Vehicle hits parked

car, retaining wall

WICONISCO — A Williams-town woman escaped injury when the 2002 Chevrolet Impala she was driving crashed about 3:40 p.m. Wednesday on Pottsville Street, just east of School Street in Wiconisco Township, Dauphin County.

State police at Lykens said Chenoa H. McMillan, 43, was driving was driving on Pottsville Street and lost control along a left curve, causing the car to go off the right side of the road and hit a parked 2014 Chevrolet Spark and a retaining wall.

The McMillan car then came to a stop on top of the retaining wall and had to be towed from the scene.

As a result of the crash, police said, McMillan will be cited for driving at an unsafe speed.

Police: Man tried to

rig urine test results

ELIZABETHVILLE — A Williamstown man was arrested by state police at Lykens and charged with furnishing drug-free urine after an incident about 9 a.m. Aug. 28.

Police said Tyler Underkoffler, 28, was charged after Dauphin County Probation officers reported he tried to cause deceitful results in a test for the presence of drugs by using drug-free urine.

Underkoffler admitted to his actions and will now have to answer to the charge before Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum, Elizabethville.

2 hurt in car crash

during argument

ELIZABETHVILLE — A man and woman were charged by state police at Lykens with simple assault and recklessly endangering another person after an incident about 11 a.m. Tuesday on Longabach Road in Washington Township, Dauphin County.

Police said Debra Ann Gessner, 54, of Millersburg, and Kevin Lynn Gessner, 52, of Elizabethville, will now have to answer before Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum, Elizabethville.

Police said the two were involved in a domestic argument that turned physical with Debra Gessner driving a vehicle at a high rate of speed through the front yard with the man still engaged with her and the vehicle.

The man lost his balance and suffered additional injuries, police said, adding that both Debra and Levin Gessner both had visible bodily injuries.

KLINGERSTOWN — Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers and state police at Schuylkill Haven are asking for the public’s help identifying a man responsible for a telephone scam last month.

Police said the incident occurred about 11:30 a.m. Aug. 19 and involved a 69-year-old man who lives at 178 Vista Road, Klingerstown.

The victim received a telephone call from a man who identified himself as Ryan Wilson, said he worked for a software maintenance company and that he wanted to reimburse the victim $498 for not using the software in two years.

Police said the victim reported that he had purchased the software two years ago and did not think anything was wrong with the telephone call.

The victim then gave the man his account information and subsequently noticed $1,450 was taken out without his permission, police said. Police said the victim tried calling back the telephone number, 408-844-4411, but there was no answer.

Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information on the identity of the man responsible for this scam or on any unsolved crime in Schuylkill County. Callers are asked to refer to case 09-10-17 when calling with information on Aug. 19 scam. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 877-TIPS4SC (877-847-7472).

In addition, anyone with information can call state police at Schuylkill Haven directly at 570-754-4600.

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

Hegins

The 28th annual Hegins Valley Arts and Crafts Faire will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday 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 faire 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.

Pine Grove

The Pine Grove Area School District will have financial aid night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the high school auditorium. Parents and students, according to a district release, will learn what they need to do to apply for all types of financial aid, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — FAFSA — which is required to qualify for most student aid programs such as the Pennsylvania State Grant, Federal Pell Grant, institutional awards, and low-cost federal student and parent loans. Participants will also be briefed on Pennsylvania-specific aid programs as well as the importance of searching out free money awards scholarships to help pay for educational costs. A student aid expert from PHEAA’s regional office will be available to provide information and answer questions. For more information, call the school at 570-345-2731, Ext. 216.

Port Clinton

A Schuylkill On the Move hike is slated for 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 24 titled “Bake Oven Knob and Baer’s Rocks” with Patrick M. “Porcupine Pat” McKinney, environmental education coordinator with the Schuylkill Conservation District. The 5-mile excursion, rated moderate, will follow the Appalachian Trail to “awesome outlooks,” organizers said in a press release. People will meet just off Route 309 on top of Blue Mountain at the Lehigh/Schuylkill County line. All are welcome.

Pottsville

The Community Volunteers in Action, 420 N. Centre St., will mark Make a Difference Day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 28. It is part of a national day of giving with the local goal being to improve the quality of life in Schuylkill County. The campaign runs Oct. 22 to Nov. 3. To register or for project ideas, call the group at 570-628-1426.

Pottsville

The Trinity Episcopal Church concert series will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at the church, 200 S. Second St. The performers will be Samantha Wood, soprano, and John Kline IV, pianist, in a recital of American song. A reception will follow; freewill offerings will be accepted. The site is accessible to the handicapped. For more information, call 570-449-7553.

Ringtown

The Old White Church Preservation Committee will have an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at the historic Old White Church, 189 Cemetery Hill road. The event will include a hymn sing with the refurbished pump organ, a history presentation and cemetery tour. Historical items as well as items for sale will be on display, according to a release. Light refreshments will be available; all are welcome. For more information, call 570-889-3494.

Schuylkill Haven

American Legion Post 38 will have a POW/MIA candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Route 61, to honor all POW/MIA service personnel, sponsored by Vietnam Veterans Post 29. For more information, call 570-617-3870.

Tamaqua

A community concert of celebration marking the 500th anniversary of the Reformation is set for 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at Zion Lutheran Church, Mauch Chunk and Greenwood streets. Performers will include Paul Wolfe, Glenn Davis, Mike Clark, Patrick McMullen, Carol Tempest, Joe Mehalko and Sandy Mehalko. Freewill offerings will be accepted for the Zion Capital Campaign. Light refreshments will be available following the concert.

Council appointment

Stephen L. Frantz, CHFC, CLU, was named a member of the 2017 President’s Council of New York Life. Members of the council are among the top 5 percent of New York Life’s elite sales force of 12,000 licensed agents.

The council qualifiers attended a business conference in Phoenix, Arizona, in the summer.

Frank has been a New York Life agent since 1986 and is associated with New York Life’s Harrisburg General Office, Harrisburg.

Frantz attained life member status of both New York Life’s Council and insurance industry Million Dollar Round Table. He graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree and received multiple professional degree designations from the American College.

Frantz has owned and operated S L Frantz Insurance office in Pine Grove since 1990. The parents of four children, he and his wife, Doris, reside on a 120-acre crop farm near Rock.

Exchange student

Han Ya Hung, a Rotary Exchange student from Taiwan, spent the 2016-17 school year attending North Schuylkill High School. She attended a Frackville Rotary meeting over the summer at Cracker Barrel restaurant.

Han Ya’s sponsors for the last three months of her stay were attorney Karen Domalakes and her husband, Joseph Walters, of the Frackville Rotary Club. An instrumentalist with her specialty being the viola, she performed with the Schuylkill Symphony Orchestra and Gabriel Youth Ensemble.

Han Ya returned home at the end of June.

FRACKVILLE — The annual Antique Muster and Open House of the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society was held Saturday under sunny skies on the grounds of the Schuylkill County Fire School.

The event opened with a parade of antique and modern fire apparatus that started in the parking lot of the Schuylkill Mall and continued through Frackville to the fire school grounds on the Frackville-Morea Highway.

Both young and old alike, fire enthusiasts and just people interested in the fire service had the chance to see antique fire engines and ladder trucks, see how they operate and even drive an emergency vehicle.

One of the highlights this year gave interested individuals the chance to drive the back portion of a 1962 American La-France tiller ladder truck that once served Rescue Hook and Ladder Company, Shenandoah.

Joyce Bigley, Yardley, and Bill McKee, Boonton, New Jersey, were among several people who traveled for hours to drive the back, or tiller, section of that vehicle.

“I came for the tiller ride,” Bigley said. “It was a once in a lifetime chance, and it was well worth it.”

Patti Himmelberger, Auburn, was at the muster taking pictures of the various pieces of equipment on display, including a 1978 Mack CF600 pumper, still in service and operated by Lafayette Fire and Rescue Company, Lancaster County.

She said the sunny weather and cooler temperatures made for an enjoyable day to be outdoors mingling with other people with similar interests.

Ned Beck, Auburn, a trustee with Schuylkill Historical Fire Society, said Saturday’s crowd was not as big as in previous years but still considered the event a success.

“We have nice weather, people are enjoying themselves and that’s all that counts,” Beck said.

Joseph “Blackie” Kufrovich, a trustee with the society and former chief of Ryan Township Fire Company, agreed.

Kufrovich spent most of his day driving the tractor portion of the tiller truck taking tiller drivers around the fire school property.

He said the tiller driving experience seemed to be the highlight of the day’s festivities.

“All in all, it was a good turnout and a good day,” Kufrovich said.

Kufrovich said the annual memorial service to fallen firefighters, always held the day of the muster, was canceled due to scheduling problems.

That service is being planned for Fire Prevention Week, traditionally observed in the beginning of October.

“Since we couldn’t have it today, we thought having it during Fire Prevention Week would be appropriate,” he said.

Other activities highlighting the 2017 muster included fire truck rides, a pumping competition, and food and antique fire equipment vendors.

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

Deeds

Ashland — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 1301 Arch St.; $1,208.46.

Cass Township — Carol Austerberry, individually and as executrix of the Estate of Ronald Statue, to Curtis Sinko; 23 High Road; $47,000.

Coaldale — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 135 E. Ruddle St.; $1,342.57.

East Brunswick Township — Raymond A. and Joan F. Goelbert to James K. and Bernadette M. Umbenhaur; 2.5-acre property on Township Road; $10,000.

North Union Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to MTGLQ Investors LP; 12 Kenoza Drive, Eagle Rock; $1,248.76.

Norwegian Township — Jared and Samantha Luscavage to Michael B. Maley; 425 Main St., Seltzer; $110,000.

Porter Township — The Bank of New York Mellon to Mini Giuseppe; 534 W. Grand Ave., Sheridan; $30,000.

Alvernia

The following local residents earned degrees from Alvernia University, Reading, during spring commencement ceremonies:

Austen Everett Ream, Hamburg, associate in medical imaging with distinction; Regina Leigh Chapman, Pottsville, bachelor’s in behavioral health, magna cum laude; Samantha Ann Crisswell, Williamstown, bachelor’s in behavioral health; Carlee Frances Green, Ashland, bachelor’s in early childhood education pre-K-4 with special education pre-K-8, magna cum laude; Aaron David Nabozny, Hamburg, bachelor’s in criminal justice, magna cum laude; Carlos E. Rodriguez, Auburn, bachelor’s in criminal justice; Corrine Kay Ryan, Pine Grove, bachelor’s in early childhood education pre-K-4 with special education pre-K-8, magna cum laude; Brooke Josephine Straka, Pine Grove, bachelor’s in behavioral health, cum laude; Jessica Irene Beatrice Bernd, Valley View, bachelor’s in athletic training, cum laude; Robert Joseph Kelly, Tamaqua, bachelor’s in mathematics and philosophy, magna cum laude; Krista Sue Knepper, Coaldale, bachelor’s in health care science, cum laude; Amanda Lynn Koperna, Pottsville, bachelor’s in health care science, magna cum laude; W. David Lafko, Orwigsburg, bachelor’s in management and human resource management, summa cum laude; Timothy James Leiter, Tower City, bachelor’s in biochemistry, magna cum laude; Megan Marie Smith, Orwigsburg, bachelor’s in accounting, magna cum laude; Rebecca Ann Stanton, Kaska, bachelor’s in athletic training; Denise Elaine Daniels, Pottsville, bachelor’s in nursing; Christiane Elizabeth Readinger, Pine Grove, bachelor’s in nursing degree; Kenneth E. Smith, Schuylkill Haven, bachelor’s in social work, magna cum laude; Anne Deidre Fecenko, Minersville, doctor of philosophy in leadership, with a concentration in educational leadership; Nina Theresa Arant, Schuylkill Haven, Master of Business Administration in community service and economic leadership; Jessica Gayle Bashore, Auburn, Master of Business Administration in community service and economic leadership; Kimberly Margaret Bassininsky, Auburn, Master of Business Administration in community service and economic leadership; Jolene Renee Drust, Schuylkill Haven, Master of Business Administration in community service and economic leadership; Andrea M. Feathers, Tamaqua, Master of Business Administration in community service and economic leadership; Maggie Elizabeth Maskerines, Pottsville, Master of Education degree in urban education.

Elizabethtown

The following local residents earned bachelor’s degrees from Elizabethtown College during its 114th commencement:

Breanne K. Bentz, Pottsville, health and occupation; Tyler M. Butkus, Barnesville, summa cum laude, chemistry and business administration-entrepreneurship and earned chemistry honors; Michaela A. Fetterolf, Frackville, communications; Peter J. Harding, Orwigsburg, cum laude, mathematics-education; Ashley M. Hullihan, Mahanoy City, sociology-anthropology; Christopher R. Naradko, Saint Clair, accounting; Maria P. Rajkowski, Mahanoy City, political science; Holly A. Sofka, Barnesville, cum laude, biochemistry and earned chemistry honors; Emily B. Soltys, Schuylkill Haven, sociology-anthropology and English-professional writing and earned sociology honors; Louisa A. Umberger, Hamburg, cum laude, early childhood education.

Dickinson

Caroline Rachel Kanaskie, a daughter of Paul and Renee Kanaskie, Tamaqua, and a granddaughter of Ron and Joan Greene, New Philadelphia, graduated summa cum laude from Dickinson College, Carlisle, with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science.

She was named to the dean’s list, Phi Beta Kappa, departmental honors in environmental studies and The Environmental Studies Award for Excellence in service and Scholarship.

Caroline will attend the University of New Hampshire to further her studies. She is a graduate of Tamaqua Area High School.

Susquehanna

Local residents earned degrees from Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, closing its 159th academic year in the field house of the James W. Garrett Sports Complex. They include:

Ashley Machamer, Lykens, graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology. A 2013 graduate of Williams Valley High School, she is a daughter of Jennifer and Adam Kramer and Mark and Brooke Machamer.

Jaynie Moran, Minersville, graduated with a bachelor’s in biology. A 2014 graduate of Minersville Area High School, she is a daughter of Tom and Sharon Moran.

Nicholas Vivacqua, Frackville, graduated with a bachelor’s in computer science. A 2013 graduate of North Schuylkill High School, he is a son of Joseph and Debora Vivacqua.

Temple

Brianne Hughes graduated from Temple University, Philadelphia, magna cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a minor in MIS.

She has accepted a position with Walt Disney Company, Florida, marketing Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings.

Brianne is a 2013 graduate of Nativity BVM High School and a daughter of Dave and Kathy Hughes, Schuylkill Haven.

The Pottsville Gymnastics and Theatrical Center Inc. continues to create theater opportunities for Schuylkill County’s youth.

And it looks to further spread interest in the arts with the addition of two groups.

Pottsville GTC began its theater program in 1999. In the time since, they have created shows, workshops and programs that are fun and educational. It currently is preparing to begin its youth theater workshops and putting together its next stage shows.

Recently, the group changed its venue for shows and workshops. They are held at United Presbyterian Church hall in Pottsville. The hall has a larger stage and is more spacious for rehearsals and workshops than its previous home, the Majestic Theater.

However, performances will be held at various venues. For example, it plans to have its next show, “Shrek Jr.” and the holiday show “Holly Jolly Christmas” at Pottsville Area’s D.H.H. Lengel Middle School auditorium. “Shrek Jr.” is scheduled for Oct. 21 and 22, and “Holly Jolly” is set for Dec. 2.

The youth theater workshops will begin on Saturday with a one-day workshop called “Big, Bright, Fun! (Think Shrek).” Other scheduled one-day workshops are “Pinkfully Fun! (Think Pinkalicious, Legally Blonde)” on Oct. 7 and “Spots Everywhere (Think 101 Dalmatians)” on Nov. 4.

There are also two four-week workshops planned before the end of the year. They are: “Magical Memories (Think Disney)” on Oct. 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 6 with a performance on Nov. 12, and “Holly Jolly Christmas” on Nov. 6, 13, 20 and 27, with the performance on Dec. 2.

In addition, there are two new programs open to children — Spotlight Mini and an a capella group. Spotlight Mini is designed for children ages 4 to 6. It will be taught by pianist and singer Sarah Halupa, a student at Marian High School. It is similar to Pottsville GTC’s Spotlight Kidz program that is for students from first to 12th grade.

The a capella group is open to students in seventh to 12th grades.

Information about these programs can be found at the Pottsville GTC’s Facebook page or by emailing pottsvillegtctheater@gmail.com.

“While the gymnastics program at Pottsville Gymnastics & Theatrical Center, Inc is very successful and going on its 32nd season, the theater program has grown immensely. I am thankful that Pottsville GTC owner Barbara Kost-Lonergan fully supports the theater program that offers so many outstanding programs for the community from shows, workshops, camps and much more, said Sandy Kost-Sterner, director of the Spotlight Kidz, a program offered by Pottsville GTC.

“We strive to make all youngsters and adults feel that they are valued and very important from the beginner levels to the more experienced performers. The success of the theater program is that I aim to surround myself with positive, brilliant people and I have found that with our outstanding committed staff as well as the wonderful parents of our students and incredible volunteers. I am all about ‘creating opportunities’ whether it be locally, in New York City or giving area youth a chance to study theater abroad. The future is very bright for the Pottsville GTC program,” Kost-Sterner said.

The Spotlight Kidz formed in 2013.

According to Kost-Sterner, the Spotlight Kidz is the area’s premier performance group made up of the area’s finest performers. It consists of students from eight school districts separated into three groups children, grades 1 to 4; junior, grades 5 to 7, and senior, grades 8 to 12.

Kost-Sterner said the group takes great pride in performing locally at events, including the Pottsville Independence Day celebration and Greater PottsvilleWinter Carnival, and places such as nursing homes and senior centers.

They have also performed at places and events out of the region, including Knoebels Amusement Resort, Hersheypark and the Little League World Series. They have also been invited to perform at a Temple-Navy college football game at Lincoln Financial Field and a Temple-Villanova men’s basketball game at Liacouras Center, both in Philadelphia, and at the World Trade Center in New York City this month.

Spotlight Kidz is familiar with the Big Apple, having attended private workshops with Broadway stars Bradley Dean, a Pottsville native, and Adam Jacobs, Lilla Crawford and Marissa Perry. On Dec. 16, the group will be returning to New York for a holiday-themed show at the Laurie Beechman Theater.

Spotlight Kidz will also be going international with a trip to Europe planned for summer 2018.

Along with Kost-Sterner, the group is led by Bruce Marianelli, music director, and Katrina Calvin, choreographer. Members of the group are selected by invitation or audition. Prior experience in music is required. For more information, email spotlightkidz@comcast.net.

“Any kids who want to join are welcome. The kids have fun and they get along well together,” Marianelli said.

Kost-Lonergan said she is proud of everything Pottsville GTC has accomplished so far and its plan heading into the future.

“I’m very proud of what Sandy has accomplished not only for the Pottsville GTC program but also for other theater events in the area through the years. Pottsville GTC theater program is gearing up for new exciting programs, including more youth shows and musicals as well as a musical in July for teen and college students. The program has a great following due to Sandy’s constant hard work, dedication and passion as well as our wonderful staff, Kost-Lonergan said.

She said the next musical show for youth will be “OZ,” based off of the well-known “Wizard of Oz” movie. Future tentative camps and shows include “Aladdin, Kids,” “Big Bad Musical” and next fall’s “The Little Mermaid, Jr.”

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6003

A woman charged with driving an ATV that crashed and killed another woman earlier this year in Foster Township is among those scheduled to enter not guilty pleas during arraignments Thursday in Schuylkill County Court.

Patricia L. Socko, 46, of 199 Prier City Road, Pottsville, was arrested by Foster Township Police Chief James Nettles and charged with one count each of involuntary manslaughter, recklessly endangering another person, operation on private or state property, operation in an unsafe manner and operation in an unsafe manner-alcohol along with four counts of unlawful operation of a snowmobile or ATV without a helmet.

Nettles charged Socko with causing the death of Martina M. Barnhart, who was a passenger in the large Maverick ATV she was driving that crashed about 9 p.m. June 3.

Nettles said his investigation determined that Socko was driving the ATV and that no one was wearing safety helmets.

He also said the woman was driving in the darkness, on unfamiliar trails and in a “careless, unreasonable manner” on private property without permission of the owner.

Others scheduled to appear for arraignment Thursday are:

Robert N. Spann, 28, Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; criminal attempt to commit murder in the first degree, aggravated assault, robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possessing instruments of crime and recklessly endangering another person.

Tracy J. Dwin-Corell, 34, of 185 Main St., Pottsville; DUI and careless driving.

Frederick C. Wilcox, 38, of 129 Main St., Ringtown; DUI and DUI-high rate.

Jodi A. Veach, 51, of 1529 Walnut St., Ashland; DUI, DUI-highest rate, not driving on roadways laned for traffic, careless driving and restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Gregory P. McGovern, 24, of 1501 W. Market St., Apt. 2, Box 195, Pottsville; DUI, DUI-highest rate and not driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Claude M. Kauffman, 53, of 33 N. Nicholas St., Saint Clair; DUI and driving under the influence of drugs.

Zachary R. Moses, 22, of 14 Princess Drive, Zion Grove; driving under the influence of drugs, careless driving, general lighting requirements and driving a vehicle without an official Certificate of Inspection.

Jaswinder Singh, 30, of 126 Centre St., Tamaqua; DUI, DUI-highest rate and careless driving.

Desire Sanchez-Rodriguez, 27, of 242 Laurel St., Minersville; driving under the influence of drugs, drivers required to be licensed, operation following suspension, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Erin M. Ryan, 25, of 18 Judy Drive, Cressona; DUI, DUI-high rate, driving under combined influence, not driving on roadways laned for traffic, driving at an unsafe speed and careless driving.

Anario M. Thompson, 29, of 497 Peacock St., Pottsville; driving under the influence of drugs, operation following registration suspension, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and careless driving.

Abigail J. Kramer, 19, of 295 Moonhill Drive, Schuylkill Haven; DUI, DUI-minor, underage drinking, not driving on roadways laned for traffic and careless driving.

Jacob E. Zawada, 19, of 221 Fairview St., Pottsville; driving under the influce of drugs, driving under combined influence, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a small amount of marijuana and stop and yield sign violations.

Daniel R. Adams, 22, of 157 Creek Drive, Auburn; DUI, DUI-highest rate, stop and yield sign violations and careless driving.

Stephanie M. White, 36, of 130 Pike St., Apt. 3, Port Carbon; DUI, careless driving, driving without insurance, driving an unregistered vehicle and public drunkenness.

David C. Korn, 50, of 107 W. Biddle St., Box 91, Gordon; DUI, DUI-highest rate, driving under the influence of drugs, harassment, not driving on roadways laned for traffic and restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Bronson R. Westcoat, 30, of 905 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville; DUI-highest rate, careless driving, driving without insurance, driving a vehicle without an official Certificate of Inspection, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving at an unsafe speed.

Kerri A. Miller, 26, of 102 Jerrys Road, Ringtown; driving under the influence of drugs, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

David Sanchez-Cardonia, 51, of 309 S. Ferguson St., Shenandoah; DUI, immediate notice of accident to police and accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property.

Anthony Shimukonas, 31, of 108 Race St., Ringtown; DUI and flashing signals.

Joseph Davidovich, 68, of 48 S. Hancock St., McAdoo; DUI-highest rate and careless driving.

Derrick Lutz, 52, of 142 Penn St., Apt. 1, Tamaqua; DUI, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and period requiring lighted lamps.

Rebecca A. Tassone, 26, of 23 E. Wilson St., Apt./Suite 2, Schuylkill Haven; DUI-highest rate and reckless driving.

Thomas E. O’Reilly, 31, of 1738 W. Washington St., Pottsville; DUI, driving under the influence of drugs and careless driving.

Mary E. Tuske, 23, of 2429 Running Bear Cove, Auburn; driving under the influence of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Amber N. Lehman, 26, of 572 Moyers Station Road, Schuylkill Haven; driving under the influence of drugs and careless driving.

Richard R. Buhl, 23, of 1313 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City; driving under the influence of drugs, driving a vehicle without an official Certificate of Inspection and failure to use safety belts-occupant.

David L. Somers, 32, of 110 E. Main St., Apt. 2, Schuylkill Haven; DUI and period requiring lighted lamps.

Beau V. Schenck, 33, of 216 Howard Ave., Apt. 2, Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia and retail theft.

Tara L. Sweigert, 20, LKA 26 Hill Top Terrace, Pottsville; theft, receiving stolen property and access device fraud.

Corrine M. Markiewicz, 24, of 1414 E. Centre St., Mahanoy city; possession of drug paraphernalia and general lighting requirements.

Enrique Torres, 53, of 116 W. Laurel St., Shenandoah; disorderly conduct.

Christina L. Torres, 42, of 104 W. Laurel St., Shenandoah; disorderly conduct.

Benjamin F. Vadiz, 47, of 43 Lost Creek Road, Lost Creek; disorderly conduct.

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

Eimont Bronzini, 59, of 1481 Valley Road, Tamaqua; recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct, safety zones and public drunkenness.

Devine T. Marks, 31, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; robbery, conspiracy and theft.

Michael G. Sinko, 27, of 346 High Road, Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property and retail theft.

Shawn M. Tobin, 31, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; receiving stolen property.

David J. Tavares, 31, of 301 Lewis St., Minersville; burglary, theft, criminal mischief, defiant trespass and harassment.

Deborah I. Arena, 63, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; retail theft.

Natasha S. Dettery, 25, of 124 S. Chestnut St., Shenandoah; retail theft.

Travis I. Gorey, 26, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; firearms not to be carried without a license, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Edward W. Sonnon, 32, of 235 Oak St., Pottsville; retail theft.

Jeffrey T. Sartori, 30, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault, terroristic threats and harassment.

Brandon R. Snyder, 34, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; aggravated assault on police, simple assault, resisting arrest, harassment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Tara L. Sweigert, 20, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; access device fraud and theft.

Kris D. Prutzman, 28, of 221 Middle St., Minersville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Travis R. Lucas, 33, of 221 Middle St., Minersville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Elisah A. Wonsock, 33, of 221 Middle St., Minersville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tara L. Sweigert, 20, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; access device fraud and theft.

Donald J. Seiger, 51, of 315 Broad St., Saint Clair; retail theft.

Michael A. Mattox, 25, of 423 Hazle St., Tamaqua; selling or furnishing alcohol to minors, corruption of minors, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Denise E. Latham, 35, of 242 Mauch Chunk St., Apt. 1, Tamaqua; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christina Kieffer, 30, of 56 Fifth St., Coaldale; loitering and prowling at night and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gino Furgio, 18, of 15 E. Monroe St., McAdoo; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tamara C. Price, 30, of 69 Second St., Coaldale; false or fraudulent medical assistance claim, submitting a claim not rendered to the patient, submitted a claim with false information and theft by deception.

Billyann Perez, 35, of 415 Pine St., Tamaqua; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hope McManus, 30, of 123 Quality Hill Road, Gilberton; violations concerning licenses, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, drivers required to be licensed and improper display of registration plate.

Frankie N. Rios, 34, of 331 S. West St., Shenandoah; possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Casey L. Griggs-Lott, 30, of 831 E. Grand Ave., Tower City; simple assault and harassment.

Fernando J. Fonseca, 23, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dustin R. Ballard, 28, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana, false identification to law enforcement, driving without insurance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brianna J. Schaeffer, 24, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; furnishing drug free urine.

Kevin W. Warmkessel, 28, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; defiant trespass, loitering and prowling at night, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Raymond H. Gregory II, 27, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia and retail theft.

Edward J. Heiser, 21, of 751 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, firearms not to be carried without a license, prohibited offensive weapons, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Scott R. Dronick, 35, of 335 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana, terroristic threats, endangering the welfare of a child and simple assault.

James A. Nelson, 33, LKA 713 Harrison St., Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

John T. Stapleton, 55, of 726 E. Broad St., Tamaqua; terroristic threats.

Scott A. Noll, 42, of 211 Linden St., Minersville; stalking, harassment and intimidation of witnesses or victims.

Regan Price, 39, of 526 W. Oak St., Apt. 2, Pottsville; retail theft, conspiracy and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Stephen M. Gaughan, 31, of 304 W. Pine St., Mahanoy City; retail theft, receiving stolen property and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Ronald W. Musselman, 33, of 416 E. Union St., Apt. 2, Tamaqua; disorderly conduct, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Savanah Searfoss, 20, of 17 Snyder Ave., McAdoo; escape and disorderly conduct.

Thomas A. Heiser, 37, of 636 Fifth St., Port Carbon; simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment.

Thomas J. Salata, 42, of 6 N. Kennedy Drive, McAdoo; delivery of a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dylan J. Eckert, 23, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville; possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rachael Pleva-Sanko, 39, of 415 W. Centre St., Shenandoah; driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, drivers required to be licensed, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shawn P. Shoup, 41, 223 B St., Girardville; dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Frankie N. Rios, 23, of 801 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City; possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Roeny R. Dorville, 28, of 242 N. Second St., Frackville; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robert J. Barlow, 54, of 146 W. Main St., Girardville; possession of drug paraphernalia and public drunkenness.

Robert M. Dilorenzo, 29, of 13 W. Pottsville St., Pine Grove; possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Paul S. Hutnick, 47, of 723 Centre St., Ashland; resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, harassment, burglary, criminal trespass and loitering and prowling at night.

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

VALLEY VIEW — The smiles Tri-Valley senior Micah Ulicny saw Friday affirmed he’s made a difference in the life of youngsters at Hegins-Hubley Elementary.

It was the first time Ulicny, a Boy Scout with Troop 662 of Valley View, witnessed Life Skills students from Kate E. Herb’s class playing on the new inclusive playground he built for his Eagle Scout project at their school. He joined Herb’s students along with second- and third-graders as the pupils explored the new play area together.

“It’s surreal seeing it for the first time,” Ulicny, 17, said.

The six pieces of play equipment were erected in the 40-by-120-foot courtyard of the school and came from two companies, Landscape Structures and General Recreation. They include a metallophone, a musical instrument play piece; a swing with molded seat; clear paint panel finger-painting station; a stationary cycler; a free-standing seesaw with availability for two people on each side, either two students or a student with an aide on the ride together; and a cozy dome, an igloo-like structure for hiding, climbing or relaxing. Underneath the pieces are wood chips. The courtyard, with three sides of the playground surrounded by walls, provides a quiet, secure place for her students to play, Herb said.

Due to the wet weather, Thursday was the first day students could play there. Friday was the first time Ulicny could join them. Herb hopes the students can use the site at least once a day during recess. Herb has between two to seven students on her roster in first, second, fifth and sixth grade.

Every piece is being used, but it appears the metallophone and the seesaw are the favorites, she said.

Of the musical piece, Herb said, “One student said this is so calming.” Many of her students found the current school’s playground too stimulating and overwhelming, she said. Instead of engaging in play, they’d sometimes shy away and simply sit on a bench during recess. On Friday, a student who would typically wander off and not interact was using his social skills and getting sensory input, she said.

Herb expressed her gratitude to Ulicny and the businesses that donated their time and resources to the project. She said the swing set, which has an adaptive swing, side by side with a regular swing, is a good example of the interactive opportunities provided.

“This brings all the kids together. Some may have never interacted together before on the playground. Here, you see them helping each other and taking turns,” Herb said.

She said it was important for students to learn to be good citizens and advocate for themselves and others.

“This can help kids teach someone who is different from them,” she said.

The process of building the playground was also a learning experience for Herb’s students, since the courtyard can be seen outside of her classroom.

“We got to see all the stages. They’d dig and fill in the holes. We talked about it being a process,” she said.

One child stared out the window as work crews used heavy equipment to move the earth in preparation for the site.

“He’s one that typically doesn’t speak. He just stared and asked questions about the machines. It was neat to see his mind racing with questions,” Herb said.

Ulicny said tree removal began in April and excavation in July. Installation of the playground began in August on the second day of school and was completed Tuesday. Before he can receive his Eagle Scout award, Ulicny will have a conference with his scoutmaster and will turn in his project workbook. He will then have a board of review through the Hawk Mountain Council. His paperwork must be completed before his 18th birthday in February, he said.

Phase I of the project, which is the playground portion, is completed and cost more than $23,000. The project was paid for with grants and donations. Phase II of the project will include installing a sensory garden in the courtyard this upcoming spring and summer. The Schuylkill County Master Gardeners are also offering guidance for the sensory garden’s development, according to Ulicny. Lavender and other plants with a calming effect may be planted there, so the area could be used as a place for students to relax and as a teaching tool.

Ulicny, a son of Pam and Mike Ulicny, who are high school teachers in the district, would also like to enter the field, aspiring to become a secondary special education teacher.

An official grand opening will be held at a later date, and Ulicny said he plans on inviting all of the businesses and organizations that helped make the playground a reality.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

This week in Starwatch I want to go sky high to dig for some of the great visual treasures waiting for your eyes.

And now that it gets darker a lot sooner in the evening it’s easier to get out there and stargaze before the sandman starts working on your eyelids.

You can spend a lot more time with your telescope and even just a nice pair of binoculars. There are a lot of celestial treasures among the constellations in the late summer sky. Star clusters, nebulae, double stars and even whole other galaxies outside our Milky Way are buried to the naked eye, but with a little patience and optical aid you can dig them out.

Three of the nicest jewels of the Pottsville heavens right now are nearly overhead at the end of evening twilight, about 9 p.m. The easiest one to see is the star Albireo, the second brightest star in the constellation Cygnus the Swan, otherwise known as the Northern Cross.

The best way to find it is to face south and look directly overhead. The brightest star you see is Vega, the brightest star in the constellation Lyra the Lyre (or Harp). Make a fist and extend your clenched fist at arm’s length. About two fists at arm’s length to the left of Vega look for the Northern Cross. The moderately bright star at the foot of the cross is Albireo.

To the naked eye, Albireo looks like any other star in the sky, but with even a pair of binoculars, you can see that not only is Albireo a double star, but a colorful pair. One star has a golden hue and the other is distinctly blue. I guarantee you’ll love what you see! The double stars of Albireo are considered a binary star system, almost 400 light years away, with just one light year equaling nearly 6 trillion miles! The latest information indicates that the two gravitationally bound stars are separated by more than 400 billion miles and orbit each other once every 100,000 years.

The next celestial treasure to search for is more elusive and you’ll need at least a small to moderate telescope. It’s the Ring Nebula. More formally known as Messier object 57, or M57. It really looks like a ring and with its slightly bluish tint it reminds me of a little cosmic smoke ring.

The Ring Nebula lies in the constellation Lyra the Harp, between two of the four stars that make a little parallelogram allegedly outlining the little celestial harp. Just keep scanning between the two stars that make up the end of the parallelogram opposite the bright star Vega. At first, the Ring Nebula looks like a faint blurry star, but if your scope is powerful enough you may be able to resolve the ring.

M57 is what astronomers call a planetary nebula, a dying star shedding off the last of its hydrogen gas as it collapses into a white dwarf star, about the size of our Earth. Our own sun is headed for this fate in about 5 to 6 billion years.

The final celestial treasure I have for you is the most challenging. It’s the Dumbbell Nebula, more formally known as Messier object 27, or M27. It’s also a planetary nebula that actually looks like a giant dumbbell weight.

With a really good pair of binoculars or a small telescope with a low magnification, scan about half a fist width at arm’s length to the lower left of Albireo, looking for a ghostly patch of white. If you’re out of heavy city lighting and your optics are good enough, you should see the dumbbell shape.

While you’re out under those great countryside skies you can’t help but see the ribbon of white that stretches across the top of the sky from the northern to southern horizons. It’s the Milky Way band. Our sun and all the stars in the celestial dome are members of home Milky Way galaxy. The ghostly band we see is the combined light of billions and billions of stars that make the thickest part of galactic home!

Celestial hugging this week

During the early morning twilight about an hour before sunrise, the planets Venus, Mars and Mercury are in a fairly tight cluster in the low eastern sky. They’re living in and around the head of the constellation Leo the Lion that resembles a backward question mark. Next weekend, the waning crescent moon joins the fray for a really spectacular sight!

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

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Bubeck Park raised more than $45,000 Saturday for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Hosted by the Schuylkill County Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, the annual fundraiser is now in its fifth year and featured 280 walkers and 60 teams raising at least $45,000, Krista Somers, constituent events manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, said. The goal was $39,500.

“It was better than we expected,” Kristie Ondisco, event co-chairwoman, said. “We have a fabulous team of workers who worked hard all year to make this happen.”

Prior to the 1.5-mile walk around Stoyer’s Dam, there was a ceremony that included guest speakers. Every participant then picked a plastic flower from the garden and carried it while walking.

There were four colors, each representing ways people are affected by the disease. Purple represented a loved one who died from the disease, orange was for advocacy, blue meant they have a loved one with the disease and yellow is for the caregivers.

Every color had a guest speaker. Phyllis Gallagher, who also served as co-chairwoman for the event, spoke for advocacy. Her husband, John, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s 10 years ago and is now in a nursing facility.

“I tell my husband’s story,” Gallagher said. “My mother also had Alzheimer’s. She passed the same year my husband first had symptoms. Many people don’t realize that some people lose their ability to walk and cognitive functions. It’s not just forgetting where you put your keys. It is forgetting what a key is.”

Advocacy helped convince the Senate Appropriations Committee to approve last week an additional $414 million increase for Alzheimer’s and dementia research in the 2018 budget, Gallagher said.

A nursing assistant since she was 17 years old, Ondisco said it was seeing the affects of the disease that pushed her to co-chair the event with Gallagher.

“I’ve been caring for people with this disease, so it was something I wanted to make sure that people are aware of in the community and I think this year we were louder than ever before,” she said.

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.act.alz.org. More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease and it is the only cause of death in the top 10 in America that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed.

“The disease is growing, so more people are affected every year,” Somers said.

The two platinum sponsors for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s this year were Rosewood Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Schuylkill Haven, and Luther Ridge at Seiders Hill, Pottsville.

Melissa Clarke, director of admissions for Luther Ridge at Seiders Hill and event committee member, said the nursing facility has hosted lunch and learn programs throughout the year with two of them focusing on early symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s and how the disease affects behavior.

“Many of our residents have dementia or Alzheimer’s so we not only see the effect it has on them but also their families and caregivers as well as the community,” Clarke said. “This is an event many people look forward to because it is a way remember those we have lost to the disease.”

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

ORWIGSBURG — The 26th annual Heritage Day brought the community closer together Saturday as residents celebrated the borough’s history and future with their neighbors.

The annual event is organized by the Orwigsburg Business and Professional Association. Held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., about 1,000 people took part in the activities in Town Square, Pat Falco, the association’s president, said.

“It’s great to honor the past and look forward to the future,” Falco said. “We have new businesses and vendors every year.”

There were more than 50 food and craft vendors at the event along with horse-drawn carriage rides and Civil War re-enactors. Three bands took the stage throughout the day: Rhythm & Brews, The Boys Upstairs and The Groove Merchants.

“The borough has really embraced us and help with the event every year,” Falco said. “This is a way to bring people into the community and see what our quaint town has to offer.”

Jeff Bender, Orwigsburg, and his brother, Doug, Doylestown, portrayed Civil War soldiers and shot their rifles at the top of every hour. The borough had many soldiers serve in the Civil War as part of the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry, Jeff said.

“We did this last year,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

J. Stuart “Stu” Richards, Orwigsburg, a local historian and re-enactor, was dressed as Martin Luther while listening to the bands perform. Richards, who attends St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the borough, said the church is celebrating the 500th anniversary this year of Martin Luther sparking the Protestant Reformation.

“We like to celebrate history in Orwigsburg and I also enjoy listening to good music,” he said.

Veronica Barnes, secretary for OBPA, said the annual event involves all aspects of the community, from local businesses and churches to public officials and police officers.

“The event has a nostalgic feel to it,” Barnes said. “Borough residents don’t have to travel far for something to do. All they have to do is come downtown and see some familiar faces.”

Pastor Bill Orf of the Lighthouse Church, Orwigsburg, said the annual event reminds him of what it was like growing up in the borough.

“It’s a nice day and a nice town,” Orf said. “Getting to know the people in the community is much more important than just going to an event. Everyone knows each other here. It’s not just about the businesses, it’s about the fellowship.”

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

POTTSVILLE — The former Dolly Trolley has a new name.

Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney announced the name, The Pottsie No. 1 in memory of Dolly Kuehn, at the conclusion of the monthly Pottsville City Council meeting Monday.

The name is in memory of Dorothy “Dolly” Vinchofsky Kuehn, a former Schuylkill Transportation System employee, who died in February.

Muldowney said the winning entry was submitted by his granddaughter, Madison Muldowney, 4, of Reading.

After the meeting, Muldowney said there was an outcry from the public to have Kuehn’s name associated with the trolley.

“We got quite a few responses back,” Muldowney said.

Neither Muldowney or City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar knew the exact number of submissions that were received for the contest that ended Aug. 31. Submissions came from as far away as West Virginia and Florida.

He said the city council agreed by consensus in executive session on the name.

The name will probably be in decals on the front, sides and back of the trolley bus.

The Schuylkill County commissioners approved an agreement to transfer the trolley bus to the city earlier this year. The city council approved the agreement with the Schuylkill County Transportation Authority in June. Among other requirements, the city has responsibility for maintenance and storage, and must rent it to any organization that wants to use it for a tourist or civic event.

Also on Monday, the city council took time to remember the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

“Let us all remember where we were and those families lost,” Councilwoman Dorothy “Dottie” Botto said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — Jane E. Schreiner is going to state prison, but for not nearly as long as she could have, after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced her Monday for killing her husband in August 2016 in their Kline Township home.

“This has been a difficult case from the time it has come to me,” Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin said before sentencing Schreiner, 70, of Zion Grove, formerly of McAdoo, to serve 25 to 96 months in a state correctional institution. He made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. Friday.

Dolbin also sentenced Schreiner to pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $580 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Harrisburg.

“Thank you, Your Honor,” Schreiner said to Dolbin, who imposed a mitigated sentence on her. Schreiner faced a maximum sentence of 10 to 20 years behind bars; since she already has served 13 months in prison, she could be released in a year or she could serve 83 more months.

Schreiner pleaded guilty on Aug. 18 to voluntary manslaughter, with prosecutors withdrawing all other charges, including first-degree murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, unlawful possession of a weapon and recklessly endangering another person.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Jane Schreiner with shooting Kenneth S. Schreiner with a .38-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver about 3 p.m. Aug. 4, 2016, in their 101 Hillside Road home. The house has since been sold; under state law, Jane Schreiner would not have been able to inherit it because of her guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter.

Dolbin said he chose the sentence based on several factors, including the defendant’s age, her having no criminal record, her cooperation with police, her being a model prisoner since being incarcerated, the suffering she had undergone in her life and the provocation by her husband.

“The victim in this case had some part to play in the actions of the defendant,” Dolbin said.

That suffering to which Dolbin referred included post-traumatic stress disorder and battered woman syndrome. Frank M. Dattilio, Allentown, a clinical and forensic psychologist who also teaches at Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania, testified that Schreiner had those two problems, and also had suffered abuse since she was a child.

“She took verbal, psychological, physical abuse,” Dattilio said.

As her previous two husbands had, Kenneth Schreiner began abusing the defendant soon after they married, he said.

“He started to restrict her freedom. He wanted to know where she was,” Dattilio said. “This was his way of controlling her.”

In contrast, Judith Ogozarek, Kenneth Schreiner’s sister, testified about her and her family’s grief.

“Kenneth S. Schreiner, who was my baby brother, did not outlive me, as he should have,” she said. “I miss his humor, his spirit.”

While she was not blind to his faults, Judith said her brother was not hateful toward his wife.

“Kenneth loved Jane. She was the most important person in his life,” she said.

Deputy Assistant District Attorney Jennifer N. Foose said she has no plans to appeal the sentence.

“I think the judge took all of the facts into account and rendered a fair sentence he thought was appropriate under the facts of the case,” Foose said.

Joseph P. Nahas Jr., Frackville, Jane Schreiner’s lawyer, said he thought the sentence was fair.

“This was a tragedy. There is nothing that is going to make it better,” he said.

Nahas describes his client as remorseful and distraught.

“She wishes her husband were still alive,” he said.

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

Defendant: Jane E. Schreiner

Age: 70

Residence: Zion Grove, formerly of McAdoo

Crime committed: Voluntary manslaughter

Prison sentence: 25 to 96 months in a state correctional institution

FRACKVILLE — When Paul R. Martin Sr. was serving his country in Vietnam, he was wounded three times in combat.

“He took his first wound participating in some of the heaviest fighting of the War at Khe Sanh, the second in the A Sau Valley and the third in the Mekong Delta,” Bob Morgan, deputy chief of staff and district for U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-17, said Monday.

At a meeting of the Frackville Area Hometown Heroes Program Committee at Lewie’s at 21 S. Lehigh Ave., representatives of Cartwright’s office presented Martin with a few medals he hadn’t received following his time in the service. They were framed in a shadow box.

“It’s an honor to receive them after so many years. All I received when I was in the service were the certificates for these medals and that was it. I never really approached them about it or tried to get them until a friend of mine told me I should. So I went down to Mr. Cartwright’s office and I mentioned it to them. And he said he’ll take care of it for me and it took like six months and he finally got all my medals,” Martin, 70, said Monday.

“Upon the completion of his enlistment, Mr. Martin was never formally presented with his military awards and decorations in a medal presentation ceremony, and on behalf of Congressman Cartwright, we are grateful to have the opportunity today to honor Mr. Martin,” Morgan said before a crowd of 30 in the restaurant.

Born in Pottsville, June 29, 1947, Martin joined the Army on Dec. 13, 1967. He completed his training at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and advanced infantry training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

He served an 18-month tour of duty in-country in Vietnam, six months of which were a voluntary extension of his original tour.

During that voluntary extension, he was wounded twice.

He attained a non-commissioned officer rank and was a squad leader responsible for leading 17 men in Vietnam.

He was offered a promotion as an E-7 non-commissioned officer, the rank of second lieutenant and entrance into officer candidate school.

But after 18 months in combat, Martin decided to return home to his family.

He was honorably discharged on March 16, 1969.

Cartwright was not present at the meeting Monday. Representing him there were Morgan and Sabrina McLaughlin, a veterans affairs specialist.

Medals that Martin received Monday included the following:

• The Purple Heart Medal. “The first and third times he was wounded by bullets in fire fights with the Vietcong. The second incident in which he was wounded was when he suffered shrapnel wounds after a tripwire that had been laid by the Vietcong was triggered by some of his squad while on patrol,” Morgan said.

• The Bronze Star Medal. “Mr. Martin is receiving the Bronze Star Medal in recognition of his actions in the field which resulted in the rescue of a squad of ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) South Vietnamese troops who were surrounded by Vietcong. Mr. Martin led his squad of GIs in, surrounded the enemy combatants and made it possible for the ARVN troops to escape then. The squad leader of the ARVN troops was grateful for Mr. Martin’s rescue of his men and impressed by his counterpart’s actions. So he went to his ARVN commanding officer and asked for Mr. Martin to be recognized and honored. The ARVN commanding officer alerted Mr. Martin’s commanding officers of his valorous conduct and Mr. Martin was flown out of the bush to be personally greeted and thanked by an ARVN general and awarded with the South Vietnamese government’s highest military award,” Morgan said.

He also received the Air Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Badge with Rifle Bar and Auto Rifle Bar, and the Sharpshooter Badge with Pistol Bar.

In other matters at the meeting, the committee’s secretary, Thomas “Tim” Hale, gave an update on the project.

“Initially we were hoping to have 50 or 60 banners. We now have 275 banners honoring 352 veterans,” Hale said.

The Frackville Area Hometown Heroes Program was started in November 2016, established by a group of veterans led by Martin that partnered with the borough. Martin is the president of the committee.

“I want to thank the group that helped me with the banners. If it wasn’t for them, nothing would have gotten done,” Martin said.

Members of the committee present at Monday morning’s meeting included: Ron Leim, vice president; Walter Hummel, treasurer; and members Dan Bennett, Al Dillman, James “Sam” Samelko and John Chuma.

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

A Scranton woman admitted Thursday to a federal judge that she conspired to make false statements to two federally licensed gun dealers, including one in Tamaqua.

Crystal Muentes, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer. A grand jury in Scranton had indicted her on Nov. 15, 2016.

U.S. District Judge Malachy E. Mannion accepted Muentes’ plea but did not immediately schedule her sentencing. Muentes faces a maximum prison sentence of five years in prison, a subsequent term of supervised release and a fine.

Prosecutors alleged that in June 2016, Muentes and others bought three pistols, including a Glock 30 Gen4 .45 caliber, serial number YMP633, from Ed’s Sports Shop, and “did knowingly and intentionally make false and fictitious written statements” to the dealer while doing so.

Also, Muentes and others made false statements on June 1 and 17, 2016, in order to buy Glock pistols at Dave’s Gun Shop, Drums, according to prosecutors.

In addition, prosecutors asked for the forfeiture of all three pistols, or substitute property if they cannot be found.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Scranton police investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O’Hara.

Prosecutors said they brought the case as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership, a districtwide initiative led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and including federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

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

MAHANOY CITY — As news spread Monday about the injuries Ashley Yakimovich, a senior at Mahanoy Area High School, suffered early Sunday when she was hit by a vehicle, fellow students and school administrators offered prayers and support.

“She’s a very fun-loving person and very funny. I’m so sad that this happened there. We have a bunch of people posting on Facebook sending prayers,” one of her friends, Sally Christensen, 22, of Ranshaw, said Monday.

Yakimovich, 17, suffered severe head trauma and was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown. On Monday afternoon, she was listed in “stable condition” in a neruosurgical unit, according to a hospital spokesperson.

“Her surgery went good,” one of her friends, Craig Fisher, 17, of Ashland, said Monday afternoon while he was on the way to see her.

“I heard about it Sunday evening. Right now, we’re just letting students know that if they’re having a tough time dealing with it that we have three counselors here that they can talk to. And these are counselors we have here on staff every day,” Stanley J. Sabol Jr., the high school principal, said Monday.

The staff counselors on duty Monday were Jennifer Marshall, guidance counselor, and Andrea Caulfield and Kate Orsulak.

“We are running a dress-down day on Friday for her,” Mahanoy Area Superintendent Joie L. Green said.

“We’ll ask for a donation from the students. Being a low-income school district, we’re only asking for $1, but if some students want to give more, they’re certainly welcome to. They can give the donations to their homeroom teachers, and those teachers will turn in those donations to the office and we’ll account for it. All donations will be going to her family to use as they see appropriate, most likely to defray medical expenses,” Sabol said.

The incident occurred at 2:15 a.m. Sunday in the 1000 block of East Mahanoy Avenue, Mahanoy City Patrolman Matthew Williams said in the criminal complaint.

Francis T. Green, 33, of 334 W. Centre St., Mahanoy City, was driving a black 2009 Hyundai sedan north on 11th Street, a posted one-way street going south, at a high rate of speed. A few seconds later, he continued south on 12th Street, also at a high rate of speed, according to the criminal complaint.

Green then made a right turn to travel west on East Mahanoy Avenue. While continuing to drive at a high rate of speed, he hit two young women and a parked vehicle, a Jeep station wagon, according to the criminal complaint.

The parked vehicle was facing east in the west bound lane of the 1000 block of East Mahanoy Street.

The driver of the parked vehicle, Kevin Reinhard, said he was sitting in the vehicle with a passenger, Kimberly Coy. Yakimovich and Rachel Hillman, 19, also of Mahanoy City, were standing on the passenger’s side of the parked vehicle.

The Hyundai struck Yakimovich and Hillman. The impact forced Yakimovich to roll up onto the hood of the Hyundai and hit the windshield. The Hyundai also hit the front passenger-side of the parked Jeep, causing severe disabling damage to the front tire, according to the criminal complaint.

Then, Green tried to flee the area traveling west but his Hyundai became disabled near the intersection with 10th Street. Green then fled the area on foot north on 10th Street while his two female passengers remained at the scene.

Inside the disabled Hyundai, Williams said, he found a glass smoking pipe and a small clear plastic bag containing marijuana on the driver’s side floor.

Hillman was flown to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for treatment.

On Monday, a Geisinger spokesperson said there was no record of Hillman being admitted. However, Mahanoy City police said Hillman was taken to the trauma center with a fractured hip and other injuries.

Shortly after the crash Sunday, police found Green at his home at 334 West Centre St. Green attempted to flee by climbing out a second-floor window and onto the roof, but police were able to apprehend him, according to the criminal complaint.

Police charged Green with two felony counts of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence; two misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia; one misdemeanor count each of accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property, possession of a small amount of marijuana, DUI and resisting arrest; and one summary charge each of careless driving and reckless driving.

Green was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, and committed to prison unable to post $25,000 straight cash bail.

Contact the writers: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com, 570-628-6013; spytak@republicanherald.com, 570-628-6011

The house fire at 317 S. Centre St., Pottsville, on Friday is still under investigation.

Pottsville Fire Chief Todd March said Monday the fire started in a first-floor room of the building.

“We don’t know the cause. We are still investigating,” March said Monday.

He estimated there is between $20,000 and $30,000 in damage to the house, which did have electric utility service at the time of the fire.

“It’s fixable. We don’t know if he has insurance,” March said.

The online Schuylkill Parcel Locator lists the property owner as Arthur Johns, who has not been able to be reached for comment.

All seven fire companies were dispatched to the scene as was the Rapid Intervention Team from Schuylkill Haven.

Several Schuylkill County natives living in Florida shared their experiences of Hurricane Irma.

Shelia Rooney, 48, originally from Ringtown, moved to St. Augustine Beach, a city in St. Johns County off the east coast of the Florida mainland, about five weeks ago.

“It’s always been our dream to move here,” she said.

Rooney isn’t regretting moving with her husband, Michael, 65, but admits the timing could have been better.

“This was one of the scariest things I’ve ever been through,” she said of Irma, which has been downgraded to a tropical storm and made landfall last week.

The constant changing of which way the storm was headed was exhausting.

“It’s mentally draining watching the news,” she said.

Rooney is staying with R.C. Gubala, a friend who lives in Crawfordville, Florida, which is about 5 to 20 minutes away from Tallahassee. She left home Thursday afternoon with her dogs, Daisy, an 11-year-old black lab, and Sarah, a black lab and pointer mix, after boarding up her house. What would normally take 3 1/2 hours to get to their location took five hours. They waited in line 45 minutes to get gas for their trip. She said they are not permitted to go back to their house yet. The two bridges to the area remain closed due to tropical storm winds as of Monday, according to the St. Augustine Beach Police Department Facebook page.

A police officer she knows there said her house appears OK.

“We are waiting it out here. The dogs are great. We are fine,” she said.

Gubala, 47, said he has lived in Florida for 15 years and noticed lower water levels in a local body of water, which he said has since risen from the storm’s rain. He said there was a lot of wind Monday. He has lived through seven or eight hurricanes. He was ready to evacuate to a relative’s house in Alabama if the storm had not lost some of its intensity before coming ashore.

“At first, it was very intense. I’m not going to lie; I was very nervous,” he said when hearing about Irma and its potential for destruction.

He still has power at his house. A couple miles away, he said, a neighbor had a tree come through her roof. She is OK. There are a lot of trees knocked down in the area, he said.

Finding a hotel in Florida is very difficult, he said.

“All the hotels are booked,” he said.

Cody Kreiger, 19, a native of Saint Clair and member of the Air Force, evacuated because of Irma.

The crew chief on KC-135, an aerial refueling aircraft, said there was a mandatory evacuation of MacDill Air Force Base. He was ordered to evacuate late last week. He expects to return this week. Service members could decide where they want to go. He drove to Fort Benning, Georgia, with his girlfriend, Abbey Rosato, 19. His car died five miles from base and had to be towed.

“I spun a rod,” he said of his Volkswagen.

On the way to Georgia, he said, while driving Interstate 75 North, some drivers were even driving on the shoulder. He is just thankful he made it out of harm’s way.

Irma was his first experience with a hurricane.

“I was more worried for the base,” he said.

Adrian Grieve, executive director of the Tri-County Chapter of the American Red Cross, which covers Schuylkill, Berks and Chester counties, said he is in Columbia, South Carolina, at a location helping those affected by Irma. He has been to the area before for other hurricanes, so it was natural for him to go there. He left Thursday and will be there for at least another week. There have been a steady rain and winds there, he said.

“There are a lot of people in shelters right now,” he said.

As of Monday, there are an estimated 200,100 in 587 Red Cross and partner evacuation centers; more than 6,500 in at least Red Cross and partner shelters and about 800 people in 26 Red Cross shelters in South Carolina.

Grieve said financial help for the victims is appreciated. Those wanting to donate can call 800-Red-Cross, visit www.redcross.org or text “Irma” 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 still accepted for Hurricane Harvey. To donate, text “Harvey” to 90999.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028