POTTSVILLE — A Barnesville man who represented himself in a criminal case gained no advantage from doing so, as a Schuylkill County jury convicted him Thursday of harassing his estranged wife in February in Ryan Township.

Jason L. Brown, 43, is guilty of harassment, the jury decided after deliberating less than 15 minutes.

Judge John E. Domalakes, who presided over Brown’s one-day trial, found him guilty of a second charge of harassment. He also ordered preparation of a presentence investigation, ordered the defendant to have no contact with the victim except for custody purposes and scheduled Brown’s sentencing for 9:30 a.m. Dec. 11.

Ryan Township police charged Brown with harassing Lisa Brown on Feb. 27. Police said Jason Brown called Lisa Brown in the middle of the night and sent text messages to her as part of an ongoing custody dispute.

Lisa Brown testified she had to move from Barnesville to Tamaqua without informing her husband as a result of the dispute.

“Why didn’t you tell him?” Assistant District Attorney David J. Rice asked her.

“I was scared,” she answered.

Jason Brown, who did not testify or offer any other evidence and was admonished several times by Domalakes for arguing with his wife instead of asking her questions on cross-examination, tried to discredit her testimony.

“Have I ever ... hit, kicked or caused bodily harm to you?” he asked.

“No,” she responded.

In his closing argument, Jason Brown said he only wanted to exercise his custodial rights.

“I had no intention of harassing or stalking” his wife, he said.

However, jurors accepted Rice’s closing argument, in which he said the defendant had a vendetta against Lisa Brown.

“He doesn’t want her, but he doesn’t want anyone else to want her,” Rice said. “He has a full-time job: harassing her.”

Lisa Brown works as hard as she can and follows the law in the custody dispute, in complete contrast to Jason Brown, Rice said.

“This was him being angry and harassing the mother of his child,” he said. “Convict him.”

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

Defendant: Jason L. Brown

Age: 43

Residence: Barnesville

Verdict: Guilty of harassment, also found guilty by judge of a second count of harassment.

ORWIGSBURG — At least four vocalists and one choral group from Schuylkill County are in the running to sing the national anthem to open up each day of the 102nd Pennsylvania Farm Show.

The Blue Mountain Middle School Show Choir is among the top 25 video contestants in the “Oh Say, Can You Sing” competition. Amy Sterner, music teacher and choral director, uploaded a video of the group singing the national anthem to the farm show Facebook page to enter the contest in October.

Maddie Swick, a Blue Mountain eighth-grader from Orwigsburg, and Elle Walasavage, a Blue Mountain sixth-grader from Schuylkill Haven, also entered individually. Both were selected into the top 25 and are also members of the show choir.

“I was very proud. We are very lucky to have some talented vocal coaches in Schuylkill County, and these young ladies work very hard,” Sterner said.

Swick’s video was from her singing at the Schuylkill County Fair. She said she’s never been to the farm show, but was excited to enter.

“I’ve been taking voice lessons for about five years, and my mom signed me up for it,” Swick, 14, said.

She said the national anthem is a difficult song to sing.

“It’s hard, because it goes up high, but starts out low. You’ve got to stay in key throughout the whole song,” Swick, who’s also starring as Ariel in her school’s production of “The Little Mermaid,” said.

Walasavage, 11, said her entry video was from a Lancaster Barnstormers baseball game. She’s taken voice lessons for three years, and also performed as Gretl in the high school’s production of “The Sound of Music.”

“I thought this was another opportunity to get my name out there,” Walasavage said. She enjoys singing country and pop songs, and playing the guitar.

It’s believed a few other Schuylkill County vocalists are in the top 25 as well — Ella Grace Frantz and Hallie Yordy. Frantz, Pottsville, and Yordy, Cumbola, both have videos on the farm show site singing the national anthem.

“We don’t have hometowns for the 25 finalists unless the contestant mentioned it in his or her post. (Or the school groups, of course.) After fan voting, we will have their hometowns and will issue a press release,” Shannon Powers, deputy communications director at the state Department of Agriculture, said in an email Wednesday.

The 24 singers in the Blue Mountain Middle School ensemble are selected by an audition process at the beginning of the school year, according to Sterner. The group is open to sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students. This year, there are four sixth-graders, seven seventh-graders and 13 eighth-graders.

A parent of one of the eighth-grade students suggested the choir enter the contest, Sterner said. On Thursday, the group practiced the national anthem on the auditorium stage.

“The range of this song is what makes it so difficult to sing well. Our three-part arrangement, which was composed by my colleague, Mr. Thomas Daugherty, the band director at BMMS several years ago, adds some beautiful harmonies and allows us to sing in tune,” Sterner said.

“We do our best to use good vocal technique, sing our harmonies in tune and use clear diction. The recording — which was made at a high school boys’ basketball game last year — was a great representation of what this group is able to do.”

The video Sterner submitted was actually of the 2016-17 show choir. All of the current members, with the exception of the four sixth-graders, were singing.

“We rehearse one day each week during ninth period. Throughout the year, we also stay after school to do some additional work on our vocals and choreography to perfect our performance. I place high expectations on these young performers, but they work very hard and always rise to the challenge,” Sterner said.

The show choir has already received recognition for its talent. Each year the choir competes in Music in the Parks, an adjudication/competition in Hershey where the students are scored against a specific rubric or evaluation sheet. The vocalists have scored in the superior category for the past few years, and have been named the “Overall MS/Jr. High Choir” at the competition in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017, according to Sterner.

There is also a yearly Wreaths Across America assembly at their school where they honor veterans. The show choir participates in the assembly by singing the national anthem and also preparing a special piece of music to honor those who have served their country. This year’s assembly is Dec. 14.

“Additionally, we perform each year at a home Reading Royals game. We sing the national anthem and then entertain fans by singing holiday music on the concourse between periods,” Sterner said. The choir will be singing at the game this year on Dec. 16.

“I have been teaching at BMMS for 17 years. I am lucky to work with a faculty and staff that is so very supportive of the arts. I am also fortunate to have a principal who is behind me every step of the way. Mr. James McGonigle makes every effort to allow us to provide these fantastic opportunities to our students,” Sterner said.

The total number of video submissions for the farm show contest was not reported. The state Department of Agriculture announced Monday the top 25 video submissions, and voting opened for fans to select their favorite. Voting ends at 1 p.m. Nov. 10.

Winning vocalists will be required to be at the farm show complex in Harrisburg by 7:45 a.m. on the day they’re selected to sing.

The top nine entrants, based on total reactions (likes, loves, wows, etc.), will sing each day of the farm show and opening ceremonies with the national anthem. All reactions, however, must be on the original video in the farm show’s album to count toward the total vote, not just liked on shared posts. Visit the PA Farm Show Facebook page and scroll to the left under videos. Each entrant video can be viewed there and liked. The winners will be publicly announced by Nov. 17 via the farm show social media pages. The farm show runs Jan. 6-13.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Berks man charged

with homicide

KEMPTON — A Berks County man was taken into custody in Michigan and is charged by state police at Hamburg with the homicide of a 19-year-old woman.

State police Trooper Alyssa Becker of the Criminal Investigation Unit said police were contacted about 5:45 p.m. Wednesday by the Upper Macungie Township Police Department in Lehigh County regarding a missing or endangered person — Tara Marie Serino, 19, of Orefield.

Becker said that during the investigation, a house at 282 Roth Road was searched as a possible location for Serino and during the search the woman’s body was found inside.

Becker said the home is solely occupied by Christopher Ryan Tucker, 35, who lists his address as Albany Township, and that he fled the area but was taken into custody in Illinois.

Tucker was charged with criminal homicide, murder of the first degree, murder of the second degree and related offenses, Becker said, adding that the man is awaiting extradition back to Pennsylvania.

Police probe rock

through window

LYKENS — State police at Lykens are investigating a criminal mischief incident that occurred at 462 North St. in this Dauphin County community between Sept. 27 and Oct. 4.

Police said someone threw a rock through the living room window of the home of Joy A. Kissinger and fled the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 717-362-8700.

Oneida woman

charged after search

ONEIDA — An Oneida woman was charged by state police at Frackville in connection with an incident on Third Street in this East Union Township village about 8:30 p.m. Sept. 19.

Police said while investigating a reported theft, a consent search revealed drug paraphernalia belonging to Kristin Kennedy, 41.

Police said Kennedy was charged with violating the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act and will have to appear before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Police investigate

assault incident

WILLIAMSTOWN — State police at Lykens said they are investigating an incident of assault and attempted burglary that occurred at a park behind Willow Tree Ice Cream, 505 Julian St., in this Dauphin County community about 6 p.m. Oct. 18.

Police said several juveniles damaged property at the park on the corner of Division and Julian streets owned by the Williamstown Borough Authority and also had unwanted physical contact with another juvenile.

Police investigate

theft, fraud

ELIZABETHVILLE — A theft that occurred at 1 W. Main St. in this Dauphin County community about 9 p.m. Oct. 15 is being investigated by state police at Lykens.

Police said Maryann Mattis was the victim of a theft and access device fraud that resulted in her suffering a monetary loss of $82.25.

The suspect, police said, is a white man with a husky build wearing a blue shirt, jeans and hunting boots.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 717-362-8700.

Ashland

Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ, 2400 Centre St., will have an Election Day lunch sale beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The menu will include hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, soup and snacks. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-875-2700. The church will also have a free soup-and-sandwich luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 15. The luncheons are held on the third Wednesday of the month. Call the aforementioned number for more information.

Hamburg

The art works of Brenda Binns, Orwigsburg, a member of the Hamburg Area Arts Alliance, are on display at The Art Craft Gallery of Hamburg, 335 State St., now through Nov. 30. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. A reception for the exhibit is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9. For more information, email BBInns1@msn.com.

Minersville

The Minersville Area Historical Society will have a free program, “Learn How to Read a Coal Mine Map” with Dave Williams, at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at Mountaineer Hose Company Hall, South Third Street. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-544-9482.

Pottsville

The November Lunch and Learn Series for Luther Ridge at Seiders Hill will focus on Alzheimer’s Disease at noon Nov. 15 for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. The speaker will be Ellen Popson, intake coordinator at LIFE Geisinger, who will provide an overview of the disease and its symptoms. To register, call 570-621-7200 or email Melissa.E.Clarke@consulatehc.com.

Pottsville

A Friendly’s Family Fun Night set for 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 14 to benefit St. John’s Lutheran Church, Friedensburg, youth group’s trip to a national youth gathering in Houston, Texas, in June. A portion of all proceeds from eat-in and take-out meals at Friendly’s Family Restaurant near Fairlane Village mall will go to the youth group. For more information, call 570-345-8357.

Sacramento

An all-you-can-eat Italian Night supper is set for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. The menu will include homemade stuffed shells, lasagna, spaghetti, salad, Italian bread and homemade desserts. Takeouts will be available. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12 and free for children 4 and younger. For more information, call 570-682-9828.

Schuylkill Haven

The Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway, will have a free first Saturday open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. The event will include light refreshments. For more information, call 570-732-3728.

Shenandoah

Trinity Academy in the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center, Cherry and Chestnut streets, will honor all veterans at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 10 with a prayer service in Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Church. A reception in the Trinity cafeteria will follow the service. Veterans are invited to attend. To properly plan for the reception, people are asked to contact the school advancement office by calling 570-462-3927 or emailing jgrier@trinitymatters.com to provide name, rank, branch of military and hometown. Trinity is the parochial pre-school through eighth grade school for all of northern Schuylkill County.

Tamaqua

Tamaqua area families with children ages 2 to 10 are invited to a trunk-or-treat event set for 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Zion Lutheran Church, Mauch Chunk Street between Greenwood and Market streets. If it rains, the event will be held in the church’s downstairs social area. For more information, call 570-668-2180, visit www.zionlutherantamaqua.com or Zion’s Facebook page.

Tremont

A free vendor and craft show by Diakon Community Services is set for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Tremont Borough Hall, 139 Clay St. Food will be available and there will be door prizes. For more information, call 570-695-3500.

The Gabriel Chamber Ensemble will return Sunday for the second concert of its 28th season.

The concert featuring guest artists Dana Weiderhold and Jesus Morales will be held at 3 p.m. at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St., Schuylkill Haven. Tickets are $20 and $15 for seniors. They will be available at the door. Students are permitted for free.

The program will feature Weiderhold, a native of Minersville, on violin and Morales on cello. They will play a movement for a duo for violin and cello by Zoltan Kodaly. The piece was composed at the start of World War I and is considered a masterpiece for this combination of instruments.

“It is rather unusual for us to feature both guest artists as a duet, but they know each other from performing with other groups, including the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, and they enjoy performing together,” said Agnes Maurer, executive director of the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble.

Weiderhold will join the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble to perform Claude Debussy’s String Quartet, a piece Maurer described as a sensual and impressionistic work together with rhythmic vitality and poetic subtlety.

All of the musicians will perform on Franz Schubert’s String Quintet featuring two cellos. Maurer said the quintet is generally regarded as Schubert’s finest chamber work as well as one of the greatest compositions in all chamber music.

This concert will be Morales’ first time performing with the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble.

“Mr. Jesus Morales is a very accomplished artist and his warm, rich tone on cello promises to bring true delight to our audience,” Maurer said.

Born into a prominent musical family, Morales is an active soloist, recording artist and chamber musician. His recordings of the Saint-Saens and Lalo cello concertos on the Centaur label received rave reviews.

He currently serves as cello professor with ArCoNet and Temple University. He also has an active private studio.

He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Dara Morales, and daughters, Isabel and Karina.

Weiderhold began her studies under Simon Maurer, and has been featured on National Public Radio stations including WHYY, WRTI and WVIA. She has also performed at Carnegie Hall and was featured soloist with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and Newark Symphony Orchestra.

She is principal second violinist of Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, concertmaster of the Anthracite Philharmonic and assistant concertmaster with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra.

She is on the faculty at Albright College and has private studio in West Chester.

Sunday’s concert is sponsored by Douglas K. Troutman.

The Gabriel Chamber Ensemble is a nonprofit professional chamber music ensemble. Concerts are made possible through corporate and private donations, including grants from the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts, Schuylkill Area Community Foundation and M&T Foundation.

For more information, visit the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble’s website, www.gabrielensemble.org.

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

For many in the Pottsville fire department, Todd March is the only chief they have ever known or worked under.

However, effective Jan. 1, 2018, March plans to hang up his white helmet and retire his bunker pants and portable radio after 42 years.

March, 72, formally broke the news of his retirement Wednesday to the Pottsville Board of Fire Trustees, and on Thursday to Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney and members of city council.

“After 42 years of service to the community, this decision was not an easy one to make,” March wrote in a letter announcing his intent. “I’m honored and privileged to have served our great city for over four decades, but feel that now is the time for me to focus on spending time with my family and friends.”

March said he can retire with pride, looking back on the many accomplishments and advances that have been made by the Pottsville Fire Department during his tenure as chief.

These would not have been possible without the professionalism and dedication of the countless men and women that have volunteered their time, energy and their own money in order to serve their fire companies and the City of Pottsville, March said.

“When it comes to knowledge, training and equipment, I can honestly say our department is one of the best in the state,” the chief said.

March said that throughout his career he has had the honor of working with many talented people, including assistant fire chiefs, duty chiefs and fire company line officers who have always been professional, knowledgeable and have made his duties easier to perform.

March also said he has served many mayors and city council members, all of whom have been instrumental in providing the necessary support and funding to the department enabling it to maintain its high level of community service.

With his letter of intent to retire, March said the Pottsville Board of Fire Trustees, along with Pottsville City Council, can begin the process of selecting a new fire chief.

“I will offer any assistance needed in order to make the transition as smooth as possible,” March wrote.

March is a 1962 graduate of Pottsville High School and, in 1964, earned an associate degree in drafting and design from Penn State University.

Prior to becoming fire chief, he was employed for seven years as a design draftsman and also worked for three years as a salesman for his father’s food distribution business.

For the past 52 years, March has been a volunteer firefighter with the Yorkville Hose Company and, during the 10 years there before his appointment to fire chief on Dec. 15, 1975, served as an assistant engineer, driver and lieutenant.

March has extensive training and experience in fire suppression, fire prevention and fire investigation and, in 1978, started Da-Mar Fire Protection Inc., a company he currently owns and of which he is president.

March, who will turn 73 on Dec. 8, is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Fire Protection Association, the International Association of Arson Investigators, the International Association of Fire Service Instructors and the Schuylkill County Fire Chief’s Association.

March has been married to the former Ellen Kessler for 46 years. The couple have two children, David March and Darren March, and five grandchildren, Reagan, Kayla, Derek, Ryan and Owen.

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

Winter electricity prices will drop more than 12 percent, the largest decrease in two years, for PPL Electric Utilities customers who don’t shop for a better price.

PPL on Thursday announced its price to compare for residential customers will fall to 7.46 cents per kilowatt-hour from 8.5 cents starting Dec. 1.

Business customers, on the other hand, will pay nearly 3 percent more for electricity, the utility company said.

A kilowatt-hour is the amount of energy consumed when 1,000 watts are used for one hour.

A typical homeowner who doesn’t shop around and uses 1,000 kwh in a month should shave off about $10 from their monthly bill.

Customers can shop around for different generators using the Public Utility Commission’s website, www.papowerswitch.com, or by calling the commission at 800-692-7380 for more information.

Utilities buy electricity wholesale on six- and 12-month contracts, with separate contracts for business and residential customers.

They profit from distribution charges, but the cost of electricity is passed through from the generator to customers unchanged.

One explanation for the price change: the utility adjusts its prices every six months based on earlier collections.

“It appears that on the residential side, both the prices were lower and we slightly over-collected, so we adjusted to account for that,” PPL spokesman Kurt Blumenau said. Prices were basically flat on the business side, but PPL had under-collected, which is nudging up the price, he said.

Residential electricity prices haven’t fallen this far since the winter of 2015 when they fell nearly 17 percent. That kicked off a downward price trend until this past summer, when residential prices spiked 14 percent.

Contact the writer: joconnell@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9131

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — A town hall meeting on the opioid crisis Wednesday included a personal message from a main speaker who went through his own addiction and the loss of two brothers due to drug use.

The event at North Schuylkill High School auditorium was presented by STEP UP Tamaqua, a project of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network under the umbrella of Tamaqua Area Community Partnership. Its purpose is to address the community’s addiction issue.

The group scheduled the event, which ran more than two hours, to reach out to communities in Mahanoy Area, North Schuylkill and Shenandoah Valley school districts. The first half focused on “Addiction and Government Efforts to Stop Prescription Use,” featuring Jason Snyder, state Department of Human Services special assistant to the secretary. The second half was an “Opioid Epidemic Candidates Forum” between Schuylkill County district attorney candidates incumbent Christine Holman and challenger Mike O’Pake.

The moderator and organizer was STEP UP member Todd Zimmerman, who said it was the sixth event sponsored by the organization.

“I met with the superintendents two months ago and Dr. (Robert) Ackell (North Schuylkill superintendent) asked me to hold a town hall in northern Schuylkill,” Zimmerman said.

“I think it is important for our communities and parents to know about the growing problem, not just locally but nationally, with opioids and the overuse of them, and how it’s causing more and more concerns for our community, including our students,” Shenandoah Valley Superintendent Brian Waite said before the town hall.

“There is no silver bullet to stop this crisis. It has to be attacked on every side,” Zimmerman said.

Snyder spoke about his background and role as a DHS special assistant, where he advises and assists the secretary and other staff on and with establishment of policies around addiction treatment initiatives. He also speaks about the initiatives across the state. In his 20-year career, he has held executive-level positions in public relations, communications and nonprofit organization management. He also has served on several nonprofit boards.

Snyder discussed the Wolf administration’s efforts to fight the heroin and opioid epidemic, but also spoke of his own history recovering from opioid addiction.

“For about two years, I have been in the middle of the administration’s and the governor’s efforts to address this epidemic,” Snyder said.

He said in 2016, 4,642 Pennsylvanians died of drug overdoses, the majority opioids.

“For the first time last year, fentanyl was the most often identified drug in those individuals who died of overdoses,” Snyder said. “Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid primarily making its way into the country through China. In 2015, heroin was the most identified drug in those overdose deaths. Both are very dangerous drugs, but fentanyl is a much more powerful opioid than heroin.”

He said that someone who tries fentanyl may die before the needle leaves their arm.

“At 4,642 deaths per year, that is 13 people every day,” Snyder said. “It wasn’t long ago, the number one cause of accidental death in Pennsylvania was automobile accidents. Today we lose about two people a day in automobile accidents, so you see how we’ve surpassed that.”

Snyder said the drug overdose deaths in 2016 were 37 percent higher than in 2015, and 2015 was a record number over 2014.

“Nationally, we lost 52,400 people to drug overdose deaths in 2015, which is about as many we lost in the 12 years of the Vietnam War,” Snyder said. “In ranking of the rate of overdose deaths in the 67 counties in the state per 100,000 in population, Schuylkill County in 2016 ranked 15th of 67 counties; 40 people died in Schuylkill County for every 100,000.”

He spoke of growing up in Cambria County with two brothers and being raised by two wonderful parents.

“I suspect my family was like most families in this room,” Snyder said.

He spoke of his brother, Todd, who became addicted to heroin that led to his death in 2005 at age 28.

“A little bit more than two and a half years later, it happened again, and the best word I can use to describe our family is dismantled,” he said. “This time it was my mother calling me in the early morning hours that Josh was dead at 25 of a heroin overdose on Sept. 14, 2007, and his son, Peyton, was born Nov. 14, 2007. Not only have we seen the huge impacts of the disease of addiction and death from overdose on our immediate family, but we see the repercussions of that in the next generation. It is a generational disease.”

Snyder said it was difficult to tell his parents in 2011 that he was entering inpatient drug treatment for an addiction to prescription pain medications, primarily oxycodone and oxymorphone.

“My years of addiction to those powerful narcotics capped what for me was years of drug and alcohol abuse,” Snyder said. “Fortunately, my path was much different than my brothers’, and today I identify as a person in long-term recovery from the disease of addiction, which for me means I haven’t had a drink or drug or mind-altering substance in almost six years.”

Loud applause followed.

“Six years ago, my life was filled with fear, anxiety, hopelessness. It was truly hopeless. I would wake up in the morning believing that death was preferable to the life I was living,” he said. “Today I sit here as a representative of Gov. Wolf’s administration having an opportunity to work side by side with the governor and his cabinet. Here I sit very grateful. I hope also to be a demonstration that those in active addiction can get off the elevator on any floor. They don’t have to go to the basement. I believe with treatment and post-treatment supports, we can get people on the path of recovery before they end up as one of 4,642 who died last year.”

Anyone struggling with a drugs or knows someone who is can call the Schuylkill County Drug and Alcohol hotline at 877-993-4357.

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

MINERSVILLE — Two borough men were arrested by Minersville police on drug charges Wednesday afternoon.

Michael D. Hauptly, 23, of 336 Cherry St., and Joseph A. Sorokach Jr., 21, of 454 Sunbury St., were charged by Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers with one felony count each of delivery of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit delivery of a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and conspiracy to commit criminal use of a communications facility, as well as one misdemeanor count each of possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled substance.

Hauptly was also charged with an additional misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia, Bowers said.

Both men were arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $15,000 straight cash bail each.

Bowers said the arrests were the result of an investigation that ended about 3:45 p.m. at Second and West Market streets in Pottsville.

Bowers said he was conducting an ongoing narcotics investigation and learned that Hauptly could supply an “eight ball” of methamphetamine for $225.

Bowers said arrangements were made to pick up Hauptly in the Dollar General parking lot and, about 3:15 p.m., Hauptly and Sorokach arrived on foot and entered an undercover vehicle occupied by an undercover member of the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.

The undercover agent drove off and Bowers reported Hauptly said he had to go to Pottsville to obtain the methamphetamine.

Bowers said the agent drove the two men to the area of Sixth and West Market streets, where Sorokach was given $225, exited the vehicle and used his cellphone to arrange the transaction.

Bowers said that shortly after, a group of males arrived and met Sorokach along homes in the area, after which Sorokach returned to the vehicle and handed Hauptly a clear blue glassine bag that contained methamphetamine.

Hauptly then handed the bag to the drug agent and the three returned to Minersville, where their vehicle was stopped by Minersville Police Chief Michael Combs and Patrolman Scott Schaeffer.

Both men were taken into custody and, during a search, Hauptly was found with $25 in pre-recorded money that was given to Sorokach along with a metal marijuana smoking device.

The material obtained by Sorokach field tested positive for methamphetamine and Bowers said the total amount recovered was 3.67 grams.

Hauptly and Sorokach will now have to appear at preliminary hearings before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

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

ASHLAND — Borough police arrested a borough man and charged him with weapons violations after an incident at South 17th and Walnut streets about 12:40 a.m. Tuesday.

Patrolman Earl Johnson charged Joshua A. Phillips, 33, of 1529 Walnut St., with two felony counts each of possession of a firearm with an altered manufacturer’s number and firearms not to be carried without a license, three misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, two misdemeanor counts of prohibited offensive weapons, and one summary count each of carrying loaded weapons other than firearms, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and stop and yield sign violations.

Phillips was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $15,000 bail.

Johnson said the incident began when he stopped a vehicle driven by Phillips after seeing him going through a stop sign and driving at a high speed at South 17th and Walnut streets.

Johnson said he stopped Phillips and, when he pulled over, he tried to quickly exit but returned to the inside when ordered.

Phillips said he was not driving the vehicle, saying he was the passenger, but quickly admitted to being the driver after Johnson told him he watched him drive away from the Turkey Hill parking lot and that he identified him as the driver who traveled through the stop sign.

During the stop, Johnson said, he saw the butt of a shotgun wrapped in electrical tape between the driver’s seat and center console, and Phillips also told him he had a backpack filled with antique knives.

After Phillips and his passenger were detained, Johnson said, he searched the vehicle and found a loaded Winchester 12-gauge shotgun, a glass pipe with drug residue, a scale and spoon, both with residue, metal knuckles and a pocket radio.

In the backpack where Phillips said the knives were, Johnson said, he found small plastic bag, some of which contained a white substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, 12-gauge shotgun shells and an unloaded Lorcin .380-caliber handgun with the serial numbers scratched off.

Phillips will now have to answer to the charges against him before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville.

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

Deeds

East Union Township — Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Dominador C. and Esme Castrence; Lot 14WC, Eagle Rock; $47,369.

Frackville — Jillian Frantz and Jonathan Frantz, co-executors of the Estate of Norman A. Frantz, to Mary Ellen F. Wysochansky; 212 S. Broad Mountain Ave.; $45,000.

Hegins Township — Bowman Bros. Enterprises Inc. to Hegins Real Estate Group LLC; 1.2411-acre property on Locust Street, Valley View; $150,000.

Hubley Township — Eric A. Shade and Elise S. Stutzman, executors of the Estate of Eugene A. Shade, to Kenneth L. and Yvonne L. Stiely; 80.5-acre property; $175,000.

Mahanoy City — Bonnie Richards to Ryan Richards; 713 E. Centre St.; $1.

Bonnie Richards to Bonnie Richards and Ryan Richards; 711 E. Centre St.; $1.

McAdoo — Michelle Ford and Michael Ford to Michael T. McGuire; 523 S. Hancock St.; $22,000.

Minersville — George Rizzardi to Madeleine Jeudi and Shella Charles; 101 S. Fourth St.; $45,500.

North Manheim Township — Springleaf Financial Services Inc. to JSTTOPS LLC; 261 Panther Valley Road; $37,500.

It’s Nov. 3 and quite frankly I have no idea where 2017 went. I can’t believe it’s almost over.

Where did it go? It’s Election Day next week (you’ll notice I never talk about that!) and the holiday season is hard on our heels.

Which brings us to my annual dissertation on the importance of shopping local. I could write an entire column on this topic every single month. The data is out there in droves. The facts and figures are endless. But truth be told, I get tired of repeating myself.

Besides, you already know it. You know supporting local businesses and organizations is critical to our local economy. You know that for every $100 you spend in a locally owned business, $45 circulates back into our community.

You know that the same $100 in a chain store only puts $13 back into our community. You know that local businesses support our community every single day. You know that local businesses do more than provide jobs in our community (a fact which is critical in and of itself). You know that when you support a local business you are helping your business neighbor pay for his kids’ college tuition, sponsor a local Little League team, donate to a benefit or support a local event. You know this. You don’t need me to tell you, right? I didn’t think so.

As always, there is a fine list of opportunities to support local organizations in November. Some things you might want to consider are: Walk In Art Center’s First Saturday Open House on Saturday; Gabriel Chamber Ensemble’s concert and St. Nick’s Chinese auction, both on Sunday; Schuylkill County Historical Society’s annual Holiday Marketplace on Nov. 11; Mud & Maker’s Wheel & Wine Night on Nov. 9; Tink’s Antiques’ Sculpted Snowman Workshop on Nov. 12; Tamaqua Historical Society’s J.G. Scott Art Exhibit on Nov. 11; Sweet Arrow Lake County Park’s Change of Season Oldies Dance on Nov. 10; Bake Shop VI’s Thanksgiving Tasting on Saturday and Tamaqua Community Arts Center’s Six to Midnight Concert on Nov. 25.

I mentioned that the holiday season is fast upon us and it truly is folks. November is the month that we kick it into full swing.

Schuylkill County has a bevy of holiday events that are appealing to both young and old: Celebrate Schuylkill’s Spirit of the Holidays Arts & Cultural tour, with complete information on locations at www.celebrateschuylkill.com, on Nov. 24 and 25; Coal Cracker Christmas in downtown Shenandoah on Nov. 24; Schuylkill Ballet Theatre’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” on Nov. 25 and 26; Hope Hill Lavender Farm Small Business Saturday Soiree on Nov. 25; Santa arrives in Garfield Square, Pottsville, on Nov. 25 for the Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa Parade with the children’s party at the Humane Fire Company afterward; Benigna’s Creek Winery’s annual Lighting of the Vineyard on Nov. 24 and 25 and Santa train rides at the Historic Minersville Railroad Station on Dec. 3.

At the visitors bureau, we’re getting ready for the holiday season, too. We offer a large selection of local cultural and historical books, original old-fashioned coal candy, the popular Skook stickers, glasses and boilo shooters; all of which make great stocking stuffers. Pair the boilo shooters with Coal Region Classics’ boilo Traditional Hot Toddy Mix for a taste of home that’s sure to please anyone!

For more information November events, the local holiday shopping guide, outdoor resources and more, go to www.schuylkill.org and remember to keep it local this holiday season!

(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)

POTTSVILLE — The Charter School Appeal Board has issued its written decision in the case of Pottsville Area School District versus Gillingham Charter School, and it was briefly discussed at the Pottsville Area school board meeting Wednesday.

Pottsville Area School District had denied the renewal of the school’s charter, but the appeal board granted Gillingham’s appeal.

The written decision was dated Oct. 25 and signed by state Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera, chairman of the Charter Appeal Board. The 79-page document spells out the case for both sides. It did not bode well for the Pottsville Area School District.

The public hearing was held Sept. 19, when the decision was first announced.

The order affirms the appeal of Gillingham Charter School is granted, and the decision to deny the charter by the Pottsville Area school board is reversed.

“The Pottsville Area School District is directed to grant the renewal of and sign a charter for Gillingham Charter School,” according to the order.

The Charter School Appeal Board ruled unanimously in September that the school will stay open.

Superintendent Jeffrey Zwiebel said Wednesday he had received the decision via email Tuesday. He reviewed it once, but said he wanted to again. He was unwilling to comment on the written decision or if the school district will appeal.

“We got it out to the board this morning,” he said after Wednesday’s school board meeting.

School board President John Boran said he had not read the document before the meeting.

“To non-renew Gillingham’s charter may result in the loss of a school that uses different and innovative teaching methods, provides parents and pupils with expanded choices in the type of educational opportunities that are available within the public school system, provides learning opportunities for pupils that they cannot obtain in the school district schools and provides a safe place for students who cannot make it in the larger, more traditional public school setting,” the written decision states.

The conclusion states, “After reviewing the record provided to CAB (Charter Appeal Board) and considering the unique educational program offered by Gillingham; the significant community support for the program as testified to by parents and students who are being positively impacted by having this educational choice available to them and are growing and learning; the charter school’s compliance with federal and state laws in provision of special education services to children with disabilities, including the IDEA (Individuals With Disabilities Education Act), Section 504 (Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973), the PHRA (Pennsylvania Human Relations Act) and Chapter 711 of the State Board of Education regulations; compliance with the compulsory attendance laws; compliance with CSL (Charter School Law) with regard to the certification of its teachers; compliance with laws requiring employee child abuse clearances, FBI and criminal history background checks and I-9 forms and compliance with CSL in the provision of healthcare benefits to its employees; and giving due consideration to the findings of the school board, but disagreeing with it for the reasons set forth above, CAB finds that the record does not support the school board’s non-renewal of Gillingham’s charter.”

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — The city will be accepting unwanted equipment in an effort to protect the area’s scenery and environment.

The fall recycling event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11, rain or shine, at the city garage at 425 E. Railroad St. Materials that will be accepted include televisions, computers, monitors, laptops, tablets, scanners, printers, fax machines, microwaves and scrap metal. Items containing freon, such as air conditioners, refrigerators and dehumidifiers, will not be collected.

The cost to dispose of a CRT television will be determined by weight. City residents will pay 50 cents per pound, while non-residents will pay $1 per pound.

A flat rate is set for LCDs, LEDs and plasma TVs at $5 for city residents and $10 for non-residents.

The event is cash only, and proof of residency or photo identification is required.

Computers, monitors, laptops, tablets, scanners, printers, fax machines, scrap metal and microwaves are free of charge.

JP Mascaro, the city’s waste hauler, will take the items to recycle. The city is paying 50 percent of the resident cost per pound of $1 that the company is charging. The city will also pay the transportation costs of about $1,000 to discard the items.

“I guarantee you, we will have those two trailers full,” Thomas Whitaker, superintendent of streets for the City of Pottsville, said Friday.

Whitaker said he gets calls on a daily basis about people wanting to dispose of their old TVs.

“We’ve been trying to do this for a whole year,” he said.

Whitaker estimates 800 or more TVs will be dropped off.

The city’s street department workers find improperly disposed TVs once a month in the city.

“Anywhere there’s going to be woods, there is going to be a TV,” Whitaker said.

Sometimes, people drop TVs off at the city garage, but that is prohibited.

The Covered Device Recycling Act of 2010 established rules governing recycling of specified electronic devices, established manufacturer responsibilities, landfill and trash haulers, among other guidelines. Unless the municipality has a curbside recycling program for electronics, residents are no longer permitted to put electronic devices such as TVs, computers, keyboards or printers out for the trash hauler.

According to a press release, the city is trying to do what it can to keep the area clean.

“The scenery in the Pottsville area is beautiful. We are active partners with Schuylkill Keep It Pretty and want to offer this type of recycling event on a regular basis to do our part to protect the environment, property values, and the great outdoors,” the release states.

City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said the city wants to do the right thing for the area.

“We are hoping to do this again in the springtime,” he said Friday.

The city also has a comprehensive solid waste and recycling program that includes unlimited household recycling as well as cardboard collection at the city garage.

For more information, call the city administrator’s office at 570-628-4417.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

POTTSVILLE — It didn’t take long for Deb Ebert to give the newest option at McDonald’s a thumbs-up.

Ebert was one of the first people Friday night to try the new digital, self-order kiosk service.

“I wanted to try it because it’s something different. I was surprised at how easy it really was, and it’s beautiful in here. I like how they redid it,” Ebert, Pottsville, said as Barbara Lindenmuth, general manager, demonstrated the kiosk inside the 720 N. Claude A. Lord Blvd. restaurant.

There were more than 40 people lined up at the kiosks, several minutes before the restaurant actually opened the kiosks at 6 p.m. The Pottsville McDonald’s is one of the first restaurants in Northeastern Pennsylvania to offer kiosk service.

According to Lindenmuth, the Pottsville restaurant is an “Experience of the Future Store,” where new ordering experiences and products are launched and managers from other restaurants come for training.

There are four kiosks located near the ordering counter inside. They’re huge touch screens, which offer customers prompts for selections, quantity and payment. There are also bilingual options and the kiosks are handicap accessible. Consumers can decide if they want to dine in or get takeout. If dining in, customers take a “tent,” or numbered card, with them and place it on their table when they seat themselves, then they can relax. There is tableside service, meaning the food is brought directly to the table by McDonald’s crew members, and the restaurant staff will also take the tray and trash away once customers have finished eating.

“It’s very convenient for parents with their kids. They don’t have to worry about anything. We’ll take care of it,” Lindenmuth said.

If a customer wants takeout, they can pick the food up at the counter with their printed kiosk receipt.

Shawn A. Raup-Konsavage, director of operations, and Lindenmuth had 22 employees on staff Friday assisting customers with the new technology. There are currently 50 full- and part-time employees at the Pottsville restaurant, Lindenmuth said, and they’re hoping to hire about 15 more.

Many customers said they wanted to try the kiosks for the experience, as well as for Friday’s bargains.

“We came in for the regular meals, but when we saw this, we thought we’d give it a try and pass out the food to the homeless people,” Mitchell Fontaine, Pottsville, said.

He was joined by Justin Androsko and Angie Boylan, both of Pottsville.

“I wanted to do something to give back,” Androsko said.

The three planned to get the maximum limit of six Big Macs or Quarter Pounders each at the $1, one-day only kiosk user special rate, so they’d have 18 burgers to distribute to others.

The one-day specials were available from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, and were only for kiosk users. Some of the coupon specials included the $1 Big Mac, $1 Quarter Pounder, $2.99 Happy Meal, $2 small McCafe beverage and $1 any size soft drink.

“It’s a great deal. Who doesn’t want a Big Mac? It doesn’t get more all-American than that,” Julianne Burke, Ashland, said. “It’s pretty easy to use and you have someone here to walk you through it. It’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Although she doesn’t normally stop at the Pottsville McDonald’s, she added, “I might now as a result of this experience.”

Lindenmuth said McDonald’s mailed coupons announcing the kiosk service and also distributed coupons and chocolate chip cookies recently at parades in Saint Clair and Pottsville.

The kiosks are the latest option for customers. About four months ago, the Pottsville McDonald’s starting offering flexible ordering and pickup options with the McDonald’s App. Two months ago, an outdoor patio, which seats 16, was added, bringing more versatility to its dining choices.

McDonald’s owner/operator Wayne Pace and his restaurant team are placing a higher emphasis on hospitality by focusing on greeting customers, assisting with technology and ensuring a clean, welcoming environment.

“We’re excited to share this evolved experience at McDonald’s with our customers,” Pace, who owns and operates the McDonald’s restaurants in Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven, said in a prepared release. “We appreciate and value our guests’ feedback on this new experience, and we’re looking forward to offering them a new way to dine at McDonald’s.”

The changes are reflective of a new restaurant model that has been successfully rolled out in more than 2,600 international McDonald’s restaurants, the release said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Penn State Schedule

S2 vs. Akron, W 52-0

S9 vs. Pittsburgh, W 33-14

S16 vs. Georgia State, W 56-0

S23 at Iowa, W 21-19

S30 vs. Indiana, W 45-14

O6 at Northwestern, W 31-7

O20 vs. Michigan, W 42-13

O27 at Ohio State, L 39-38

N4 at Michigan State, Noon

N11 vs. Rutgers, Noon

N18 vs. Nebraska, TBD

N25 at Maryland, TBD

Man not hurt in crash into pole

LYKENS — Two people escaped injury when the 1995 Toyota Corolla they were in crashed about 11:10 p.m. Tuesday on Route 25, just east of Rumshtown Road in Lykens Township, Dauphin County.

State police at Lykens said Alvaro A. Mendez-Maeda, 19, of Lykens, was driving north when he went off the road and struck a utility pole, causing disabling damage to his vehicle and major damage to the pole.

Police said Mendez-Maeda will be cited for not driving on roadways. He and his 16-year-old passenger were not hurt.

Police: Driver left lane, hit vehicle

WILLIAMSTOWN — Three people escaped injury in a two-vehicle crash about 11:35 p.m. Oct. 31 on Route 209 in Williams Township, Dauphin County.

State police at Lykens said Jeanne R. Williard, 76, of Lykens, was driving a 1997 Jeep Cherokee west on Route 209 when she drove into the eastbound lane and into the path of an oncoming 2014 Mazda 6 driven by Morgan J. Smeltz, 23, also of Lykens.

Police said that Williard and her passenger, Cindy L. Drapeau, 63, of Lykens, as well as Smeltz were not hurt.

Williard will be cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic as a result of the crash.

Police arrest Texas woman for assault

PINE GROVE — A Texas woman was arrested on assault charges after she drove over the foot of a person directing traffic near the scene of a crash Thursday on Interstate 81 in Pine Grove Township.

State police at Jonestown said Tammy Cunningham, 49, of Bedford, was driving a 2009 Jeep Liberty when she tried to avoid traffic and drove over the foot of Anthony Kauffman, 26, of Pine Grove, who was directing traffic wearing a safety vest issued by North End Fire Company, Pine Grove.

Also listed as a victim was Kevin Schaeffer, 41, of Pine Grove, who was in the vicinity of Kauffman as Cunningham was driving erratically.

Police said Cunningham was found away from the scene and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and other related offenses.

The charges against Cunningham were filed the same day with Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont, police said.

Marriage licenses

Devlon R. Haldeman, Pine Grove, and Amanda Stahl, Pine Grove.

Larry T. Grohol, Ringtown, and Brittany A. Moran, Ringtown.

Jared L. Novitsky, Pottsville, and Robin L. Zimmerman, Pottsville.

Steven Fromml, Valley View, and Jade E. Gingrich, Valley View.

Jonathan M. Heim, Orwigsburg, and Meghan M. Devlin, Orwigsburg.

Angel Romeu, Saint Clair, and Vanessa M. Setlock, Saint Clair.

Philip J. Beamesderfer, Myerstown, and Shannon M. Kapuscinski, Fredericksburg.

Blas J. Jemenez, Shenandoah, and Alicia A. Moran Rodriguez, Shenandoah.

Amine Hadi, East Elmhurst, New York, and Celedonia M. Hunt, Pottsville.

Tyler J. Hauptly, Pottsville, and Cheyan L. Lipshaw, Pottsville.

Andrew M. Hemesath, Orwigsburg, and Bethany R. Gager, Orwigsburg.

Howard H. Fernsler Jr., Pottsville, and Lindsay B. Sims, Pottsville.

David A. Sowers, Ashland, and Nicole K. Biscoe, Ashland.

James P. Clouser, Auburn, and Sierra K. Fellows, Auburn.

Brendan M. Corcoran, Seattle, Washington, and Nikita G. Wigoda, Seattle, Washington.

Jonathan Thomas, Frackville, and Shannon D. Lewis, Monroeville.

Charles Berry, Chester, and Pamela Welsh, Philadelphia.

Charles F. Carr, Seltzer, and Stephanie N. Richards, New Milford.

Divorces granted

Donna Sitlinger, Hegins, from Alvin Sitlinger, Hegins.

Sarah Woznisky, Pottsville, from Brad Woznisky, Pottsville.

Mary Header, Ashland, from Earl Header, Ashland.

Cynthia Steiner, Ashland, from Robert Steiner, Roseville, California.

Timothy Moyer, Orwigsburg, from Keena Moyer, Hamburg.

Gina Bush-Llonso, Minersville, from Rene Llonso, Northumberland.

MAHANOY CITY — Five people are temporarily homeless after flames damaged two homes in the borough Friday afternoon.

Firefighters were dispatched at 5:02 p.m. for a report of a structure fire in the 300 block of East Centre Street and, within minutes, were told by Mahanoy City police on scene that there was a working fire.

Mahanoy City Fire Chief Dan Markiewicz said firefighters knocked the flames down quickly and had the fire was extinguished within 45 minutes.

Markiewicz said the fire is believed to have started in the third floor of a home at 306 E. Centre St., where it was contained. However, a home at 304 E. Centre St. sustained some smoke and water damage.

Patty Daley of the Tri-County Chapter of the American Red Cross said that organization is assisting five people with shelter, clothing and food.

She identified the occupants of 306 E. Centre St. as Terry Whalen, 51, Tyler Yasembousky, 27, and Payton Seiter, 8.

Daley said two people lived in 304 E. Centre St. They were Nancy Boyle, 75, owner of the properties, and Ryan Seigel, 31.

Markiewicz said state police fire marshal Trooper Janssen Herb of Troop L, Reading, was called to assist in finding exactly how the fire started.

Mahanoy City police Patrolman Thomas Rentschler is also assisting with the investigation.

Firefighters from Mahanoy City were assisted by volunteers from Shenandoah, Girardville, Frackville and Ryan Township. EMS units from Mahanoy City and Shenandoah were on scene and Mahanoy City Fire Police provided traffic control.

Mountain View Restoration also assisted with replacing a lock of a home at 302 E. Centre St. that was damaged during the fire and also offered to assist those displaced by the fire with temporary housing and assistance prior to the arrival of the Red Cross.

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

VALLEY VIEW — An acrimonious Hegins Township supervisors meeting Wednesday included one supervisor’s claim of a lack of transparency in regard to the township’s sewage plan. A $176,000 bookkeeping error was also reported.

Supervisor Mike Begis questioned a meeting Sept. 28 with supervisor Chairman Gary Harner, supervisor Bruce Klouser, Entech Engineering and the state Department of Environmental Protection.

“It’s alarming the lack of transparency on this board,” Begis said.

Every supervisor should have had the option to attend the meeting, Begis said, which was to discuss the township Act 537 plan. He also said Harner and Klouser made no mention of the September meeting at the supervisors meeting Oct. 4.

Supervisor Vice Chairman Brad Carl said the supervisors should have told the public what was going on.

Harner said he didn’t think it was important at the time, and told Begis, “You didn’t want anything to do with it,” referring to Begis’s and Carl’s support of the prior joint Act 537 plan with Hegins and Hubley townships, which is under appeal.

Harner explained that this summer, supervisors voted to have Entech look into the Act 537 plan and scheduled meetings with the supervisors were part of that process the board already approved.

“For two years, I’ve been kept in the dark about everything,” Begis said.

Carl made a motion, which was seconded and approved, that from now on, the chairman and vice chairman should attend those scheduled meetings with the engineer in regard to the progress of the Act 537 plan.

Treasurer Cathy Moyer said there was a “misposting” with the township’s Quickbooks system that she had been using, which was discovered by Tammy Specht, CPA, during reconciling within the last two weeks. Moyer said she had been following a sheet that had been given to her but had apparently been posting the payroll incorrectly to the wrong account.

“It was discovered and got straightened out,” Moyer said.

Resident Roger Wetzel raised questions about the budget at Wednesday’s meeting. Another citizen and former supervisor Vicki Harman asked if the township was going to have a tax increase this year.

Harner said that the township had “found” some money and that the board had a tentative budget but did not have a definitive answer if there was going to be a tax increase. The “found” money was the more than $176,000 that resulted from the coding error, according to Harner and Klouser.

Begis, however, said following the budget workshop, it appears that there may be a tax increase.

Another citizen and former supervisor Sue Troup said she wanted the board to look closely at the budget. She called it “extremely upsetting” that the supervisors had someone like Begis, an engineer, on the board but did not invite him to the Sept. 28 meeting with engineers about the Act 537 plan.

LeRoy Shuey, also a resident and former supervisor, asked current supervisor Douglas Lucas about his support for Hegins Township interests. Lucas, who was appointed but is running to keep the seat, said he would work for Hegins Township.

In other business, the board heard from Justin Edling, a member of the Hegins Area Ambulance Association. He announced that the ambulance association site in Valley View may be the location of a new advanced life support service in January. Basic life support will still be provided there, he said. However, since the West Schuylkill Advanced Life Support dissolved services last December, there was a need for a new ALS provider.

Edling stressed that the fund drive for the nonprofit ambulance association was still important.

He said the township would be receiving a letter asking for township endorsement as the ALS provider for the township. As a result, he said there would be a larger call volume at the Valley View building and residents may see more activity there at the start of the year.

In other action, the board:

• Presented a firemen’s relief check of $18,496 to Tyler Leitzel, who accepted on behalf of Hegins Valley Fire Rescue.

• Announced the township had received a letter stating the Grove Drive bridge may be getting replaced, at no cost to the township.

• Accepted Chief Beau Yarmush’s report for October 2017, showing 144 calls to service, 12 offenses or incidents; one non-traffic citation; one felony arrest; three reportable accidents; two non-reportable accidents; 14 traffic citations; and 9 traffic warnings. There was 2009 miles on the patrol vehicles.

• Heard Yarmush announce the police department had received a $10,000 grant from Williams, Tulsa, Oklahoma, to be used for the purchase of two police radios, and received a $3,116.49 grant from American Police & Sheriffs Association to be used for the purchase of Tasers. Yarmush said a community watch meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 29.

• Tabled action on revisions to the employee manual, as presented by solicitor Donald Karpowich, until they could be reviewed.

• Gave conditional approval to Shadle/Schwalm subdivision and annexation in Hegins.

• Appointed L. Samuel Deegan, CPA, for $3,600, for one-year of auditing for 2018.

• Announced the land development plan for Rausch Creek Trail Riders is ongoing. The group was granted a 90-day extension by the supervisors on Oct. 4, which goes until Jan. 3.

• Announced pool memberships were available for gifts and could be obtained by calling Moyer at the township office.

The next food pantry will be Nov. 15 and next township meeting will be 7 p.m. Dec. 6.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007