Man charged

with ID theft

NEW PHILADELPHIA - A 31-year-old borough resident was arraigned at 1 p.m. Tuesday with ID theft, theft by deception and forgery and later sent to Schuylkill County Prison after he allegedly used a credit/debit card of a New Ringgold man last year.

State police at Frackville said Joseph D. Tennant used the card for more than $4,000 at various locations in Schuylkill County and beyond and paid bills from Jan. 11, 2012, to Dec. 13, 2012.

An investigation by the police discovered that Tennant bought several items and paid his bills with the card 47 different times, police said.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Justice David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, on Tuesday and was unable to post 10 percent of the $15,000 bail.

Copper wires

taken from office

State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a burglary that occurred at 1144 Route 61 in North Manheim Township sometime between Feb. 22 and March 1.

Police said someone entered a vacant office building and removed about 600 feet of copper wiring and pipes before fleeing undetected.

Police investigate

recent incidents

HOMETOWN - Rush Township police investigated three incidents that occurred recently in their coverage area.

Police said that as the result of a Feb. 27 incident at 3:09 a.m., Heather A. Fenstermacher, 25, of Tamaqua, is facing DUI charges after being stopped on Claremont Avenue. The woman was taken to St. Luke's Hospital-Miners Campus, Coaldale, for a blood alcohol test, police said.

In an incident about 3 a.m. Sunday on Claremont Avenue, police said Nicholas J. Toth, 18, of Tamaqua, Kyle Rabenold, 18, of Quakake, and two Tamaqua girls, ages 16 and 17, are facing charges of underage drinking.

Finally, police said an incident at 11:16 a.m. Monday resulted in a 20-year-old man facing numerous charges of retail theft and receiving stolen property.

The charges against Matthew R. Taylor stem from recent thefts at Wal-Mart where television sets were stolen, police said.

All those charged will have to answer before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, police said.

Saint Clair man

escapes injury

RAVINE - A 38-year-old Saint Clair man escaped injury when the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser he was driving hit an object in the southbound lanes of Interstate 81, at mile marker 103.7 in Pine Grove Township, at 12:02 p.m. Tuesday.

State police at Jonestown said Shawn Weinus was driving south when the undercarriage of his vehicle struck a rock. The man was able to pull onto the right shoulder of the highway after hitting the object, police said.

Tamaqua woman

injured in crash

NEW PHILADELPHIA - A 33-year-old Tamaqua woman suffered minor injuries when the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu she was driving crashed on North Valley Street, just west of James Street, about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

State police at Frackville said Crystal Fegley was driving east on Valley Street, Route 209, when she lost control while making a left turn. The car went off the road and came to a stop facing south in a ditch, police said.

Fegley, who police said will be cited as a result of the crash, was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street for treatment.

Pottsville and New Philadelphia firefighters and Pottsville-Schuylkill Haven Area EMS assisted.

SHENANDOAH - A 23-year-old Shenandoah man charged with an armed robbery in the borough Feb. 6 waived his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday morning.

Joshua E. Kaylor, whose last known address was 1265 W. Penn St., appeared before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, on charges of four counts of robbery and two counts each of recklessly endangering another person, simple assault and terroristic threats. By waiving his right to a hearing, he will have to answer to all 10 charges in Schuylkill County Court.

After the proceeding, Kaylor was returned to Schuylkill County Prison.

According to Shenandoah police Patrolman Kirk Kirkland, officers received a call about 8:10 p.m. Feb. 6 about a masked man holding a gun to a woman's head in the 100 block of East Centre Street.

Kirkland said he and Capt. George Carado went to the scene but the man, later identified as Kaylor, fled the area running north toward East Lloyd Street.

The victims, Theresa Davidson and Michael Sell, both said they were walking in the area when a man came running up from behind them, grabbed Davidson by the neck and pointed a black hand gun to her head, Kirkland said.

Kaylor yelled "empty your pocket Mike," Sell told police, adding that the mask then slipped off his face, allowing him and Davidson to see their attacker.

Davidson said she knew the man's voice and only knows him as "Josh," but could not provide a last name, Kirkland said.

As the investigation continued, Kirkland said both victims were shown a photo array and picked Kaylor as the robber.

Kirkland said officers then went to the home of Kaylor's parents, where he was arrested without incident.

After being read his Miranda Rights, Kirkland said Kaylor admitted to committing the crime, Kirkland said.

In recent Schuylkill County Court action, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to plea agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Ronald L. Blackwell, 45, of Ashland - retail theft; 12 months probation consecutive to current sentence and $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Eric A. Costo, 23, of Frackville - criminal solicitation; two to four years in a state correctional institution consecutive to current sentence, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of conspiracy.

Todd Forker, 39, of Mahanoy City - two counts of simple assault and one each of terroristic threats and disorderly conduct; three to 23 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment, $145.52 restitution and drug and alcohol evaluation. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of aggravated assault and one each of terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

Adam Gamrak Jr., 31, of Schuylkill Haven - simple assault and recklessly endangering another person; six to 18 months in prison, 12 months consecutive probation and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of harassment.

Joseph Gates, 46, of Shenandoah - criminal trespass, simple assault and harassment; one day to 23 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew charges of burglary, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and public drunkenness.

Joseph T. Greene, 44, of Schuylkill Haven - disorderly conduct and public drunkenness; time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, $25 fine and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew one count each of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Luis E. Hernandez-Lara, 27, of Shenandoah - aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest and harassment; two to four years in a state correctional institution, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew charges of disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

Kristen M. McCabe, 19, of Shenandoah - unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; 23 months probation and $50 CJEA payment.

A Frackville man is headed back to prison after being sentenced Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court on a drug-related charge.

Ryan Conner, 30, must spend eight to 20 months in prison and undergo mental heaalth and drug and alcohol evaluations under the terms of Senior Judge D. Michael Stine's sentence.

"It would be an affront to the court not to order some total incarceration," Stine said before imposing the sentence, which represents Conner's second stint behind bars in connection with the case.

Stine imposed the sentence after revoking Conner's probation.

Conner originally pleaded guilty on Jan. 18, 2006, to delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance. On March 21, 2006, Stine sentenced Conner to serve nine to 23 months in prison, plus two years consecutive probation, submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities and pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $250 restitution, amounts Conner is still required to pay under the terms of his new sentence.

The state attorney general's office charged Conner with selling drugs on Dec. 24, 2003.

Stine first revoked Conner's probation on July 20, 2009.

Also in the county court, prosecutors dropped charges against two defendants.

Ron P. Heidel, 35, of Orwigsburg, had been charged with simple assault and harassment. State police at Schuylkill Haven had alleged he committed those crimes on Dec. 19, 2012.

Jamie P. Robbins, 33, of Port Carbon, had been charged with three counts each of attempted theft from a motor vehicle and conspiracy. Schuylkill Haven borough police had alleged he committed those crimes on July 10, 2012, in the borough.

In each case, President Judge William E. Baldwin entered an order allowing prosecutors to drop the charge sand directing the defendant to pay the costs of the case.

In other recent court action, A New York man will not have to spend more time in prison after admitting Thursday in Schuylkill County Court that he had been intoxicated while driving last April in Pottsville.

Christopher A. Rubino, 54, of West Babylon, N.Y., pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and driving the wrong way, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of careless driving and improper turning movements.

Judge John E. Domalakes accepted Rubino's plea and sentenced him to serve 15 days to six months in prison with immediate parole and pay costs, $1,025 in fines, $300 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, a $50 bench warrant fee and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street.

Pottsville police had charged Rubino with DUI on April 27, 2012, on West Arch Street. Rubino had a blood alcohol level of 0.242 percent, police said; the legal limit for driving in Pennsylvania is 0.08 percent.

Baldwin had issued a bench warrant for Rubino on Feb. 7 after the defendant failed to appear in court on Jan. 25 for a pre-trial conference.

In other recent county court action, Dolbin accepted a guilty plea from Kerrianne P. Hoffman, 27, of Pottsville - three counts of retail theft, two of theft of leased property and one of conspiracy; time served to 23 months in prison with immediate parole; four years consecutive probation, $250 in payments to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $4,616.92 restitution. Prosecutors dropped two counts of harassment and one each of conspiracy and receiving stolen property.

One year after the texting and driving law was implemented in Pennsylvania, local and state officials have said the law is difficult to enforce, but has hopefully prevented some people from pulling out their phones while driving.

Although no specific numbers were available, preliminary data from the state Department of Transportation shows crashes involving drivers with phones is decreasing, however, distracted driving crashes have increased from 14,259 across the state in 2011. Distracted driving includes everything from putting on makeup to adjusting the radio to using a phone.

Acting Scranton police Chief Carl Graziano said just knowing that the law is in place might prevent people from pulling out their phones when driving, although it is difficult to quantify the impact.

"Certainly when you have laws on the books, generally people will follow the laws," he said.

The law went into effect March 8, 2012, and bans the driver from all text-based communication while the driver's vehicle is in motion, including text messages, instant messages and emails.

The citation carries a $50 fine but no points to the driver's license.

Graziano, whose department has written just seven citations for texting and driving since the law's inception, said it's especially difficult to prove an individual was texting, not just scrolling through contacts or playing on the phone.

State and municipal police wrote fewer than 1,000 citations through the end of 2012.

State police wrote 303 since the law went into effect, while municipal police throughout Pennsylvania wrote 670 at the end of 2012, said state police at Dunmore spokesman Lt. Chris Paris.

"It's a better law than we had before, which was no law," Paris said.

With the first day of spring less than two weeks away, the Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association is planning a seed starting clinic to help people give all their vegetables and annuals a good start for the growing season.

The program, which will be free and open to the public, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. March 26 at the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park Clubhouse, 108 Clubhouse Road, Pine Grove.

Denise Donmoyer, president of the Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association, said that Leah Zerbe from Potter's Farm, 702 Mountain Road, Pine Grove, will be leading the program.

Zerbe is a health journalist who writes for Rodale News, Organic Gardening, Prevention and Men's Health and also founded Potter's Farm, where they grow strawberries and dozens of different vegetables for a community supported agriculture program.

"It's a party because seed starting is actually really fun, and it's a nice social event as we head into the early days of spring," Zerbe said. "The clinic is free but I will have organic seed starting supplies available for a minimal fee if people want to get started right then and there."

She will talk about ways to get started cheaply with things that can be found around the house.

Zerbe only started farming about three years ago, although she grew up on a farm, and said that the program is geared toward someone who never planted their own seeds before, which can be "really intimidating."

The "party" will cover how to start seeds to ensure the most success with Zerbe teaching the participants how to select the best seeds, when to plant them, how to plant them and how to transition into the garden.

She said that knowing how to transition plants outside is especially important since some people take them outside and the plants die almost immediately.

Plants need to be weaned to go outside, by being taken out for a few hours every day so they get used to being outside and then taken in at night.

"Seed starting and starting your own garden may seem intimidating for beginners but we're going to keep this simple and fun," Zerbe said.

David A. Plachko

PORT CARBON - A 52-year-old Pottsville man charged with trying to break into an occupied home in Port Carbon on Sept. 26, 2010, had charges against him held to court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko.

John J. Kamant, 542 N. Centre St., Apt. 2, was arrested by Port Carbon police Chief Jon Bowman and charged with one felony count each of burglary and criminal trespass and a misdemeanor charge of criminal attempt to commit theft by unlawful taking.

Plachko ruled that the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered all three charges against Kamant held to Schuylkill County Court.

Bowman charged Kamant with trying to break into the home of James and Pamela Foley at 224 Jackson St. by pushing on a window screen that knocked over a lamp.

Sunglasses found at the scene were sent to a state police crime laboratory for DNA testing that listed Kamant as a "possible investigative lead." A subsequent DNA sample provided by the man voluntarily determined his DNA matched DNA from the sunglasses at the scene, Bowman said.

Other recent court cases included:

Michael Reno, 47, of 909 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville - waived for court: simple assault and harassment.

Robert J. Weiss, 36, of 216 Schuylkill Ave., Pottsville - withdrawn: bad checks.

Michael S. Greenawalt, 24, of Box 734, Minersville - withdrawn: public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

Peter Clive, 40, of 152 S. 3rd St., Saint Clair - held for court: resisting arrest. Withdrawn: aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats and unlawful restraint.

Joseph R. Holland, 31, of 100 N. George St., Apt. 2, Pottsville - waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Flora Ptaszkowski, 31, of 133 N. White St., Apt. 2, Shenandoah - waived for court: access device issued to another person, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Amanda L. Sterling, 25, of 31 Community Square Road, Pottsville - waived for court: retail theft.

Harold L. Spankake, 30, of 1092 Rock Road, Schuylkill Haven - waived for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

James K. Reiley

A 24-year-old Pottsville man charged with assaulting his estranged wife on Dec. 23 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

Kevin L. Harris, 504 W. Race St., was arrested by Pottsville police Patrolman James Englert and charged with one felony count of aggravated assault and a one misdemeanor charge each of simple assault and unlawful restraint.

By waiving his right to a hearing Harris will now have to answer to all three charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Englert said Kailonna Harris asked Kevin Harris to return her cellphone but he started an argument accusing the woman of texting one of his male friends. When the woman tried to leave the home they were in, Kevin Harris locked the door and ordered her into the cellar, Englert said, adding that Kevin Harris then wrestled the woman to the ground, placed her in a head lock and squeezed her until she passed out.

Kailonna Harris woke to find her estranged husband holding a roll of take, threatening to tie her up and then pulling out a pocket knife and poking her in the side and back with it.

Kevin Harris then punched the woman in the head before allowing her to leave, Englert said.

Other court cases included:

Matthew D. Collins, 22, of 206 Frieden Manor, Schuylkill Haven - waived for court: theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Eugene W. Kane Jr., 26, of 308 S. 2nd St., Pottsville - waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communications facility.

Gordon H. Devine, 20, of 1117 Mahantongo St., First Unit, Pottsville - held for court: corruption of minors and purchase of alcohol by a minor.

Tyler J. Roeder, 22, of 813 N. Third St., Pottsville - dismissed: simple assault.

Joseph M. Shappell, 50, of 301 Market Square Apartments, C-01, Pottsville - held for court: simple assault.

Joseph W. Kane, 41, of 613 N. Third St., Pottsville - waived for court: theft by deception, receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Francis S. Vilcheck, 33, of 723 Mount Hope Ave., Pottsville - waived for court: receiving stolen property, theft by deception, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Zachery J. Kessler, 18, of 67A Valley St., New Philadelphia - waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Adrian Martinez, 32, of 143 Main St., Pottsville - held for court: DUI-controlled substance and obedience to traffic control signals.

Robert C. Lutsey, 25, of 46 E. Bacon St., Pottsville - withdrawn: aggravated assault. Waived for court: simple assault, criminal use of a communications facility, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and criminal mischief.

The story behind "The Molly Maguires" will be revealed Sunday.

The movie based on the infamous secret society will be the highlight of Charter Day festivities at Eckley Miners' Village. The program, scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m., will feature guest speaker Jim Burke, chief financial officer for Paramount Pictures during filming of the 1969 film.

The Molly Maguires involved a secret band of Irish immigrant miners that allegedly used violence and murder to address grievances against mine bosses.

The movie was primarily shot in the village near Weatherly. Starring Sean Connery, the film follows Detective James McParland as he tries to infiltrate and breakup the Molly Maguires.

Burke will discuss the film, particularly the process of selecting Eckley Miners' Village as the site for filming. The movie will be shown following Burke's presentation, a tradition at the historic coal mining town.

"We try to show the film once a year," said Bode Morin, director of the Eckley Miners' Village and Museum. He said Eckley wanted to do something to celebrate Charter Day and thought this would get a good response, especially with the lasting interest in the Molly Maguires.

Admission to the event and museum is free, according to Morin. In connection with Charter Day, the state Historic and Museum Commission offers free admission for select museums and historic sites around the state.

Charter Day honors the charter King Charles II of England granted Pennsylvania founder William Penn on March 4, 1681, securing the land that forms the state.

Not only will this be the kickoff event for Eckley's event calendar, it is also the first celebration held at the village for the state's birthday.

"This year will be our first real event for Charter Day," Morin said.

In addition to the presentation on "The Molly Maguires," Morin said the museum and its other operations, such as the gift shop, will be open for visitors. Information will also be available for those interested in becoming a member of Eckley Miners' Associates and how to donate to the museum.

The museum will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, allowing people to experience as much of the historic site as possible. Tours will also be available, weather permitting.

"If the weather is good we can take people out," Morin said, adding visitors are free to walk the site on their own, as well.

For more information on the Eckley Miners' Village, visit www.eckleyminersvillagemuseum.com or call 570-636-2070.

To learn more about Charter Day, visit www.phmc.state.pa.us.

For a high school class on state government, Pottsville Area senior Emily Comisac had to write a draft of a federal bill, and she decided to write one aiming to abolish standardized testing.

"I don't think SATs should be as heavily looked at as they are to get into college. I have all straight As and have a good GPA, but I don't think the SATs show how good of a student I was," said Comisac, 18, one of the 29 students in an Advanced Placement American Government class.

"I've got a bill we're developing in Harrisburg which talks about that exact topic," state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, said Thursday.

Tobash was one of three local legislators who visited the class at the high school library during sixth period Thursday to discuss the bill-writing process.

"The bill I'm working on has to do specifically with the Keystone Exams," Tobash said.

The Keystone Exam replaces the 11th-grade Pennsylvania System of School Assessment exam. Beginning with the Class of 2017, students must pass those exams to graduate, according to The Associated Press.

"This year, the state implemented three of the Keystone Exams. Our bill doesn't have a name yet but we're going to contemplate not requiring that we roll out the next seven. I think measuring people is fair but in this case, I mean, taking a look at what the criteria is to get into a college, is inevitably measured by the college," Tobash said.

This AP American Government class is something new Pottsville Area introduced at the start of the 2012-13 school year. Pamela Delenick, the teacher, put in the proposal for it.

"The goal is to teach them about American government in greater detail than our intro class. And with this assignment, the students were asked to draft federal bills," Delenick said.

Delenick said in the next few days, the students will be reviewing 21 bills written by other students from across the nation.

"They'll be deciding whether to reject, amend or go ahead and approve the bills. They'll be doing this in groups of four using laptop computers. And we've asked the legislators to offer them some advice as they do this debating," Delenick said.

So, during the 45-minute class on Thursday, Tobash, state Sen. David Argall, R-29, and state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, offered some advice on the bill-writing process.

Joe Natishak, 18, said he wrote one which would give further support to soldiers in the armed services called "Strengthen Our Nation."

"I'm proud of what we had and I'd like to give men and women who give so much to the country everything that they need to do their jobs successfully," Natishak said.

"That's very germane to today. A lot of people don't realize that we in Pennsylvania fund the National Guard. So decisions made in Washington have a direct effect on us at home in Pennsylvania," Goodman said.

Brianna Amos, 18, said she wrote one about abortion, called "Dying to Be Alive."

"I think it should be pretty much outlawed depending on the circumstances," Amos said.

"That's a topic where you'll find an awful lot of debate," Tobash said.

Meanwhile, the bills they've written have been sent to other students across the nation via the website for the Youth Leadership Initiative at youthleadership.net, Delenick said.

The Initiative is "a program of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, which develops free education resources designed to assist civics teachers, and encourage students to participate in the political process," according to the website.

The bill-writing project is part of a nationwide project called "Youth Leadership Initiative's E-Congress program." It allows students to learn about Congress by writing original legislation and following it through the lawmaking process, according to the website.

"We don't know the specific schools but we know they're from places including Florida, California, Minnesota and Montana, to name a few," Delenick said.

"We should get feedback but we don't know where they ended up," Amos said.

After the students get input on their bills, the class will vote to accept or reject their bills, Delenick said.

"I enjoy this. It's interesting to learn people's viewpoints on issues. It's fun to express your opinion, just see what people think," Amos said.

"I wish I had an exercise like this when I was a senior in high school. I teach a course one night a week at Penn State in Harrisburg and I'm thinking I should do something like this for the college students," Argall said.

Title incorrect

Dave Sickle is the Schuylkill Chapter chairman of the American Red Cross. His title was incorrect in a photo caption in Thursday's edition.

n Auburn: The Lake Wynonah Athletic Group will host a Leap in the Lake event at noon March 17 to benefit the Make-A-Wish of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia. The event will take place at the lake marina. Other activities during the event will include raffles, a photo booth and a costume contest. Hot food and beverages will be available for purchase. Registration for the plunge is $15 and only people 18 and older may participate. Advance registration is required to guarantee a T-shirt. The lean will go on rain or shine. To RSVP or for more information, contact David Tyson at 570-749-4462.

n Eckley: Eckley Miners' Village will hold its first volunteer meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday in the village visitors center. It is for people interested in volunteering for jobs or activities at the historic miners village. For more information, call 570-636-2070.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Rotary Club recently marked National Engineers Week with the Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. Club President Bill Parulis said part of the reason for National Engineers Week in February is in honor of America's first president, George Washington, who was an engineer. Dan Cook, president of the Anthracite chapter, spoke about Math Counts, a local competition among 10 regional schools that the Pennsylvania Society of Engineers sponsors. There are individual and team competitions in math and sciences, with the winners moving on to state and national competition. Dave Horst, of Alfred Benesch and Co., gave the main presentation on Pottsville's storm water management program. The federal government, he said, now requires permits for municipalities governing storm water. He detailed the benefits of clean water, including enhanced fishing, enhanced opportunities for recreation and the reduction of flood damage, navigational benefits and safe drinking water. Pottsville is in the second phase of the permit process. Part of the plan includes the following public education, public involvement and participation, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site storm water runoff control, post-construction storm water management and pollution and prevention as well as good housekeeping.

n Saint Clair: The Schuylkill Transportation System will celebrate St. Patrick's Day early - on March 15 - by offering all county residents the opportunity to ride any of its fixed-route buses for $1, according to a release from Joan M. Breslin, STS marketing and service support coordinator. Cash fare-paying passengers will be able to ride all day aboard any fixed-route bus when they buy their ticket from any STS driver when boarding the bus. The initial ticket entitles passengers to ride other routes for free. Children up to age 8 and registered senior citizens also ride free while children 9 through 12 may ride for 50 cents a trip. For more information, call STS at 570-429-2701 or, toll-free, 800-832-3322.

n Shenandoah: People from any parish may request to have a candle lit in the Father Walter J. Ciszek Chapel, 231 N. Main St. adjacent to St. Casimir Roman Catholic Church. Each candle burns for two weeks and the cost is $13 per candle. The intention and by whom it is requested are printed in the bulletin, which is now the same for all greater Shenandoah area parishes. Ciszek, a native of Shenandoah and a son of St. Casimir parish, is a candidate for sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church. He was imprisoned and then detained in the former Soviet Union for nearly 24 years but continued to minister to people there despite possible harmful consequences to himself. The local research and paperwork for sainthood, done by the Father Ciszek Prayer League, have been completed and forwarded to the Vatican in Rome. The Baptismal font where Ciszek was baptized as an infant is still in use at his native church. When Ciszek was released from the former Soviet Union in 1963 in a "prisoner exchange," he returned home to celebrate a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Casimir church. He died Dec. 8, 1984 - the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - and is buried at the Jesuit Novitiate in Wernersville.

Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street

To Nate and Erin Spital Schwalm, Shenandoah, a son, Feb. 15.

To Michael and Michelle Miller Walnock, Ashland, a daughter, March 1.

To Nick Miskar and Amy Hannis-Miskar, Frackville, a daughter, March 1.

n Ashland: A free clothing closet will run from 10 a.m. to noon March 16 at Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, 1238 Market St. For more information, call the church at 570-875-3000.

n Mahanoy City: Artie DiCasimirro, Mahanoy Area High School guidance counselor, will speak with parents/guardians of junior students and of underclassmen regarding topics dealing with higher education from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday in the large group instruction room at the high school.

n McKeansburg: The Congregational Free Church of Christ will hold a pork and sauerkraut dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. March 23 at the church located at 81 McKeans Ridge Road. Cost for adults is $8, children $4, no charge for children under 3. Meal includes mashed potatoes, applesauce, beverage and dessert. For tickets, call Anna at 570-366-2049 or Mary at 570-366-2286.

n Ringtown: The Ringtown Valley Fire and Rescue Company will hold an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday in the firehouse, Main Street. The cost is $7 for adults and $4 for children and the menu includes sausage, bacon, scrapple, creamed chipped beef on toast, scrambled eggs, home fries, mackerel, French toast, pancakes, coffee, tea and orange juice. Patrons may eat in the firehouse or take food out. The fire company will also hold a bleenie sale beginning at 10 a.m. March 29. Everyone is welcome.

n Shenandoah: The Shenandoah Area Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial donations: For Olga Dudish from Mary and Olga Honcharik; for Elizabeth Mickalowski from Joe and Andrea Pytak; for Joseph Burba from Dan and Tina Banonis; for Theresa Shore from Kovatch Mobile; for Charles Tomashites from Ron and Mary Luscavage; for Albert Drumblusky from Tina and Dan Banonis; for Joan Snyder from Rob and Bobby Pierkarsky, Lorraine Berger; for Paul Bernotas from Nina and Joe Delluso, RJ Pierkarski; for Ronald Matejick from Nina Salvadore and Julie Bushinsky; for Dr. William Krash from Wally and Roseanne Hall, Theresa Kolonsky, Andrea and Joe Pytak, Diane and Al Bindie; for Stella Naspinsky from Mary and Ronald Luscavage; for Charles Tomashitis from Mary and Ronald Luscavage.

n Shenandoah: Plans are in the works for the annual Kids Fun Day, according to Gordon Slater, president of Shenandoah Community Watch, event sponsor. The event is held at Bicentennial Park along Herald Road in the borough's southeastern section. It is touted as a family friendly fun event. The 2013 event will be held the weekend of either Aug. 10 or 17, Slater told members of the borough council. He said SCW is looking for public input on the date and suggestions on activities. He said he will contact companies that provide rides to add something new this year. Anyone with suggestions on Kids Fun Day or questions about the SCW should call Slater at 570-527-8459. SCW meets at 6 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month in borough hall, Washington and Main streets. Meetings are open to the public and new members are always welcome. Slater has called for more people to attend and become involved for the betterment of the community.

n Tamaqua: The Black Diamond Pottery Studio offers ceramic classes at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St., from 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. Clay hand building, sculpture and wheel classes are available on from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information on any of the programs at the center, call 570-668-1192. Interested parties can also visit the center's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Tamaqua CAC or its website at www.tamaquaarts.org. The center also offers the following events: Open stages the second and fourth Thursdays of the month in which the public is invited to showcase talents; acting classes and workshops; adult clay and sculpting class from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays; kids' pottery sculpting class from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays for children ages 9 to 15; Coal Cracker Chorus practice, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays with new members always welcome; high school writers' club from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

Schuylkill County prosecutors said Friday they will not try to seize the Port Carbon house that allegedly was a marijuana factory before it was destroyed by fire until after the owner's criminal trial.

"We want to make sure that the property, and the insurance proceeds, if any, are preserved until the criminal case is disposed of and the court has the opportunity to address the forfeiture issue," First Assistant District Attorney Thomas J. Campion Jr. said of the property owned by Dean Vermeersch.

Campion and Joseph D. Caraciolo, Harrisburg, the defendant's lawyer, agreed to preserve fire-damaged 233 N. Coal St. as it is pending the trial of Vermeersch, 54, of Port Carbon.

Schuylkill County detectives charged Vermeersch with three counts of recklessly endangering another person and one each of possession with intent to manufacture a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, causing a catastrophe, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

They allege he had more than 75 marijuana plants, plus several bags full of marijuana and an entire growing system, on Nov. 28, 2012, the day the fire started in the house.

The blaze spread to the 231 N. Coal St. home of Lamar E. and Katrina M. Staller and their daughter, Becky Staller, who were left homeless by the fire.

Vermeersch is in prison in lieu of $50,000 straight cash bail. The earliest his case could be tried is in the April criminal court term.

Campion and Caraciolo agreed that Vermeersch would not try to transfer the property until the forfeiture issue is litigated.

However, they disagreed on whether prosecutors will have the right to seize any insurance money Vermeersch might receive for the destruction of the property.

"I don't think there's (legal) authority to take the proceeds," Caraciolo told Judge James P. Goodman.

Goodman did not immediately rule on whether prosecutors can seize the insurance proceeds, but will enter an order requiring the property to be preserved and not transferred until the county decides whether it will seek its forfeiture.

Campion said he has not decided whether to file a forfeiture petition, which would ask the court to order Vermeersch to turn over the property to the county district attorney's office. The office's policy is to wait until the end of the criminal case to file such a petition, he said.

Prosecutors have the right to ask for forfeiture of real property (land and buildings) and personal property that are either used in the commission of a crime or are the proceeds of criminal activity. The forfeiture action is separate from the prosecution of the crime and does not depend upon obtaining a criminal conviction against the property's owner.

ORWIGSBURG - Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier said Friday that many people contributed to the success of the two-day warrant sweep conducted from his office.

"It went very well," Ferrier said of the sweep, which sought to collect money on Thursday and Friday from people who owed it for fines and costs.

Although Ferrier did not have exact figures as of late Friday afternoon, he said totals for both money collected and people targeted are significant.

"We're definitely over $20,000," he said.

Ferrier said exact totals should be available Monday.

State police at Frackville and Schuylkill Haven, as well as police from Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven and West Penn Township, helped with the sweep, he said.

"Police departments did a good job for us," Ferrier said.

He also said constables helped a lot in the sweep.

One of those constables was Jack Sarge, Andreas, who has served on that position in West Penn Township for approximately 20 years.

"I love doing them," Sarge said Friday about warrant sweeps. "Warrants have always been the end of the business I love the most."

Sarge said that even though sweeps have become more challenging in recent years because young people are more transient, he personally served 19 warrants in the last two days.

He also showed that sweeps can get more than people who owe money.

Sarge picked up Kyle J. Shirey, 26, of Pottsville, who also had two bench warrants issued Feb. 13 by Schuylkill County President Judge William E. Baldwin for his failure to appear on Jan. 25 for pre-trial conferences.

"He was a pretty big fish," Sarge said of Shirey. "I found him in the basement of a house on North George Street(, Pottsville)."

Shirey, who faces two separate charges of theft, was sent to the county prison Thursday night, Sarge said.

Ferrier said he had not had a warrant sweep since March 2012, in part because of the expansion of his district. However, that will change, he said.

"We're going to try to do a couple of them this year," Ferrier said.

He said many people made payments through two new systems: n-Court, which allows them to pay by telephone, and e-Pay, which allows them to pay by computer.

"Some of the people did it right from their residence," he said.

HARRISBURG - A ruling this week could revive a state health care program for low-income adults that was axed two years ago, and could have potential fallout for the state 2013-14 budget.

Commonwealth Court Judge Dan Pellegrini ruled a share of Pennsylvania's tobacco settlement money must go to support the adultBasic program, which ended in March 2011.

However, Judge Pellegrini did not order state officials to restart adultBasic, thus creating uncertainty about what comes next during a time of transition for health care nationwide. The judge's ruling struck down state laws that diverted tobacco company payments away from adultBasic.

Shortly after taking office, Gov. Tom Corbett closed adultBasic on grounds that funding sources had dried up.

At that time, adultBasic provided health coverage for about 42,000 adults - 638 in Lackawanna County and 1,020 in Luzerne County - who had lost health insurance, met income guidelines and made copays for treatment. Initially started with tobacco dollars, adultBasic subsequently depended on financial contributions from the surpluses maintained by the four Blue Cross insurers in Pennsylvania.

The state Insurance Department mailed notices in early 2011 to recipients suggesting they look for alternative health care through medical assistance, Medicare, or a Blues-sponsored program known as SpecialCare.

The Corbett administration has yet to decide whether to appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court or make another response such as rewriting the original tobacco settlement law.

"We are trying to understand the ruling and see what our options are going forward," state Budget Secretary Charles Zogby said.

Corbett's 2013-14 budget proposal would split $331 million in tobacco payments for a number of health-related programs, including $93 million for medical assistance for workers with disabilities (MAWD), $43 million for health research, $43 million for home- and community-based services, $14 million for tobacco use prevention, $25 million to cover uncompensated hospital care, $88 million for long-term care under medical assistance, $25 million to the state-subsidized prescription drug program and $3 million for biotechnology, according to a House Democratic Appropriations Committee analysis.

One positive response the administration could take would be to appropriate some money to restart adultBasic and contact former recipients on the 2011 mailing list, said Sharon Ward, executive director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, which opposed adultBasic's cancellation.

Rep. Mauree Gingrich, R-101, Cleona, has expressed concern that the MAWD program would lose its share of tobacco dollars as a result of the ruling.

Several Democratic lawmakers seized upon the ruling as a reason why Corbett should overcome his stated reluctance and agree to an expansion of Medicaid to cover hundreds of thousands of uninsured Pennsylvanians under the federal Affordable Care Act.

The best way to help the working poor get access to health care coverage is to agree to the Medicaid expansion and restart adultBasic as a bridge program until the expansion starts next year, Ward said.

"I believe this ruling should force Gov. Corbett and his administration to reconsider their ill-advised decision to refuse federal support for Medicaid expansion in Pennsylvania," state Treasurer Rob McCord said.

Corbett plans to meet soon with federal Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to discuss concerns about how a Medicaid expansion would be implemented in Pennsylvania.

A Shenandoah man arrested by Pottsville police and charged with damaging life-saving equipment at Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street on Feb. 3 waived his right to a preliminary hearing Friday morning.

Larry Dettery, 34, of 432 E. Arlington St., appeared before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, on charges of criminal trespass and criminal mischief, both felony offenses, and misdemeanor charges of persistent disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia as well as a summary offense of public drunkenness.

Dettery, represented by the Schuylkill County Public Defender's Office, chose not to have a hearing but instead answer charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Patrolman John Mohl, the arresting officer, said police were called to the South Jackson Street facility just after 5:30 p.m. and found the operating room area on the seventh floor in complete disarray.

In addition, Mohl said that in the nurse's station and waiting area were two computers thrown on the floor and carts holding medical equipment knocked over.

In the three operating rooms, Mohl said, surgical equipment, knocked over along with more computers.

"Every cabinet that contained equipment and supplies was thrown onto the floor through the operating room complex," Mohl said in his affidavit of probable cause, adding that it was clear that there was a deliberate act to destroy or damage hospital property.

During the course of clearing the floor, Mohl said, a security officer reported finding a man, later identified as Dettery, apparently barricaded in a recovery room. Police forced their way inside and found Dettery lying on a hospital bed that was pushed against the door.

At the time, Mohl said Dettery, who appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance, was ranting, appeared delirious and was unaware where he was.

Mohl said the man was taken into custody and then moved to the emergency room area for treatment of a possible drug overdose.

Before being taken to the emergency room, Mohl said Dettery was searched and found with 15 small plastic bags containing a white powdery substance. Hospital staff also located additional items of drug paraphernalia in the operating rooms including three razor blades, three hypodermic needles and a metal spoon containing a white powdery substance, the officer said.

Police have tentatively identified the substance as bath salts.

"However, the final analysis from the (Pennsylvania State Police) lab will confirm exactly what chemicals were involved," Pottsville police Chief Joseph Murton said after the incident.

After the proceeding Dettery was returned to Schuylkill County Prison where he is being held on 10 percent of $50,000 bail.

SHENANDOAH - The volunteers at First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah have 30 years of experience making chocolate-covered Easter eggs and their customers keep them busy for six weeks making thousands of eggs.

Coconut. Butter creme. Cherry. Light peanut butter. Dark peanut butter. Chunky peanut butter. Those six flavors are the mainstay of the season. In addition, huge peanut roll eggs filled with butter creme are another item that people have come to love.

Three of the seven volunteers from the church were working Friday, packing eggs into containers that hold a dozen or filling large bins that will be taken to the Hometown Farmers Market for sale in the next two weeks.

Carol Byrne, Shenandoah, is a church member who has been making eggs since the Shenandoah Methodist church took over the fundraiser when it was transferred from the William Penn Methodist Church.

"We got them from William Penn, so I would say 30 years that we've been doing it," Byrne said.

Byrne said the William Penn church was making about 10,000 eggs per year, but as the congregation became smaller, the Shenandoah church took over.

"We started out with about 12,000 eggs, and now we're up to about 54,000 a year," Byrne said. "We do it in six weeks, Monday through Friday. It's all volunteers. We also get volunteers from the community from other churches to help us. That is such a nice gesture. You don't realize the volunteers in this town who come out and do these things."

There is a limited window of time when eggs can be purchased.

"We'll be taking large orders until March 15, but we'll be here until the 22nd," Byrne said, explaining no eggs are made during Holy Week so everyone can prepare for Easter Sunday.

Single eggs are 95 cents, or $11 for a dozen, and the large peanut rolls are $1.75.

"We have a girl who comes in and just does the peanut rolls," Byrne said.

In recent years, Easter egg gift platters and baskets were created that include jelly eggs and Hershey Kisses.

"A lot of them take them if they're going to dinners as gifts," Byrne said. "We wanted to give a gift to a family who was helping, so I started making one and someone saw it and asked if I would make one for them. So we got the containers and we added some things to them. We get lots of orders on them."

A small gift platter is $25, a large goes for $40, and a basket costs $30.

Byrne said that the longest distance the Easter eggs have traveled is Japan, explaining that a local mother wanted to send her military son who was stationed in Japan some Easter eggs from home. Byrne said the mother figured out a way to ship the eggs in Pringles cans so they would not be damaged in transit. She said the eggs made it in great shape.

"The eggs go everywhere, from West Virginia, the Dakotas, New Mexico," Byrne said. "We don't ship them, but we tell them how to do it. UPS has a shipping box that holds two one-dozen packages perfectly."

As Byrne spoke to The Republican-Herald, customers stopped in to buy eggs or pick up a called-in order ready to go. A customer who wanted to remain anonymous said she has purchased the eggs for years and keeps coming back.

"They are fantastic. They really are," she said.

Liz Killian, Shenandoah, has been buying eggs for about five years. When asked why she keeps coming back, she said, "I love the taste. They're fresh, homemade and it's a local group."

Another volunteer, Susan Aponick, Mahanoy City, arrived and immediately began taking Easter eggs from the table and filling packages of a dozen each.

"I've been doing this forever," Aponick said, who is a church member. "I'm one of the originals."

Aponick's favorite flavors are coconut and cherry and Byrne enjoys the peanut rolls, since it gives her the butter creme, chocolate and nuts "all rolled into one."

Another church member, Robert Beddall, Shenandoah, entered the hall after making a delivery of eight orders to Shenandoah Manor, noting that his favorite flavor is the light peanut butter. Beddall is also one of the originals making eggs.

"I'm getting to the point where I'm winding down. I'll be 84 in August," Beddall said. "The eggs help keep the doors open and pays the oil bill."

Cindy Richmond, Frackville, came to pick up her order that filled five plastic bags.

"They're awesome," Richmond said, who added that the order she was picking up wasn't all for her. "I just found out about them last year."

The range of sales is from 12,000 eggs at the beginning to the high is 54,000, so if 30,000 is the average, then the church has made 900,000 Easter eggs in 30 years, though Byrne said it might be a bit higher.

"If you look at all the ones we donated and all those that fell on the floor, we probably made it to one million," Byrne said with a laugh. "As long we keep doing it and keep our doors open, we'll keep making them."

Easter eggs can be ordered by calling 570-462-1509.

Union Bank and Trust Co. and Riverview Bank have taken steps to consolidate their operations.

The board of directors of both companies met Thursday and decided to join forces, doing business under the Riverview name.

The action is "still subject to regulatory and shareholder approval," Brett Fulk, chief operating officer for Riverview Bank, said Friday.

The state banking department and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and shareholders must also approve, he said.

He expects that might be done in the third quarter of this year. Until then, customers will not notice changes at the locations, he said, although there might be additional hours once the consolidation is approved.

"We view this as a very positive development for customers at both Riverview and Union in the Schuylkill County market," he said.

In Schuylkill County, Riverview Bank has locations in Cressona, Orwigsburg, Pottsville and Tower City. Statewide Riverview Financial Corp., the parent company of Riverview Bank, has locations in Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties.

Union Bank has five full-service sites in Schuylkill County, three in Pottsville, one in New Philadelphia and one in Orwigsburg and one trust and commercial loan office in Pottsville.

There is also one location in Trevorton, Northumberland County.

Mark Ketch, chief executive officer of Union Bank and Trust Co., said he sees the consolidation as good news for customers. More loans might be made because of the greater lending power and additional locations will be available, he said. Ketch declined comment on any future role he might have in the new company.

A call to Robert M. Garst, chief executive officer of Riverview Financial Corp., was not returned Friday.

Brenda Pfeiffenberger, manager of Union Bank and Trust Co., Pottsville, said she could not comment on the matter.

In the release, both Ketch and Garst said, "By combining the strengths of our companies, we are creating an institution with significantly greater scale, opportunity and potential to generate additional value for shareholders, customers communities and employees."

Garst will serve as CEO and Kirk Fox will hold the position of president of the new company, the release states.

MAHANOY CITY - A convicted sex offender was picked up in Mahanoy City on Friday after he failed to register and update a his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Kyle Lee Heft, 35, of Mahanoy City, was arrested in the 400 block of West Centre Street by members of the Mahanoy City Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service, Harrisburg, and brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson at the federal courthouse in Harrisburg for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. He was released pending additional court proceedings.

An indictment against Heft was issued Feb. 20 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia.

The U.S. Marshals Service in West Virginia learned that he failed to register, update his sex offender registration requirements and was not found in the state.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered he was possibly living in Schuylkill County, according to a press release from the U.S. Marshals service. An investigation confirmed that, the release said.

"This is exactly the type of case our legislators had in mind - convicted sex offenders who flee from state to state to avoid their registration requirements - when they assigned the apprehension of sex offenders to the U.S. Marshals," said Martin J. Pane, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

The U.S. Marshals are the federal agency designated by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and safety Act of 2006 to help local and state authorities find and arrest convicted sex offenders who do not comply with Megan's Law requirements.

Megan's Law was enacted in Pennsylvania, numerous other states and at the federal level following the 1994 murder of Megan Nicole Kanka, 7, of Hamilton Township, Mercer County, N.J. Jesse Timmendequas, Kanka's killer, was a convicted sex offender and one of the girl's neighbors.

He is serving a life sentence following then-New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine's commutation of his death sentence after that state abolished its death penalty.

Since an upcoming screening of the documentary on the 2008 beating death of Luis Eduardo Ramirez Zavala in Shenandoah sold out in Pottsville, the venue has decided to book a second.

The Sovereign Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St., will present "Shenandoah: The Story of a Working Class Town and the American Dream on Trial" at 7 p.m. April 6.

The film's director and producer, David C. Turnley, Michigan, will be on hand for a question-and-answer session, according to Amy S. Burkhart, executive director of Pottsville Area Development Corp., which manages the theater.

Tickets were $10 each and the 224-seat venue sold out for that first screening of the 97-minute film, Burkhart said.

"It is fairly unusual for theater events to sell out a month in advance of the production," Burkhart said Thursday.

So, the theater has decided to hold a second screening at 2 p.m. April 7.

There will not be a question and answer session with Turnley following the second screening, Burkhart said.

Tickets for the April 7 show are $10 each and available at the PADCO office on the second floor of 1 S. Second St., Pottsville, Burkhart said.

The April 6 screening will be the first time the film will been screened in a movie theater in Schuylkill County, Burkhart said.

It was released in 2012 and has been screened at film festivals in Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles, Turnley said previously.

Turnley, 57, who was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Ind., is an associate professor at the University of Michigan, School of Art and Design.

According to the film's website at shenandoah-film.com, it's "an epic feature documentary about a coal mining town with a fiery immigrant heritage, once pivotal in fueling America's industrial revolution, and today in decline and struggling to survive and retain its identity, soul and values - all of which were dramatically challenged when four of the town's white, star football players were charged in the beating death of an undocumented Mexican immigrant named Luis Ramirez."

The incident occurred about 11:30 p.m. July 12, 2008, on West Lloyd Street near the Vine Street Park in Shenandoah.

Prosecutors said Derrick M. Donchak and Brandon J. Piekarsky were motivated by racism when they, Brian Scully and Colin J. Walsh assaulted Ramirez.

Two days after the assault, Ramirez died, and his death was ruled homicide from blunt force trauma.

Scully was charged as a juvenile. His case was handled by Schuylkill County juvenile authorities and he was placed on probation and house arrest until he turned 21 in 2012.

In April 2009, Walsh pleaded guilty to punching Ramirez. In April 2011, U.S. District Judge A. Richard Caputo ordered Walsh to serve four years and seven months in federal prison. Walsh is serving his term at FCI/Elkton in Ohio, according to the online inmate locator for Federal Bureau of Prisons.

In February 2011, Caputo sentenced Donchak and Piekarsky to each serve nine years in a federal correctional institution. Donchak is serving his sentence at FCI/Otisville, New York, while Piekarsky is serving his at FCI/Beckley, West Virginia, according to the inmate locator.

Meanwhile, two former Shenandoah police officers were convicted of hindering the FBI's investigation.

Shenandoah police Chief Matthew Nestor, Lt. William Moyer and Officer Jason Hayes were charged as part of an alleged coverup in the case. Hayes was acquitted of all charges.

In June 2011, Caputo sentenced Nestor to serve 13 months in prison, followed by two years on supervised release. Nestor was released from prison in May 2012, according to the inmate locator.

Moyer was sentenced to three months in prison, followed by one year on supervised release. Moyer was released from prison in September 2011, according to the inmate locator.