POTTSVILLE — A Port Carbon man was jailed after being arrested by Pottsville police on drug and firearms charges.

Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said the charges are the result of a vehicle stop conducted by Patrolman Michael Messner about 3:50 a.m. Saturday at Nichols Street and Mill Creek Avenue.

Wojciechowsky said Messner saw a Ford F-250 pickup truck driving at an unsafe speed and a subsequent check revealed the registration on the truck was not valid, the inspection expired and there was no valid insurance.

When speaking with the driver, Tyler Porter, 27, Messner determined the man had an active bench warrant from the Schuylkill County detectives and that he had been driving while his driver’s license was suspended.

Wojciechowsky said Porter was placed under arrest on the outstanding warrant and found to be concealing a .22-caliber Derringer handgun in his pocket without having a valid license to carry a concealed weapon.

While securing the handgun, Wojciechowsky said, officers noticed the serial number had been made unreadable and at that time also recovered a second handgun, a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, after finding it under the driver’s side seat.

Porter was also found to be in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, the chief said.

Wojciechowsky said the man was committed to Schuylkill County Prison on Saturday on the outstanding arrest warrant and a criminal complaint was prepared by Messner in connection with the vehicle stop.

Messner charged Porter with felony firearms not to be carried without a license, felony possession of a firearm with an altered manufacturer’s number and misdemeanor offenses of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In addition, Messner charged Porter with summary violations of driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, display of registration, driving without insurance and driving a vehicle without inspection.

Wojciechowsky said that on Monday, Porter was arraigned on the recent charges by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville. Reiley set bail at 10 percent of $20,000 and ordered the man returned to the county prison pending a preliminary hearing at a later date.

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

Ashland Applefest is returning with all of its fall favorites, but in a new location.

Applefest will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Eureka Park in the borough. The event is sponsored by the Washington Fire Company and Martha Washington Ladies Auxiliary.

Gail Jones of the Martha Washington Ladies Auxiliary said the event moved to Eureka Park this year because its previous location, Eighth and Centre streets, was already booked.

“Due to some other event in the area, we have to relocate,” Jones said.

However, she said she sees the move as a benefit as the event keeps getting bigger.

More vendors were added this year, including a new food option — Grilled Cheese Cafe 2 — and crafters. Jones said returning favorites include Vince’s Cheesesteaks and Bissinger’s Apple Dumplings.

While apples may be the event’s main attraction, children will be able to show off their art skills on some pumpkins.

Pumpkin decorating is returning this year after a successful debut at last year’s Applefest. Jones said the event was so popular that they ran out of pumpkins probably in the first hour. Pumpkins and art supplies are provided.

Jones said the previous organizers held an apple pie-eating contest. However, contestants were hard to find, so the fire company decided to create an activity for younger children.

Live music is also planned, with Diaspora slated to play throughout the event.

Jones said parking will be available at Eureka Park. However, spaces are limited, so a shuttle service will be offered from the Ashland Shirt Co. parking lot and from the two high-rises.

Jones said there is no rain date.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a slight chance of rain Saturday morning. Most of the day will be cloudy with high temperatures in the mid-70s.

For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page at “AppleFest 2017.”

Contact the writer: epeddigree@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6003

Fire damages home

near Tower City

TOWER CITY —- A fire damaged a house at 266 Clarks Valley Road on Thursday.

A fire official on scene said traffic was being directed off Clarks Valley Road, Route 325, as firefighters battled the blaze Thursday night. Responding crews included Orwin, Tower City, Muir, Donaldson, Joliett, Pine Grove, Wiconsico, Lykens, Reinerton, Sheridan, Williamstown and Hegins Valley Fire Rescue, as well as Williamstown EMS and Tower City EMS.

Police investigate

pedestrian crash

MILLERSBURG — State police at Lykens investigated a pedestrian crash that occurred about 4:50 p.m. Oct. 2 in the parking lot of Polks Personal Care Center in this Dauphin County community.

Police said Earl F. Keefer, 91, of Lykens, was driving a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and backing out of a parking space when his rear bumper struck the leg of Linda J. Prayer, 65, of Millersburg, who was standing behind her vehicle.

The woman suffered suspected minor injuries and police said Keefer will be cited under the Vehicle Code section dealing with moving, stopped or parked vehicles.

Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania found an apropos tale to open its season on Friday the 13th.

“A Gentleman’s Guide To Love & Murder,” the 2014 Tony Award winner for best musical, comes to Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., for four shows from today through Sunday.

And while this story of a man seeking to kill off the relatives who stand in his way of inheriting a fortune might sound dark, star Colleen McLaughlin assured that the musical has a lighter side with lots of laughs. Robert Freedman and Steven Lutvak wrote a complex, brilliant show stocked with jokes, she explained recently by phone from the tour’s stop in Madison, Wisconsin.

“The writing is just so incredible, but you can’t help but laugh about everything,” said McLaughlin, an Oklahoma native. “The whole entire cast is just laughing. I come out to the wings just to see some of my favorite scenes.”

Set in London in 1909, the show centers around working-class man Monty Navarro (Blake Price), who, after learning he is ninth in line to become an earl, decides to eliminate the relatives between him and the aristocratic title. All the while he hopes to marry McLaughlin’s character, Sibella Hallward.

“I’m kind of this narcissistic girl and kind of a gold digger, so I don’t want to marry him, and he thinks the only way he can win my hand in marriage is to become the Earl of Highhurst,” she said of the role.

Actor James Taylor Odom, meanwhile, portrays all eight members of the D’Ysquith family who become Navarro’s targets.

“Every scene that James Taylor Odom is in is pretty incredible. ... He’s amazing,” McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin praised the sets for the show, which she described as beautiful, intricate and specific to the characters, but she also noted that Peggy Hickey’s choreography “is pretty incredible.” One song she expects to blow away audiences is “I’ve Decided To Marry You,” whose choreography involves actors entering and exiting through double doors as one character tries to keep two others apart.

“The choreography is so specific. ... The rehearsal process was actually really quick, but I think ... each of us had to go home and practice with the doors in our apartment just to get it down perfectly,” McLaughlin said. “It was a process but enjoyable.”

The actors worked with a dialect coach to perfect their British accents, but McLaughlin noted learning the songs also posed a challenge.

“The music is beautiful,” McLaughlin said. “(It is a) beautiful score but really intricate, and your diction kind of has to be on point.”

“A Gentleman’s Guide” opened on Broadway in November 2013 and racked up more than 900 performances before closing in January 2016. In addition to best musical, it picked up Tony Awards for best director of a musical (Darko Tresnjak), best book (Freedman) and best costume design (Linda Cho).

McLaughlin described the show as “very thrilling” with “lots of shenanigans.”

“It’s just a night full of laughter,” she said.

Contact the writer: cwest@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100, ext.5107

Mahanoy City

To conclude celebration of the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, St. Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Parish will hold three Rosary events through Sunday and invites all to attend one or more of the services. A Rosary service to commemorate the sixth and final apparition in 1917 of Our Lady of Fatima will be held at 7 p.m. today in front of St. Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church, weather permitting; a Rosary service will be held at noon Saturday in front of the Mahanoy City High Rise, Centre and Main streets; the Active Christian Teens In Our Neighborhood Youth Group will host a balloon Rosary launch beginning at 5:45 p.m. Sunday with a procession from St. Teresa of Calcutta Church to St. Cecilia Chapel on South Catawissa Street. The Rosary will be recited at the chapel and the balloon Rosary will then be launched from the yard. In the event of inclement weather, a candlelight Rosary will be held in St. Teresa Church. All are welcome.

Orwigsburg

An event called Hayrides for Heroes is set for 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Pioneer Evergreen Farms, 159 E. Adamsdale Road. It is free for first responders and military personnel. In a release, organizers said, “All local heroes get a free hayride and basic package and families get a $2 discount off of the elite package.” First responder emergency vehicles will be on display and children will be able to meet local heroes and have their picture taken with them. They can also sit in and check out fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. For more information, call 570-789-4548.

Pottsville

A craft fair is set for two days at Fairlane Village mall, Route 61, to benefit both SPCAs in Schuylkill County. The event will go from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Registration fees from craft vendors will benefit the animal shelters. On Sunday, a singer/guitarist from the band Red Halo will perform. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-789-3728.

Schuylkill Haven

The Apostles of the Holy Spirit Prayer Community, St. Ambrose Rosary Guild and St. Ambrose Sodality will gather at noon Saturday in the St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church parking lot for the America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally. Participants will pray the Rosary in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the appearance of “Our Lady” to three children in Fatima, Portugal. Participants may bring lawn chairs if needed.

Schuylkill Haven

St. Ambrose School will have a Chinese auction Sunday at the parish center, 302 Randel St. The auction will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday. Bids will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. There will be more than 375 prizes, including Disney World tickets and Vera Bradley bags. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-691-6211.

Cressona

A town hall meeting regarding school property tax elimination will be sponsored by the Southern Schuylkill Council of Governments beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday at Goodwill Hose Company, 34 S. Sillyman St. The Property Tax Independence Act (HB/SB 76) will eliminate all school property taxes throughout the commonwealth and replace them with funding from a single state source, according to a release, which added the most important provision is that the proposal is tax revenue neutral. The swap provision of the plan does not raise any more revenue than is already collected, according to the release. Presenters from the Pennsylvania Taxpayers group will attend to explain the proposed law and answer questions.

Shenandoah

The annual America Needs Fatima Rosary rally will be held at noon Saturday with recitation of the Rosary in front of the former St. Stephen Church rectory — now the convent for the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, 18 E. Oak St. The rallies are held on the Saturday closest to Oct. 13, which is the anniversary of the final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima and the Miracle of the Sun in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions. Each rally is organized at the local level. Charles Calise and Tom Venusti are the Rosary captains for the Shenandoah area. Those attending are asked to arrive about 11:30 a.m. to sign up. The rally is open to all.

MINERSVILLE — Minersville police have filed charges against an Ashland contractor stemming from an incident in the borough earlier this year.

Police said John D. Covine, 45, with a last known address of 1317 Walnut St., was charged with two felony counts each of home improvement fraud, theft by deception and receiving stolen property.

The charges, filed by Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers, stem from incidents on April 18 and May 10.

Bowers said that on April 18, Kevin McNamara entered into a contract with Covine, doing business as J.C. Contracting, to remove an existing deck, build a new deck and install an addition to his house.

Covine told the man that the job would cost $15,000 payable in thirds and was given a check in the amount of $5,000 to begin the work.

On May 9, Bowers said, Covine went to the McNamara home, removed the old deck and told McNamara he needed an additional $5,000 to continue. The following day, McNamara gave Covine the additional $5,000. The man has not returned to the home since that time despite numerous attempts to contact him, Bower said.

The officer also said that he was told by McNamara that the telephone number used to contact Covine is no longer in service.

Bowers said that with the information, he believes that Covine committed fraudulent business practices and that McNamara is requesting restitution in the amount of $10,000.

The charges against Covine were filed with Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

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

LOYALTON — Families who send their children to the Northern Dauphin Christian School told the Upper Dauphin Area school board on Tuesday that there are problems with the busing system, as well as dual enrollment in the agriculture program.

About 20 parents and children attended the school board meeting. Board President David Barder asked for two representatives to speak on behalf of the group and gave them each five minutes to state their case.

Donald and Sherry Henry spoke about children being on the bus for an hour and 40 minutes one way and having kindergartners on the same bus with high schoolers. Sherry Henry said the logistics aren’t “very nice” and she wanted the board to see “what kids have to endure to get a bus to school.”

If there were a bus or a couple of vans dedicated to NDCS, that would “free up” seats on the other buses transporting students to UDA facilities, they said.

Jonathan Campbell and his wife, Lainey, brought their four small children to the meeting. Campbell recalled getting “an education” on the school bus and said he didn’t want his children to be exposed to that sort of environment. Campbell, Berrysburg, also explained that their children ride one bus to the elementary school in Loyalton, then depart and board another bus, which transports them to NDCS in Millersburg.

“It’s a logistical nightmare,” Barder said.

UDA Business Manager Mary Bateman confirmed Wednesday that there is a layover period for NDCS students prior to boarding another bus at the elementary school in Loyalton, and that the bus ride for NDCS students is approximately one hour and 40 minutes.

Barder said the board would offer a written response to the Henrys to be shared with the NDCS families on both issues — the dual enrollment and busing.

Laura Henry, daughter of Donald and Sherry, also spoke about her experiences in the UDA agriculture program and Future Farmers of America. Henry serves as UDA FFA chapter president.

She shared how she was thankful that there was dual enrollment available to her. It enabled her to attend NDCS, which had smaller class sizes and supported values important to her and her family. Meanwhile, the UDA agriculture program allowed her to gain experience related to her career. She said agriculture teachers Mark Dietrich and Roy Maurer encouraged her participation in FFA, where she gained self-confidence, leadership and public speaking skills.

“I can put God’s plan for my life into motion,” she said.

She received applause from the board and the audience for her presentation.

Barder agreed that the UDA agriculture program was top notch.

The Henrys and a few other families questioned how students are selected for the dual enrollment, noting the families present are district taxpayers. Some students in the agriculture program come from Millersburg and Halifax and are not in the district, they said.

Many in the audience said that they don’t have a problem with that, as long as students residing in the district are considered first for the available seats in the agriculture program. For many, they said it seemed NDCS students were passed over and put at the bottom of the waiting list for entry.

In other business, the board heard a report from Chris Reindollar, general manager with CSESI, Columbia, Pennsylvania, on providing modifications to the high school sound system. The board took no action and is awaiting information from an additional vendor.

Vicky Starr with The Nutrition Group and Alesia Hoffman, food service director, offered a presentation on the district meal plans and new options for students. They prepared samples of buffalo chicken sandwiches, kale Caesar salad, and a healthy banana split with fresh fruit and pudding for visitors and the board to try.

An interactive website is available for additional information at www.udas.nutrislice.com.

Directors Steve Welker, Kirk Wenrich and the Rev. Nathan Minnich were absent.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — An 80-year-old Pottsville man died in a multi-vehicle crash Thursday on South Claude A. Lord Boulevard, Route 61, according to city Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky.

The man’s name was withheld pending notification of the family, the chief said.

At least three vehicles were involved in the incident that occurred at 8:14 p.m. near the intersection of East Union Street, according to a supervisor at Schuylkill County Communications Center.

Those vehicles included a black two-door Mustang and a red Kia Rio sedan. Both vehicles sustained severe front-end damage. A gray Pontiac Grand Prix sedan also sustained moderate front-end damage.

Two of the vehicle operators, both men, were transported from the scene with serious injuries.

One was taken by a helicopter, MedEvac 7, to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown, according to the communications supervisor.

“One of them didn’t make it,” Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III said Thursday night.

His office received the call “around 9:05 or 9:10 p.m.,” he said.

The man was pronounced dead by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Albert Barnes at the helipad on Lawton’s Hill, Moylan said.

Responders included the Pottsville Fire Department and Schuylkill EMS. State police at Schuylkill Haven were there to assist with the accident reconstruction, according to the communications supervisor and the police chief.

Fire police blocked off the road from East Norwegian Street to Mauch Chunk Street.

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

MINERSVILLE — The lack of upkeep of two properties in the borough was discussed at Tuesday’s monthly Minersville council meeting.

Code officer Kyle Crouse said residents have been complaining about 529 Pine Hill St. and 416 Lytle St., where there are high weeds.

“The violations never get abated,” Crouse said.

The online Schuylkill Parcel Locator lists the property owner of 529 Pine Hill St. as GF Real Estate Dev Inc., 112-115 Francis Lewis Blvd., Queens Village, New York. And 416 Lytle St. is listed as being owned by Joseph Gergus, 131 W. Market St., Orwigsburg.

Multiple attempts have been made to contact the owners and citations have been issued, Crouse said.

By consensus, the council agreed to have borough employees alleviate the situation by spraying weed killer on the properties. The homeowners will be responsible for the cost.

In other matters, the council authorized advertising for a test for those interested in becoming a police officer with the Minersville Police Department. Police Chief Michael Combs said he would like to hire at least one full-time officer in January.

Michael Clay Sr. previously wrote a letter previously to the council requesting drug-free zone signs, neighborhood crime watch signs and slow-down signs. The letter stated that problems in the borough might decrease if such signs are posted.

“Do we have most of the signs up he is requesting?” council President William Angelo asked Combs.

Combs replied “yes.”

The council awarded a contract to Reedy Oil at a price cap of $2.09 per gallon for oil for borough buildings. A discount of 10 cents will be given off the street price. There is no limit on the amount of fuel the borough can purchase. The company was the only bidder.

The dates of some meetings have changed for the rest of the year. A borough council work session was moved to Nov. 8 because of the election. There is no work session in December and the monthly meeting is Dec. 12.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

ORWIGSBURG — A Reading woman sits in prison after being arraigned Thursday on charges of leaving a written bomb threat earlier this month in a bathroom at Blue Mountain High School, an act that forced the evacuation of the building.

Ivy M. Heinly, 18, of 523 S. 13th St., cried and shook as Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier reviewed the criminal complaint with her and her mother.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Heinly, formerly of Orwigsburg, with causing or risking a catastrophe, terroristic threats, threatening use of a weapon of mass destruction, harassment and disorderly conduct.

Ferrier set Heinly’s bail at $5,000 percentage, meaning she must post $500 to go free. She could not do so at the arraignment, so police took her to Schuylkill County Prison after it ended.

A prison spokeswoman said late Thursday afternoon that Heinly still was behind bars.

Ferrier scheduled Heinly’s preliminary hearing for 10 a.m. Oct. 24, although that almost certainly will be changed because it falls during the county criminal court term.

Police allege that between 10:30 and 11 a.m. Oct. 2, Heinly wrote a note reading, “The school is to be blown up on 10/02/17 5th period,” and left that hand-written message in a girls’ bathroom at the high school in North Manheim Township. Heinly wrote the note on a piece of toilet paper, police said.

After the note was discovered, students and staff members evacuated the building, according to police. After the building was searched and no bomb was found, they re-entered it about 12:15 p.m., police said.

Police said they found out the next day that Heinly, who was a student at the high school, had left the message, giving two reasons for doing so.

“The defendant confessed to this matter in writing,” according to the Affidavit of Probable Cause. “She stated that she wrote the note about blowing the school up because she has been bullied, and that she was very impulsive because she wasn’t ready for her science test.”

Blue Mountain Superintendent David Helsel said the district also is taking disciplinary action against Heinly, but those proceedings are confidential. He confirmed that Heinly’s Reading address was not her address when she was a student.

The Oct. 2 threat is the third one the school has received this year, the others having been made in February and September. Heinly is charged only with making the one on Oct. 2

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

Defendant: Ivy M. Heinly

Age: 18

Residence: Reading, formerly of Orwigsburg

Charges: Causing or risking a catastrophe, terroristic threats, threatening use of a weapon of mass destruction, harassment and disorderly conduct

POTTSVILLE — Eleven people received a second chance Thursday from Schuylkill County’s judicial system, as they were accepted into a program that will enable them to emerge from their brush with the law with a clean record.

Those 11 entered the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program, which President Judge William E. Baldwin described as a good opportunity for them.

“It allows you to earn a dismissal of the charges against you,” he said. “You’ll have no criminal record.”

The program, which Baldwin said is for first-time offenders, requires participants to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, perform community service, and obey directives from the court and the Adult Probation and Parole Office. While those who successfully complete the program can have the charges against them dismissed, those who do not will have their cases returned to the trial list.

People admitted into the program by Baldwin, and the charges against them, included:

Domenica C. Colancecco, 27, of Summit Hill; driving under the influence. Colancecco also must make a $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund.

Keifer J. Cole, 24, of Cressona; DUI. Cole also must make a $100 SAEF payment.

Sandra Helwig, 63, of Frackville; DUI. Helwig also must make a $100 SAEF payment and undergo a mental health evaluation.

Krystyna Kakol-Delowery, Frackville; access device fraud and receiving stolen property. Kakol-Delowery also must pay $174.21 restitution.

Joseph L. Lagana, 44, of McAdoo; DUI.

Thomas P. Miersky, 70, of Shenandoah; retail theft.

Jerel E. Moreno, 24, of Reading; possession of drug paraphernalia. Moreno also must make a $100 SAEF payment.

Carla Niedert, 59, of Nesquehoning; two counts of endangering the welfare of children.

Elijah J. Tapia, 23, of Kunkletown; DUI, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Herminio Velazquez, 55, of Shenandoah; DUI.

Wendy Willing, 49, of Barnesville; identity theft.

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

POTTSVILLE — Participants in the Schuylkill County Drug Treatment Court program said Tuesday that being off drugs helps them to learn how to help others instead of only thinking about themselves.

“Doing these things makes me feel joy in helping others,” Michelle said during the court’s weekly session, over which Judge James P. Goodman presided.

She was one of many who said that trying to free themselves of their addictions — the main purpose of the program — has made them appreciate other people in a way they never had before.

Schuylkill County officials started the drug treatment court program this year to try to combat the widespread drug addiction problem, using a carrot-and-stick approach to the process. Other counties in Pennsylvania also have instituted drug treatment courts.

People in that 14-month program must undergo substance abuse treatment, make regular court appearances, submit to random drug testing and home visits, meet with probation officers, and comply with directives from the court and those officers. Participants must complete all five phases in order to graduate from the program; graduation is the carrot, resulting in dismissal of the charges against them.

However, since the defendants enter guilty pleas to the charges against them, failure to complete the program is the stick, resulting in them being sentenced, possibly to time in a state correctional institution.

There are now 35 people in the program.

Most of the participants who spoke Tuesday said they never had given other people much thought until they started the program. They also said helping others makes them feel better about themselves.

“This is a powerful way to improve my self-esteem,” Stacy said.

Teddy also realizes that aiding others can be mutually beneficial.

“It made me feel good to help someone else,” he said.

Ryan said he was happy he was in good enough physical condition to help another person.

“It made me feel good that I was able to help,” as opposed to being high on drugs, he said.

Jordan said his recovery has been helped by shifting the focus from himself, and that he is a better all-around person because of it.

“For the longest time, I was such a selfish person,” he said. “If there’s any way to help, I’m willing to try.”

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

Police charge man with assault

PINE GROVE — Pine Grove filed charges against a borough man stemming from an incident about noon Sept. 30 at his 507 Pine Hill Drive home.

Police said Jonathan M. Kramer, 37, was charged with felony strangulation, misdemeanor offenses of recklessly endangering another person and simple assault, and summary harassment.

Kramer will now have to appear before Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont.

Police said Kramer became involved in a verbal argument with Alycia Dockey, his housemate, and attacked her as she was gathering her belongings from the home.

Kramer threw the woman to the ground, then got her to her feet and threw her against several objects and violently into a wall.

Police said Kramer then threw the woman to the ground a second time and put her in a headlock with one arm and, with the opposite arm, pushed her throat into his forearm, causing significant difficulty in breathing.

Dockey was able to bite Kramer on the chest and escape, but the man started to attack her again. He was stopped by a friend of the woman who arrived at the house, police said.

Chop saw stolen

in Pine Grove

PINE GROVE — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a theft that occurred about 4:30 a.m. Oct. 8 to the rear of South Tulpehocken Street.

Police said someone stole a Stihl chop saw K420 from the bed of a pickup truck and fled the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 570-754-4600.

Tower City woman,

man face charges

WILLIAMSTOWN — State police at Lykens arrested a man and a woman from Tower City for stealing secondary metal from Stoneroad Iron & Metal in Williamstown, Dauphin County, police said Oct. 6.

The incident occurred between Sept. 1 and Sept. 3 at the business at 10191 State Route 209, police said.

Jason Houtz, 35, and Tara Bunder, 36, were charged with theft, trespassing and associated offenses for stealing secondary metal from Stoneroad Iron & Metal while the business was closed, police said.

Tremont man’s car stolen, recovered

TREMONT — A vehicle parked in front of its owner’s residence was stolen early Saturday then later recovered in Frailey Township, state police at Schuylkill Haven said late Oct. 8.

The maroon General Motors Envoy owned by a 45-year-old man from Tremont was reported stolen at 6:25 a.m. Oct. 8. It was recovered on Middle Creek Road in Frailey Township, police said.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call state police at 570-754-4600.

Police file felony charges against teen

HEGINS — Hegins Township police reported filing three felony receiving stolen property charges against a 17-year-old juvenile.

The arrest is the result of an ongoing investigation into the theft of a riding mower.

Police said the charges against the teen were filed with Schuylkill County juvenile authorities.

Traffic stop results in man’s arrest

HEGINS — Hegins Township police arrested a Valley View man stemming from a vehicle stop on Sept. 27.

Chief Beau Yarmush said Jeff Madeira, 37, of 905 W. Maple St., was charged with one felony count of failure to comply with registration requirements and one summary charge each of driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and drivers required to be licensed.

Yarmush said he stopped a Ford Taurus driven by Madeira knowing the man has a suspended driver’s license.

During the course of the investigation, Yarmush said, he learned that Madeira is a Tier 2 sexual offender and subjected to the registration requirements of Megan’s Law.

As part of the requirements, Yarmush said, Madeira must register any motor vehicle he owns or operates and that he failed to report the Ford Taurus prior to driving it.

Yarmush said a warrant was subsequently obtained for Madeira’s arrest and took him into custody.

Madeira 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.

Yarmush said that Madeira will now have to answer to the charges against him at a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont.

Police: Man was DUI, driving too fast

PINE GROVE — Pine Grove police charged a man after he was stopped for speeding about 6 p.m. Sept. 4 on South Tulpehocken Street.

Police said they stopped a vehicle driven by Dennis E. Leedy, 60, whose address was not listed, for speeding in a 35 mph zone, faulty equipment and no turn signal. Leedy, police said, showed signs of being impaired, failed field sobriety tests and was also found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Leedy refused to submit to a field sobriety test and will now have to answer before Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont, on DUI, possession of marijuana and three summary motor vehicle offenses.

Liquor board cites 2 area businesses

Two area businesses have been cited by state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for violations of the state Liquor Law.

Police said Nadia’s Restaurant LLC, 1100 E. Market St., Orwigsburg, was cited for failing to clean its malt or brewed dispensing system as required between July 26 and Aug. 21. In addition, police said, between July 18 and Aug. 28, the business had an inside passage or communications to or with the residences of persons other than the licensee.

Police also said that business failed to maintain complete and truthful records covering the operation for a period of two years prior to Aug. 28 as required.

The Loyal Order of Moose, Hamburg Lodge 523, 12-14 S. Third St., Hamburg, was charged with failing to have its approved manager complete RAMP training within 180 days of being appointed and approved by the board.

The Vettes Inc., 91 McComb St., New Philadelphia, was cited for paying for the purchases of malt or brewed beverages at various dates beginning in 2016 checks other than the licensee, cashier checks or money orders.

The businesses face fines or possibly a license suspension or revocation or mandated training.

No injuries in car vs. deer crash

DELANO — Two people escaped injury when a 2017 Honda CRZ struck a deer in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81, at mile marker 133.5, about 6:10 p.m. Oct. 8 in Delano Township.

State police at Frackville said Roman Lupasco, 41, of Gatineau, Quebec, was driving north when a deer jumped from the right side of the road directly into his path. Police said that Lupasco was unable to avoid hitting the animal. He and his passenger, Corina Lupasco, 39, also of Gatineau, Quebec, were not hurt.

Mahanoy Twp. man faces drug charges

MAHANOY CITY — A Mahanoy Township man was arrested by Mahanoy City police and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia after an incident about 5:45 p.m. Oct. 5 in the 700 block of East South Street.

Police said Kyle J. Wronski, 27, of 414 Roosevelt Drive, New Boston, will have to answer before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police said officers were called to the area after being told Wronski was behind a home and that he had a felony warrant for his arrest. At the scene, Wronski was taken into custody on the warrant and a subsequent search revealed that he had 35 glassine baggies containing a white powder substance that field tested positive for heroin and 20 empty glassine baggies commonly used for packaging narcotics.

Wronski also had a syringe and $48.25, police said.

Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA — A McAdoo man charged with trespassing on property owned by the Kline Township Municipal Water Authority had charges against him held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Michael J. Merenda, 32, of 135 W. Blaine St., was arrested by Kline Township Police Chief John Petrilla and charged with agricultural trespassing on private land and scattering rubbish.

Bayer determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered both charges against Merenda held for court.

Petrilla said that on June 27, officers saw Merenda and three other people exiting private property owned by the authority and were given a verbal warning about trespassing after reporting they had been fishing in that area.

The vehicle was again seen in the area several times after that date and on June 29 authority workers found a campsite on their property.

Finally, on July 3, Petrilla said Merenda and two other people were taken into custody for trespassing and admitted camping on authority property without having permits to do so.

Other court cases included:

Lisa M. Cope, 52, of 12 W. Broad St., Apt. 201, Tamaqua — waived for court: hindering apprehension or prosecution and possession of drug paraphernalia. Withdrawn: simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.

Amy L. Lehatto, 38, of 407 Arlington St., Tamaqua — dismissed: terroristic threats.

George J. Bonetsky IV, 39, of 262 Fourth St., Coaldale — dismissed: simple assault and harassment.

Nathan G. Fritz, 29, of 231 Catawissa St., Tamaqua — waived for court: DUI-controlled substance.

Aaron J. Neff, 21, of 185 Greenwood St., Coaldale — waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Isaiaha A. Silver, 29, of 686 S. Kennedy Drive, McAdoo — waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, periods for requiring lighted lamps, driving without a license and driving a vehicle without a valid inspection.

Richard Hunsinger, 29, of 38 S. Harrison St., McAdoo — waived for court: DUI, DUI-high rate, no headlights, driving a vehicle without a valid inspection and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Michael Breeden, 20, of 237 E. Broad St., Tamaqua — dismissed: criminal mischief and criminal trespass.

Terry A. Presgrave, 18, of 507 N. Railroad St., Tamaqua — dismissed: criminal mischief and criminal trespass.

Thomas F. Symons, 27, of 187 North Route 183, Friedensburg — waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana and exceeding the speed limit.

Barry Ohl, 24, of 34 Nescopec St., Apt. 2, Tamaqua — waived for court: theft, theft of property lost or delivered by mistake and receiving stolen property.

Jarih O. Martinez Fermin, 26, of 2873 Summer Valley Road, New Ringgold — waived for court: DUI, DUI-high rate, recklessly endangering another person, driving without insurance, driving over a divider and driving at an unsafe speed.

Jonathan C. Hindermyer, 39, of 242 Mauch Chunk St., Apt. 1, Tamaqua — waived for court: endangering the welfare of children and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Denise Latham, 35, of 242 Mauch Chunk St., Apt. 1, Tamaqua — dismissed: endangering the welfare of children.

Nathan Z. Zeigler, 28, of 317 Pine St., Tamaqua — held for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cody J. Deetz, 22, of 437 E. Elm St., Tamaqua — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Samuel Tuckett, 24, of 21 Bolichs Road, Andreas — held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kathy Tonkin, 22, of 3070 Summer Valley Road, New Ringgold — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.

Timothy M. Torres, 31, of 43 N. Greenwood St., Tamaqua — withdrawn: simple assault, terroristic threats, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, harassment, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving without a license and failure to notify of change in address.

Howard Hannum, 57, of 66 Harmony Court, Orwigsburg — withdrawn: simple assault and harassment.

Terry R. Boyer, 60, of 35 W. Union St., Tamaqua —dismissed: simple assault, strangulation and harassment.

Jamie N. Karmonick, 41, of 91 S. Main St., Mahanoy City — held for court: acquiring or obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, possession of a controlled substance and theft.

FRACKVILLE — The borough council Wednesday decided it’s time to make changes to its ordinance regarding burning on private property.

“The ordinance that we currently have doesn’t allow burning outside, period, at all, and clearly people use gas grills and charcoal grills. So we wanted to address that,” Councilwoman Karen Domalakes said after the meeting at borough hall.

The current ordinance can be viewed at www.frackvillepa.org.

In particular, the council is aiming to make changes to Chapter 7, Part 1, “Open Burning.” That includes Section 102, “Fires On Private Property Prohibited.”

It states: “It shall also be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to burn, ignite or maintain or cause to be burned, ignited or maintained, any type of fire, either open or enclosed, of leaves, paper, rubbish or other combustible materials upon any lot or premises of said person, firm or corporation within the limits of the Borough of Frackville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.”

There were previous versions of the ordinance in place in 1970 and 1991. And the current ordinance was put in place in 1998, Domalakes said.

Borough solicitor Mark Semanchik offered a suggestion as to how the ordinance was published.

“The service that compiled all the ordinances in 1998 apparently didn’t get all the pages. That’s the only thing I can figure,” Semanchik said.

“I’m making a motion to amend our current burning ordinance, which does not allow any burning in town. I’d like to make a motion to advertise to amend it to at least allow for the use of gas and charcoal grills and smokers for food preparation, and special permits when organizations want to have soup sales and want to burn wood for those fundraisers,” Domalakes said at the meeting.

The motion was seconded by Councilman Charles Berger and carried unanimously by President Ronald Jordan, Vice President Peter Zuber and council members Paul Martin Sr., Helen M. Miernicki and Stephen P. Tertel.

In other matters, the council took steps to preserve a historic property it owns at 24 E. Oak St. It’s known as the Gaverick building. The study will also include a section of the building used by the historical society.

The council hired an environmental consulting firm called Element Environmental Solutions, Adamstown, Lancaster County, to perform a study for lead, asbestos and mold sampling at a cost of $2,520.

The other bidders and their bids were EHC Associates, Lancaster, $2,710; CMI, Mechanicsburg, $2,775; and SEMCI, Philadelphia, $3,811.

During the council’s public work session before the regular meeting Wednesday, Jordan said the borough is taking steps to prevent people from spray painting “no parking” on streets in front of their properties.

“I’m not sure where residents have the right, or they started the right, to spray paint ‘no parking’ on the road in front of their garages. If you go up along the football field, in that alley, there’s got to be nine of them on the road,” Jordan said.

“You’re correct,” Tertel said.

“If people want to put ‘no parking’ up, then they should put a sign on their garage,” Jordan said.

“Correct,” Police Chief Richard Bell said.

“You shouldn’t need a sign. But people do it. If you want to be a little bit more aggressive and you’re enforcing that you want nobody to park in front of your garage, then put a sign up. That’s it,” Jordan said.

Jordan asked the police chief to send letters to the property owners with the spray painted declarations.

“It’s only two years old, this nonsense. But now it’s out of control,” Jordan said.

“I’ll write a letter,” Bell said.

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

POTTSVILLE — Victor D. Cain, who tried to indecently assault a preteen girl in September 2015 in West Penn Township, is a sexually violent predator, a Schuylkill County judge ruled Thursday.

As a result, Cain, 54, of Coudersport, must comply with Megan’s Law registration requirements for the rest of his life after he leaves prison, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin ordered.

Dolbin accepted the testimony of Joseph B. Sheris, a Pottsville psychologist and member of the state Sexual Offenders Assessment Board who evaluated Cain.

“I believe he meets the criteria of a sexually violent predator,” including that he has a pedophilic disorder, Sheris testified. “The offense is what we’re looking at.”

That was good enough for Dolbin, who rejected Cain’s argument that he was not a predator.

“The testimony of Dr. Sheris is compelling and I accept it in full,” he said.

In his testimony, Cain said he is not a sexually violent predator and disputed some of the information about the case. He denied that he showed the victim pornographic videos and also said he never threatened to shoot anyone.

Cain pleaded guilty on May 3 to attempted indecent assault and attempted corruption of minors. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of attempted indecent assault.

Dolbin accepted the plea and, pursuant to the agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced Cain to spend 2 1/2 to five years in a state correctional institution and an additional five years on probation, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, have no contact with the victim or her family and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

West Penn Township police charged Cain with trying to assault the girl on Sept. 18, 2015, in a township residence.

Police said Cain tried to bribe the girl by offering her a lollipop in exchange for allowing him to touch her. He also offered her a second lollipop in exchange for not telling anyone what he was doing, according to police.

Police also said the girl told them Cain had tried to get her to touch him, and also tried to make her watch dirty videos on his computer. Cain admitted that he had asked the girl to touch him, police said.

Cain is an inmate at SCI/Waymart in Wayne County, and participated in Thursday’s hearing by videoconference.

The Megan’s Law sanctions to which Cain is 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 Cain 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 one of her neighbors and a 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

GIRARDVILLE — Recently, Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad closed a bumpy one-lane section of South William Street that crosses railroad tracks.

“Road closed” signs and orange cones with reflective stripes were placed on both sides of the tracks. In a letter to the borough council, Matthew A. Johnson, the railroad’s vice president of asset management and community affairs, said the railroad would like to close the road, a one-lane railroad crossing.

On Thursday, the borough council said the road provides access for residents and emergency responders and voted to fight to keep it open.

“The longer it stays closed, the more we’re going to have an argument about keeping it open. There’s no reason they can’t open it tomorrow,” borough Fire Chief Frank Zangari said.

“I’ll second that,” Mark Rainis, 97 Upper Railroad St., said. He said he relies on that road, as do many residents in the area.

Council President Charles Marquardt read Johnson’s letter aloud: “Over the past few weeks, RBMN has been involved in an extensive upgrade over our Mahanoy and Shamokin Branch that runs through your borough. The project has installed over 8,000 new ties on the line and we are reviewing all of the affected rail crossing.”

During an inspection of the William Street railroad crossing, the railroad determined the one-lane road was in need of “major repairs,” he said in the letter.

“There was wide gauge and joints in the crossing. These both cause concerns for RBMN. I have been in contact with the borough and advised this crossing would need to be shut down for approximately two weeks for the emergency repairs as needed,” Johnson said in the letter. “One of RBMN’s, and the Federal RR Administration’s, goals is to try and eliminate crossings if possible. This crossing would qualify as a good candidate for removal. There is another crossing one-tenth of a mile away (Line Street), which would allow access to all the residents.”

The state Department of Transportation has a program to remove such crossings, he said.

“PennDOT would offer $7,500 to the borough. This money would need to be used toward safety improvements. RBMN would match the $7,500, which could be used for anything the borough needs,” he said in the letter. “A formal application to the PUC would need to be filled out by RBMN to abolish the crossing. This does take time. RBMN in the interim will put rubber flangeways and stone in the crossing to keep it open after emergency repairs are made.”

“I make the motion we do not accept their offer. There’s only one way up there if they do that,” Councilman Dan Heiser said.

“I’ll second it,” Councilman Michael Huss said.

Council members Joseph Kessler, Robert A. Krick and Marquardt approved the motion unanimously.

“Is there going to be a date established as to when the William Street railroad crossing will be open again?” resident Michelle O’Connell asked in the public portion.

“No. The railroad, it’s in their hands. He said he would keep us updated as to when it would open,” Marquardt said, referring to Johnson.

“I don’t know what their game plan is going to be. I will contact Matt Johnson and tell him the decision from the borough was that we want to keep both crossings. And hopefully we’ll get a letter back from him saying when the crossing will be ready to be opened,” Marquardt said.

“It took them two days for them to tear it apart. It wouldn’t take long for them to come back in and put that cribbing in. If they put the cribbing in and come in with some blacktop, that can be done in a day,” Rainis said.

In new business, the council unanimously approved an amendment to the borough’s Rental Occupancy Permit.

“It requires owners of rental properties to obtain rental permits before renting out their units. This ordinance would add some requirements to Ordinance 2016-1. It would prevent anybody who is in arrears on any real estate taxes or any garbage, water or sewer fees to any municipality or any political subdivision or authority from obtaining a rental permit,” borough solicitor Christopher Riedlinger said.

In other matters, the Girardville Hometown Heroes Banner Committee and the Girardville Borough American Legion Post started distributing applications to give the borough residents the opportunity to honor veterans with 2-foot-by-4-foot banners.

“This project will serve as a tribute to recognize men and women who served our country in a branch of the military from the Girardville area. Each individual banner will include their picture, branch of service, era of service and sponsor’s name. The program is non-political and non-partisan,” according to a press release the committee distributed at Thursday’s night’s council meeting.

Each banner will cost $225, and the committee is buying them from Dawn’s Vinyl Designs, Weatherly, Luzerne County, according to committee Secretary Jolynn Nichols.

The deadline to submit an application is Dec. 31. For more information, people can email gvilleheroes18@outlook.com.

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

A juvenile was charged by Pottsville police late Thursday with making a threat against a school in the Pottsville Area School District.

Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said that about 9:30 p.m. Thursday, police were notified by school administrators and concerned parents that a student made a threat against the school during school hours earlier in the day.

Witnesses said the 15-year-old New Philadelphia boy, a sophomore student at Pottsville Area High School, said he was “planning something big for tomorrow.”

The student also said that, if it went right, he “won’t be here Monday,” Wojciechowsky said.

The teenager also directly warned other students “don’t go to the pep rally tomorrow (Friday),” the chief said.

Wojciechowsky said the threat caused widespread alarm as the news spread on social media outlets and school officials began preparing to alter the regular plans for Friday, if necessary.

About 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Wojciechowsky said, police contacted the juvenile and his parents at his home and, as a result of the investigation, an allegation was filed through Schuylkill County juvenile authorities. The allegation charges the teenager with felony terroristic threats, the chief said.

The boy was taken into custody by Pottsville police and Schuylkill County Juvenile Probation officers and remanded to a secured facility pending further court action, Wojciechowsky said.

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

Ashland

The Ashland Public Library, 1229 Centre St., is participating in a Boscov’s Friends Helping Friends Day on Tuesday. People may stop at the library to buy a shopping pass for $5 to benefit the library. For more information, call 570-590-1997.

Barnesville

Officials representing second-class townships in Schuylkill County will convene at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Mountain Valley Golf Course for their 96th annual county convention. The purpose of the convention is to provide township officials with up-to-date information to help them better serve their residents and to give them an opportunity to exchange ideas on local government issues. The convention will feature a wide range of speakers, including Melissa Morgan, policy and legislative analyst of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, who will talk about legislation affecting townships of the second class, association programs and services for townships and issues of major importance to townships and their residents. The state association represents Pennsylvania’s 1,453 townships of the second class, 36 of which are located in Schuylkill County. Others speakers will include Tom Rogal, senior county maintenance manager with the state Department of Transportation/Schuylkill County; Chris Gulotta, The Gulotta Group, and Lisa Mahall, Schuylkill County engineer. A representative of the U.S. Census Bureau will also be on hand to answer questions on the upcoming 2020 census. Karen Parish of Mullin & Lonergan will be available to discuss projects for the upcoming Community Development Block Grant applications.

Forestville

The Forestville Citizens Fire Company will have a Chinese auction Oct. 22 in the firehall, 1 Line Ave. Doors will open at noon and the auction will start at 2 p.m. A browse-and-bid will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 21. The kitchen will be open both days. For more information, email lynnschies@hotmail.com.

Frackville

The Frackville Ministerium Food Bank will be open from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday for borough residents. The bank is located at Zion Lutheran Church and people must use the downstairs entrance by the parking lot on South Beech Street. For more information, call 570-874-0255.

Girardville

Rangers Hose Company, 6 E. Ogden St., will have a free fire prevention program beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday at the company grounds. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 570-276-6922. The company will also have a wing night beginning at 5:30 p.m. today. Patrons may eat at the firehouse or take items out.

Hazleton

The second concert in the 2017-18 season of the Hazleton Concert Series will feature The Hot Sardines at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Hazleton Area High School Auditorium, 1601 W. 23rd St. Individual tickets are $30 for adults at $10 for students. Subscriptions for all six remaining performances of the season are available for $90. For reservations or more information, call Amelia at 570-788-4864 or Cynthia at 570-436-6615. More information about the concerts is available at www.hazletonconcertseries.org.

Mahanoy City

The local Elks Lodge, 135 E. Centre St., will have a meat bingo beginning at 7 p.m. Oct. 21. The cost is $1 per card. For more information, call 570-573-2649.

Pottsville

Trick-or-Treat Night in Cass Township has been set for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29. For more information, call 570-544-5370.

Pottsville

At a recent meeting, the Pottsville Rotary Club welcomed students of the month Magdelynn Wigoda and Stephen Wollyung of Minersville Area High School, Connor Burke and Patrick Stone of Nativity BVM and Kamrya Willard and Michala Zembas of Pottsville Area.

Shenandoah

A 100th anniversary Public Square Rosary Crusade will be held at noon today at Veterans’ Memorial Garden adjacent to the Anthony P. Damato American Legion “Medal of Honor” Post 792 at 116 N. Main St.

TAMAQUA — No injuries were reported when a double house was damaged by fire Friday morning.

Firefighters were called to 500-502 Railroad St., Route 309, about 8:30 a.m. for the fire at the house that sits alongside railroad tracks at the intersection with Vine Street.

The house is within two blocks of two of Tamaqua’s four fire companies.

Francis Hill, captain of American Hose Company, said firefighters were alerted to a fire at the rear of the 500 side, which is believed to be vacant, and flames spread to the 502 side where seven people were living. The 500 side — which is owned by a person living in New York, according to Hill — sustained heavy fire damage.

Firefighters were still trying to assess if the residents of the 502 side had a place to live since their house was left uninhabitable. If arrangements with family or friends couldn’t be secured, Hill said the department would contact the American Red Cross to ensure they had a place to go.

Windows on the house were broken so firefighters could ventilate the structure. Ladders and hoses from the Coaldale and Tamaqua fire departments were extended over the roof of the house to extinguish the flames that caused heavy damage to the rear of the home, leaving blackened siding and a house frame.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire coming from the rear of the house.

Though the fire doesn’t appear suspicious, Hill said he planned to contact a state police fire marshal to investigate.

Firefighters from all four Tamaqua stations including Tamaqua Rescue Squad responded, as did firefighters from Coaldale, Summit Hill and Lansford and Tamaqua police. PPL Electric Utilities and Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad police also responded.

The fire also resulted in Railroad Street, the actual railroad bed and a few secondary roads being temporarily closed for safety reasons.

Contact the writer: achristman@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3584