Deeds

Reilly Township — Ringtown Rentals LLP and Brook Rentals LLC to Schuylkill Recycling Center Inc.; 4.913-acre property on Route 25; $1.

Rush Township — Kathleen Jarrell to Joanne J. and Harold C. Hill; 174 Claremont Ave., Hometown; $1.

Ryan Township — Charles A. and Lisa M. Butkus to Charles A. and Lisa M. Butkus; 381 Church St., Barnesville; $1.

Saint Clair — Kondaur Capital Corp. to John Cameron J. Smolke III; 17 E. Lawton St.; $66,000.

Tamaqua — Roxanne Louise Nichols to James Mcleod Stelle; 712 E. Broad St.; $35,000.

Tremont — CACL Federal Credit Union to Cynthia C. Salvador; 25 E. Laurel St.; $8,000.

WILKES-BARRE — The attempted-murder trial against Scott Sargent is expected to get underway with jury selection this morning — two years to the day after his alleged shooting spree in Wilkes-Barre Township.

Sargent, 33, of Shenandoah, is accused of opening fire outside the Walmart at the Wilkes-Barre Township Marketplace on Oct. 17, 2015.

Prosecutors said that after opening fire outside the Walmart, Sargent got into a firefight with police, with one shot piercing a police SUV’s windshield and narrowly missing a Wilkes-Barre Township officer’s head. Wilkes-Barre city Officer Alan Gribble ended the fight with a shotgun blast to Sargent’s abdomen.

During a brief pre-trial hearing Monday afternoon, prosecutors did not oppose a defense motion for Sargent to be tried separately on a count of possessing a firearm as a felon. Assistant District Attorney Jarrett Ferentino agreed introducing Sargent’s “extensive prior record” during this trial would be prejudicial to him, and Luzerne County Judge David W. Lupas ordered the count severed.

Defense attorney Melissa Sulima also sought assurance that prosecutors would not call uniformed police officers to the stand, saying such a move would have the “appearance of impropriety” and could unduly influence jurors. Ferentino said he asks officers to appear in court wearing business suits, but those on duty sometimes appear in uniform.

Lupas said he would address that issue if it arises during trial.

The evidence against Sargent is substantial — prosecutors say they have lined up at least 20 eyewitnesses in addition to the officers involved in the shooting.

Sargent previously tried to be declared incompetent to stand trial, with Kingston psychiatrist Dr. Richard Fischbein testifying that he appears to suffer from schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Described as a methamphetamine and bath salt user, Sargent had grown paranoid before the shooting, thinking people were following him, he said.

But Philadelphia psychiatrist Dr. John S. O’Brien II countered that Sargent’s problem was not schizophrenia — the drugs were to blame for ramping up his paranoia.

Lupas sided with the prosecution and found Sargent competent to stand trial.

Earlier this month, the judge also denied Sargent’s bid to get a new attorney after the defendant alleged attorney Joseph Yeager has been withholding discovery evidence from him.

Lupas noted other attorneys from the Luzerne County Public Defender’s Office are assisting Yeager, and said the group can continue.

Sargent continues to be held without bail at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility.

Contact the writer: jhalpin@citizensvoice.com; 570-821-2058

POTTSVILLE — Savas Logothetides is the interim director of the Pottsville Area Development Corp.

The PADCO board voted Logothetides, 34, to the position at its meeting last month. He officially started the role earlier this month in a part-time capacity. He will work about 20 hours a week. He had previously been a member of the board of directors.

“I’m really looking forward to this position,” Logothetides said Saturday.

Logothetides is well-known in the business community. He is vice president of the Pottsville Business Association and owner of the restaurants Wheel and The Crimson House.

When asked how he can juggle all those roles and the new one, he said he has great staff and group of managers at those restaurants. He wants to “be the face of business development in the city.” He has not decided if he wants the position full time. He declined to say how much the position pays.

The position was vacant after Michael Weiss resigned as executive director in September. Weiss took over the role March 13. He declined to provide reasons for his departure.

Weiss is the latest person to resign from the position of executive director. Brad C. Dixon submitted his resignation Nov. 28, 2016, after starting May 2, 2016. Dixon replaced Amy S. Burkhart, who submitted her resignation Nov. 24, 2015, and left the post for a position in Bethlehem.

President Naomi Ost said Logothetides he has good background.

“He’s a successful businessman. He understands the loan part of the program. He’s a valuable asset,” she said.

The board is still looking for the right candidate to fill the full-time position, Ost said. The position has yet to be advertised, she said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Gordon

The annual free Trunk-or-Treat at Christ’s United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Road, will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 29. Events will also include a haunted hallway, games, hayride, disc jockey, photo booth and Halloween crafts. Food will also be available. For more information, call 570-875-9660.

Llewellyn

The auxiliary of Good Intent Hose Company, 12 Silverton Road, will have a Vera Bradley bingo beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets in advance are $20 and $25 at the door. Doors will open at 11 a.m. The company kitchen will be open for the event. For tickets or more information, call Joyce at 570-544-6169 or Susie at 570-544-3929.

Mahanoy City

Chances for a fundraiser raffle ticket to benefit cancer sufferer Vicki Brassington are available now. The raffle ticket, according to organizers has more than 70 prizes, including a 40-inch Samsung smart TV, 100 gallons of fuel oil, a ton of coal, $100 gift certificates for various business and other items. Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. The drawing will be held Oct. 24 and people do not need to be present to win. For tickets or more information, call 570-778-9967.

New Philadelphia

AMVETS Post 256 will have installation of officers beginning at 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at Vetts Inc., 96 McComb St. Members to be installed must wear uniforms. For more information, call 570-277-6031.

Primrose

The St. Nicholas Holy Name Society will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet beginning at 7:30 a.m. Sunday in St. Nicholas Hall, Route 901. The cost is $9 for adults and free for children under 12. For more information, call 570-544-4581.

Saint Clair

The Saint Clair Wade United Methodist Church, 23 N. Front St., will have movie nights from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 and 11. All are welcome. For more information, email bob6512@verizon.net.

Schuylkill Haven

Al-Anon meetings are held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at First United Church of Christ, 110 Route 61 South. Newcomers are always welcome. For more information, call Sarah at 570-449-1830. Al-Anon meetings are also held at 8 p.m. Fridays at Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, 15 Earl Stoyer Road near Stoyer’s Dam, with newcomers always welcome. For more information on the Friday sessions, call Karla at 570-294-2685.

Shenandoah

Trunk-or-Treat events sponsored by the group Health Shenandoah will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at four sites in the community on Oct. 31. The sites are the parking lots of the Shenandoah Senior Living Community, East Washington Street; BB&T, Main and Centre streets; Rite Aid, first block of South Main Street, and Shenandoah Valley Elementary School, West Centre Street. People should email smnc_marketing@jdkmgt.com to register vehicles and participate. For more information, call Jeanne Elberfeld at 570-622-6097 or email jelberfeld@schuylkillvision.com.

Tamaqua

The culinary team of Zion Lutheran Church, Greenwood and Mauch Chunk streets, will host a pumpkin social from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, featuring homemade pumpkin waffles and ice cream, pumpkin chili, pumpkin pie and other items. For more information, call the parish office at 570-668-2180 or visit www.zionlutherantamaqua.com. The church on Oct. 22 will also host a free showing of the film “Luther,” about the life of Martin Luther, as part of the observance of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Tower City

The Tower City Rotary Club’s annual Halloween parade will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 with the rain date Oct. 25. The parade will form at 6:30 p.m. at Valley Precision Tool, South 10th Street. To register, call Mid Penn Bank, Tower City branch, at 717-647-2157. There will be cash awards and all participants will receive a hot dog and beverage following parade, compliments of the Rotary Club.

FRACKVILLE — A physician with an office in the borough, Dr. James C. Greenfield, is planning a trip to Nepal and packing a lot of hiking gear.

He’s going to need it, since he’s scheduled to take a 10-day trek up Mount Everest next month. He’s hoping to go more than halfway up the mountain, which is 29,029 feet tall.

“I’m hoping to make it to 18,000 feet. I believe it will take me 10 days to go up and two days to get back,” Greenfield said Oct. 11 at his office at 40 W. Frack St.

He bought a lot of supplies to help him on his journey, including hiking boots, layers of clothing, Band-Aid blister gel guard and tinted safety glasses.

He doesn’t have much experience in climbing. He said what inspired him to do this was a cause he supports.

He’ll be traveling with a group representing Care Highway International. Based in San Antonio, Texas, it’s a nonprofit 501(c)3.

“Care Highway has helped hundreds of disadvantaged children access pre-school, primary and secondary school in Kenya,” according to www.carehighway.org.

“I’m doing this to raise awareness. I was asked to be part of this event, which is a fundraiser. I’ll be going with a group of six people from different parts of the world,” Greenfield said.

In November 2016, Greenfield traveled with Care Highway International to Kenya.

“I’ve done volunteer work with them. They were founded about 20 years ago by someone named Chris Morrison. He concentrates mostly on children’s needs throughout the world. Right now, he’s focusing on children in Kenya. So every few years they do a fundraiser for these children to give them education, health care, clothing and place for them to live,” Greenfield said.

When he traveled to Kenya, he provided medical care for children there.

“It’s wonderful to give hope. That was the biggest thing. And the children, they light up when they know they have a chance. Most of those children don’t have the opportunities for education and a stable environment to live in. And that’s what they try to give to them,” he said.

On his trip up Mount Everest, Greenfield anticipates he’ll see yaks carrying luggage and tea houses along the route. He knows the higher he goes up, the colder it will get.

So he packed a lot of warm clothing, even a pair of new Salomon-brand boots.

“These have good ankle support and they have sub-zero thermals inside. I’ve been wearing them for the past month and a half, breaking them in. I got through the blister-stage on purpose because I didn’t want to go out there and get blisters,” Greenfield said.

Greenfield, Lehighton, is the medical director of Cornerstone Health.

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

ORWIGSBURG — Walter Salas-Humara’s brush strokes laid a track of purple, pink and yellow across a pencil-sketched outline of a wide-eyed dog.

“I do as much erasing as drawing — that’s how I work,” the visual artist, who’s also a singer/songwriter with The Silos, explained Tuesday at Blue Mountain High School.

“There are no mistakes. You should be able to change what you’re doing. It’s part of the process and that’s why they are unique,” Salas-Humara said of his acrylic paintings depicting canines.

Salas-Humara served as an artist in residence at Blue Mountain and continues to tour and release records. He performed at a house concert Monday night in Schuylkill County and worked with lead art teacher Bill Whalen’s art students on Tuesday.

Blue Mountain seniors in the Portfolio Preparation Course designed their own acrylic paintings in the same style as Salas-Humara, known as expressionism. Salas-Humara spoke to students about his career, motivations and how his art and music intertwine. Images of cats, dogs and horses began to take free-form shape.

The focus of Rebekah Dolbin’s piece was her labradoodle, Rosie. Dolbin sketched her dog with Rosie’s body flowing off the bottom of the page and used yellow for her fur and orange accents.

“I was really excited to see a person who was an artist telling us what they do,” Dolbin, 17, of New Ringgold, said.

Dolbin plans to attend Kutztown University to study interior design. Her expressionistic touch was incorporating different colors she wouldn’t normally think of using, she said.

Since Abby Wertman didn’t have her own pet, she borrowed a photo of Dolbin’s black and white cat, Bandit, for her subject.

“I wanted to keep Bandit the main focus and came up with some green highlights to make it pop,” Wertman said.

Wertman, 17, of Auburn, plans to major in art education at Kutztown University. She said the mediums she usually works with are graphite and charcoal. Exploring expressionism opened up the channels to creativity, according to Wertman.

“It’s nice to be able to make something without a strict set of rules,” she said.

Sarah Kusmaul’s cat, Fender, took up the majority of space on her piece.

“He’s a big baby and runs the house,” Kusmaul, 17, of Friedensburg, said of her 25-pound feline. “I wanted my piece to show his face and his size. His face says that he wasn’t too happy when I took the picture.”

Kusmaul said she appreciated someone like Salas-Humara being at her school because, normally, a student wouldn’t get the opportunity to speak with an artist directly, even at a busy art gallery.

“He’s here to give us tips and to help us. It’s been neat to work with him. I usually work with ink and pens, so working with paints are a little bit of a challenge for me, but I definitely like it,” Kusmaul said.

Whalen said expressionism uses a skewed reality.

“We try to capture the inner personality of the subject matter,” Whalen said. “We do a lot of simple exercises, where we try to render things realistically. For our bigger projects, we try to be more conceptual.”

Other staff in the school’s art department are Thad Pasierb, instructor for two-dimensional drawing, painting and composition; and instructor Amanda Seanor.

“We try to get as many working artists here as we can,” Whalen said.

He was able to connect with Salas-Humara through mutual friends in the music industry.

For Veronica Joyce, 17, of Cressona, pets named Moon and Wubette shared her art’s spotlight.

“I love both of my cats equally and I wanted them to play off of each other,” she said. “I’m going with colors that are close to their natural color, but then add accents that are a little funky.”

Joyce plans to study cartoon animation.

Nate Stine, a senior from Schuylkill Haven, said he was familiar with Salas-Humara’s music but not his art: “I’m happy to have him in the room and to talk.”

Stine said he prefers working in oil pastels. He’s interested in a career in the medical field but said he enjoys being artistic.

Salas-Humara explained that creating his now easily recognizable dog paintings was part of a process.

“I was doing them just as gifts for family. I was trying to find imagery that I thought was universal that everyone loved. I was making primitives. It looked like a cave painting of someone’s dog,” Salas-Humara said.

Some of his would-be customers, though, wanted the image aligned to an actual portrait that more closely resembled their pet.

“I came up with a style that was somewhere in between,” Salas-Humara, who resides in Flagstaff, Arizona, said.

His images use a curly U-shaped symbol in each piece, which serves as the dog’s nostrils.

Salas-Humara studied visual arts and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Florida in Gainesville. He completed a year of graduate study in fine arts at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and worked for the Leo Castelli Gallery in the 1980s.

The Silos were signed to a major label in the early 1990s, toured and made their network debut on “Late Night with David Letterman.”

For more information, visit www.waltersdogs.com, www.waltersalashumara.com or www.thesilos.net.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Ashland

The Ashland Area Girls’ Softball program will have a sportsman bingo Saturday at the Wilburton Fire Company. Doors will open at noon and bingo will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $40 each and include 20 regular games, food and beverages. IDs will be mandatory. People must have a ticket to enter and parents/guardians must claim prizes for youth winners. For tickets or more information, call 570-875-7081.

Frackville

First United Methodist Church, 25 S. Balliet St., will present A Great Day of Singing at 9 a.m. Oct. 29. Participants will be able to sing their favorite hymns along with the church choirs. For more information, call 570-874-0792.

Gilberton

Continental Hose Company, Main Street, will have a hoagie sale beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday. Hoagies are $6 each and varieties include meatball, regular, ham/cheese, Italian and turkey. For more information, call 570-933-0415.

Lansford

The Lansford Historical Society will host guest speaker Bob Vybrenner, Tamaqua, in a free program at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at its museum, 117-119 E. Bertsch St., regarding 19th and early 20th century death, burial and mourning customs. Donations will be accepted. Free light refreshments will be served after the program. For more information, call Dale Freudenberger at 610-597-6722.

Minersville

First Congregational Church, 321 Sunbury St., will have a flea boutique and food sale beginning at 8 a.m. Oct. 28. Admission is free. There will also be food and baked goods for sale. People may eat at the church or take items out. For more information, call 570-617-9521.

Nuremberg

The Nuremberg Community Players group will hold open auditions for its two upcoming youth Christmas productions from 6 to 8 p.m. today at its theater, 283 Hazle St. The two productions, according to a press release, will be seasonal classics “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss and “The Night Before Christmas.” Anyone aged 2-17 is welcomed to audition. Rehearsals will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. The actual performances will be 3 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. In addition to the cast, set artists and costume designers will be needed. For more information, call Suzanne Croll at 570-384-4608 or email her at suzannelcroll@gmail.com.

Pine Grove

Outwood Lutheran Church, 174 Old Forge Road, will sponsor an apple dumpling sale beginning at 7 a.m. Oct. 28. The cost is $4 each. Orders are being taken until Oct. 21. To order or for more information, call 570-345-3106 or 570-345-2739.

Orwigsburg

The Orwigsburg Historical Society, 109 E. Mifflin St., will highlight the art of Fraktur and the life of colonial artist Johann Conrad Gilbert at 7 p.m. Thursday. Gilbert (1734-1812) lived and worked in Orwigsburg and is buried in Zion’s Red Church Cemetery. Fraktur is a “highly artistic and elaborate illuminated folk art created by the Pennsylvania German/Dutch, named after the Fraktur script associated with it,” according to a society release. The program is free and open to all. For more information, call 570-366-8769 or 570-617-7809.

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah Area Free Public Library, Washington and Main streets, is sponsoring a bus trip to the Sands Casino on Tuesday. The cost is $25 with free slot play of $20 plus a $5 food voucher. The bus will depart at 9 a.m. from the library and at 4 p.m. from the casino for the return trip. For reservations or more information, call the library at 570-462-9829 or the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. at 570-462-2060.

Tamaqua

New England Fire Company, 7 Miller Lane, will sponsor a pork-and-sauerkarut dinner beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday. The cost is $9 for adults and $5 for children. Patrons may eat at the firehall or take items out. Meals also include beverage and dessert. For more information, call 570-277-6606.

POTTSVILLE — More than 1,000 people attended the Diakon Living & Learning After 50 Expo on Tuesday at the Fairlane Village mall.

Susan Long, Diakon program coordinator, estimated 1,100 people attended the event, which is in its eighth year.

The event featured 64 vendors, free flue shots, a chance to experience a day at a senior center, a free massage and many other things to do. The free flu shots were a popular stop during the day.

Shawn Duffy, manager of Walgreens in Reading, said 125 flu shots were given out of the 300 available. Although the expo didn’t start until 10 a.m., flu shots were given out starting at 9:30 a.m. because people were waiting in line. This year, there were two pharmacists to reduce the wait time for people.

Two inactive vaccines were available. One was for those 65 and older.

Retired nurse Catherine Bricker, 78, and her husband, Donald, 86, of Frackville, keep their health in check by making sure they are protected from the flu. Catherine’s son, a doctor, also reminds them to get a flu vaccine each year. They usually get the vaccine at the expo, but if they miss it, they go to the doctor.

“It’s important for my health,” Catherine said.

Jessica Burkhart, a pharmacist with Walgreens, cleaned Donald’s arm with an alcohol wipe to sterilize the area.

“I’m going to count to three, and you are going to feel a pinch,” she said.

She then put a red Band-Aid on his arm.

“You did a good job. I didn’t even feel it,” Donald said.

Catherine said she didn’t mind getting the flu shot.

Cynthia Kline, 63, of Buck Run, also thought it a good idea to get her flu vaccine “to prevent from being, very, very ill.” She remembered when she had the flu about 20 years ago: “It was horrific.” She said she had to drink plenty of fluids.

She didn’t get a flu shot during that time. She doesn’t take any chances now.

“Flu shots are a wonderful thing. You are foolish not to get one especially if you can get if for free,” she said.

The flu season starts in October and runs until as late as May. It usually peaks between December and March.

“Last flu season, there were 70,800 confirmed cases, with 148 Pennsylvanians dying from flu complications. Getting a flu shot is the easiest and most important step that anyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones from this dangerous virus,” Pennsylvania Physician General Rachel Levine said in a statement.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend those six months old and older receive a flu shot. If you have any questions, contact your doctor. Flu shots are also available to underinsured or uninsured adults and children at many state health centers. Call 877-PAHEALTH for more information.

Both nationwide and statewide, flu activity is low. There have been no reported flu deaths and 91 confirmed flu cases statewide as of Oct.14.

Delaware County has the highest confirmed cases of the flu at 9. Northampton and York counties are second with eight each. Schuylkill County has three. Berks county has one. M. Michael Peckman, director of marketing and public affairs for Lehigh Valley Health Network, confirmed two patients visited the hospital and were diagnosed with the flu.

Last year, the first person to die from the flu statewide was a 50-year-old Schuylkill County woman. Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David G. Moylan III said county residents should not underestimate the consequences of the flu.

Symptoms include a fever, lethargy, headache and nasal congestion.

Kellie Allridge, pharmacist with Walgreens, said the most important preventive measure people can do is to wash their hands using warm water and soap. They also should avoid touching their face. Of those who think they might get sick after getting the flu, she said it takes a couple weeks for symptoms to show, so you might have the flu before you even get the vaccine. Symptoms are less severe if you do get the flu shot, she said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — The Pottsville Free Public Library will host Brian Lockman, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Cable Network, on Thursday for a presentation on the History of Cable Television and Pennsylvania’s Cable Television Pioneers.

The free presentation starts at 6 p.m. Thursday at the library. Seats can be reserved by calling 570-622-8880.

“Mahanoy City and Pottsville were instrumental in the development of cable television,” Jean Towle, library director, said Friday.

Most Schuylkill County residents have heard about Mahanoy City’s claim to being home of the first cable television system in the country. In 1948, General Electric appliance owner John Walson connected homes in the borough with a cable to bring in television signals not available because of the mountains blocking broadcast signals from Philadelphia and New York.

Lockman, author of “Pioneers of Cable Television,” will talk about Walson’s role in cable television history as well as the contributions of Pottsville cable operators Bob Tarleton and Marty Malarkey.

Named president and chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Cable Network in February 1999, Lockman joined PCN in November 1994 after more than 15 years with C-SPAN. He served as one of C-SPAN’s original four employees and spent more than 10 years as the network’s vice president of operations, according to a bio provided by the library.

During his tenure at C-SPAN, Lockman produced and directed the first live television coverage of the Iowa presidential precinct caucuses, directed C-SPAN’s first live coverage of the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, and produced C-SPAN’s coverage of the aftermath of the 1991 military coup in the Soviet Union.

In addition, Lockman he served two years on the board of U.S. Capitol Radio-Television Correspondents Association, the organization comprised of the Capitol Hill radio and television press corps, serving one year as its chairman.

Lockman is a founding board member of the Pennsylvania Press Club and served for three years as its first president. He is also a founding board member of NAPAN, the National Association of Public Affairs Networks and a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Bar/Press Committee.

Since 1996, Lockman has been on-air host of the weekly interview series PA Books, and is a frequent host of the PCN Call-in program. He is author/editor of five books, PCN Tours released in 2003, “World War II: In Their Own Words” and “Pioneers of Cable Television,” both released in 2005, “World War II Reflections,” released in 2009, and “Arlen Specter: An Oral History” released in 2017.

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

POTTSVILLE — A Lycoming County man went to prison Oct. 10 after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him for driving under the influence in April 2016 in Shenandoah.

Joseph J. Sanders, 66, of Unityville, must spend one to six months in prison, Judge John E. Domalakes ruled. Domalakes also ordered Sanders to be incarcerated immediately.

“I have no confidence that if I let him walk out of here today, he’ll show up any time soon,” the judge said.

Domalakes also sentenced Sanders to pay costs, $835 in fines and $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, and perform 20 hours community service.

In a one-day nonjury trial on Aug. 28, Domalakes found Sanders guilty of DUI, driving under suspension, seat belt violation, improper tires and suspended or altered driver’s license, and not guilty of backing up vehicle improperly.

Shenandoah police alleged Sanders was DUI on April 18, 2016.

Also on Oct. 10, President Judge William E. Baldwin revoked the probation of Eric R. Myers, 46, of Pottsville, and sentenced him to serve four to 12 months in prison and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation.

Baldwin revoked Myers’ probation after the defendant admitted violating it by failing to report to his supervising officer and committing new crimes.

Myers originally pleaded guilty on June 29, 2016, to possession of drug paraphernalia, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of disorderly conduct. At that time, Baldwin placed Myers on probation for 12 months consecutive to his existing sentence, and also sentenced him to pay costs, a $100 SAEF payment, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and a $50 bench warrant fee.

Pottsville police had charged Myers with possessing paraphernalia on June 26, 2014, in the city.

In other recent criminal court action, a Pottsville man stole an item in March from the Walmart Supercenter in Saint Clair, a Schuylkill County judge ruled Oct. 11.

Steven J. Platts, 30, is guilty of retail theft, Domalakes decided after a 45-minute hearing.

Domalakes, who heard the case without a jury, sentenced Platts to pay costs, a $300 fine and $7.87 restitution.

Saint Clair police had charged Platts with stealing booster cables valued at $7.87 about 6:30 p.m. March 3 from the store at 500 Terry Rich Blvd. Platts put the cables in his pants and left the store, police said.

“He exited right out the door he came in,” Desirae Somers, a Walmart asset protection employee, testified. “No attempt was made to pay.”

Somers said she had a clear view of Platts and was near him when he concealed the cables.

“I saw you do it,” she told Platts when he cross-examined her.

Platts denied committing any crime; however, Domalakes said he found Somers credible and the defendant not credible.

Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, had found Platts guilty on Aug. 9; however, the defendant appealed that ruling on Sept. 8.

Also on Oct. 11, Leo C. Cress, 57, of Girardville, pleaded guilty to driving under suspension-DUI related.

Domalakes accepted Cress’ plea and, in accordance with an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to spend 60 to 90 days on house arrest with electronic monitoring and pay costs and a $500 fine. Domalakes made the sentence effective on Oct. 25.

Girardville police had charged that Cress drove on Aug. 1 in the borough with a license that had been suspended for an alcohol-related reason. Cress pleaded guilty on Sept. 6 before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, but the defendant had appealed that disposition on Sept. 11.

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

Police seek info on log splitter theft

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating the theft of a Toro 33 log splitter from a South Manheim Township address.

The theft took place between 2 p.m. Oct. 6 and 11 a.m. Friday at Fair Road and West Deer View Drive in the township.

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

Suspicious vehicle

call nets drug arrest

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police charged two people with drug offenses after officers were called to the 1400 block of Wachter Street about 6:20 p.m. Friday for a report of a suspicious vehicle.

At the scene, officers made contact with David Slaby, 25, of Kulpmont, Brandyn Spece, 27, of Pottsville, and a 33-year-old Mount Carmel woman.

Heroin and drug paraphernalia were discovered inside the vehicle and a subsequent investigation revealed that Slaby arrived in the area to meet with Spece in order to purchase heroin from him.

Police said telephone messages as well as statements from both men confirmed that Spece sold heroin to Slaby.

As a result, Patrolman Joel Methven charged Spece with felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $10,000 bail.

Police said that Slaby will be charged by summons with possession of a controlled substance.

Man not hurt in

tractor-trailer crash

MOUNT PLEASANT — A Freeland truck driver escaped injury when the 2015 Freightliner tractor-trailer he was driving crashed about 3 p.m. Sunday on Keystone Boulevard, just east of Sunbury Road in Cass Township.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Anthony L. Lash, 42, was driving west when he lost control, causing the truck to go off the right side of the road and hit a curb, traffic sign and fire hydrant.

Police said the truck continued west, struck a concrete barrier and then another concrete barrier before continuing on the left side of a concrete barrier and then going over the top.

The tractor portion of the truck then struck a second curb and the rear wheels hit a large rock, causing it to overturn and come to a stop facing south on the north side of Keystone Boulevard, police said.

Police said Lash will be cited for careless driving as a result of the crash and that Minersville and Forestville firefighters and Minersville EMS assisted at the scene.

Police: Man

violated PFA

ELIZABETHVILLE — State police at Lykens are investigation a Protection from abuse order violation that occurred about 12:50 p.m. Oct. 11 at 3985 state Route 209 in this Dauphin County community.

Police said a 53-year-old woman reported that her husband, Robert F. Tranauskas, 55, violated the order she has against him and that he may be staying in the Baltimore, Md., area.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call police at 717-362-8700 and refer to incident PA17-1107326.

Lykens woman hurt in accident

HALIFAX — One person suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle crash that occurred about 10:10 p.m. Friday on Peters Mountain Road, just south of Hoffman Road in Halifax Township, Dauphin County.

State police at Lykens said a 17-year-old Halifax boy was driving a 2006 Saab north when he ran into the back of a 2010 Toyota Rav4 being driven north by Kathy J. Hoffman, 62, of Lykens, forcing that vehicle off the road and up an embankment before it rolled onto its roof and came to a stop in the northbound lane.

Police said Hoffman suffered suspected minor injuries while the teen, who will be cited for following too closely, was not hurt.

Halifax firefighters assisted at the scene.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Taxes will likely remain the same in Schuylkill Haven for 2018.

“There’s no tax increase and no increase in utility rates,” Borough Manager Scott Graver said Tuesday after a budget meeting.

The millage rate is 4.75 mills, or $4.75 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. An exact budget figure was not provided because the budget has not yet been finalized.

A preliminary budget will be approved at either the Nov. 1 or Nov. 15 council meeting. The budget must be on display for a specified time period for public review before final approval.

The budget includes $15,000 for an energy feasibility study at the wastewater treatment plant, new vehicle purchases, an increase in funding for the fire department, an increase in the police budget, money for several personnel additions, money to replace a water line in the borough and other expenditures.

“We will tweak it from now, but you won’t see major tweaks,” Graver said.

Council President Marlin Berger Jr. commended borough workers on the good job of the budget.

The council discussed the police budget. The budget accounts for an increase in the salary of those with a three-year contract in the police department.

“For the length of the contract, it’s an average 3 1/2 percent raise,” council member Jerry Bowman said.

Berger thanked those on the negotiating committee for their hard work. Exact details of the contract, which was approved by the police department, were not mentioned. Schuylkill Haven Police Chief Jeffrey J. Walcott did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Berger asked if a new police car was needed. Graver said the police vehicles are used heavily and council member Kurt Montz agreed.

The fire department could also see more money. Normally, it receives $17,500 from the borough. Montz said he would like it increased by $2,500 for each of the three fire companies in the borough, which was done.

The budget set aside funds for a pickup truck with plow and spreader for highway use. It will replace an older one that will be used for another department. Graver said the council can opt not to buy equipment later if it is deemed not necessary.

The borough is seeking to replace 400 feet of water line on Avenue D. The area has had numerous water breaks in the last 15 years.

There is money for computer upgrades and funds to hire an office person since borough secretary Kathy Killian is retiring in 2019. Killian is a longtime borough employee. The budget also calls for funds to hire a part-time worker to address property maintenance problems. The person would work in the codes department for a couple hours a week.

“Blight is something you never stop tackling,” Graver said.

Money is also set aside for a facility attendant at the community center whose duties would include handling arrangements for groups renting the borough facility.

Graver sees the money set aside for the $15,000 feasibility study as a worthwhile investment. The wastewater treatment plant was build in 1952. Such as study could be done in the spring and be completed in a couple months.

The other borough council members attending the meeting were Roger Spotts and John Williams.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

TAMAQUA — Representatives from the Tamaqua Band Boosters urged the district’s board of education to continuing supporting the band and school music programs.

“We’re hoping that you will be proactive so that our 90th season is not our last,” Dave Mace, vice president of the Tamaqua Band Boosters, told directors last week.

The band, which is celebrating its ninth decade, has 170 student members, according to boosters’ historian Melanie A. Turrano.

Music is “alive” in the district, Turrano said, adding that the boosters also support chorus, chorale and a jazz band.

She also referred to studies that show students who study music perform better on standardized rates, are more likely to graduate and are less likely to use drugs or alcohol. They’re also more physically fit than peers not enrolled in music classes.

Because of the benefits, Mace hoped that directors would continue supporting the band and other music programs.

“We don’t want to see any program go silent,” he said.

In other business, the board’s education committee recommended:

• Approving a letter of linkage with Behavioral Outpatient Clinic, New Beginnings, Pottsville, for providing continuity of outpatient care.

• Approving a subgrant agreement with the Lancaster Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 for $10,000 for the A-ACHIEVE project through June 30. Superintendent Ray Kinder said it is the second time the district received the grant, which was awarded based on the district’s success with its autism programs.

• Accepting an affiliation agreement with Mansfield University for student teachers through the 2021-22 school year.

The board’s finance committee recommended:

• Authorizing the business manager to participate in the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council’s bid process for the 2018-19 fiscal year for general, paper, art, maintenance, custodial, computer, food service, heating, fuel and athletic supplies.

• Authorizing the business manager to participate in the E-rate program for the 2018-19 funding year to execute agreements as necessary for timeline compliance subject to future ratification by the board. The program allows the district to access internet, telecommunication and web-hosting services at a discount.

• Appointing Portnoff Law Associates as delinquent real estate tax collector.

Contact the writer: jwhalen@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3592

Deeds

Cass Township — Jeanie Purcell and Angela M. Lucas, co-executrices of the Last Will & Testament of Howard C. Beury, to David Eckert; property on Forest Road, Primrose; $38,000.

East Brunswick Township — Richard A. Ford, executor of the Will of Emilie M. Ford, to Richard A. Ford; 4 and 6 S. Market St., McKeansburg; $1.

East Union Township — Pasquale A. and Helen A. Tursi to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 74WSS, Eagle Rock; $22,448.41.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Michele P.R. Garcia and Val Francis Dojillo; Lot 74WSS, Eagle Rock; $48,379.

Stephen P. Jr. and Kara Zatorski to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 111WS, Eagle Rock; $9,682.83.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Donald and Shirley Lim; Lot 111WS, Eagle Rock; $49,389.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Jose V. and Vanessa May Corre; Lot 295WS, Eagle Rock; $43,329.

Hilda Wanjiru Karemi to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 164HF2, Eagle Rock; $10.

Carl Neal Lee Ang to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 450HF3, Eagle Rock; $10.

Patrick and Marie Nolan to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 301HF4, Eagle Rock; $30,199.

Zipporah Kingoina to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 14WC, Eagle Rock; $17,760.36.

Gankhuyag Sukhee, Zorigoo Davaanyam and Bayarmandakh Byamba to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 173HF4, Eagle Rock; $10.

Alvin Valeza to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 27WSS6, Eagle Rock; $10.

Liubov Simonenko to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 170HF4, Eagle Rock; $10.

North Union Township — Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Richard A. and Linda A. Marburger; Lot 75AV2, Eagle Rock; $48,988.09.

Noel F. and Zenaida M. Garcia to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 34AV1, Eagle Rock; $10.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Arminda and Emerson Crisostomo; Lot 34AV1, Eagle Rock; $40,299.

Eugene and Veronica T. Banez to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 197EA, Eagle Rock; $10.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Willy Marte and Marcelino A. Marte; Lot 197EA, Eagle Rock; $47,369.

Palo Alto — John Traini, executor of the Estate of Baldine Traini Rossi, to Zachary D. Hess and Kaycee L. Sullivan; 434 E. Bacon St.; $40,000.

Pottsville — Richard Bauer Sr. to BG Realty Group LLC; 206 N. 10th St.; $11,000.

Allen H. Greiner, administrator of the Estate of Carol A. Greiner, to Allen H. Greiner; 1306 Mount Hope Ave.; $1.

Ryan Township — Christian Montanero to John and Jennifer L. Pytko; property on Nolania Road, Barnesville; $7,000.

Schuylkill Haven — Hanjo D. and Sharon L. Farr to Kimberly Bauer; 115 Avenue A; $139,900.

Shenandoah — Robert J. and Nancy J. Romanot to Robert and Anna Marie Decusky; property on Walnut Street; $6,000.

South Manheim Township — Kathleen Ann Davis to Maria Sterner and Jordan Sterner; 1404 Lightfoot Drive, Lake Wynonah; $3,000.

Brian K. and Marianne Callahan to Barbara A. and Jerry W. Freiwald; 1294 Running Deer Drive, Lake Wynonah; $199,900.

Jeffrey J. and Judith K. Wagner to Keith A. and Kristina L. Frederick; 1806 Crazy Horse Drive, Lake Wynonah; $172,900.

Wayne Township — Lori S. and Raymond R. Bechtel to Lori S. and Raymond R. Bechtel; 6 Knotts Road; $1.

Frank and Jennifer Cataldi to Robert D. Wessner Jr.; 14 Reedsville Road, Reedsville; $216,140.

West Penn Township — Donald K. Bray, administrator c.t.a. of the Estate of Dennis R. Bray, to Gary S. and Tiffany L. Reinhard; 87 Fort Franklin Road, Andreas; $200,000.

McADOO — The state Department of Transportation will not hold a public meeting to discuss right-of-way issues in connection with Route 309 reconstruction slated for 2018.

Council members requested the meeting last week after PennDOT officials visited businesses owners with information on the 1.2-mile, $8.5-million project.

Business owners were given folders with papers to sign but did not have the time to meet with the PennDOT officials and conduct their business at the same time, Councilwoman Mary Labert said.

Ron Young, a spokesman for District 5, Allentown, said Tuesday that privacy issues prevent a public meeting concerning the questions McAdoo residents want answered.

“We are open to a public meeting to discuss the project, but we can’t discuss individual right-of-way issues with property owners,” Young said. “That would be dragging peoples’ personal information into public. We can’t do that for legal reasons. They have to deal with the individual right-of-way administrator assigned to them.”

Some business owners are concerned that the project will potentially block access to their businesses, which Young said Tuesday won’t happen.

Most of the rights-of-way needed will not take property from a property owner, Young said.

“These are temporary construction easements that will give us temporary access, so construction crews can move around on the property and do the things they have to do,” Young said.

“The access will be for a few hours here and there. We are going to be upgrading curbing — not sidewalks, except the (Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant) sidewalk ramps at the intersections.”

Young suggested that anyone with questions call Tim Kramer, a PennDOT right-of-way administrator, at 610-871-4173.

The project is slated to start late next year. The sequence of work will be determined by the contractor who lands the job, Young said.

Reconstruction is expected to take more than a year to complete because it will involve full-depth reconstruction, which will mean digging up the street and replacing all material before paving begins. There will also be drainage improvements and new traffic signals.

PennDOT came to McAdoo in February to explain the project, which will be done in two-block increments. Detour routes were outlined at the February session.

Contact the writer: jdino@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3585

U.S. Rep. Tom Marino’s withdrawal Tuesday from consideration as national drug czar was a surprise because of its swiftness but probably won’t end his political career if he still wants one.

With President Donald Trump promising to declare all-out war starting next week against the nation’s opioid abuse epidemic, the president couldn’t afford to have the Republican congressman from Lycoming County as his drug czar, despite Marino’s early support for his presidential candidacy.

Not when many who watched “60 Minutes” on Sunday or read the Washington Post believe, fairly or unfairly, that Marino’s bill curbing the powers of the Drug Enforcement Administration basically contributed to the opioid crisis.

For all his disdain for fake news, Trump knows the real thing when he sees it.

“Rep. Tom Marino has informed me that he is withdrawing his name from consideration as drug czar. Tom is a fine man and a great congressman!” Trump tweeted at 7:39 a.m. Tuesday.

Efforts to reach Marino after that were unsuccessful.

Whether Trump asked Marino to withdraw, Marino offered to withdraw to avoid tainting the president’s anti-opioid efforts or something else intervened makes little difference.

“Frankly, I think he did the right thing,” Thomas Baldino, a Wilkes University political science professor, said. “But if Trump had decided to stick with him, he would have been confirmed. Resigning saved him and Trump a lot of unneeded aggravation and maybe some political capital.”

Baldino said he thinks Marino could have pointed to his credentials fighting drugs as a local and federal prosecutor and argued he favors improving his law if its consequences really prove dangerous.

“He has some credibility to stand with the president,” he said.

For now, Marino will remain the 10th Congressional District representative.

His withdrawal Tuesday marked the second time he pulled back from the drug czar job. Marino said his mother’s illness prompted him to withdraw from consideration in May, the first time Trump planned to nominate him. Marino eventually changed his mind again, and Trump nominated him in September.

That might raise questions about Marino’s commitment or interest in staying in Congress. So might his aversion to say definitively that he is running for a fifth two-year term next year. So far, he has shown only lackluster fundraising this year, though maybe because he expected to move on and had to deal with his mother’s illness.

As of Sept. 30, Marino still had $112,501 in cash left, but only raised $8,500 in the third quarter of this year. Not that he needs a lot more than that to keep a seat in a reliably Republican district.

Baldino has no doubt Marino would easily win re-election, though the lone Democrat in the race, Judy Herschel, has a background as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor, an interesting contrast at the moment.

Herschel said she has talked about the bill’s effects for a while now and thinks what happened may convince even Republicans to view her with an open mind.

Maybe, but the district remains strongly Republican in voter registration and voted for Trump 66 percent to 30 percent against Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton last year. Republican challengers, who lined up to replace Marino if he moved on, probably will decline to take on Marino in the primary election next May for a simple reasons.

“Because he supports Trump,” Baldino said.

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

With a population of about 4,000 people today, the Borough of Mahanoy City displays and enjoys a rich history.

Mahanoy City, originally a part of Mahanoy Township, was settled in 1859 and incorporated as a borough by decree of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Schuylkill County in 1863.

The name “Mahanoy” is believed to come from the Delaware Indian word “Maghonioy.” The borough celebrated the 150th anniversary of its incorporation in 2013.

In the heart of anthracite coal mining, Mahanoy City’s population grew to more than 16,000 people by 1916, with 18 collieries within a five-mile radius providing coal to local, state, national and world markets.

Mahanoy City, situated at the routes 339 and 54, is a gateway into the region from the east and from the north via Route 81.

There are many historical areas in the town including the Molly Maguire Historic Park, near Centre and Catawissa streets.

In 2010, a statue made by world-renowned sculptor Zenos Frudakis, Glenside, Montgomery County, was placed on its pedestal at the park near the Citizens Fire Company. It’s a sculpture of a hooded man awaiting execution on the gallows.

The Kaier Mansion and Smith Mansion are historic buildings that show some of the architectural elegance in the borough and region.

The Senator James J. Rhoades Downtown Center at Main and Centre streets is home to the Mahanoy Area Historical Society.

On West Mahanoy Avenue is St. Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church, which, when it was St. Joseph Church, was visited by Mother Teresa of Calcutta at the invitation of the church’s then-pastor, Monsignor Anthony F. Wassel. She was canonized St. Teresa of Calcutta in 2016.

Community events draw people to the borough. Community Day is held in July in the downtown area with activities, entertainment and locally made food. As the holiday season approaches, there is an annual Christmas tree lighting on the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day.

Mark N. Spotz, whose four-day killing spree terrorized central Pennsylvania in winter 1995, must remain on death row for his crimes, including the murder of a Wayne Township woman, the state Supreme Court unanimously ruled Wednesday.

In a 12-page opinion, the court decided no exception justifies considering Spotz’s untimely challenges to his death sentences from Schuylkill and Cumberland counties.

“Both petitions at issue here are facially untimely,” Justice David N. Wecht wrote in the court’s opinion.

The decision marks the ninth time the state’s highest court has rejected an attempt by Spotz, 46, of Chestnut Grove, formerly of Pine Grove, to reverse one or more of his death sentences.

In the opinion, Wecht wrote that Spotz’s argument that the U.S. Supreme Court’s invalidation of a sentencing provision in the federal Armed Career Criminal Act had no effect on the defendant. Spotz was prosecuted under state, not federal law, and the decision did not invalidate any provision of any relevant state law, Wecht wrote.

As a result, no exception to the requirement that a petition under the state Post Conviction Relief Act, as Spotz’s was, must be filed within one year of a conviction becoming final applies in this case, according to Wecht. Consequently, Spotz’s petition must be dismissed, Wecht wrote.

“The ... petitioner bears the burden of proving the applicability of one of the exceptions,” Wecht wrote.

Spotz’s killing spree started Jan. 31, 1995, with an argument over a gerbil.

That argument escalated, resulting in Spotz fatally shooting his brother, Dustin J. Spotz, 25, at their Clearfield County home. Mark Spotz was convicted in September 1995 in Clearfield County Court of voluntary manslaughter and related crimes in connection with his brother’s death.

Spotz promptly fled after shooting his brother, driving with his girlfriend, Christina D. Noland, to Pine Grove, where about 5:30 a.m. Feb. 1, they met June Rose Ohlinger, Wayne Township, who was opening the convenience store where she worked.

They kidnapped Ohlinger and drove her to the Church Road bridge over Swatara Creek, where Spotz shot her in the head with a full metal jacket bullet and kicked her body into the creek.

On March 4, 1996, a Northampton County jury brought to Pottsville to hear the case convicted Spotz of first-degree murder and related crimes in connection with Ohlinger’s killing. Two days later, in front of almost 200 people packed into the courtroom, the same jury sentenced Spotz to death, eliciting cheers from many of the spectators.

After killing Ohlinger, Spotz and Noland then drove to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where they wrote the words “Natural Born Killers” in the sand before returning to Pennsylvania.

About 6 a.m. Feb. 2, Spotz and Noland carjacked Penny L. Gunnet, 41, of New Salem, and stole money, credit cards and jewelry from her. Spotz then drove Gunnet to a rural area of West Manchester Township and shot her on Indian Rock Dam Road.

On April 22, 1996, a jury brought in from Delaware County convicted Spotz of first-degree murder and related crimes in connection with Gunnet’s death. Two days later, that same jury sentenced Spotz to die.

That death sentence was not at issue in the appeal, the state Supreme Court just decided.

Leaving Noland, Spotz then kidnapped Betty L. Amstutz, 71, of Harrisburg, later that day, stole money and credit cards from her and eventually shot her in the early morning hours of Feb. 3 near Carlisle in Cumberland County.

Spotz then went to the Knights Inn near Carlisle, where a special state police task force surrounded the property and captured him that morning. He has been behind bars ever since.

On May 15, 1996, another jury from Delaware County found Spotz guilty in Cumberland County of first-degree murder in the death of Amstutz. That jury sentenced him to death on June 17, 1996.

All six other members of the state’s highest court — Chief Justice Thomas G. Saylor and Justices Max Baer, Debra McCloskey Todd, Christine Dougherty, Kevin Dougherty and Sallie Updyke Mundy — joined in Wecht’s opinion.

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

POTTSVILLE — In another Oct. 11 case, Matthew J. Nickerson, 32, of Orwigsburg, pleaded guilty to indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom, for violating a protection from abuse order. Senior Judge D. Michael Stine sentenced Nickerson to serve one to six months in prison.

Pottsville police charged Nickerson with violating the order against him on Sept. 13 in the city.

In a Tuesday case, prosecutors withdrew a charge of improperly furnishing drug-free urine against Krystle L. Ketchledge, 27, of York.

Pottsville police had charged Ketchledge with committing the crime on July 22, 2015, in the city.

Also on Tuesday, President Judge William E. Baldwin revoked the probation of Breanna J. Phillips, 25, of Pottsville, and sentenced her to serve 20 days to 12 months in prison with immediate parole.

Phillips admitted violating her probation by failing to report to her supervising officer, moving without permission, failing drug tests and using drugs.

“Her history isn’t good,” Baldwin said.

Phillips originally pleaded guilty on June 29, 2016, to one count each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance, with prosecutors withdrawing two additional counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Saint Clair police had charged Phillips with possessing drugs on Nov. 28, 2015, in the borough.

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

POTTSVILLE — Two Schuylkill County officials both wanted to get their hands on a piece of art Dr. Abdul Wahhab donated for the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill Auxiliary’s Art for a Cause breast cancer awareness and art auction at The Lodge at Sharp Mountain. Only one would win.

Two hundred people registered to bid on the 103 pieces of art donated by Wahhab, a surgeon for 42 years in Pottsville. Wahhab retired in 2015.

Schuylkill County Commissioner Chairman George Halcovage Jr. and Schuylkill County Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans Court Theresa Santai-Gaffney each bid on artwork titled “Freedom at 10.” It featured the clock of the Schuylkill County Courthouse and fireworks off in the distance.

“Does that look familiar?” auctioneer Ruby Paris asked the crowd.

The bid started at $500. Santai-Gaffney bid first. When Paris noticed Halcovage, she asked him if he wanted to bid.

“Are you sure? This is going to get around,” she said about having her outbid him.

Eventually Halcovage won the bid after bidding $600. The crowd applauded, and Halcovage stood up. Halcovage said for now the art will hang in the commissioners suite at the courthouse. At a later time, it could be displayed elsewhere in the courthouse.

“I think it’s something for the public to see,” he said.

Halcovage said the money is going to a great cause. Fifty percent of the proceeds go to the auxiliary to be used for breast cancer awareness and support.

This is the first time for the auction and the fifth time for the annual breast cancer awareness dinner. Wahhab said it took him about 1 1 /2 years to paint everything that was auctioned off Wednesday.

“They are all my babies. I love everyone of them,” he said.

Those who wanted to bid received a number they would hold up to signify their interest in the art. The event lasted until after 9 p.m. All pieces of art sold. M. Michael Peckman, director of marketing and public affairs for Lehigh Valley Health Network, did not have an exact tally on the proceeds for the event, which all included chance tickets for a money prize. However, he said about $38,625 was raised from the sale of the art. That is the most to money to date from a dinner.

William J. Reppy, LVH-Schuylkill president, thanked everyone for coming to the event.

Before the auction, Dr. Kristina Thornburg, who is with Geisinger General Surgery-Pottsville, talked about breast cancer. She said women have a 1 in 8 chance of getting breast cancer, the most common diagnosed cancer in women. She stressed how it is important to get mammograms.

Freddie Winstian of Orwigsburg knows the importance of mammograms. Her daughter had breast cancer and when Winstian went to visit her, her daughter told her to get a mammogram because she wanted her mother to be healthy. Winstian had a mammogram and was later diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery and radiation to treat the cancer. She has been cancer-free for nine years. She goes for checkups regularly.

“Cancer is not the killer that it used to be,” she said, adding early detection is important.

She bought a painting by Wahhab, although she has two in her house. She paid $800 for “Angel Lillies.” It featured white lillies on a blue background.

“This was a wonderful event,” Peckman said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028