at Frackville said Saturday.

State police said that Shenandoah police arrested 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.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont, who set bail at $50,000 straight cash. Romano was sent to Schuylkill County Prison, according to police.

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, according to newspaper archives.

Trooper Joseph Hall obtained the warrant. 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.

Pottsville police partnered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Schuylkill County in an eight-week program called Bigs in Blue for about 20 boys and girls currently without a permanent Big Brother or Big Sister.

Through the program, which started in late June and continued into August, both officers and children took part in a variety of activities designed to build teamwork and trust and accountability in the children, while fostering a strong relationship between them and police officers.

Doug Allen, executive director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Schuylkill County, said the goal of the pilot program was to get children involved with police officers in order to show them that the officers are their friends.

Among the activities highlighting the program were white water rafting on the Lehigh River, a trip to a Reading Phillies baseball game, rock wall climbing in Reading and a nature hike on Hawk Mountain.

Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said he and 12 members of his department spent about 100 volunteer hours with the children learning from each other, bonding and simply having fun.

“We understand that we are part of the community and this was something little we can do to give back,” he said.

In addition to the chief, members of the department taking part in the program were Capt. John Morrow, Capt. Steve Guers, Sgt. Mark O’Toole, Sgt. John Mohl, Cpl. Charles Webber, and patrolmen Grant Yoder, Tina Sullivan, Joseph Randolph, Bryce Lewis, Joel Methven and Braden Jones.

“This was a volunteer effort,” Wojciechowsky said. “Each of the officers gave of their time, off the clock, to work with these children.”

Wojciechowsky said that in 1994, as a patrolman, he participated in a similar program under the direction of Police Chief Dale Repp and Vince Kulbitsky, then director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Schuylkill County.

With this experience in mind, the chief said he wanted to revive the program but on a more personal, one-on-one level.

The chief said he reached out to Allen in fall 2016, and both immediately agreed that this was a program worth pursuing for both their agencies.

“This was a win-win for everyone involved,” Allen said. “The children had the opportunity to interact with the officers on a personal and relaxed level, and see that they are just like everyone else.”

Allen and Wojciechowsky said they hope this year’s program will be the first of many more to come.

“Hopefully the seed has been planted and will grow from there,” Allen said.

Wojciechowsky said the program was successful not only through the efforts of the officers involved but also with the cooperation of Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney, who quickly pledged his full support.

Allen said that Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Schuylkill County receives an annual grant of $1,000 from the Schuylkill Community Foundation to help fund some of the activities the organization offers.

However, donations are always accepted and volunteers are always needed, he said.

Anyone wishing to donate to Big Brothers/Big Sisters or volunteer their time can call Allen at 570-622-0174 or email him at bbbs.doug@verizon.net.

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

HAMBURG — Heidi Moser, Port Carbon, knew her husband, Jason, was up for the challenge.

Moser encouraged Jason to enter the amateur hamburger eating contest Saturday at the 14th annual Taste of Hamburg-er Festival.

“He inhales his food,” Heidi laughed while describing her husband’s affection for the beefy indulgence. It was the couple’s first time participating in the festival, which is coordinated by Our Town Foundation and draws an estimated 40,000 guests annually.

“I love burgers and eat burgers all the time. Nine times out of 10 when we go out, I get a burger,” Jason said.

His preferred patty choice: “Anything with bacon,” he said.

Joining Jason in the amateur division for the contest were Andrew and Larry Simmons, two brothers from Stevens.

The Our Town Foundation is Hamburg’s nonprofit community revitalization corporation. The festival supports the foundation’s mission to “preserve, promote and revitalize downtown historic Hamburg for families and future generations to enjoy.”

Karen Harakel, Reading, said it was the first year she and her husband attended, since they both had time off from work.

“The Cajun roasted corn was one my favorites. My husband had the bacon cheeseburger from the WOW truck and said it was really good,” Harakel said, referring to WOW Foods LLC at the corner of Third and State streets.

“It was fun to walk through and see all the different types of hamburgers. We were also amazed at the beautiful houses here. It was impressive,” Harakel said. The couple was among a crowd of onlookers watching New Ringgold chainsaw artist Todd Gladfelter carve a wild turkey out of wood at his booth on State Street.

Lizzie Schwinger made a repeat performance Saturday, returning as the junior champion in the Dine and Dash event. The Hamburg Area High School freshman is a member of the school’s cross country and track teams. She said she practices five days a week and also joins her mother, Deb Schwinger, on 5K walks. Her mother is on the race committee for Blue Mountain Wildlife, a conservation group that coordinated the event.

“I ate the two burgers from Russo’s and Westy’s,” Schwinger, 14, of Hamburg, said. For the Dine and Dash and Trail Race, runners ate a hamburger, then they ran a mile, ate a second hamburger, and ran another mile back to the finish line. There were 34 people entered for the run. Lizzie Schwinger received an award plate for her win.

Elaine Cook and her husband, Alan, Centerport, were also on the race committee and said they wanted to promote the natural resources of the area and support the Our Town Foundation. This year, the race had five or six entrants in the dog division, where owners and their pups could take part, as well as a costume division, according to Cook. The mission of Blue Mountain Wildlife is the preservation and conservation of the wildlife and wetlands along the scenic Schuylkill River. The Bartram and Thurman Madiera trails and the surrounding environments provide a great opportunity for biking, hiking and running, Cook said.

The burgers at Deitsch Eck are her favorite, she said.

Jacob Kaszuba, Whitehall, and his wife, Julie, and son, Mansell, experienced the festival for the first time.

“We’ve been trying to get here for years,” Kaszuba said. The family said a sign on 15th Street in Allentown alerted them to the festivities. It was a television commercial that caught their attention for what type of burger they wanted to try — the “Skook Burger”.

It featured a 1/4-pound burger topped with caramelized Yuengling onions, Kowalonek’s kielbasy and a Mrs. T’s pierogi, and was offered by It’s Just Barbecue aka The Pink Pig.

Mansell, 7, was less daring in his approach to hamburger toppings.

“I just like ketchup and cheese,” he said.

Stacy Kehl, owner of Hamburg Diner, offered a new burger this year, The Shepherd’s Pie Burger. She said a friend, Chris Driesbach, came up with the combination for the patty, which featured onions, corn and peas, and was topped with a scoop of mashed potatoes and beef gravy.

Their California Cheeseburger, with lettuce, tomato, onion, green pepper and mayo, is one of their top sellers, Kehl said. The Hamburg Diner brought 375 burgers to sell, she said, and has been a staple at the event for the past five years.

Alyse Mitten and Carl Hein, Hamburg, enjoyed the festival in their home community and stopped to see the artwork at the Art & Craft Gallery of Hamburg, along State Street.

“This lets them (visitors) know about Hamburg and showcases our talent,” Mitten said.

She said the hamburger on a glazed doughnut was her favorite.

“You might not think it would be good, but you’ve got a hole in the middle of the doughnut where the burger oozes out. You’ve got to share it. There’s a lot of good ones here,” Mitten said.

Author Kathy M. Miller, New Ringgold, offered signed copies of her fourth book of the "Chippy Chipmunk" series, “Chippy Chipmunk Feels Empathy,” while greeting gallery visitors. She also brought the Chippy Chipmunk mascot, who posed for photos with fans.

Cindy Blefgen, Hamburg, serves as treasurer for Our Town Foundation and was manning an information and balloting booth Saturday at State and North Third streets. She said there were a lot of ballots being submitted for “The Best Burger” as of 1:30 p.m. One visitor even came from Houston, Texas, she said. Despite the rainy weather, there were 100 people already waiting in line at 10 a.m. for their favorite burger, according to Blefgen.

This year, the festival was extended an extra block to the 100 block of South Third Street to accommodate 50 new vendors, according to Deena Kershner, executive director of Our Town Foundation.

Barbara Guy, an Easton artist who operates Loops & Lyrics, was a first-time vendor. She offered handmade, textured and hammered, leather and metal jewelry.

“I’ve heard this was a good show with a lot of people and that it was a lot of fun,” Guy said. Joining her were her daughter, Christina Guy, 15, and a family friend, Julienne Hogan, 15.

Stephanie Prazenka, Green Lane, and her mother, Marita Beers, Zionsville, both served as volunteers on the Our Town Foundation planning committee. They assisted visitors to the beer garden on State Street.

“We’re making sure they’re over 21 if they want to drink, but anyone’s welcome,” Prazenka said. “A lot of people will be coming here for the burger eating contest at 2.”

Winners of the hamburger eating contest in the amateur division were members of the Banana Split team — Andrew Maoury, Sinking Spring, Brett Cooper, Denver, and Troye Cooper, Mountville.

Winner of the professional hamburger eating contest was Bob “Notorious B.O.B.” Shoudt, Royersford, who downed 13 1/2 burgers.

The restaurant with the overall best burger was Bull N Bear Restaurant, which also won for best taste and originality. Kooper’s Chowhound Burger Wagon won for best burger appearance.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

The Gillingham Charter School, Pottsville, is planning a party to celebrate the renewal of its charter.

However, the Pennsylvania Charter School Appeal Board, Harrisburg, has yet to make the decision regarding Gillingham Charter School v. Pottsville Area School District.

On July 25, Pedro A. Rivera, state Department of Education in Harrisburg, said CAB would render a verdict 1 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Honors Suite at the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Harrisburg.

On Friday, however, Casey Smith, acting communications director for the state Department of Education, said the hearing has been moved up to 9 a.m. that day.

At the Aug. 17 meeting of Gillingham’s board of trustees, Nicolle M. Hutchinson, Gillingham’s CEO and director of education, said Gillingham is certain of victory and a celebration is in the works.

“We went to the rally on the 25th. Over 40 people, supporters of Gillingham, students, parents and supporters came. At that hearing, it was announced that September 19th is when the CAB will render their verdict,” Hutchinson said.

“CAB stood behind Gillingham when we first opened in 2011, and we believe that they again will see the value in school choice and the option that Gillingham provides to families in Schuylkill County,” Hutchinson said Friday in a statement. “Our students returned to school this week, and it was wonderful to see the sense of community within the school and how our families have come together during this time of uncertainty. We trust in the CAB process and await their decision on the 19th.”

At 7 p.m. Sept. 21,the Gillingham board of trustees was scheduled to have its monthly meeting at the school house at 915 Howard Ave., Hutchinson said.

“We have set plans. Instead of having our back-to-school night, which would have been the week before, we’re going to have it the night of the board meeting,” she said. “We’re going to have a ‘Back-To-School Bash’ to celebrate the approval of our renewal. So we’ll have a little bit of a party, around 6. And at 7 we’ll have our meeting while they’re still out there revelling in the joy of being rechartered.”

Gillingham started its seventh school year on Aug. 28. Since the Gillingham Charter School Collaborative approached Pottsville Area about developing a charter school in 2010, Pottsville Area has tried to put a stop to it.

The CAB allowed Gillingham to open in 2011.

On Dec. 2, 2015, the Pottsville Area school board rejected Gillingham’s application for a second five-year charter. After a series of public hearings in April and May 2016, the school board again rejected Gillingham’s application on July 6, 2016.

The CAB rejects charter renewal requests from time to time. The last time it did was in June.

“CAB upheld the School District of Philadelphia’s decision to not renew a charter for the Delaware Valley Charter High School on June 8, 2017, and they were ordered to close at the end of the 2016-17 school year,” Smith said.

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

TAMAQUA — For more than three years, the landmark known as Tamaqua’s first home — the Burkhardt Moser log cabin built in 1801 — has been closed to the public.

However, the Tamaqua Historical Society plans to reopen the cabin at the rear of 307 E. Broad St. and improve the area around it, Dale Freudenberger, society’s president, said.

Part of the plan is to demolish a blighted home in front of the cabin, which the society will discuss at the next meeting of the Tamaqua Historic Architectural Review Commission at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at borough hall.

“It obstructs the view and limits access to the Burkhardt Moser home. I’m working on the application right now,” Freudenberger, who is also Tamaqua HARC chairman, said.

The society would also like to further restore the Burkhardt Moser home by removing the front porch and build up the hill to the doorstep, he said. On Thursday, he estimated the entire project would cost “about $20,000.” He’s hoping it will be completed in 2018.

In 1799, Burkhardt Moser, a German, settled at the junction of the Panther Creek and the Little Schuylkill, according to the “Joseph H. Zerbey History of Pottsville and Schuylkill County,” published in 1936.

“In September 1799, Moser built a saw mill, the first building of any kind on land of the present site of Tamaqua, which also answered as a home for his family until 1801, when he built a log house at the base of Dutch Hill, only half of which now stands on the rear of the premises of Wm. Nahf, just off the present corner of Broad and Market Streets,” according to Zerbey’s history.

The two-level cabin was built with logs, chinking made from plaster and boards from trees in the area.

The home at the front end of 307 E. Broad St. is known as the “Nahf house,” Freudenberger said.

It was built about 1900, and owned by Hazel B. Nahf from 1932 to 1983, according to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator. In 1995, the historical society bought 307 E. Broad St. for $33,500, according to the parcel locator.

Freudenberger said the reason was to get access to the Moser log home that sits in the backyard.

“They’re both on the same parcel,” Freudenberger said.

The society invested $20,000 to restore the inside and exterior of the Burkhardt Moser log cabin to make it look the way it did when it was built. The interior includes vintage furniture from the early 20th century, Freudenberger said while touring it on Thursday.

There are hunks of tobacco and dill hanging near the fireplace. There’s also an ironing board, butcher block, rusty cleaver, rocking chair, bed frames and a deer-skin rug.

“We’ve had it closed for about three years because of safety issues on the front deck. I call it a deck because it’s not a porch in the traditional sense,” Freudenberger said. “The house never had a porch or a deck on the front. It was built many years ago just to get access up from the lower level where the house at 307 sits on to the higher level in the back yard where the log cabin sits. …

“The steps and the porch are not original, but about 25 years ago we replaced the steps and the porch. Now they are rotted again and need to be replaced. So, now it’s a safety issue. That’s why the historical society has had the home closed. …

“Ultimately, we would like to demolish the Nahf house. We’d like to level that home in the front so we could create a better view for the public of the Burkhardt Moser log home, which is the more historic part of the property.”

If Tamaqua HARC approves the plan, the borough council will have to give final approval. Meanwhile, the historical society is trying to figure out how to raise money for the project.

“We’re hoping we can do it through private sources. Maybe we can tear down the former Nahf home through the borough demolition program,” Freudenberger said. “Hopefully, we can knock it down before the winter, and if not, before the springtime. I can’t guarantee either at this point. We want to landscape that front lot into a park-like setting with the Burkhardt Moser log home in the background. And instead of restoring the porch at the Burkhardt Moser log home, we would grade the land right up to the front door, the way it was historically.”

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