POTTSVILLE — A transgender Pottsville woman has settled the federal job discrimination suit against her former employer, according to court documents.

Kate Lynn Blatt’s lawsuit against Cabela’s Retail Inc. was dismissed Sept. 18 upon a settlement being reached.

“I really do feel that the system came through for me, even though it took 10 years,” Blatt said Tuesday. “I just want to move on with my life and be normal.”

Blatt said the settlement included a nondisclosure agreement and she was unable to discuss the terms any further.

“I think it signifies a better understanding of transgender in American culture,” Blatt said. “It’s out there more than it ever was and it’s not a scary topic anymore. There is more education on it.”

Blatt filed the lawsuit in 2014, claiming that Cabela’s fired her after harassment that included denying her use of the women’s bathroom and temporarily forcing her to wear a name tag with her male name given at birth. She also claimed she was passed over for promotions because of her gender identity and was eventually fired as a form of retaliation for her complaints to management about sex discrimination.

Blatt worked at the Hamburg store as a seasonal stocker in 2006 and 2007. She was diagnosed with gender dysphoria, also known as gender identity disorder, and completed her transition about 13 years ago.

In the original lawsuit filed in September 2014, Blatt was seeking more than $150,000 in damages for violating her civil rights.

In May, a federal judge granted Blatt permission to pursue her lawsuit under the American with Disabilities Act, even though it specifically excludes transgender people from protection. She was the first transgender individual allowed to do so.

U.S. District Judge Joseph Leeson ruled that simply being transgender was an insufficient reason to bring a case, but that gender dysphoria was a medical condition worthy of protection against discrimination. He did not rule on the constitutionality of the ADA.

Gender dysphoria is a condition where a person’s physical or assigned gender does not match the gender with which he or she identifies, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

“All I ever wanted was a job so I could pay my bills,” Blatt said. “That’s all I ever wanted. I never set out to do this. Ultimately, I’m glad I pushed it forward.”

The lawsuit challenged a clause in the ADA that “disability” shall not include “transsexualism.” It also cited protections in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against sex discrimination in employment and had asked the judge to rule that the ADA clause violates the U.S. Constitution because it denies equal protection under the law.

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

Information incorrect

One of the layers at the Commonwealth Environmental Systems Keystone Landfill is an 18-inch gravel and sand layer. An article in Tuesday’s edition had the figure incorrect.

Information incorrect

Passport has more than 400 clients in North America. The figure was incorrect in Tuesday’s edition.

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Trust building could be yours for the right price.

A sign on the seven-story building posted earlier this month announced the property at 101 N. Centre St. is available.

“It could be offered for sale,” Eric Seitzinger, the listing agent, said Sept. 20. The owner is more inclined to lease some of the 38,500-square-foot space, he said.

He said there is no price tag on the building at this time.

Mike Hassen, Queens, New York, bought the property at judicial sale Oct. 6, 2016, for $90,000. The purchase price for the property was $108,139. Hassen Group PA LLC is listed as the owner of the building, according to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator. The property was up for sale after the building’s previous owner, James J. Curran Jr., an attorney and president of Schuylkill Land & Realty Inc., based in Pottsville, failed to pay taxes on the property. Curran had been cited numerous times for the property.

Seitzinger said he created the listing earlier this month. The stone-exterior building is a prominent structure in downtown Pottsville. The first floor was home of Wells Fargo Bank until it moved to Pottsville Park Plaza earlier this year.

“The first floor could really lend itself to office, restaurant or banking,” Seitzinger said.

The advertisement touts the advantages of the building, including private restrooms and elevator access. The minimum divisible space is 3,000 square feet to start out.

“There are certain floors that could be occupied today that don’t need renovated,” he said

Additional work is possible to the building if a tenant has certain requirements, he said.

Hassen did not return a call for comment.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

SHENANDOAH — Shenandoah police arrested two men stemming from separate investigations into the alleged sales of illegal drugs in the borough.

Police said that Charles Koncsler, 61, of 201 W. Centre St., Shenandoah, was charged with felony delivery of a controlled substance and misdemeanor offenses of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police said that on Sept. 14, Koncsler was seen making numerous hand-to-hand drug sales at the One Stop Shop located at Main and Lloyd street.

A confidential informant was then used to purchase a quantity of Percocet pills that Koncsler offered for sale, police said. At 6:30 p.m. that day, police said, the informant was provided money and purchased a bottle of prescription Percocet pills. At the time he was taken into custody, police said, Koncsler was also in possession of Xanax that was not prescribed to him.

In a separate incident, police said, Rigoberto Hernandez, 73, of 13 N. West St., Shenandoah, was charged with felony delivery of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance.

Police said that beginning in June officers began buying quantities of heroin from Hernandez and after making six purchases at his home a search warrant was obtained.

On Sept. 20, the warrant was executed and Hernandez taken into custody, arraigned and committed to Schuylkill County Prison.

Police said that Hernandez will now face additional charges for items that were found inside his home along with other sales that were made from his home during the investigation.

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

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County is gearing up for election day.

The commissioners approved hiring 11 polling staff and 10 machine delivery drivers Wednesday in preparation for the Nov. 7 General Election.

The board approved the election bureau’s request to hire 11 polling staff at the rate of $10 per hour, as well as 53.5 cents per mile traveled on election day to assigned polling sites or where needed.

The target start date is Oct. 9 or earlier as needed. Rovers hired are Mike Botto, Ron Coleman, Jim Gustas, Tony Downey, Carol Leashefski, Daniel Wachter, Carol Cooney-Syzdek, Janet Terefencko, Bob Fallan, Joe Matz and Jean Quirk.

The board also allowed the election bureau to hire the following machine delivery drivers: Kenneth Eichenberg, $170; Jason Frantz, $160; William Klinger, $160; Thomas Kurtek, $140; Walter Leashefski, $210; Diane Robbins, $210; Katie Dinger, $220; Denise Wallace, $210; Christine Wartman, $210; and Joe Zurat, $200.

The last day to register to vote is Oct. 10.

In other matters, the commissioners recognized the 30th anniversary of the Schuylkill County Trout Unlimited Chapter 537 and Bullying Prevention Month in the county with proclamations.

Chartered June 25, 1987, Schuylkill County Trout Unlimited celebrated its 30th anniversary Sept. 16 with a picnic at one of the chapter’s most ambitious conservation projects — the James S. Clark Little League Field Complex, New Philadelphia.

“We are dedicated to the same thing as our county commissioners, which is improving the life of our citizens in the county and we choose to do that through conservation, education and fishing,” John Bondura, chapter president and founding member, said.

The organization has collaborated with environmental groups, such as the Schuylkill Headwaters Association, to turn the Schuylkill River into fishable trout waters and provide outdoor educational opportunities for students, according to the proclamation.

Meanwhile, the commissioners also proclaimed October as National Bullying Prevention Month. According to the proclamation, almost one in every five students in Schuylkill County have reported they experienced bullying in the last year. Members of the Schuylkill County Safe School Bullying Prevention Coalition accepted the proclamation.

“We urge all young people and adults to take seriously how bullying affects others and don’t just be a bystander, stand up against bullying,” Commissioner Gary J. Hess said reading the proclamation.

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

DELANO — A traffic stop on Interstate 81 in Delano Township on Tuesday afternoon led to the discovery of marijuana plants and charges filed against a Vermont man.

State police Cpl. Daniel Conville of the Frackville station said the incident began about 5:05 p.m. in the southbound lanes of the interstate at mile marker 132.9.

Conville said he was running radar on southbound traffic when he clocked a Toyota Corolla traveling at 85 mph in a 65 mph zone.

Conville said he stopped the vehicle at mile marker 132.5 and identified the driver as John Edward Darling, 46, of 254 Lost Lake Road, Arlington, Vermont.

During his interaction with Darling, Conville said, he smelled a strong odor of marijuana from inside the vehicle and asked Darling to step out.

After speaking with Darling, the man showed Conville the back seat area of the car where there were 11 small marijuana plants in a box. Darling also produced a small blue jar that contained processed marijuana, Conville said.

Conville also reported that Darling went on to tell him that he had marijuana “butter” in a cooler in the rear passenger area of the car and that he was traveling with his wife from Vermont to Virginia to visit a friend and deliver the plants.

Darling was subsequently charged with two felony counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and one misdemeanor count each of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia as well as a summary count of speeding.

Darling was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, and released on $25,000 unsecured bail pending a preliminary hearing that is scheduled for 10 a.m. Oct. 12.

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

Not too cold for you to be outdoors? Good, because there are plenty of upcoming fall events to keep you busy.

Schuylkill on the Move invites you to join naturalist Robin Tracey for Wolf Creek Falls Hike at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 7. Meet at the west end of the Walmart parking lot in Saint Clair. Pack a lunch and dogs are welcome for the difficult seven-mile hike. Register by calling Robin at 570-467-2506.

Lessie’s Garden’s Fall Festival will also be held on Oct. 7 with face painting, hayride, stuff a scarecrow, “Porcupine” Pat, pumpkin painting, Chinese auction, spiritual readings, food and refreshment and more.

The Pottsville Library will host an Indoor Flea Market and Used Book Sale on Oct. 7.

Tamaqua’s Heritage Festival will take place on Oct. 8. Homemade and ethnic foods, music, historical exhibits, blacksmithing demos, street vendors, crafts, costumed re-enactors, horse-drawn trolley rides, museum tours, farmers market and entertainment are just some of the family-fun activities.

Schuylkill Make A Difference Day is only four weeks away but it’s not too late to plan a project. We invite you to join thousands of your neighbors during Schuylkill County’s largest volunteer event to help improve the quality of life in our communities. No project is too small and every effort helps someone. Projects that take place within one week of the national event on Oct. 28 can be included in the Schuylkill effort.

Participation is easy. Decide how you’d like to help others in the county — a nonprofit that provides Human Services, a nursing home, a library, our vets, a community, really, practically anywhere — then contact them to coordinate your project and send your registration form to this office. After you complete your project, return the final report form in case there were any changes after you registered. Everyone who completes the final report form receives a certificate of appreciation. That’s it. Pretty simple, right?

For those who would like to participate but don’t yet have any project ideas in mind, there are several ready-made projects available for “adoption.”

The grounds of the Avenues Mahanoy City Adult Training Facility are in need of some gentle updating. Mahanoy City Child Development needs top soil spread on their grounds; soil provided. They are also in need of donations of at-home school supplies of small packs of crayons and markers, safety scissors and glue stick for their Head Start students throughout the county. Nurse-Family Partnership could use your help by organizing a Diaper Drive for their young first-time moms and babies.

Keep in mind that not all phases of the project need to be completed within the time frame, but a major part of it — like donating the proceeds from a month of dress down days to a nonprofit — must take place within one week of Oct. 28 to be included in the campaign.

We’re happy to offer guidance. If you or your group need a registration from, are looking for project suggestions or have questions, call this office at 570-628-1426 or email jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us. You can also print the registration form from our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia or from the homepage of The Republican-Herald at www.republicanherald.com. Good luck, have fun and thank you for helping your neighbors.

Literacy tutors

Responsibility: Help adults with English as a Second Language (ESL), reading skills or GED preparation. Your assistance can help someone gain employment skills or get a better job and have a better quality of life for themselves and their family.

Times: Requires a commitment of three hours per week.

Skills: For volunteers age 55 and older. Bachelor’s degree and background checks required. Training and ongoing support provided.

Location: Lifelong Learning Center, new location is near Burger King in Pottsville

Call: Darla Troutman, RSVP of Schuylkill County, 570-622-3103.

Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Use the preceding contact information for those specific opportunities and search other listings on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Find us on Facebook. Call us at 570-628-1426 or email jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

POTTSVILLE — Joseph H. Jones Sr. was honored for his contributions to Schuylkill County on Wednesday at The Lodge at Sharp Mountain.

Jones, Pottsville, was a tireless advocate for numerous causes in the county. The 92-year-old died in April. Almost 150 people attended the Pottsville Area Development Corp. tribute dinner honoring the life and legacy of a man who gave so much to so many.

“His biography of accomplishments is outstanding,” Ian Lipton, emcee of the event, said.

Numerous speakers talked about his qualities and impact he had on the county. This is the third time a tribute dinner has been held by PADCO to honor someone.

“Joe’s lifelong pursuit to improve the lives of everyone is proof of one underlying truth: the strength of any community is not measured by the distance of its borders, or the heights of its mountains, or the breadth of its rivers. It is measured by the hands that help and the hearts that give,” Lipton said.

Jones was a World War II veteran, having served three years in the Navy. He then went to law school and graduated. He practiced law at Hicks, Williamson & Friedberg, which is now Williamson, Friedberg & Jones LLC. He was past president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and past president and director of the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation. He was past president and secretary of Schuylkill Economic Development Corp., past president of PADCO and served on the Penn State Advisory Board. He was also was a past chairman of Schuylkill County’s VISION. Jones also chaired several fundraising campaigns.

Theodore R. Dreisbach, executive director of Schuylkill Community Action, one of the people who gave a tribute to Jones, said he admired him.

“He was a wonderful man. A true leader and pillar in our community,” he said.

Richard “Dick” Fenstermacher said Jones was “an icon” in the community. He thanked him for all he has done.

Frank Zukas, president of SEDCO, said Joe helped provide leadership and was instrumental in several economic efforts in the county.

Former senior vice president of La-Z-Boy Inc. Mark S. Bacon Sr., the keynote speaker, a Pottsville native who has achieved great success in his career, said Jones was a “remarkable man,” even though he never met him.

Several attendees described him as a gentleman.

City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar described Jones that way as did Schuylkill County commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. Retired NATO Supreme Allied Commander Gen. George A. Joulwan said Jones did something about what he thought Schuylkill County needed to make it better.

“He was a proactive person,” Joulwan said, adding people who take action to accomplish something for the better are doing a service for the community.

Jerry Enders, chairman of the benefit committee and of the event, said Jones is “leaving a lasting legacy in Pottsville and all the community.”

Joseph H. “Jay” Jones Jr. talked about his father. He said the show of support everyone has shown is appreciated. He said how his parents loved him and his siblings very much.

“Dad was generous. He was generous with his faith. He was generous with his time. He was generous with his money. He was generous with his love,” he said.

The community has been very good to the Jones family. He believes his father would say that the people in the community helped in making the county a better place.

Former Mayor John D.W. Reiley presented an award to Jones. Jones was also presented with proclamations from both the state House and the Senate and the Schuylkill County commissioners for his contributions to the community.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Woman assaulted

in Orwigsburg

ORWIGSBURG — State police at Schuylkill Haven are looking for a Pottsville man they allege punched a woman in the nose on Sunday night in this borough.

Police said the man, whom they did not identify, hit the Orwigsburg woman at 9:40 p.m. at 406 W. Market St. They said the man got a gun, pointed it at the woman, whom they also did not identify, and pulled her by her hair into the bathroom.

The man then slapped the woman several times and walked away, while the woman ran out of the house to get help, according to police. When police arrived on the scene, the man fled.

Police then obtained a warrant for his arrest. He is believed to have a sawed-off shotgun, police said.

Tax-scam caller

sought by police

LYKENS — State police at Lykens are investigating an alleged tax scam and attempted theft.

Police said that at 3:13 p.m. Thursday, an unknown person called a man living on North Street, Lykens, and said he owed back taxes. The victim provided no information and hung up, police said.

Man not hurt after

crash avoiding deer

BARNESVILLE — A New Philadelphia man escaped injury when the 2003 Dodge Neon he was driving crashed about 5:25 a.m. Sunday on Brockton Mountain Road, just east of Front Road in Ryan Township.

State police at Frackville said Vaughn E. Smulligan, 22, was driving south when he swerved to miss a deer, lost control and went off the road and struck a tree head-on.

The vehicle was disabled and police said no charges against Smulligan will be filed as a result of the crash.

Police announce

DUI checkpoints

The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced that Sobriety Checkpoints and Roving DUI Patrols will be conducted now through Monday on routes 61,183, 901, 209, 1006, 309, 1008, 443, 895, 125, 25, 924 and 54.

Travelers are reminded to call 911 if they suspect a drunk driver or to call, toll-free, 888-UNDER21, to report underage drinking.

GILBERTON — While pregnant earlier this year, Vicki T. Brassington, 35, of Gilberton, was diagnosed with lung cancer.

In May, she learned it was at Stage 3; in August, she learned it was at Stage 4.

The situation forced her to deliver early on Sept. 1. Today, her baby, Brynlee Victoria, is healthy, but Vicki is fighting to save her own life.

“I’m overwhelmed. It sucks. But I’m doing what I have to do. I’m not going to give up,” Vicki said Monday.

She said she’s suffering from adenocarcinoma, a type of non-small cell lung cancer. It is the most common type of lung cancer found in non-smoking young women, according to the American Cancer Society. Vicki said she has never smoked.

“Lung cancer mainly occurs in older people. About two out of three people diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 or older. Less than 2 percent are younger than 45,” according to the ACS website. “As many as 20 percent of the people who die from lung cancer in the United States every year do not smoke or use any other form of tobacco. This translates to about 16,000 to 24,000 Americans every year.”

If it had its own category, lung cancer in non-smokers would rank among the top 10 fatal cancers in the nation. Possible causes are radon gas, secondhand smoke, exposure to carcinogens like asbestos and diesel exhaust, air pollution and gene mutations, according to the website.

“I think about that all the time,” Vicki said, but she has no idea what caused it.

“We see it as just a rare disease found in young women,” her husband, Barry W. Brassington Jr., said.

“It’s just one of those things,” Vicki said.

Born in Gilberton, Aug. 25, 1982, Vicki is a daughter of David and Theresa Kuropatsky, Frackville.

She graduated from Mahanoy Area in 2000. She went on to earn an associate degree as a paralegal at McCann School of Business & Technology, Mahanoy City, in 2002.

She worked as a paralegal for Krasno, Krasno & Onwudinjo, Pottsville, and Michael J. O’Connor & Associates, Frackville.

“I worked as a paralegal up until I had my triplets,” she said.

On Jan. 7, 2011, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, she gave birth to Abby, Jacob and Kylie.

The triplets were born premature.

“They were at 25 weeks when I went into labor,” she said.

On Jan. 14, 2011, Abby died at Lehigh Valley as the result of numerous complications.

In September 2016, Vicki was a teacher’s assistant at Mahanoy Area elementary, and in late 2016, she felt ill and had a nagging cough.

In February 2017, she learned she was pregnant.

In April, she was hospitalized for three days at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest for what was diagnosed as pneumonia. When discharged, she was encouraged to follow up with Dr. Sean Devine, a pulmonologist in Danville affiliated with Geisinger.

“I followed up with him in the beginning of May and he did some basic tests. Then he suggested a biopsy,” she said.

On May 22, Vicki had a biopsy of her right lung.

“The preliminary results showed nothing, no type of cancer. But when he called us back for the final results, he said that they had found tumors and they were cancerous. There’s one large one and several smaller ones in my right lung,” she said.

She got the news on May 24.

“I was shocked. They had told us that Monday from the preliminary results they didn’t think it was cancer. And being 35 and never smoking a day in my life, I never expected them to tell me that,” she said. “When they looked back on my X-rays, they found I had lung cancer since 2015. It had been diagnosed as pneumonia.”

Vicki decided to leave her job at Mahanoy Area: “The day I found out I had the cancer, I stopped working.”

On June 24, she had her first chemotherapy treatment in Danville and three weeks later, a second.

“The only treatment that was safe for me while I was pregnant was the chemo I did over the summer,” Vicki said.

She’s still suffering the side effects of chemotherapy.

“I did get the nausea. And my hair is still actually coming out,” she said.

In August, she found out it was Stage 4 cancer and in both lungs.

“We had gone on vacation in the beginning of August and when we came back, they did another scan to see if it was working. They did a CAT scan and an MRI. That’s when they found out the treatment wasn’t working. That’s when they found the cancer spread to the other lung,” she said.

She wondered if her unborn daughter would survive a premature birth.

“When I learned that the cancer had spread, we had to meet with the doctors and discuss what to do next. It wasn’t beneficial for me to wait any longer to have her, for me or for the baby,” she said.

While pregnant, Vicki said she wasn’t able to try new treatment.

“Our goal was to get to 30 weeks because we believed that would give her a better outcome,” she said.

They did.

“As soon as we found out that I was Stage 4, and that it had spread, I had the steroid shots two weeks ahead of time to help her out and then we delivered her at 30 weeks,” Vicki said.

When she was born at 12:09 p.m. Sept. 1, Brynlee weighed 3 pounds, 1 ounce.

“She was born 10 weeks early,” Vicki said.

Vicki and Barry traveled to Danville to visit Brynlee on Sunday, their first wedding anniversary,

“Today, she’s 3 pounds, 7 ounces. And she’s doing really well. She took a bottle today for the first time,” Vicki said Sunday.

She isn’t sure when Brynlee would be coming home.

“It’s going to be definitely another couple of weeks. Right now, she needs to learn to maintain her own temperature. She’s just starting to be able to do that. She still has a feeding tube in her nose. So it’s still going to take a little bit for her to learn how to eat. We’re hoping she’ll be home before the end of October,” Vicki said.

On Monday, Vicki said she was feeling “good.” But she coughed now and again while telling her story.

Since chemotherapy didn’t work, Dr. Julie Woods of Danville, also affiliated with Geisinger, decided to give her an immuno-oncology treatment called Opdivo.

“They’re trying immunotherapy,” she said.

That’s using the immune system to treat cancer.

Her first Opdivo treatment at Geisinger was Sept. 14. Today, she will travel to Geisinger for her second.

“It’s every two weeks. They want to do two more treatments, then another scan to see if it’s helping,” she said.

The tumors cannot be removed. The goal is to shrink them, she said.

She said these days she feels “more tired.”

“Other than that, the immunotherapy is so far so good. I haven’t had any side effects from that,” she said.

Vicki uses an Albuterol inhaler to help her breathe. If her treatments fail, Vicki said she might find herself at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia.

“The doctor said I could possibly try chemo again. Or, in the meantime, if there is a clinical trial that comes up that I would be eligible for, I can go to Fox Chase and try one of those,” she said.

She fears she won’t have long to live.

“They told us a year with treatment, less if it don’t work. I take it one day at a time. I just think about my husband, Jacob, Kylie and Brynlee. And I put this on the back burner for now until we see if this medicine works,” she said.

A Benefit Raffle for Vicki Brassington will be Oct. 24 at West End Fire & Rescue Company, Mahanoy City. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10.

“There are 71 prizes on this ticket. And all prizes were donated,” Barry’s aunt, Lucy Petritsch, Morea, said.

People can learn more by calling Petritsch at 570-778-9967.

Meanwhile, donations for Vicki are being collected at the Gilberton Borough Office at 2710 Main St., Mahanoy Plane, according to Mayor Mary Lou Hannon.

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

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County is set to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal funding to expand its drug treatment court.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., announced Wednesday that he helped secure $400,000 for the county to hire additional personnel to assist with the county court created earlier this year for defendants trying to overcome substance abuse. The county will receive a total of $400,000 over the course of three years.

Casey submitted a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in March in support of the county’s application for funding through the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program. The grant carries a 20 percent local match from the county.

“Our towns, neighborhoods and counties need more assistance in fighting the heroin epidemic plaguing our commonwealth, and I was able to see that firsthand in my visit to Schuylkill County earlier this year,” Casey said in an email statement Wednesday. “Although this will not be a quick fix, my hope is that this $400,000 in federal funding will ease some of the large burden this county is strapped with and create jobs to assist more people in finding the help they so desperately need.”

Schuylkill County launched its 14-week treatment program for nonviolent defendants in January. It consists of five phases with treatment sessions, random drug testing and meetings with a case manager. As a participant progresses through each phase, there are fewer required meetings and court appearances as he or she finds and maintains employment. Phases can be extended by the court to address violations or as a sanction.

In order to graduate from the program, a participant must have full-time employment and stable housing; be up to date on costs, fines and restitution; write a reflective essay and specific plans for continuing sobriety and recovery; and not have any pending charges or new legal matters.

The grant will allow for four new positions in the departments associated with the drug court to dedicate their time specifically to the program.

“We are basically at capacity right now and it is very labor intensive for these offices — the district attorney’s office and adult probation in particular — because a lot of man power is required for intensive supervision,” Judge James P. Goodman, who oversees the court every Thursday, said. “They perform their jobs in addition to their other duties, so this grant will allow for additional personnel to meet the additional workload with the drug court.”

There are about 35 defendants enrolled in the program with a few currently as far along as phase three, Goodman said.

“Obviously there are some people who have had setbacks, but I think it has been very effective and people are doing really well,” Goodman said. “The purpose of the program is to make these people productive members of the community. Part of the program helps them get jobs and four or five of them already have jobs and started to turn their life around.”

The county’s match is about $44,000 annually for three years. Commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said the county budget has already accounted for the local match, which will come from the general fund.

“With the success that we are seeing with this program and the need to move forward in a positive direction, we felt it was important the county played a part in this as well,” Halcovage said.

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

ORWIGSBURG — A borough man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Monday on charges he indecently assaulted an 11-year-old girl at his residence over the course of six months.

Michael A. Reed, 49, of 11 Straub Ave., is charged with indecent assault, corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children. Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over all charges for court after Reed waived his right to the hearing.

Orwigsburg police alleged that between Oct. 1, 2016, and March 31, Reed had sexual contact with the girl on several occasions. Police said he touched the girl inappropriately on each occasion.

The victim said she was afraid to tell her mother what had occurred because Reed would hurt the woman, according to police.

Reed is free on $15,000 percentage bail pending further court proceedings.

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

Minersville

The Minersville Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial contributions: For Allen “Hopper” Paul from the Morten family, Robert, Kathleen and Karen Paul, Jim and Joe O’Brien, Jenn, Cali and Colt Laudeman, Michael and Susan Pozza, Dianne Devers, Diane Houser, Colleen and Joseph Slovick, Kim and Landis Brown, Antoinette and Emily Purcell, Jane Pritz, Lorraine Sinko Enders, Gloria and John Capik, Lorraine and Dave Quintinsky, Sally and Jill Brensinger, Carolyn Carita, Susan Paul and Betty Morgans, Becky S. Kim, Peter Albert, Ellen Valent, David Sorokach, Al and Gerry Vessotski, the Hematology Nurses and Sickle Cell Social Workers of CHOP, Linda Schwarz, Mary Giblin, Ellie Furlan and Susan McCandless; for Edwin Wanniski from Ray and Karen Stabinski; for Daniel Thomas from Cathy and Kate Zimmerman and Kenny Singley; for Mike Hashin from Cathy and Kate Zimmerman and Kenny Singley; for Betty Ginther from Barb and Al Munster; for Aldona Butler from Joe and Nancy Butensky, Jean and Bill Angelo; for Lillian Sanza from Krista and Mark Serrian, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Pizzico, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ciotti, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Pizzico, Nettie Ryan and family, Mary Ann Romansky, Mary Ellen Reedy, Cheryl and Ken Koscil, Tony and Janet Gillmore, Barbara Vicic, Yoey and Johnny Demcher, Jason, Jill and Hazel Schneck, Ron and Ann Weachock and family, Bill, Lisa, Logan and Jordyn Derbes, Jeremy, Brenda, Gehrig and Shea Hossler, Connie Brophy and family, Fred and Chrissy Graeff and family, Thomas Horan Sr., John and Martha Horan, Sherri and Mark Hammer, Rosalie and Jack Karmazin, Kelly and Emily Conroy, Cecelia Belas, Ann Marie and Ed Zavatsky and family, Mandy and Ed Sincavage, Nancy Zavatsky and family, Rose Pace, Amy and Ed Purcell, Bernie and Michelle Lescavage, Lucille Vitale, Bob and Celie Belas, and Irvin and Patricia Kamp.

Lansford

The Panther Valley Public Library, 117 E. Bertsch St., is holding a preschool reading program for children ages 3-5 from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday. No sign-up is necessary.

Orwigsburg

Holy Family Adult Day Care is continuing to accept applications for the day care program, which is located along Route 443 at the former St. Francis Orphanage building. The program is licensed by the state Department of Aging and provides social and activity programs, therapeutic care and support services, according to a Holy Family release. Other benefits include daytime support for caregivers, meeting the special needs of adults with Alzheimer’s disease or stroke who need supervision but not 24-hour care, assistance with medication and personal care. It provides breakfast and cooked lunch with a snack in the afternoon. Anyone 60 or older and who meets program requirements is eligible. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information or to schedule a visit, call 570-366-2924.

Orwigsburg

The Gentle Yoga Program/LVHN Schuylkill will sponsor a spaghetti dinner beginning at noon Oct. 21 at Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson, 1123 Brick Hill Road. The cost is $8 for adults, $5 for children and free for youngsters under 3. The all-you-can-eat meal includes spaghetti, salad, roll and beverage, sponsored by Ladies of Harley and Schaeffer’s. For more information, call 570-366-0143.

Pottsville

First Baptist Church, 701 Mahantongo St., will have a free movie night beginning at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 6. The event will include a free movie and snacks. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent. For more information, call 570-581-3084.

Pottsville

The concert series at Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 S. Second St., will continue at 4 p.m. Nov. 19 with an organ concert by F. Allen Artz III. Freewill offerings will be accepted. The church is accessible to the handicapped and a reception will follow the concert during which people will have the opportunity to meet the artist. For more information, call 570-449-7553.

Tamaqua

A rummage sale is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 17 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 18 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pine and Mauch Chunk streets. Organizers are accepting unused items suitable for resale. However, no computers, encyclopedias or TVs will be accepted. For more information, email lheigele@gmail.com or call 570-640-5261.

POTTSVILLE — A McAdoo man will not have to spend more time behind bars after admitted Wednesday to a Schuylkill County judge that he threw sulfuric acid at his girlfriend in August 2016 in Kline Township, an incident that led to the discovery of an alleged methamphetamine laboratory.

Gerald R. Fisher Jr., 49, pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering another person, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and criminal mischief.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin accepted the plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced Fisher to time served to 12 months in prison and granted him immediate parole. Dolbin also ordered Fisher to pay costs and $100 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Fisher said little during Wednesday’s hearing except that he understood the conditions and terms of his plea and that he was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.

Kline Township police charged Fisher with throwing sulfuric acid on Lorraine Searfoss while they were arguing on Aug. 15, 2016, at 17 Snyder Ave. Searfoss, 49, of McAdoo, suffered injuries to her left arm, right shin and back, and had to be taken to the hospital for examination, police said.

Police said that while they were investigating the incident, they found items in and around the house that also could be found in meth labs.

A state police Clandestine Lab Response Team and the county Drug Task Force traveled to the scene and assisted in the investigation of the alleged meth lab.

Fisher and Searfoss each face charges of operating a methamphetamine lab, conspiracy, possession of red phosphorous with intent to manufacture a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with that investigation. Charges against each in that investigation are pending in the county court; the next time their cases could go to trial is during the October criminal court term, which runs Oct. 23-31 and Nov. 1-3.

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

The Future Farmers of America on Monday released results of the FFA Skillathon held at the Gratz Fair on Friday.

More than 150 students from Schuylkill, Dauphin and Northumberland counties participated, which is the most to date, according to Gretchen Dingman, Tri-Valley FFA adviser and agriculture teacher.

FFA members were tested on several skills, including judging market steer and hogs and identifying breeds, anatomy, meat cuts, feed and equipment.

The top 10 finishers in Schuylkill County, from first to tenth place, are Hunter Dietrich, Olivia Laudenslager, Jeni Fey, Brooke Kaczmarczyk, Savana Wolfe, Alicen Wolfe, Collin Harner, Karlee Klinger, John Mease and Kolt Schaffer.

The top 10 finishers in Dauphin County are Laura Henry, Sam Jury, Bailey Maurer, Ryan McGuire, Alaina Campbell, Ryan Strohecker, Rachel Reeder, Katelyn Henry, Jennie Solt and Gabby Knight.

Dingman said students do not receive a scholarship for placing in the top 10, however, they can use the skillathon scores as a “resume builder.”

Joining Dingman were agriculture educators Sarah Gaffney from Pine Grove Area and Mark Dietrich from Upper Dauphin Area, who brought students from their districts to compete.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — Cody S. Glosek is headed to prison, and more than a decade of registration under Megan’s Law, after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him Tuesday for sex crimes he committed against a teenage girl.

Glosek, 21, of Pitman, must serve six to 23 months in prison for his crimes, President Judge William E. Baldwin ruled.

Glosek also must pay costs, have no contact with his victim and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities under the terms of Baldwin’s sentence. Prosecutors and the defendant had worked out the sentence as part of the plea agreement.

Baldwin made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. Oct. 14.

“Make sure you report on time,” the judge told Glosek.

“I will,” Glosek answered.

Baldwin also decided, in accordance with the recommendation of the state Sexual Offenders Assessment Board, that Glosek is not a sexually violent predator, but that, due to the nature of his crimes, he is a Tier 1 sexual offender under state law. As a result, Baldwin ruled he is subject to Megan’s Law registration requirements for 15 years after he leaves prison.

On June 21, Glosek pleaded guilty to statutory sexual assault and corruption of minors, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of indecent assault.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had charged Glosek with sexually assaulting the girl on Jan. 1, 2016, in Eldred Township.

The Megan’s Law sanctions to which Glosek will be subject require him to provide his name, address, employment, any schools he might attend, registration of any vehicles he owns and other information to the Pennsylvania State Police. Any violation of the sanctions would be an additional crime and subject Glosek to further prosecution.

Megan’s Law was enacted in Pennsylvania, numerous other states and at the federal level after the July 29, 1994, murder of Megan Nicole Kanka, 7, in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. Jesse Timmendequas, Kanka’s killer, was a neighbor and twice-convicted sex offender; his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment after New Jersey enacted legislation to abolish the death penalty in that state.

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

POTTSVILLE — Apparently a Star Wars fan, Tamara L. Eiler tried to get a Halloween costume in October 2016 by stealing it from a thrift shop, police said, and wound up with a criminal record because of it.

Eiler, 36, of Pottsville, pleaded no contest Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court to retail theft.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin accepted the plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, placed Eiler on probation for six months. He also sentenced her to pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $19.99 restitution.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Eiler with stealing $57.87 worth of miscellaneous items on Oct. 27, 2016, from the Goodwill Store & Donation Center in the Cressona Mall in North Manheim Township.

The items Eiler tried to take from the store, according to police, included a costume of the Chewbacca character from the Star Wars movies, along with a costume of a prisoner. Other items she took included a silver bra, black knit hat, black knit gloves, an orange Halloween hat and two picture frames, police said.

Eiler said little during Wednesday’s hearing except that she understood the terms and consequences of her plea and was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.

By pleading no contest instead of guilty, Eiler did not admit that she committed the crime, but offered no defense to the charge, acknowledged that prosecutors had enough evidence to prove her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and agreed to be sentenced as if she had pleaded or been found guilty.

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

Defendant: Tamara L. Eiler

Age: 36

Residence: Pottsville

Plea: No contest to retail theft

Sentence: Six months probation

Police arrest man

for trespassing

POTTSVILLE — A man was jailed after Pottsville police were called about 6:40 p.m. Sept. 20 for a report of trespassing at 219 N. Centre St., Apt. 1C.

At the scene, police said, officers spoke to the building manager who informed them that there were people inside the residence who were trespassing.

While inside this residence, police said, officers located Pedro La San Cabrera Jr., 30, whose last known address was Pottsville, who had locked himself inside a coat closet. Cabrera told officers that he was hiding because he was aware he was trespassing.

Police said that Cabrera was searched and found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia used for smoking methamphetamine.

As a result of the incident, Patrolman Bryce Lewis charged Cabrera with defiant trespass and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cabrera was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $10,000 bail.

Teens face charges

for alleged burglary

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police investigated a burglary in progress that was reported about 9 p.m. Saturday at Studio 16 Salon, 1612 Mount Hope Ave.

Police said their investigation determined that two male juveniles, both 16-years-old from Pottsville, conspired to force entry into the business and steal money from inside to purchase marijuana, food and drinks.

The juveniles were taken into custody on scene and stolen currency from the business as well as drug paraphernalia was recovered, police said.

The two were then taken back to City Hall and interviewed in the presence of their parents before custody was transferred to officers from the Schuylkill County Juvenile Probation office.

Police said Patrolman Joseph Krammes charged both as juveniles. One with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, possessing instruments of crime, theft, receiving stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia. The second juvenile was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary.

Coaldale man hurt

in 2-vehicle crash

TUSCARORA — State police at Frackville investigated a two-vehicle crash that occurred about 5 p.m. Sunday at Route 209 and Tuscarora Mountain Road in Schuylkill Township.

Police said a 26-year-old Mahanoy City girl was driving a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse east on Tuscarora Mountain Road, also called Catawissa Road, when she failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection with Route 209 and struck a 1999 Chevrolet Lumina that was being driven north on Route 209 by William W. McNavage, 60, of Coaldale.

McNavage suffered minor injuries while the teen and her three passengers — a 15-year-old Barnesville girl and a 16-year-old and 17-year-old boy, both from Mahanoy City — escaped injury.

Police said that as a result of the crash the teenage driver will be cited for stop and yield sign violations.

Police investigate

disturbance, threats

ASHLAND — Ashland police filed charges against a borough man after an incident about 5:25 p.m. Monday in the 1000 block of West Centre Street.

Police said Michael A. Farver, 29, of 1001 W. Centre St., was charged with one count each of terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness and will now have to answer to those charges before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville.

Police said officers were called by Schuylkill County Sheriff Joseph Groody who reported a disturbance. At the scene, officers spoke to a man who said he was walking in the area when Farver began to yell at him from across the street.

The victim reported Farver threatened him, cursed him and threatened to shoot him, police said.

While officers were talking to the victim, Farver continued to yell and cause a scene and refused to go into his house after being told to do so.

Farver was then taken into custody on both the Ashland charges and outstanding warrants from Columbia County.

POTTSVILLE — A domestic dispute that led to a standoff between Pottsville police and a city man Wednesday night ended peacefully hours later.

Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said officers were called about 8:30 p.m. to 1215 Spring Garden St. for a report of a domestic dispute that led a woman to believe her husband, Darrell Lee Ward, would hurt himself and other people.

Officers were told that Ward had firearms in the house and, upon reaching the scene, were unable to make contact with the man.

Wojciechowsky said a perimeter was established around the home while many unsuccessful attempts were made to contact Ward.

Wojciechowsky said that about 10:45 p.m., officers searched the residence and discovered Ward barricaded himself in the attic and indicated he was armed and would shoot police.

The chief said officers held tactical positions to contain the man and attempted to establish a direct line of contact with him.

Wojciechowsky said officers were eventually able to speak with Ward using a relative’s cellphone and convinced him to surrender himself and end the situation peacefully.

About 12:45 a.m. Thursday, Ward was taken into custody inside the home and, during the execution of a search warrant, officers found two weapons — an assault rifle with ammunition and a 9mm handgun with ammunition — in the attic where the man was barricaded, Wojciechowsky said.

Ward was taken to a local medical facility for evaluation and treatment. He will be charged with terroristic threats and persistent disorderly conduct, the chief said, added that weapons charges against Ward may be filed if warranted.

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

POTTSVILLE — A Shenandoah man could spend more time behind bars after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him Sept. 20 for resisting arrest during an incident in June 2016 in his hometown.

Bryce Beaver, 42, must serve 34 days to 18 months in prison, plus an additional six months on probation, under the terms of Judge Jacqueline L. Russell’s sentence. She also ordered the defendant to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and undergo anger management, drug and alcohol, and mental health evaluations.

After a one-day trial, a jury on Aug. 21 found Beaver guilty of resisting arrest and not guilty of disorderly conduct. Russell, who presided over the trial, found Beaver guilty of a second count of disorderly conduct and not guilty of public drunkenness.

Shenandoah police alleged Beaver resisted arrest and was disorderly on June 29, 2016, in the borough.

Also in the county court, two men admitted they violated protection from abuse orders.

Jeffrey S. Seveland, 44, of Lebanon, pleaded guilty to indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom. Russell sentenced Seveland to spend six months on probation, pay costs and a $300 fine, and extended the order for another 12 months.

Schuylkill Haven borough police charged Seveland with violating the order on July 9 in the borough.

Keith E. Wykle Jr., 29, of Pottsville, also pleaded guilty to indirect criminal contempt. Russell sentenced him to time served to six months in prison and to pay costs and a $300 fine.

Pottsville police charged Wykle with violating the order against him on Aug. 19 in the city.

In another case, Russell found Christian D. Good Jr., 28, of Oneida, not guilty of indirect criminal contempt when prosecutors could not produce any evidence, even though Good also did not appear in court.

East Union Township police had charged Good with violating the order against him on Sept. 5.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin found Jared A. Raczka, 25, of Pottsville, guilty of disorderly conduct, and sentenced him to pay costs and a $100 fine.

Minersville police had charged Raczka with being disorderly on Oct. 23, 2016, in the borough. Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, had found Raczka guilty on June 7, but the defendant appealed that decision on July 7.

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