Deeds

Barry Township - Daniel L. Shuey, Paul M. Shuey and Philip I. Shuey, individually and as executors of the Last Will & Testament of Edith M. Shuey, Bonnie M. Shuey and Beth A. Shuey to Daniel L. Shuey, Paul M. Shuey and Philip I. Shuey; 740 Hill Road; $1.

Leonard L. Blyler to Sandra G. Hunter; 186 Beury's Road; $1.

East Union Township - Vincent P. Zichichi and Patricia A. Zichichi, trustees under the Vincent P. Zichichi and Patricia A. Zichichi Living Trust, to Bruce F. and Ida M. Smith; 1273 Valley of Lakes, Eagle Rock; $275,000.

Girardville - Edwin L. Cope to John W. Bryson III and Catherine Pankov; 201 B St.; $200.

Kline Township - Peter J. Baddick Jr. to Andrew L. Nahay Jr.; 16 Bruno Ave., Haddock; $55,000.

McAdoo - Michael A. and Billi Jo Smith to Billi Jo Smith; 509 S. Kennedy Drive; $1.

North Union Township - Frederick I. and Cathy M. Huntowski to Jennifer M. Seek and Jamie T. Rupert; 365 Millers Road, Zion Grove; $185,000.

Palo Alto - Louis Traini, executor of the Estate of Anthony N. Deramo, to Karen Baskin; 18 E. Savory St.; $39,000.

Pottsville - Charles W. Bensinger, by attorneys in fact Susan A. Tarantino and Mark A. Bensinger, and Mabel A. Bensinger to Mabel A. Bensinger; 517 E. Arch St.; $1.

Beatrice Walsh to Maureen Walsh and Robert Walsh; property on West Market Street; $1.

McADOO - Since the smoke settled, an entire community and even people outside of the area began pulling together to help and support the victims of McAdoo's tragic Saturday night fire.

Fundraisers have been planned and donations to financially assist the family residing at 25 S. Kennedy Drive are set in place while others are being organized after the fire claimed the life of the youngest victim, Madison Arner, 6. Lorraine Searfoss, 45, Madison's mother, Jerry Fisher Jr., 45, Dylan Danko, 21, and Savannah Searfoss, 16, are also victims of the fire.

Rob Vanemon, who co-owns Our Town Radio with Fisher, said two fundraisers have been planned for July.

The first will be from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 6 at Keystone Fire Company, West Grant and North Hancock streets, McAdoo, Vanemon said. The event will feature bands, food and entertainment including kids activities and fire safety and prevention information. Organizers are still seeking food vendors for the event. Those interested can call Vanemon at 570-861-2556 or Dawn at 570-579-4919.

A second will be at the Mineshaft Café, 1120 Centre St., Ashland, starting at 8 p.m. July 12, which will feature a slate of bands.

Vanemon said he and Fisher were playing with a band at the Mineshaft the night of the fire. He said during a break, someone activated the scanner application on their phone and learned a serious fire was found in McAdoo. He said Fisher tried getting in touch with his family but no one answered their phones. Growing worried, Vanemon told Fisher to leave and go check on his family as he handed him the keys to his van.

The music community, he said, and contacts both men made through their radio station began pulling together and organized the second fundraiser.

Many others have stepped forward to help the family, too, Vanemon said. He said donations - too many to name at one time - have been pouring in.

McAdoo Fire Company has established a monetary-only donation account for the victims. Donations can be sent to McAdoo Fire Company Inc., attention fire victims, P.O. Box 116, McAdoo, PA 18237.

A local business, Chubby Bubby Cupcakes, 119 W. Blaine St., is selling cupcakes in honor of and exclusively designed for Madison, said Rebecca Duncan, who co-owns the business with her husband, Bob Gerhard.

The cupcakes sell for $1 and all proceeds will be donated to the Arner family, she said. They can be purchased now until Sunday from 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and the money will be brought to the McAdoo Fire Company to put in the victim's fund.

Duncan said she and her husband have seven children between them both and one grandchild, and for that reason the tragedy "hits close to home." She said not only has the family lost everything but they also lost a child, something Duncan can not imagine going through.

Duncan said the actions by the community pulling together have made her proud to live in the area.

"The community pulls together in times of crisis and is willing to help others out," she said.

The Strand, Duncan said, is also planning a fundraiser for a future date.

Vanemon said the great part of the community action is the amount of people pitching in. Even those outside of the area have offered support, the furthest coming from a Williamsport band called Audiobox, which donated merchandise to auction off at one of the fundraisers.

Businesses neighboring the fire damaged home, he said, such as Bearly Used have been organizing donations for the event along with Wes's Health Foods.

He said donations, including tricky trays for the fundraisers, can be dropped off at 729 E. Broad St., Hazleton, or by calling Vanemon at 570-861-2556.

Donations of basic household items and toiletries are being collected at the Hazleton YMCA.

An Ohio woman returned June 14 to Schuylkill County Prison after a judge revoked her parole.

Erica L. Neff, 31, of Northeast Warren, Ohio, must stay behind bars for at least four months and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, President Judge William E. Baldwin ruled.

Neff originally pleaded guilty Sept. 21, 2011, to conspiracy, forgery, theft by deception and receiving stolen property. At that time, Baldwin sentenced her to spend 12 months on probation, pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $490.20 restitution, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Tamaqua police charged Neff with committing those crimes March 19, 2010.

Baldwin revoked that probation March 23, 2012, and sentenced Neff to serve three to 23 months in prison.

Also June 14, Baldwin revoked the parole of Ryan Gallo, 36, of Mahanoy City, and returned him to prison.

Baldwin ruled Gallo could not seek parole until Sept. 14 except to an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

Gallo pleaded guilty Nov. 20, 2007, to possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of simple assault and harassment. At that time, Baldwin placed him on probation for 12 months and also sentenced him to pay costs and $200 in payments to the Substance Abuse Education Fund.

Tamaqua police charged Gallo with committing his crimes Jan. 15, 2007.

However, Baldwin revoked Gallo's probation Jan. 12, 2009, and sentenced him to serve three to 12 months in prison, plus an additional 12 months probation.

In other county court action, two women will not have to spend more time in prison after each was sentenced June 20.

Hope A. McManus, 25, of Shenandoah, must serve 29 days to 12 months in prison, but was granted immediate parole by Judge James P. Goodman because she already had served the minimum sentence.

Goodman also sentenced McManus, who had pleaded guilty April 24, to pay costs, $18.68 restitution and a $50 bench warrant fee, and perform 20 hours community service.

Saint Clair police had charged McManus with committing the theft April 4, 2012, at Wal-Mart.

In the other case, Dianne L. Ontiveros, 59, of Tamaqua, was sentenced to serve 213 days to 23 months in prison by Goodman, who also granted her immediate parole due to her having served the minimum prison term. Goodman also sentenced Ontiveros to pay costs and perform 40 hours community service.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had charged Ontiveros with committing her theft Nov. 20, 2012.

Also June 20, Goodman sentenced Peter G. Donnelly, 22, of Pottsville, to serve three to 23 months on house arrest with electronic monitoring for selling drugs.

Donnelly also must pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $60 restitution to Pottsville police, perform 20 hours community service and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities under the terms of Goodman's sentence. Goodman made the sentence effective Thursday.

Donnelly pleaded guilty April 24 to delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility. Pottsville police had charged him with committing those crimes Nov. 17, 2011.

In another Thursday case, Pamela D. Keyes, 44, of Allentown, pleaded guilty to improperly furnishing drug-free urine.

Goodman accepted Keyes' plea and sentenced her to spend 12 months on probation and pay costs and a $164.64 bench warrant fee. Goodman made Keyes' sentence consecutive to the one she already is serving in a Lehigh County case.

Pottsville police had charged keyes with improperly furnishing the urine Aug. 8, 2012.

Also in the county court, Judge Charles M. Miller on June 19 accepted guilty pleas from and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people.

Michelle M. Miller, 41, of Shenandoah; retail theft; six to 23 months in prison and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of receiving stolen property.

William L. Quigley Jr., 22, of Pottsville; 30 days to 12 months in prison, 24 months consecutive probation, $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and 25 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew an additional count of defiant trespass and one of receiving stolen property.

Michael L. Reed, 34, of Tamaqua; false reports to law enforcement; six to 12 months in prison concurrent with his current sentence.

Alicia M. Rivera, 27, of Freemansburg; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of contraband/controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; sentencing deferred.

Ramon M. Ruiz, 20, address not known; two counts of simple assault and one each of recklessly endangering another person and harassment; time served to 23 months in prison with immediate parole, $50 fine and $50 CJEA payment.

Joseph M. Shappell, 50, of Pottsville; disorderly conduct; $150 fine. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of simple assault.

Zachery D. Shaw, 22, of Auburn; delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance; six to 23 months in prison, 12 months consecutive probation, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment, $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, 20 hours community service and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew an additional count of possession of a controlled substance and one of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Edward J. Simon Jr., 46, of Mahanoy City; three counts of harassment and one each of terroristic threats, retail theft and simple assault; six to 23 months in prison, $100 in fines, $100 in CJEA payments and 50 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew two additional counts of terroristic threats, one additional count of harassment and one count each of receiving stolen property, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Robert J. Welsh, 49, of Port Carbon; public drunkenness; $100 fine. Prosecutors withdrew charges of theft from a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property.

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

Mark A. Leib, 19, of Schuylkill Haven; receiving stolen property and driving under suspension; 30 days to 23 months in prison, 12 months consecutive probation, $200 fine, $50 CJEA payment, $4,204.58 restitution and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Brett A. Long, 26, of Mahanoy City; two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia; one to three months in prison with immediate parole, nine months consecutive probation, $100 SAEF payment, and $50 CJEA payment.

In other county court action, a McAdoo woman headed to prison Monday after being sentenced for possessing salable quantities of drugs last June in her hometown.

Tracy Shide, 58, did not react as Baldwin ordered her to spend three to 23 months in prison.

Baldwin also sentenced Shide to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Shide pleaded guilty May 22 to two counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, with prosecutors withdrawing two counts each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

McAdoo police had charged Shide with possessing drugs June 11, 2012.

Also in the county court, Miller accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people Monday.

John H. Armstrong, 31, of Pottsville; possession of a controlled substance; three to 12 months in prison, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, with sentence effective at 4 p.m. July 26.

Amanda K. Borowski, 21, of Port Carbon; no contest plea to delivery of a controlled substance, conspiracy, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance; three to 23 months in prison, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment, $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, 25 hours community service and submission a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities, with sentence effective at 10 a.m. July 5. Minersville police had charged Borowski with selling $100 worth of methamphetamine July 30, 2012.

Alfredo Carabello, 56, of Shenandoah; disorderly conduct; $100 fine. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of theft of lost property.

Stephanie D. Chamberlin, 39, of Pottsville; driving under the influence, driving under suspension and disregarding traffic lane; 72 hours to six months in prison, $1,225 in fines, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment, $460 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 20 hours community service, with sentence effective at 9 a.m. Thursday.

Shawn Clemens, 36, of Coaldale; simple assault; 18 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and $6,665.30 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew charges of aggravated assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Also in the county court, a Pottsville man must pay costs and a fine after a judge decided Wednesday that he had violated a protection from abuse order.

Matthew J. Nickerson, 28, is guilty of indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom, for violating the order, Senior Judge D. Michael Stine ruled.

Stine sentenced Nickerson to pay costs and a $300 fine.

Pottsville police had charged Nickerson with violating the order June 6. Goodman had entered the order Aug. 15, 2012.

In another Wednesday case, Randy J. Ratliff, 41, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to retail theft, with prosecutors dropping a charge of receiving stolen property.

Judge John E. Domalakes accepted the plea and sentenced Ratliff to serve five to 24 months in a state correctional institution concurrent with his current sentence.

Pottsville police had charged Ratliff with committing the theft Sept. 19, 2012.

Also in the county court, a McAdoo man is headed to state prison after entering a guilty plea Monday to crimes committed on consecutive days.

Michael J. Brodie, 27, pleaded guilty to two counts of terroristic threats and one of aggravated harassment by prisoner. Prosecutors withdrew one count each of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and harassment.

Goodman accepted the plea and sentenced Brodie to served 15 to 30 months in a state correctional institution, pay costs and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

McAdoo police charged Brodie with making the threats Nov. 30, 2012, while Pottsville police charged him with committing the harassment on Dec. 1, 2012, in the city.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - After 27 years at Penn State Schuylkill, Jerry D. Bowman will be spending his last day on the campus today as an employee.

Bowman, 61, of Schuylkill Haven, manager of human resources and coordinator of public information, said Wednesday that he's officially retiring Sunday after holding numerous positions at the campus over the years.

"I will miss it," he said. "You certainly miss some places you've been 27 years and you're identified with so closely. It will be a big change for me. I'll still stay involved with my borough activities and other things like that."

Bowman said that being "very much identified" with Penn State, he plans to still be involved to some extent but it'll be different being retired as to being an active employee.

He is also just about to finish his first four years on the Schuylkill Haven Borough Council.

He was appointed to the board in 2010 and then ran for a spot in 2012, where he was elected and is serving until 2014.

His seat is open this year and he will be on the ballot this fall.

Although Bowman is so closely associated with the local university, only his two children attended Penn State.

Bowman said he's from the Midwest and attended college in Indiana.

He graduated with a baccalaureate degree in history in 1972 from Indiana State University and following graduation, worked as a social worker for two years in southeastern Indiana, then worked at Vincennes University in southern Indiana.

During his nine years at Vincennes, he held positions in administration, worked as an international student adviser and residence hall director.

While an international student adviser, Bowman married his wife, Fafar, whom he lives with in Schuylkill Haven, then went on a big trip to Europe and when he came back, became a residence hall director for seven years.

At that time, he also finished his master's degree in college personnel work, which prepares one for work in college administration, at Indiana State University and graduated in 1985.

"I interviewed at two places in the Penn State system, one at Beaver campus and one at this campus," he said. "I ended up getting the job here."

His first day as a Penn State employee was March 3, 1986, working in student affairs.

Bowman eventually moved to enrollment services and most recently was the manager of human resources and coordinator of public information.

He also first worked in the classroom building, then moved to the student community center, the administration building and now the Kiefer-Jones Building.

After Sunday, Mary Sacavage, director of continuing education at Penn State Schuylkill, will be taking over Bowman's public information duties.

The human resources duties are planned to be regionalized between Penn State Schuylkill and the campuses in Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre, although the details are unclear at this time.

"I think as far as my experience here, what really made the campus move forward has been the addition of the housing provided by the advisory board," Bowman said. "That was a very big thing."

He said that when he first came to the campus, there was only the residence hall across the road, now Miller Bros. Construction Inc., that housed 80 students.

With the addition of the residence halls on campus, Penn State Schuylkill now houses about 330 students each year.

The other thing he will remember from his work over the years at the campus is the "advent of four-year baccalaureate degrees."

Prior to that, there were only degrees where students could start their first two years at the Schuylkill campus and transfer to another campus to finish or could obtain an associate degree.

"With the advent of the four-year programs, that really changed the complexion of the campus," he said. "I'll miss all the people here, the students and just the regular routine of how it's been all this time. It's been a nice place to work."

Bowman is also involved with the Greater Schuylkill Haven Area Business Association on the forestry committee for the county and the Penn State Cooperative Extension Board.

MAR LIN - The teachers at Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 are considering whether to have the Pennsylvania State Education Association continue to represent them, Diane M. Niederriter, IU 29 executive director, said Thursday.

Until the matter is resolved, Niederriter said contract negotiations with the school district have been postponed.

"Since the issue of representation was raised by the IU Education Association, the IU 29 does not know who is representing the Education Association and therefore, we do not know whom to negotiate with," Niederriter said.

The IU 29 board of directors may discuss the matter at their next board meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. July 8 at the Maple Avenue Campus.

After a two-hour negotiation session there June 6, the teachers and school board representatives decided to meet again at 1 p.m. Monday.

On Thursday, Niederriter said that session has been postponed.

William D. Gross, director of the Bureau of Mediation at the state Department of Labor & Industry, Harrisburg, canceled all bargaining sessions until the matter is resolved, Niederriter said.

PSEA has been representing the union since the mid-1970s, Lauri Lebo, a spokeswoman for Pennsylvania State Education Association, Allentown, said Thursday.

The Schuylkill IU 29 Exceptional Children's Program Education Association may switch to Teamsters Local 429 in Wyomissing, Berks County, Niederriter said.

On June 6, Mark Featherman, an attorney from Philadelphia who represents Teamsters Local 429, filed a "petition" with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, Harrisburg, stating Teamsters Local 429 is interested in representing the IU 29 teachers.

The PLRB will have to set a date for the teachers association to vote on whether or not to keep PLRB or switch to Teamsters Local 429, Lebo said.

"I believe the vote will be held sometime in September," Featherman said Thursday.

A hearing on the matter before the PLRB scheduled for Tuesday in Harrisburg has been continued, but a new hearing date has not yet been scheduled, Featherman said.

Mary Wasilewski, who was appointed president of the IU 29 teachers association May 1, could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Niederriter was informed of the situation by Charles N. Sweet, an attorney from Doylestown, Bucks County, who is representing the IU 29 in the contract talks.

Sweet could not be reached for comment Thursday. His secretary said he was out of the office this week.

The IU's 87 teachers have been working without a contract since June 30, 2012, when their three-year contract expired.

On April 8, the school board decided to suspend and furlough 41 staff members.

Niederriter said Thursday that IU 29 still employed 87 full-time teachers.

However, Wasilewski wasn't sure of the exact number when interviewed June 6.

The bright lights and thunderous booms of fireworks will fill the night sky across the United States on the Fourth of July. In Schuylkill County, residents will have plenty of opportunities to watch this traditional celebration of our nation's independence, starting tonight.

In Pottsville, the annual fireworks display will be held at 9:30 p.m. today at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 16th Street and Elk Avenue. Gates open at 7 p.m. and freewill donations will be accepted. Opening ceremonies begin at 7:45 p.m., followed by skydivers at 8 p.m. and a performance by the Third Brigade Band at 8:15 p.m. Rain date is set for Saturday.

The second annual Frackville Area fireworks display will blast off Sunday. The celebration begins at 5 p.m. at the Frackville Little League/Softball Complex, West High Street.

Local community groups will provide food and games at the complex leading up to the night's main event. Streets around the field will be shut down at 7 p.m. in preparation for the fireworks at dusk.

John Blickley, co-chairman of the Frackville Area Fireworks Committee, said a decent-sized crowd attended the inaugural event last year, prompting its return.

"We are pleased with the community support," Blickley said, adding that donations are growing this year. He said they are gathering support from borough residents, businesses and other community organizations. Being a new event, the increase in financial aid will help sustain a fireworks show in Frackville for future years.

"What we are trying to do is raise enough money to continue into the next year," Blickley said.

One of the county's biggest fireworks displays in Ashland will usher in the holiday on Wednesday. Hosted by the American Hose Company, the annual Thunder over Ashland show will be held at Memorial Field. A rain date is scheduled for July 6.

The summer celebrations will continue July 13 with Family Fun Night on The Island in Schuylkill Haven. The family-oriented event will begin at 4 p.m. with fireworks set to launch at 9:30 p.m. Hess Catering will provide a variety of food selections, while visitors will be able to test their luck at games such as dime pitch, ring toss and bingo. Entertainment will be provided by Shotgun and local singer Brenda Frankenstein. Other activities will include a bounce house, obstacle course and horse and buggy rides for a fee.

Bill Kline, Recreation Commission director and event committee chairman, said Family Fun Night started nine years ago and continues to grow.

"Every year we get bigger. By the time the fireworks start there is no place to park," Kline said.

An addition to this year's event will be a free professional wrestling show by New Era Wrestling Federation. The organization donated $1,000 to the fireworks display from their winter show and, according to Kline, plan to do the same with an upcoming show in December.

The dunk tank will return this year and feature Schuylkill Haven Area High School football head coach Mike Farr and Mayor Mike Devlin.

Kline said the idea is to keep a family atmosphere. No smoking or alcohol is permitted.

"It is a good place to bring the kids out," Kline said.

Other holiday events include the Port Carbon baby parade and fireworks on Thursday. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. at the Alpha Mills lot, Coal Street and Weigand Boulevard. The fireworks display will begin at dark from Monument Hill.

On July 13, Saint Clair will host a cruise night and fireworks display at Saint Clair Industrial Park. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be a $10 registration fee and dash plaques will be presented to the first 200 cars. All types of vehicles are permitted and trophies will be awarded to the Top 40.

The fireworks, sponsored by the Saint Clair Historical Society, will follow the cruise at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The event is held to benefit Schuylkill Saints Teener Baseball and Schuylkill Valley Legion Sport.

For those county residents looking for a different holiday experience, Sweet Arrow Lake County Park will host its annual concert and old-fashioned family picnic on Thursday.

Scheduled for 2 to 7:30 p.m., the event will feature a patriotic concert by the Pine Grove Community Band at 6 p.m. Other activities include an Indian archeological dig, bounce house, Splash the Clown and a program starring live animals by Red Creek Wildlife Center. Canoe rentals will be available until 6 p.m., and fishing is open to everyone, license or not, according to the state Fish and Boat Commission.

Car crashes into

Pine Grove home

PINE GROVE - A man suffered a minor ankle injury and was taken to the hospital Wednesday night after a vehicle crashed into a home, according to a supervisor at Schuylkill County Communications Center, Pottsville.

"I believe it was just the front porch," borough police Cpl. Christopher Cruz, the investigating officer, said Thursday.

The incident occurred at 9:16 p.m. Wednesday when James Seigfried, 22, of Pine Grove, was driving a purple Saturn sedan north on Spruce Street. He lost control and struck the property at 45 E. Pottsville St., Cruz said.

The property, which is half of a duplex, is owned by George R. and Janet R. Ditzler, according to the online Schuykill Parcel Locator.

Responders included Pine Grove firefighters and ambulance and Tremont paramedics, according to the communications supervisor.

Cruz said he will not release the name of the injured man until his investigation was complete.

Haven man faces

charges in crash

HAMBURG - A 22-year-old Schuylkill Haven man is facing charges of DUI and other offenses after a crash investigated by state police at Hamburg at 10 p.m. Wednesday at 16431 Pottsville Pike in Windsor Township, Berks County.

Police said Pedro Alberto Rodriguez was driving a vehicle south on Route 61 when he left his lane of travel, crossed over the center double line and entered the northbound lanes of the highway.

After crossing both northbound lanes, police said, Rodriguez drove off the road and up an embankment where his vehicle struck a PennDOT sign and its lights and a cement block before continuing through a driveway and into a small tree.

Police said the vehicle then re-entered the northbound lanes of Route 61 and then the southbound lanes where it came to a stop in the front yard of 16431 Pottsville Pike.

Police said Rodriguez was placed under arrest for DUI and his vehicle was disabled and had to be towed from the scene.

Assisting were Hamburg police and Hamburg EMS, police said.

Cressona man

charged in theft

City police Wednesday arrested a Cressona man on a charge of receiving stolen property, a 2006 Jeep Wrangler, police said Thursday.

Luke Edward Miller, 19, was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to county prison in lieu of $25,000 bail, police said.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Jeep's owner, Thomas Strouse, Schuylkill Haven, reported the vehicle was stolen to state police at Schuylkill Haven. At 2:23 p.m. Wednesday, city police were dispatched to the area of Fourth and Division streets to investigate a lead in the case.

Miller was in possession of the keys and had been driving the Jeep. He claimed he bought the vehicle from a man named "Andrew" at the Cressona playground for $500, police said.

n Auburn: The Auburn Fire & Ambulance group is seeking financial help from people and businesses in its service area. In a release, Judy A. Epting, president of the Auburn Ambulance and treasurer of the Auburn Fire Company, said donations "are a big part of keeping our fire and ambulance in operation during the year." The coverage area includes Auburn borough and parts of South Manheim and West Brunswick townships. The response to the group's 2013 find drive has been slow, she Epting said. "To avoid a second request for donations, please send your donation before June 29," she said in the release. Anyone who did not receive a packet should call Epting at 570-754-3014. Donations are tax deductible.

n Middleport: The Citizens Fire Company will stage bingo games to benefit the truck fund July 11 at the firehouse. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and the early bird will begin at 6:30 p.m. following by regular games until 9:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

n New Ringgold: Zion's Stone Church will hold an old-fashioned church social from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at West Penn Park, Route 309 and Zion's Stone Church Road. The event will include music, food, games, a basket extravaganza and other activities. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 570-386-5111.

n Pottsville: Schuylkill County Treasurer Jacqueline V. McGovern has issued a notice for all county dog owners that 2013 dog licenses are past due. State law, she said in a release, requires that all dogs three months or older be licensed by Jan. 1. Failure to license a dog is a summary offense and a maximum fine of $500 for each unlicensed dog may be issued. An annual license is $8.45 and a lifetime license is $51.45. If the dog is spayed or neutered, the annual fee is $6.45 while a lifetime license is $31.45. Discounts are available for senior citizens and people with disabilities. State dog wardens began canvassing the region in March and will continue throughout the summer, McGovern said. Licenses are available at the Schuylkill County Treasurer's Office or via a local dog agent. People may also go online at www.padoglicense.com to buy a license. A list of 2013 dog agents and a downloadable application is available online at www.co.schuylkill.pa.us/Offices/Treasurer/Treasurer.asp. Obtaining a license, McGovern said, also is a "good way to ensure the safety of our pets. If a dog is lost or stolen, a license can safely reunite them with the owner."

n Shenandoah: More than 150 members and guests of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motorized Fire Apparatus of America will visit the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society Museum at 105 S. Jardin St. on Aug. 1. The visit will begin at noon. According to Mike Kitsock, SHFS president, the visitors will be from throughout the United States and Canada who will attend the SPAAMFAA convention in the Philadelphia area. For the visit, SHFS will have displays of its antique fire apparatus collection in and around the museum and will feature exhibits and demonstrations. A team of Percheron fire horses will also be hitched to several of the horse-drawn apparatus during the event, which is open to the public. Refreshments will be available.

n Shenandoah: Trinity Academy at the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center, 233 W. Cherry St., still has openings for various July Summer Camp offerings that are open to the public. Camps include Book Nook, starting July 2; That's Greek to Me, starting July 9; Sewing with Sister Saray, starting July 23 and Board Games Fun, starting July 23. For more information, call the school at 570-462-3927 or visit the Trinity home page at www.trinitymatters.com.

n Summit Hill: St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church sponsors breakfasts from 8 a.m. to noon on the third Sunday of the month at the church, 462 Ludlow St. The cost is $7 per person and the all-you-can-eat buffet menu includes eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, ham, pancakes, an omelette station, Belgian waffles, toast, breakfast sandwiches, cake, coffee, juice and tea. Everyone is welcome.

by peter e. bortner

Keith A. Reber kidnapped Bryan R. Smith, conspired to do so, endangered him by tying him to a tree, helped cause his death and tampered with evidence of his crimes - but he did not murder him - a Schuylkill County jury decided Thursday.

In a mixed verdict that did not entirely satisfy either side, the jury of eight women and four men deliberated about five hours before finding Reber guilty of kidnapping, conspiracy, involuntary manslaughter, recklessly endangering another person and tampering with evidence, but not guilty of first-, second- and third-degree murder, aggravated assault, unlawful restraint and two counts of simple assault.

Judge Charles M. Miller, who presided over the four-day trial, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and scheduled Reber's sentencing for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 1. He kept Reber, who faces a potential maximum sentence of 24 1/2 to 49 years in a state correctional institution, in prison without bail pending sentencing.

Reber did not react to the verdict and said nothing as he was being taken back to prison. Both Reber's friends and relatives and those of Smith, who sat on opposite sides of the courtroom, also did not react to the verdict and left the courthouse without comment.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged that because he suspected Smith of stealing from his girlfriend, Lisa Keller, Reber led him to the woods behind 294 Meadow Drive in South Manheim Township, the defendant's home, about 3 a.m. May 28, 2012, brandished a gun, used military-style flex-ties to bind him to a tree and left him there.

Smith, 26, of Orwigsburg, died about 10 p.m. after spending the day tied to the tree, prosecutors said.

Robert J. Kirwan II, Reading, Reber's lawyer, said in his closing argument that the jury should find his client guilty of only recklessly endangering another person, claiming Smith consented to being to the tree and died from taking large amounts of methamphetamine.

"Drugs played the direct role in his death," Kirwan said of Smith.

Kirwan said his client was stupid to tie Smith to a tree, but he had no intention of killing the victim and stupidity does not equal criminality.

"The whole situation wasn't very smart to begin with," Kirwan said. "There is no kidnapping."

Kirwan criticized the prosecution's use of 10 photographs of Smith's body, saying they were unnecessary.

"The photographs have shock value. That's not right," he said. "Look beyond the horror that you saw."

On the other hand, Assistant District Attorney Michael A. O'Pake said in his closing argument that Reber's actions directly contradict the claim that Smith consented to be tied to the tree.

"If Bryan Smith agreed to be tied to the tree, then why did Keith Reber need the gun? He wouldn't, unless he needed it to force Bryan Smith to be tied to the tree." O'Pake said. "His actions speak louder than his words."

Furthermore, Reber took Smith to a remote tree so any screams would not be heard and made up a story so Keller would not search for Smith, according to O'Pake.

O'Pake reminded jurors that forensic pathologist Dr. Neil A. Hoffman, who performed Smith's autopsy, said the victim would not have died if he had not been tied to the tree, since he could have received help for any drug overdose.

"But for being tied to the tree, he would not have died," O'Pake said. "That's the testimony. That's the conclusion."

After the verdict, each lawyer expressed mixed feelings.

"I'm extremely pleased that the jury did not find him guilty of the murder charge," Kirwan said of his client, whom he described as upset. "We're a little disappointed in the kidnapping charge. Overall, the verdict was good for us. I considered it a victory."

O'Pake also saw two sides to the result and would not speculate on the jurors' motives.

"It's a little confusing at this point in time for us," he said. "We're going to be asking for a significant amount of time in prison."

O'Pake said the two firearms charges against Reber, prohibited possession of a firearm and possessing firearm with altered number, were separated from the others. Prosecutors will drop the charge of possessing firearm with altered number, while the charge of prohibited possession of a firearm will be handled at a future date in a nonjury trial, he said.

Assistant District Attorney Rebecca A. Elo, who helped O'Pake try the case, and state police Cpl. Bernard S. Spece Jr., the prosecuting officer, each declined to comment after the verdict.

Three times during deliberations Thursday, jurors sent Miller questions.

The first time, they asked to see a photograph of the crime scene, to have kidnapping defined and to have the differences between third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter explained. Miller followed each request.

The second time, Miller again explained the differences between third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.

The third time, in response to three separate questions, Miller defined unlawful restraint, kidnapping and simple assault. Defendant: Keith A. Reber

Age: 49

Residence: Schuylkill Haven

Verdict: Guilty of kidnapping, conspiracy, involuntary manslaughter, recklessly endangering another person and tampering with evidence; not guilty of first-, second and third-degree murder, aggravated assault, unlawful restraint and two counts of simple assault

Marriage licenses

Jared D. Snyder, Schuylkill Haven, and Joy L. Orr, Schuyl-kill Haven.

Daniel R. Newswanger, Schuylkill Haven, and Annette Burkholder, Kutztown.

Steven E. Deibert, Orwigsburg, and Kristine A. Kelly, Orwigsburg.

Michael Valentin, Shenandoah, and Dana Sweet, Shenandoah.

Thomas M. Moses, Minersville, and Trista L. Kennedy, Minersville.

Timothy L. Hunsinger, McAdoo, Shannon M. Minnig, McAdoo.

David M. Reeves, Orwigsburg, Joni E. Bair, Orwigsburg.

David J. Macknis, New Tripoli, and Marianne Smeltzer, New Tripoli.

Timothy J. Welker, Tamaqua, and Judi L. Miller, Tamaqua.

Jamie Correll, Kaska, and Jennifer H. Reeves, Kaska.

Matthew A. Barrett, Pottsville, and Kaytlynn A. Penkauski, Pottsville.

Isni Gjuraj, Minersville, and Johanny A. Martinez, Stamford, Conn.

Raymond Watts, Minersville, and Devona L. Cole, Silver, Md.

John C. Fong, Minersville, and Dalia M. Rivera, Middletown, N.Y.

Deshawn Winston, Minersville, and Tracey D. Valentine, Newark, N.J.

Irving Brockman, Minersville, and Lenore R. St. Clair, Lancaster.

Lamar W. Lehman, Pine Grove, and Denise A. Sedesse, Pine Grove.

Damian Joyner, Frackville, and Natasha R. Melofchik, Pittston.

Caleb Thomas Moorhead, Holbrook, Ariz., and Crystal S. Smith, Auburn.

Clifford W. Williams, Frackville, and Crystal W. Wyatt, Philadelphia.

Clair M. Harman, Valley View, and Aleesha A. Krimmel, Valley View.

Joseph N. Biel, Pottsville, and Megan L. Zimmerman, Pottsville.

William M. Flyzik, Andreas, and Mary Ann Pfeiffer, Andreas.

The bankruptcy trustee for Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs will be able to sell the hospital building and the land on which it sits, a federal judge decided Friday.

In a one-sentence order, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge John J. Thomas, Wilkes-Barre, approved a settlement transferring ownership of the Butler Township property to William G. Schwab, Lehighton.

The settlement represents a victory for Schwab, who had alleged that Saint Catherine Hospital of Pennsylvania LLC, which had filed for bankruptcy on April 9, 2012, and Saint Catherine Healthcare of Pennsylvania LLC, the nominal owner of the 160,000-square-foot building and the 20-acre property at 101 Broad St. on which it sits, operated as a single company.

Schwab reached the settlement with Gary A. Barney, the trustee for the bankruptcy estate of Robert Lane, who had been a member of the board of directors of Saint Catherine Healthcare of Pennsylvania LLC. Lane's estate had been in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wyoming, while the hospital bankruptcy is in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

The hospital has been closed since Saint Catherine Hospital of Pennsylvania LLC filed for bankruptcy. It asked the court to allow it to reorganize, originally filing the petition as a Chapter 11 reorganization case, but Thomas on April 18, 2012, converted the case to a Chapter 7 liquidation.

The state Department of Health has revoked the 107-bed hospital's license and its approximately 150 employees have been left out of work.

Founded as the State Hospital for Injured Persons of the Anthracite Coal Region at Fountain Springs by the state Legislature in 1879, the construction of the original facility began in May 1880 and was completed in 1882.

Schwab already has raised thousands of dollars by selling the contents of the former hospital.

The agreement means the building and land are part of the bankruptcy estate that Schwab may sell. Proceeds from any sale will be paid to the hospital's creditors and former employees.

Schwab had filed a complaint on Nov. 5, 2012, alleging that there was no real difference between the bankrupt company and the owner of the hospital property, and that Thomas should treat them as one entity.

Americans love to celebrate Independence Day with family, friends, food and fireworks, but too often alcohol turns the party into a tragedy, making this iconic holiday one of the most deadly days of the year on the nation's roads.

Therefore, Schuylkill County police are stepping up their presence throughout the region as part of the ongoing "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" enforcement crackdown geared at catching and arresting impaired drivers who put themselves and others at risk.

"Local police will be out in force throughout this Independence Day, on the lookout for motorists who have had too much alcohol to be behind the wheel of a vehicle," said David Everly, regional DUI enforcement coordinator with the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program. "Police will have zero tolerance for alcohol scofflaws who drink and drive this July 4, putting themselves and everyone else on Schuylkill County roads at risk of life and limb."

He said the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration underscore the continuing toll drunk driving imposes on the nation.

Impaired-driving crashes killed 9,878 people in 2011, accounting for 31 percent of the total traffic fatalities in the U.S.

Everly said that figure relates to an average of one alcohol-impaired driving fatality every 53 minutes.

He added that the percentage of fatalities from impaired driving spike near the Fourth of July. According to NHTSA, 251 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes during the Fourth of July holiday in 2011, which ran from 6 p.m. July 1 to 5:59 a.m. July 5.

Of those fatalities, 38 percent were in crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 grams per deciliter or higher.

Everly said a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent is legally intoxicated in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the various U.S. territories.

The level of drunk-driving fatalities is not unique to 2011, Everly said.

According to additional data from NHTSA, during July 4 holidays over the last five years, from 2007 to 2011, 780 people lost their lives in crashes involving drivers who had BACs of 0.08 percent or higher, accounting for 40 percent of all highway deaths over the five-year period.

Over this same period, NHTSA statistics also showed that 511 people died in crashes involving drivers who were very drunk, having BACs of 0.15 percent or more, meaning those drivers were at least nearly twice the national legal intoxication limit.

Fourth of July celebrations often extend well into the night and statistics mark well the combined dangers of alcohol and night driving. In 2011, the proportion of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes was almost 4.5 times higher at night.

Everly added that young drivers still aren't getting the message about the dangers of drinking and driving.

During the July 4 holiday period in 2011, more than half, 52 percent, of young drivers 18 to 34 years old killed in alcohol-related crashes were legally drunk.

"While death and injury are of course the most serious of possible consequences of drunk driving, there are other negative considerations that can affect lives for many years, including loss of a driver licenses, vehicle impoundment, jail time, lawyer fees, court costs, insurance hikes, just to name a few," Everly said.

"Those who try to drink and drive this Fourth of July should be forewarned. We will be out in force looking for impaired drivers and we will catch and arrest you. No warnings. No excuses. If you drive impaired, you will be arrested," he said.

Schuylkill County police recommend the following simple tips for a safe Fourth of July:

Plan a safe way home before the fun begins:

- Before drinking, designate a sober driver.

- If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.

- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to call 911.

- And remember, "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over." If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

by peter e. bortner

TREMONT - A Barry Township man is headed to Schuylkill County Court on charges stemming from a fatal one-car accident in May 2012 in Barry Township.

Dillon K. Doyle, 19, of 727 Deep Creek Road, Hegins, must defend against charges of homicide by vehicle, recklessly endangering another person, unsafe passing on the left, disregarding traffic lane, failure to drive at a safe speed, careless driving and reckless driving.

Magisterial District Judge Carol A. Pankake ordered all charges held for court following the preliminary hearing Thursday, ruling prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence to support the charges.

Pankake allowed Doyle to remain free on $15,000 unsecured bail pending further court action.

State police at Schuylkill Haven allege Doyle was driving a 2004 Dodge Neon west on Deep Creek Road about 5:30 p.m. May 10, 2012, when he lost control of the car while entering a curve. The car spun counterclockwise, struck an embankment on the south side of the road, rolled over, became airborne and came to a stop in the middle of the road on its roof, police said.

Kevin Holmes, 17, of Ashland, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the car and pronounced dead at the scene by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Albert Barnes.

Doyle suffered minor injuries and was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street by Hegins EMS for treatment, according to police.

The crash closed Deep Creek Road for more than two hours while an accident reconstruction expert assisted with the investigation.

Firefighters from Valley View, Lavelle and Gordon assisted at the scene, while fire police assisted in shutting down the road.Defendant: Dillon K. Doyle

Age: 19

Residence: Hegins

Charges: Homicide by vehicle, recklessly endangering another person, unsafe passing on the left, disregarding traffic lane, failure to drive at a safe speed, careless driving and reckless driving

Man faces charges

in Port Carbon

MECHANICSVILLE - Port Carbon police charged a 58-year-old Mechanicsville man stemming from an incident about 2:30 p.m. June 14 on Laurer Street.

Police said Dennis Powanda was charged with disorderly conduct and will have to appear before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

Police said Powanda was found on the street causing a public inconvenience and using obscene language and gestures toward Frank Wesnoski, Upper Darby.

1 minor injury

in 2-vehicle crash

PORT CARBON - Port Carbon police said a 41-year-old New Philadelphia woman will be cited for driving without insurance following a crash about noon Monday at Market and Second streets. Police said Renee A. Gibas was driving a 2001 Kia when she collided with the rear of a Ford F-350 van owned by The ReDCo Group and driven by Michelle Chernewski, Shenandoah, who was stopped for traffic.

Gibas told officers an insect flew into her vehicle and distracted her, police said.

One minor injury was reported, requiring that person to be taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street by Pottsville-Schuylkill Haven Area EMS for treatment.

Port Carbon police and Palo Alto firefighters assisted at the scene, police said.

2 face charges

in Rush Township

HOMETOWN - Rush Township police investigated two recent incidents in their coverage area.

Police said that on June 13, they charged Mark Updike, 57, no address listed, with DUI and other charges after a 7:27 a.m. incident at the Turkey Hill parking lot.

Police said Updike was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street, where a blood test determined he had an alcohol level of 0.176 percent.

Then, on Monday, police said they charged Margaret M. Keller, 28, of Lansford, with retail theft after she stole items from Wal-Mart store about 4:10 p.m.

Charges against both were filed with Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua.

ORWIGSBURG - The teenage girl allegedly sexually assaulted by a current Pine Grove Borough Council candidate testified Friday that communication between them started when she was 13 years old.

"It turned into sexual things," she said at the preliminary hearing for Robert L. Wolfe, 43, of Pine Grove. "He started telling me about some of his fantasies. We started talking about having sex."

Their contact eventually resulted in Pine Grove police charging Wolfe with aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, unlawful contact with minor-sexual offenses, sexual abuse of children-child pornography and indecent assault.

After a 40-minute preliminary hearing at which the girl was the only witness, Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier ordered all charges against Wolfe held for the county court. Ferrier allowed Wolfe to remain free on $25,000 unsecured bail.

Pine Grove police allege Wolfe had unlawful sexual contact with the girl, who is now 16, at North End Fire Company in the borough. Police also allege Wolfe, who works on the custodial staff at Pine Grove Area High School, and the girl met several other times, exchanged pictures and talked in a sexual manner.

The girl remained calm as she testified about what she and Wolfe did, describing how their contact became intimate at a Wings and Things Night at the firehouse.

"It was pretty soon after we got out of school," she said.

Wolfe, who said nothing during the hearing, bowed his head as the girl told of how they touched each other in a secluded part of the building.

After the sexual encounter, she sent Wolfe sexually suggestive pictures of herself on her iPod.

"Why did you send him those pictures?" Assistant District Attorney Jennifer N. Lehman asked the girl.

"He had asked for them," she said.

She said they met on other occasions but no other sexual contact occurred.

Under cross-examination by Wolfe's lawyer, Assistant Public Defender Lora J. McDonald, the girl said Wolfe never threatened her and she does not recall the specific discussions before the sexual activity occurred.

Lehman and McDonald each declined to talk about the case after the hearing.

Ferrier presided over Wolfe's preliminary hearing because Magisterial District Judge Carol A. Pankake, Tremont, in whose district Pine Grove is located, is related to the defendant.

Wolfe remains on the ballot as one of the Republican candidates for borough council in the Nov. 5 General Election. Wolfe has until Aug. 12 to send the paperwork needed to take his name off the ballot to the county Election Bureau. Defendant: Robert L. Wolfe

Age: 43

Residence: Pine Grove

Charges: Aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, unlawful contact with minor-sexual offenses, sexual abuse of children-child pornography and indecent assault

A 45-year-old Tamaqua man charged with raping and sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl more than a decade ago is among those scheduled to plead not guilty Monday during arraignment in Schuylkill County Court.

Robert L. Raeder, 107 Gay St., was arrested by state police Trooper Edward Lizewski of the Frackville station and charged with rape of a person under the age of 13, unlawful contact or communication with a minor, aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, indecent assault, indecent exposure and an additional sexual related offense.

Last month, prosecutors withdrew felony counts of sexual abuse of children, clearing the way for Raeder to be prosecuted by federal authorities on charges of sexual exploitation of children-child pornography.

Lizewski charged Raeder with incidents that occurred during summer 2001 at two addresses in Tamaqua.

The assaults came to light April 29, 2012, when a community cleanup along Valley Road in Walker Township uncovered 53 Polaroid pictures depicting child nudity and sexual assault, Lizewski said.

As the investigation progressed, Lizewski said numerous law enforcement agencies were contacted, but none had information regarding the identity of either the victim or assailant.

On Oct. 23, 2012, a Request for Identification was given to local media outlets and printed in The Republican-Herald.

Two days later, on Oct. 25, the biological parents of a girl in the photos contacted police and, after being interviewed individually, confirmed the child was their daughter and that at the time of the photos, was between 3 and 5 years old.

On Dec. 22, Raeder was interviewed at the Frackville station and, when told what the interview was about, began to sob and said, "OK, you got me. It was me. I took the photos. I'm sick and I never meant to hurt anyone," according to Lizewski.

Raeder also provided details pertaining to photographing the children, the sexual acts committed and the disposal of the photographs, Lizewski said.

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

Sharon M. Mullin, 47, of 1518 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville - theft, theft by deception and conspiracy.

Charles Koncsler, 31, of 142 Swatara Road, Shenandoah - retail theft.

Brandon R. Reed, 19, of 227 Virginia Ave., Shenandoah - possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful activities.

Joshua Preneta, 22, of 14 S. Catherine St., Shenandoah - driving under the influence of drugs.

Michael R. Gilliam, 51, of 217 S. West St., Shenandoah - DUI and DUI-highest rate.

Tomas J. Cordero-Lantigua, 21, of 230 N. Chestnut St., Shenandoah - DUI, driving under combined influence and violation of period requiring lighted lamps.

Raul A. Rodriguez, 20, of 409 S. Broad Mountain Ave., Frackville - simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.

Derrick I. Sargent, 27, of 149 W. Washington St., Shenandoah - possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael K. Yachera, 39, of 59 Mahanoy Ave., Tamaqua - DUI, DUI-highest rate, careless driving and driving at an unsafe speed.

Greg M. Muffley, 29, of 286 Lofty Road, McAdoo - simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment.

David Miller, 24, of 65 Sunny Drive, MaryD - criminal attempt to commit theft and receiving stolen property.

Raymond Moszcienski, 24, of 32 S. Harrison St., McAdoo - possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tim R. Weikel, 25, of 58 St. Ann St., Barnesville - DUI and DUI-highest rate.

Kerri Ann Gingrich, 19, of 13 E. Ruddle St., Coaldale - conspiracy, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Rhonda Heidlebaugh, 30, of 300 Chestnut St., Ashland - delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

James A. Antonelli, 47, of 10 Chestnut St., Ringtown - criminal trespass and terroristic threats.

Michael D. Hannock, 37, of 94 Grier Ave., Barnesville - stalking, defiant trespass and harassment.

Theresa E. Davidson, 40, of 321 W. Centre St., Shenandoah - possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mychal Beltrami, 28, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville - possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.

Michael V. Gustis, 31, of 307 Dock St., Schuylkill Haven - theft by deception.

Jason M. Sammond, 20, of 40 Park St., Schuylkill Haven - defiant trespass and conspiracy.

Benjamin I. Delong, 20, of 28 Stanton St., Schuylkill Haven - defiant trespass and conspiracy.

Jennifer L. Roman, 28, of 630 Lewis St., Minersville - delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Kelly Ann Wensel, 42, of 104 N. Second St., Saint Clair - DUI, DUI-highest rate, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, driving at an unsafe speed, careless driving, failure to use seat belts and accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property.

Brenda L. Shappell, 34, of 505 Pine Hill St., Apt. A, Minersville - receiving stolen property, retail theft and conspiracy.

Ronald S. Haslam, 26, of 323 S. Nicholas St., Saint Clair - possession of drug paraphernalia and public drunkenness.

Holly M. McGovern, 29, of 210 Pine St., Apt. B. Minersville - possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communications facility.

Steven L. Androshick, 48, of 29 S. Fourth St., Frackville - forgery.

Chantelle A. Klinger, 31, of 76 Post Road, Ashland - possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Marissa J. Miller, 36, of 538 S. Centre St., Apt. 1, Pottsville - defiant trespass, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, theft and receiving stolen property.

Lindsay A. Brown, 30, of 245 Wallace St., Pottsville - disorderly conduct.

Richard W. Adams, 58, of 220 Market Square Apts., Pottsville - terroristic threats, simple assault, resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mark A. Fortney, 58, of 149 4th St., Box 96, Oneida - DUI, DUI-highest rate and violation of period requiring lighted lamps.

Kayla M. Mock, 30, of 237 Pierce St., Pottsville - theft and receiving stolen property.

John J. Myro II, 28, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville - failure to register with state police.

Matthew T. Dove, 25, of 219 E. Liberty St., Schuylkill Haven - DUI, DUI-highest rate and violation of general lighting requirements.

Matthew C. Lawton, 39, of 704 W. Arch St., 2nd Floor, Pottsville - disorderly conduct.

Matthew R. Taylor, 20, of 670 Faith Ave., Orwigsburg - escape.

Jamie D. McCabe, 35, of 808 N. Third St., Pottsville - robbery, theft and receiving stolen property.

Denise M. Darinsig, 58, of 208 Valley St., Port Carbon - DUI, DUI-highest rate, driving under the influence of drugs and stop and yield sign violations.

Desiree Palatino, 23, of 211 Frieden Manor, Schuylkill Haven - violation of Public Welfare Code.

Barry T. Morgan, 26, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville - assault by prisoner, aggravated assault on police, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and criminal mischief.

David A. Close, 41, of 110 N. Mill St., Saint Clair - robbery, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault and criminal mischief.

Ian A. Hartz, 26, of 303 Chestnut St., Ashland - possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Barbara Malloy, 51, of 61 Coal St., Middleport - violation of Public Welfare Code.

Tori Ann Chester, 28, of 215 N. Jardin St., Shenandoah - retail theft.

Joseph D. Tennant, 32, of 267 Valley St., New Philadelphia - theft by deception, access device fraud, identity theft and forgery.

Tamir Ion Whitted, 21, of 213 Laurel St., Apt. A, Minersville - burglary and criminal trespass.

Joshua Dewire, 31, of 66 Holland St., Tamaqua - criminal trespass, simple assault, disorderly conduct, harassment and public drunkenness.

Michael J. McGinley, 31, of 522 W. Morris St., Frackville - hindering apprehension or prosecution.

Catherine M. Bohn, 48, of 33 Atlantic Ave., Pottsville - neglect of care-dependent person and recklessly endangering another person.

John T. Bohn, 46, of 33 Atlantic Ave., Pottsville - neglect of care-dependent person and recklessly endangering another person.

Maegan E. Azbell, 20, of 232 N. Nicholas St., Saint Clair - criminal attempt to commit delivery of a controlled substance, theft and receiving stolen property.

Ashley N. Renninger, 27, of 107 Railroad St., Cressona - retail theft.

David J. Kapusnick, 40, of 156 N. Balliet St., Frackville - simple assault.

Brett L. Blankenbiller, 43, of 124 N. Second St., Frackville - possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, selling a non-controlled substance representing a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Eric M. Gormley, 30, of 44 N. Third St., Cressona - DUI, DUI-high rate and unlawful activities.

Nicholas R. Phillips, 22, of 119 Schuylkill St.., Cressona - criminal use of a communications facility.

Carmine J. Natale, 31, of 44 Chestnut St., Cressona - theft and receiving stolen property.

Chad K. Belsak, 37, of 43 Ridge Road, New Ringgold - theft, receiving stolen property and unauthorized use of automobiles.

Michael V. Gustis, 31, of 307 Dock St., Schuylkill Haven - driving under the influence of drugs.

Bradley R. Renninger, 24, of 412 Long Ave., Orwigsburg - DUI-high rate and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Brianna Jo Schaeffer, 19, of 64 Cherry St., Cressona - theft and receiving stolen property.

Chad R. Myers, 40, of 421 Fairview St., Pottsville - driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and careless driving.

Jennifer L. McGovern, 41, of 217 Frieden Manor, Schuylkill Haven - retail theft.

Justin E. Davidson, 32, of 1027 Sunbury Road, Pottsville - driving under the influence of drugs and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Frederick G. Phillips, 46, of 1096 Indian Drive, Auburn - corruption of minors.

Stephen F. Oravitz, 59, of 135 Brandonville Road, Ringtown - criminal attempt to commit making false/fraudulent/incomplete insurance claims, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception and forgery.

Derek P. Kroh, 32, of 411 Main St., Pottsville - simple assault and harassment.

Rachel Ann Vilcheck, 27, of 2 Barefield Drive, Pottsville - false reports.

Robert Chuplis, 34, of 14 N. Line St., Box 83, Girardville - defiant trespass and loitering and prowling at night.

With summer in full swing and the country's main vacation week upon us, the public is warned to be careful in the heat as temperatures are sometimes in the 90s or higher.

"To beat the heat, they should stay out of it," Dr. Jeffrey Narmi, emergency department physician at both Schuylkill Medical Center locations, said Wednesday.

Exercise should be taken in the early morning or evening when it is cooler, and when working outside, hydration means survival.

"Fluids. Fluids. Fluids. Fluids," Narmi said.

Water is best but Gatorade also is effective, especially if you have been outside. Wearing light-colored, loose fitting clothing is also important.

So far this season, Narmi said some people have come to the hospitals with heat-related symptoms but not many, and none of those cases were serious.

"It's not like we've been inundated with heat-related symptoms," he said.

Air conditioning is also important in beating the heat. If none is available, fans will do.

"Don't just sit there with stagnant, hot air," Narmi said.

The elderly and those in poor health suffer more from the heat.

If you feel ill, seek shade if you are outside. Call your family doctor or, if needed, go to a local hospital.

"If they need to, we are always here," he said about visiting the hospital.

Children should not be left alone in vehicles, where temperatures rise rapidly.

As of June 24, 15 children have died this year from heat stroke after being left in vehicles in the U.S., according to the website www.kidsandcars.org. Last year, 32 children died, the website said.

Heat stroke, which can be fatal, occurs when extreme heat compromises the body's ability to regulate temperature.

Within 10 minutes, the inside of a car can reach 109 degrees if it is 90 degrees outside, according to The Weather Channel's website at www.weather.com.

"However, it is important to note that the outside temperature does not have to be hot in order for a car to become an oven-like death trap. Even temperatures considered mild can lead to death during an extended period of time," the website said.

Even at 73 degrees, the temperatures inside a vehicle can reach 120 degrees in 30 minutes, according to The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Barbara Umlauf, Hillside SPCA director, said Thursday that the shelter has been getting calls daily about people concerned for the health of pets, both cats and dogs.

The calls range from no water to lack of shade or if the dog is entangled to whatever it is attached to.

Tina Royland, an employee, said the number of calls vary.

If a pet is outside, providing fresh water and shelter is essential.

"Make sure they have someone who can check on them to make sure they have adequate water," Royland said.

Walking a dog in the morning or evening is best because it is typically cooler, they said.

"If you wouldn't walk barefoot on the macadam, it's probably too hot for your dogs. It can burn their pads," Royland said.

Temperatures for today are expected to be in the 80s while Sunday's forecast projects temperatures in the upper 70s. There is a 30 percent chance of rain both days, according to the National Weather Service's website at www.weather.gov.

Although it was hot this week, it was not a heat wave, which is defined as roughly three consecutive days of 90 degrees or above, said Richard Grumm, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, State College.

n Gordon: The combined, multi-class Gordon School Reunion and Homecoming will be held Aug. 10 in the social hall of the Gordon Municipal Building. It will be the 12th such reunion and have an additional guest list to include all who reside and those who have resided in Gordon. Anyone with a family member, neighbor or friend who has not been contacted is asked to contact the organizing committee and provide addresses for the committee to make contacts, especially to people who are out of the area and may wish to attend. For more information, call the following committee members: Betty Lou Bridal, 570-875-2958; Susan Hocking, 570-875-1389; Lynn Korn, 570-875-0289; Bruce Mervine, 570-875-1481; Faythe Mervine, 570-875-1273; Pat Monroe, 570-544-8156; Cathy Troutman, 570-875-0548: Helen Wolfgang, 570-590-3446; Rose Yost, 570-875-2801; and Joanne Young, 570-875-2586.

n Hegins: The 29th annual Independent Coal Miners Picnic will be held at noon Aug. 10 in Hegins Park. The $20 fee will include a hot meal served at 4 p.m. plus cold cuts, soups and other fare. Entertainment will be provided by disc jockey Gold Dust, the band Old Gold and The Breaker Boys. The picnic will be held rain or shine and everyone is welcome. For tickets, call David A. Lucas at 570-682-9140. Mugs will be available for $7 each. This year's mug will feature Earl W. Kieffer, who died this year. Other names listed on the mug include: James Clough, 1937; George J. Smutz, 2005; Bob "Sim" Reinoehl, 2009; Philip J. "Flick" Stine, 2011; Alfred C. Lucas Jr., 2011; William "Bill" Shade, 2012; Larry Madenford Jr., 2011; Ronald C. "Mike" Roseman, 2012; Marlin J. "Mix" Bush, 2012; Earl L. "Gov" Bender, 2012; Ernest Roy Morgan, 2012; Randy E. Wenrich, 2012; and Walter W. "Micky" Harner, 2012. To order a mug, call Lucas without delay.

n McKeansburg: The Congregational Free Church of Christ will hold a sub sale with pickup 10:30 a.m. July 11 at the church, located at 81 McKeans Ridge Road. Choices include Italian, ham or turkey, and cost $4.50 each. Advance orders are required by July 7. To place an order, call Anna at 570-366-2049 or Mary at 570-366-2286.

n Shenandoah: The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society, 201 S. Main St., has items for sale, including its 2012 ornament featuring the old Home Brewery that once stood at the site that now houses St. Casimir Roman Catholic Parish Playground, Main and Washington streets. The society's 2011 ornament, featuring the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society Museum & Headquarters at 105 S. Jardin St., also is available, as well as older ornaments. According to spokeswoman Andrea Pytak, the society has cookbooks for sale. Anyone interested should contact any society member or the 116 N. Main St. headquarters of the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., 570-462-2060.

n Shenandoah: The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. meets at 5:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month in the downtown center, 116 N. Main St. New volunteers are always welcome to help advance the revitalization effort. For more information, go to the DSI website at www.downtownshenandoah.com, visit the center during regular hours, call 570-462-2060 or email dsi@downtownshenandoahinc.com. Mary Luscavage is DSI's Main Street Program manager. Valerie E. Macdonald is president and Karen Kenderdine is vice president/treasurer. Donations to help DSI maintain the renewal effort are needed and gratefully accepted.

n Tamaqua: The Coal Cracker Chorus practices weekly in the Community Arts Center, 125 Pine St. Sessions last 1 1/2 hours. It includes youths through adults and new members are welcome. For more information, call 570-668-1192.

n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce Summer Concert Series is under way at the 1874 Tamaqua Railroad Station. Concerts will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. July 11 and 19, Aug. 1, 8 and 15 and Sept. 5. They are free and everyone is welcome.

Geisinger Medical Center, Danville

To Geoff Singley and Aeriel Frost, Auburn, a son, June 16.

To Kalvin Sr. and Tammy Baker, Pottsville, a daughter, June 17.

Raindrops mixed with tears Friday as McAdoo said goodbye to Madison.

Madison Arner, 6, died Monday of complications from smoke inhalation two days after a late-night fire destroyed her family's home at 25 S. Kennedy Drive, McAdoo.

Families of the greater McAdoo and Kline Township community gathered Friday evening at the McAdoo Fire Company to bid a public farewell to the little girl everyone knew as full of fun and laughter.

The memorial event, which included a candlelight vigil and balloon launch, was organized by Jennifer Wesner and her husband, Robbie, owners of Bearly Used Kids Stuff, a thrift and consignment shop, and Wes' Health Foods, both located on Kennedy Drive a few doors away from the fire-ravaged home where Madison lived with her mother, Lorraine Searfoss, and other family members.

Madison's family attended the event, but declined public comment.

"Physically, they're OK from the fire. But Lorraine (Madison's mother) said she's taking it hour by hour," Jennifer Wesner said.

Members of the McAdoo Fire Company and Rob Vanemon of Our Town Radio, a local online radio station and social networking site for fans and bands, helped organize the event.

The Wesners said they wanted to give children of the community who knew Madison an opportunity, not only to grieve her tragic death, but to celebrate her life.

"This is for everybody to grieve, everybody to celebrate Maddie," Jennifer Wesner said.

"The kids who knew Maddie may not all be able to go to her funeral. But the kids need to grieve," Robbie Wesner said. "Next year when they go back to school, when they're on the bus and at school assemblies, Maddie isn't going to be there. The kids need to grieve and heal."

Storms rolled across the region in the hour before the 7:30 memorial, dumping heavy rain on the community. But as families gathered outside the fire company, located across the street from the scene of the deadly fire, the clouds broke apart and the rain slowed to an occasional drizzle. As candles were lit and passed out to the people in the crowd, a rainbow emerged from the rain clouds, arching high over the house where Madison lived.

Our Town Radio's Rob Vanemon played some of Madison's favorite songs on an outdoor sound system. Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovich opened the event with words of encouragement to the community and gratitude to the firefighters and police.

"No one wanted this to happen. Faith in God gets us beyond this," Halcovich said. "Stay strong. Stay together. You are a great community. You are great people."

Wesner held the microphone open to anyone who wanted to step forward to share a memory or simply bid farewell.

Halcovich helped the Wesners pass out 100 colorful helium-filled balloons to the children and families in the crowd. On the count of three with happy thoughts of Madison's joyful personality, the rain-dappled balloons were released, floating slowly skyward.

Candles were distributed and lit, casting a soft glow of candlelight over a moment of silence in Madison's memory.