MINERSVILLE - The borough council accepted the resignation of borough Manager Joseph K. Bass and fired a street department employee Tuesday night.

Bass, who resigned from his position effective July 15, was not at the meeting and has not responded for further comment.

The borough council approved a motion to advertise for the open borough manager position. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Sept. 30.

According to newspaper archives, police Chief Michael Combs said that Bass resigned on his own terms and there is no investigation into him nor were there any problems.

Bass was hired Jan. 11, 2011, as the borough's infrastructure manager and was put in charge of the sewer, the streets and the municipality's office staff. A grant writer, he also assisted the water department in acquiring funding.

Bass had held other borough positions before his employment in Minersville. In 1980, he was elected as a Mount Carmel borough councilman and became head of the council's finance committee and "served there for a year, 11 months and 16 days, until Dec. 16, 1981," he said in a previous story. Bass was the borough manager in Mount Carmel for 28 years before being fired Oct. 28, 2009.

On Oct. 28, 2009, the Mount Carmel council fired Bass and borough Treasurer Marian Muldowney in a surprise unanimous vote following a three-hour executive session, according to The News-Item, Shamokin.

The News-Item also stated in a story last month that Bass and Muldowney were fired in 2009 for receiving raises that the council said were never approved and for using borough council President Tony Matulewicz's signature stamp to approve checks.

After being fired, Bass said he job hunted for 13 months before Minersville borough council hired him. He replaced James Cleary, who resigned May 11, 2010, from the position of infrastructure manager he had held since January 2009.

Cleary's intent to retire came amid accusations of misconduct and misappropriation of funds brought to light in July by former Councilman Walter Miscavage, including allegations of borough employees being directed to perform multiple tasks at private homes and businesses on borough time, the misallocation of liquid fuels funding and 23 workers receiving bonuses of $1,000 each from funding for a sewer separation project.

In May 2011, the Minersville borough council approved an ordinance creating the office of borough manager, a title change for Bass.

The borough council also fired Matt Blacknall, an employee of the street department.

"Based on an investigation conducted by the Chief of Police Michael Combs, I now make a motion to terminate Mr. Blacknall as an employee of the borough, effective immediately," councilman Paul Vuksta said.

No other reason was given.

A motion was also accepted to advertise for the open street department position with applications due by 4:30 p.m. Sept. 30.

n Frackville: Pages of Positivity, a nonprofit organization that sends positivity journals to people who are suffering from chronic illnesses or going through a hard time, will hold a bake sale at the Schuylkill Mall from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday near Dunham's Sporting Goods. Volunteers will distribute fliers and answer questions about the organization. T-shirts will be available for sale. For more information, go online to www.pagesofpositivity.com.

n Mahanoy City: The final meeting of the Mahanoy City Sesquicentennial group before festivities begin Sunday through Aug. 24 is set for 7 p.m. today in borough hall. The public is welcome to attend.

n Mahanoy City: In preparation for the borough's 150th anniversary celebration, a street sweeper is going through the borough, according to borough Manager Daniel Lynch. Residents are asked to move their vehicles on the sweeping days. Parking restrictions are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents should adhere to the parking restrictions to allow the street sweeper to make multiple passes, he said. Sesquicentennial activities will be held Saturday through Aug. 25, with the parade to be held Aug. 24. The ongoing sweeping schedule is as follows: Today, Mahanoy Street, south side and 14th Street; Thursday, Mahanoy Street, north side and D Street; Friday, Main Street, both sides and Catawissa Street, both sides; Monday Pine Street, north side and Market Street, south side; Aug. 20, Pine Street, south side and Market Street, north side; Aug. 21, Spruce Street, north side, Linden Street, both sides and 12th Street, both sides; Aug. 22, all of Railroad Street, 10th Street and Eighth Street; Aug. 23, Spruce Street, south side.

n McAdoo: St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 210 Blaine St., will hold its sixth annual homecoming picnic Friday through Sunday on the church grounds. Homemade ethnic Ukrainian food and Mexican food will be available. There will also be entertainment and other activities. The picnic will go from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Everyone is welcome.

n Shenandoah: The community will be filled with music Saturday afternoon as Shaina Lynn Graff will present "The Future of Star Power," a free concert beginning at 3 p.m. and featuring aspiring young artists from Schuylkill County, at American Legion Memorial Garden in the 100 block of North Main Street. In addition to Graff, Lost Creek, who is Schuylkill County Idol 2011, other performers will include Autumn Maurer, Frackville, Schuylkill County Idol 2013; Bryel Frasch, Gordon, Schuylkill County Junior Idol 2011; Cody Wiley, Pottsville, Schuylkill County Idol finalist 2013, and Rich Harper, Cumbola, Schuylkill County Idol finalist 2013. The three-hour show will feature a variety of musical styles that will make it entertaining for all ages, according to a release. Performers will do songs by Adele, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift, Jason Derulo and others. Those planning to attend should bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax and enjoy the show. Graff, in the release, thanked the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., the Borough of Shenandoah, the Shenandoah Combined Veterans and the Anthony P. Damato American Legion "Medal of Honor" Post 792 for cooperating to make the presentation possible. "I feel that a lot of times, young artists like us are overlooked by all the 'bad stuff' happening in our towns," Graff said in the release. "I think it's about time we put something good front and center. I decided to do this concert because I wanted to bring some good quality family fun to the Shenandoah area."

n Shenandoah: The Upper Schuylkill Marching and Concert Band will present an outdoor concert at 7 p.m. today at the Glover's Hill Athletic Club. The performance is free and open to the public. People should bring lawn chairs.

n Sheppton: Bishop John Barres of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown will participate in a prayer service at 7:15 p.m. today at the site where three men were trapped in a collapsed coal mine 50 years ago. The collapse occurred on Aug. 13, 1963. Two of the men were miraculously rescued two weeks later. The body of the third man was never found. At 6 p.m. today, Barres will celebrate a Mass at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. It is the vigil of the Catholic feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The service at the mine site will include prayers, hymns, scripture readings, a military salute and the singing of "God Bless America" as well a recounting of the collapse and rescue.

n Tamaqua: Registrations are being accepted for the 2013-14 St. Jerome Regional School CYO volleyball team. The team is open to girls in grades four through eight who attend St. Jerome's School or CCD classes For more information, or a registration form, contact Mrs. Habel at 570-668-1211 or email eligioused@sjctamaqua.org.

Sarah Jones, 15, of Pottsville, got her first impressions of an anthracite strip mine operation Tuesday while riding in a tour bus traveling over a dirt road in Wadesville.

"It's dirty. There were puddles. Not my thing," Jones said.

"It was bumpy. I almost spilled my soda," said Kali Brock, 12, of Schuylkill Haven.

"But I thought this was fun. It was a chance to meet new people and learn stuff. I made a friend," Brock said, referring to Jadde McNutt, 13, of Tamaqua.

They were among the eight local students between ages 11 and 15 who took part in the inaugural Schuylkill County History Safari.

"We received funding for this project from the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, a grant of $1,500," said David Derbes, historical society president.

The two-day event sponsored by the Schuylkill County Historical Society and the Salvation Army of Pottsville will wrap up today.

The group will join Patrick M. "Porcupine Pat" McKinney, educational coordinator for the Schuylkill County Conservation District, to travel the southern part of Schuylkill County, Derbes said.

On Tuesday, J. Stuart "Stu" Richards, Orwigsburg, a historian and a member of the society's board of directors, and Derbes took the students on a bus tour related to the county's anthracite coal history.

The historical society chartered a 21-seat Ford E-350 bus from Ed's USA Rentals, Pottsville. On Tuesday afternoon, the group rode to a Reading Anthracite stripping operation in Wadesville, New Castle Township.

"The first thing we wanted to show them was how surface mining is done," Richards said.

The bus left Pottsville, turned onto Peach Mountain Road and then only a dirt road led to the Wadesville pit.

"Puddle. Almost stepped in a puddle," Jones said.

"This is what they call the Wadesville Stripping Pit," Derbes said as he approached the edge of a cliff to look down on it.

Reading Anthracite employees, including Rich Morgan, security manager, and Jim Seraiva, security officer, were there to offer the students some insight.

"It's at least 500 feet down," Morgan said.

"Is this the Mammoth Vein?" Derbes asked, referring to the thick seam of anthracite coal.

"Yes," Morgan said.

"This 'mammoth' seam of coal was at one time the most important of all anthracite deposits," according to a website for "Mining Artifacts and History" at miningartifacts.org.

Morgan and Seraiva also showed them an earth mover, a "DEMAG" hydraulic shovel designed to lift and deposit soil into haul trucks.

"The good thing about surface mining at Wadesville is they're reclaiming the land after they do their mining, so it's not leaving a big blight on the landscape and it's environmentally friendly. If you grew up in Schuylkill County, you saw a lot of big stripping holes and culm banks. You're not going to see that there. They'll dig the holes but they'll reclaim it so it's much better off," Richards said.

Afterward, the group toured the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine in Ashland.

"I wanted to show them how deep mining was done in this area," Richards said.

From there, the group visited the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society Museum in Shenandoah, Derbes said.

Derbes said he hopes the program spurs the students toward further study and research.

"If nothing else, I hope some of them will be inspired to do some studying or reading about our county," Derbes said.

"I think this was good because you can learn about social studies things for school," said Jones, who will be a sophomore at Pottsville Area High School when school begins Aug. 26.

Before leaving Tuesday, Ethan Albon, 11, of Saint Clair, asked Derbes if he could borrow a book from the historical society, "A History of Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, Pa.," a 1935 text reprinted in 1975, according to the book's title page.

While four of the students were from Pottsville, two were from Shenandoah, one was from Schuylkill Haven and one was from Tamaqua, Derbes said.

by peter e. bortner

A three-judge state Superior Court panel has upheld the conviction and prison sentence of a Coaldale man that prosecutors said tried to hit his wife with his truck in January 2012.

George J. Bonetsky, 35, provided no evidence to justify overturning his conviction on charges of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and reckless driving, the panel ruled in a 10-page opinion filed Tuesday in Pottsville.

"The commonwealth presented eyewitnesses whose testimony, along with other circumstantial evidence, 'fit together to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,' " Senior Judge James J. Fitzgerald III wrote in the panel's opinion.

By so ruling, the panel upheld the sentence of 10 days to 12 months in prison, plus two years probation, imposed on Oct. 3 by county Judge Jacqueline L. Russell.

After a one-day trial presided over by Russell, a jury convicted Bonetsky on Aug. 27 of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, while the judge found him guilty of reckless driving.

Coaldale police charged Bonetsky with trying to strike Angelique Bonetsky on Jan. 14, 2012 on Fourth Street in the borough after the couple had argued.

Fitzgerald wrote that Bonetsky's argument that no one could say how fast he was driving is irrelevant because it is not part of either the definition of simple assault or recklessly endangering another person. Furthermore, Bonetsky himself admitted he was driving faster than he should have been, according to Fitzgerald.

"He was aware that he was driving faster than a reasonable person would in his situation," Fitzgerald wrote.

Judges Mary Jane Bowes and Paula Francisco Ott, the other panel members, joined in Fitzgerald's opinion.

by peter e. bortner

Already sitting in a state prison cell, Samuel T. Steffie will not have to spend more time behind bars after being sentenced Monday in Schuylkill County Court for breaking into a vacant Mahanoy Township house.

Steffie, 42, of Schuylkill Haven, was sentenced to spend six to 12 months in a state correctional institution on a charge of criminal trespass by Judge Jacqueline L. Russell.

However, pursuant to a plea agreement between prosecutors and Steffie, Russell made the sentence concurrent to the one the defendant already is serving at SCI/Camp Hill. Since Steffie is an inmate at SCI/Camp Hill, he participated in the sentencing hearing by videoconference.

Russell also sentenced Steffie to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, perform 40 hours community service, have no contact with the property and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Steffie pleaded guilty June 20 to criminal trespass, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of burglary.

Mahanoy Township police charged Steffie with breaking into the house Oct. 9.

Russell did not order Steffie to pay restitution as part of his sentence, which upset Christine Hanlon, the property owner.

"It was not investigated properly," Hanlon told Russell. "He is a career criminal."

District Attorney Karen Byrnes-Noon said that claim was incorrect.

"I cannot prove the damages she said Mr. Steffie did," Byrnes-Noon said.

Mahanoy Township police Patrolman Shannon A. Tietsworth testified there was insufficient evidence to prove Steffie damaged water lines, doors, ceilings, insulation or wiring in the house.

"I'm very familiar with that area," he said.

Monday's sentencing was the fourth for Steffie this year.

On March 18, Judge Charles M. Miller sentenced him to serve 16 to 23 months behind bars on charges of receiving stolen property and prohibited sale of veterans markers.

Miller made that prison term consecutive to one of eight to 24 months that Russell had imposed on March 5 on two counts of selling or furnishing liquor to minors.

Russell had made her sentence concurrent with one of two to 12 months also imposed on March 5 by Judge James P. Goodman on a charge of criminal mischief.

BARNESVILLE - The use of "Jake" brakes in Ryan Township will be prohibited in the near future as soon as an ordinance is adopted at the next supervisors meeting.

At Monday's meeting, residents aired their complaints about the loud method of slowing down a tractor-trailer.

A "Jake" brake, or Jacobs engine brake, is a compression release braking system on large diesel trucks that provides braking power beyond the normal braking system. While effective, the braking system makes a great deal of noise when operating.

Supervisor Champ Holman opened the floor to the public, knowing what the people wanted to talk about.

"I've lived at my home for 40 years and am used to the trucks making noise, but these 'Jake' brakes are taking it to another level," resident Robert Blue said. "I'm asking the supervisors for a ban on 'Jake' brakes, at least on Route 54 or in the whole township."

The major area of complaints is along the state highway near the base of Vulcan Mountain to the Ryan Township Fire Company. Resident Mark May, who has lived along the highway since 2008 and is a professional truck driver, also complained about the noise.

"There are a lot of trucks that go flying down - tri-axles, no mufflers, straight pipes," May said, requesting the restriction. He also said vehicles speed on the highway.

"People almost run you over and kill you on that road," May said. "So, if we get the 'Jake' brake restriction and we can get the police to ticket drivers, we can get the word out that you can't come flying down with your 'Jake' brake on and it would slow the trucks down."

Ioana White, who lives where the first group of homes are at the base of the mountain, said she has lost two pets in the last four weeks on the road, adding that it was too dangerous to safely retrieve one of the animals from the road due to the traffic conditions.

"There is nobody there going 40 miles an hour," White said. "And for us to get out of our driveway is impossible. It's an incredible safety risk."

Resident Peter Symons said there have been two fatalities not far from his home.

"In the 40 years I'm living there, there have been two people killed there, numerous accidents, poles knocked down, cars in the yard. It's getting ridiculous. Anybody who sits at our house can't get over how they speed down through there."

"There are two issues here - speeding and 'Jake' brakes," Holman said.

White expressed her fear for her children who must walk a distance to the bus stop. She had approached the Mahanoy Area School District about changing the stop to the front of her house.

"I tried to bring it up to the school district and they told me that to pick up the kids in front of the house is too dangerous," White said. "The school district told me that it's a town and police issue. So we drive our kids to school because it's too dangerous for them to walk."

Holman said that township solicitor Christopher Riedlinger, who could not attend the meeting, does have some model ordinances involving 'Jake' brake prohibitions. Holman offered a motion to advertise an ordinance to ban the use of 'Jake' brakes, with Supervisor Franklin Fetter making the second, followed by board Chairman David Morgan, Holman and Fetter voting in favor.

Increased enforcement of the speed limit will also happen to let drivers know that the township is enforcing the laws.

by peter e. bortner

Federal authorities are investigating allegedly poor working conditions at a nonprofit organization's workshop in Pottsville.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has started a probe of Avenues' workshop at 1755 W. Market St., Mark Stelmack, area director for the Wilkes-Barre Area Office, said Monday.

"We notify the employer a complaint has been filed," Stelmack said. "We ask that they do an internal investigation and give us a response."

Maria A. Herne, the former employee on the vocational training staff who made the complaint to OSHA, told the agency the facilities are "unsanitary, inadequate and outdated" for both workers and clients.

"I had the misfortune of working there for several months and was disgusted and appalled by the working conditions," Herne said in an email to The Republican-Herald.

Formerly known as United Cerebral Palsy, Avenues started its work in 1952. Its mission is to provide employment and other opportunities for people with disabilities to help them to reach their full potential. It operates programs for children as well as adults.

Stelmack said the complaint, which the agency received Friday, is a nonformal one, meaning it was not signed by a current employee.

"No one has been assigned to inspect it," Stelmack said of the Avenues workshop.

Avenues has a week to respond to the complaint, according to Stelmack, who said he had not yet heard from the agency. Stelmack said he will wait for Avenues' response before deciding what further action to take in the case.

Avenues will not ignore the matter, Executive Director Peter J. Keitsock said Tuesday.

"We received it and we're complying," Keitsock said of the complaint. "We'll be responding to OSHA."

In her complaint to OSHA, Herne listed several specific allegations of what she believes are problems at the workshop.

Those problems, according to Herne, include:

- "Doors to the building are not accessible to those in wheelchairs."

- "There is no security system or any security personnel."

- "There are no designated separate waste receptacles to dispose of soiled latex gloves, disposable briefs, diapers and wipes."

- "Laundry is all thrown together in the same hamper."

- "Chemicals and other hazardous materials ... are left out unlocked in the garage workshop bathrooms."

- "The elevator is inadequate for wheelchairs and not secure."

Traffic arrests,

citations given

The North Central PA Regional DUI Enforcement Program reported the results of two roving DUI patrols conducted earlier this month.

On Aug. 2, five officers from five departments contacted and detained 39 vehicles and tested two drivers for DUI.

There were no DUI arrests but the officers made 20 traffic arrests, one criminal arrest and issued one seat belt citation and 19 warning notices.

Then, on Aug. 3, five officers from five departments conducted a patrol that had 43 vehicles contacted and detained and one driver tested for DUI.

There were no DUI arrests but the officers made 28 traffic arrests, three criminal arrests and issued one seat belt citation and 15 warning notices.

Police announce

DUI checkpoints

The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced that sobriety checkpoints and roving DUI patrols will be conducted now through Monday on routes 61, 183, 901, 209, 1006, 309, 1008, 443, 895, 125, 25 924 and 54.

Travelers are reminded to call 911 if they suspect a drunk driver or to call, toll-free, 888-UNDER21, to report underage drinking.

Smashed window

leads to charges

HOMETOWN - Rush Township police reported on two incidents last week in their coverage area.

Police said they charged Anthony Morales, 20, of Hazleton, with criminal mischief on Thursday after he allegedly smashed the windshield and sunroof on a vehicle that was parked in the parking lot of Transwestern on Progress Avenue.

An incident at 4:14 p.m. Friday led to charges being filed against Joseph J. Forster II of Tamaqua, police said.

Police said Forster was found behind the wheel of his vehicle in the parking lot of Wal-Mart and taken to St. Luke's Hospital-Miners Campus, Coaldale, for a blood alcohol test.

Police said Forster was committed to Schuylkill County Prison on a parole violation and is now facing charges of DUI-controlled substance, possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Man violates

protection order

SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS - A 42-year-old Shenandoah man was jailed Sunday after being charged by state police at Frackville with violating a protection from abuse order.

Police said Christopher Petrylak was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $15,000 straight cash bail.

Police said Petrylak contacted a 36-year-old Shenandoah woman by cellular telephone on multiple occasions Sunday and followed the woman in his vehicle between West Mahanoy Township and Shenandoah.

The woman, police said, the PFA order was issued in Schuylkill County Court on Aug. 7.

Police investigate

slashed tires

SHENANDOAH - Shenandoah police are investigating a criminal mischief incident that occurred between 1 and 6:30 a.m. Sunday on West Cherry Street.

Police said John Eck reported someone slashed the left and right front tires of his 2001 Mitsubishi Galant while it was parked at the end of the 300 block of West Cherry Street.

Police said one-inch cut marks were found on each tire and ask that anyone with information contact them at either 570-462-1008 or 570-462-1991.

Police probe

3-car hit-and-run

SHENANDOAH - Shenandoah police are investigating a hit and run crash involving three parked vehicles in the area of 331 W. Centre St. about 10:25 a.m. Thursday.

Police said an unidentified driver struck a 2002 Ford Taurus owned by Matt Pavitt of 331 W. Centre St., causing damage to the left rear mirror; a 2003 Kia Soul owned by Juan Medina of 333 W. Centre St., causing damage to the driver's door and front quarter panel; and a 2002 Toyota Avalon owned by Loretta Gressens of 335 W. Centre St., causing damage to the left rear door and mirror.

The driver then fled the scene traveling west on West Centre Street, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at either 570-462-1008 or 570-462-1991.

Minersville man faces DUI charges

DEER LAKE - A 52-year-old Minersville man is facing charges of DUI after a traffic stop at Route 61 and Liberty Street in West Brunswick Township at 2:11 a.m. Monday, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.

Police said they were investigating a DUI incident and stopped a 2000 Dodge Durango driven by Vaughn G. Vesay.

It was learned the vehicle had a suspended registration for insurance cancellation and Vesay was found to be under the influence and arrested for suspicion of DUI, police said.

Charges are pending the completion of the investigation, police said.

Police arrest 2

in burglary case

Pottsville police arrested two men and charged them in connection with a burglary at 672 N. Second St. on Monday.

Police said Christian Pond, 18, and Andrew Cecil, 21, both of Pottsville, were arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, on charges of burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

They were then committed to Schuylkill County Prison each unable to post 10 percent of $25,000 bail.

Police said officers were called about the burglary and learned that the basement screen door had been broken into and various Playstation games valued at about $400 and several accessories were stolen from inside.

Police determined that Pond and Cecil were responsible for the crime and that they forced their way into the home between 10 p.m. Sunday and 4:30 a.m. Monday.

After taking the men into custody, police said both admitted their roles in the crime and the stolen items were later discovered at 518 Laurel Terrace in Pottsville.

Man faces service

theft charges

ROCK - A 47-year-old Pine Grove man was charged by state police at Schuylkill Haven with theft of services stemming from incidents between Sept. 25, 2012, and Aug. 7.

Police said Troy Schneck will have to answer to the charge before Magisterial District Judge Carol A. Pankake, Tremont.

Schneck, police said, stole about 3,402 KWH of electricity from PPL by tampering with the electric meter outside his home that prevented PPL crews from being able to properly read his electric usage.

Bethel man faces

DUI, drug charges

LEBANON - A 47-year-old Bethel man is facing charges of DUI as well as drug violations after an incident at 2400 E. Cumberland St., Route 422, in South Lebanon Township, Lebanon County, at 1:58 a.m. Sunday.

State police at Jonestown said they found Michael R. Bylina of 941 Schubert Road inside his 2005 Chevrolet Silverado stopped alongside the highway.

The man showed signs of being impaired and was also found to have controlled substances in his possession, police said.

by peter e. bortner

Norwegian Township does not have to pay taxes on a parcel of property it acquired in 2007, the Commonwealth Court has decided.

In a 5-2 ruling filed Tuesday in Pottsville, the court upheld the ruling of county Judge James P. Goodman that the property is exempt from taxation because the township has made a good-faith effort to develop it for a public purpose and it is being used for recreation.

"Municipal authorities, including townships, are extensions of the Commonwealth, and, thus, property owned by these entities is presumptively non-taxable," Judge Patricia A. McCullough wrote in the court's 21-page opinion.

The decision means the township will not have to pay real estate taxes on the property, which is at the entrance to the Norwegian Woods development. Township officials have said they want to develop the property as a park or playground.

McCullough wrote in the court's opinion that the burden was on the county Board of Assessment Appeals to show the property is taxable, and that the board did not present any evidence to support its position.

"A township is a governmental body whose property is presumed to be immune or exempt from taxation" under the Pennsylvania Constitution and statutory law, McCullough wrote. "The taxing authority must prove that the government-owned property is not being used for a governmental purpose in order for it to be taxable."

Not only did the board not present evidence to support its position, the township produced ample evidence to show the property is used for public recreation and that it has made a good-faith effort to develop it further, according to McCullough.

Township Supervisor Leo Grace testified that Norwegian maintains and cleans the property, and also has announced that it is available for public use, McCullough wrote.

McCullough also wrote that the township has spent money to develop the property as a park or playground, which alone is sufficient under the law to support the tax exemption.

Judges Anne E. Covey, Renee Cohn Jubelirer, Bonnie Brigance Leadbetter and Bernard L. McGinley joined in McCullough's opinion.

In dissent, Judge Robert Simpson wrote that the property is not "actually and regularly used for public purposes," and does not qualify for a tax exemption.

Simpson, in whose opinion President Judge Dan Pellegrini joined, also wrote that the township's good-faith effort to develop the property is irrelevant because five years had elapsed without such development.

PORT CARBON - The borough council decided Tuesday to participate in a study to determine if a regional police force could be assembled for the municipalities in the Pottsville Area School District.

"In the past couple months, I attended meetings with the City of Pottsville and council members from Palo Alto, and the purpose of the meetings was to look at a regional police force," Councilman Ray Steranko said at council's August meeting.

The seven communities that comprise Pottsville Area School District also include Mount Carbon, Mechanicsville, Palo Alto, Norwegian and East Norwegian townships and the City of Pottsville.

"The third meeting I attended there was a fellow from Harrisburg named Ron Stern," Steranko said.

Ron Stern is a local government policy specialist with the state Department of Community and Economic Development's Governor's Center for Local Government Services and deals with regional police matters, according to The Republican-Herald archives.

"He recommended looking at all areas included in the Pottsville school district. And he recommended a study be done to see if it's feasible, if this will work. And he has someone that would come in and do this study. But in order to proceed, tonight we're going to have to pass a motion to submit a letter of intent," Steranko said.

Steranko made the motion, with conditions.

"I make a motion that we proceed to the next step just to see what we can do, with the stipulation that there's no cost to this borough for the study and, second, we are not making a commitment that, yes, we will become part of this regional police force," Steranko said.

The motion was seconded by Councilman Warren Thomas and carried with votes from Council President Harold "Bucky" Herndon, Steranko, A. Bernice Shirey, John Franko and Andrew Palokas. Councilman Mike Quercia was not present for Tuesday's meeting.

On July 30, Pottsville became the first municipality to vote to participate in a feasibility study conducted by the state to determine the practicality of developing such an initiative.

In other matters at Port Carbon council's meeting Tuesday, the council accepted a bid of $42,718.50 from Reading Materials Inc. for the borough's 2013 Road Program.

"Reading Materials was the lowest of the three bidders," borough engineer James S. Tohill, Alfred Benesch & Co., Pottsville, said at the meeting.

The other two bidders and their bids were Schuylkill Paving Inc., $49,030, and EJB Paving & Materials, $48,269, according to Tohill.

The 2013 Road Program includes the following paving work:

- A 12-foot-wide by 73-foot-long section of North Street from Pine Street west.

- A 180-foot stretch in the 300 block of Coal Street. Part of that stretch is 12 feet wide and part of it is 15 feet wide, Tohill said.

- Coal Street, 40 feet west of its intersection with Apple Street, east for 110 feet, Tohill said.

The council also voted Tuesday to send a letter to Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad, Port Clinton, to complain about drainage trenches that were recently forged on the sides of the tracks running along Commerce Street across from the Francis E. Lubinsky Playground.

"I think everybody saw how they dug out the areas by the railroad tracks and it's a mess down there. Can we have a motion to get together with our solicitor to try to work something out to correct this problem?" Palokas asked.

The piles of dirt along the tracks block stormwater drainage and caused pools of water to form along the east side of Commerce Street, according to Herndon.

"Can we get together with you on this?" Herndon asked borough solicitor William Burke, Shenandoah.

"Absolutely," Burke said.

With a motion by Palokas, which was seconded by Steranko, council voted to meet with Burke to develop a letter to send to the railroad.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Trees are the latest improvement to The Island in Schuylkill Haven.

In June, borough workers used a machine to dig holes for 14 trees - 12 red maple and two crimson Norwegian maple trees.

"We planted them in June," Jerry Bowman, council member and Shade Tree Commission member, said Monday. The trees were planted between the multipurpose field and the pavilion.

Bowman and his wife, Fafar, water the trees daily.

Right now, they are about 8 feet tall, Bowman said.

"These trees should get 60 to 70 feet tall when they're full growth," he said.

The couple said they wanted to provide shade for people who frequent The Island. Looking across the field toward Dock Street, there are mature trees that provide shade; however, the couple wanted to replace the maple trees planted years ago by the borough in the same vicinity that did not survive.

A lone tree stands near a rock before the new trees.

"That's the only one that survived," Bowman said.

He did not know the exact reason the maples that the borough planted years ago failed to thrive. Borough Manager Scott Graver didn't know either.

The new trees were purchased with borough funds out of a designated account for beautification efforts, Bowman said.

"We were willing to pay," Fafar Bowman said, but the borough volunteered to pay.

The trees were bought at Lowe's in Hamburg and were on sale for a total of $150, Fafar Bowman said.

Bowman said he volunteered to water the trees because "we're dedicated volunteers. We have a real interest in trees."

Graver confirmed that.

"Jerry loves trees. He has a passion for trees," Graver said Monday.

Frank Snyder, service forester with the Weiser Forest District, said the trees are a good choice.

He said the red maple is native to Pennsylvania and can grow to about 70 feet.

"It can probably live for 120 years," he said.

The Norwegian can grow as large as the red maple but usually grows to about 50 feet. It is native to Europe. They can live for 80 to 90 years in the right conditions, Snyder said.

The trees do not do well on city streets because pavement limits growth, he said, adding they are better in parks and open areas.

Bowman knows the trees don't provide much shade right now, but will if they survive.

"It's going to be years before these are big and robust but you've got to start somewhere," he said.

After a brief flash flood watch Tuesday afternoon, Schuylkill County will have bright skies until early next week.

"It's going to be nice for days," John LaCorte, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, State College, said Tuesday. "There's no rain in sight for a while."

LaCorte said high temperatures will be in the high 70s with overnight lows in the 50s until Aug. 20. It will be dry the rest of the week until a chance of rain Aug. 20, LaCorte said.

"It will be a nice, extended period of beautiful weather," LaCorte said.

Not much rain fell in the county Tuesday morning despite the area being included in a flash flood watch that covered most of Central Pennsylvania.

The NWS issued the flash flood watch until 1 p.m. Tuesday for Adams, Bedford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill, Somerset and York counties.

Schuylkill County had anywhere from about a quarter inch to about half an inch of rain Tuesday. According to noon measurements Tuesday, Mahanoy City recorded 0.22 inches of rain and Pine Grove had 0.56 inches.

"Usually, if it's not directly related to rainfall, it may be related to runoff," LaCorte said about Schuylkill County's inclusion in the watch.

Areas just south of Schuylkill County were hit much harder. Harrisburg recorded about 0.75 inches of rain and Millersville, Lancaster County, had about 1.3 inches.

Deeds

Minersville - Tony and Olga M. Garcia to Kari Wetzel, Stephanie Wetzel and John Kromer; 463 Carbon St.; $27,400.

Julian S. Yupcavage, Jan B. Yupcavage, Mildred Diane Ribka, Jeanine Sabuda and Christine M. Datte to Julian S. Yupcavage; property on Delaware Avenue; $1.

Mount Carbon, North Manheim Township and Pottsville - Kailash Nath Mathur Sr., grantor of the Kailash Nath Mathur Sr. Revocable Living Trust, to Kailash Nath Mathur Sr.; 78 Sherwood Road, Forest Hills; $1.

Orwigsburg - Matthew A. and Lauren D. Elston to Thomas and Heather Marx; 245 Gerald Ave.; $114,000.

Priscilla Johnson, individually and as attorney in fact for Madeline M. Sowers, to Caryl Stabinsky; 121 S. Wayne St.; $106,500.

Pine Grove Township - James F. and Joanne G. Daubert to James J. and Lori L. Pierce; 52 2 1/2 Mile Road; $384,000.

Joyce Stair LLC to Heaco Limited Partnership; 5.0107-acre property on Roberts Road; $600,000.

Jason B. and Tanya M. Zagar to Roxanne M. Freed; 340 Tremont Road, Ravine; $119,900.

Port Carbon - Donald J. Burns, executor of the Estate of Richard D. Grossman, to Leo C. Leone and Sandra Thomas; 214 Grand St.; $85,000.

Pottsville - Elizabeth Anne Oliver to Michael J. Baney; 488 Peacock St.; $76,000.

U.S. Bank NA to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; 536 E. Arch St.; $1.

Birchwood Gardens LLC to Norwegian Manor LLC; 20 S. 23rd St.; $1.

Ryan Township - Anne M. Krukas to Anne M. Krukas, Timothy J. Krukas, Lori A. Rizzo and Amy Dobeck; 9 Sherrie Ave., Barnesville; $1.

Saint Clair - Harold W. Hammer to Kashmir Kaur and Jayoti Bala; 51-53 S. Second St.; $12,000.

Shenandoah - Susan F. Probition to Susan F. Probition and Joseph M. Probition III; 633 W. Coal St.; $1.

Harvey Hahn to Curtis Hahn; 420 W. Mount Vernon St.; $1.

Tamaqua - Robert J. Sell to Michael J. II and Tracey J. Chickilly; 207 N. Lehigh St.; $63,500.

Donald E. and Miriam W. Kester to Vaal E. Kester, Aimee B. Caputo and Terri D. Kane; 336 Washington St.; $1.

Gary P. and Nanette Seladones, William E. and Eleanor Seladones and Thomas and Beverly A. Seladones Mogelnicki to Lawrence M. and Pamela J. McCullion; 6 S. Lehigh St.; $11,500.

SNYDERS - West Penn Township police are looking for a man on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle who robbed Sovereign Bank on Friday.

Chief Brian Johnson said the man entered the bank about 10 a.m. and demanded money from the tellers.

"He said give me all the money, $50s and $100s," Johnson said.

The man did not show a weapon but left the bank after getting an undetermined amount of cash and drove away on his motorcycle, heading west on Route 895 toward New Ringgold.

Johnson said the man was described as being white, in his mid-40s or 50 and about 5 feet 6 inches tall with brown hair. He was wearing a dark blue, brown or black hoodie, blue jeans, sneakers and sunglasses.

The motorcycle was described as a Harley-Davidson with saddle bags and may be maroon or black, Johnson said.

Johnson said no additional information was available Friday and that the investigation into the robbery is continuing.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Penn Township police at 570-386-1100. All information received will remain confidential.

Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street

To Brian and Charlene Feliciano Shannon, Tamaqua, a son, July 28.

James K. Reiley

A 44-year-old Saint Clair man charged with a burglary at the former Yuengling Creamery, Pottsville, on Aug. 1 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

Phillip J. Gibble, whose last known address was 306 Cherry St., was arrested by Pottsville police Patrolman Renee Galle and charged with one count each of felony burglary and criminal trespass as well as misdemeanor offenses of possessing instruments of crime, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Galle charged Gibble with entering the creamery building at 520 Mahantongo St. without permission about 4:25 a.m. and tampering with electrical wires on the loading dock.

In the area where Gibble was located, Galle said officers found a freshly broken piece of pipe that contained copper wire an approximately 20-foot-long piece of copper wire.

Galle said the man told officers he had permission to be in the building but the investigation determined Gibble had no such authority to be on the property.

Other court cases included:

Tracy Jane Harrison, 43, of 303 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville - waived for court: DUI, DUI-high rate, DUI-controlled substance and following too closely.

Jamie P. Robbins, 33, of 70 S. Coal St., Apt. 2, Port Carbon - waived for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Amanda L. Strimboulis, 24, of 801 E. Main St., Box 36, Hegins - waived for court: furnishing drug-free urine.

Todd R. Conklin, 24, of 1 Chestnut Drive, Palmerton - withdrawn: accidents involving death or personal injury while not property licensed, driving with a suspended or revoked license and duties at a stop sign.

Marleeka S. Ballard, 23, of 247 S. Wylam St., Apt. B, Frackville - waived for court: DUI, DUI-controlled substance and vehicles turning left.

Gretchen E. Garrity, 36, of 46 York Farm Road, Pottsville - waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tiara N. Kelly, 26, of 661 John O'Hara St., Pottsville - waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael C. Roth, 48, of 4 Ferbees Road, Pine Grove - waived for court: simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Fallon M. Sincavage, 19, of 31 Deer Park Village, Pottsville - waived for court: conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility.

Michael E. Dillman, 31, of 157 Broad Mountain Ave., Frackville - waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Scott A. Parsons, 24, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville - withdrawn: receiving stolen property.

Lindsey A. Draine, 25, of 420 Market Square Apartments, Pottsville - waived for court: theft by unlawful taking.

GIRARDVILLE - Borough officials will contact Reading and Northern Railroad about stormwater runoff problems along Preston Avenue.

Councilman Joseph Chiaretti spoke of the water problems during his streets committee report during the Aug. 8 council meeting.

"We had a situation where the railroad came through the week before and opened up the culverts, and what that caused was the water flushed down behind the homes on Preston Avenue," Chiaretti said.

However, the railroad was undoing something Girardville had done to protect residents' property from water runoff.

"We've been in contact with the railroad. I submitted a letter about a year and a half ago asking them to do something about the culverts and got no response," Chiaretti said.

After the railroad failed to take action, borough workers blocked the culverts, diverting the water to the wetlands near Mahanoy Creek.

"When they (railroad employees) opened them up recently, they told us that they didn't much care for that (blocking the culverts)," Chiaretti said. "Well, I told them we have 15 homes on Preston Avenue that are getting flushed with silt and dirt."

Chiaretti asked the council's permission to submit a new letter to the company, along with a copy of the previous letter sent by Chiaretti last year that included photos of the situation.

"We've got to block these culverts because the water that comes down off of upper Railroad Street does so every bit of a half a mile along the railroad tracks and gets to the first culvert," Chiaretti said. "When we have a good rainfall, that water shoots out of that culvert about four feet. We have to do something about it. If the railroad says no, I don't know how we could possibly fix it other than blocking it again."

The borough council gave its permission for Chiaretti to contact the railroad company.

On Wednesday, Chiaretti and Councilman Joseph Quinn showed The Republican-Herald the site of the culverts where stormwater runs from the south side of the tracks, underneath the rail bed and leaves on the north side, flowing down the embankment to the borough.

There are three stormwater culverts. The one nearest the access road from Railroad Street has been causing runoff problems for the properties along Preston Avenue and Silver Street.

"If you were here at a recent rainfall, you would see it shooting out the pipe," Chiaretti said. "The water has no choice but to go toward the homes."

Chiaretti explained that borough employees blocked that first culvert, causing the water to travel west along the south side of the railroad tracks thanks to a very slight slope to the rail bed. While the second culvert had not been causing problems, Chiaretti said that it was also blocked by the borough due to concern that the additional stormwater diverted from the first culvert would enter it and possibly cause problems for other properties.

The third culvert was left open for the water to flow into it and discharge into an area where no homes would be affected.

Chiaretti pointed out that the water flowing along the tracks was causing no erosion problems.

Reading and Northern accepted questions on the matter by email on Wednesday but did not respond by deadline for this story.

In another matter, Chiaretti commended the work of borough Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Wilson and fire Chief Frank Zangari in the enforcement of the building codes and occupation inspections. He also commended Mayor Edward Burns for his enforcement the Quality of Life ordinance.

"It's a reflection a lot on the community on cleaning up the homes that are empty and getting properties cleaned up," Chiaretti said. "I think it's going a long way, and from the streets side of things, I have nothing but praise for Jeff, Frank and Ed. I want that as part of the minutes."

Burns asked police Officer-in-Charge John Borchick to report on the enforcement of the state's dangerous dog regulations at a property on the 200 block of East Mahanoy Avenue.

"We did cite the owners under the state law," Borchick said. "Initially, I cited them under the borough ordinance but I withdrew those charges and cited both people because there are two dogs and they both said that one owned one dog and one owned the other dog."

Borchick said a hearing for Scott Hosler and Sherry Clark, 209 E. Mahanoy Ave., was held May 31 at the office of Magisterial District Judge Christina Hale, Frackville. The citations were written May 7.

"They both pled guilty and each paid a $654 fine," Borchick said. "The judge also sent in a form that she needed to fill out under the dangerous dog law ordering the state dog enforcement officer that they had pled guilty and that both pit bulls are classified as dangerous dogs."

According to the state Department of Agriculture's Dog Law Enforcement Office website, "A dangerous dog is one that has attacked, inflicted severe injury to or killed a human being or a domestic animal without provocation while off an owner's property. A dog is also considered dangerous if it was involved in committing a crime. It is unlawful for an owner or keeper of a dangerous dog to permit the dog to be outside the proper enclosure unless the dog is muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash and under physical restraint of a responsible person. The muzzle shall be made in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration, but shall prevent it from biting any person or animal or from destroying property with its teeth."

Borchick said the dogs must now be registered with the state as dangerous dogs at an annual cost of $500 each, must be muzzled when outside and on a leash, among other requirements.

"I am being told by the Department of Agriculture that the state dog wardens are supposed to follow up on this," Borchick said. "It's in the state's hands now. We did our part."

In other business, council approved a request by the motorcycle group "Fat Bastards" to use borough hall prior to its fun run Sept. 15 to raise money for the Rob Krick Heart Fund. The time of the motorcycle run will be announced at a later date.

In another matter, Borchick said the borough has received six new pedestrian crosswalk markers and they have been placed in locations he selected when the application was submitted to the state, including at school bus stops.

The state Department of Transportation maintenance forces will start pothole patching, drainage work, paving and milling in seven municipalities in the county on Monday.

The work will occur in East Brunswick, Frailey, Reilly, Upper Mahantongo, Delano and Wayne townships and McAdoo borough.

All work will start at 7 a.m. Monday and last until 3 p.m. Aug. 23, except for the paving in Wayne Township, which will start at 6 a.m. Monday and end at 6 p.m. Friday and the milling and paving in East Brunswick Township, which starts Monday and ends Aug. 24.

Rain delays are possible, according to PennDOT. Lane restrictions in all areas with flagging is expected.

A list of the affected roads are:

- Milling and paving in East Brunswick Township on Hawk Mountain Road between Route 895 and the Berks County line.

- Drainage work for Frailey and Reilly townships on Route 25 between Newtown and Interstate 81.

- Pothole patching in Upper Mahantongo Township on Ridge Road between Klingerstown and Rough and Ready; in Delano Township between Lakeside Avenue and Mahanoy City; and McAdoo borough on Route 309 on Lofty Road and Blaine Street.

- Paving in Wayne Township on Panther Valley Road between Sweet Arrow Lake and Cressona borough.

Anyone walking down Pottsville's Market Street will now be able put their musical skills to the test thanks to a street piano dedicated Friday morning.

The piano, at Second and Market streets in front of The Famous, is part of a new program from Pottsville Area Development Corp. called "Skook Toones, Music For Youes."

"Skook Toones is a new program designed to encourage appreciation of music and the arts by placing community street pianos throughout the downtown area of Pottsville," said Amy S. Burkhart, executive director of PADCO. "Today, we dedicate the first piano of this project."

Along with the piano, dedicated when Mayor John D.W. Reiley cut a ribbon, there was a special first performance by Glenn Roberts, Pottsville, with his granddaughter, Erika Lauren Trexler, 6, of Ringtown.

Burkhart said PADCO's Aesthetics Committee was behind the project, in keeping with its aim to beautify downtown Pottsville through community improvement programs. The committee has also organized community cleanups.

Patrick J. Murphy, chairman of the committee and owner of Murphy Jewelers, spoke about the project and said it's a "reflection of a similar piano project found in Lancaster." That project is run by Music for Everyone and is called "Keys for the City."

"We thank their coordinator, John Gerdy, for the guidance provided in implementing a street piano program in our own community," Murphy said. "The piano was donated by a local organization, painted by volunteer artists, tuned, stored and secured by various local companies all volunteering their time and efforts. Skook Toones is an example of how we can come together to make a project happen."

Murphy said that while the piano is covered by an overhang, the committee expects it to take a beating while it's outside, but PADCO hopes it will bring enjoyment to the community because such pianos would otherwise end up being thrown away.

Murphy also said those who contributed to the project included Kris Miller Sipple, Jo Framble, Audrey Bordonaro, Dan Sponenburg, Pottsville Moving and Storage, George Logathitis, Hadesty's Ace Hardware, Micky Palles, Steve Buzalko, Z&M Painting, the Pottsville Business Association and the Sovereign Majestic Theater.

Sipple, Frable and Bordonaro painted the piano in the theme "Market Street Boogie Woogie."

"It is our hope that for next year, we would identify up to five spaces in which to place pianos," Burkhart said. "Those areas would ideally have an overhang or awning to protect the pianos from the elements. Further, we will be seeking organizations interested in sponsoring a piano. That money will allow us to move, tune, paint and store these unique works of art."

Burkhart said that PADCO anticipates that there will be "hundreds, if not thousands, of music moments shared on these pianos in the coming years" and they encourage people to play, share and enjoy.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - A 10-year-old Gordon girl has been reunited with her mother after being abducted Thursday afternoon by her mother's former live-in boyfriend and his own mother.

The FBI is taking over the investigation from Butler Township police, who held a press conference Friday to discuss the details of how the girl was found Thursday night after an Amber Alert was issued.

"This shows that when everybody works together how fast you can resolve something," township police Chief Edward Tarantelli said at the township municipal building.

Tarantelli said that Alexandria Jade Long was last seen about 4:30 p.m. Thursday, according to a press release by the on-duty officer, Patrolman Shawn Butler.

Police determined that Peter Tarbox, 39, of Norwood, N.Y., the ex-boyfriend of Alexandria's mother, Laura McCabe, was the last person to call the home. Phone contact was made with Tarbox and he confirmed that Alexandria was with him and did not intend to return her.

State police and the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office then issued the Amber Alert, and the FBI Allentown Resident Agency began assisting with the investigation and dispatched an agent to Butler Township, Tarantelli said.

Just before 11 p.m. Thursday, an officer with the Gouverneur police department in New York spotted Tarbox's vehicle and its occupants - Alexandria, Tarbox and Tarbox's mother, Annette M. Williams, 55 - at a gas station. The officer rescued Alexandria and took Tarbox and Williams into custody without incident.

"The patrol officer did an outstanding job," Tarantelli said. "The reason he had the information wasn't because of any special police code, but because he had an Amber Alert app on his personal cellphone. ... Had he not had that phone app, he most likely would have just driven past without realizing there was a problem."

Police said Tarbox and his mother were taking Alexandria to their home in Norwood, which is north of Syracuse and about 25 miles from the Canadian border.

"We don't believe that Tarbox was trying to get to the border with her. It was coincidental that he was that close," Tarantelli said. "He (Tarbox) is not the father and has no parental authority or responsibility."

The girl's mother and Tarbox had lived together in Norwood but the couple split several years ago, police said.

Tarantelli said McCabe married and the family had moved to the area earlier this year. Tarbox and the girl recently connected on Facebook but the mother found out and blocked him from communicating with her daughter, Tarantelli said.

"We don't know this, but we assume that this sparked Tarbox's interest. He had never been to our area. Alexandria and her parents had just moved to our area within the last three or four months. It's been years since Alexandria had any personal contact with him."

Alexandria was reunited with her mother at the Gouverneur police station Friday morning, police said.

Tarbox and Williams were both being held in jail Friday awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania, where their case will be handled by federal prosecutors, Tarantelli said. He said Tarbox and Williams are facing charges in Pennsylvania that include kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child and the interference with the custody of a child.

The FBI was taking over the investigation, agency spokeswoman Carrie Adamowski said.

"I can't say enough about everybody, from Officer Butler to the dispatcher at the county, to the state police Amber Alert crew, to the FBI and the county district attorney's office. Everybody all together made this ultimately come to a successful ending," Tarantelli said.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)