Leck Kill

Christ Evangelical and Reformed Church, Leck Kill, and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Sacramento, will join for a journey through the Lenten Season in a sermon series titled “Lent with Peanuts.” The series will explore several characters from the Charles Schulz “Peanuts” comic strips and the lessons they can teach. Offerings will be given to Haven Ministry, a homeless shelter in Sunbury. On Feb. 14, Ash Wednesday, each congregation will worship in its own church. Then the series will alternate between church as follows: Feb. 21, March 7 and March 21, Christ R&R Church; Feb. 28 and March 14, St. Paul’s UCC. Presentations will be by the Rev. Ray Holland, pastor of St. Paul’s, and the Rev. Krista Keisling, pastor of Christ E&R. During Holy Week, Christ E&R also will host a Seder Dinner beginning at 6 p.m. Good Friday and a Tenebrae service at 7 p.m. For more information, call Keisling at 570-516-7289.

Mahanoy City

A bake sale to benefit the Alexis Jones Medical Fund will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, 410 E. Mahanoy Ave.

Pottsville

St. Patrick Roman Catholic Parish selling homemade Easter candy — butter cream, coconut cream or peanut butter eggs — at $10 per box with proceeds to benefit the parish. All orders are due by March 5. No mixed boxes are allowed. To order or for more information, call the parish office at 570-622-1802, Ext. 0, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 8:30 a.m. to noon Fridays. Orders may be picked up at the parish center during the Palm Sunday weekend bake sale, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 24 and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 25. All are welcome to participate.

Pottsville

NAMI, the county’s “voice on serious mental illness,” meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Senior Community Center, 201 N. Centre St. There is a program and support available at each meeting. “Anyone interested in mental illness, especially families and friends of persons with a serious mental illness, are encouraged to attend,” Colleen Kelly said in a release.

Schuylkill Haven

A vendor bingo will be held Feb. 18 at the St. Ambrose Parish Center in support of the parish. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and bingo will begin at 1 p.m. The cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The event will include food, 50/50 chances and raffles. For more information, call 570-527-5787 or 570-385-2586.

Schuylkill Haven

Rainbow Hose Company, 214 Dock St., will host its last wings event of the season from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 18. The company will also host a breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon Feb. 25. All are welcome to participate. For more information, call Kaitlyn at 570-516-7194 or Jen at 570-573-4133.

Schuylkill Haven

A vendor bingo will be held Feb. 18 at the St. Ambrose Parish Center in support of the parish. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and bingo will begin at 1 p.m. The cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The event will include food, 50/50 chances and raffles. For more information, call 570-527-5787 or 570-385-2586.

Tamaqua

A blood drive by the Miller-Keystone Blood Center is set for 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at St. John XXIII Parish’s Ss. Peter and Paul Church Hall, 307 Pine St. For more information, call 570-582-8189. Miller-Keystone, a nonprofit, is the sole blood provider for the Lehigh Valley Health Network including LVHN Hazleton and Schuylkill as well as for St. Luke’s University Health Network including St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus, Coaldale. It also is the sole provider for the hospitals in Lehighton and Palmerton.

SAINT CLAIR — A playground in the borough with decades-old equipment is getting an upgrade.

Two grants from the state Department of Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program will help pay for improvements to the Third Street Playground. The program assists with funding for parks, recreation and conservation efforts.

Roland Price Jr., borough secretary, said Saint Clair received a grant for $40,000 in December 2017 and $63,000 about 1 1/2 years ago. Money for the borough match will come out of the general fund.

Price said a play structure at the park that is “at least 10 years old” will be replaced and the borough will possibly get new swings.

“Our goal is to help improve the recreational needs for our community,” Price said.

The slide at the park has a long horizontal crack in it, which has been like that for less than a year, Price said.

Work at the park will likely start this summer and could be finished within a short period of time. He does not know if the park will have to be closed because of the work.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Nick Foles did his best Tom Brady impersonation, leading a late-game comeback to cap a season that began as a backup and ended as Super Bowl MVP.

Foles' journey mirrored Brady's 16 years ago and ended late Sunday night, with green-and-white confetti falling as delirious Philadelphia Eagles fans celebrated their first NFL title since 1960.

No quarterback has gone from backup to title game MVP in one season since Brady replaced Drew Bledsoe in the 2001 season. Foles topped the 40-year-old Brady, football's greatest winner, in the most prolific offensive game in NFL history, with the Eagles defeating the favored New England Patriots 41-33.

Foles finished it off by engineering the type of game-winning drive that made Brady famous, and he watched his defense stop Brady to seal the victory and the Eagles first Super Bowl — their earlier titles came before the Super Bowl era.

"The stage was never too big for him all year," said Zach Ertz, who caught the game-winning 11-yard touchdown pass from Foles with 2:21 remaining. "To get in a shootout with that guy on the other team is probably not ideal for anyone ever. The guy is the best quarterback to ever play the game."

But on this night Brady played second fiddle to Foles despite throwing for a playoff record 505 yards. Foles was nearly as prolific with 373 yards and three touchdown passes and also caught a TD pass for the Eagles (16-3). Brady dropped his own chance at a reception on a trick play by the Patriots (15-4).

That all added up to Foles becoming the first backup quarterback to win the Super Bowl since Brady beat two-time NFL MVP Kurt Warner to win his first title 16 years ago.

Brady never gave up the job he got after Bledsoe got hurt early that season. He has gone on to win a record five Super Bowl titles. After throwing his third touchdown pass, to Rob Gronkowski, with 9:22 to play to give the Patriots their first lead of the game, he seemed poised for a sixth.

That's when Foles stepped up with the drive of his life to give Philadelphia a championship in a season many wrote off after Carson Wentz injured his knee in Week 14.

Foles drove the Eagles 75 yards, converting a fourth-and-1 with a 2-yard pass to Ertz near midfield and then capping it with the pass to Ertz that needed to survive a replay review to make sure Ertz held onto the ball long enough for a score.

"It doesn't get any bigger than this, but I felt good," Foles said. "I felt calm. I think the big thing that helped me was knowing that I didn't have to be Superman. I have amazing teammates."

One of those teammates delivered the key defensive play on a night when the offenses combined for 1,151 yards — the most in any modern NFL game. With Brady poised to lead one of his memorable comebacks, Brandon Graham knocked the ball out of his hand for a fumble that rookie Derek Barnett recovered with 2:09 to play.

"When the fourth quarter came we had to go out there and make a stop," Graham said. "As a defense we hadn't been doing it all game. The offense carried us all the way through. At the end of the day we kept coming."

Jake Elliott tacked on a field goal and the game ended when Brady's desperation heave to the end zone fell to the turf, sending the Eagles out on the field in celebration and Brady to the ground in despair.

"I don't think anyone wallows on our team," Brady said. "We're a competitive team. Played hard. Didn't make enough plays or score enough points."

The questions after the game immediately turned to the future with Foles expected to return to the backup role when Wentz is healthy. In the other locker room, Brady was asked if he would come back for another run at age 41.

"I expect to be back," he said. "It's 15 minutes after the game ended, so I would like to process this. I don't see why I wouldn't be back."

Brady did just about all he could to win the game, with his most glaring miss coming as a receiver on a trick play in the first half when he dropped a pass from receiver Danny Amendola.

Foles topped him in that role with his touchdown late in the first half that made him the first player to catch and throw a TD pass in the same Super Bowl.

On fourth down from the 1, Foles motioned into the slot, while rookie Corey Clement took a direct snap. Clement pitched to tight end Trey Burton, a former quarterback at Florida. Foles slid into the right side of the end zone, uncovered and caught the touchdown on a play coach Doug Pederson calls "Philly Special."

"Yeah, that was something we've been working on, and Doug and I were talking, and he was like, 'Let's just run it.' It was a good time," Foles said. "And the end was a little wider than I thought, so I was like, 'I really need to sell like I'm not doing anything.'

"And it worked, Trey made an amazing throw. I just looked it in and, yeah, we've repped it for a while, so I was excited to get it run in the Super Bowl."

That gave the Eagles a 22-12 halftime lead but Brady led three straight second-half touchdown drives — two to Gronkowski. Foles kept pace with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Clement and another drive for a field goal that kept the Eagles in it until the dramatic finish.

"It kind of felt like whoever had the ball last could win this game, and we were just fortunate enough to put ourselves in a position to end the game with that drive for the touchdown," Pederson said. "Our defense stepped up and did a nice job to finish it for us."

All that was left was the celebration and yet another rendition of "Fly Eagles Fly."

POTTSVILLE — Two corrections officers at the Schuylkill County Prison were injured along with three inmates during an assault at the jail Friday night.

Pottsville Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said officers were called to the prison, 230 Sanderson St., around 7 p.m. for a report of several guards assaulted by several inmates.

Officers were told that all inmates were secured by corrections officers and that several officers were injured, he added.

Wojciechowsky said prison officials reported the incident occurred in the Restrictive Housing Unit that is used for disciplinary, administrative and protective custody inmates.

The inmates involved in the incident were identified as William Clark, 32, of Pottsville; Edwin Cruet, 29, of Reading; and Rakeen McCullough, 23, of Newark, New Jersey.

Wojciechowsky said the investigation revealed that Clark was being prepared to be transported to another cell and became uncooperative despite several verbal commands by corrections officers, prompting them to enter the cell.

Prior to the officers entering the cell, Wojciechowsky said, the three inmates placed towels around their faces in an attempt to prevent the officers from using their aerosol chemical agents, such as pepper spray, to extract them from the cell.

The chief added that when the officers entered the cell, the inmates took an aggressive fighting stance to the rear of the cell and then initiated a physical assault on the guards that required them to take a defensive response.

Wojciechowsky said the officers were successful in overcoming the “deliberate and planned physical resistance” of the inmates.

Due to injuries they suffered in the assault, the chief said, two guards sought medical treatment at a local hospital and each of the three inmates were taken to a local medical facility as well.

As a result of the incident, Wojciecowsky said, Clark and McCullough were charged with five counts each of aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment, while Cruet was charged with one count each of aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment.

All three men remain incarcerated at the jail and will now have to answer to the charges against them before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

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

The Schuylkill United Way recently welcomed Christine Johnson, a lifelong resident of Schuylkill County, as the director of community relations.

In this role, Christine will be developing marketing and communication strategies to enhance the social media platform and website outreach at the Schuylkill United Way.

Johnson comes to the United Way with 15 years experience on nonprofit boards and committees, as well as a bachelor’s in accounting from Susquehanna University. Most recently, she worked as a substitute in area schools.

She will work on promoting community outreach through new and existing programs to help increase the presence of the Schuylkill United Way along with its partner agencies.

After raising $1,112,000 in its 2018 campaign — $31,000 above its goal — new board members recently announced at the Schuylkill United Way include Heather Wehry, BB&T Bank; Brian Hansbury, SEDCO; Diane Boris, Lehigh Valley Health Network; Jared Imschweiler, UPS; Charles Ladd IV, Air Products and Chemicals Inc. and John Curtis, Penn State Schuylkill student.

The 2018 officers are: Jeff Wessner, president; Ed Johnson, first vice president; Joe Bessette, second vice president; Naomi Ost, treasurer; Henry H. Nyce, assistant treasurer; and Kelly K. Malone, secretary.

The 2018 executive committee is Jack Bertolet Jr.; Bessette; Johnson; Patrick Kane; Nyce; Ost; Denise Ressler; Andrew Smarkanic; Dominic Sylvester; Kris Verba; and Wessner.

The 2018 board members are Michele Atkinson; Bertolet; Bessette; Jim Bohorad;. Deirdre Boris; Diane Boris; Chelsea P. Burlett; Chris Cohoon; Curtis; Bradley F. Frank; Kris Fung; John Gleisner; Hansbury; Imschweiler; Johnson; Lori Kane; Patrick Kane; Karen Kenderdine; Eileen Kuperavage; Ladd; John Matz; Nyce; Ost; Ed Redding; Ressler; Smarkanic; Sylvester; Verba; Wehry; and Wessner.

Tamaqua chamber seeks applications

TAMAQUA — The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for Citizen and Business Person of the Year, according to a chamber release.

The Joseph M. Plasko Citizenship Award is open to all residents of the Tamaqua Area School District, 18 or older. The recipient is selected on the basis of voluntary contributions to the civic advancement of Tamaqua and the well-being of its residents. Any work for which the nominee was paid shall not be considered in the selection, organizers said in the release.

The Business Person of the Year award is made based on accomplishments, contributions to the community and any distinguishable qualities.

Nomination forms are available at the chamber office, 37 W. Broad St., or at the chamber’s website, www.tamaqua.net.

The deadline for nominations is March 2.

The annual chamber dinner and award presentation will be held April 26 at the Mountain Valley Golf Course, Barnesville.

For more information, call 570-668-1880.

2018 Leadership Class now forming

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Leadership Class of 2018 is forming with the first class to be held on March 6.

Schuylkill Leadership, according to a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce release, is a program designed and sponsored by the chamber to ensure that “new, able and resourceful leadership will be continuously added to our community to understand the problems and opportunities we face in deciding the future of Schuylkill County,” organizers said in the release.

“By seeking out and identifying capable men and women in the community and involving them in a formalized program that introduces them to the vital issues affecting our communities, Schuylkill Leadership sets a course for their active participation in community affairs to address the identified issues and find solutions for them,” they added.

The program runs from March through June and includes 10 full-day sessions that run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program focuses on organizational development, government, skills training, media, technology, economic development, education, agriculture/environment and history/tourism.

For more information on the Schuylkill Leadership Class of 2018, call Monica Walborn at 570-622-1942/800-755-1942 or email her at mwalborn@schuylkillchamber.com. Applications can be submitted via email to mwalborn@schuylkillchamber.com or faxed to 570-622-1638.

Other 2018 class dates include March 20 and 27, April 10 and 24, May 8 and 22, June 5, 19 and 26.

Business competition slated at LionLaunch

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Penn State Schuylkill LionLaunch business competition is set for 5 p.m. March 15 at the LionLaunch Innovative Hub, 15 E. Main St.

“Have you always wanted to own your own business?” organizers ask in an event flier forwarded by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce calling on those interested to “pitch your plan to make your dreams a reality.”

The spring 2018 program will give entrepreneurs the opportunity to request and earn up to $5,000 in funding plus free office space.

People can learn more and submit an application by visiting sl.psu.edu/lionlaunch now through Monday, according to the flier. Susan Williams, LionLaunch coordinator, can be reached by calling 570-385-6065 or emailing sxw831@psu.edu.

Candidates must work, live, volunteer or attend school in Schuylkill County to participate.

Planning begins

for cancer telethon

JIM THORPE — Planning is already underway for the 39th annual American Cancer Society Telethon to air from noon to midnight April 7 and 9 at Penn’s Peak.

Organizations planning to present a check on the program are asked to contact Kate Hofherr at kate.hofherr@gmail.com or by calling 610-248-9949. People or groups wishing to perform on the telethon should contact George Taylor at gtay200@verizon.net and provide a performance sample such as a video on YouTube.

Pie sale to aid county libraries

A Deppen Pie sale is underway by participating libraries in the Pottsville Library District, with pickups set for Feb. 21.

The cost is $10.50 per pie and all proceeds will benefit the district libraries.

Varieties include blueberry crumb, apple crumb, strawberry rhubarb crumb, cherry crumb, peach crumb, raisin crumb, shoofly, coconut custard, lemon sponge or no-sugar apple.

Participating public libraries and their phone numbers are as follows: Ashland, 570-875-3175; Frackville, 570-874-3382; Orwigsburg, 570-366-1638; Port Carbon, 570-622-6115; Pottsville, 570-622-8880; Ringtown, 570-889-5503; Shenandoah, 570-462-9829; Tamaqua, 570-668-4660; Tower-Porter, 717-647-4900; Tremont, 570-695-3325; Tri-Valley, 570-682-8922.

To order the nine-inch pies, contact the library in your area by Friday.

Red Dress event aims at heart health

POTTSVILLE — The Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill Auxiliary will celebrate February as American Heart Health Month by hosting its annual Little Red Dress event from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Ramada Inn, 101 S. Progress Ave.

The event will offer information and education in “an entertaining and fun environment,” according to an auxiliary release. The snow date for the event is Feb. 18.

The featured speaker will be Dr. Kelly Wanamaker, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with Lehigh Valley Physician Group Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery-Muhlenberg.

Wanamaker will discuss heart disease, signs and symptoms, preventative measures as well as clinical interventions and treatment, according to the release. Local and regional vendors will display gift items and provide shopping opportunities for attendees. Polynesian dancers Malulani are scheduled to perform.

Tickets in advance are $30 per person and at the door, $35. Admission includes a heart healthy lunch and hors d’oeuvre menu from Carmelo’s Roman Delight, Orwigsburg. A cash bar will also be available.

To buy ticket or to become a vendor, call Mary Bardell at 570-621-4242 or email mary.bardell@lvhn.org. Attendees are encouraged to wear red for the event.

Chamber seeks board nominations

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Nominating Committee is seeking candidates to be placed on the ballot for the chamber board of directors for the July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2020, term.

Anyone interested in being placed on the ballot or who would like to nominate someone who would make a good board member is asked to so advise chamber leader Robert S. Carl Jr. via email no later than March 2, according to a chamber press release.

Beginning this year, as part of the nominating process, interested parties are asked to submit an introductory e-mail of interest with background as well as a completed Board of Directors Commitment Form. All information, including background information, reason for chamber of commerce leadership interest and history of past involvement with the chamber will be considered, according to the release.

For questions or more information, call the chamber office at 800-755-1942.

Chamber wants awards nominations

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Awards Committee is seeking candidates for the annual awards for Business Woman, Business Man, Entrepreneur, For-Profit Organization and Nonprofit Organization of the Year.

The nomination form, which has been simplified, is available online, as is a list of past winners.

The deadline for submission of nominations is March 9. The winners will be announced at the May 4 annual luncheon and the awards will be presented at the June 13 awards breakfast.

For questions or more information, call the chamber office at 800-755-1942.

Chamber adds to mixers, sessions

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce has several upcoming sessions on its agenda. People may register for all chamber programs online at www.schuylkillchamber.com. The chamber and the SEDCO/chamber conference center are at Union Station, 1 Progress Circle, Suite 201, Pottsville, PA 17901.

The sessions include:

· Quickbooks Fridays will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Friday and Feb. 16 at the McCann School of Business & Technology, 2650 Woodglen Road, Pottsville.

· A new date has been set for the Schuylkill Women In Business networking session. It will begin at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday at Providence Place Senior Living, 2200 First Avenue, Pottsville. Jennifer Wright, Providence Place senior living counselor, will make a presentation titled “Making It All Work In Heels — Balancing the Working Woman Within.” The cost is $20 for chamber members and $25 for nonmembers.

· Another Schuylkill Women in Business mixer is set for 11:45 a.m. Feb. 28 in The Lodge at Sharp Mountain, 201 S. 26th St., Pottsville. The focus will be on how to put joy back into work with Deborah Twigg of SMART HR. The cost is $20 for chamber members and $25 for non-members.

· The Networking Before 9 Breakfast will feature the annual economic forecast at 7:45 a.m. Feb. 14 in St. Nicholas Hall, Route 901, Primrose. The presenter will be Kamran Afshar, Ph.D., director of Kamran Afshar Data Analytics Center at DeSales University. The forecast will include economic and employment growth, wages and salaries and the impact of rapidly changing technology on the employment characteristics of the job market, according to a chamber flier.

· The Business after 5 O’clock Mixer sponsored by Carmelo’s Roman Delight and Schaeffer’s Motor Sports will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at Carmelo’s, 1240 Centre Turnpike, Route 61, Orwigsburg. There is no cost to attend but registration is requested to ensure an accurate count.

· The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Education Committee will present “Getting the Most out of Your Intern” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 13 in the SEDCO/chamber conference center, Union Station, Pottsville. Presenters will be Tina Rose of Penn State Schuylkill and Deborah Twigg of SMART HR. Covered topics will include effective use of interns, building a bench of future employees and paid vs unpaid internships.

People may register for all chamber programs online at www.schuylkillchamber.com. The chamber and the SEDCO/chamber conference center are at Union Station, 1 Progress Circle, Suite 201, Pottsville, PA 17901.

The Eagles did it, they won the Super Bowl and now it’s time to celebrate. But when will the parade take place, where will it go, what will the weather be like and what are best ways to get there? We have you covered:

• The parade is tentatively expected to start at 11 a.m. and will step off at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue and will run north toward the Philadelphia Museum of Art, according to the Philadelphia mayor’s office. More information will be released today at 9 a.m.

• The parade was moved back to Thursday due to weather. It was probably a smart decision, as Wednesday is expected to be a wet day across eastern Pennsylvania, AccuWeather meteorologist Evan Duffey said. Snow, sleet and rain is expected at different points in time throughout the day from Scranton to Philadelphia. It will be sunny and breezy, with 10 to 20 mile-per-hour winds and temperatures around 30 degrees expected around the time the parade steps off, Duffey said.

• Some regional bus companies are offering trips to the parade. John Zelinski, owner of JZ Tours in Scranton, said he started hearing from customers with interest in a trip for the parade almost immediately after the Eagles defeated the Patriots on Sunday night. The company is filling a second bus and will possibly make a third available to take people to Philadelphia for the parade, Zelinski said. A departure time Thursday morning has not yet been determined, but buses will pick people up at Birney Plaza in Moosic and Sam’s Club in Wilkes-Barre, Zelinski said. Those interested can book a spot for $49 by visiting the company website, jztours.com, or by calling 570-344-2212. Another bus tour business, Paulson National Tours, is also offering an Eagles parade package, for $59.95 with pickups in Moosic, Pittston and Wilkes-Barre. For more information, visit paulsontours.com or call 570-706-8687.

None seriously hurt

in I-81 accident

HEGINS — Five Virginia residents escaped serious injuries when the 2009 Honda CRV they were in crashed in the southbound lanes of Interstate 81, at mile marker 112 in Foster Township, around 1 p.m. Sunday.

State police at Frackville said Naod E. Haddish, 21, of Fairfax, was driving south when he went off of the road and onto the west berm causing the vehicle to roll over two times and come to a stop on its roof.

Haddish and three of his passengers — Andrew Kim, 21, of Centreville; Kayla Sriver, 20, of Bristow; and, Samaria Moss, 19, of Spotsylvania — were not hurt while a fourth passenger — Hannah Hall III, 20, of Remington — suffered possible injuries, police said.

All of the people inside the SUV were wearing their safety belts and police said the vehicle had to be towed from the scene.

None injured in

Route 309 crash

McADOO — Two people escaped injury when the 2009 Toyota Corolla they were in crashed on Route 309 south, on the Mile Hill in Kline Township, around 6 a.m. Sunday.

State police at Frackville said Brynn V. Decker, 18, of Philadelphia, was driving south at a high rate of speed when she lost control on the ice-covered road.

The car went off onto the west berm and struck an embankment, causing it to roll onto its roof, coming to a stop in the southbound lane facing east, police said.

Decker and her passenger — a 16-year-old Paulsboro, New Jersey, boy — were not hurt but police said Decker will be cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic as a result of the crash.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — In the sky, it’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s... Captain Cane?

The Schuylkill Haven Area Elementary Center has developed a new character to inspire students to be heroes and better students. It stems from the Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports program at Schuylkill Haven.

Program founder and elementary center school counselor Amy Ketner said the program is a proactive approach to help students behave properly in the classroom and hallways.

The theme for the Schuylkill Haven PBIS program is called HERO, which stands for students being Helpful; putting forth their best Effort; Respectful of others; and On-task with work.

HERO was started in the fall, with superhero-themed art on the walls, including posters reminding students what the program stands for.

“It’s really stayed with a lot of kids,” Ketner said.

Ketner and a team of 13 teachers brainstormed ideas for the program and selected the superhero theme.

Captain Cane was created to be an inspiration and encouragement to the students to accept the program.

Wearing a blue suit with yellow gloves, boots, cape and underwear, Captain Cane comes to life and can be seen walking the halls of the school and making appearances at school assemblies and community events such as Borough Day.

“The kids have really bought into it. Bought into him,” Ketner said.

Captain Cane was making the rounds in the building Wednesday morning, stopping by classes to say hello.

Students and teachers seemed happy to see Captain Cane and several high-fives were doled out along with hugs and head rubs. Captain Cane even joined a game of hockey in a multipurpose room near the end of the tour, to the delight of the students.

In Nick Reichert’s first-grade class, students recapped to Captain Cane what they’ve been learning and doing since his last visit, including reading about the Missisippi River and increasing their paragraph lengths to six sentences.

Interim principal Geno McGorry said he has seen the impact HERO has had on the student body in his first month on the job and said it creates a positive atmosphere in the school.

“Kids have responded so well to it,” McGorry said. “It’s a great program.”

According to the PBIS website, “the broad purpose of PBIS is to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of schools and other agencies. PBIS improves social, emotional and academic outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities and students from underrepresented groups.”

Posters keep the theme alive with messages such as “one person can make all the difference” and “you don’t have to be super to be mighty.” The main office has been dubbed “Superhero Headquarters.”

In the program, when teachers or staff members see students following the HERO guidelines, students can receive “hero dollars,” which can be used at the school store.

Ketner said the most popular selling items are coupons, which allow students special privileges such as being allowed to chew gum all day, writing in pen or being able to move their seat in a classroom to sit next to a friend.

“They’re really appreciative of what they get,” Ketner said.

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

VALLEY VIEW — Preparation of the site for the new Dollar General store is progressing.

Crews from Maurer Excavating, Hegins, removed five gasoline tanks from the location at 1204 W. Main St. Workers began digging Jan. 29 and finished on Feb. 1, according to operator Leon Maurer.

Mary Ann Wervey, vice president of development for Zaremba Program Development LLC, Lakewood, Ohio, said the seller of the property, Kent Knorr, had the tanks removed.

“We have done no physical work at the property. We hope for a spring construction start as weather permits. Depending on the start, the opening date will be about 130 days after the start of construction,” she said of the new 9,100-square-foot Dollar General in an email Monday.

The steel tanks were from the former gas station and convenience store, Hentz Citgo Mini Mart & Deli. Maurer said crews worked with the state Department of Environmental Protection during the tank removal process.

“We had to cut a hole in each one and clean the tanks before transporting them,” he said. “DEP signed off on the project. They did the testing as we went along.” Soil samples were taken from under the gas pumps, he said.

The steel tanks, some of which were 8 to 10 feet, or 14 to 16 feet long, were sold as scrap material, according to Maurer. Crews used the rock and concrete that was already on site as backfill material, he said.

Wervey said the highway occupancy permit that Zaremba had been waiting for has been received from the state Department of Transportation for the Hegins Township location. The Dollar General is scheduled to have a sidewalk installed at the front and will have a 26-space parking area.

Zaremba, through its LLC, will own the property and the building, and has a 15-year lease agreement with Dollar General, according to newspaper archives.

Wervey has been working with Chris Kayser from Larson Design Group, Williamsport, to complete the project, she said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

MAR LIN — The Norwegian Township supervisors unanimously approved a resolution to apply for a grant for a sewer extension project.

The $399,010 Pa. Small Water and Sewer Program grant would come from the Commonwealth Financing Authority for the Hillside area of the township. The supervisors applied for the grant in 2016 and were denied.

The township’s share of the project would be 15 percent or $59,852. However, Supervisor David George said he was told North Manheim Township was willing to contribute funds to the project, which is partly in the township, if awarded.

“When will we know that by?,” Supervisor Tom Dallago asked.

Supervisor Stanley Petchulis said the township will know later this year.

“It’s well needed up there,” Petchulis said

Residents in the area use holding tanks for sewage, he said previously.

In other business, the supervisors awarded a contract to Martin Kotsko, Ringtown, for a used truck the township was selling. He had the winning bid of $3,689. Bids for the backhoe were rejected by the supervisors. The highest bid was $10,250 from a man from Mar Lin. Supervisors said they thought the amounts bid were too low. George said they were told they could get about $14,000 if they traded it in for another piece of equipment.

Supervisors voted to approve waiving three requirements from the subdivision and land development ordinance for the proposed phase one of the Granbury Manor Estates on Peach Mountain. One of the requests dealt with a mapping requirement, another to permit a driveway longer than the length provided contingent upon an emergency access to the immediate area, and third to permit less than the 5 percent recreation area for the plan. The recreation area would still be provided in the plan, which calls for 50 single-family residential lots. Grande Land LP, which owns 200.80 acres of land, submitted a preliminary plan in November 2017 for the homes.

Phase 1 of the possible three-phase plan calls for one lot to be dedicated to the township for recreational use and another for needed future improvements such as detention ponds.

If built, it will be located along Peach Mountain Road just south of a cemetery owned by St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Saint Clair. The exact acreage was not mentioned.

“If you don’t grant the waivers, they have to change their plans,” township solicitor B.J. Evans said.

The township planning and zoning board recommended approval of the first two and denial of the third, George said.

Supervisors voted to approve the requests.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Altamont

The Altamont Fire Company will sponsor an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Feb. 25 at the firehouse, 215 S. Green St. There will be a full breakfast menu plus a wide array of omelet offerings. All are welcome. For more information, email jabroniw@gmail.com.

Coaldale

A blood drive by the Miller-Keystone Blood Center is set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus, 360 W. Ruddle Road. For more information, call 570-645-8271. Miller-Keystone, a nonprofit, is the sole blood provider for the Lehigh Valley Health Network including LVHN Hazleton and Schuylkill as well as for St. Luke’s University Health Network including St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus, Coaldale. It also is the sole provider for the hospitals in Lehighton and Palmerton.

Friedensburg

An American Red Cross blood drive is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Friedensburg Fire Company, 1357 Long Run Road. People 17 and older (16 with parental consent), weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are urged to donate blood. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to arrange for an appointment, call 800-733-2767.

Ringtown

Registration for Ringtown Area Little League baseball will be held at the Ringtown Valley Fire and Rescue Company, 46 W. Main St., from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Children ages 4 through 12 are eligible to register. A copy of player’s birth certificate and three copies of proof of current residency documents (dated between Feb. 1, 2017 and Feb. 1, 2018) must be presented at registration. The registration fee is $35 for the first player and $25 for the second player in the same family. For more information, call John Cuthie at 570-889-5460.

Schuylkill Haven

The Schuylkill Haven Youth Softball Association registration, for girls ages 6 to 14, is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, 22 and March 1 in the lobby of the Schuylkill Haven Area Middle School. The fee is $45 for the first child and $40 for each additional child in a family. There will be a fundraiser this season in which registrants are required to sell $25 worth of product or pay a $25 buyout, which must be paid along with the registration fee. Players will need medical insurance information and first-year players will need copies of birth certificates. People may also register online or download forms at http://www.leaguelineup.com/shysa. Softball will begin in late March and end in July. Questions should be directed to Tom Russo at 484-614-6599.

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah Valley Elementary PTO will have a Chinese auction from 4 to 8 p.m. March 2 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 3 in the elementary gymnasium, 805 W. Centre St., with a shop-and-drop both days and tickets pulled at 3 p.m. March 3. Food, desserts and beverages will be on sale both days; people need not be present to win. Prizes include a night’s stay at Kalahari Resort, a 10-person tent, theme baskets, gift certificates and other items. The event will also include 50/50s. All are welcome. For more information, email maryeds77@ptd.net.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Area School District is accepting exemption applications for the assessed occupation tax for the 2018-19 school year, according to a district press release. Retired persons and housewives with no earned income who have previously filed an application and been approved for exemption need not file again unless their status has changed and they now have earned income, according to the release. People who are disabled or age 75 or older who have been specifically notified by the district that they are exempt do not have to file an application. Students 18 years old as of June 30, 2016, are responsible for the tax unless exempt by application. Requests for exemption are due no later than March 1. Application forms are available at the district administration building, tax collectors’ offices, the Tamaqua Borough Hall, Tamaqua Public Library and all local post offices and banks.

Schuylkill County endured a winter storm Sunday, but there is little time to recover before the next system hits later this week.

According to Craig Evanego, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, State College, snow will strike Tuesday night into Wednesday before turning into sleet or freezing rain, eventually giving way to rain at some point in the day.

“(Temperatures) should get a bit above freezing Wednesday afternoon,” Evanego said.

He said 3-5 inches of snow are expected with some ice, less than a tenth of an inch predicted. The storm will end Wednesday evening. However, temperatures are predicted to drop after that.

“Could freeze back up Wednesday night,” Evanego said.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather message at 2:40 p.m. Monday that said a winter storm watch is in effect from late Tuesday through Wednesday evening. This storm has the potential for heavy snow for portions of central Pennsylvania, which includes Pottsville. Total snow accumulations of six inches or more is possible over the watch area. Minor ice accumulation is possible, mainly south of Interstate 80. The message also advised to plan for difficult travel conditions, including the morning and evening commutes Wednesday.

That prediction, following close on the heels of Sunday’s storm, had shoppers at Hadesty’s Hardware Store stocking up on salt Monday morning. Salesman Jim Davenport said he arrived at 10 a.m. and found a full parking lot.

“There was no parking available,” Davenport said.

Store manager Jolene Renninger agreed, saying the store opened at 7:30 a.m. and people were waiting to come in. Four hours after opening, the rush had subsided.

“This is the slowest we’ve been all day,” Renninger said, adding they were “swamped” Saturday as customers stocked up on supplies in anticipation of Sunday’s forecast. She said customers usually stock up on salt before the season in November, but won’t restock their own personal supplies until they know a storm is coming. Renninger hoped to restock the store’s supplies for customers by Monday or Tuesday afternoon at the latest.

Davenport said salt and ice melt were the biggest sellers Monday. Rock salt was the top seller, followed by the 40-pound bag of ice melt, the 10-pound bag of ice melt, the 11-pound drum and the 40-pound drum.

While the rush had slowed down, customers were still buying salt to prepare for the rest of the week.

Rick Chapman, Primrose, bought one bag and planned to buy further supplies at the grocery store in anticipation of the next few days. He only had one bag due to his sidewalks being small.

“I’m sure I’ll be back for more,” Chapman said.

Peg Ulmer, Norwegian Woods, Pottsville, had three 20-pound bags of select blend salt in the back of her vehicle. She preferred the select blend as it’s better for pets, concrete and carpets. Ulmer planned to use the salt on her walks out back as her driveway had been in sunlight Monday morning and the snow had started melting.

“If I need more, I’ll come get more,” Ulmer said. “Just part of the wonders of winter in Pennsylvania.”

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

POTTSVILLE — Cordell Adams admitted to a Schuylkill County judge on Thursday that he assaulted a corrections officer at a state prison in December 2016, the second time he has committed such a crime.

However, Adams, 33, of Philadelphia, will not serve any additional time behind bars, since he already is serving life for murdering a man in June 2008 during a robbery in the City of Brotherly Love.

Adams pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, assault by prisoner and simple assault, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of assault by life prisoner and harassment. Judge John E. Domalakes sentenced him to serve three to six years in a state correctional institution, making it consecutive to his life sentence.

State police at Frackville charged Adams with assaulting a corrections officer at State Correctional Institution/Frackville in Ryan Township on Dec. 16, 2016.

It is the second time Adams has admitted assaulting a corrections officer at a state prison in Schuylkill County.

On Oct. 14, 2016, Adams pleaded guilty to assault by prisoner, with prosecutors withdrawing a second count of assault by prisoner and charges of aggravated assault and simple assault. At that time, President Judge William E. Baldwin sentenced him to serve 17 to 34 years in a state correctional institution concurrent with his life sentence, pay costs and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

State police at Frackville charged Adams in that case with assaulting a corrections officer at SCI/Mahanoy in Mahanoy Township on Oct. 12, 2015.

In a one-day nonjury trial, Philadelphia County Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes convicted Adams on Aug. 31, 2009, of first-degree murder and robbery and sentenced him to life without parole, payment of costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $4,000 restitution, and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Hughes recommended that Adams never be eligible for commutation of his sentence.

Philadelphia police charged Adams with fatally shooting Aly E. Elkaied, co-owner of Carnival Pizza, 23rd Street, with a .380-caliber semiautomatic handgun about 11 p.m. June 2, 2008, during a robbery at the pizzeria. Hughes berated Adams when he tried to blame the victim for the shooting.

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

Rush Township business owners will receive letters asking them to support community playgrounds and recreational facilities.

Supervisor Robert Leibensperger said that while the township “is growing for the good,” with paving, sewer and new business projects underway, he said playgrounds can always use a helping hand.

“The Rush Township playgrounds are in need of your sponsorship for the community’s baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts and pavilions where we provide programs all year long,” the letter states.

Tamaqua Area and Mahanoy Area Little League teams play on township baseball fields, and the Grier City Park and Playground hosts a summer lunch program for children.

Playground equipment can be costly and the letter asks businesses to adopt and sponsor a particular playground or park with ongoing donations, purchase a piece of equipment, or have employees volunteer their time to paint, clean, install equipment or plant trees or flowers. Businesses can purchase a special banner which will be displayed at the park of their choice.

All donations will be used for equipment and upgrades at all playgrounds. The funds will be supplemented by township funds and grants.

“As everyone knows between federal and state regulations plus costs for playground equipment it takes a lot of money and community sponsorship to maintain playgrounds and other recreation,” the supervisors note in the letter.

Township facilities include Ryan/Old Hauto Road Park, Kelly Park, Lincoln Playground, Miller Park, Quakake Park and Grier City Park.

For more information, call the township office at 570-668-2938.

Pottsville police investigated a crash involving a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the area of Mount Hope Avenue and North 16th Street around 2 p.m. Tuesday.

At the scene, police said, officers spoke to a juvenile boy who said he was trying to cross 16th Street and was struck by a dark color SUV with tinted windows.

The juvenile said the SUV may have damage to the passenger’s side mirror and that the driver slowed the vehicle down after contact but then continued south on 16th Street leaving the scene, police said.

Schuylkill EMS responded to the scene and transported the juvenile to a local medical facility for treatment.

Police are asking that anyone with information concerning the accident or the identity of the driver call the Pottsville Bureau of Police at 570-628-3792. Police will keep a caller’s identify confidential if requested.

Man facing charges

after Ashland crash

ASHLAND — An Ashland man is facing charges by borough police after a crash on South Hoffman Boulevard around 2 a.m. Monday.

Police said Cory Weikel of 444 S. Hoffman Blvd. was driving a 2001 Jeep Cherokee north on South Hoffman Boulevard when he failed to follow a slight left curve, went straight and onto a sidewalk in the area of 315 S. Hoffman Blvd.

The vehicle then sideswiped a tree and turned clockwise with the back end hitting fences and yards on the north side of 301 S. Hoffman Blvd. and the south side of 305 S. Hoffman Blvd., police said.

No one was injured and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

Police said they were assisted by Butler Township police and that charges will be filed against Weikel at the conclusion of the investigation.

2 not hurt in crash

on ice-covered road

NEW RINGGOLD — Two men escaped injury when the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado they were in crashed on Pine Creek Road, just north of Route 443 in East Brunswick Township, around 4 p.m. Friday.

State police at Frackville said Rudolph M. Mancini, 48, of Cumbola, was driving north when he lost control on the ice-covered highway causing his vehicle to go off of the road and hit a guide rail.

Mancini and his passenger — Alan M. Postreich, 43, of Saint Clair — were not hurt and no charges will be filed as a result of the crash, police said.

Business cited for

liquor violations

Seven area businesses were cited by the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for various Liquor Law violations.

Club 118 LLC, 110 N. 18th St., Pottsville, was cited for failing to comply with an order of the administration law judge for a citation mandating responsible alcohol management certification between Oct. 25 and Nov. 19.

Nadia’s Restaurant LLC, 1100 E. Market St., Orwigsburg was cited for selling, furnishing or giving alcoholic beverages to a 19-year-old minor on Nov. 17.

Port Clinton Hotel LLC, 231 Centre St., Box 12, Port Clinton was cited for selling, furnishing or giving alcoholic beverages to a 19-year-old minor on Nov. 17.

Salute LLC, 300 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, was cited for selling, furnishing or giving alcoholic beverages to a 19-year-old minor on Nov. 17.

Grammar’s, 2082 W. Market St., Pottsville, was cited for selling, furnishing or giving alcoholic beverages to a 19-year-old minor on Dec. 28.

Goodfellas, 1105 S. Centre St., Mount Carbon, was cited for infractions at various dates between July 29, 2016, and Oct. 2. Among the infractions included failing to break empty liquor bottles within 24 hours; purchasing alcoholic beverages on credit; paying for alcohol with other than the licensee’s checks or money orders; failing to keep records of operation for a two year period; permitting a person under the age of 18 to be in an area where smoking is prohibited; failing to return records to the licensed business within 24 hours of a request by the enforcement bureau; and having the manager engaged or employed in another business without the board’s approval.

Harry Heartter American Legion Post 468 Home Association Inc., 2 Clarks Valley Road, Tower City, was cited for failing to have the board-approved manager compliance training within 180 days of the board’s approval of the appointment.

Agents said the administrative law judge has the authority to impose penalties ranging from $50 to $1,000 for minor offenses and up to $5,000 for more serious infractions.

The judge can also impose a license suspension or revocation based on the severity of the charges and also mandate training of the licensee in order to educate them on their requirements.

Due to expected bad weather, A Majestic Mardi Gras Evening, scheduled for tonight, has been postponed two weeks until Feb. 21.

The event, a benefit for the Majestic Theater, will be held with cocktails at 6 p.m., and dinner at 7 p.m. at The Lodge at Sharp Mountain.

The buffet includes jambalaya, crab cakes, beef tips, salad and dessert. The Jazz Hands will provide entertainment and there will be a silent auction.

Attendance costs $60 a person, $100 a couple and $500 a table. There will be a cash bar.

Schuylkill County legislators had a few things to say Tuesday following Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal.

State Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, Rush Township, praised past fiscal restraint.

“Thanks to the House Republican Caucus and our responsible budgeting efforts in the past, our state is not facing a gaping budget deficit at the beginning of this budget cycle,” Knowles said in a prepared statement. “We will continue to keep the taxpayers in mind when crafting and considering our budgetary policies this fiscal year.

“When putting our budget together, I believe it should be done the same way it is in many households. You start with how much you will bring in and then figure how much you can spend. Often, the state budget becomes a wish list. After creating the list, they go looking for tax dollars to fund it. That’s not the way it should be.”

Nevertheless, he expressed some disappointment over tax reforms the GOP is talking about.

“Time and time again, I hear from people that they are ‘taxed out.’ I was hoping the governor would include property tax elimination in his address. Sadly, that didn’t happen,” Knowles said.

State Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, Pottsville, called for a focus on state growth.

“This year, our budget focus must concentrate on how we are going to grow the commonwealth. The goal for the future is economic growth. Pennsylvania benefits when the state’s economy grows, and everyone shares in the success,” he said. “To grow our future workforce, we need to continue to connect our education system with the skills and knowledge our job creators are looking for. We have a skills gap in our state and we are considering several bills right now to make this vital connection to grow our economy from the workforce perspective. Student and economic success in our state is achieved through applicable learning and effectively applying much-needed skills.”

“Unfortunately, the welfare cushion in Pennsylvania often encourages people to choose welfare over work. I am sponsoring a bill that deals with improving our food stamp program. The bill says that people who are able-bodied, without dependents, between ages 18 and 49, who are capable of working, should be working as opposed to choosing to be on a welfare program. We need these individuals in working roles to help ensure our economy grows. We have a system now that does not always offer an incentive for people to do more. We want Pennsylvania workers to earn more at a job than they do on a welfare roll.”

Hamburg

The Hamburg Automotive Swap Meet and Car Corral is set for 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 4 at the Hamburg Field House, 127 S. Fourth St. (rear). The event will feature more than 100 indoor spaces and unlimited outdoor spaces. The venue is accessible to the handicapped and refreshments will be available. The cost is $2 for adults and free for children under 12. For vendor spaces, call 610-262-9718; for general information, call 610-823-4656.

Hegins

The Hegins Area Ambulance Association, in a press release, reminded residents in its service area about saving receipts (except for gas) from Redner’s in Hegins. The ambulance receives 1 percent of the receipt that helps supports its functions, according to the release, which also lists those functions as money for training personnel, building and equipment maintenance and medical supplies. The receipt must be from using the Redner’s Bonus Card. People wishing to participate are asked to save their receipts and turn them in at the ambulance building every two to three months. “Please place your receipts in a designated box inside the ambulance delivery door,” ambulance officials said in the release, adding, “This small act of giving along with your subscriptions can result in benefitting our community and surrounding communities since the ambulance is now a part of the ALS (Advanced Life Support) system.”

McAdoo

The McAdoo Lions Club will meet Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. today in St. Mary Ukrainian Church Hall. Lions District 14U Vice Governor Don McConnell and District Administrator Diana Deloy will be on hand; a light supper will be served.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Business and Professional Woman’s Club will have its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Blu Tavern restaurant, Llewellyn. Martina Buffington, program director of the Hidden River Clubhouse, Market Street, Pottsville, will be the speaker. The club, according to a press release, welcomes and encourages anyone who wishes to attend. More information regarding reservations and/or monthly meetings can is available by calling Theresa at 570-527-8049 or Lisa at 570-385-2350.

Schuylkill Haven

Multiple activities are on the February agenda at the Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway. For more information about all center activities and presentations, go online to www.walkinartcenter.org.

Shenandoah

The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., 116 N. Main St., has announced that the soup and sausage hoagie sale that was scheduled for Thursday has been postponed until Feb. 15. For more information, call DSI at 570-462-2060.

Shenandoah

In line with a borough ordinance, residents must clear their sidewalks, providing a 36-inch-wide path, within 24 hours of an accumulating snow or ice event. Also, residents should not throw snow onto streets, a practice that is prohibited by the ordinance. People who do not adhere to the requirements can face penalties.

Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Public Library will hold spring story time for children 5 and younger from 10 to 11 a.m. beginning March 13 and continuing for 10 consecutive weeks. Identical programs will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday. The story time theme will be the alphabet and activities will include stories, crafts and snacks. For more information or to register, call 570-668-4660.

Tamaqua

The Zion Lutheran Church culinary crew will stage its annual pork-and-sauerkraut dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 13 at the church, Mauch Chunk and Greenwood streets. Meals will also include mashed potatoes, applesauce, beverage and dessert. Takeouts will be available. All are welcome.