PINE GROVE — The Pine Grove Area school board recognized several people Thursday for their service and accomplishments.

Among those honored were a teacher of the year, outgoing board members, and JROTC cadets engaged in their community.

Brad Fessler was named Technology & Engineering Education Association of Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. High school Principal Michael Janicelli announced Fessler’s selection, noting the valuable opportunity it was for district students to have him as a teacher.

Fessler thanked educators who guided him during his own time spent as a student at Pine Grove. He was joined by his mother, Denise Burke.

A brief reception was held in the middle school library for outgoing board directors, Tim Hoy and Richard Nickel.

“On behalf of the entire board, you will be missed,” Evelyn Wassel, board president, said.

Janicelli also introduced LTC Michael Stefanchik, the district’s new JROTC instructor. He thanked the board for the opportunity to serve the district.

Stefanchik said he’d like to build on the “great foundation” of the district’s program, empowering cadets to do more. He introduced Cadet Brandon Frantz, who was responsible for coordinating support for this year’s homecoming festivities.

Frantz offered a presentation on how he coordinated JROTC cadets who assisted as escorts for the homecoming court, selected athletic leaders and fellow students who could serve as holders of the garrison flag and scheduled cadets for cleanup of the grounds following the ceremony.

Superintendent Heath W. Renninger praised Frantz’s efforts.

“Thank you so much for your leadership and representing our school district in such a positive manner,” Renninger said.

Stefanchik said he’d like to bring other cadets to future board meetings to report on the program’s activities throughout the year. The board welcomed the idea.

Janicelli recognized the November seniors of the month, Rachel Edge and Emily Cooper.

Middle school Principal Melissa Mekosh introduced October eighth-grader of the month, Ethan Hannevig; and November eighth-graders of the month, Bryce Schofield and Karissa Morgan.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

PINE GROVE — The 18th annual lighting of the Christmas tree in downtown Pine Grove on Sunday had a special holiday touch because of the person who flipped the switch on the colorful display.

Chase Morgan, 9, with some guidance from his father, Edward Morgan, pressed the switch to light thousands of bulbs on the borough Christmas tree and Nativity scene to signal that the holiday season was in full swing.

The Pine Grove boy was thrilled with the honor to brighten the downtown, his face sporting a big smile. He was diagnosed with cancer in August, and the Pine Grove Christmas Light Committee decided to brighten Chase’s holiday by giving him the honor to light the hometown tree to give Santa Claus landing lights for the sleigh and reindeer on Christmas Day.

Lighting committee Chairman Richard Becker, Pine Grove, is the founder of the lighting program and has chaired the committee for 18 years. He was the master of ceremonies on the chilly late afternoon.

“Tonight is our 18th year and we’re tickled pink with the community effort that made our light committee so successful,” Becker said in his opening remarks. “It’s only possible by the donations of the people who give so kindly in buying the lights. This year, there are six new poinsettias on the main street of Pine Grove. All together, we purchased 11 new lights, and we did through the community backing.”

The Rev. Jason Stump, pastor of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, Pine Grove, offered the opening prayer, which was followed by the color guard from the Pine Grove American Legion Post 374 and members of the Pine Grove Area JROTC.

When the color guard was in place, the Pine Grove Community Band, under the direction of Barbara Hikes, performed the national anthem. Police Chief Thomas Trotter wished everyone a wonderful holiday season, then he had to leave for an important assignment.

“Right now at this particular point in time I need to locate Santa Claus so he could see these fine young boys and girls who have been very good,” Trotter said.

Mayor William Shiffer congratulated the lighting committee for its great job in decorating the borough with Christmas lights.

“This is always a very nice ceremony that is conducted here to be bring in the spirit of the season,” Shiffer said. “No matter what our problems or concerns are, this brings all of us, at least for the moment, and even longer for many, a good feeling about our area citizens and our community.”

Shiffer made a special presentation of a framed citation to thank Becker and the committee for all that has been done to promote the borough’s holiday spirit:

“In appreciation to the Christmas light committee, and in recognition for your outstanding service to our community over the last 18 years, the Pine Grove Christmas Light Committee, under the direction of Mr. Richard Becker, has consistently shown their sincere dedication in decorating the town in colorful Christmas-themed lights. You are to be commended for organizing and presenting the tree-lighting ceremony each year and including the arriving of Santa Claus for the children. Thank you for your tireless devotion to bringing the Christmas spirit to the lives of our citizens. A community service project well done.”

Blue Grass Band members John Garloff, singer, and Bill Townsend, guitarist, performed songs through the program, with the first song being an adapted version of “Christmas in Dixie,” now called “Christmas in Pine Grove.”

With a police escort, Santa arrived in a Pine Grove Hose, Hook & Ladder Company fire truck. He was greeted by children and parents as he left the fire truck to sit and meet with the children, who each received a gift. The children also received a Santa hat courtesy of Miners Bank.

After Santa was finished, the tree lighting was held. The 25-foot tall tree is located at the Werner’s Ace Lumber lot where state routes 125 and 443 meet. The tree, which contains hundreds of ornaments and about 5,000 lights, was decorated Thursday by five volunteers. On Friday, the Nativity scene was placed.

“Chase is a great kid. Our hearts always go out to Chase and his family,” Becker said. “We love Chase. We love his family, and God looks down upon Chase and his family and gives them strength.”

Becker called Chase and his family to the tree for the lighting, which led to a round of applause as the tree lights came on and “O Christmas Tree” was sung by Garloff and played by the band.

Becker began the lighting program in memory of his late wife, Carol, and her suggestion about Christmas decorations in the town.

“I started this in memory of my wife who died of cancer,” Becker said. “She said the town needed new Christmas lights. I fulfilled her wish and there are 60 decorations and garland. The whole town looks beautiful when lit.”

Becker gives much credit to the many people who bought the decorations in memory of loved ones.

“You know, you can’t do this yourself,” he said. “People bought them in memory of loved ones and everybody has been great to me. There is so much to it. One church is bringing 150 chairs for the people to enjoy the program and the free soda and hot dogs. We have 400 hot dogs and 150 gifts for the kids.”

Becker had heard about Chase’s diagnosis and thought it would be a great idea to get him to participate.

“I called the family if he could light the Christmas tree and Chase was delighted,” Becker said. “When I heard about Chase, I started to get tears in my eyes because of my wife.”

Chase was presented with a gift from the lighting committee for him to have an even more special Christmas.

“As you know, it’s better to give than to receive,” Becker said. “A lot of people in this country forget that.”

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

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — A Columbia County man is wanted by Schuylkill County authorities after failing to appear Tuesday for a preliminary hearing on charges he unlawfully used someone else’s Sheetz gift card in September in North Manheim Township.

Andrew J. Foust, 28, of 130 Poor House Road, Catawissa, faces two counts of access device fraud and one of receiving stolen property. After the hearing, Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier ordered all three charges held for court against Foust.

Ferrier also asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Foust, who had been free on $5,000 unsecured bail before the hearing.

Orwigsburg police charged Foust with using the gift card belonging to borough resident John McKivigan without his permission on Sept. 7 at the Sheetz convenience store, 270 Route 61 South.

Police said Foust used the card to buy gasoline and food with a total value of $44.89. Security cameras caught Foust making the purchases, according to police.

Other defendants whose cases Ferrier considered on Tuesday, the charges against each one and the judge’s dispositions of the matters included:

Brad K. Bettinger, 30, of 232 Frieden Manor, Schuylkill Haven — possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Galileo Francisco, 60, of 74 River St., Cressona — theft by deception; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Stephany L. Frantz, 28, of 4 Woodland Heights, Ashland — forgery, theft by deception and receiving stolen property; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge of forgery withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Dustin R. Gernert, 34, of 321 Hughes St., New Ringgold — possession of drug paraphernalia and fraudulent or altered title or registration; charges held for court after preliminary hearing that Gernert did not attend. Ferrier asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Gernert.

Ryan S. Gernert, 37, of 85 Oak Ledge Ave., Sunnyside, Schuylkill Haven — driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lane and violation of registration of alcoholic beverages; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Walter E. Jones, 46, of 722 Mine St., Pottsville — two counts of simple assault and one each of terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Robert P. Lewars, 42, of 2 Firehouse Road, Summit Station — receiving stolen property and theft of secondary metal; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Derek A. Mountz Sr., 33, of 112 Pottsville St. Apt. 1, Cressona; two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Reita C. Navin, 32, of 300 E. Rauschs Road, New Ringgold — DUI, disregarding traffic lane and seat belt violation; charges held for court after preliminary hearing.

Sudhanshu R. Patel, 56, of 3013 Ridgeview Drive, Orwigsburg — four counts each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Joseph J. Piazza, 59, of 2402 Village Road, Pinebrook, Orwigsburg — DUI and disregarding traffic lane; charges held for court after preliminary hearing.

Daniel P. Readinger, 42, of 316 S. Third St., Hamburg — possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Kevin O. Russo, 57, of 1 Morea Road, Frackville — DUI and violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages; charges held for court after preliminary hearing that Russo did not attend. Ferrier asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Russo.

Kevin R. Scheitrum, 60, of 114 Reynolds Road, Tamaqua — DUI; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Charles M. Stofanick Jr., 37, of 107 S. Fifth St., Reading — four counts each of materially false written statement and false statement under penalty; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Stephen F. Stripe, 54, of 490 Mountain Road, New Ringgold — possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding and violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

3 escape injury

in 2-vehicle collision

LYKENS — Three people escaped injury in a two-car crash Nov. 7 in Lykens Township, Dauphin County, police said.

State police at Lykens said the crash occurred about 3 p.m. on North Crossroads Road when a 2010 Ford Escape, driven by Lauren E. Lesher, 18, of Lykens, was traveling north on North Crossroads Road and failed to yield to a 2012 Dodge Ram, driven by William R. Shade, 65, of Gratz, which was traveling south on the road. Lesher was making a left turn into the driveway at 235 N. Crossroads Road, police said.

Both drivers and a passenger in Shade’s vehicle, Susan J. Shade, 64, of Gratz, were not hurt, police said, noting that all were using lap and shoulder belts.

Shade’s vehicle was towed from the scene, and Lesher was charged with careless driving, police said.

Driver loses control

in one-car accident

HALIFAX — A one-car crash on Nov. 9 left the driver not injured but required the vehicle to be towed from the scene, police said.

State police at Lykens said Victoria F. McGuire, 18, of Lykens, was traveling south on Armstrong Valley Road in Jackson Township, Dauphin County, at 9:40 a.m. when she failed to properly drive in a curve. This resulted in her 1998 Subaru Legacy crossing the double yellow line into the oncoming lane of traffic, crossing back over into the proper lane and striking an embankment on the right side of the road before coming to rest on its roof in the southbound lane, police said.

The vehicle was towed from the scene, and McGuire was charged with careless driving, police said.

Deeds

Ashland — Ashland Development LLC to Sharrel Hebert; 0.32-acre property on Bridge Street; $15,195.

Anthony M. Orkin to Kathleen Duke; 1130 Walnut St.; $1.

Jonathan M. Jr. and Linda B. Hornberger to April L. and Robert E. Waizenegger; 1118 Brock St.; $1.

Jonathan M. Jr. and Linda B. Hornberger to April L. and Robert E. Waizenegger; 1116 Brock St.; $1.

Branch Township — LaPlace Transforms LLC to Rodney Alan McDonald; 549-551 Dowdentown Road; $35,000.

Butler Township — Marshall J. Jr. and Marjorie L. Taylor to Randy L. and Jamie L. Fetterolf; 326 Main St., Lavelle; $10,000.

Honradez Investment Group LLC to Shawn and Pamela Barrett; property on Ogden Street; $8,000.

Joseph T. McGinley, executor of the Estate of James McGinley, to Beverly Blackwell; 326 Broad St., Fountain Springs; $1.

East Brunswick Township — Janet A. Mimm, Susan M. Hogue and Lee W. Mimm to Foggy Valley Tree Farms LP; two properties on Rausch’s Road; $396,000.

Janet A. Mimm to Foggy Valley Tree Farms LP; 133-acre property; $604,000.

East Norwegian Township — Louise A. Hart and William F. Hanley Jr. to Darin Preischel; 699 Port Carbon-Saint Clair Highway; $43,900.

East Union Township — Steven and Lynn S. Ostasiewski to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lots 389WS and 390WS, Eagle Rock; $14,039.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Norma and Nicanor Alcantara; Lot 389WS, Eagle Rock; $33,229.

Girardville — Rosemarie A. Eye to Hans C. Deibler Jr. and Shawn Griffiths; 145-147 N. Second St.; $14,000.

Hegins Township — Alvin L. Wetzel, executor of the Estate of Sandra J. McCullough, to Robert Belack; property on Centre Street, Valley View; $15,000.

Mahanoy City — Megan L. Hauck to KTD Holdings LLC; property on Centre Street; $500.

JPMorgan Chase Bank NA to Castlerock 2017 LLC; 415 E. Mahanoy Ave.; $10,800.

ALA Investments LLC to Kiana Melendez; 537 W. Centre St.; $10,000.

Joseph L. Rondeau to Sergia Vasquez Tolentino; 107 E. Pien St.; $13,000.

Mahanoy Township — Federal National Mortgage Association to Sally A. Stopay; 169 Roosevelt Drive, Morea; $10,500.

Mechanicsville — James D. Manzick to James D. and Anna M. Laychock Manzick; 931 E. Norwegian St.; $1.

Minersville — Heidi Karli, executor of the Estate of Richard F. Brancs, to Celmer Group Inc.; 210 Carbon St.; $15,000.

Bruce N. Stine to Brian William Stine; property on Middle Street; $1.

LSF8 Master Participation Trust to D and B Realty LLC; 606 N. Second St.; $10,500.

Melissa and Paul R. Ney to Jason T. Ney; 449 Carbon St.; $1.

Charles Lorimer to Hoang J. Nguyen; 239 Middle St.; $29,000.

North Manheim Township — James D. Manzick to James D. and Anna M. Laychock Manzick; 7.766-acre property on Glenworth Road; $1.

Michael Naydock, trustee of The Michael Naydock Revocable Trust, to Michael Naydock; 1009 Woodland Drive; $1.

Michael Naydock to Michael Naydock; 1009 Woodland Drive; $1.

Gale R. Dewald, administratrix of the Estate of Earl R. Dewald, to Gregory W. and Dina L. Dewald; 89 Haven Fair Lawn Drive, Haven Fair Lawn; $54,580.05.

Pine Grove Township — Walter J. Dressel to Matthew B. Zehring Jr.; 361 Sweet Arrow Lake Road; $170,000.

Porter Township — LSF9 Master Participation Trust to WIEA LLC; 45 S. Bendigo St.; $35,000.

Pottsville — M&T Bank to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; 520 Main St.; $1.

Peter Russo, Santina Bentz and Rosalie Womer to Peter Russo and Santina Bentz; 161 S. 24th St.; $1.

William L. Jones III and Robert P. Jones, executors under the Last Will & Testament of Patricia K. Jones, to Eric M. and Meghan E. Prock; 1405 Howard Ave.; $150,000.

Eric M. and Meghan E. Prock to Shane Jordon Ryan and Kara Ashley Prock; 1322 Howard Ave.; $160,000.

Sanskara Property Management LLC to Bradford and Doris Hutchinson; 543 E. Norwegian St.; $16,100.

Francis DeVizia to Joseph C. Moore; 600 N. Second St.; $3,200.

Rush Township — Frank J. Parano to Karen R. Parano and Michelle K. Greek; 103 Crescent Drive, Lake Hauto; $1.

Wendy L. Gerber and Brian Keich to Wendy L. Gerber; 88 Hometown Ave., Hometown; $1.

Saint Clair — Bruce T. Hart and Joshua B. Hart to Jason and Meghan Loftus; property on Fernwood Avenue; $30,000.

Schuylkill Haven — Frances A. Bedway to Jeffrey P. Bedway, Brian J. Bedway and Randy Bedway; 30 Avenue E; $1.

Tina Roland to Kyle S. Purcell; 441 Hess St.; $79,900.

Shenandoah — Dorothy D. Kowalonek to Mark and Linda Kowalonek; 208-212-214 S. Chestnut St.; $15,000.

U.S. Bank NA to Castlerock 2017 LLC; 336-340 S. Jardin St.; $3,100.

South Manheim Township — Sharlene D. Musser, executrix of the Estate of Joann P. Collins, to Sharlene D. Musser and Jere Gebhardt; 1846 Bow Drive, Lake Wynonah; $1.

RTD Investments Inc. to Jeff Seisler; Lot 1680, Buckaroo Drive, Lake Wynonah; $7,500.

Tamaqua — George H. Cope Jr., executor of the Estate of George H. Cope Sr., to George H. Cope Jr., Karen Vandak, Melissa B. Momcilovich and John L. Blevins Jr.; 510 E. Elm St.; $1.

KTD Holdings LLC to Property Management of Pennsylvania Inc.; 100 Pitt St.; $8,000.

Rosemarie Parisi, executrix of the Estate of Peter Parisi, to Bradford and Doris Hutchinson; 63 Hunter St.; $33,500.

Constance Shilko, executrix of the Estate of Patricia A. Shilko, to Constance Shilko and Scott Shilko; 311 Race St.; $1.

Tower City — Sharon L. Nunemacher to Sharon L. Nunemacher and Melissa S. Nunemacher; 300 E. Wiconisco Ave.; $1.

Tremont — Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; 42 Spring St.; $10.

Upper Mahantongo Township — Anna L. Troutman to Robert R. Troutman, Terry L. Troutman and Richard D. Troutman; 1647 Ridge Road, Klingerstown; $1.

Washington Township — Robert and Sandra Free to Robert and Sandra Free; 9.057-acre property on Fox Road; $1.

Robert and Sandra Free to Robert and Sandra Free; 2.275-acre property at Shady Lane and Fox Road; $1.

Robert and Sandra Free to Karen S. Davenport; 0.354-acre property on Fox Road; $1.

Karen S. Davenport to Corey A. and Karen S. Davenport; 1.625-acre property on Fox Road; $1.

Rick L. Zimmerman to Lamar R. and Susan M. Zimmerman; 138 Hetzels Church Road; $205,000.

Wayne Township — Bruce N. Stine to Brian William Stine; 1.3-acre property on Township Road 594; $1.

Robert J. and Kay Ann Russell to Karen L. Peiffer; 1722 Long Run Road; $185,000.

Glenn and Mary Youst to Jordan J. Oswald and Natalie A. Shelton; 138 Kiehners Road; $233,000.

Isaac B. and Lena M. Martin to Robert E. and Betty L. Schreckengost; 5.788-acre property on North Route 183; $1.

Betty L. Schreckengost to Jennifer Schreckengost; 5.788-acre property on North Route 183; $1.

West Mahanoy Township — Joseph A. and Genevieve T. Novitsky to Joseph S. Novitsky; 198 Schuylkill Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $1.

West Penn Township — Benjamin J. Lefever and Alyssa Parker to Benjamin J. Lefever; 145 Kepners Road; $1.

Barnesville

The Rush, Ryan and Delano Senior Citizens group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the Ryan Township Fire Company Hall. During a recent meeting, Joan Breslin of the Schuylkill Transportation System spoke about the countywide public transportation system, which was created in 1981. She offered tips on using the service to the seniors’ best advantage. The group’s Christmas party is set for Dec. 12 at Capriotti’s, McAdoo. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. The next meeting will be held Nov. 28.

Coaldale

Santa will be in the borough for its annual Christmas tree lighting slated for 5 p.m. Nov. 26 at borough hall. Events will include carol singing, Santa arriving on a fire truck and giving out gifts to children 12 and younger. Cookies and hot chocolate will be available. Coaldale’s CHOSE organization will also hold a Who-dale Brunch at the Coaldale Complex from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Children 12 and younger will receive a free brunch. There will also be Christmas games and “Grinch mischief.”

Lansford

American Fire Company No. 1 is accepting registrations for Operation Santa Claus, in which the North Pole’s jolly gent will deliver gifts to children in the borough. Registration must be submitted by Nov. 27. The event will take place at 4 p.m. Dec. 3. Parents can drop off a wrapped gift at the firehouse between 6 and 8 p.m. Nov. 28 and 30. The cost to participate is $10 per child and no more than $20 for a family. For more information, call Joe at 570-657-0611.

New Philadelphia

The annual tree lighting by the New Philadelphia Community Organization is set for 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Town Square, Water Street. There will be a live Nativity scene and rides with Santa and Mrs. Claus on a horse-drawn trolley. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-277-6957.

Pine Grove

St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 277 S. Tulpehocken St., will have a Small Business Saturday event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The event will feature items and creations offered from “friends in our area,” according to a release. Food will be on sale. For more information, call Amanda at 570-294-0485.

Shenandoah

The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. is selling tickets for two bikes and helmets with the winners to be announced at the Coal Cracker Christmas events Black Friday evening. The bikes, according to DSI’s Mary Luscavage, were donated by attorney Jim Amato, Shenandoah, and the law firm of Fanelli, Evans and Patel, Pottsville, of which Amato is a member. The bikes and helmets were given for a fundraiser for DSI. Tickets are available at the DSI office, 116 N. Main St.; Catizone’s Barber Shop, North Main Street, and Jean’s Newsstand, Centre and Market streets. For more information, call DSI at 570-462-2060.

Shenandoah

The borough hall will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving. The garbage schedule will remain the same today and Tuesday. Thursday’s garbage will be picked up Wednesday. There will be no recycling Wednesday. It will resume on the west side Nov. 29.

Tamaqua

The annual Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Festival will be held Nov. 29 through Dec. 3, sponsored by the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership. The event includes myriad holiday activities, including the Little Miss Spirit of Christmas contest.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Salvation Army’s Older and Bolder Bell Choir has several performances scheduled in December. The group will ring in the holidays on Dec. 4 at three places: 10 a.m. at the Hometown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 11 a.m. at the Tamaqua ABC High Rise and noon at the Majestic House Apartments. On Dec. 5, the group will perform at noon at St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus, Coaldale, and at 2:30 p.m. at Maple Shade Meadows, Nesquehoning. The group will have lunch at Gramma’s Restaurant, Pottsville, on Dec. 8 before performing at The Meadows at York Terrace at 1:30 p.m. Then on Dec. 15, the choir will meet at 11 a.m. at Union Station, Pottsville, have lunch at 11:15 a.m. and then perform at the station from noon to 3 p.m.

Sarah DeArment hopes to reach more young people as the new center director for Care Net of Schuylkill County/Real Options Pregnancy Medical Resource Center.

She wants to get educational programs into more schools and will host a series of group classes at the center scheduled to begin after Thanksgiving on breast feeding, labor and delivery, and infant care. A new fundraising effort has also been launched.

“We want to be a resource for people facing a pregnancy decision, and want them to reach out to us,” DeArment, Pottsville, said, who is expecting her first child.

She’s a familiar face at the 171 Red Horse Road center in Pottsville, having served until December 2016 as teen health director. She left briefly to complete an internship in pediatric psychology with Geisinger; married her husband, Darren DeArment, in July and returned to the new position in August.

Cheryl Cresswell remains as the center’s executive director, but is dropping to part-time hours since DeArment’s return. DeArment will be responsible for client services and teen outreach programs. Cresswell will focus on development.

DeArment, a 2009 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in hu-man development and family science from Messiah College and a master’s degree in professional counseling from Liberty University this year.

Funds via ‘changelopes’

She’d like to expand on a new fundraising effort used by the nonprofit group this year, called “changelopes,” a collection method where employees could put spare change in a special, stand-up envelope.

Norsk Hydro Extruded Solutions, Cressona, formerly Sapa, is one of the first companies in Schuylkill County to use the changelopes. Care Net staff collected the coins Nov. 14 and 16, and hope that other businesses will participate.

Care Net had previously collected change in oversized, plastic baby bottles that were placed in community churches and businesses. Last year, $22,000 was gathered in the bottle campaign.

DeArment hopes to get more schools involved in the center’s educational programs. Eleven schools are currently receiving them in the 2017-18 school year. The center serves about 25 to 30 clients each week, DeArment said.

A new school curriculum, “Relationships Under Construction,” began two months ago and is geared for students in grades sixth thru 12th.

“It focuses on what a healthy relationship looks like,” DeArment said.

Props for the program help keep students’ attention, according to Cresswell.

The Saint Clair Area School District has been using Care Net’s programs for the past two years for students in grades 6 through 8, according to Melissa Carr, guidance counselor. She said it’s been a “well received” program.

“We’re helping students experience responsibility and make safe and healthy choices. It’s about resisting pressure in all life situations. They’ve been very attentive during the classes,” Carr said.

Permission forms were sent home for parents to confirm their child’s participation in the classes, she said.

Help here for parents

Care Net of Schuylkill County/Real Options Pregnancy Medical Resource Center provides free and confidential services, including pregnancy testing, options counseling, pregnancy and parenting education for parents, teen health programs in schools and community, life skills, community and social services referrals, post abortion support and a car seat loaner program. Care Net/Real Options is a federally recognized nonprofit (501C-3). Donations are tax-deductible.

The organization also operates the New Life Boutique, 110 S. Centre St., Pottsville, where infant, parent and child care items are available.

People who attend the center’s “Earn While You Learn” classes can earn free items such as maternity and baby clothes, diapers and wipes.

Michelle and Victor Blommel, Saint Clair, along with their daughter, Kambria, 5 months, have attended the center’s services and classes 48 times. They attended for pre-natal visits, labor and delivery information, and on-going child care education. They know DeArment and the staff well.

“I feel comfortable coming here and I love it,” Michelle Blommel said.

“It’s helpful and you get a lot of good information. We also get the ‘Baby Bucks’ for coming to classes. We got diapers, and also some clothes,” her husband said.

Michelle’s also a member of the center’s “Moms’ Group” that meets at 1 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month.

“We can talk about anything,” she said.

The center is open noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and closed Friday.

Volunteers are being sought, DeArment said. Anyone who volunteers receives free training.

The center also started an online registry. A list of needed items is at tgt.gifts/realoptions.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

KLINGERSTOWN — An oversized, “spinning mushroom” drew Mahantongo Valley Elementary sixth-graders Kiersten Jerome and Hannah Hepler to its rungs Tuesday.

The piece is part of new playground at the school’s environmental site, which also features a dinosaur, dragonfly see-saw, honeycomb and a large cement replica of a bee.

“Everybody seems to like it, but the mushroom is everybody’s favorite,” Hepler, Pitman, said.

Lots of apple dumpling sales, some Eagle Scout ingenuity and volunteers’ commitment enabled the environmental site to become a place of discovery and play.

Jacqueline Deibert, first-grade teacher and Mahantongo Environmental Club adviser, presented a re-port on the site’s progress at the Nov. 8 Tri-Valley school board meeting.

The playground was purchased from Bitting, a nature-inspired playground distributor, and was completed in October, she said.

“In the future, we plan to add signage that educates visitors on the various animals and plants,” Deibert said.

Private contributions and grants, totalling $22,000, helped establish the new play area, including a $10,000 Atlantic Sunrise grant, $4,000 Hegins-Valley View Rotary Club grant and $1,700 redbasket.org grant through the Woodmen of the World.

“The grounds will provide a stress-free atmosphere that encourages inquiry based learning through a multi-discipline approach via Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Secondly, children will unknowingly develop multiple areas of the brain which enhances learning. And finally, the activities will help improve one’s health by encouraging physical activities and being outdoors …” Deibert wrote in her grant proposal for the project.

Jerome, Hepler and fellow MEC members spread mulch at the site, which had been cleared of overgrown shrubs and diseased trees.

“I wanted to be a part of this. I like to be outside. I got to visit the environmental site in first grade and I wanted to join (MEC),” Jerome, Pitman, said.

Deibert credits educator Louise Rothermel with starting the environmental site. In 1972, as part of a college project, Rothermel drew a map and wrote a proposal, Deibert said. Her son, Andy, carried out his mother’s plan in the 1990s.

Andy Rothermel originally constructed the environmental site years ago as a part of his Eagle Scout project. An amphitheater, bird station, signage and paths were some undertakings that the Rothermel family took on, Deibert said. Volunteers have been expanding it.

MEC was founded in 2013 for fifth- and sixth-grade students, who chose the motto: “Let’s Make It a Better Place.” They meet once a month.

A pavilion was erected in 2015 when MEC wanted to create an outdoor classroom for the entire student body. Teachers and club members opted to add flower beds and additional signs. Parents and community volunteers constructed the 76-foot-by-21-foot outdoor classroom.

The pavilion has been used for outdoor, art and education programs, picnic lunches and cooperative learning events with Hegins-Hubley Elementary first-graders. The area includes compost bins, a garden, benches and weather center.

James Masser, Pitman, a member of Boy Scout Troop 652, installed a solar light at the school’s pavilion this spring as an Eagle Scout project. Funding for the project came from a $500 donation from the Lions Club of Hegins, with the MEC covering the balance, Deibert said. All upgrades made at the environmental site were at no cost to the district.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville man will not have to spend more time behind bars after pleading guilty Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court to possessing four types of drugs, plus paraphernalia, in February in Cass Township.

Andrew R. Bassininsky II, 31, pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors withdrew four counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and one additional count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judge John E. Domalakes accepted the plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendants, sentenced Bassininsky to serve 33 days to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, plus an additional 12 months on probation.

Bassininsky also must pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $365 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, and perform 20 hours community service, Domalakes ruled.

Cass Township police charged Bassininsky with possessing heroin, methamphetamines, marijuana, a prescription drug and baggies on Feb. 6 in the township.

Domalakes on Wednesday also accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Tammy N. Baker, 37, of Minersville — no contest plea to retail theft; 24 months probation.

Katrina Bryant, 36, of Reeders — possession of marijuana and operating vehicle with unsafe equipment; 30 days probation and a $25 fine. Prosecutors withdrew charges of operating vehicle without required financial responsibility and vehicle registration suspended.

Bradley N. Contreras, 24, of Hazleton — retail theft; 12 months probation consecutive to Luzerne County sentence and $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of receiving stolen property.

Eric S. Creamer, 27, of Mahanoy City — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; six to 12 months in prison, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment.

Thomas M. Derr, 36, of Brunswick, Maryland — disorderly conduct, harassment and public drunkenness; time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole and $50 fine.

In other county court action, a Shenandoah woman is headed to state prison after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced her Thursday in a theft case resulting from an incident in September 2012 in her hometown.

Roxanne M. Wylie, 38, must spend nine to 24 months in a state correctional institution, plus undergo drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations, Judge James P. Goodman ruled.

Goodman imposed the sentence after revoking Wylie’s probation, which the defendant admitted violating by failing to report to her supervising officer, failing a drug test and not making payments on her costs and fees. He urged her to take advantage of the state prison system’s program.

“Try to address your drug problem,” Goodman advised Wylie, who sat through the hearing while wearing a prison jumpsuit.

Wylie originally pleaded guilty on Nov. 30, 2016, to theft of leased property. At that time, Goodman placed her on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced her to pay costs, $50 to the CJEA and $350.22 restitution.

Shenandoah police had charged her with stealing the property on Sept. 20, 2012, in the borough.

Also in the county court, Domalakes on Wednesday accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Brittany Bainbridge, 25, of Pottsville — no contest plea to forgery and one each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia and a guilty plea to an additional count of possession of drug paraphernalia; 36 months probation, $200 in payments to the SAEF, $100 in CJEA payments, drug and alcohol evaluation and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew charges of theft, identity theft, receiving stolen property and public drunkenness.

Daniel A. Beachley, 21, of Port Carbon — three counts of possession of a controlled substance and two of possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 to 24 months in a state correctional institution, 12 months consecutive probation, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $365 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Dylan A. Dallago, 26, of Pine Grove; two counts of simple assault; time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole and $100 in CJEA payments. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of harassment.

Robert M. Dilorenzo, 29, of Pine Grove — possession of a controlled substance; 12 months probation and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Samantha L. Ellex, 24, of Port Carbon — driving under the influence and driving under suspension; 90 days to five years in prison, $2,500 in fines, $100 SAEF payment, $50 bench warrant fee, $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of violation of general lighting requirements.

Jonathan L. Emerich, 25, of Frackville — DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia; 72 hours to six months in prison, 12 months probation, $1,000 fine, $100 SAEF payment, $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one each of careless driving and seat belt violation.

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

Once he is found, a Tower City man is headed to prison after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him on Friday for providing police with false information in June 2015.

James A. Whitman, 27, must serve five to 12 months in prison, Domalakes ruled.

Domalakes imposed the sentence after revoking Whitmore’s probation, which he decided the defendant had violated by not reporting to his supervising officer after his initial visit, committing new crimes in Dauphin County and making no payments at all on his costs and fees.

“Obviously, he needs structure that he didn’t get on probation,” Domalakes said.

Domalakes also issued a bench warrant for Whitman, who did not appear in court for Friday’s hearing.

“He is essentially an absconder,” the judge said. “Obviously, he has not taken (this matter) seriously.”

Whitman originally pleaded guilty on April 20, 2016, to false reports to law enforcement and furnishing authorities with information without knowledge of its truthfulness. At that time, Domalakes placed Whitman on probation for 18 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs and $50 to the CJEA, each of which he still must pay under the terms of Friday’s sentence.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had charged Whitman with making the false report on June 11, 2015, in Tower City.

In the Dauphin County case, state police at Lykens have charged Whitman with defiant trespass and theft, alleging he unlawfully entered a property on Sept. 30 in Halifax Township and stole a flat-screen television and other items. Magisterial District Judge Gregory D. Johnson, Dauphin, bound over those charges for court against Whitman, whose formal arraignment on them is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Feb. 2, 2018, in Harrisburg.

Also on Friday, Domalakes revoked the parole of Johnathan T. Cholko, 22, of Pottsville, and returned him to prison.

Cholko, who admitted violating his parole by failing to report to his supervising officer, originally pleaded guilty on Nov. 16, 2016, to possession of a controlled substance in one case and criminal trespass and theft in another. Prosecutors withdrew charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, burglary and receiving stolen property and an additional count of theft.

At that time, Domalakes sentenced Cholko to serve six to 12 months in prison and pay costs, $100 to the SAEF, a $50 CJEA payment, a $124 bench warrant fee and $239 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Pottsville police filed both sets of charges against Cholko, alleging he possessed drugs on May 4, 2016, and trespassed and stole on May 12, 2016. Each incident occurred in the city, according to police.

Cholko, who sat through Friday’s hearing wearing a prison jumpsuit, handcuffs and a belt, could remain in prison until April 12, 2018, and cannot be reparoled until Jan. 17, 2018, under the terms of Domalakes’ order.

Also in the county court, Amber R. Anthony, 38, of Schuylkill Haven, pleaded guilty on Thursday to driving under the influence. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of careless driving.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin, who was to have presided over Anthony’s nonjury trial, instead accepted the plea and sentenced her to serve five days to six months in prison, pay costs, a $300 fine, a $100 SAEF payment, a $50 CJEA payment and $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Hospital Network, and perform 20 hours community service. Dolbin made the sentence effective at 8 a.m. Dec. 3.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had alleged Anthony was DUI on June 10, 2016, in Wayne Township.

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

Mahanoy City

A blood drive is set for noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at West End Fire and Rescue, 700 W. Mahanoy Ave. Walk-ins are welcome; appointments are recommended. Donors must bring IDs. For appointments, call 570-778-6118.

Pottsville

Brad Harris, newly appointed Salvation Army envoy at the post in Pottsville, recently gave a presentation to the Pottsville Rotary Club on the Salvation Army and his title of envoy. He said he is an employee of the Salvation Army who does the work as an officer but is still training for an officer rank. He and his wife moved to the area from Portsmouth, Ohio. Harris, according to the Rotary bulletin, said he is impressed with Pottsville as a great caring community. The Salvation Army’s major fundraiser is the Red Kettle Drive staged during the holiday season. The effort raised $86,000 last year and this year’s goal is $95,000. In Pottsville, the Salvation Army uses funds for its soup kitchen, youth programs held four days per week, rental and utility assistance, summer camps, Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas assistance, Harris said. The Rotary Club will assist with a Kettle Day at Boscov’s on Dec. 16. This year, Harris continued, the Salvation Army will give a special award to the service organization that raises the most money on their Kettle Day.

Pottsville

An all-you-can-eat homemade spaghetti-and-meatballs dinner will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church Parish Center, 313 Mahantongo St. The cost is $8 for adults and $3.50 for children. Takeouts will be available. For more information, call 570-622-1802.

Primrose

The Kurious winter show, featuring a 10-piece classic rock/dance band, is set for 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday at St. Nicholas Hall, Route 901. Tickets are $12 each; people 21 and older are welcome. For more information, call 570-544-4581.

Shenandoah

The Anthony P. Damato American Legion “Medal of Honor” Post 792, 116 N. Main St., is continuing its quest to enlist new members. “Come visit our post, see what we have to offer for you and your family,” enlistment effort organizers said in a press release that called for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines veterans to consider joining and suggested that National Guardsmen and reservists could “continue serving your country” at the post. Veterans who belong to a post or who previously belonged to a post can transfer to the Damato post, according to the release. For more information, call 570-462-2387.

Shenandoah

Restoration Fellowship Church, 201 W. Oak St., will have a free Christmas celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3. The Teen Challenge Ministry Team will provide testimonies, skits and special music. A free turkey dinner will follow. For more information, call 570-294-5907.

Shenandoah

There will be a healing service at 6 p.m. today in St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, 114 S. Chestnut St., immediately following the Divine Liturgy, according to Monsignor Myron Grabowski. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-462-0809.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Senior Citizens group meets at 1 p.m. Thursdays at the Tamaqua YMCA, 1201 E. Broad St. at the former Jamesway Plaza. Fifty-three members attended a recent November session. Melody Weicker is the group’s president. The annual Christmas party will be held on Dec. 14. The group is open to anyone 55 or older.

Valley View

The second annual Christmas in the Park event at Valley View Park will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. Dec. 16. The event will feature food and beverages, crafts, a Chinese auction, Christmas cookie decorating, model train displays, caroling, tree decorating, horse-drawn carriage rides, a coloring contest and visits with Santa. All are welcome. For more information, email gayle@koppenhaverbuilder.com.

MAR LIN — The key to an effective school climate initiative is the concern of the teachers, according to Johana C. Argueta, a Shenandoah Valley senior who studies at Schuylkill Technology Center-South.

“School climate refers to the quality and character of school life. It is based on people’s experiences of school and reflects norms, goals, values, interpersonal relationships, teaching and learning practices, and organizational structures,” according to the state Department of Education website.

“You need caring teachers,” Argueta, 17, who traveled to Menlo, California, for an Oct. 27 national conference at Facebook headquarters, said. The conference was called “Connecting Communities of Courage: Building Inclusive, Safe and Engaged Schools Summit.”

Last week, Argueta talked about her experience with Tracey M. Picht, STC guidance counselor; Gregory Koons, STC superintendent and executive director of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29; and Diane Best, director of curriculum at IU 29. Best is school climate regional coordinator for Schuylkill IU 29.

“Argueta was invited by the National School Climate Center and expenses were covered by Facebook as the conference sponsor. To ensure students’ voices were part of the national conversation about school climate improvement, NSCC invited students from across the country who are involved in these engagement efforts to participate. The Connecting Communities of Courage event will produce a set of recommendations for creating safe and inclusive schools,” Casey Smith, acting communications director for the state Department of Education, said.

The state Department of Education looked for representatives to send to the conference.

“They were looking at schools across the state who involved students in their school climate initiative,” Best said.

Late in the 2015-16 school year, administrators of the Schuylkill Technology Center program started work on an initiative to improve relationships of students, parents, staff and community. When the state learned about STC’s involvement in the program, it offered to send an STC adviser and student to the conference. The only cost to STC was mileage to and from the airport.

Stacie Molnar-Main, consultant for school climate and social emotional learning at the state Department of Education, worked with STC to make the arrangements, Picht said.

“Last year, we did an initiative where we brought students together and had a student focus group discussing what they thought about the school. Johana was part of that group and she is extremely well-spoken,” Picht said.

“The school climate initiative here, I love it. They ask us as students how the school is, how are you doing, how are the teachers, how are the teachers treating you, how are aides to you, how do you feel here, how is everything with the students. For me, it’s happy. I love it here!” Argueta said.

Gretchen L. Witman, school social worker, accompanied Argueta on the trip.

“We were recommended to go by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. They were offered by Connecting Communities of Courage to bring a student who represented what PDE has been doing with school climate. They were very proud of our work, I guess,” Witman said.

Argueta was told about the opportunity on Oct. 5 and she and Witman made the trip to California on Oct. 26.

“Our hope is that today will provide you with a clear assessment of the challenges and opportunities facing young people and schools today. Also, that the day provides inspiration and motivation to further your commitment to courageous action, and a supportive intergenerational community who will stand by you and lift you up as we march forward on this journey,” according to a letter organizers sent to STC.

Presenters included David Adams, director of Social Emotional Learning at Urban Assembly, New York; Whitney Allgood, CEO at National School Climate Center, New York; and Julie Foster-Straw, program director of re:imagine/ALT, Atlanta.

“There were a lot of adults there. As far as students, there were six,” Argueta said, adding she was the only student from Pennsylvania.

“We talked about bullying and the connection between students and teachers, and how to make kids want to go to school. I said, ‘You need caring teachers.’ They wrote that down,” Argueta said.

“When you have a problem, the first adult you usually go to is a teacher. If you experience bullying in school, who do you go to? Your teacher. And you want them to be someone who is going to keep their word and help you,” Argueta said.

“We were very proud to find out that we were ahead of the curve, if you will, for school climate. And the outcome of the conference from a school perspective was that we can’t talk about school climate without students and their families to participate and make suggestions and evaluate how they feel about it. And we at STC were already doing that. So when we were there a lot of people asked us questions about how we included our students, and how Johana felt about being part of a focus group,” Witman said.

Johana Argueta is the daughter of Maria Argueta and Jose Yanes, who are natives of El Salvador. She was born in Stony Brook, New York, and moved to Schuylkill County with her parents in 2009. Her father works at Simmons Bedding Co. at the Humboldt Industrial Park, Luzerne County.

At STC, she is studying criminal justice. She plans to pursue a career in law enforcement.

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

Three contestants from Schuylkill County — two individual vocalists and one choir — will sing the national anthem at the 102nd Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Among the winning vocalists from the county are the Blue Mountain Middle School Show Choir, Elle Walasavage and Emily Hart.

Votes for the second annual “Oh Say, Can You Sing? national anthem Contest” were tallied on social media and used to determine the top nine winners who will perform.

Rounding out the top nine, according to the Department of Agriculture, are Rachel Duke, Clearfield County; Good Hope Middle School, Dauphin County; Apalonia Passetti, Luzerne County; Newport High School, Perry County; Hanover High School, York County; and Zoey Hoover, Jefferson County. Vocalists were to confirm their acceptance to perform by Nov. 13. All winners were in the top 25 as finalists before voting ended on the farm show’s Facebook page Nov. 10.

Walasavage, 11, is a Blue Mountain sixth-grader. She’ll be making two appearances at the farm show complex in Harrisburg, since she’s also a vocalist with the Blue Mountain Middle School Show Choir.

“I was really excited that I was chosen. I’m glad to have the opportunity to perform again and keep singing,” Walasavage, a daughter of Maria and Robert Walasavage, Schuylkill Haven, said.

All performances begin at 8 a.m. Hart will be the first of county winners to sing. She’s scheduled to perform Jan. 7; Walasavage on Jan. 8; and the choir on Jan. 9.

The choir is looking forward to its performance before a statewide audience, according to Amy Sterner, BMMS music teacher and choral director.

“The girls and I are really thrilled,” Sterner said.

She added, “Entering this competition, we thought that actually being selected was kind of a long-shot, so it was very exciting to have been chosen as part of the top 25 from the many initial video submissions. Once voting began, and we realized that we were actually in the running to be selected as performers in the top nine, we were even more excited. Getting to sing in a venue like this is a really special opportunity.”

The BMMS show choir received 517 “likes” or votes via Facebook and more than 11,000 people viewed their video submission, according to Sterner. Walasavage also received more than 500 votes.

Hart, 11, a sixth-grade student at Minersville Area Elementary Center, congratulated all of the winners in an email to The Republican-Herald when asked about being selected.

“It’s a pretty cool opportunity to be singing our national anthem at such a large event. I’m very happy to be able to represent Minersville and Schuylkill County. Thank you to all the people who voted for me — I couldn’t have done it without your support,” Hart said.

Hart, Minersville, is a daughter of Neal and Cheryl Hart. She had 545 total votes at the close of the contest. The other county singers listed as top 25 finalists for the contest were Maddie Swick, Orwigsburg; Ella Grace Frantz, Pottsville; and Hallie Yordy, Cumbola.

The farm show runs from Jan. 6 to 13.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Snow, 2 crashes close parts of I-81

DELANO — Both lanes of Interstate 81 north of Delano were closed for several hours early Monday morning after a snow squall caused at least two traffic accidents.

The first crash occurred about 12:25 a.m. in the southbound lanes near mile marker 134.4 in Delano Township, state police at Frackville said.

Police said Subrmaminam Balachandran, 55, of Ontario, Canada, was driving a 2015 Freightliner tractor-trailer south in the right lane when he swerved to avoid hitting a vehicle that lost control on the snow and ice.

While avoiding the vehicle, police said, Balachandran lost control, causing his vehicle to overturn and come to a stop in the median facing north.

Another crash occurred in the southbound lanes of the interstate in Delano Township about 12:35 a.m.

Police said Keemer T. Becks, 43, of Fayetteville, Georgia, was driving a 2011 Freightliner south when he lost control on the icy highway and avoided a crash that already occurred.

The truck then went off the road and came to a stop in the median after rolling over, police said, adding that the trailer portion of the man’s truck blocked the left, southbound lane of the interstate.

Both drivers escaped injury.

Delano firefighters assisted at the scene.

The wintry conditions forced the southbound lanes of the interstate to be shut down from the Hazleton Beltway, Exit 141, to the Delano exit.

In addition, the northbound lanes of the interstate were closed from the Mahanoy City exit to the Hazleton Beltway exit.

All four lanes re-opened about 5:25 a.m., police said.

Police: Man broke into Pottsville house

POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville man was jailed after being arrested by Pottsville police after officers were called for a breaking and entering in progress about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday at 800-49 N. Second St.

At the scene, police said, officers found Marshall Barker, 23 of Pottsville, walking out the front door of the residence.

The investigation revealed that Barker broke into the Pottsville Housing Authority residence through the front door.

Contact was made with Pottsville Housing Authority Chief Deputy Executive Jody Dunnigan who said that 800-49 N. Second St. was currently vacant and no one was authorized to be inside.

Based on this information, Patrolman Joseph Krammes prepared a criminal complaint charging Barker with felony criminal trespass and public drunkenness.

Barker was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $5,000 straight cash bail.

Man accused of assaulting woman

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police said a man was jailed after officers were called to 304 W. Market St., Apt. 1, for a report of a domestic disturbance about 8:40 a.m. Sunday.

Police said the investigation revealed that Aaron Dungan, 32, assaulted his 32-year-old live-in girlfriend.

Police said the woman told officers that she and Dungan were arguing when it escalated with him slapping her with an open hand across her face, causing her nose to bleed, and then dumped Kool-Aid on her.

Police said officers on scene observed blood on the woman’s nose and hands and red juice on her clothing to corroborate the account of events.

In addition, police said, an independent witness stated he heard arguing and then the female victim knocked at his door and requested he call the police, telling him that Dungan hit her and took her phone.

Based on the information, Dungan was taken into custody and charged by Patrolman James Englert with domestic violence simple assault and harassment.

Dungan was arraigned by on Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $2,500 bail, police said.

Police: Man used car without permission

GIRARDVILLE — A man was charged by state police at Frackville with unauthorized use of an automobile stemming from an incident about 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at 130 W. Ogden St.

Police said Christopher Weston, 35, whose address was not available, operated a vehicle owned by Stephanie Heckman, 34, of Girardville, without her permission.

The charge against Weston will be filed with Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, police said.

Man accused of drunken incident

McADOO — A Hazleton man was charged with public drunkenness by McAdoo police after an incident about 4:10 a.m. Sunday in the 400 block of East Blaine Street.

Police said officers were called to the area for a report of a heavily intoxicated, suspicious man knocking on a door and ringing a doorbell.

Police subsequently caught up with the man, Santiago Cintron Castellano, 24, on West Grant Street where he was found staggering and with a strong odor of alcohol about his person.

Police said Castellano was taken into custody, cited for public drunkenness and then taken to a house where he was staying for the night.

Police investigate theft from vehicle

WILLIAMSTOWN — State police at Lykens are investigating a theft from a vehicle that occurred between 2 and 8 p.m. Sept. 24 in the 200 block of Vine Street in this Dauphin County community.

Police said a Tower City resident reported someone stole a cellphone from his vehicle while it was parked unattended and then fled the area.

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

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown

To Patrick and Andrea Zweizig Doyle, Orwigsburg, a son, Oct. 13.

POTTSVILLE — Some people in Pottsville and surrounding areas have extra reason to be thankful this holiday season after receiving Thanksgiving baskets as part of the holiday assistance program by the Salvation Army.

The program provides food and gifts to those in need.

In all, 180 families received a basket from the Salvation Army, which included stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, fruits, vegetables, carrots and a turkey.

“It helps out a lot. I have a family of five to feed, so it’s rough,” Jennifer Klinger, 30, of Pottsville, said. The mother of five children said she has been laid off from her job for “a couple of months.” She said she would not be able to provide a traditional Thanksgiving feast without the kindness of others.

Tina Layton, 30, of Brandonville, is a single mom who lives with her parents with her child. Her boyfriend at the time urged her to quit her job. She left him and is now trying to start life over. She is grateful for the generosity of people she doesn’t even know.

“There aren’t a lot of people that would do it (help) anymore,” she said.

Along with the Thanksgiving basket, there is a Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 400 Sanderson St., Pottsville. If you are interested in attending, please call 570-622-5252 today and Wednesday during business hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., although no one will be turned away Thursday.

The program also provides a Christmas food basket.

Toys are also provided by the Toys for Tots drive and other donations.

Heather, 36, and John O’Brien, 33, of Pottsville, were also at the Salvation Army on Monday to get food for the holiday. Heather has not worked for a time because of health issues and John started a new job. They are trying to make ends meet financially.

“It helps us put more money to the bills. I know Thanksgiving can get a little expensive,” she said.

Amanda Schuettler, 31, of Minersville, a mother of five, said she works full time but still struggles to make ends meet. The donation “gives me the stuff that I normally would not be able to buy. You can’t have Thanksgiving without a turkey,” she said.

She also signed up for the toys for her children.

“At least it looks like they have a Christmas,” she said.

Envoy Brad Harris of the Pottsville Salvation Army said he was “totally blown away” by the generosity of the community.

If the community didn’t step up to donate the turkeys, it would have cost the organization $3,000. They would have been able to afford to pay it, he said, but that money can be put to better use for the community.

Harris said people started lining up at 8 a.m. to reserve their spot in line outside the building.

Mary Metzger, office manager, said 368 families (795 children) have signed up for the Holiday Assistance Program, which is close to being the most ever. A number was not provided of the most registered for the program.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

McADOO — Borough residents who have driveways along Kennedy Drive can only use them after the street is rebuilt if parking spots are eliminated.

Borough solicitor Joseph Baranko discussed the situation with council members Tuesday night.

Baranko said officials of the state Department of Transportation told him metered and non-metered parking spaces have to be eliminated if people are allowed to continue using driveways on Kennedy Drive, which is also Route 309.

“It’s for sight distance,” Baranko said. “My understanding is if we eliminate the parking spaces and create no parking areas for sight distance, then the property owners retain the right to use their driveways. If we don’t, they can’t use the driveways.”

The parking spaces have been identified by PennDOT, Baranko said. Some property owners on the southern end of the street “have been approached” about the driveways by PennDOT already, he said.

PennDOT already has five or six metered spaces and several non-metered areas marked along Kennedy Drive, he said.

Before the council takes action, Baranko said PennDOT has to provide dimensions he can use to draft the necessary ordinance that the council can vote on, similar to when handicap parking spaces were created.

“At some point in time, I will need the authority to move forward and begin a preparation,” Baranko said. “It’s probably too early at this point, because I don’t even know how to quantify the dimensions of what we’re taking away. They want us to commit to that concept.”

Council members were unsure about driveways being allowed on Kennedy Drive when the project is done.

“I thought there was an option (to) keep the meters and check into the driveways,” Councilwoman Marion DeBalko said. “It’s something we should think about.”

“I thought PennDOT did not want cars coming out onto the main road,” Councilwoman Mary Labert said. “It’s easier to eliminate driveways ... we need more information.”

DeBalko had questions on the project.

“I wanted to know if the intersection can be pushed back on Blaine Street to allow for trucks to make the turn off Kennedy Drive,” DeBalko said. “I also wanted to know about U-turns on Kennedy Drive.”

The project

The 1.2-mile, $8.5 million project will be full-depth pavement reconstruction. Crews will tear out the entire sub-base, replace it and pave over top of it. It will include curb ramps, new traffic signals, new curbing and replacement of a lot of the storm drainage system.

Curb ramps that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be installed at all four corners of each intersection, complete with rubber pads to help sight-challenged people.

The work will take about a year and a half and is expected to start in the summer, with curbing and drainage work first. The majority of the work will happen in 2019.

Crews will build about 500 feet — or about two blocks — at a time, according to Jason Besz, of Greenman-Pedersen Inc. engineering and construction services, PennDOT’s primary design consultant for the project. Traffic will either be reduced to one lane or detoured around the construction area altogether. Detour routes have been outlined, mostly using Interstate 81.

Earlier this year, the council opted to keep all three traffic signals along Kennedy Drive — at Grant, Blaine and Monroe streets. Once PennDOT installs new, modern signals, the borough will be responsible to maintain them.

The council also voted to acknowledge a permit application to the state Department of Environmental Protection for stream enclosure for Celebration Creek during the project.

Greenman-Pedersen will apply to DEP for the permit.

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

Black Friday

in Shenandoah

SHENANDOAH — Yet again Black Friday in Shenandoah will be a virtual daylong event as Santa “drops” into the community and people get to enjoy a Coal Cracker Christmas.

In a spectacle that has become a must-see for local residents and visitors, Santa will skydive into the Shenandoah Valley School District’s Veterans Memorial Stadium at noon, sponsored by Ateeco Inc., Shenandoah, maker of Mrs. T’s Pierogies.

The stadium gates will open at 10:30 a.m. in preparation for the drop. The first 200 children under 12 will receive a free gift.

If the weather doesn’t allow Santa to parachute, he will arrive either by helicopter or fire truck.

Immediately following Santa’s arrival, the jolly gent will make his way through town aboard a fire truck accompanied by the Shenandoah Valley High School Band.

At this point, the borough police department begins its traditional sponsorship of the visit from Santa to local children as well as the parade through town. The North Pole gentleman will also provide treats for youngsters and the police have expressed appreciation to local businesses and the public for making contributions to make it all possible.

Anyone wishing to aid the effort may make donations with checks payable to “Shenandoah Police Department-Christmas Fund” mailed to police headquarters at 25 W. Washington St., Shenandoah, PA 17976.

The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. will take over festivities for the late afternoon/evening with what it is calling this year a Coal Cracker Christmas. Events will be on North Main Street at American Legion Memorial Garden as well as at Girard Park.

There will also be horse-drawn carriage rides, and hot chocolate and cookies will be available at the Anthony P. Damato American Legion “Medal of Honor” Post 792, the front of which is DSI’s headquarters.

Luscavage said DSI is selling tickets for two bicycles and helmets, with the winners be announced during the Coal Cracker Christmas.

Tickets for the bikes drawing are available at the DSI downtown center, 116 N. Main St.; Catizone’s Barber Shop in the 100 block of North Main; and Jean’s Newsstand at East Centre and Market streets.

For more information, call the DSI office at 570-462-2060 or email dsi@downtownshenandoahinc.com. More information also is available online at downtownshenandoahinc.com.

Jerry’s open

for Thanksgiving

POTTSVILLE — Jerry’s Classic Cars & Collectibles Museum, 394 S. Centre St., will be open with special hours for the Thanksgiving holiday, according to a release.

The museum will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jerry Enders said in the release.

For more information, call 570-622-9510 or visit jerrysmuseum.com.

Enders also said the Pottsville Lions Club will host a free Christmas movie on Dec. 1 at the Majestic Theater, North Centre Street.

The movie is titled “Santa Buddies” and free popcorn and Christmas will be available.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and Santa will arrive at 7 p.m. Call the aforementioned phone number for more information.

Chizmar’s a site

for cake pickups

SAINT CLAIR — Chizmar’s salon at 415 S. Second St. is a pickup site for apple and marble pound cake in a sale sponsored by St. Peter Church.

The cakes are $5 each, Doris Chizmar said in a release, adding that the salon is simply acting as a pickup location.

For more information, email Chizmar at wiggy@ptd.net or call 570-429-0303.

Haven BPA touts Small Business Sat.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The Greater Schuylkill Haven Area Business Association has issued a release encouraging all area businesses to be open Saturday with normal business hours for Small Business Saturday.

“Enjoy a local shopping experience,” association organizers said in the release, adding that 93 percent of consumers believe it is important to shop local.

Cecilia Ann Michalik said the association is working with Boyer’s Food Market and 4Play Moonshine to offer a special breakfast. Boyer’s will offer a breakfast “grab and go” and 4Play Moonshine will have a sit-down breakfast menu from 9 to 11 a.m.

“Prior to breakfast,” Michalik said, “join us in Boyer’s parking lot to hear the official Small Business Proclamation from Mayor Mike Devlin at 8:30 a.m.”

In Schuylkill Haven, Michalik continued, Lewis General Store is planning to have its holiday open house and The Cake Pros will offer free coffee and Christmas cookies.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Salon Indulgence will offer a $10 complimentary gift card with purchase of a $50 gift card and Hess Catering will have complimentary hot spiced apple cider and a soup sale. Alchemist’s Cove Games and Comics and The Curious Cat, an upscale consignment boutique, will be open to help Christmas shoppers. Additionally, there will be tastings at 4Play Moonshine’s retail shop. The Downtowne Tavern will also be open for brews.

Other stops will include the Hope Hill Lavender Farm with its new farm store open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Schuylkill Mountain Brewing Co. open from noon to 4 p.m. for growler sales and tastings.

Free shopping totes will be available while they last at all participating stores, Michalik said.

Songs of Season slated at Majestic

POTTSVILLE — Presentations at the Majestic Theater, North Centre Street, will include the Songs of the Season series.

Entertainment will include Brad Crum in “Remembering Elvis” at 7 p.m. Friday and Tom Davis as Garth Brooks at 7 p.m. Dec. 22. The cost is $15 per show. For tickets, call 570-628-4647 or 570-628-2833.

The theater will also feature the film “Centralia, Pennsylvania’s Lost Town” at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 each.

All are welcome. For more information, call 570-628-4647.

Yuengling expands tour, gift shop hours

POTTSVILLE — For the holiday season, D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. will make its public tours and gift shop hours more accessible to visitors, customers and locals to 2018, according to a Yuengling press release.

The brewery and gift shop hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Dec. 23 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 26-30. The brewery and gift shop is closed on Sundays.

“We will be open until 5 p.m. and have 15 percent off all long-sleeve T-shirts in celebration of Buy Local/Small Business Saturday,” Yuengling officials said in the release forwarded by Jessica Seiders, communications manager.

A full list of hours and tour times is available online at www.yuengling.com/wp-content/uploads/Holiday-Calendar-for-Website.pdf. Seiders can be reached via email at jseiders@yuengling.com.

WIAC touts

holiday market

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway, will have its First Saturday open house and a holiday market from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2.

The event will include art vendors as well as “festive activities and holiday fun,” according to a center press release.

Artists’ studios will be open for viewing and sales, local artists will sell their works in the main gallery, where the WIAC studio artists will also have their fourth annual exhibition.

Visitors will be able to have photos with Santa, take part in a food and bake sale by Hess Catering and in a holiday art raffle.

WIAC limited edition ornaments and merchandise will also be available.

The center will also mark Small Business Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. People will have the opportunity to shop at the artist studios in the WIAC artist hallways where artists will showcase and sell their handmade works.

For more information, call WIAC at 570-732-3728 or visit www.walkinartcenter.com. People may also find the center on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Chamber slates holiday bus trip

TAMAQUA — The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a holiday bus trip to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square on Saturday.

The showcase is holiday-themed — “A Longwood Christmas” — featuring more than 6,000 seasonal plants along with strolling carolers, colorful fountains, holiday music, a half-million lights and organ sing-a-longs, according to a chamber press release.

Round-trip motorcoach transportation, admission to Longwood Gardens and a complimentary holiday gift bag are included with reservations. The cost is $70 per person, all ages. Payment is due at time of reservation.

The bus will depart Tamaqua at 11:30 a.m. and return at approximately 9:15 p.m. For more information, call the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce at 570-668-1880 or email to chamber@tamaqua.net.

Lewie’s to host breakfast for vets

FRACKVILLE — Lewie’s Restaurant, 21 S. Lehigh Ave., will host its third annual Pearl Harbor Day veterans’ complimentary breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. Dec. 7.

According to a press release, Lewie Eyster, owner of the eatery and a member of the Lions Club, launched the tradition to remember and honor all veterans.

The complimentary breakfast will go until 1 p.m.

“We do this as a way not only to remember those veterans who lost their lives that day, but in all wars and also as our special way to honor all veterans, both those who have served and those who continue to serve and protect our great nation,” Eyster said in the release, adding, “It’s our way, the American way, of saying thank you to all our veterans.”

For more information, call 570-874-2945.

Arts council sets Christkindlmarkt

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, 1440 Mahantongo St., will have its annual Christkindlmarkt from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 3.

The event will feature 30 vendors showing their wares throughout the mansion, including the Carriage House located in the rear of the grounds, according to a council press release.

“All items are produced by the vendor/artists and are pleasingly presented at each station,” organizers said in the release, adding that food will be sold and served by a local restaurateur. Coffee and hot chocolate will also be available.

Some of the decorations will be provided by local florists.

There is no charge for people to attend and all are welcome.

Christkindlmarkt will feature “beautiful decorations” and holiday gift shopping, according to the release.

For more information, call Sandra Coyle at 570-622-2788.

POTTSVILLE — A man charged with a robbery and assault in the city earlier this year had charges against him dismissed Monday after three victims refused to testify against him.

Shawnelle Alexander Young, 23, of 409 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville, was scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on charges of robbery, unlawful restraint, terroristic threats, theft, receiving stolen property, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault and false imprisonment.

However, as the hearing started, victim Demetrios Manaroulas began answering questions and then had a change of heart.

“Do I have to answer these questions?” Manaroulas asked Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley in his Pottsville courtroom.

“I’m not really comfortable doing this,” Manaroulas said, adding, “I have to live with these people in the community.”

When asked by Reiley if he wanted to continue testifying against Young, Manaroulas said, “I don’t want to pursue the charges.”

Reiley granted a recess to allow Assistant District Attorney Robert Lipkin and the arresting officers — Pottsville police Cpl. Kirk Becker and Patrolman Joseph Krammes — a chance to discuss the matter with Manaroulas and the other victims — Lauren Lehman and Thomas Weikel.

The three victims then returned to the courtroom and signed paperwork with Reiley reflecting their decisions not to testify.

Lipkin asked the three if they had been threatened by anyone involved in the case resulting in their change of heart in testifying.

All three replied that they had not been threatened.

Lipkin then told the three that their decision negates the countless hours of work put in by police for the investigation.

“You basically stepped on their toes and spit in their eyes,” he said, referring to Pottsville police.

Defense attorney J. T. Herber III then made a motion to have all the charges against his client dismissed.

With no victims willing to testify, Reiley dismissed all charges against Young, including two charges added right before the hearing — criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit criminal mischief.

Young was originally charged in connection with an incident at 406 W. Market St. about 9:15 a.m. Aug. 27.

During the initial investigation, Weikel reported that Young and another man — identified as Edwin Boakai Sherman, also known as “BoiBoi,” New Jersey — forced their way into his apartment and, once inside, assaulted him while demanding to be told the location of a safe they mistakenly thought he had in his apartment.

Weikel also said the men brandished a handgun and struck him in the head with the weapon before throwing him down a flight of stairs several times and punching and kicking him, the arresting officers said.

Weikel told officers that Sherman and Young then stole his cellphone and told him that if he called police to report the incident they would send their friends to kill him, Becker and Krammes said. As a result of the incident, police said Weikel suffered multiple lacerations, contusions and injured right ankle.

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

POTTSVILLE — Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro talked to farmers about local agriculture ordinances and their compliance to state law Monday at the Schuylkill County Ag Center.

He was referring to ACRE (Agriculture, Communities, and Rural Environment) or ACT 38 of July 6, 2005, that ensures any ordinances that are adopted at the local level comply with state law.

Bill Varano, a member of the Schuylkill County Extension Advisory Board and farmer who raises fish, said the discussion was about the “overreaching of municipalities and townships.”

During the brief session that was open to the public, Shapiro said it important to keep the farmers and the public informed.

“The more we can educate people, we think the better communities can be,” he said.

Shapiro said his office is open to people who have questions about ACRE. They can also visit www.attorneygeneral.gov/ACRE.

The opioid crisis destroying the country, state and county was also briefly discussed at the roundtable meeting.

A person in attendance asked if there was anything that could be done about the “dark web.”

“It’s very, very hard,” Shapiro said.

He added the state Attorney General’s Office is doing what it can in conjunction with other government entities.

“At the end of the day, we are still going to get you,” he said.

Shapiro said the opioid epidemic is all too real in Schuylkill County.

“Schuylkill County has the 15th highest death rate in Pennsylvania. It’s a huge challenge here. You can’t escape the heroin and opioid epidemic,” he said.

Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Deb Detweiler, who did not attend Monday’s meeting, said that as of Nov. 17, 33 people have died of drug-related deaths this year in the county. Of that number, four were caused by a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, four were fentanyl, one was heroin, one was fentanyl and morphine, two were fentanyl and methamphetamine, one was alcohol and seven were prescription medications. Thirteen cases are still pending, Detweiler said.

Nineteen of the deaths were males between ages 22 to 64. The rest were females between ages 28 to 66.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Pottsville police on Friday filed additional charges against an Ashland man already charged by state police at Schuylkill Haven with robbing a Tower City business.

Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said that as part of a continuing active investigation his Criminal Investigation Division interviewed Nicholas Riley Harman, 25, of 933 Brock St.

After being told about several pieces of evidence obtained during the course of the investigation, Harman subsequently admitted to stealing two idling, unlocked vehicles in Pottsville on separate occasions, the chief said.

Wojciechowsky said Harman told investigators that he was responsible for taking a vehicle located to the rear of 802 W. Norwegian St. on Oct. 31 as well as a vehicle that was parked in front of 544 Peacock St. on Nov. 9.

In addition, the chief said, Harman admitted to driving a stolen vehicle that Pottsville police recovered near the Fairmount Projects on Nov. 8 during routine patrol about 5 a.m.

Finally, Wojciechowsky said, Harmon admitted entering numerous unlocked parked vehicles on Ravine Street during the early morning hours on Nov. 9 before stealing the car from Peacock Street.

As a result, Wojciechowsky said, two criminal complaints were prepared, charging Harman with robbery, theft and receiving stolen property for the Oct. 31 incident and felony theft and receiving stolen property for the Nov. 9 incident in which Harman wrecked the stolen vehicle in Norwegian Township.

Harman will be arraigned on these two criminal complaints in the near future as he is currently incarcerated in the Schuylkill County Prison on additional charges.

Those charges were filed by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Trooper Robert Kluge charged Harman with two felony counts of robbery and one misdemeanor count each of terroristic threats.

Then, Trooper Thomas Robin, also of the Schuylkill Haven station, charged Harman with three felony counts of robbery, one felony count each of theft and receiving stolen property, and one misdemeanor count each of theft, receiving stolen property and unauthorized use of automobiles, after a Nov. 13 crime.

Kluge said the Nov. 9 robbery occurred when Harman stole a 2013 GMC Terrain valued at $8,500 from Walter Whalen, 153 Brier City Road, Norwegian Township.

At the victim’s home, Kluge said, Harman robbed Whalen of $15 from a shelf and $60 from the man’s wallet.

Kluge said Harman went to the Whalen home, rang the doorbell and asked to use his telephone, saying he had just wrecked his vehicle. Kluge said the vehicle Harman crashed was reported stolen in Pottsville.

Once Harman was allowed inside the Whalen house, Kluge said, Harman stole the money from Whalen and also stole his vehicle.

Then, on Nov. 13, Robin said, troopers were called to Top Star Express, 523 E. Grand Ave., Tower City, for a report of an armed robbery involving a man, later identified as Harman.

Robin said that Harman entered the store and went to the cashier, Joseph Stabinsky, and handed him a note that read “Empty the drawer quickly or I will shoot” while keeping his hand hidden in his coat and verbally ordering the clerk to open the door or else.

A customer entered the store and was ordered to leave by Harman who then again verbally threatened Stabinsky to give him the money, Robin said.

Robin said Stabinsky then told Harman that he activated the store alarm, and Harman fled the area in the stolen truck that was found by state police along Route 209, a short distance from the Jonestown state police station.

Robin said the clerk was shown a video lineup and positively identified Harman as the man responsible.

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