Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street

To TJ and Rosemary Giobbe Joulwan, Orwigsburg, a daughter, May 10.

To Jamie Robbins and Ciera Zvorsky, Port Carbon, a son, May 21.

To Anthony Pugh and Marisa Buhl, Frackville, a daughter, May 27.

ASHLAND - A 24-year-old borough man was jailed after being arrested Friday morning and charged with assaulting a woman.

Ashland police Patrolman Kyle Schauer charged Angel Junior Delrio, 9 W. Centre St., with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor offenses of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Delrio was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10 percent of $50,000 bail.

Schauer said the charges against Delrio stem from an incident at his home around 5:55 a.m. Friday.

Assisted by Butler Township police, Schauer said he was called to 9 W. Centre St. for a domestic incident and arrived to find Delrio standing over a woman on a porch at 7 W. Centre St.

Delrio and the woman were separated at which time the man began to walk toward officers and complied after being told to lie on the ground and place his hands out to his side.

Schauer said he spoke with Delrio who said he came home about 5:45 a.m., made food and was upstairs with his girlfriend, Kaylyn Kumangai. When Delrio went downstairs he said an argument started with Kumangai over where he had been before coming home and that the woman slapped him, forcing him to push her out of the way.

Schauer said Delrio went on to say that when Kumangai went outside and started knocking on a neighbor's door he tried to talk her to coming back inside.

The officer said, Kumangai said, that the two started arguing and that she went downstairs to get away from him but Delrio grabbed her causing her to try and break free by pushing away.

At that point, Schauer said Kumangai ran from the home to a neighbor at 5 W. Centre St. and began knocking on the door when Delrio grabbed her by the hair and began to drag her on the sidewalk back toward their home.

A woman living at 5 W. Centre St. told officers she heard yelling and screaming and looked out seeing Delrio grabbing Kumangai and dragging her along the sidewalk, Schauer said.

The officer said he saw Kumangai with bloody and bruised knees, a laceration and blood on her lip and also blood on her hands, hair and soaked into her shirt.

The woman complained of pain in her face and head and was taken to a local hospital by Ashland EMS for treatment, Schauer said.

The 236 members of Pottsville Area High School's Class of 2013 took the first steps on their new adventures as they graduated Friday night.

Salutatorian Seif Ulhaq Butt told his fellow graduates gathered at Pottsville's Veterans Stadium that every adventure begins with a step, and he challenged them to take it.

He said many heroes accomplished so much just by having the courage to take that step. He referenced characters like Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, who stepped out of the hobbit hole to enter the wider world of Middle Earth; Luke Skywalker, who stepped out of his aunt and uncle's moisture farm on Tatooine to travel the galaxy; and Kujo Jotaro, who stepped out of his jail cell to travel to Eqypt to vanquish a vampire who had stolen the body of his great-grandfather and could also stop time.

"Like these great heroes, for us, adventure is just around the corner," Butt said. "If our lives were novels, the prologue would have just ended with our high school graduation. The real story starts now, if you are willing to take the step."

In doing so, he said their lives will not be a short story or a novella, but "a grand novel, even a trilogy, with movie rights sold for millions."

"Adventure is a mixed bag," Butt said. "The reward at the end of your adventure will outweigh any failures that happen to you. I hope that my fellow graduates today will continue their adventures in further education in college, in the workforce, or even as they enter the military. The option for adventure is there. I hope everyone takes it."

Valedictorian Eric Yoder also talked about the adventures ahead.

He said when he knew he had to give "a life-changing speech," he struggled since he is only 18 years old and has little life experience. However, he decided to give advice that he learned as a freshman.

"On the first day of school, many years ago, we all opened up a book, a seemingly blank book," Yoder said. "It had lines in it, chapter headings and bullet points, however, apart from the chapter headings, it contained no words."

Year by year, Yoder said he and his classmates filled that book unknowingly, wrote down their adventures, many successes and countless failures.

Along the way, they learned to listen to their parents, live life to the fullest and learn from their mistakes.

"Tonight we now close that book, store it on a bookshelf to be remembered, but never to be repeated," Yoder said. "Every story has an end, but in life, every end is a new beginning. So when that diploma is handed to you, so is a new book. A truly blank book.

"It's not like the last one. There are no lines to keep you on track. There are no bullet points to show you where to write. There are no headings and chapters to show you where you should be."

Since he said there will only be an endless amount of blank sheets of paper staring back at them, it is up to them to fill their book with whatever they'd like to write.

Two people who had taken that first step and filled their books over the years were also honored Friday night. Distinguished Alumni Awards were awarded to the family of the late Ruth Hafer Ebling, a 1953 graduate, and Patrick J. Flannery, a 1976 graduate.

Pine Grove Township officials asked Schuylkill County Court on Friday to exempt from taxation a property it bought to prevent further damage from floodwaters.

The property at 8 Geary Wolf Road is owned by Pine Grove Township, used to protect the public and, therefore, should not be taxed, according to the township's real estate tax appeal.

The township asked the court to overturn the May 8 decision of the county Board of Assessment Appeals and rule that the unimproved 0.21-acre property is exempt from real estate taxes.

If the court grants the request, it would mean the township would not pay real estate taxes on the property and the county, the Pine Grove Area School District and the township itself would cease to receive revenue from it.

The township bought the property, which had been owned by Edgar H. and Ruth M. Ely, Hamburg, as the result of the 2011 flooding that did so much damage in the Pine Grove area.

"The ... property was ravaged by floodwaters and rendered uninhabitable and unfit for human occupation," according to the appeal.

Township officials said they acted quickly to safeguard the public.

"In order to protect the health, safety and overall welfare of the residents of Pine Grove Township, the Township obtained ownership and demolished the building," the appeal reads in part.

Township officials said they are using the property as open space in order to prevent more property damage from possible future flooding, and that the property should not be taxed in order to further that public purpose.

Alternatively, the township asked that the fair market value of the property be lowered from the current amount of $6,250. The township alleged that amount is excessive and does not reflect the property's actual value.

Deeds

Ashland - Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 1433-1435 Centre St.; $982.52.

Butler Township - Sherman and Walton Inc. to Robert E. Jr. and Jessica M. Nagle; 33 Country Club Road, Fountain Springs ; $236,000.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.; 906 High Road, Helfenstein; $1,163.90.

TAMAQUA - A warm summer evening sky shined on Tamaqua Area School District's stadium Friday as 146 seniors became Blue Raider alumni.

With teachers, school administrators and family and friends gathered for the district's 123rd annual commencement exercises, the seniors processed from the high school's main entrance, down the Lehigh Street hill to the field.

"We stand here now in cap and gown celebrating the unity of our graduation as one class. But the character that our class possesses is not the result of any collective effort; it is the individual attitudes and actions of us all that compose the Class of 2013," class President Shane D.M. Mulligan told his fellow graduates.

Mulligan quoted businessman Peter Drucker in advising the class, "The best way to predict the future is to create it.

"Our futures start now, seniors. We carry the potential to change the world. We are for real," he said.

Keynote speaker R. Thomas Berner, professor emeritus of journalism and American studies at Penn State University and a 1961 Tamaqua graduate, gave the graduates advice in the form of newspaper headlines: "Expect the unexpected," "Learn to listen," "Read a lot," "Learn from your mistakes" and "Serve your country."

After the presentation of diplomas, Valedictorian Tyler Butkus urged the graduates to recognize their strengths and make a difference in the world.

"Together we have shaped each other, shaped the school and shaped the future," he said. "Never forget the fact that you are influential and that you will change the world one day. We are powerful men and women, ready to go and take the world by storm."

The traditional high school graduation caps and gowns look rather uniform until individual students donned them.

Before commencement at Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville, on Friday night, the 41 graduating seniors were in the second-floor hallway straightening their gowns and caps and offering critiques.

"Your head's too big. No, I think it's your hair," Hope Regina Brady, 18, of Palo Alto, said as she examined the cap worn by Christopher Donnelly, 18, of Schuylkill Haven.

"I don't care," said Donnelly, who had a head of brown curls. "It stays on."

In a similar way, class members helped each other become individuals over the years, the class valedictorian, Caitlin Ann Hoppel, 18, of Pottsville, said in her speech before a crowd of more than 400 at the high school gym at One Lawton's Hill.

"Whether we liked it or not, we have all shaped each other into the people we are today. The memories and lessons garnered here at Nativity will remain in our hearts and minds forever," Hoppel, who was also senior class president said.

She is the daughter of Matt and Joann Hoppel and she has a brother, Cullen, 15. She's planning to study business at Villanova University, Philadelphia.

"For the past four years, we have made friends and memories to last a lifetime. We have accomplished goals, whether they were receiving a perfect score on a physics test, making it to states with a sports team or making the lead role in a play. And in doing so, we have developed as young adults and can rightfully thank those who have helped us along the way," Spencer Nush, the class salutatorian, said in her speech.

Nush, 17, of Mar Lin, said her family includes her mother, Laurie. Nush is planning to study environmental engineering at Lehigh University, Bethlehem.

At the ceremony, the school honored Teresa "Terry" Nevada Coleman, a member of the Class of 1978, with the Distinguished Alumni Award. A certified public accountant, Coleman works as a senior manager with Deutsche Bank in Jacksonville, Fla., according to a biography provided by the school.

John Boyer, Orwigsburg, co-owner of Boyer's Foods and an ex-officio member of Nativity's Governance Board, gave the commencement address Friday.

"This school will remain open for many years to come. Do you know why? It's because there are people who care. But caring about something is the easy part. It took people doing something about it that made the difference," Boyer said in his speech.

by peter e. bortner

A Carbon County woman is headed to a federal prison cell after being sentenced Friday in Scranton for participating in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.

Bonnie Vosburgh, 23, of Nesquehoning, must serve 60 months in a federal correctional institution, Senior U.S. District Judge Edwin M. Kosik ruled.

Pursuant to the plea agreement between prosecutors and Vosburgh, Kosik also sentenced the defendant to pay a $100 special assessment immediately and serve four years of supervised released once she completes her prison term.

Vosburgh had pleaded guilty Feb. 12 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of 28 grams of cocaine base (crack).

The U.S. Attorney's Office filed an information Jan. 30 alleging Vosburgh participated in a conspiracy to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine in and around Carbon County.

Prosecutors alleged that from Jan. 1, 2011, until the filing of the information, Vosburgh and her co-conspirators set up and used drug storage and distribution facilities in the Middle District to further the conspiracy.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with Lansford and Nesquehoning police, conducted the investigation against Vosburgh.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. O'Hara prosecuted the case.

Vosburgh's co-defendant, Victoria Ann Argott, 34, of Lansford, pleaded guilty Feb. 13 before Kosik to the same charge Vosburgh had the day before. Argott is scheduled to be sentenced by Kosik at 9 a.m. June 11.

SHENANDOAH - It was a procession of pride in blue and white caps and gowns as the 88 members of the Shenandoah Valley Class of 2013 entered Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday evening to take the next step in their lives.

In keeping with their tradition, the three speakers, valedictorian Sarah M. Daguio, salutatorian Thomas F. Twardzik and class speaker Alison M. Semanchik, each focused on one of Shenandoah Valley's "Three R's: reflection, respect and responsibility.

"Classmates, some of our recent responsibilities we encountered were studying for that last exam, or it might have been watching a younger sibling, maybe an after-school job, or sacrificing that extra hour on the court or field," Semanchik said. "Along the way, maybe we didn't even notice but we all took on the responsibility of being a role model for this school and for future classes.

"Now, take yourself 10 years in the future. Will you wake up for your professional job? Are you going to pay your bills? Will you put your own child's needs before your own? We will endure a plethora of new responsibilities. Only you will decide whether you want a positive or negative outcome in regards to what we should do as young adults."

"Looking, back, I'm glad that I moved here after sixth grade and attended Shenandoah Valley," said Daguio, taking reflection for his theme. "I'm up here today because I have been blessed in so many ways and by so many people. I've learned a lot from each of you and I've had some experiences here that will shape the rest of my life.

"One of the most important qualities I've learned is about respect," Twardzik said. "It is a complex attitude that one must earn and actively foster. It is a mutual feeling, requiring daily practice and, sometimes, sacrifices. As my classmates and I grow older, we learn more about responsibility and respect. Independence lies just around the corner and we are about to make the turn into adulthood. As I recently heard in a song, 'Wisdom's a gift, but you trade it for youth.' "

There was also a moment of sorrow near the conclusion of the commencement when a white dove was released in memory of Ryan Stankavage, who died at age 14 in 2009 when his bicycle was struck by a vehicle on state Route 54 between Shenandoah and the West Mahanoy Township village of William Penn. Stankavage would have graduated with the Class of 2013.

Secondary Principal Phillip R. Andras provided the farewell remarks, followed by the alma mater.

Sandy Paulshock, secretary to Pottsville Mayor John D.W. Reiley, said Friday was her last day of work for the city.

"I'm not taking a new job at this time. I just want to have some time to myself. It's kind of like having a little early retirement," Paulshock, 56, of Pottsville, said Friday.

"We're going to miss her," Reiley said Friday.

City Clerk Julie D. Rescorla said the same.

Paulshock had worked at City Hall for 25 years. Most of those years were spent in the city clerk's office. Paulshock accepted the job of mayor's secretary in December 2011.

Reiley said he and the city council will discuss the job opening. He said action on the matter might be taken at the council's next meeting, slated for 6:30 p.m. June 10.

"I don't know what they're going to do, if they're going to replace her or not. That's up to city council," Rescorla said Friday.

Reiley said there will be a new mayor's secretary, but he and the council have to discuss the situation first.

"There will be one. We have to replace her. She wasn't just the mayor's secretary. She was also the insurance claim coordinator for the city. Say someone knocks out a traffic signal in the city. That's all processed through her," Reiley said.

Paulshock was also a member of the Pottsville Blight and Nuisance Task Force, which Reiley assembled in April 2012.

A 1975 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, Paulshock said she started working part time at City Hall in the city clerk's office in 1988. In 1992, she was hired there full time as deputy city clerk.

In November 2011, Arlene Sibbett, announced she would retiring as the mayor's secretary in January 2012. In December 2011, Reiley recommended Paulshock for the job and council approved it.

Her salary for 2012 was $36,794.76 and it remained the same for 2013, according to Ordinance 823, the "salary ordinance" city council approved in April.

Paulshock said on May 15 she informed Reiley and Rescorla of her intentions to retire. She said she will be taking vacation time for the next two weeks and her official date of retirement will be June 14.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - Just after Friday's scorching sun mercifully dipped behind the mountains west of North Schuylkill Junior-Senior High School, throwing shade on a thankfully cooled commencement crowd at Spartan Stadium, members of the school's Class of 2013 were handed diplomas.

The daytime's closing coincided nicely with the ends of the high school careers of the 146 seniors, now the newest alumni of North Schuylkill.

Gathered in the cafeteria as they lined up prior to commencement, the students' collective excitement gave way to cheers, hugs and smiles. They were dressed in caps and gowns - red for the women, blue for the men - as they marched together behind faculty and staff into the stadium and onto the football field as the graduation staple "Pomp and Circumstance" was performed by members of the school's band.

Valedictorian Amanda Boyer spoke of the hard work put in by her classmates, and how the seeming insignificance of the varied class work they had undertaken were important parts of their high school experience.

"Today is the day we celebrate our success," she said. "We reflect on growth not only academically but personally, as well."

Anthony Marone, salutatorian, compared the high school experience to a Rubik's Cube. The puzzle is a difficult one when it's scrambled, much like his own experience as a seventh-grader coming to the junior-senior high school for the first time. It took some getting used to, some growing pains, some time to get the colors to begin to match up, but Marone found his way in North Schuylkill and eventually thrived.

He compared each year in school to the moments one experiences as they draw closer to solving the Rubik's Cube. Graduation night was it; the cube's colors were all aligned.

"Thanks to a 3-by-3-by-3 cube, we all have been taught a life lesson and we now face ourselves with yet another cube, whether it be college, trade school, the military or the work force. The only difference is we already know what we have to do to solve the puzzle," he said.

This year's guest speaker was Chas Kutchinsky, a member of North Schuylkill's Class of 1973 who is now a television advertising and marketing executive and managing partner of iBOX Films.

Kutchinsky shared the advice of a friend said simply that people must pursue their own ideas, set goals and meet them and feed off inspiration provided by personal creativity.

To the graduates, Kutchinsky said, "Always look forward. Keep moving forward. The only time to look back is to connect the dots."

Other speakers included Joshua Howard, National Honor Society president, Jordan Shinkus, student council president, Matthew Gownley, senior class president and Brett Ennis, junior class president, as well as Dr. Andrew Smarkanic and Christian Temchatin, superintendent and high school principal, respectively.

Deeds

Butler Township - Rosamond Salman to Paul E. and Angela M. Carl; 125 Spruce St., Lavelle; $101,000.

Cass Township - Keith D. and Kiley S. Moffat to National Residential Nominee Services Inc.; 4 Mountain View Lane; $193,000.

National Residential Nominee Services Inc. to John R. III and Laura D. Wagner; 4 Mountain View Lane; $193,000.

Coaldale - Nicholas P. and Maria A. Ritzko to Nicholas P. and Maria A. Ritzko; property on First Street; $1.

Frackville - Gregory W. Long, trustee under the Long Family Trust, to Brian P. and Taisha M. Wayne; 151 S. Broad Mountain Ave.; $85,000.

William G. Schwab, trustee for David L. Kehler, to Lawrence Mundy; 120 S. Lehigh Ave.; $8,500.

Gordon - Glen R. and Betty F. Mervine to Sandra H. Stitzer and Valerie M. Stitzer; property on East Plane Street; $1.

Glen R. and Betty F. Mervine to Sandra H. Stitzer and Valerie M. Stitzer; 221 E. Plane St.; $1.

Minersville - Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 249 S. Fourth St.; $1,132.58.

Porter Township - Nichole and Michael Guigley to Tyson A. Group; 9 Second St., Joliett; $21,000.

Pottsville - Anna Shapansky, executrix for the Estate of George Shemansik, to Thomas C. Jr. and Jo Anne M. Kintzel; 727 Eagan St.; $89,000.

Shenandoah - John J. Lebby Jr., executor of the Estate of Regina F. Lebby, to George and Maria Cristobal; property on North Jardin Street; $15,000.

South Manheim Township - William T. III and Helen M. Slaven to Bryn S. and Tamara J. Dragna; Lot 1883, Lake Wynonah; $10,500.

Tamaqua - Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 140 W. Spruce St.; $1,003.92.

A Sinking Spring man charged with robbing another man in Pottsville on March 31 is among those scheduled to plead not guilty Monday during arraignment in Schuylkill County Court.

Shayne L. Calloway, 19, of 904 Timber Lane, was arrested by Pottsville police Patrolman Brian Reno and charged with robbery, carrying firearms without a license, theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault, criminal mischief and recklessly endangering another person.

Reno charged Calloway in connection with an incident around 11:30 p.m. in the area of West Race and Downing streets, where James Dietrich of Pottsville reported being robbed of his cellphone and house keys by two men who had a gun and knife.

Dietrich provided a description of the men and officers learned from a neighbor in the area that a man, later identified as Calloway, entered an apartment building on North Centre Street.

Reno said Dietrich was able to positively identify Calloway as the person who pointed a gun in his face during the robbery and that officers recovered a .38-caliber revolver that Calloway had hidden in the apartment.

Officers also found Deitrich's cellphone, which had been discarded across the street from the North Centre Street apartment, Reno said.

When taken into custody and interviewed, Calloway admitted using the handgun to rob Dietrich, Reno said.

Others scheduled to plead not guilty, and the charges against them, include:

Daniel L. Hossler, 29, of 525 Mahantongo St., Apt. 2, Pottsville - recklessly endangering another person, aggravated assault on police, simple assault and disorderly conduct.

Amyelizabeth A. Lordan, 30, of 509 Carbon St., Pottsville - theft by deception and bad checks.

Max W. Walls, 30, of 526 Howard Ave., Pottsville - DUI, DUI-highest rate, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of period requiring lighted lamps and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Terry Lynn Schofstal, 52, of 533 Spruce St., Pottsville - DUI, DUI-highest rate, driving under the influence of drugs, driving under combined influence, entering a vehicle or crossing a roadway and turning movements and required signals violation.

Michael McShaw III, 58, of 1826 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville - DUI, DUI-highest rate, careless driving and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Crystal Henry, 29, of 407 Howard Ave., Pottsville - violation of Public Welfare Code.

George J. Prutzman, 52, of 305 S. Second St., Saint Clair - aggravated assault, unlawful restraint, terroristic threats, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, DUI, DUI-highest rate, carrying firearms without a license, careless driving, driving at an unsafe speed, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic and driving on a sidewalk.

Ethan M. Sullivan, 19, of 128 N. Nicholas St., Saint Clair - theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Daniel I. Miller, 21, of 137 St. Peters Road, Tamaqua - carrying firearms without a license.

Suzanne E. Reber, 29, of 288 Wood St., Box 12, Cumbola - possession of drug paraphernalia.

Trevor J. Gibas, 19, of 108 Water St., New Philadelphia - possession of a controlled substance and disorderly conduct.

Shawn M. Cardinal, 22, of 224 N. Second St., Apt. 1A, Pottsville - simple assault and harassment.

Timothy J. Harris Jr., 19, of 404 Washington St., Pottsville - robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, possessing instruments of crime and simple assault.

Joseph Etherington, 30, of 144 Main St., Mount Carbon - criminal mischief.

Marissa J. Miller, 36, of 141 Broad St., Saint Clair - possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tammy M. Seiger, 41, of 510 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville - resisting arrest, defiant trespass and disorderly conduct.

Ronald S. Haslam Jr., 26, of 319 S. Nicholas St., Saint Clair - DUI, driving under the influence of drugs possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to obey traffic control devices.

Anthony J. Iacovitti, 41, of 2 N. Third St., Apt. 5, Pottsville - DUI, DUI-highest rate, driving without insurance and accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property.

Joshua R. Huegel, 31, of 17 Richard St., Pottsville - driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance, accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property, driving a vehicle without an inspection certificate, driving without insurance and careless driving.

Patrick T. Curran, 19, of 1813 W. Market St., Pottsville - possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gerald J. Zendrosky Jr., 32, of 412 Catherine St., Ashland - possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Stacie J. Rohrbach, 38, of 1035 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville - possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nicholas D. Leiby, 33, of 803 N. Third St., Pottsville - defiant trespass and disorderly conduct.

Daniel S. Aregood, 22, of 59 Front St., Apt. 2A, Cressona - possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nicole M. Heffner, 33, of 510 W. Norwegian St., Apt. 703, Pottsville - forgery, stalking and harassment.

Tyler J. Pridemore, 2, of 100 S. Tulpehocken St., Apt. 2, Pine Grove - DUI, DUI-high rate and careless driving.

Christopher E. Roberts, 34, of 300 Route 61 South, Country Squire Motel, Schuylkill Haven - false identification to law enforcement.

Matthew J. Laub, 22, of 301 S. Centre St., Pottsville - delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

John R. Kruss, 38, of 301 S. Centre St., Pottsville - theft by deception and bad checks.

Joshua Lee Zimmerman, 31, of 1235 Valley Road, Pottsville - criminal attempt to commit delivery of a controlled substance, theft, theft by deception and receiving stolen property.

Jason W. Miller, 33, of 78 Tucker Hill Road, New Philadelphia - theft and receiving stolen property.

DeSales

Clint A. Badger graduated summa cum laude from DeSales University, Center Valley, with a bachelor's degree with a dual major in biochemistry molecular biology and biology with a minor in neuroscience.

He achieved academic excellence in the honors program and was a member of the Delta Delta honor society.

Clint received the Biochemistry Award for Academic Excellence; Biochemistry Award for Excellence in Re-search; and American Chemical Society Award in Biochemistry Lehigh Valley Section.

While at DeSales, Clint helped coordinate the annual Relay for Life and helped to educate elementary students through the chemistry demonstration program. He served as a member of the American Chemistry Society and was president of the natural science club.

Clint worked in the university's biology lab and provided tutoring in physics and molecular biology. For three years, He was a resident adviser in his dormitory for three years, acting as a mentor and monitored compliance of policy and rules.

Clint had the honor of participating in the National Youth Leadership Medical Forum on Medicine for two years in high school, which helped motivate his career interest of medicine. He also recently had the privilege of shadowing Dr. T. Bor-an, M.D., and Dr. C. Stoudt, D.O.

Clint plans to continue his studies at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in August to pursue the doctor of osteopathic medicine degree. He is a son of Linda Badger, Pottsville, and a grandson of Hilda Badger. He graduated from Blue Mountain High School in 2009.

Citadel

Gerald Andrew Tann, son of Carmen and Rebecca DeSanti, New Philadelphia, and Jeffrey and Rosemarie

Knoll, Jacksonville, Fla., graduated May 4 from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. A member of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, he earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

The Citadel, founded in 1842, is a public, coeducational military college that offers a classic military education for men and women seeking a college experience that is meaningful, academically strong and is focused on educating and developing principled leaders for a strong military and a global workforce.

Wilkes

Trevor Bryan Strenchock graduated magna cum laude with a doctor of pharmacy degree from Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, Wilkes-Barre, on May 18.

While at Wilkes, Trevor attained dean's list status for 12 consecutive semesters. He served as a teaching assistant and participated in intramural sports.

As a requirement of the six-year curriculum, Trevor completed seven pharmaceutical rotations and was assigned to Concept Medical, Ashland, Geisinger Medical Center, Frackville, Standard Drug, McAdoo, Veterans Administration Hospital, Lebanon, Pinnacle Health, Harrisburg, Federal Correctional Institution, Allenwood, and St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem.

Trevor is a son of Marie Strenchock, Morea, and the late Pete Strenchock, and a grandson of Emil Forgotch, Mahanoy City. He is a 2007 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School.

Shippensburg

Christian M. Pascuzzo graduated May 11 from Shippensburg University with a bachelor's degree in economics and a minor in mathematics.

Christian was involved with various intramural sports as well as the 2013 College Fed Challenge held in October 2012 at Lafayette College, Easton. The challenge is a mock open market committee meeting in which teams of college students advise the Federal Reserve on interest rate policy.

He is a son of Michael and Lisa Pascuzzo, Cressona, and a 2009 graduate of Blue Mountain High School.

Juniata

Dale F. Motley, Seltzer, graduated with a bachelor's degree in environmental science from Juniata College, Huntingdon, on May 18.

He is a son of Sherri Klem-as and a 2008 graduate of Pottsville Area High School.

Bob Jones

Joshua Terwilliger, Hegins, was among more than 800 students who graduated from Bob Jones University, Greenville, S.C. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Joshua was also named to the dean's list for the spring semester.

Bucknell

Bucknell University, Lewisburg, conferred bachelor's degrees to students who completed their graduation requirements during this past spring semester.

Arielle M. Fisher, Pottsville, daughter of Neil and Pamela Fisher, Pottsville, and a 2009 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in biology.

Edward C. Guers, Pottsville, son of Edward and Debra Guers, Pottsville, and a 2009 graduate of Nativity BVM High School, graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in economics and political science. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa national honor society and Omicron Delta Epsilon international economics honor society.

Kelly R. Purcell, Barnesville, daughter of Terrance and Virginia Purcell, Barnesville, and a 2009 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School, graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in neuroscience.

Florida

Ryan Price, son of Jody and Lisa Price, Coaldale, graduated from the University of Florida with a master's degree in accounting.

He earned his bachelor's degree in accounting from Penn State University in 2011 and graduated from Marian Catholic High School in 2007. He has accepted a position as a tax consultant for Deloitte and Touche, Atlanta, Ga.

Ryan is a grandson of Victor and Mary Pituch, Nesquehoning, and the late Mary Pituch, Catherine Price, Coaldale, and the late William Price.

Widener

Kaitlin Palamar, Pottsville, graduated from Widener University's School of Nursing on May 18. She was one of 17 students who participated in a Nightingale Ceremony, a traditional pinning ceremony for graduating nursing students, reflecting the values and traditions of the profession.

Misericordia

The following local students graduated May 18 with bachelor's degrees from Misericordia University, Dallas, Luzerne County:

Jennifer L. Cory, Pottsville, sport management; Nicole Frederick, Schuylkill Haven, health science; Ashley Hale, Friedensburg, medical imaging; Dale C. Lehman, Zion Grove, health care management; Noelle C. Lesisko, New Ringgold, mathematics; Dana K. Rinaldo, Minersville, health science; Patrick J. Smith, McAdoo, history and elementary education; Olga Soley, Tamaqua, nursing; and Michelle Wolfe, Schuylkill Haven, nursing.

The following received master's degrees:

Marcia G. Pollack, Barnesville, nursing; Dana K. Rinaldo, Minersville, speech language pathology; Nicole Frederick, Schuylkill Haven, speech language pathology. Rinaldo and Frederick also received a bachelor's degrees in health science.

Penn State

Christopher Pozza graduated May 3 from Penn State University, University Park campus, with a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering, and from Penn State with a master's degree in architectural engineering May 5. Chris was in the integrated bachelor and master of architectural engineering program.

While at Penn State, Chris was a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Student Society of Architectural Engineering, Student Partnership of Achieving Construction Excellence, and National Society of Leadership and Success. He was also a member of the RenewCrew Honduras team, serving as a renewable energy service project volunteer which worked on a project in Roatan, Honduras, during spring break 2011.

Chris also participated in the Sede Di Roma Summer Abroad Program in Italy in the summer of 2011.

Chris has accepted an engineering position in the renewable energy division with Mortenson Construction, Minneapolis, Minn.

He is a graduate of Minersville Area High School.

Muhlenberg

Elizabeth Helwig, Schuylkill Haven, graduated May 19 magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in biology and public health from Muhlenberg College, Allentown.

She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randall D. Helwig and a graduate of Blue Mountain High School.

City man Marine

Marine Corps Pfc. Richard V. Hutton Jr., a 2008 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, earned the title of U.S. Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.

For 13 weeks, Hutton stayed committed during some of the world's most demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine instilled with pride, discipline and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Training subjects included close-order drill, marksmanship with an M-16A4 rifle, physical fitness, martial arts, swimming, military history, customs and courtesies.

One week prior to graduation, Hutton endured The Crucible, a 54-hour final test of recruits' minds and bodies. Upon completion, recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and called Marines for the first time.

Mahanoy Area

Anne E. Stramara, who just completed her sophomore at Mahanoy Area High School, joined 250 leaders at the Central Pennsylvania Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership seminar held May 16-19 at Shippensburg University.

Students at HOBY interact with distinguished leaders in business, government and education to discuss present and future issues in a learning environment.

Anne is a daughter of James and Melissa Hayes, Barnesville, and Brent and Katie Stramara, Deer Lake.

Constables

Six local Pennsylvania State Constables were recently re-certified by the Pennsylvania Commission of Crime and Delinquency to continue performing their official duties.

Jack Sarge, West Penn Township, John Bondura, New Philadelphia, Charles Rodgers, Tamaqua, Patrick Reynolds, Reilly Township, Charles Weber, Saint Clair, and Kawika Daguio, Shenandoah, were among a class of 18 re-certified constables.

A total of 40 hours of training was successfully completed in order to continue serving the magisterial district courts.

Pageant finalist

Tre'la Eaddy, 15, was chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Pennsylvania Pageant to be held Aug. 11-12 at the Hilton Harrisburg. The pageants are held for girls ages 4-18, and have five age divisions.

Tre'la will participate in the Junior Teen Pageant age division.

She is a daughter of Tanya M. Eaddy, Minersville.

With the recent tragedy caused by a house fire still fresh in the city's mind, Pottsville firefighters installed free smoke detectors in the homes of those who requested one.

Assistant Chief Mike Messner, member of West End Hose Company No. 7, Pottsville, said a smoke detector should be installed on every floor and in each bedroom.

"We want to make sure everybody gets one," he said.

Celedonia Hunt, 40, who received a smoke detector Saturday, said all families should have at least one in their homes.

"They need to get one. If they don't care about themselves, (they should get one) for the safety of the children. They need to be aware and keep their family safe. You never know what's going to happen," said Hunt, who lives on Norwegian Street.

Hunt had smoke detectors in different locations at the house. However, Messner installed one at her request to replace one that was old. Two of her three children attend John S. Clark Elementary Center where smoke detectors were given to the school Wednesday.

Kidde Fire Safety, a North Carolina firm, donated 300 detectors to the school.

The batteries in the detectors have a 10-year life span and are available by calling city hall at 570-622-1234 or the local fire department in the city.

A survey was sent home with the students asking if they wanted a smoke detector. Principal Jared Gerace said previously that 80 had wanted smoke detectors and some wanted them installed.

Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Messner, his son, Capt. Jack Messner, and Chief Engineer Dan Kelly, all members of West End Hose Company No. 7, Station 50, Pottsville, installed the detectors.

There were 27 names on a list for the detectors. In all, 14 smoke detectors were installed in Pottsville, the assistant chief said.

Three students from Palo Alto and Port Carbon are on the list. Assistant Fire Chief Jared Diehl, Palo Alto, volunteered to install detectors in those boroughs, Assistant Chief Messner said. Attempts will be made to again contact the people who did not have smoke detectors installed who wanted one.

Of the 14 residences where smoke detectors were installed, seven were not working, the assistant chief said. They were replaced.

Angelia Moyer, 28, and her husband, Jason Moyer, 32, of 440 E. Norwegian St., also received a detector.

Keeping her children safe, Jayden 3, and Jasmine, 7, is important, Angelina Moyer said.

"I don't like fires at all. I don't even leave my stove when I'm cooking," Moyer said.

Joy Brown, 8, one of four children who died in the Mother's Day house fire at 235 Pierce St. in the city attended John S. Clarke.

Joy, Jeremiah Brown, 7, Elijah Brown, 2, Emily Brown, 3, their father, Eric Brown, 31, and aunt, Kristina Thomas, 23, all died in the May 12 fire.

Firefighters and police did what they could but could not save them. Kelly Brown, wife of Eric and sister of Kristina, was at a neighbor's home doing laundry at the time of the fire and tried but could do nothing to save her family.

The Pierce Street home did not have smoke detectors.

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The public is invited to a free public safety night at the Martz Hall lower rear parking lot.

The event is June 17 from 6 to 8 p.m, rain date is June 18. Food and refreshments are provided.

A fire safety trailer will be there along with apparatus from the Pottsville Fire Department, a Lehigh Valley MedEvac helicopter, Pottsville Area EMS, the city police department, Sparky the robotic dog and the Schuylkill County Sheriff with Ident-A-Kid kits.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - About 112 paddlers hit the water Saturday for the 15th annual Schuylkill Sojourn, a seven-day, 112 mile trip on the Schuylkill River.

Kurt D. Zwikl, Schuylkill River Heritage Area executive director, said that after leaving Island Park in Schuylkill Haven, the sojourn, accompanied by experienced guides, stops for lunch and the paddlers spend their nights at predetermined campsites along the way, including Port Clinton, Muhlenburg Township, Gibraltar, Pottstown, Mont Clare Lock 60, West Conshohocken and Philadelphia.

The Schuylkill Sojourn is funded through a grant the SRHA received from the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, as well as the cooperation of the surrounded area businesses.

The sojourn was started in 1999.

"We organized this event all these years to bring attention to the value of the river from a recreational standpoint and also many people throughout the region get drinking water from the river," Zwikl said.

While there were only 112 people participating Saturday on launch day, Zwikl said there will be 225 total for the whole trip.

The first two days and the last day of the voyage on Friday, ending at Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, have the most participants since people are able to be off work.

This year, paddlers are from Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia.

Zwikl said every year, there is a different theme of the sojourn and this year's theme is the Civil War for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

"We have different speakers that are historians," Zwikl said. "On Monday, we have Bob Kirby, superintendent of Gettysburg Historic National Park, speaking at lunch."

Among those participating Saturday was Jim Showalter, Shillington, and Sue Goddard, Lewisburg.

Showalter has participated every year and always paddles his kayak the entire trip to Philadelphia.

"For me, it's basically a reunion," Showalter said. "Probably more than half the people come back every year. It's people from all over. It's just a big reunion and a good time. You get on the river and you forget about everything."

He said that it's not easy and does have its low points, but "everybody helps each other out."

His daughter, a senior at Kutztown University, will be joining him on Monday and it's something he's done with her since she was 11 years old.

Goddard said that she's been going on sojourns for 18 years and it's a great way to raise children.

"They make friends and you're outside doing stuff with them," Goddard said. "There's lots of people to take care of them and look after them. Everyone makes this trip possible."

While many of the people participating were from outside the county and even outside the state, Allen Buehner and his granddaughter, Page Jones, both of Cressona, could also be seen paddling down the Schuylkill River in their kayaks.

Buehner has been participating since about 2003 and this was the third year his granddaughter participated.

Jones will only be paddling the first two and last two days.

"I enjoy paddling," Buehner said. "This is great to see novice and expert people paddling together. It's good to meet people. The sport of paddling is great."

This year, SHRA received donations from local businesses and individuals for the trip totaling more than $20,000, which is a record.

Gwynedd-Mercy

Alexis Bohr, Pottsville, and Chelsea Jones, Tamaqua, were named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley.

Lebanon Valley

Cody Kelly, a double major in music education and music performance with a Spanish minor, made the dean's list for the spring semester at Lebanon Valley College, Annville, with a 3.85 GPA.

He is a son of Kelly and Shawn Kelly, Minersville, and a 2012 graduate of Minersville Area High School.

Thaddeus Stevens

Mark Stock, Pottsville, and Connor Whitman, Minersville, both sophomores at Thaddeus Stevens College, Lancaster, were named to the dean's list for the spring semester.

Penn State

Dara Deibert, a psychology major at Penn State Schuylkill, was named to the winter and spring term dean's lists. She also received the President's Freshman Award that is presented annually to undergraduate degree candidates and provisional students who have earned a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average.

She is a daughter of Dave and Debbie Deibert, Auburn.

Duquesne

Christina Semanchik, Frackville, was named to the dean's list at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, for the spring semester. She is a psychology major in the university's honors college.

She is a daughter of Mark and Patty Semanchik and a granddaughter of Julie Semanchik, Frackville, and Alesandro and Clare Alfonsi, Pottsville.

Elizabethtown

The following local residents made the dean's list for the spring semester at Elizabethtown College:

Vanessa Andrew, Auburn, a fine arts major; Kimberly Barone, Mar Lin, an early childhood education major; Hannah Blecker, Auburn, a business administration-finance major; Nicole Brackman, Pottsville, a health and occupation major; Anthony Iacobacci, Pottsville, an information systems major; Marcella Jones, Barnesville, a psychology major; Holly Kirby, Orwigsburg, an early childhood education major; Erika Klitsch, Ashland, a biology major; Kieran McCormick, Saint Clair, an accounting major; Bret Stencovage, Schuylkill Haven, an international business major; Karissa Wade, New Philadelphia, an allied health major; Samantha Weiss, Pottsville, a communications major; Kimberly Welker, Spring Glen, a health and occupation major.

Shippensburg

Samantha Kemmerling, a junior majoring in mid-level education with concentrations in science and language arts at Shippensburg University, was named to the dean's list for the spring semester.

She is a daughter of Mike and Kori Kemmerling, Pine Grove, and a 2010 Pine Grove Area High School graduate.