POTTSVILLE — Joseph M. Beneshunas must remain in prison for the rest of his life for killing his girlfriend in May 1995 in Shenandoah, a three-judge state Superior Court panel has ruled.

In a seven-page opinion filed Monday in Pottsville, the panel ruled Beneshunas, 52, of Shenandoah, waited too long to file his petition seeking to be resentenced for the murder of Vanessa M. Stasulli Bogo.

“(Beneshunas’) petition is facially untimely,” Judge Alice Beck Dubow wrote.

As a result, Beneshunas will remain in State Correctional Institution/Dallas in Luzerne County, where he is serving his life sentence.

At the end of a seven-day trial, a jury of seven men and five women convicted Beneshunas on Jan. 21, 1997, of first-degree murder, recklessly endangering another person and three counts of aggravated assault. Judge, now Senior Judge, D. Michael Stine, who presided over the trial, sentenced Beneshunas on Feb. 14, 1997.

Shenandoah police charged Beneshunas with shooting Bogo, 24, of Shenandoah, in the back of the head and in the right shoulder about 1:15 a.m. May 29, 1995, in the 300 block of West Columbus Street.

In her opinion, Dubow wrote that Beneshunas waited more than 16 years after his conviction became final to file his latest petition under the state Post Conviction Relief Act. Thus, the court must dismiss the petition unless he can prove one of the exceptions to the act’s requirement that such petitions be filed within one year after the conviction becoming final, she wrote.

“Timeliness requirements are jurisdictional in nature, and a court may not address the merits of the issues raised if the ... petition was not timely filed,” Dubow wrote.

Beneshunas alleged he was subjected to an illegal sentence under a new U.S. Supreme Court rule, which would constitute an exception to the act. However, Dubow wrote that the state Supreme Court has rejected the claim, a decision that is binding on the panel.

“The Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently concluded that the constitutional rule ... is procedural, not substantive,” Dubow wrote. Furthermore, the law required a life sentence to be imposed and does not allow for a lesser prison term at all, she wrote.

Judge Mary Jane Bowes and Senior Judge James J. Fitzgerald III, the other panel members, joined in Dubow’s opinion.

The Superior Court had rejected Beneshunas’ previous appeals in 1999 and 2013.

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-366-9240

James K. Reiley

A Pottsville man charged by city police with having child pornography waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

William Kline, 36, of 320 W. Market St., Apt. 2, was arrested by Pottsville police Detective Joseph Welsh and charged with one felony count of sexual abuse of children-possession of child pornography. By waiving his right to a hearing, Kline will now have to answer to the charge in Schuylkill County Court.

Welsh said that on Nov. 7, 2016, a report was received about Kline having three cellphones that may contain inappropriate images. The phones were voluntarily handed to police, and Kline admitted they were his as well as “looking up images” that made him feel funny.

The phones were sent to a state police lab for investigation, and in April a report was received from the lab saying that on two of the phones Kline possessed numerous images of what appeared to be children in various stages of undress, Welsh said.

Analysis by Dr. Leslie Frazier, a professor of pediatrics at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, determined the images were of “prepubertal children,” the detective said.

Other court cases included:

Jerry L. Skeete Jr., 35, of 309 Cherry St., Saint Clair —held for court: false reports.

Brittany Bainbridge, 25, of 143 S. Balliet St., Frackville — held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

James A. Nelson, 34, of 713 Harrison St., Pottsville — held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gerald Lawell III, 33, of 612 N. Second St., Minersville — held for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robert L. Rhoades-Highsmith, 25, of 573 Peacock St., Pottsville — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia and driving a vehicle without a valid inspection.

Raven L. Negron, 27, of 521 W. Washington St., Frackville — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia and making repairs to or selling offensive weapons.

Angel M. Hahn, 22, of 309 W. Norwegian St., Apt. 3, Pottsville — waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana, driving without insurance, driving without a license, driving an unregistered vehicle, assault by prisoner, criminal mischief, harassment, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mario A. Luna, 34, of 243 Union St., Pottsville — held for court: DUI, DUI-high rate and driving without a license.

Ruben R. Vargas, 24, of 421 Harrison St., Pottsville — waived for court: DUI, DUI-high rate, driving without a license and careless driving.

Bryan R. Reber, 34, of 73 Schuylkill St., Cressona — waived for court: DUI, DUI-high rate, DUI-controlled substance, careless driving, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mary Smith, 35, of 219 N. Centre St., Apt. 3A, Pottsville — held for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Ryan C. Reyes, 18, of 204 1/2 Schuylkill Ave., Pottsville — waived for court: resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Devin M. Holmes, 18, of 634 John O’Hara St., Pottsville — waived for court: theft and receiving stolen property.

Raymond A. Hoppes III, 28, of 23A Spencer St., Minersville — held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Glenn R. Bowman, 54, of 714 Mahantongo St., Apt. 5, Pottsville — waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Pedro Lasanta Cabrera, 30, of 219 N. Centre St., Apt. 3A, Pottsville — held for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Heather Overdier, 40, of 399 Rock Road, Pine Grove — waived for court: furnishing drug-free urine.

Timothy M. Ebert, 23, of 309 W. Norwegian St., Apt. 2, Pottsville — waived for court: risking a catastrophe, recklessly endangering another person, possessing instruments of crime, fleeing or attempting to elude police, DUI, reckless driving, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving the wrong way and operation on streets and highways. Dismissed after the victim withdrew the charges: simple assault.

Daniel K. Landon, 41, of 1758 W. Market St., Pottsville — withdrawn: simple assault. Waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.

Jamie L. Napolitano, 35, of 238 N. Lehigh St., Tamaqua — dismissed: fraudulently obtaining food stamps or assistance.

Renee M. Austerberry, 31, of 15 W. Franklin St., Saint Clair — waived or court: retail theft, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joseph W. Kane, 45, of State Correctional Institution/Frackville, Frackville — waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate, driving with an alcohol level of 0.02-percent or higher with a suspended license and restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Raymond J. Wayne, 41, of 2 W. Main St., Girardville — withdrawn: careless driving. Waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate and failure to stop at a red signal.

Jaxson R.C. Detweiler, 24, 9 Stanton St., Schuylkill Haven — held for court: possession of a controlled substance.

Geisinger Medical Center, Danville

To Shaniya Walker, Pottsville, a daughter, Sept. 24.

To Andrea Symons and William Conniff, Ashland, a son, Sept. 21.

The public is invited to attend a Schuylkill County Zoning Hearing Board meeting Thursday about the effort to turn a vacant warehouse in Minersville into elderly apartments.

The meeting, slated for 7 p.m., is at the Schuylkill County Courthouse. QSP Development, a limited liability company whose partners are Craig Shields and Noble C. “Bud” Quandel, is applying for a special exception for the property located at 2 Lewis St.

Noble Equities LLC purchased the building Aug. 5, 2016, for $115,000 from Leon Reager Enterprises. Noble Quandel bought the building, Shields said. The building was previously home to a garment factory and later used as storage before being purchased.

The application for a hearing before the zoning hearing board, signed by Shields, says the building is for elderly housing for those age 62 and older. It will consist of 30 units. The apartment units will be on the third, fourth and fifth floor.

The first floor will be parking for 19 vehicles. Regulations state there needs to be 12 parking spaces for vehicles, Shields said. When asked how much the units could rent for, Shields said that is determined by the PHFA.

“There is going to be a space on the second floor for a future tenant,” Shields said.

Shields said QSP will apply for tax credits from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency for the project. They want to apply for $10 million in tax credits for the work.

The agency’s goal is to provide affordable housing for low-income families. Credits are sold to owners of housing developments to reduce tax liability. Cash is then given to the company that had credits for the project and the credit can be taken for a 10-year period as long as the development adheres to applicable rules.

“We’re pretty confident we’ve got a strong application,” Shields said.

A consultant in Harrisburg wrote the application. Applicants will know in spring 2018 if they were awarded the funds they applied for. If not approved, Shields said they will apply for funds in the next round, which will push the project back a year. An initial application was submitted in July.

If awarded funding, the project could start next year and be finished in 2019. Applications could be accepted once funding is approved.

Borough Manager Robert Mahalchick said there is a possibility that the borough could relocate its borough office and council chambers to the building. However, no decisions have been made.

The name chosen is Miners Lofts. The plan now is for 30 apartments — eight on the third floor, 10 on the fourth floor and 12 on the fifth.

There would be storage room for tenants, an activity lounge, community room and other amenities. The apartment residents would have a separate entrance and elevator, Shields said.

“There’s roughly 13,000 square feet per floor,” he said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

ORWIGSBURG — A Schuylkill Haven motorcyclist died Monday in a crash with a pickup truck at Route 61 and Cinema Boulevard in West Brunswick Township, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.

Another motorcycle driver traveling with the deceased man and the pickup driver were also injured, according to police.

Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Albert Barnes identified the deceased as Neiko Lee Zalonka, 25, and pronounced him dead at the scene at 3:54 p.m.

Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III said a virtual autopsy will be conducted on Zalonka today at Simon Kramer Institute, New Philadelphia.

Zalonka and Stephen Timothy Yourl, 30, of Auburn, were driving their motorcycles northbound on Route 61 at a high rate of speed at 3:11 p.m., police said. Several witnesses confirmed that the two were driving at a reckless speed, according to police. Both riders were wearing helmets.

Derek Reber, 19, of Cressona, was traveling northbound on Route 61 in a Dodge Ram 2500 and was making a legal left turn onto Cinema Boulevard with adequate clearance. Zalonka and Yourl were traveling at such a high rate that, due to the contour of the road, Reber was unable to see the motorcyclists, police said.

While making the left turn, Zalonka’s motorcycle struck the right passenger side of Reber’s truck, coming to final rest near the intersection of Route 61 northbound and Cinema Boulevard.

Yourl’s motorcycle struck the front of Reber’s truck and continued off the east side of the roadway of Route 61, coming to final rest approximately 472 feet from the point of impact.

Yourl was severely injured and was flown from the scene to a hospital. He is listed in critical but stable condition, police said. Reber suffered minor injuries and was transported to a hospital.

State police are continuing their investigation.

Emergency responders included Orwigsburg Fire Department 56, Deer Lake West Brunswick Fire Department and Schuylkill EMS.

Northbound traffic on Route 61 was detoured onto Brick Hill Road and into Orwigsburg. Southbound lanes of travel remained opened.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

ORWIGSBURG — A bomb threat forced the evacuation of the Blue Mountain High School on Monday morning.

Dr. David H. Helsel, superintendent of the Blue Mountain School District, said that sometime mid-morning a note was found in a girls’ bathroom indicating that a bomb was set to “go off” during the fifth period.

“We immediately contacted the authorities and developed a plan to address the situation,” he said.

With fifth period beginning about 11 a.m. and continuing through about 11:50 a.m., the decision was made to quickly evacuate the school as a precaution and move the entire student body to the nearby football stadium.

In addition to the evacuation, Helsel said parents were kept informed via both email and text messaging.

Working with the state police, Helsel said all school staff was mobilized to sweep the building resulting in nothing being found.

After the school was searched, the superintendent said state police were consulted and the decision made to allow students back into the building.

“Everything went smooth,” he said. “There were no incidents.”

Helsel said the investigation into determining who left the note is ongoing by district officials and state police troopers from the Schuylkill Haven station.

Since the school is equipped with cameras outside of the boys’ and girls’ bathrooms, officials hope to quickly identify the person responsible.

“We will be able to know who was in and out of there at that time,” Helsel said.

He called Monday’s incident “disappointing” coming less than a month from another bomb scare at the same building.

That threat came on Saturday, Sept. 16, when school was not in session. It resulted in no injuries and no explosive devices found.

In that case, Helsel said one person was identified and will be facing criminal charges by the state police and also disciplinary action by the district.

Monday’s threat was written on a note in a girls’ bathroom while the September threat was written on a wall in a boys’ bathroom, the superintendent said.

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

Ashland

The Ashland Area Rotary Club will hold its annual Halloween parade for Ashland area children at 3 p.m. Oct. 29. The parade will begin at 19th and Centre streets, with costumed children, accompanied by their parents or guardians, marching down Centre Street to the post office at North Ninth Street, where treats will be distributed by the Rotarians.

Branchdale

Citizens Fire Company, 120 N. State Road, will have a penny auction from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 15. Refreshments will be on sale and the event will include more than 300 prizes. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-862-2157.

Minersville

Mountaineer Hose Company, Third and South streets, will host a breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to noon Sunday at the firehouse, featuring an open menu. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-544-9622.

Nuremberg

The Nuremberg-Weston Volunteer Fire Company will hold its semi-annual comedy night Oct. 21 at the firehall. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m. The cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the door and includes the show (three comedians), food and beverages. For tickets or more information, call Dave at 570-384-5487, Deb at 570-384-3592 or Tom at 570-384-4362.

Nuremberg

The Nuremberg branch of the Hazleton Area Public Library will be closed Friday through Oct. 10.

Orwigsburg

A free meet-and-greet with author Heather Paterno and illustrator Maria E. Gronlund of the book “PJ Bird” is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library, 214 E. Independence St. People will have the opportunity to buy the book for $12. For more information, call 570-366-1638.

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah branch of M&T Bank, Main and Centre streets, is sponsoring its 20th annual winter coat drive. Mark Bernardyn, vice president and senior office manager, said new and fairly new coats are being accepted during October. Coats can be delivered to the Shenandoah M&T office. For more information, call the office at 570-462-2734.

Tamaqua

A blessing of animals is set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church, Greenwood and Mauch Chunk streets. Pet owners must ensure their animals are under control. For more information, call 570-668-2180 or go online to www.zionlutherantamaqua.com.

Tamaqua

Zions Church, 489 Valley Road near Heisler’s Dairy Bar, will have a turkey-and-waffle dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday in the church social hall. There will also be apple tarts with ice cream. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-366-0436.

Tamaqua

Working with the Tamaqua Area School District, Health Hero PA has launched its 2017 school-located influenza vaccination clinics. It is at-school voluntary vaccination program aimed at preventing the disease and reducing student absenteeism, according to a district press release. Health Hero will provide injectable flu vaccinations on Nov. 13 at Tamaqua Area. More information is available online at www.HealthHeroUSA.com and via email at PA@HealthHeroUSA.com. Cathy Miorelli, secondary school nurse, can be reached at 570-668-1901, Ext. 2060.

Weston

The Weston Athletic Association’s Spooktacular will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Weston Athletic Association Community Park. The rain date is Sunday. There will be a costume party from 3 to 5 p.m. for children 12 and younger. After dusk, the Weston Trail of Terror haunted hay ride will be held. There will be a bake sale and tricky tray basket sale during the event. The group is in need of donations of baked goods and items for the tricky trays.

Deeds

Schuylkill Haven — Carrington Mortgage Services LLC to Eric A. Wingard and Lisa Elliott; 14 Parkway; $15,000.

Shenandoah — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Real Estate MV LLC; 228 W. Coal St.; $1,301.20.

Tamaqua — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Real Estate MV LLC; 126 Clay St.; $1,286.49.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Anthony Waller; 218 Penn St.; $1,321.57.

Brian and Jill Cipko to Stanley Mellor; 175 Penn St.; $5,000.

Clarence H. Opolsky IV, administrator of the Estate of Clarence H. Opolsky III, to Ronald Gledhill; 257 Lafayette St.; $7,600.

Aimee S. Dotson to George T. Geissinger; property on Orwigsburg Street; $2,500.

Tower City — Sharon L. Nunemacher, administratrix of the Estate of Lee A. Nunemacher, to Sharon L. Nunemacher; 300 E. Wiconisco Ave.; $1.

Wells Fargo Bank NA to Adam D. and Brooke M. Hockenbroch; 1101 E. Grand Ave.; $20,000.

Washington Township — Douglas Hamilton, executor of the Estate of Lois B. Hamilton, to Todd and Catherine Hamilton; 1361 Mountain Road; $1.

PINE GROVE — When he was a boy, John Ziegler used to attend a one-room schoolhouse that was down the street from his home.

“I was a student here for eight years, from 1944 to 1952,” Ziegler, 79, of Pine Grove Township, said Tuesday as he stood outside the former Stanhope School at 122 Camp Road.

Today, he’s part of the effort the Pinegrove Historical Society is making to renovate the schoolhouse and turn it into an educational center.

“We acquired the building and started renovation work in 2014. We’re hoping to complete the renovation work by 2019. Then, programs will be planned for children and adults to provide a glimpse of what school was like from 1876 to 1952 when the major subjects included reading, writing and arithmetic,” a member of the society’s board of directors, Linda S. Mills, Upper Tulpehocken Township, Berks County, said at the schoolhouse.

On Tuesday, she, Ziegler and another volunteer for the society, George Stralkus, Pottsville, provided an update on the project.

Bordering Stanhope Road, the first Stanhope School was built at 122 Camp Road in Pine Grove Township in 1876.

It was known as “School No. 8 at Stanhope,” according to the “Joseph H. Zerbey History of Pottsville and Schuylkill County,” published in 1936.

“In 1876, a one-room brick school house was built near and south of Stanhope Station. This building was destroyed by fire on Oct. 22, 1923, while school was in progress. The following year a new frame edifice was erected by Charles Werner & Co. at a cost of $3,440. This school building was constructed according to specifications submitted by the State Department of Public Instruction, and was the first of this kind in this section of the country,” according to the Zerbey history.

In 1947, the schoolhouse had electricity installed. In 1952, the formation of the Pine Grove School District closed the one-room school, and in 1954, the building was sold at auction by the school district to the Berks County Girl Scout Council, according to the September 2017 edition of the Pinegrove Historical Society newsletter.

On Aug. 6, 2014, the Girl Scout council sold the property to the Pinegrove Historical Society for $1 plus closing costs, Mills said.

The society formed a “Stanhope School Project” committee to restore the building. So far, it’s raised about $16,900 for the project.

“That’s from donations, grants and fundraisers,” Mills said.

The society is continuing to raise funds to complete it by 2019.

“The Stanhope School restoration is making progress. We just completed our third year into the restoration project. In August 2014, the schoolhouse was saved from demolition. At that point, the schoolhouse had holes in the roof, falling plaster, warped floors, windows with rotted cords, needed a coat of paint and there were pieces of blue tarp all over the property,” Mills said.

“Since then, volunteers have put on a new roof with all new rafters on the west side, replaced additional exterior rotted wood, restored interior walls and ceiling, painted exterior and interior walls and ceiling, and installed new electric service and wiring,” Mills said.

To date, more than 15,000 volunteer hours have been invested in the project, she said.

“Volunteers have ranged in age from 13-year-old Girl Scouts to retired adults. We also had Eagle Scout projects done here. Generous donations and grants received thus far have funded all of the supplies needed for the volunteers who have provided over 1,200 hours of their time,” Mills said.

“Former Stanhope School students, or their families, are being sought so their stories about education and life growing up during that time can be included in the programs. Memorabilia from that era is also needed,” Mills said.

They can contact the society at 570-345-0157.

The historical society managed to acquire a few student desks from the period, but more are needed, Mills said.

“We have some blackboards, but we don’t have enough at this point. We also need light fixtures,” Mills said.

“When I went to school here, there was a picture of George Washington on the south wall,” Ziegler said.

The schoolhouse also include two coat rooms.

“One needs to be sanded, spackled and painted. The other one needs to have the baseboard spackled and painted. All the windows need to be done. The exterior has some areas that still need some work. And we need a parking lot,” Mills said.

Recently, Solar Innovations, Pine Grove, donated materials and helped to install a display on a wall at the coat room on the west side of the building. It will give visitors an glimpse of how the walls were constructed, Mills said.

“This shows the type of construction done in that era. It’s lath board and plaster,” Stralkus said.

There isn’t a proper parking area outside the schoolhouse.

“If we have people coming to visit, we’re going to need someplace for them to park,” she said.

There’s no heat and no water in the building. So, Mills said volunteers will continue to work into the winter as long as they don’t mind the cold.

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

POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville man admitted Sept. 27 in Schuylkill County Court that he violated the terms of a protection from abuse order earlier this month in the city.

Matthew S. Puddu, 24, pleaded guilty to indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom.

Senior Judge D. Michael Stine promptly sentenced Puddu to spend 24 days to six months in prison, with immediate parole to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Stine also ordered Puddu to pay costs and a $300 fine as part of his sentence.

“No contact means no contact,” Stine told Puddu. “You need some help.”

Pottsville police charged Puddu with violating the order against him on Sept. 3.

In another Sept. 27 case, Stine found Robert Valentine, 49, of Tamaqua, not guilty of indirect criminal contempt when the prosecuting witness did not appear for the hearing.

Tamaqua police alleged Valentine violated the PFA order against him on July 6 in the borough.

Also on Sept. 27, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin revoked the probation of David P. Riegel Jr., 23, of Coaldale, sentenced him to 27 days to 12 months in prison and granted him immediate parole.

“Don’t screw up again,” Dolbin warned Riegel. “This is your last chance.”

Riegel admitted violating his probation by failing to report to his supervising officer, moving without permission and not making payments on his costs and fees.

He originally pleaded guilty on March 16, 2016, to theft of lost property in one case and theft in another. In each case, prosecutors withdrew a charge of receiving stolen property.

At that time, Dolbin placed him on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs, $100 in payments to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, a $278 bench warrant fee and $500 restitution.

Branch Township police charged Riegel with committing one theft on May 8, 2013, while Pottsville police charged him with committing the other on April 15, 2015.

Also on Sept. 27, Dolbin accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Robert A. Bachert, 67, of Coaldale — driving under the influence, improper driving without headlights and failure to stop at red signal; 90 days to five years on house arrest with electronic monitoring, $1,550 in fines, $300 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $520 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network and 20 hours community service, with sentence effective on Oct. 11. Prosecutors withdrew charges of failure to yield, disregarding traffic lane and driving without a license.

Tiffany A. Black, 35, of Schuylkill Haven — failure to drive at a safe speed; $25 fine. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Neal E. Burgos-Lawson, 49, of Pottsville — possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $200 in SAEF payments, $100 in CJEA payments and $239 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Justin L. Cooper, 27, of Pine Grove — theft; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and $20 restitution.

Dustin E. Donton, 28, of Pine Grove — driving under suspension and following too closely; $225 in fines and $50 bench warrant fee. Prosecutors withdrew charges of accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property and driving without a license.

Joshua D. Farrell, 27, of Auburn — DUI; six months probation, $300 fine, $100 SAEF payment, $60 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network and 10 hours community service.

Nathan K. Fisher, 30, of New Ringgold — possession of drug paraphernalia; time served to six months in prison with immediate parole, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment.

Jeanette L. Hadesty, 36, of Mahanoy City — disorderly conduct; $100 fine. Prosecutors withdrew charges of interference with custody of a child, concealments of whereabouts of a child and providing authorities with information without knowledge of truth.

All defendants who were sentenced must pay costs as a part of their sentences.

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

The Blue Mountain School District said they have identified those responsible for bomb threats made in mid-September and Monday.

A post on the district Facebook page Tuesday says the following: “The Board of School Directors and Administration of the Blue Mountain School District would like to inform all concerned individuals that the students responsible for the threat that occurred yesterday as well as the threat occurring in mid-September have been identified. We are asking parents to talk to their son or daughter about the seriousness of these types of threats. Students making these threats will face expulsion from school and may face felony charges, fines and fees potentially exceeding $20,000. The District wants all students to understand the consequences of making terroristic threats in our schools.”

The Monday threat caused evacuation of the school; no bomb was found in either the Sept. 16 or Monday incidents.

Superintendent David H. Helsel was unavailable for comment Tuesday.

State police Trooper Todd Heintz from the Schuylkill Haven station, who was investigating the Monday incident, said he was unaware those responsible had been identified.

MAHANOY CITY — Two Mahanoy City police officers rescued a man and his infant son from their burning home in Mahanoy Township early Tuesday morning.

The cause of the 12:17 a.m. fire at 925 W. Centre St. in the Foundry Row section of Mahanoy Township, just west of the Mahanoy City borough line, remains under investigation and is being called undetermined.

Mahanoy City Fire Chief Dan Markiewicz said a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal was called to assist in determining a cause of the fire that apparently originated in the wall separating the front porches of 925 and 927 W. Centre St.

David Truskowsky, public information officer for the Mahanoy City Fire Department, said arriving units found moderate fire along the front door area of 925 W. Centre St. and knocked the flames down using a 1-and-3/4 inch hose.

Firefighters also found some fire in the porch roof of 925 W. Centre St. and in the basement of and adjoining home at 927 W. Centre.

Truskowsky said the 925 W. Centre St. property is owned by April Kesen-Hajduk, who lives there with her boyfriend, Lucas Cheveres, 49, and his son, Lucas Xavier Cheveres, 1. Kesen-Hajduk was not at home when the fire broke out, Truskowsky said.

Truskowsky said that Lucas Cheveres reported smelling smoke and going downstairs to find the front of the house on fire. The man said he ran upstairs to get his son and began to yell for help.

At the scene within minutes, Mahanoy City police officers Thomas Rentschler and Jennifer Dempsey found fire around the front door of the home and heard a man yelling for help.

“We could hear him yelling for help from the second-floor bedroom window,” Rentschler said.

Rentschler kicked in the door, and he and Dempsey proceeded through the smoke and darkness to reach the two in upstairs bedroom and get them to safety.

“I grabbed the kid and she (Dempsey) grabbed him and we got out,” Rentschler said.

Dempsey said the house was filled with smoke when she and Rentschler were finally able to get inside.

“There was a lot of smoke. You couldn’t see, you couldn’t breathe,” she said.

Truskowsky said that both Lucas Cheveres and his son were evaluated at the scene by Shenandoah ALS. The family is being assisted by the American Red Cross.

Markiewicz credited the Mahanoy City Police Department for their quick thinking and efforts to get Cheveres and his son out of the home.

“They are the reason those two people got out of the home safely,” he said. “They deserve all the credit.”

In addition to the Kesen-Hajduk home, Truskowsky said the home at 927 W. Centre St. sustained moderate fire, smoke and water damage, while a home at 923 W. Centre St. sustained moderate smoke damage.

The chief also said that residents of the affected homes were alerted by working smoke alarms.

No firefighter injuries were reported, he said.

Assisting were firefighters from Shenandoah, Shenandoah police and Mahanoy City Fire Police.

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

POTTSVILLE — People walked through the downtown district Tuesday to show support for the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.

More than 100 people in at least 20 teams walked in the 17th annual Walk for Progress/Taste of Schuylkill. They went from Union Station to Greystone restaurant, then to the Ramada to enjoy food and beverages provided by chamber members.

Robert Carl Jr., president and CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, talked about the importance of the community and businesses working for a common goal.

“We are better together,” he said.

Among other things, the chamber wants to improve economic development and the quality of life in the county, Carl said.

The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce began as the Greater Pottsville Chamber of Commerce in May 1918. It became known by its current name in 1983. The chamber has 886 member companies in its ranks.

Schuylkill County Commissioners George F. Halcovage Jr. and Gary Hess spoke about the importance of the chamber and its members.

“We believe in what the chamber does,” Halcovage said.

He read a proclamation signed by the commissioners announcing October as Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Month. In Pennsylvania, October is designated as Chamber of Commerce Month.

Hess said the crowd for the walk seems to get bigger each year.

“Together we can move forward,” Hess said.

Some of the teams that participated were from M&T Bank, Riverview Bank, Penn State Schuylkill, Dunkin’ Donuts and the Orwigsburg Business and Professional Association.

Jeff O’Neill, chairman of the executive committee of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, said small businesses are the backbone of America.

“Never forget that we need small businesses to succeed,” he said.

Joan Breslin, marketing and service support coordinator at Schuylkill Transportation System, said, “STS is always involved in the walk. It’s a great opportunity to get involved with your community and the Schuylkill chamber.”

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Christina E. Hale

FRACKVILLE — A 22-year-old Ashland woman and a 29-year-old Ashland man charged with stealing a cellphone in that community on Aug. 8 appeared for preliminary hearings before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale.

Kayti M. Garbacik, 4 N. 10th St., was arrested by Ashland police Patrolman Philip Schlegel and charged with one count each of theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Garbacik waived her right to a hearing and will now have to answer to all three charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Michael A. Farver, also of 4 N. 10th St., was charged by Schlegel with theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

After hearing testimony, Hale determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case against Farver and ordered his charges held for Schuylkill County Court.

Schlegel charged the two stemming from a 6:30 p.m. incident at 1419 Market St.

Schlegel said that Garbacik and Farver stole a Samsung Galaxy cellphone valued at $1,000 from an apartment.

In addition to the theft, Schlegel said Garbacik was found with drug paraphernalia while Farver was found with a white powder that field tested positive for heroin.

Other court cases included:

Amy L. Carl, 32, of 15 E. Cherry St., Mount Carmel — waived for court: burglary, conspiracy, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property.

Michael K. Jessman, 35, of 155 S. Nice St., Frackville – waived for court: criminal attempt to commit burglary, criminal trespass, loitering and prowling at night, defiant trespass, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Peter J. Ouschick, 62, of 819 Centre St., Apt. 310, Ashland — held for court: driving with a suspended or revoked license, driving an unregistered vehicle, displaying a plate card in an improper vehicle, driving without insurance, failure to wear safety belts, driving a vehicle without a valid inspection, displaying known false or stolen inspection and fraudulent, altered, forged or counterfeit title, registration or insurance.

Brandon Lee Deesing, 20, of 422 Little Mountain Road, Ringtown — waived for court: criminal mischief, theft and receiving stolen property.

Roxann M. Mooney, 38, of 420 Centre St., Ashland — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Direction wrong

Derek Reber, 19, of Cressona, was traveling south on Route 61 on Monday when his vehicle was struck by two motorcycles. His direction of travel was wrong in Tuesday’s edition.

Name incorrect

A photograph on the front page of Tuesday’s edition shows Schuylkill County Deputy Sheriff Gerard Daley escorting accused murderer Tyler Swantek into the Schuylkill County Courthouse. Daley’s name was wrong.

Police investigate

damage to trailer

GILBERTON — State police in Frackville are investigating a criminal mischief in Gilberton which damaged the front of a trailer belonging to Randall Arthur Tyson, 72, of Gilberton.

The incident occurred between 4:30 p.m. Sept. 25 and 12:30 p.m. Sept. 26. Police reported someone damaged the front of Tyson’s trailer with a blunt object while it was parked at 218 Growler St. and left the scene undetected.

Anyone with information should call state police at Frackville at 570-874-5300.

State police

seek drill thief

HAMBURG — State police at Hamburg are investigating a retail theft incident that occurred about 5:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Mountain View Supply and Rentals, 5104 Old Route 22, Upper Bern Township, Berks County.

Police said a man entered the store and stole a cordless drill before fleeing in a silver Volkswagen Jetta or Passat with a dent in the driver’s side fender and a black passenger’s side door.

The man is described as being white, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 150 pounds, police said, adding that he has a red star tattoo on his right forearm.

Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call state police at Hamburg at 610-562-6885 and refer to incident PA2017-1054218.

Lykens man faces

drug charges

LYKENS — A 31-year-old borough man was arrested by state police at Lykens after an incident about 1:45 a.m. Sept. 11 on North Second Street in this Dauphin County community.

Police said Thomas Lee Grubb Jr. will have to answer to Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Margerum, Elizabethville, on charges of possession of a controlled substance.

Police released little information on the incident only to say that Grubb was found with various illegal drugs in his possession.

Agencies work to

catch house burglar

POTTSVILLE — A man was jailed after being arrested by Pottsville police after officers were called about 9:20 a.m. Sunday to 317 S. Centre St. for a burglary in progress.

Additional information was received that a white man wearing shorts was seen removing items from the property that had been damaged by a recent fire and secured by city code enforcement officials.

As officers were arriving, police said, the man entered a white van and fled the area.

Officers lost sight of the vehicle on Route 61 and a description was transmitted to surrounding police agencies.

Returning to the scene, police said, investigators found that the man left numerous items from inside the residence on the ground outside of the property and a witness identified the man as Jonathan Wampole, 47, of Fredericksburg.

Officers from Saint Clair then located the van in the Saint Clair Industrial Park with Wampole still inside and took him into custody without incident, police said.

During an interview with Pottsville officers, Wampole admitted entering the property by forcing his way through a first-floor window and then removing various items.

As a result of the incident, Patrolman Joseph Murton charged Wampole with burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property. He was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $10,000 straight cash bail.

Pottsville police said they were assisted by officers from Saint Clair, Schuylkill Haven, Orwigsburg and Schuylkill Township.

Woman cited for

Pottsville crash

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police investigated a crash that was reported about 4:15 p.m. Saturday in the 400 block of Peacock Street.

Police said their investigation determined that Noreen Semanski, 55, of Pottsville, was driving a 2003 Subaru Forester east on Peacock Street when she veered to the right, went off the road and struck a Ford Ranger truck owned by a Pottsville man.

The woman’s vehicle continued east and struck a second vehicle, a Ford Mustang owned by a Minersville woman, police said.

Semanski was treated at the scene by Schuylkill EMS and as a result of the crash, will be cited for careless driving by Cpl. Charles Webber.

Man faces charge

of harassment

ASHLAND — A disturbance in the borough Monday led to a man being taken into custody and jailed on an outstanding warrant.

Ashland police said officers were called to the area of 11th and Walnut streets about 1:40 p.m. for a report of a man and woman involved in a domestic dispute.

At the scene, police said, both had left the area but the woman was later located about a block away.

When interviewed, police said, the woman reported being chased by Haadee Bennett, 31, of the 1100 block of Centre Street, and that he had shoved her as well.

Officers located Bennett and subsequently learned that he was wanted on an outstanding warrant by the Schuylkill County district attorney’s office.

Bennett was committed to Schuylkill County Prison on the outstanding warrant and will also be charged with harassment by Ashland police stemming from Monday’s incident.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Monarch butterflies like Herb and Ann Lee Schlegel.

The couple raise the monarch butterflies before the butterfly starts the long journey toward Mexico.

The Schlegels have been caretakers of new groups of the little-winged ones for more than 10 years.

“He knows his caterpillars,” Ann Lee said of her husband.

The couple are so devoted to the butterfly effort that they do not take vacations when they start their duties in the summer so they can take care of them.

“They are one mean eating machine,” Herb said, adding they devour milkweed, their food source as caterpillars.

They require routine care.

“We can’t go anywhere all summer,” Ann Lee said.

The annual migration of the monarch butterfly to Mexico takes place from August to November.

This year, the migration looks especially promising, covering 4 hectares or more, according to a blog post July 20 on monarchwatch.org by Chip Taylor.

Monarch Watch is a program based at the University of Kansas that confronts problems the monarch butterfly deals with.

The Schlegels’ yard is designated a monarch waystation, which means they have food for the caterpillar and the butterflies.

After small caterpillars are noticed on the milkweed, they are taken inside to be kept warm. Days later, the butterfly emerges from its chrysalis.

It eats using its proboscis, a mouthpart used to suck up liquid.

If it gets too late in the year, Herb can speed up the process by warming the temperature in his house, causing the butterfly to come out.

To help the caterpillar and the butterfly, people can plant milkweed, although the plant is toxic to some animals.

The couple have set 400 butterflies on their journey this year, with the first sent on its way in July. They expect to send about 40 more after they escape from their chrysalis.

Last year, they raised about 250. Herb said there might be more this year due to the warmer weather and the monarchs had a good laying season.

Males are identified by two black marks on their wings that are scent pockets.

“A female can smell those from a mile away,” Ann Lee said.

They never know how many butterflies will greet them each day.

“One day we had 28,” Ann Lee said.

The couple let four find their freedom Monday.

One of them sunned itself on a marigold plant, its wings opening and closing.

“I think they leave when it’s right for them,” Herb said.

The love and concern they feel for the butterflies is something they wish more people had. The pollinators are important to the ecosystem, they said.

The Schlegels are not sad to see them go, but they are happy they are helping to preserve one of nature’s wonders.

To help out the monarch butterflies, plant milkweed, which you can get locally from the Schlegels by calling 570-385-5675.

To learn more about milkweed, visit monarchjointventure.org, a combination of federal, state and other entities looking to preserve the monarch butterfly, or monarchwatch.org.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

A local couple were killed Monday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash in Virginia.

According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the crash that occurred on Interstate 295 in Henrico County claimed the lives of Charles DeCosmo, 57, and Linda M. DeCosmo, 56, of Sheppton. Both died at the scene.

Attempts to reach Virginia State Police for information on the crash were unsuccessful but the Times-Dispatch reported the crash occurred when a tractor-trailer driven by Larry L. Mognet, 61, of North Dakota, rear-ended a northbound 2000 Jeep Cherokee driven by a 17-year-old Chesterfield, Virginia, resident who was reportedly slowing to merge onto I-295 near Highland Springs about 2:45 p.m.

The teen lost control of the Cherokee, which crossed into the left lanes, where it collided with a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Charles DeCosmo. Both Jeep Cherokees overturned in the median.

Charles DeCosmo was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle while Linda DeCosmo was wearing a seat belt, the newspaper reported.

The truck driver was not injured but was charged with reckless driving. The teenager sustained serious injuries.

POTTSVILLE — Clinical Outcomes Group Inc. hopes to shed some light on the “moral injuries” facing many veterans with a free screening of “Almost Sunrise” at Pearl Theatre Stadium 8 at the Schuylkill Mall.

“It is a pretty powerful movie,” Alicia Fleischut, executive director of COGI, said Tuesday.

The 2016 documentary follows two Iraq War veterans — Tom Voss and Anthony Anderson — in their 2,700-mile, 155-day trek from Milwaukee to Los Angeles as they attempt to put their combat experience behind them. Along the way, the two men raise awareness about the moral injury of war and encouraging fellow veterans to seek treatment.

“I think it will be beneficial to veterans, their families, people who work with veterans and, really, anybody,” Fleischut said.

Over the past year, the nonprofit organization has identified veterans as a priority population often facing a unique set of needs, Fleischut said. COGI currently provides services to about 10 veterans.

“While we all see the physical injuries and disabilities our veterans suffer from as a result of war, it is the nonvisible injuries that are far more concerning,” she said. “Most of us have heard of and at least understand post traumatic stress disorder, but few know the meaning of or understand moral injury.”

Like psychological trauma, moral injury is a construct that describes extreme and unprecedented life experiences that can shatter moral or ethical expectations, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.va.gov. In war, moral injuries may stem from killing or harming others as well as witnessing death, failing to prevent immoral acts of others, or giving or receiving orders that are perceived as gross moral violations.

Although the constructs of post-traumatic stress disorder and moral injury overlap, each has unique components that make them separable consequences of war and other traumatic contexts, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“These people are hurting and they are part of the community,” Fleischut said. “Hopefully, this opens the door to bring more treatment services for veterans in the county.”

The 90-minute documentary may not be suitable for children due to language and scenes depicting the aftermath of war.

“I needed to see that to fully understand,” Fleischut said. “People understand what veterans go through watching it.”

Although the film is being screened for free, those interested in attending need to get tickets at either COGI, 437 N. Centre St., Pottsville, or Pearl Theatre Stadium 8 at the Schuylkill Mall. Tickets will become available next week.

Fleischut said tickets are needed to make sure enough seating is available.

The film begins at 7 p.m. Nov. 9. COGI is also holding a Chinese auction starting at 5 p.m. prior to the screening. All the proceeds will be donated to local veterans in need. The nonprofit organization is currently seeking nominations of veterans to benefit from the fundraiser.

For more information about nominating a veteran or donating items for the auction, visit COGI’s website at www.coginc.org or call 570-628-6990.

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

POTTSVILLE — A Lancaster County man will not have to serve time in prison, but will be on parole and probation, after being sentenced Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court for assaulting a woman in October 2015 in North Manheim Township.

Tony R. Weiss, 30, of Blue Ball, formerly of Minersville, must serve three to 12 months in prison, plus 18 months consecutive probation, under the terms of Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin’s sentence. Dolbin, who also ordered the defendant to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and perform 20 hours community service, granted Weiss immediate parole.

Dolbin imposed the sentence in spite of the requests of Weiss’ victim, Kristen B.A. Walters, Schuylkill Haven, who suffered injuries to her eyesight and hearing due to the assault, and Assistant District Attorney Kimm R. Montone.

“I think he should spend some time in jail,” Walters told Dolbin.

Weiss pleaded guilty on Aug. 15 to simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, with prosecutors withdrawing a second count of recklessly endangering another person.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Weiss with throwing objects into a fire near which Walters was standing on Oct. 3, 2015. After Weiss threw the objects, there was an explosion, police said.

“I have permanent hearing damage,” Walters said. “I went to the emergency room. I go to the eye doctor every six months.”

Dolbin was swayed by testimony from Weiss and Larry Daughenbaugh, executive director of Revelations of Freedom Ministries, Blue Ball, where Weiss has been and is currently living.

“We have 24-hour supervision,” and test residents for alcohol, drugs and tobacco, Daughenbaugh said. “He’s doing very well.”

Weiss himself testified he had been addicted to speed when he assaulted Walters but has been drug-free for 18 months. He also said he has a job installing and building fences.

“I definitely have something to live for now,” he said.

While he did not send Weiss to prison, Dolbin made it clear that Lancaster County probation and parole officials would watch him closely.

“They are going to check on you. They are going to see where you’re living,” he said.

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