Michelle Greenwood picked up her first pyrography pen as a 10-year-old and hated it.

Today, she makes a living with it.

The Roaring Brook Township, Lackawanna County, artist behind Greenwood Creations doesn’t remember which of her uncles gave her the pen, but he must have seen something in her she didn’t at the time: an ability to create elaborate wood-burned art thanks to a steady hand and a strong imagination.

Greenwood’s interest in art began as a child playing with crayons and colored pencils while growing up between Old Forge and Moscow. By high school, she’d moved on to pen-and-ink pieces and then studied art for a time at Penn State University before switching her focus to English, creative writing and Japanese.

But Greenwood still found herself “jonesing for something artistic to do,” she said, and decided to give the pyrography pen another try. Soon, Greenwood found that she not only enjoyed it much more than she had as a kid but also had a skill for the art form, whose tactile nature appeals to her.

“It’s a full sensory experience,” the 38-year-old said on a recent snowy afternoon at home by her fireplace. “You’ve got the feel of the wood and the smell of the wood burning.”

Pyrography arose in the Victorian era and stayed popular until about the 1950s, when “it kind of just stopped,” Greenwood said. Not many people do it anymore, making her work an unusual find at events where she sells wall-hangings, plaques, ornaments, spoons, cutting boards, boxes and more.

“It’s a great hobby,” Greenwood said. “I encourage anyone to pick it up and give it a try. It’s relaxing and fulfilling, and don’t be intimidated by it.”

Every pyrographer needs to push through what she described as a “massive” learning curve. It took time and lots of trial and error, but Greenwood eventually mastered how to control the pen whose heated tip burns items on contact.

After stints working at her son’s daycare and then the Port of Baltimore — she and her family lived in Maryland for a few years — Greenwood turned pyrography into a full-time job five years ago. Today she sells her work through an Etsy shop, GreenwoodCreations13, and at craft shows and conventions.

“I love meeting the people,” said Greenwood, who also has displayed her work at the Keys in Scranton. “You meet all kind of people at these events. ... People who are incredibly creative and passionate about what they love.”

She moved back to Northeast Pennsylvania last year with her husband, Steven, a New Jersey native, and their son, Nate, 10, who has Asperger syndrome, wanting to raise him closer to his grandparents. In their new home, Greenwood set up a studio where wood lines the shelves behind her desk, awaiting transformation into the pagan-, henna- and steampunk-inspired designs she specializes in.

“The henna-themed ones are probably my most popular designs to sell,” she said.

Greenwood shops at home-improvement stores for bigger pieces of wood and at craft stores for smaller ones, noting that Baltic birch is a favorite wood to work with because, although hard, it still burns easily. Pyrography takes a firm hand and light touch, and changing the tips on the pen allow her to do detailed line work and shading that give depth to the motifs and other designs, which she then varnishes.

“All of my designs pretty much come from my head,” Greenwood said, noting she consults reference photos occasionally but never takes other artists’ ideas.

Clients commission pieces from her, too, including pet portraits and charms. She created custom letters for a baby’s room and even decorated a spinning wheel once.

The biggest piece she has made measures about 3-feet-by-2-feet and took countless hours to craft. She hopes to make more large-scale pieces, including a triptych mural, although they are “a very time-consuming process” for an artist already busy with commissions, a part-time retail job and a family. Even so, Greenwood enjoys the cathartic aspect of her art.

“It’s a way of expressing what I can’t put into words. ... Even if it’s just a doodle,” she said. “It’s something in here that I had to get out.”

Contact the writer: cwest@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5107

Deeds

Ashland — Pamela A. and Glenn Knarr to Pamela A. Knarr and Ryan T. Zamboni; property at Race and 17th streets; $1.

Cressona — Ryan J. and Leslie A. Keefer to Chad C. and Jamie R. Hoke; 15 Grove St.; $146,900.

Hegins Township — Rosanna C. Burkey, administrator of the Estate of William T. Burkey, to John O’Hara; 116 Fountain Road, Fountain; $190,000.

Mahanoy City — Kathleen M. O’Connell, executrix of the Estate of Geraldine A. O’Connell, to Garrett Ball; 536 E. Market St.; $8,000.

Gemini Lake to Anthony C. Jenkins; property; $12,000.

Minersville — James Panasik to Susan Oram; 247 Spruce St.; $16,000.

Orwigsburg — Jesus A. and Amy K. Valenti to Liberty HVAC Inc.; property on Liberty Street; $35,000.

Daniel V. Reppy to Gary L. Rex; property on West Market Street; $100,000.

Pine Grove — Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC to Secretary of Veterans Affairs; 204 Cherry St.; $1.

Port Carbon — Gary L. Bair Sr. to Gary L. Sr. and Lois Bair; 223 Jackson St.; $1.

Porter Township — David B. and Deborah R. Alutius to David and Deborah Alutius Trust; property on Colliery Avenue, Reinerton; $1.

James A. and Faye Y. English to Bruce and Sandra L. Bender, Bruce L. Bender II and Melissa S. Nunemacher; 1532 E. Grand Ave., Reinerton; $77,500.

Pottsville — Francis DeVizia to AED Capital LLC; 525 S. Centre St.; $1,000.

John A. II and Shannon M. Brennan to Stephen A. Higgins III; 1913 W. Market St.; $30,000.

Reilly Township — Dorothy Drebitko to Jonathan M. Drebitko; 2.39-acre property; $1.

Saint Clair — Theodore S. and Kristen S. Harlan and Karla Harlan to Theodore S. Harlan and Karla S. Harlan; 15 S. Second St.; $1.

Tamaqua — Federal National Mortgage Association to Steven Perre; property on Hunter Street; $11,500.

Tower City — David B. and Deborah R. Alutius to David and Deborah Alutius Trust; property on Ludwig Avenue; $1.

David B. and Deborah R. Alutius to David and Deborah Alutius Trust; 216 Fifth St.; $1.

Wayne Township — Nikolay N. and Lesya Z. Sandul to Denise M. Bowers; 257 Creek Drive, Lake Wynonah; $130,000.

West Brunswick Township — Allen E. Greenawalt, Kenneth C. Fehr, trustee of the Kenneth M. Fehr Revocable Trust, and Jean Alice Fehr, executrix of the Estate of Kenneth M. Fehr, to Country Hill Apartments LLC; Country Hill Apartments, Country Hill Road; $800,000.

Marriage licenses

Pierre Scott, Coal Township, and Donna M. Richardson, Philadelphia.

Wade R. Wessner, Auburn, and Jane M. Shields, Auburn.

Joshua J. Miller, Pottsville, and Kristen J. Dusick, Coal Township.

Richard W. Glincosky, Schuylkill Haven, and Donna J. Meyer, Schuylkill Haven.

Andrew C. Schreffler, Pitman, and Samantha L. Kelly, Pitman.

James V. Martin, Girardville, and Hanen Abid, Girardville.

David Brodman, Schuylkill Haven, and Sandy L. Brodman, Schuylkill Haven.

Dustin E. Donton, Tremont, and Rhonda D. Kocher, Tremont.

Jason W. Krise, Auburn, and Kelly M. Walter, Auburn.

Darkenya E. Markowski, Minersville, and Santaly A. Gutierrez, Minersville.

Kenneth L. Smith, Mahanoy City, and Nicole M. Loftus, Mahanoy City.

Darkenya Eugene Markowski, Minersville, and Santaly Amanda Gutierrez, Minersville.

Joshua A. Graham, Orwigsburg, and Shakanda W. Ray, Orwigsburg.

Yordan Quesada, Orwigsburg, and Larissa Nur Aquino, Orwigsburg.

Divorces granted

Russell D’Attilio, Pottsville, from Jennifer D’Attilio, Pottsville.

Pavel Kuznotsov, Mahanoy City, from Stephanie Vrabel, Saint Clair.

Jose Urquiza, Pottsville, from Heather Urquiza, Morris Plains, New Jersey.

Brian Hendrickson, Orwigsburg, from Francine Hendrickson, Orwigsburg.

Kird Freed, Deer Lake, from Kimberly Freed, Pottsville.

POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville woman claimed the 2018 Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival Queen of the Snows title Saturday, but it wasn’t her first coronation.

Alexandra Mullin was crowned at the 51st pageant among a field of 16 contestants at Pottsville Area High School’s Robert W. Wachter Auditorium.

Schuylkill Haven businessman Bob Greene was named the 2018 Distinguished Citizen.

“What I’m looking forward to most is getting to know my two new ‘sisters,’ ” Mullin, 22, said about her fellow 2018 royalty, Snowflake Princess Mikaela Tobash, Nativity BVM, and Snowdrop Princess Kali Grochowski, Pottsville.

“I was a little nervous with the impromptu question coming up,” she said. “Then when I heard it was about the county, I thought I just love this county.”

Mullin has previously served as Schuylkill County’s 2010 Fair Princess and 2014 Schuylkill County Fair Queen.

The field of 16 was narrowed to eight finalists — Carissa Diggs, Victoria Gottshall, Celena Granito, Brooke Hanzok, Karina Klusman, Danyelle Mates, Amanda Tokarick and Mullin. Each finalist was asked an impromptu question about what qualities of Schuylkill County make them happy, made their heart content and made them feel like home. This year’s pageant theme was “Feels Like Home.”

Mullin, a daughter of Denise and Doug Mullin, spoke about the diversity of the county’s landscapes and communities. She is a senior at Keystone College studying forensic biology. Mullin is employed by Rue 21 and was sponsored by The White Pear. Her parents and her sister, Jillian, 18, congratulated her and the fellow contestants onstage at the program’s conclusion.

Gottshall, 24, of Port Carbon, was named Miss Congeniality, as voted upon by her fellow senior princesses.

Deirdre Payne Boris, president of the Winter Carnival Association, welcomed guests. Brothers T.J. and Shawn Fitzpatrick shared master of ceremony duties during the show, which featured dance and musical entertainment from Artists In Motion Performing Arts and T.J. Fitzpatrick.

John Boris introduced the distinguished citizen award winner. He said Greene grew up with humble beginnings and was the oldest child in a family of seven. Boris spoke of Greene’s generosity, his contributions to the community, offering monetary gifts and support to multiple causes, and for providing employment opportunities. Greene of Pioneer Pole Building, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, thanked the carnival for the recognition, but admitted he wasn’t an easy person to work for.

“I’m tough. I’m demanding,” he said. “This county is very special to me.”

2017 Queen of the Snows Holly Parrish ended her reign, passing on the title to Mullin. In her closing remarks, Parrish shared how her experiences with the carnival had helped her grow as an adult and thanked her family and the carnival staff and volunteers for their dedication to the winter tradition.

The 2018 Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival concluded with the Queen’s Ball, which followed the pageant at 10 p.m. at St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Outstanding airman

Technical Sgt. Mark Anthony Durick was selected as the 2018 Outstanding Airman (Junior Non-Commissioned Officer) of the Year for Pennsylvania. He will represent the state at the Air National Guard level across the country competing for a spot at the Air Force level.

During Durick’s deployment to the Middle East, he received a Lieutenant General’s Three-Star Coin of Excellence for leading a small communications team setting up several crucial networks for command and control elements in the theater of operations. Although a junior non-commisioned officer temporarily assigned to a U.S. base in Germany, he was selected as a communication section chief. His leadership was instrumental in his airmen’s successful accomplishment of daily communications missions. During his military career, Durick has received several awards and promotions for his leadership, technical skills, experience and education in the area of radio and satellite communications.

Durick is on a year-long military sabbatical as a satellite communications engineer in support of the U.S. Antarctic Program at Amundson-Scott South Pole Station sponsored by the U.S. Science Foundation. He will enjoy the Northern Lights during the winter months, as well as -110 degrees Fahrenheit wind chill.

Durick received degrees from Kutztown University and the Community College of the Air Force. He is a graduate of Schuylkill Haven Area High School.

During high school, he received the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award with promotion to second lieutenant in the Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol and the President’s Volunteer Service Award for community service to our nation. He was captain of Haven’s cross country and track and field teams.

He is a son of retired Army Maj. Mark Durick and Myong Durick, Lake Wynonah.

None injured in

crash on The Grade

DARKWATER — Three people escaped injury in a two-vehicle crash that happened in the northbound lanes of Route 61, just north of Darkwater Road in Blythe Township, around 2:40 p.m. Friday.

State police at Frackville said Louie F. Rivera, 27, of Minersville, was driving a 2006 Mercury Mariner north rounding a left curve when he went onto the snow covered berm of the road and lost control.

The SUV crossed both lanes of the highway, went off of the road and hit a dirt embankment and then a large rock causing it to roll over onto its roof, troopers said.

Rivera and his passengers — Jennifer Skinner, 19, of Girardville, and Daniel Lopez, 27, of Reading — were not hurt but police said Rivera will receive a traffic citation as a result of the crash.

The state Department of Transportation is advising the motoring public of several roadwork projects that will be undertaken in the coming week.

Crews will fill potholes 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday in both directions of Interstate 81 in Tremont, Pine Grove and Frailey townships between the exits for Route 125 and Highridge Park Road, and in Delano and Kline townships from the exit for Route 54 to the Luzerne County line; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday on Route 309 in West Penn Township between Hometown and the Lehigh County line; and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday on Route 61 from Schuylkill Haven to Ashland.

Also, from 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, workers will seal cracks in both lanes of I-81 between the exits for Highridge Park Road and Route 124.

Crews will widen and work on shoulders from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday on Route 339 in Mahanoy Township between Mahanoy City and Brandonville.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 825 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Follow regional PennDOT information on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAAllentown.

POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville man will return to prison, and spend additional time on court supervision, after a Schuylkill County judge revoked his parole and probation on Thursday.

Johnathan L. Speer, 28, must stay behind bars until at least May 5, President Judge William E. Baldwin ruled. Baldwin also required Speer to serve 12 months consecutive probation after his parole is finished.

“You just blew this off,” Baldwin told Speer.

Baldwin revoked Speer’s parole and probation after the defendant admitted violating it by failing to report to his supervising officer and not making payments on his costs and fees.

“He has not made any payments” on what he owes, Assistant District Attorney Thomas P. Pellish said of Speer, who sat through Thursday’s hearing wearing, handcuffs, leg shackles and a prison jumpsuit.

Speer originally pleaded guilty on June 21, 2017, to possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. At that time, Baldwin sentenced him to serve 11 days to 12 months in prison and pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Mahanoy City police charged Speer with possessing drugs and paraphernalia on June 13, 2015, in the borough.

In other recent county court action, Baldwin accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Anthony N. Fordham, 42, of Schuylkill Haven; corruption of minors and harassment; 12 months probation, $300 fine and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of corruption of minors and charges of simple assault and conspiracy.

Timothy S. O’Connor Jr., 24, of Pittsburgh; driving under the influence, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding; 72 hours to six months in prison, 12 months probation, $1,025 in fines, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment, $113 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a second count of speeding.

Jordan M. Pelachick, 26, of Schuylkill Haven; DUI; six months in the intermediate punishment program, $1,000 fine, $100 SAEF payment, $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and careless driving.

James H. Philyaw III, 43, of Tamaqua; DUI, disregarding traffic lane and improper turning movements; six months probation, $350 in fines, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment, $120 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network and 10 hours community service.

In other criminal court action, a Tamaqua man who could have emerged from his brush with the law with a clean record instead is headed to state prison after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him on Thursday on 34 charges stemming from an incident in July 2013.

Sean A. Scott, 41, must serve six to 24 months in a state correctional institution, Judge Charles M. Miller ruled.

Miller imposed the sentence after revoking Scott’s probation.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell originally admitted Scott into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program on Oct. 9, 2014. If Scott had successfully completed the program, the charges against him would have been dismissed.

However, Russell removed him from the program on Feb. 19, 2016, and Scott pleaded guilty on Aug. 17, 2016, before Miller to 34 counts of forgery. Prosecutors withdrew two counts each of theft by deception and receiving stolen property and one of theft.

Miller placed Scott on probation for 24 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs, $50 to the CJEA and $11,584.76 restitution.

Tamaqua police alleged Scott committed his crimes on July 1, 2013, in the borough.

Also on Thursday, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin revoked the probation of David J. Hower, 28, of Frackville, and sentenced him to serve 12 to 24 months in a state correctional institution.

Hower originally pleaded guilty on July 22, 2015, to retail theft. At that time, Dolbin placed him on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment.

State police at Frackville alleged Hower committed the theft on Oct. 10, 2014.

In another Thursday case, Christopher K. Pond, 22, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to harassment.

Dolbin accepted the plea and sentenced Pond to time served to six months in prison with immediate parole and to pay costs, a $50 CJEA payment and a $50 bench warrant fee.

Pottsville police charged Pond with committing harassment on Sept. 6, 2016, in the city.

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

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

I think February stargazing is the best. It’s the best stargazing of the year in Pottsville, not so much for the personal comfort of the stargazer, but for the wonderful celestial jewels that await you in the evening heavens.

Button up that overcoat, have that thermos of something warm and prepare to be dazzled. If you’re not already lucky enough to be out in the countryside, away from city lights, try to get out there; but even if you’re restricted to urban stargazing you’ll still like what you see.

Early in the evening, right after twilight, you can check out the celestial hugging shaping up between Venus and Mars in the low southwest sky. Right now they are about 8 degrees apart, slightly less than the width of your fist held at arm’s length. Later on this month they will be much closer. Stay tuned! Unlike Jupiter, you can’t really see much detail on either planet because of Mars’s distance right now and the opaque cloud cover on Venus.

Face south and you’ll be anything but bored! You’ll get an eyeful of what I call “Orion and his gang.” The majestic constellation Orion the Hunter is standing more or less upright above the southern horizon. Its visual calling cards are the three distinctive belt stars lined up so perfectly and the bright stars Rigel and Betelgeuse.

To the upper right of my favorite constellation is the constellation Taurus the Bull with the bright star cluster the Pleiades. To the upper left of Orion is the constellation Gemini the Twins and directly overhead is Auriga the Charioteer that looks like a lopsided pentagon.

To the lower left of Orion is the bright star Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, and also the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, the Big Dog. Draw a line through the three stars in Orion’s belt and extend that line to the lower left and it will point right at Sirius. Sirius is a Greek name that means “the scorcher.”

To the upper left of Canis Major is Canis Minor, which honestly isn’t much of a constellation, but is the home of another bright star, Procyon. Connect Procyon, Sirius and Betelgeuse, and they make an absolutely perfect triangle aptly dubbed “The Winter Triangle,” one of the coolest things to see in the cold winter sky.

In the northern sky, the Big Dipper is standing up on its handle and Cassiopeia the Queen is high in the north near the overhead zenith. It’s as bright as the Big Dipper and looks like an upside down “W” that outlines the throne of Queen Cassiopeia. The queen is tied up in her throne because she bragged that she was more beautiful than Hera, the Queen of the Greek gods and the owner of the largest ego in history.

In the eastern sky, there’s a sign of spring. Look for the diagonal backward question mark that outlines the chest and head of Leo the Lion. The bright star at the bottom of the question mark is Regulus. Leo will eventually lead in the springtime constellations.

What planets are out there in the evening to check out with a telescope, maybe one you got for Christmas? I’m afraid you’re out of luck with one exception, the very bright planet Venus. You won’t get much of view of Venus, though, because it sets right after the sun in the early evening twilight.

If you want to see planets, set the alarm and get out under the pre-twilight sky. Jupiter, Mars and Saturn will be lined up nicely in the south and southeast sky around 6 a.m. Jupiter will be the brightest star-like object in that part of the sky shining nearly straight above the southern horizon.

Jupiter, about 500 million miles away, is a lot of fun to check out with even a small telescope. You can clearly see up to four of its brighter moons that resemble tiny stars on either side of the planet’s disk. Because they orbit Jupiter in periods of 2 to 17 days, the moons are constantly changing positions and regularly pass in front of or behind the largest planet in our solar system. You may even see some of Jupiter’s cloud bands that stripe the planet.

Mars is the next bright star-like object to the lower left of Jupiter in the southeast early morning sky. Even with the naked eye, it has a reddish tinge. You won’t see too much detail on Mars right now; it’s a small planet that’s still pretty far away from our planet. This summer, however, Mars will be a lot brighter in the summer evening sky as it will be as close to Earth as it’s been since 2003, and nearly as close as it’s been in nearly 60,000 years.

That bright “star” just above the east-southeast horizon just before morning twilight is Saturn, about 930 million miles away. Despite that distance you should be able to make out Saturn’s ring system, although it will be a little fuzzy because of Earth’s thicker atmosphere near the horizon. It’s still a thrill to see the ring system!

Starting Wednesday morning, through the rest of this week, the last quarter waning crescent moon will be passing by all three planets. On Wednesday morning, the moon will be just to the upper right of Jupiter. Thursday, the moon will between Jupiter and Mars, Friday, it will be just to the upper left of Mars, and on Saturday morning, the crescent moon will be perched between Saturn and Mars.

(Lynch, an amateur astronomer and professional broadcast meteorologist, can be reached at mikewlynch@comcast.net)

MIDDLEPORT — Standing on the corner of Main Street and Coal Street, you can see a giant inflatable snow globe containing a football player wearing a Philadelphia Eagles jersey and helmet on the lawn of 2 Main Street.

Here, you would normally find Charlie and Christine “Chris” Snukis, but today they are attending Super Bowl LII, cheering on the Eagles to bring home the Vince Lombardi Trophy against the New England Patriots.

Enter the Snukis home and the devotion to the team is more apparent. Once inside the living room, it’s as if you’ve entered an Eagles museum or memorial.

It is at least part memorial, because among the Eagles paraphernalia are pictures of the Snukis’ late son, Chad.

Chad was born March 13, 1994, and suffered from cerebral palsy. The disease didn’t stop him from cheering on the Eagles until he passed away Aug. 23, 2017.

The theme in the majority of pictures of Chad is also about the Eagles — Chad in jerseys and team apparel at Eagles games and other team events, and Chad meeting players, personnel and other fans. Chad’s jersey of choice was tight end Brent Celek’s No. 87, who Chris said was Chad’s favorite player.

His other favorites were former players Donovan McNabb and Brian Dawkins.

Chad’s love for the team was passed down from both Charlie and Chris.

“I was born an Eagles fan. My dad was an Eagles fan,” Charlie said, adding he began going to games when the team played at Franklin Field. The team now plays at Lincoln Financial Field.

“My dad was an Eagles fan too,” Chris added. She said she attended games while she was pregnant with Chad and his first live game was in 2001. The family has had season tickets since 2012, and Chad’s final game was memorable — a 27-13 victory over division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Jan. 1, 2017.

“He loved being down at the games,” Chris said.

The family attended so many games that Chad was well-known by fans and team personnel. He made such an impact on the team that the Saturday before Christmas, a few weeks ago, the Snukises received a package with a football and a letter from the team. The ball displayed the words “In Loving Memory of Chad M. Snukis, Forever an Eagle,” surrounded by the team’s logo.

The letter, signed by team President Don Smolenski, reads in part: “Our fans are such a big part of the Eagles family, and we are saddened to hear of your loss. ... His passion for the team is truly appreciated and we are honored and humbled to have been a part of Chad’s life experience.”

“They went out of their way for my little guy,” Chris said.

Chad’s memorial service concluded with the Eagles’ fight song. Chris and Charlie believe Chad and other deceased family members, who were also Eagles fans, helped the team reach Super Bowl LII and are hoping for one more good game.

When the Snukises met with a reporter from The Republican-Herald days before leaving for the big game, both wore Eagles apparel: Charlie a conference championship T-shirt and Eagles hat with several pins, while Chris wore a division championship T-shirt under a zip-up Eagles sweatshirt, Eagles Crocs and the tips of her hair dyed green.

The couple had plans to travel to Jacksonville, Florida, in February 2005 for the Eagles’ last appearance in the Super Bowl, but with Chad’s disease, the family opted to stay home.

This season, they bought the tickets Dec. 5, 2017, two days after Philadelphia dropped to 10-2 with a regular-season loss to the Seattle Seahawks and five days before the Eagles clinched the NFC East Division with a win over the Los Angeles Rams.

The win over the Rams came at a price, as quarterback Carson Wentz was lost for the season with a torn ACL and LCL. The injury was the last in a long line of season-ending injuries for the team, which included left tackle Jason Peters, linebacker Jordan Hicks and running back Darren Sproles.

But the team persevered, clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win over the Oakland Raiders. Then, once in the playoffs, the Eagles beat the Atlanta Falcons in the divisional round and the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game, denying the Vikings the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl in their home stadium.

The Snukises said they were aware of rumors of disgruntled Vikings fans possibly giving Eagles fans the runaround in Minneapolis when it comes to transportation, as a means of payback. They had a plan in place: Chris said they’d be sticking to public transportation. No Ubers, no taxis.

At the beginning of the season, the Snukises thought the team might have something special, but the results are more than expected.

“I knew they’d be good. I thought we’d be good enough to win the NFC East,” Chris said.

But a Super Bowl berth was not expected so soon, not after the 2016 season where both Wentz and head coach Doug Pederson were neophytes in their roles and the team went 7-9, finishing last in the NFC East division. But here the team is underdogs to the end, in the sport’s biggest game.

“It’s a fun team to watch,” Chris said.

The Eagles are playing the five-time Super Bowl champion Patriots, who won Super Bowl XXXIX against the Eagles in 2005. They also won Super Bowl LI last year against the Falcons.

But the Snukises have confidence in their team.

“They’re gonna win!” Charlie said. “28-20, I’d say.”

Chris believes it is a good match-up for the Eagles, as the strength of the defense is the defensive line. She thinks the defensive line can make Patriots quarterback Tom Brady uneasy in the pocket, with defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and defensive end Chris Long among those chasing Brady. She said that Pederson isn’t afraid to be aggressive with his play-calling.

But most of all, there’s one other factor that they believe is on the Eagles’ side: There’s a special meaning to their tickets. The Snukises will be sitting in section 315 in the third row, and one of the seats is 13, meaning one of them will be sitting in row 3, seat 13 (3/13), the same as Chad’s birthday, March 13.

“Chad’s the one sending us,” Charlie said.

Super Bowl LII kicks off at 6:40 p.m. today on NBC.

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

Mahanoy Area

Mahanoy Area High School seniors Jessica Waldron and Michael Hayes were named students of the month for November by Mahanoy City Elks Lodge 695.

Jessica, a daughter of Cathy Caravella and Chris Cramer, Mahanoy Plane, is a member of National Honor Society, Bloomsburg Math Contest team, Olweus Youth Leadership, choir, ski club, SADD, Teens Against Tobacco, softball and track and field. She served as class treasurer her sophomore year and is band front flag captain, treasurer of Future Business Leaders of America, Interact and Nutrition Advisory Council, and Theatre Arts club assistant stage manager.

Jessica was a homecoming candidate, volunteers for Meals on Wheels and is a member of ACTION Youth Group. She plans to attend Penn State or Bloomsburg universities or Lycoming College, Williamsport, to major in business.

Michael, a son of Michael and Nicole Hayes, Barnesville, is in National Honor Society, Bloomsburg Math Contest team, Interact, SADD, Theatre Arts club and track and field. He is football captain and volunteers for Meals on Wheels.

He plans to attend Misericordia University, Dallas, Luzerne County, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, or University of Scranton to major in physical therapy.

Megan Babinsky and Brendan Bennett were named students of the month for October at Mahanoy Area.

Megan, a daughter of Paul and Colleen Babinsky, Barnesville, is vice president of student council, Interact and Theatre Arts club, Nutrition Advisory Council secretary, cross country team captain and basketball team co-captain. She is a member of National Honor Society, Olweus Youth Leadership, Areascope, choir, SADD, Teens Against Tobacco and track and field.

She was a member of the homecoming court and volunteers for Meals on Wheels, seventh- and eighth-grade track meets and Senator Rhoades track meet. She is a member of ACTION Youth Group and an altar server at St. Richard Roman Catholic Church, Barnesville.

She plans to attend University of Pittsburgh, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, or Widener University, Chester, to major in engineering.

Brendan, a son of James Bennett and the late Stacey Bennett, is National Honor Society vice president and a member of Envirothon, student council, Schuylkill County Youth Leadership Conference, Olweus Youth Leadership, band, choir, Chordaires, Interact, Theatre Arts club, football and wrestling. He was a Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership ambassador.

Brendan volunteers for Meals on Wheels, youth wrestling and track. He plans to attend Lebanon Valley College, Annville, to major in music or Villanova University or University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, to major in environmental science.

Megan Bisco and Nathan Macleary were named students of the month for September at Mahanoy Area.

Megan, a daughter of Scott and Susan Bisco, Barnesville, is student council, Interact and Theatre Arts club president, band front majorette and basketball captain and the 2017 homecoming queen. She is a member of National Honor Society, Bloomsburg Math Contest team, Olweus Youth Leadership, Schuylkill County Youth Summit, Areascope, choir, SADD, Teens Against Tobacco, cross country and softball.

Megan volunteers for Meals on Wheels and Biddy Basketball and is an acolyte for St. Peter’s UCC. She plans to attend Lebanon Valley College, Annville, or Kutztown University to major in biology.

Nathan, a son of Sean and Nanette Macleary, Mahanoy City, is National Honor Society secretary and Interact co-secretary. His activities include Bloomsburg Math Contest team, Olweus Youth Leadership, Areascope, choir, Chordaires, Schuylkill County Chorus, Teens Against Tobacco, Theatre Arts club, football, track and field and wrestling. He served as class secretary his sophomore year.

Nathan volunteers for Meals on Wheels, midget football and seventh- and eighth-grade track. He is a member of ACTION Youth Group and a church greeter for St. Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Parish, Mahanoy City.

He plans to attend Villanova or Shippensburg universities, University of Scranton or Penn State University Park campus to major in biology.

Pottsville Rotary

The Pottsville Rotary Club announced the following students as students of the month for October at Minersville Area, Nativity BVM and Pottsville Area high schools:

Minersville Area

Magdelynn Wigoda, a daughter of Kevin and Jenny Wigoda, is involved in varsity soccer, basketball and softball, chemistry and diversity clubs and spirit committee. She is a yearbook photographer. She has assisted at the boys’ soccer camp and helped with this past fall’s haunted house.

Maggie plans to attend East Stroudsburg University to pursue a career in speech pathology.

Stephen Wollyung, a son of Allison Wollyung and Mike Wollyung, is varsity basketball captain and a National Honor Society member. He volunteers at Yorkville Hose Company’s annual block party and St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, and delivers food to needy people through the Knights of Columbus.

He plans to attend college and major in engineering.

Nativity BVM

Connor Burke, a son of John and Kerry Burke, Saint Clair, attends St. Clair of Assisi Roman Catholic Church. He is active in baseball and basketball, math, science and Interact clubs, student ambassadors and National Honor Society.

He plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, play baseball and pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. After that, he plans to attend graduate school and become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Patrick Stone, a son of Richard and Michelle Stone, Cumbola, attends Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, New Philadelphia, where he is a Eucharistic Minister, lector and altar server. He is a member of the Nativity band, drama club and student council.

Patrick plans to attend either DeSales University, Center Valley, or Lebanon Valley College, Annville, to study computer programming.

Pottsville Area

Kamryn Willard, a daughter of Kelli and Craig Willard, Saint Clair, is the business staff editor for yearbook and a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Leo, Spanish, sketch and ecology clubs, mini-THON and senior prom committee. She plans to attend Penn State University, University Park campus, to study business management.

Michala Zembas, a daughter of Michele and James Zembas, New Philadelphia, is a member of National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll, French Honor Society, drama, French, sketch and key clubs, mini-THON committee, yearbook editor-in-chief and girls varsity tennis captain. She is an altar server, lector, cantor and a New Philadelphia Community Organization volunteer.

Michala plans to attend Penn State to study elementary education.

Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael O’Pake and the Schuylkill County detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a man who failed to appear in Schuylkill County Court last month as required.

Detectives said Joseph S. Zendrosky failed to appear on Jan. 23 for his sentencing hearing.

The original charge against Zendrosky is misdemeanor theft of movable property. Detectives said the man has a second bench warrant for failure to appear in arraignment court on a charge of DUI.

Zendrosky, 39, is described as being white, about 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing about 150 pounds. He has a last known address of 115 W. Main St., Girardville, detectives said.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Zendrosky or on any other fugitive in Schuylkill County is asked to call the district attorney’s office at 570-628-1350 or Schuylkill County Tip Line at 570-624-3988.

Information can also be sent by email to dadd@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

In addition, anyone who may see or come in contact with Zendrosky should call the Schuylkill County Communications Center or the local police department immediately.

A list of Schuylkill County bench warrants is available on the Schuylkill County website at www.co.schuylkill.pa.us.

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

SHENANDOAH — The borough council approved an agreement with the county at the Jan. 15 meeting to demolish dilapidated properties that neighbors have complained about for years.

The council accepted the Schuylkill County Demolition Program plan for razing four blighted properties on the west side of the 200 block of North Race Street near the intersection with West Coal Street. The project will also include demolition of the former Dimaggio’s pizza shop at the corner of the 1100 block of West Coal Street.

Kass Contracting, Shenandoah, was awarded the contract by the Schuylkill County commissioners on the low bid of $18,500 in October.

About a dozen local residents spoke at a meeting to the borough council in 2014 about the row homes collapsing and that a broken sewer line that runs underneath the structures causing a stench from the raw sewage that is pooling in the basement. Residents complained that sewage draws vermin and insects that they considered a health issue.

The property owner is listed as Carlos Matilde Cruz on the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator and in citations and other documents at the borough level.

The borough filed civil action in 2016 against Cruz in the Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas for him to abate the property, and if not done, allowed the borough to do so. The decision by Judge Charles Miller was in favor of the Borough of Shenandoah.

Miller’s court order allowed the borough to enter the property for any inspections, and that Cruz was held liable for all costs incurred by the borough in connection with the case, including court costs, engineering fees and attorney fees.

Cruz filed within the 30-day deadline an appeal with the commonwealth court, putting the abatement process on hold at the time. The commonwealth court ruled in favor of the borough, beginning the process to get the funds to demolish the buildings.

Kass Contracting is working on other demolition projects in the borough, and when they are completed, the Race Street project will begin. Since Cruz still owns the properties, the borough will file a lien for the demolition costs, though plans are for the borough to obtain ownership of the property at a judicial sale.

Once the buildings are removed, the borough will be able to access and inspect the sewer line safely to determine what actions need to be done for repairs or replacement.

In other business, the council approved a resolution to obtain a tax anticipation note at 2.2 percent interest from First National Bank. Tax anticipation notes are obtained by municipalities for paying operational expenses at the beginning of the year until tax revenues begin being received in March.

The borough council acted on the following appointments that were not made at the Jan. 2 reorganization meeting:

•Borough secretary/treasurer/consultant: Joseph Palubinsky

•Bank depository: All borough banks

•Vacancy Board: Robert Wasilewski

•Zoning Hearing Board: Daniel Salvadore

•Shenandoah Municipal Sewer Authority: Andrew Szczyglak.

•Civil Service Commission: Fran Green

During the public portion, Chairwoman Donna M. Gawrylik of the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Shenandoah spoke of the issues the authority dealt with during the recent extreme freezing temperatures and thanked the borough and its employees for the assistance provided during that period.

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

POTTSVILLE — Poems and songs about love will fill the air Friday at the Yuengling Mansion.

Members of the St. John the Baptist Church, Pottsville, will present a free show from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday that will celebrate love of people, nature and spirit.

“There is love all around me,” Marie Flynn, organizer and member of the church, said.

The approximately two-hour show will involve poetry readings from a book Flynn was given by a friend, other poems to observe Valentine’s Day, dancing and singing. The title of the show, “The Best is Love,” is taken from a passage in 1 Corinthians.

“To me, reading the Bible is like reading a poem,” Flynn said.

The show will consist of four acts with songs picked by Flynn. At the end, people can show their love of the country by singing “God Bless America.”

Several cast members were rehearsing Feb. 2 at the Russell building for their performances in the show.

Bella Wright, 9, Maddy Wright, 12, Livia Hable, 13, and Helena Fredericks, 13, all of Pottsville, and members of the church were dancing to the song “All That Jazz” from the musical “Chicago.”

Maddy Wright joined the cast because she thought it would be fun to dance.

Each of the girls is performing a solo dance. All four will then dance to “All That Jazz” and “All for the Best” from the musical “Godspell.”

The girls have been practicing twice a week for about a month for the show, choreographer Tara Schane, Pottsville, said.

Refreshments will be provided and donations are accepted.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Barry McGurl quantified the Eagles’ Super Bowl win Sunday night.

“Besides my wedding day and my child’s birth, it’s probably one of the happiest days of my life,” Barry, Ashland, said.

Eagles fans from across Schuylkill County gathered Sunday night for the game, including at home parties in Ashland and Tower City and at Penn State Schuylkill. They watched their Pennsylvania team vie for the Vince Lombardi Trophy and celebrated the first Super Bowl win for the Eagles in franchise history.

Barry had two ground rules to follow for those wanting to be a part of his Eagles Super Bowl party. First, guests were to be careful coming and going due to the inclement weather. Secondly, they were to leave any visual reference to the opponents at home.

“Don’t show up with any Patriots gear because I won’t let you in,” he said prior to game time. He anticipated hosting 15 to 22 people at his home, at 57 High Road, showing the game on multiple big-screen TVs.

Diehard followers

Barry’s been an Eagles fan “forever,” he said.

“It started with me and just trickled down to my wife and kid. They had to be fans,” he said. Barry’s wife, Lauren, and son, Brayden, 10, are diehard Eagles followers too.

His whole house this year is lit up with green lights. He stenciled an eagle image in his yard and a large eagle onto the side of a shed.

“I decorated more for this than I did for Christmas,” he said. “A semi (truck) went past and was on his horn the whole way,” Barry said, noting several motorists passing by took notice of his appreciation for the Eagles.

Barry traveled to the Atlanta Falcons game against Philadelphia. He and Lauren attended the Eagles versus Minnesota NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and got to see the Eagles’ 38-7 victory.

“We were two rows back in the end zone,” Barry said. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime type of thing. You never know when they’ll get home field advantage again.”

Although the Eagles had to do without quarterback Carson Wentz, due to his torn ACL, Nick Foles has proven a capable replacement, Barry said.

“You’re going to miss Wentz because he got us here, but Foles has stepped in and is more than prepared to get the job done,” Barry said. The Eagles proved with Foles they could score against Minnesota, which had one of the top defenses, he said. “They were able to put up points against them.”

Barry said they did invite some of their friends who are Steelers and Cowboy fans.

“But today, they’re going to support us, just like I’d to the same for them,” he said.

They’d be sharing game night food, including 10 pounds of wings and eight pizzas.

Show your colors

Amy Kobularik grabbed a bunch of Eagles balloons Sunday afternoon at Bainbridge’s Party House, 1030 E. Grand Ave., Tower City, to add to her home celebration.

She and her husband, Joseph, and daughter, Ella, were hosting a Super Bowl party for 15 teenagers, 10 children and at least 20 adults at their Tower City residence.

“We love Philadelphia. We go to visit, and go to at least one Eagles game each year. We also go to Phillies games. I grew up with it and my parents were Phillies fans,” Amy said.

“We normally have a Super Bowl party, but not as big as this year,” she said.

Her bar and rec room area are decorated in Eagles decor, with lights and stickers. She said her husband’s favorite player is former Eagles safety Brian Dawkins, who was selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Dawkins decor is on display at their bar, she said.

Amy was putting the final touches on her menu, which included pulled pork and Philadelphia pretzels. She was optimistic Sunday afternoon that the night would end well for Philadelphia.

“I think it’s going to be a good game, and I think Foles can do it. He played well against the Vikings,” she said.

LeAnn Unger was also picking up blue balloons for a special party she was coordinating, combining a Super Bowl party with a Penn State celebration. She said her daughter, Laurel Unger, 17, just found out she got accepted to Penn State University Park campus, and she wanted to do something to surprise her.

“I’ll be rooting for the Eagles, although I’m actually a Patriots fan,” LeAnn said. “But I’m rooting for the Eagles because it’s a Pennsylvania team.”

Sharon Bainbridge, store owner, said Sunday she sold out of Eagles napkins, plates, and balloons. She had Patriots fans that also picked up orders, she said. Popular items that people were seeking included football clings (images), patio football lights and plastic football helmets, according to Bainbridge.

Campus celebration

About 50 Penn State Schuylkill students gathered at the Student Community Center for a free Super Bowl party. In addition to watching the game on a big screen TV, students could play games and enjoy refreshments.

Gracie Gilbert, coordinator for PSU Student Life, said the Student Activities Council voted to have the party and set the schedule of activities.

“I like to give the students a voice with what they want to do,” Gracie, Ringtown, said.

Students were treated to 30 pizzas, 180 wings, snacks, desserts and soda. They played games like Super Bowl bingo and Oreo shuffleboard during commercial breaks.

Junior Julian Evans, an Eagles fan, was savoring the win.

“The play where Nick Foles caught the touchdown was great. We did it better than the Patriots,” Julian, 21, of Norwood, said. “It was really fun being in this atmosphere.”

Sophomores Mamadi Jalloh and Chris Jeffries were also hoping for an Eagles win. Both were former high school football players. Mamadi, 20, of Philadelphia, said he was being recruited to play football for PSU, Temple and Georgia, until a severe back injury requiring surgery sidelined him. He’s a technology engineering major.

Wentz is his favorite player, Mamadi said.

“He’s a religious person and he’s just an outstanding player,” he said.

Chris, 20, of Lansdale, wore a Wentz jersey. The communications major said Wentz, Foles and safety Malcolm Jenkins are his favorites.

Freshman Jackie Avery was also cheering for Philadelphia.

“I have faith that they’ll do what they need to do because they’ve been doing it all year,” Jackie, 19, of Philadelphia, said. “If they win, I’d be happy, and I’d definitely consider going back home.”

SAC President Shaheem Mack hung banners and helped prepare for the event.

“I’m going with the Pats because my sister likes the Patriots,” Shaheem, 20, of East Stroudsburg, said. “I’m only one of a few here.” Shaheem, a sophomore, is studying biochemistry/chemistry.

Sophomore Angela Mobley donned bright green hair but didn’t have a preference for a winner.

“I just like the color. I don’t care who wins, but because everyone else is rooting for the Eagles, I’ll root for the Patriots,” Angela, 19, a psychology major from New Jersey, said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — A Pottsville man will spend time on probation after admitting Thursday to a Schuylkill County judge that he possessed drug paraphernalia once and drove with a suspended license twice in 2016 in the city.

Chester Leet, 52, pleaded guilty to two counts of driving under suspension and one of possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of improper sunscreening.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin accepted the plea, placed Leet on probation for six months and also sentenced him to pay costs, $400 in fines, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and a $50 bench warrant fee.

Pottsville police filed both sets of charges against Leet, alleging he drove with a suspended license on March 11, 2016, and again on June 10, 2016. In the second incident, police alleged Leet also possessed paraphernalia.

In another Thursday case, Michael E. Siluk III, 29, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to retail theft and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dolbin accepted the plea and sentenced Siluk to serve six to 12 months in prison, pay costs, a $100 SAEF payment, a $50 CJEA payment and $91.45 restitution, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Pottsville police charged Siluk with committing the theft and possessing paraphernalia on July 14, 2017, at the Giant Food Store in the city.

Also on Thursday, William McHose, 31, of Tamaqua, pleaded guilty to false identification to law enforcement in one case and possession of prohibited offensive weapon, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia in a second.

Dolbin accepted the plea and sentenced McHose to spend three to 12 months in prison and an additional six months on probation, and pay costs, a $100 SAEF payment, $100 in CJEA payments and $226 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Tamaqua police charged McHose with presenting false identification on June 5, 2017, in the borough, while Pottsville police charged him with possessing a weapon, drugs and paraphernalia on July 6, 2016, in the city.

In another Thursday case, a Hegins woman did not have to go to prison after a Schuylkill County judge revoked her parole for a third time.

Tawnya J. Bowman, 41, admitted violating her parole, but Dolbin, who revoked it, granted her immediate reparole.

Bowman originally pleaded guilty on Nov. 12, 2014, to hindering apprehension, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and adulteration or misbranding of a controlled substance. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of manufacture of a controlled substance.

At that time, Dolbin accepted the plea and sentenced Bowman to serve two to 23 months in prison, pay costs, a $100 SAEF payment, a $50 CJEA payment and $2,192 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Harrisburg, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Pine Grove police charged Bowman with committing her crimes on April 16, 2013, in the borough.

Dolbin previously revoked Bowman’s parole on March 1, 2016, and Feb. 21, 2017.

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

MAHANOY CITY — A traffic stop in the borough Saturday night netted methamphetamine and other drugs and resulted in two people being arrested.

Police Chief Kenneth Zipovsky said the traffic stop was conducted around 8:25 p.m. at 10th and Centre streets.

When officers stopped the vehicle, they found the passenger, Tammy Casserly, 45, of Mahanoy City, in possession of illegal drugs.

Casserly was in possession of about a third of an ounce of methamphetamine, various quantities of other controlled substances and numerous items indicative of the sale of drugs, the chief said.

Zipovsky said Casserly was charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

She was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $50,000 straight cash bail.

The chief said police also charged a second person stemming from the same traffic stop.

Shawn Lazer, Barnesville, was taken into custody and charged with a misdemeanor offense of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both Casserly and Lazer will now have to answer to the charges against them at preliminary hearings before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Zipovsky said Saturday’s arrest is just another example of the department efforts to crack down on illegal drugs and other crimes in the borough.

“This is just another example of the tireless efforts of the Mahanoy City Police Department in its campaign to provide the police service that the community truly deserves,” he said.

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

Deeds

Butler Township — Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Timothy M. Sullivan; 690 Fountain St., Fountain Springs; $45,000.

East Brunswick Township — Clyde W. Spehrley and Joanne E. Spehrley to Clyde W. Spehrley, Joanne E. Spehrley and Jared W. Ward; 40 Spehrley Lane; $1.

East Norwegian Township — Catherine C. Myro to John J. Myro, Janet C. Myro and Brian K. Myro; 0.33245-acre property on State Route 1001; $1.

Catherine C. Myro to John J. Myro, Janet C. Myro and Brian K. Myro; 665 Port Carbon/Saint Clair Highway; $1.

Eldred Township — Alison N. and Michael J. Lucht to Alison N. and Michael J. Lucht; 169 Main Road, Pitman; $1.

Minersville — Patrick P. Owens and Michael T. Marsh to Teresa Henry; 28 Sunbury St.; $92,500.

North Manheim Township — William R. and Elizabeth A. Kline to Charles H. Fix Sr., trustee of the William R. Kline and Elizabeth A. Kline Irrevocable Trust; 132 Deer Trail Drive; $1.

Norwegian Township — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Michael Miller; property at Chestnut and Second streets, Mar Lin; $501.

Orwigsburg — Steven J. Zimmerman and Susan L. Murphy, executors under the Last Will & Testament of H. Clair Zimmerman, to Steven J. Zimmerman and Susan L. Murphy; 306 Grove St.; $1.

Steven J. Zimmerman and Susan L. Murphy to Susan L. Murphy; 306 Grove St.; $100,000.

Pine Grove Township — SSN Pine Grove LLC to AZN Pine Grove LLC; 2.058-acre property on Route 443; $3,550,000.

Howard D. Sommers to Tyler L. Scheib; 18 Rock Road; $155,000.

Joshua L. and Jenny L. Bicher to Eric D. Lehr and Nicole L. Swert; 195 Sweet Arrow Lake Road; $59,600.

Pottsville — David C. and Anne Marie Moyer to Gary L. and Margaret A. Comfort; 913 Fairview St.; $1.

William R. and Elizabeth A. Kline to Charles H. Fix Sr., trustee of the William R. Kline and Elizabeth A. Kline Irrevocable Trust; property on 21st Street; $1.

William R. and Elizabeth A. Kline to Charles H. Fix Sr., trustee of the William R. Kline and Elizabeth A. Kline Irrevocable Trust; 11 N. 21st St.; $1.

William R. and Elizabeth A. Kline to Charles H. Fix Sr., trustee of the William R. Kline and Elizabeth A. Kline Irrevocable Trust; property at 17th and McBarron streets; $1.

Karl Bicher to Maria Quiles; 443 Nichols St.; $26,000.

CACL Federal Credit Union to Frank Mattera and Steven Mattera; property at West Market and North 18th streets; $100,000.

Rush Township — Arthur L. and Linda J. Deeble and Eric Deeble to Arthur L. and Linda J. Deeble; 42 Ye Old Dam Road; $1.

Schuylkill Haven — William M. and Cheryl D. Ashton to Robert Geiger Jr.; 59 Stanton St.; $1.

Schuylkill Township — Ann E. Reed, administratrix d.b.n. of the Estate of Nevin Robert Merkel, to Eileen G. Fedak; 596 Old 209 Road, Newkirk; $1.

Tamaqua — Rehab Equity Partners LLC to Edward F. Eroh Jr.; 417 Willing St.; $20,000.

West Brunswick Township — Willis L. and Barbara E. Berger to Allen R. III and Kelly L. Matthews; 4 Pine Road; $203,700.

West Mahanoy Township — Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Jeffrey Palubinsky; 371 Ohio Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $54,000.

West Penn Township — Joseph V. Tite to Alice A. Tite, executrix of the Last Will & Testament of Edward J. Tite; 1050 West Penn Pike; $84,250.

Alice A. Tite, executrix of the Last Will & Testament of Edward J. Tite, to Tite Properties LLC; 1050 West Penn Pike; $1.

Numerous local fire and emergency medical services organizations are among the recipients of funding through the 2017-18 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Ambulance Service Grant Program.

Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, and training or reduction of existing debt, according to a press release.

The funding comes from slot machine gaming proceeds, not general fund tax revenue.

The recipients include:

In Schuylkill County, Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 will receive $13,939.07; Hometown Fire Company No. 1, $12,280.41; Lost Creek Community Ambulance Association, $7,037.40; Mahanoy City EMS, $7,037.40; McAdoo Fire Company Inc., $38,229.14; McAdoo Fire Company Inc. and Ambulance Association, $7,037.40; Ringtown Community Ambulance Association Inc., $7,037.40; Ringtown Valley Fire and Rescue Company, $12,649; Ryan Township Emergency and Rescue, $7,037.40; Ryan Township Fire Company, $13,939.07; Shenandoah Community Ambulance, $7,037.40; Sheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Company, $15,000; Tamaqua Community Ambulance Association Inc., $7,037.40; and William Penn Fire Company No. 1, $13,201.89.

In Carbon County, Beaver Meadows Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 will receive $12,649; Greater Weatherly Area Ambulance Association Inc., $1,947.48; Hauto Volunteer Fire Company, $12,833.30; Lehigh & Lausanne Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, $12,649 Nesquehoning Ambulance Corps, $7,037.40; Nesquehoning Hose Company No. 1, $15,000; and New Columbus Fire Company Inc., $12,649.

In Luzerne County, Dennison Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 will receive $11,727.52; Diamond Engine Hose Hook and Ladder Company No. 2, Hazleton, $14,307.66; Dorrance Township Volunteer Fire Department, $7,037.40 (EMS), $12,464.70 (fire); East End Engine and Hose Company No. 3, Hazleton, $14,491.96; Fearnots Volunteer Fire Company, $13,017.59; Fourteenth Ward Fire Company, Hazleton, $13,386.18; Freeland Fire Department, $14,860.55; Freeland Northside Ambulance Association, $5,976.47; Harwood Fire Company, $12,464.70; Hazle Township Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, $15,000; Hazleton Fire Department, $15,000; Hazleton Rescue Squad, $15,000; Hobbie Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, $7,037.40 (EMS), $12,096.11 (fire); Mountain Top Community Ambulance, $7,037.40; Mountain Top Hose Company No. 1, $13,754.78; Nuangola Volunteer Fire Department, $11,543.23; Nuremberg-Weston Volunteer Fire Company, $13,754.78; Pioneer Fire Company No. 1, $13,939.07; Pioneer Hook & Ladder Volunteer Fire Company, $13,201.89; Sugarloaf Fire Company, $7,037.40 (EMS), $12,280.41 (fire); Valley Regional Fire and Rescue Inc., $7,037.40 (EMS), $14,491.96 (fire); West Hazleton Fire Hose Hook & Ladder Company No. 1, $15,000; White Haven Fire Company No. 1, $12,500; and Wright Township Volunteer Firemen’s Association, $13,386.18.

POTTSVILLE — District Attorney Michael A. O’Pake will not be bringing many cases to trial in his first criminal court term, which begins today and runs for two weeks.

“We had a significant backlog of cases to deal with,” O’Pake, who took office at the beginning of the year, said Friday about there being only six jury trial scheduled for the term. “We tried to focus on the cases this time that, if they went past the February term, there would be Rule 600 issues.”

Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 600 requires prosecutors to bring cases to trial within 365 days, although time attributed to delays requested by a defendant does not count toward that limit.

None of the trials remaining on the list are even scheduled to start today.

O’Pake said the trial list, which had been certified before he took office, originally had more than 1,000 cases on it.

“A significant number of those cases were not ready to be tried,” for, among other reasons, the lack of lab reports and the failure to prepare sentencing guidelines, he said.

O’Pake also said almost 200 cases had to be referred to the state attorney general’s office due to his and First Assistant District Attorney Michael J. Stine having served in the public defender’s office, Stine as the chief public defender and O’Pake as one of his assistants. They could not legally prosecute those cases, according to O’Pake.

He also said he has asked his assistant district attorneys to start working on possible guilty pleas in their cases immediately after the trial term ends.

“I want to continually work the cases through the system,” O’Pake said. “It helps the prison. It helps the judges. I think that’s going to resolve the backlog.”

He also said there are three or four nonjury trials scheduled. While those trials do not have to be held during the term, O’Pake said they might be done during this term.

Two of the cases scheduled for trial this term are of the same man: Travis R. Lucas, 33, of Schuylkill Haven, who faces charges of materially false written statement and false statement under penalty in one case and theft and receiving stolen property in the other.

Prosecutors allege Lucas made a false statement in trying to buy a gun on May 9, 2016, in Pine Grove Township, and then actually stole a Rossi Model M68 gun on Oct. 11, 2016, in Pottsville.

Assistant District Attorney Claude A.L. Shields is trying the cases for the commonwealth, while Assistant Public Defender Andrea L. Thompson is defending Lucas.

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

Earl Geissler was 46 when doctors diagnosed him with bladder cancer.

It didn’t make sense to the West Penn Township man. He was relatively young, had no family history of the disease, and as an ex-Marine, he was in otherwise healthy shape.

“At the time, there was no consensus as to a root cause for this cancer,” Geissler, 74, said.

Doctors were also baffled.

He was given the ultimatum — have his bladder removed or eventually succumb to the disease.

“It changes your life. It’s a complete change when this happens to you,” he said of life without a bladder.

He learned to cope and continued to work as a surveyor.

Twenty years after the surgery — in 2012 — Geissler began reading reports of contaminated water at the Camp Lejeune military base in North Carolina. Marines who were stationed there, as well as their families, were reporting health problems.

And among the diseases reported was bladder cancer.

“I served (in the Marines) from 1963 to 1969,” explained Geissler, 74, who achieved the rank of corporal. “I had at least 800 days stationed at Camp Lejeune.”

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs eventually confirmed that Camp Lejeune’s well water was contaminated by volatile organic compounds like metal degreasers and dry cleaning agents, as well as vinyl chloride and benzene.

In 2014, Geissler filed a claim for the residuals of bladder cancer. It took more than a year, but he received an answer:

His claim was denied.

Not wanting to accept the answer, he filed a notice of disagreement.

This time, it was denied because medical records showed that he had been a smoker.

“When I got denied and it was for smoking, that was the farthest thing from my mind,” he said.

The doctor who treated his cancer in 1992 noted that Geissler hadn’t smoked since 1971, and therefore, he didn’t link tobacco usage to the disease. For example, the American Cancer Society notes that after five years of quitting, the risk of bladder cancer is cut in half. Other medical studies show that after two decades of no cigarette use, smoking-related risks are that of a person who never smoked.

He mentioned that another glimmer of hope came in 2016 when the DAV agreed that there is an association between certain diseases and the contaminants found in the Camp Lejeune water supply. Bladder cancer is among the “presumptive diseases.”

The presumptive status rule became effective in 2017. Geissler hoped that by establishing presumptive status, it would be easier for veterans to obtain disability benefits.

A recent update from the DAV, however, notes that his appeal is before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

“I’m stuck in the appeal state. I can’t get out of it,” he said.

Now, he said, he’s wondering if veterans are being systematically denied.

“When you hear about all the problems the guys are having, it’s sad,” he said. “The thing is, they poisoned us.”

He has been told that it can take up to four years until the case is adjudicated.

“I’m not looking for any favoritism by doing this. I just want to get my story out. That’s all I want to do,” he said.

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