Although the early snowfall slowed shoppers Thursday morning, many still took to the stores Thursday to take advantage of after-Christmas sales and make some returns.

Liz Eich, store manager at Boscov's Department Store at the Fairlane Village mall, Pottsville, said the store opened at 7 a.m., but they didn't see a lot of shoppers until about 2 p.m.

"We're just starting to see people now," Eich said.

While store employees expect most shoppers to make holiday returns or exchanges, Eich said that wasn't true, with most customers coming into the stores to take part in the doorbuster sales.

Eich said that most of items returned, though, were clothing being exchanged for different sizes.

John Boran, general manager of The Bon-Ton at the Schuylkill Mall, Frackville, said his store opened at 6 a.m. Thursday and he also didn't see many returns.

Boran said many shoppers Thursday used gift cards, which the store has seen an increase in sales of over last year.

"The registers would be overflowing with items if there would be returns," Boran said. "Most of the people were coming for our doorbusters."

Cosmetics and shoes were The Bon-Ton's biggest sale items Thursday.

Boran also said that any returns were expected to be shoes, since it is usually hard to find or buy the right sizes for someone as a gift.

One person that could be seen shopping the sales at The Bon-Ton on Thursday was Kelly Schley, Valley View, who said she came to get a Calvin Klein sweater.

"We ended up with boots and lots of other stuff," she said. "You name it, we got it."

Nancy Aleandri, Greensburg, who was shopping at Boscov's, also didn't have any Christmas returns or exchanges Thursday.

"I'm just taking advantage of the sales," she said.

Lucy Wolfe, Saint Clair, shopping at Boscov's, had only one return Thursday to the men's department - T-shirts - since she said they were the wrong size.

MINERSVILLE - In the classic movie "The Christmas Story," Ralphie was told by his mother he would shoot his eye out with a BB gun he received for a gift.

A Pottsville juvenile boy shot a BB gun Thursday afternoon in Minersville and shattered a car window, injuring a passenger inside, Minersville police said.

Police said the incident occurred about 2:40 p.m. on Berger Street, near the intersection with Ryan Lane.

Three boys were in a wooded area between Berger Street and a softball field when one of them fired the BB rifle at a car that was traveling south on Berger Street.

The BB struck and shattered the passenger's side front window, causing the flying glass to hit and injure Josephine Ryan, 500 Lytle St., Minersville.

Minersville EMS was called to the scene for initial reports of a gunshot wound. The woman was treated at the scene for cuts to her chin, police said.

Police said the driver of the car - Joanne Baker, 1118 W. Centre St. - stopped the car and yelled at the boys, but they ran to a nearby house.

Officers found the three juveniles and identified the shooter as a Pottsville boy who was visiting in the area for Christmas.

"This woman was very fortunate," police Chief Michael Combs said, referring to her suffering only what appeared to be minor injuries.

Combs said the Pottsville juvenile will be facing charges of propulsion of missiles into occupied vehicles and possibly other offenses.

The charges, the chief said, will be filed with Schuylkill County juvenile authorities.

Editor's note: In the final days of 2013, The Republican-Herald news staff looks back at some of the more memorable stories of the year, bringing things up to date when necessary. Today, we review some of the troubles that beset county and local government. Saturday, we bring the readers the year in crime. Sunday, we recall several misfortunes caused by fire and vehicular accidents. On Monday, we look at three stories that gained interest outside the county. On Dec. 31, as the world counts down to 2014, we look back at 10 stories of significant local interest in the outgoing year. All stories were chosen by staff members and are arranged by topic and in roughly chronological order.

Crumbling arches giving up the ghost as city streets cave; highway road crews moving tons of rock while local officials argue over a traffic light; the first county tax hike in almost a decade; and a new mayor in Pottsville not named Reiley in more than decade were among the notable stories in Schuylkill County's government news during 2014.

Split pair takes shape

Motorists continue to encounter roadwork on Route 61 in the Deer Lake area.

Construction on the $38.4 million split pair bypass project between Route 895 and Municipal Road began in September 2012 and will not be completed until the fall of 2015. It will convert four miles of the existing highway into northbound lanes and build two miles of new lanes solely for southbound traffic.

Jug handles, median dividers, three bridges and as many traffic lights are part of the project, along with drainage improvements and other work.

Construction has begun on some of the southbound lanes and other earth moving is ongoing.

About 30 to 40 percent of the project is complete, Sean Brown, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, District 5-0, Allentown, said last week.

Two of the traffic lights will definitely be installed but the third is a source of dispute between local authority and the state. Before PennDOT installs the traffic signal, the local government must accept ownership of it and pay for its maintenance. An agreement for ownership of the light at Route 895 and Deer Lake has not been made final and, without it, a barrier will have to be built in the intersection preventing left-hand turns. Deer Lake, West Brunswick and Auburn have discussed the problem and an agreement must be made by Jan. 17, Brown said.

19th century work wears out

The underground tunnels which carry sewage and storm water beneath Pottsville showed their age this year.

On June 10, faulty stone sewer works owned by the Greater Pottsville Area Sewer Authority near the 500 block of North Centre Street broke during a storm, spilling rainwater and sewage onto the street. The repairs by Dallago's Backhoe Service, Minersville, cost $39,917.52, according to Timothy R. Yingling, the authority's executive director.

On July 3, a section of the sewer works repaired in 2011 on East Market Street gave way. The repairs by Mazzuca Enterprises Inc., Pottsville, cost $106,380.07, Yingling said.

In early August, a foot-wide section of the Norwegian Creek Tunnel caved it. The city maintains the tunnel. The cave-in put a hole on the far southwest side of the parking lot at Kentucky Fried Chicken, 419 S. Claude A. Lord Blvd., Pottsville. The repairs by Dallago's Backhoe cost $4,967, according to Mary Quirk, secretary to the city administrator.

Despite that, the sewer authority and the city officials have not made plans for engineering studies on the 19th century systems.

The council will not consider doing an engineering study unless Daniel E. Kelly, city superintendent of streets, recommends it, Thomas A. Palamar, city administrator, said in August.

Kelly said he believes the stone arches are strong and can be repaired on a case-by-case basis.

One in three county bridges need work

PennDOT released a report in October declaring nearly a third of the 500 bridges in Schuylkill County as "structurally deficient."

A total of 164 bridges are in need of work. That includes 83 of the 343 bridges in the county owned by the state and 81 of the 157 owned by either the county or municipality.

While an additional $2.3 billion in annual funding to improve state infrastructure has since been approved, limited funding in August made future bridge repairs impossible. That month, PennDOT announced new or increased weight restrictions on about 1,000 state and local bridges to extend their life spans. New or increased limits were placed on 11 state-owned and 26 locally-owned bridges in Schuylkill County.

If a bridge poses a public safety risk, it is closed.

Pennsylvania ranks third in the nation in the number of bridges with 25,000 state-owned structures, but first in those that need repair. Nearly 4,500 are deemed structurally deficient, according to the report.

Councilman moves to front seat

When choosing a new mayor, the citizens of Pottsville looked to a familiar face in the November election, Democratic Councilman James T. Muldowney.

In fact, that night the voters kept the Democrats in control of the council, as Muldowney's two-running mates, incumbent Mark J. Atkinson, 45, and Joseph J. Devine Jr., 58, won seats on the council.

Scott R. Thomas, 23, was the Republican candidate for mayor. It was a close race. Muldowney received 1,684 votes and Thomas received 1,327, according to the website for the Schuylkill County Election Bureau.

Thomas's running mates were Republicans Tina K. Zanis and Kerry L. Ansbach.

Muldowney will be sworn in as mayor at the council's reorganization meeting 10 a.m. Jan. 6, according to City Clerk Julie D. Rescorla.

John D.W. Reiley has been mayor since 2000. His son, the late Terrence P. "Terry" Reiley, was mayor from 1998 until he died from leukemia in February 2000. John D.W. Reiley was appointed to the vacancy in 2000, and he went on to win mayoral elections in 2001, 2005 and 2009.

Turkey thief on ballot

Political campaigns can raise all types of issues and, in the 2013 Mahanoy City race, a 40-year-old turkey theft was one of them.

Challenger Dennis Wiessner opposed incumbent Nancy A. Petritsch on the Democratic primary election ballot. In that race, Petritsch won by six votes over Wiessner. There were no declared candidates on the Republican ballot, with Wiessner receiving 79 write-in votes, making him the Republican challenger to Petritsch in the Nov. 5 General Election.

In October, attorney Chester C. Corse, parliamentarian of the Schuylkill County Democratic Party, discovered the 1972 felony conviction in Lehigh County against Wiessner. According to the Pennsylvania Constitution, any person convicted of a felony under state law is banned from serving in any public office in the state.

Wiessner, who said he had forgotten the incident, told The Republican-Herald that the 1972 incident involved helping a friend, who had stolen two Jandl turkeys from the company and had asked him to transport them to his home.

"I hauled the turkeys home," Wiessner said. "Later a detective came over and asked me some questions, and I told him what happened. The detective said I would have to go in front of the judge. The judge asked me about it, and I pleaded guilty. He said I had to pay $50 for the turkeys and gave me two years probation. I never got in trouble since then. I have a clean record. No DUIs."

Wiesnner said that the subject was never raised again during his work career, which included employment by the federal government and the City of Allentown.

"Nothing was ever brought up that I was a felon and couldn't work there. That's what I'm upset about," Wiessner said of the controversy.

He continue to run and said he had applied for a pardon from the state.

In the General Election, Petritsch won by only a three-vote margin, with 475 votes over Wiessner's 472 votes.

The race was close enough for Wiessner to ask for a recount, which was held on Nov. 26, with the election results confirmed.

More mills

County real estate taxes are going up for the first time since 2004.

The commissioners unanimously approved the 2014 budget this month, adding two mills to the levy.

The county's $53,733,255 spending plan will be funded by a tax of 13.98 mills, up from 11.98 mills. Since the average residential property in the county has an assessed value of $29,640, the increase means property owners will pay $59.28 more in real estate taxes in 2014. The county per capita tax remains at $5.

One mill represents $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

In the last county tax hike, the millage rose from 8.88 to 11.98. The county did not face another budget deficit until 2008. In the last five years, the unassigned general fund has been used to balance the deficit.

The county tax makes up 20 percent of residential taxes. School taxes make up 65 percent while municipal taxes make up the remaining 15 percent.

Several boroughs also raised real-estate taxes for 2014 while residents in one township will be paying less.

Mahanoy City increased taxes 2 mills for 2014. Real estate taxes will go from 30.524 to 32.524 mills. The median value of the hike for taxpayers is $17.30.

Ashland raised its total real estate tax from 21.8 to 22.0 mills. Each mill brings in $24,000 in real estate taxes.

Girardville residents will see their taxes increase the most in 2014. The 4-mill hike in real estate taxes increases the millage rate from 14.7 to 18.7 mills. One mill brings in about $6,000.

In Tamaqua, taxes will increase 1.5 mills for 2014. One mill of the increase is for real estate taxes, which will go from 16.25 to 17.25 mills while the remaining half mill will go towards the building and equipment fund, which will now be at 1 mill.

Saint Clair and Pottsville each increased taxes 1 mill for 2014. The tax rate in Saint Clair will be set at 5 mills while the Pottsville rate increases to 18.47 mills.

Butler Township decreased its real estate taxes 1 mill. The township supervisors approved the 2014 budget lowering the real estate tax from 11.65 to 10.65 mills. Each mill brings in about $54,000. The decrease was possible due to the Wal-Mart Distribution Center at Highridge North Business Park ending its Keystone Opportunity Zone status on Dec. 31.

n Andreas: The Andreas Sporting Club stages smoke-free bar bingo at 7 p.m. Thursdays in the clubhouse. The public is welcome.

n Nuremberg: The Nuremberg Country Christians Youth Group has reserved tickets for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey game slated for 7:05 p.m. Feb. 22. Tickets are free for youth group members and $16 for anyone else who would like to go. The price includes the game (seats are in the red zone), a McDonald's value meal ticket, a Penguins hat and the promotion item for that night, an all-star poster. For tickets, call Rhonda Lescowitch at 570-384-3913.

n Pottsville: Schuylkill On the Move promotes steps toward good health through walking. It is a project of Schuylkill County's VISION in partnership with the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau, the Schuylkill Conservation District and Schuylkill County Conservancy. It will sponsor the Whippoorwill Walk from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 12, with hike leader John Domalakes, to showcase "the beauty of the outskirts of the 'mountain city' of Frackville during a tour of Whippoorwill Park and the nearby dam," according to a release. Participants will meet at the Odd Fellows Cemetery at the far end of East Oak Street in Frackville. "Be sure not to turn onto Morea Road," organizers warned in the release. The two-mile walk is rated easy. All are welcome.

n Schuylkill Haven: The local revitalization group Our Haven Foundation will host "Rockin' Walk In New Year's Eve" from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 31 in the event room at the Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway. Doors will open at 8:30 p.m., according to a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Member Memo flier. Tickets are $25 per person in advance and $30 at the door. Reserved tables are available for parties of eight. The event is for people 21 and older. Entertainment will be provided by the Sterling Koch Band. There will be refreshments including beer, soda and a champagne toast as well as hot and cold appetizers, dessert and coffee bar. Patrons may bring their own cheer and mixers. For more information, email ourhavenfoundation.events@gmail.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.

n Tamaqua: A free community soup social, an outreach soup kitchen, is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 4 in Founders Hall at Trinity United Church of Christ, 22 Lafayette St. The socials are held monthly on the first Saturday. All are welcome. People should use the lower parking lot entrance to the hall.

n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Community Arts Center, 125 Pine St., offers a variety of events, including: Open stages the second and fourth Thursdays of the month in which the public is invited to showcase talents; acting classes and workshops; adult clay and sculpting class from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays; kids' pottery sculpting class from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays for children ages 9 to 15; Coal Cracker Chorus practice from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays with new members always welcome; high school writers' club from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. For more information, visit www.tacp.info/arts-center-happenings.

n Tuscarora: The Tuscarora Fire Company sponsors weekly Tuesday smoke-free bingo games at the firehouse. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and games begin at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the company. Everyone is welcome.

n Weston: The Nuremberg-Weston Volunteer Fire Company holds breakfasts from 8 a.m. to noon the first Sunday of the month in the firehouse, 459 Hazle St. The menu includes choice of eggs and home fries, pancakes or French toast, sausage or ham and a beverage. Takeouts are available, everyone is welcome.

SHENANDOAH - The shell of the new Family Dollar in Shenandoah is almost complete for interior work to begin soon in preparation of the store opening in the first quarter of 2014.

The construction work can be seen to the west of Boyer's Food Market and Domino's Pizza on West Centre Street. Lucky's Deli and Kielbasy Shop is located to the west.

"Family Dollar provides value and convenience in easy-to-shop neighborhood locations, and we are excited to bring a store to Shenandoah," Family Dollar Community Affairs Specialist Cliff Cermak said Tuesday.

Family Dollar had a presence in the borough before, opening first in downtown Shenandoah on North Main Street and later moving to the Gold Star Plaza. The plaza store closed two years ago.

Family Dollar has five stores in Schuylkill County: Minersville, Pottsville, Tamaqua, Tremont and Hegins. The company was founded in 1959 by entrepreneur Leon Levine in Charlotte, N.C., and has 7,600 stores in 45 states with 50,000 employees.

Cermak said the Shenandoah store will be within the average of most of the company's stores.

"Our stores average 7,500 square feet," he said. "Because of the smaller size of our stores, we're able to locate our stores closer to where our customers live."

The 1.2 acres of land was sold in April by H.J.J.T. Family Limited Partnership, to which members of the Boyer family belong, and FIDC XXI LLC, which represents Family Dollar, for $100,000.

"The store will be open in early 2014 - late February to mid-March," Cermak said.

The company is accepting job applications online.

"Family Dollar employs eight to 10 'team members' per store," Cermak said. "Folks from the community interested in working for Family Dollar may log on to www.familydollar.com, then select 'Careers' to apply. We hire from within the communities we serve, as we look to be a good neighborhood partner. Family Dollar provides value and convenience in easy-to-shop neighborhood locations, and we are excited to bring a store to Shenandoah."

Cermac said stores carry national and private brands of food, personal care, cleaning and other items.

"For those in the community that may not be all that familiar with Family Dollar, we have the same national brands, the Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Colgate, Tide, etc., as grocery stores and drug stores, and we have quality private brand merchandise, as well," Cermac said. "We have a great assortment of food, including refrigerated and frozen foods, health and beauty aids, apparel, home decor, plus a great assortment of seasonal merchandise and much more. Back to the theme of value and convenience, we provide our customers with easy-to-shop stores, with all of their favorite brands at prices typically lower than grocery, drug and convenience stores."

The store will be open daily, with hours of operation to be announced at a later date.

According to its website, Family Dollar offers customers "a mix of quality name brand products they use everyday; from consumable products such as household paper products and expanded food assortment, to treasures for every home and even quality apparel for men, woman and children. We also offer a mix of seasonal products, greeting cards, gift wrap and more."

Headquartered in Matthews, N.C., just outside of Charlotte, Family Dollar is a Fortune 300 publicly-held company with common stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FDO. For more information, visit www.familydollar.com.

Editor's note: In the final days of 2013, The Republican-Herald news staff looks back at some of the more memorable stories of the year, bringing things up to date when necessary. Today, we present the year in crime. Sunday, we recall several misfortunes caused by fire and vehicular accidents. On Monday, we look at business stories of interest. On Dec. 31, as the world counts down to 2014, we look back at 10 stories of significant local interest in the outgoing year. All stories were chosen by staff members and are arranged by topic and in roughly chronological order.

Schuylkill County saw a former tax collector sent to prison in 2013 for theft, while a city official was charged with stealing. Among the year's homicides, one was ruled justified, as was a police shooting at the end of a several-mile car chase. Meanwhile, the tragic case of a man dying when two men tied him to a tree in 2012 and left him exposed to the elements ended with a conviction and prison sentence.

Authorities investigate homicides

A Philadelphia man and a Pottsville woman were charged by Pottsville police for their roles in a June 11 shooting that left a city man dead.

Anthony M. Ballard, 26, of 110 E. Tulpehocken St., the alleged shooter, and Jamiee Jacinta Watson, 19, of the 1000 block of West Market Street, were apprehended in Philadelphia the day after the killing.

Police charged Ballard and Watson with criminal homicide and related charges.

Police accuse Ballard of shooting Elijah Trayvon Carraway, 19, of Pottsville, in the area of West Laurel Boulevard and Sanderson Street about 8:30 p.m.

Carraway was pronounced dead at the scene, lying on the south side of 407 Laurel Blvd., to which he ran a short distance from where he was shot.

Watson told police she was driving in the area with Ballard when they saw Carraway, and Ballard told her to stop. Watson said Ballard left the car and shot at Carraway.

Ballard then got back into the car, removed the magazine from the weapon and the two drove off, Watson said.

A home invasion in East Brunswick Township that led to a fatal shooting on Aug. 31 was determined to be justified.

State police at Frackville said Zachary Foster, 18, was killed when he was shot by Curt Stein, who returned to his home on Steep Mountain Road with Melissa Booth and found the man inside.

Police said Stein and Foster got into a fight that ended with Foster shot and killed and Stein suffering minor injuries.

Foster, investigators said, lived just down the road from the Stein residence and broke into the home. Schuylkill County District Attorney Karen Byrnes-Noon determined the shooting was justified.

A stabbing in Mahanoy City on Dec. 1 that left a man dead was termed a homicide, but police and the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office are trying to determine if the death was a matter of self-defense.

Mahanoy City police officers were called to a home at 739 E. Mahanoy Ave. about 4:40 a.m. for a report of a stabbing and found Lawrence Quinn, 52, lying in the kitchen area of the home with a single stab wound to the chest.

Police said Quinn was pronounced dead at the scene and that he was stabbed by Kimberly Hons, the daughter of his girlfriend.

Hons' mother and Quinn's girlfriend, Linda Smith, told investigators her daughter confronted Quinn after seeing blood on her from an earlier altercation with the man.

Smith said her daughter lunged at Quinn and an altercation began with Quinn grabbing Hons by the throat and pinning her against a counter top.

Police said Smith said that at that point, Hons reached for a knife and stabbed Quinn in the chest.

A Williamstown man was arrested by state police and charged with criminal homicide after an incident on Dec. 7.

Police said Roberto Souffront, 53, confronted his wife and James Harbst, 27, at Harbst's mobile home on Lenker Drive during the early morning hours.

Souffront shot and killed Harbst before assaulting his wife, state police said. She was treated and released from a hospital, police said.

Assisted suicide case draws attention

On Feb. 7, Barbara J. Mancini handed her father, Joseph Yourshaw, a bottle of morphine at his Pottsville home, and he took it.

Four days later, Yourshaw, 93, died at Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street.

As a result, Mancini, 57, of Philadelphia, has been charged with aiding suicide in a case that has attracted much statewide attention due to the issue of assisted suicide.

Pottsville police charged Mancini with handing Yourshaw, 1311 W. Market St., the bottle of morphine after he had expressed a desire to die.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell is considering a motion by Frederick J. Fanelli, Pottsville, Mancini's lawyer, to dismiss the charge. Fanelli has alleged the state law on aiding suicide is unconstitutionally vague and, even if it is not, the evidence in the case does not support the charge.

Special interest groups advocating the right to die have supported Mancini, who is free on $100,000 unsecured bail pending further court proceedings.

If Russell does not dismiss the charge, the earliest the case could go to trial is the February criminal court term.

The state attorney general's office, which is handling the prosecution of the case due to a conflict of interest in the county district attorney's office, has opposed Fanelli's request.

Former tax collector gets prison time

William G. Wildoner, who admitted stealing almost $400,000 in public money while serving as Ryan Township's tax collector, was sentenced in April to at least 1 1/2 years in a state prison.

Wildoner, 73, of Barnesville, was sentenced by Judge Jacqueline L. Russell pursuant to a plea agreement to serve 18 to 60 months in jail.

Russell also sentenced Wildoner to submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities and pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $377,328.04 restitution.

The restitution will be divided among three governmental bodies: $177,145.86 to Mahanoy Area School District, $166,609.24 to Schuylkill County and $39,572.94 to Ryan Township.

Wildoner pleaded guilty to three counts of theft by failure to make required disposition. Prosecutors withdrew three counts each of theft and receiving stolen property.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Wildoner with stealing the money between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2010, while serving as the township's tax collector, a position he held for 35 years before resigning after being arrested.

Police said the thefts came to light April 1, 2011, when Wildoner notified the school district finance officer that he lost a tax deposit for $171,145.86. Police said school officials checked the reports and deposit slips provided by Wildoner, along with a computer-generated list of taxes paid, and found that all of the numbers did not add up and $171,145.86 was missing and unaccounted for as of the end of the 2010 tax year.

The school district, township and county all have settled their claims with the bonding company that insured Wildoner.

Candidate faces sex charges

Sex charges ended a candidacy for municipal office in 2013.

Robert L. Wolfe, 43, of Pine Grove, on the ballot for Pine Grove Borough Council, was arrested May 23 at his home by the Pine Grove Police Department. He was charged with corruption of minors, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, unlawful contact with minor-sexual offenses and sexual abuse of children-child pornography by Pine Grove police after being charged in May.

The charges stem from contact he allegedly had with a then 13-year-old girl at the North End Fire Company in the borough.

He allegedly also met the now 16-year-old girl several times and exchanged pictures and talked in a sexual manner.

The victim testified in June of an alleged sexual encounter in 2011 at the fire company during a preliminary hearing.

Wolfe remains free on bail after briefly being sent to the Schuylkill County Prison.

Wolfe won election for a four-year council seat during the May primary, but later withdrew his name from the ballot before the November General Election.

The case is pending in Schuylkill County Court and the earliest it will be heard is February.

Machete attacker blames drugs

Stephen S. Campion Jr. admitted he attacked a woman with a machete in May in Pottsville and will spend at least the next 4 1/2 years behind state prison bars as a result.

Campion, 20, of Pottsville, could remain in a state correctional institution for as long as nine years under the terms of Judge John E. Domalakes' sentence, which was imposed Nov. 13.

Campion pleaded guilty that day to aggravated assault, arson and other charges. Prosecutors withdrew charges of attempted homicide and simple assault, plus one additional count each of arson and aggravated assault.

"What was going through your head?" Domalakes asked Campion.

"Drugs" was the defendant's only reply.

Pottsville police charged Campion with assaulting Barbara Hummel on May 25 while she slept in the basement of 305 Howard Ave.

Hummel suffered a fractured skull and a hematoma as the result of the attack, police said,

Police alleged that after assaulting Hummel, Campion used a lighter to set fire to the couch on which she was sleeping. Stephen Weiss, Campion's father, testified at his son's preliminary hearing that the fire caused more than $10,500 in damage to the basement, kitchen, a bathroom and other areas of the house.

Trial in tying-up death ends in conviction

About 3 a.m. May 28, 2012, Keith A. Reber marched Bryan R. Smith to a tree in South Manheim Township, tied him to it and left him there to die, which he did approximately 19 hours later.

Reber, 50, of Schuylkill Haven, is now paying the price for his crimes, having been sentenced on Aug. 21 by Judge Charles M. Miller to serve 14 to 28 years in a state correctional institution. He is serving his sentence at SCI/Camp Hill in Cumberland County.

After a four-day trial presided over by Miller, a jury of eight women and four men found Reber guilty on June 27 of kidnapping, conspiracy, involuntary manslaughter, recklessly endangering another person and tampering with evidence and not guilty of first-, second- and third-degree murder, aggravated assault, unlawful restraint and two counts of simple assault.

Reber also pleaded guilty on Sept. 12 to a charge of prohibited possession of a firearm stemming from the same incident. Miller, who had been scheduled to preside over a nonjury trial of that charge, imposed a sentence of 3 1/2 to seven years in prison, but made it concurrent with the main sentence.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Reber with brandishing a gun and using military-style flex-ties to bind Smith, 26, of Orwigsburg, to the tree behind Reber's 294 Meadow Drive home. Police said Reber wanted to teach Smith a lesson because he suspected he had stolen items from Reber's girlfriend, Lisa Keller.

"Your conduct was ... unmerciful, callous, with total disregard for the precious life of Smith," Miller told Reber before imposing the sentence.

Reber's accomplice, Daniel W. Dull, 26, of Orwigsburg, pleaded guilty on July 9 to his role in the affair and is serving three to six years at SCI/Camp Hill, plus an additional four on probation. Dull had testified against Reber.

"One has a duty to stand up and ... do the right thing," Miller told Dull.

Man shot after wild car chase

A Shenandoah man, shot by police following a retail theft and high speed chase on Aug. 26, is scheduled to appear in Schuylkill County Court next year.

John A. Pino, 70, of 309 E. Centre St., Apt. C, faces charges stemming from two incidents, the theft of items valued at $276.60 from the Saint Clair Wal-Mart and also the chase that ensued.

Saint Clair police also charged Pino with one felony count of retail theft.

The incident began with a report of a retail theft at Wal-Mart prompting police there to issue a bulletin for the SUV involved.

A short time later, a state police trooper saw the SUV on Interstate 81 and when he tried to pull the vehicle over, Pino fled.

The chase left Interstate 81 onto Route 54 east where Pino turned around in the Ryan Township Fire Company parking lot and began to travel west. He continued over spike strips and turned onto White Owl Drive in Mahanoy Township where a trooper was able to force him off the road.

Authorities said Pino refused to get out of his vehicle and continued to race the engine in an attempt to flee, placing police who were approaching on foot in danger.

Pino was subsequently shot by Saint Clair police Chief Michael Carey and taken into custody. Byrnes-Noon determined Carey's actions were appropriate and ruled the shooting justified.

Pino was charged by state police at Frackville with one felony retail theft and eight felony offenses of aggravated assault along with many other misdemeanors and summary offenses charges related to the incident. He remains in Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of 10 percent of $10,000 bail for the theft and $250,000 straight cash for the chase.

City clerk charged with theft

In September, Schuylkill County detective Martin Heckman charged a clerk in Pottsville's tax office, Donald E. Long, 37, of Cressona, with stealing $1,805 from the city's tax office between March 15 and June 6.

On June 13, Long's supervisor found discrepancies in the cash drawer he was responsible for and started the investigation. In all, Heckman said there were 11 discrepancies found totaling $1,805.

At a special meeting July 30, the city council fired Long.

In October, Long waived his right to a preliminary hearing and will be tried on misdemeanor counts of theft and receiving stolen property in 2014.

n Jim Thorpe: Free parking at all regular borough downtown parking meters will be in effect now through Jan. 2. The borough meters are on Broadway, Susquehanna, Hazard and Quarry streets.

n Lansford: Students at Our Lady of the Angels Academy took part in the school's annual Christmas performances in St. Katharine Drexel Roman Catholic Church. Students in fourth through eighth grades performed "A Christmas Carol: Scrooge in Bethlehem" and youngsters in pre-kindergarten through third grade performed "The First Christmas."

n Lansford: The Panther Valley Public Library, 117 E. Bertsch St., held its final preschool story hour for the year from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 17. Participants listened to "The Night Before Christmas," enjoyed snacks and visited with Santa, who presented each child a gift. Story hour at the library will resume in March.

n McAdoo: The final day for borough property owners to pay 2013 Schuylkill County, borough and Hazleton Area School District real estate taxes is Tuesday. Reminders have been mailed to all borough property owners who have not paid their real estate taxes, officials said in a release, adding Schuylkill County per capita taxes may also be owed. Collection hours are slated from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the residents of Andrew DeBalko, borough tax collector. If both real estate taxes are owed, residents should write separate checks when paying. For more information regarding any of the taxes, call DeBalko at 570-929-1628.

n McAdoo: The McAdoo Community Civic Association is still collecting donations for its Christmas holiday lights. Through donations from the community, the group was able to purchase two new snowflake lights and members want to buy two additional new lights this year.

n Orwigsburg: The Blue Mountain School District has been offering a community educational series for parents and community members to get information on the educational opportunities in the district. The third session is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 21 in the middle school cafetorium, with a snow day of Jan. 28. Debra Heim, Schuylkill County Interagency Team coordinator, and Linda Jones, of Access Services, will focus on community outreach. The fourth session is set for March 3. Charlotte Granito, academic language practitioner and dyslexia therapist, and Alison Foura, occupational therapist, will focus on what accommodations can help a child with a specific learning disability, spectrum disorder and sensory issues.

n Pottsville: In observance of New Year's Day, the Schuylkill Transportation Authority fixed route bus service will follow a Saturday schedule on Tuesday. STS bus and van service will not operate Wednesday. Regular fixed route bus and van service will resume Thursday. If there are any questions regarding the schedule, please call STS at 800-832-3322.

n Shenandoah: In line with a borough ordinance, residents must clear their sidewalks, providing at least a 30-inch-wide path, within 24 hours of an accumulating snow or ice event. Borough council President Leo Pietkiewicz reiterated the ordinance requirements during a recent council meeting. He also said residents should not throw snow onto streets, a practice that is prohibited by the ordinance. People who do not adhere to the requirements can face penalties.

n Summit Hill: The Summit Hill Heritage Center, with Church on the Rock, 1 W. Hazard St., held a Christmas sing-along Dec. 11. The event was free and open to the public. Light refreshments were served.

n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 in the Tamaqua Art Gallery, 114 W. Broad St. The society meets regularly on the fourth Thursday of the month. Anyone may stop by to inquire about joining or talk about ways to help keep the history of Tamaqua in the eyes of the public.

2 escape injury

in 1-vehicle crash

GILBERTON - Two men were not injured in a one-vehicle crash at 1:30 p.m. Thursday on Main Street near Railroad Street.

State police at Frackville said the crash occurred as a 1996 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer driven by Stephen J. Rodick, 67, of Frackville, with passenger Joseph R. Rodick, 66, of Mahanoy City, was traveling west on Main Street and Rodick lost control of the vehicle.

The vehicle traveled along the westbound berm and roadside then rotated slightly clockwise until the right rear side of the vehicle struck a utility pole.

After initial impact, the vehicle spun 175 degrees clockwise, then the rear bumper of the vehicle struck a clothing collection receptacle and a chain link fence.

Both the driver and passenger were wearing seat belts and were not injured.

Stephen J. Rodick was cited for failing to drive within a single lane.

The vehicle was towed from the scene due to severe damage.

Pottsville woman

causes rucus

VALLEY VIEW - A Pottsville woman was charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication from an incident that occurred at 9:15 a.m. Thursday at Redner's Warehouse Market in Hegins Township.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said the incident occurred as Kelly Marie Bevans, 48, of Pottsville, was in the Redner's parking lot for about two hours acting erratic to patrons and employees.

Upon arrival of police, Bevans was observed running through a farmer's field during a snow storm, hallucinating from being under the influence of a controlled substance.

She was subsequently arrested for disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

State police probe

window damage

AUBURN - State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a criminal mischief incident that occurred about 9:55 p.m. Dec. 21 at 193 Fort Lebanon Road.

Police said someone damaged a second floor exterior window on the front of a home and fled the area.

A vehicle with a loud exhaust was heard in the area at the time the window was damaged, police said, adding that it was also seen heading west toward Auburn.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-593-1330.

Traffic stop leads

to other charges

RAVINE - A Harrisburg resident is in trouble with the law after state police pulled him over for driving without headlights and allegedly found a blunt with marijuana.

State police at Jonestown said Jason Andrew Stemmler, no age provided, was driving without headlights at 5:30 p.m. Friday on Interstate 81 at mile marker 103.4 in Schuylkill County, when he was pulled over by officers.

During the traffic stop, police allegedly found a blunt contained suspected marijuana.

Charges will be filed in district court.

Police investigate

smashed tail light

State police are investigating a criminal mischief incident that occurred between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Friday at Fairlane Village mall.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said someone approached the vehicle of James Hummel, 25, of Mahanoy City, in the rear parking lot of the mall and proceeded to smash the driver's side rear tail light cover with an unknown object

Police are still investigating the incident.

4-vehicle crash

leaves 1 hurt

One person sustained minor injuries in a four-car accident on Friday near the Cressona Mall.

State police said the 2:03 p.m. accident occurred just north of the Cressona Mall as Daniel W. Guers, 88, of Pottsville, was driving a 2005 Cadillac Deville south on Route 61 and struck the rear bumper of a car stopped because of a traffic backup in the left lane of Route 61.

The impact from Guers' vehicle forced the 2013 Chevrolet Express driven by Soli F. Tavaria, 66, of Schuylkill Haven, to hit a 2004 Mazda 6 operated by Rachel L. Bendetti, 25, of Orwigsburg, police said.

The Mazda then hit a 2011 Ford Explorer driven by Michael C. Smith, 28, Pottsville, police said.

Guers was taken by Pottsville/Schuylkill Haven Area EMS to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street for minor injuries.

Nagu Tavaria, 66, Schuylkill Haven, a passenger in Tavaria's vehicle, Dawn Bendetti, 49, of Orwigsburg, a passenger in Bendetti's car, and both Gina M. Smith, 28, of Pottsville, and a child in Smith's car were not injured.

All were wearing seat belts and the child in Smith's vehicle was in a child seat, police said.

The chain-reaction crash resulted in significant damage to the Cadillac and the Chevrolet. Moyer's Car Care towed those vehicles from the scene. The Mazda and the Ford were driven away from the site.

Guers was charged by police with driving at an unsafe speed.

The Salvation Army Pottsville Corps fell short of its 2013 Red Kettle Campaign goal of $90,000, Capt. Tammy Hench said Friday.

"I can't recall the last time we didn't make our goal. I've been here nine years and we've always made the goal. I think it's because the tough economy. But I'm thankful for the generosity people have shown to us through the holiday," Hench said.

Last year, the Pottsville Corps surpassed its goal of $75,000 and raised $89,670.

This year, the goal was $90,000 and by Tuesday, the last day Salvation Army volunteers held red kettles at area businesses, the campaign raised $81,853.46, according to Hench.

But there are still opportunities for people to donate, Hench said.

"We're going to keep at it," she said.

The Red Kettle Campaign will continue online at www.salvationarmyusa.org until Jan. 31, she said.

Internet users can search on the site to make sure their donations go the Pottsville office, she said.

The staff at the office of the Pottsville Corps at 400 Sanderson St. can also accept donations directly, Hench said.

This year's campaign began Nov. 15, Hench said.

Bell ringers and kettles were at locations including: Boscov's Department Store at Fairlane Village mall, Pottsville; Boyer's Food Markets Inc., Frackville, Orwigsburg, Pottsville and Shenandoah; Wal-Mart Supercenter at Coal Creek Commerce Center, Saint Clair; Redner's Warehouse Markets, Schuylkill Haven and Shenandoah; BG's Value Market, King's Village Plaza, Minersville; and the Schuylkill Mall near Kmart.

On Monday, Lt. Staci Ferreira said they had "about $20,000" to collect and she doubted the goal would be raised by Tuesday.

Ferreira believed snowy weather also kept crowds away from the kettles this year.

PINE GROVE - Local veterans are working to form a nonprofit organization in an effort to buy the state armory in the borough's downtown and turn it into a community center.

"We're in the process right now of becoming a 501(c)3 organization and we're going to form a board so we can maintain that status," Russell N. Stump, 66, vice commander of Pine Grove American Legion Post 374, said Thursday.

State Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, said Thursday that he's considered sponsoring a bill to put the two-story, red brick, castle-like office building at 143 S. Tulpehocken St. on the market. But before moving on that, he wants to see if the local veterans can organize and find the funding to turn it into a community center.

"I try to keep in close contact with those guys and I'd like to see how this pans out. That armory is part of the community down there and I want to make sure the community has every opportunity to maintain that building in some fashion," Tobash said.

For many years, Pennsylvania National Guard D Company 228th Brigade Support Battalion had its headquarters at the armory. In early November, the battalion relocated to the Hershey Readiness Center, according to Wesley E. Craig, adjutant general for the Pennsylvania National Guard.

The state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs plans to put the building up for sale for $135,000, according to a letter Craig sent to Tobash on Sept. 9.

Earlier this year, Gilbert "Dusty" Durand II, director of Policy and Legislative Affairs at the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, asked Tobash to sponsor a bill to put the armory on the market.

Tobash turned to local veterans for their views on the matter and representatives of two local veterans groups - American Legion Post 374 and VFW Pine Grove Post 3432 - decided to make an effort to acquire the building.

In October, Stump contacted Durand to discuss options.

In an email dated Oct. 22, Durand told Stump the veterans wouldn't be able to buy the building for $1.

"In order to maximize grant, donations and fundraising opportunities, the best way to gather support is to register as a charity with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Charitable Organizations and obtain a 501(c) tax exempt designation letter from the IRS. Another option would be to work with another local, existing 501(c)3 if one exists and is willing to lend its full support to this project," Durand said in the letter.

Stump said the tentative name of the nonprofit organization he and area veterans are forming is "The Friends of Company B Heraldry Association."

"Because we're going be a nonprofit, we might be able to get it at a reduced price. Our fingers are crossed," Stump said.

The armory was built in 1909, after a former armory was destroyed by fire, according to "History of Pine Grove, Pennsylvania" published in 1935.

It was built with money that was appropriated by the state on a lot on the corner of Tulpehocken and Mill Streets, according to the history.

The "State Armory" was dedicated with a parade on the afternoon of Friday, May 28, 1909, according to the archives of The Pottsville Republican.

When the building was built back in 1908, the total cost of the project came to $14,347.87, according to Stump.

These days, that's close to what it costs to heat and maintain the building per year, Stump said. On Thursday, he estimated it would cost $12,000 a year for upkeep.

Stump said he and local veterans are in the process of forming a board of directors for their nonprofit group and they're looking into writing applications for grants.

SHENANDOAH - A preliminary hearing for a Mahanoy City man charged with severely beating a woman and then setting her house on fire has been scheduled for next month.

Joseph C. Yeich, 28, of 1229 E. Mahanoy Ave., was charged with assaulting Elrena L. Gibson inside a home at 1031 E. Pine St. and then setting a fire in the basement that damaged that building and others attached to it just before 9 p.m. Dec. 11.

Mahanoy City police Patrolman Christopher Zubris charged Yeich with two felony counts each of aggravated assault and criminal mischief, one felony count each of arson and related offenses and causing or risking a catastrophe, two misdemeanor counts of simple assault and five misdemeanor counts to recklessly endangering another person.

He was arraigned during the early morning hours of Dec. 12 by on-call Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $50,000 straight cash bail.

Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker will conduct Yeich's preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. Jan. 16 in his Shenandoah courtroom.

Following the assault, Gibson was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest where she was admitted for head and facial injuries she suffered. The woman, who also had chemical bleach thrown on her by Yeich, is now recovering, borough police said.

Zubris, in his criminal complaint, said that Gibson fled the house as Yeich lit the fire and was found sitting on the sidewalk with massive head trauma and bleeding profusely from both her head and face.

Zubris said the incident unfolded when he and Patrolman Robert Romanick were called for a report of an automatic fire alarm about 8:55 p.m. and, while on the way, was told there was a fire in the basement and also a domestic dispute at the same address.

At the scene, Zubris said there was heavy smoke coming from the basement of the home and that, during a brief talk with Gibson, the woman told him "Joe Yeich did this."

Zubris said three witnesses pulled him to the side and said that Yeich told them Gibson tried to kill him so he beat her up and set the house on fire because the devil made him do it.

Yeich was located a short time later inside a home at 1038 E. Market St. and taken into custody without incident, Zubris said, adding that the man said to him "the devil made me do it."

Anthony Blackwell, Mahanoy City Fire Department safety officer and administrative assistant, said crews worked quickly to locate the fire and put it out, but not before it spread to the basement of the home at 1033 E. Pine St.

Blackwell said homes at 1027 and 1029 E. Pine St. sustained moderate to heavy smoke damage, temporarily displacing residents, while a home at 1035 E. Pine St. sustained minor smoke damage.

Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal Trooper John F. Burns was at the scene and determined the fire was intentionally set and ruled the cause as arson.

McADOO - The cause of an intense blaze in a vacant building on North Kennedy Drive in McAdoo early Thursday morning remains undetermined, pending further investigation by borough police, Assistant Fire Chief Robert Leshko said.

Borough police took a man who claimed to have started the blaze at 92-94 N. Kennedy Drive into custody at the scene.

Scott Branz Jr., 31, of McAdoo, will be charged with burglary, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property, loitering and prowling at night, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness, police said.

Additional arrests on similar charges will follow, police said. Arson charges are pending the result of the fire marshal's investigation, police said.

Firefighters responded to the blaze at 12:20 a.m. and were met with intense flames raging from the first floor of the 92 N. Kennedy Drive side of the building, which had housed the Gray Goose bar, Leshko said. Both McAdoo fire companies and firefighters from Tresckow, Hometown, Delano, Hazle Township and Mahanoy City were called to battle the fire, he said.

Firefighters were still on the scene investigating when the fire flared back up after 3 a.m., when flames shot from second-story front windows despite the massive amount of water used to initially douse the fire, Leshko said. Sidewalks and streets around the fire scene were glazed with ice where crews hadn't treated them with salt.

North Kennedy Drive between Grant and Blaine streets remained closed until about 8 a.m. as McAdoo firefighters along with state police fire marshals investigated to determine a cause. Firefighters were at the fire scene all night, Leshko said.

The fire, while the cause remains undetermined at this time, appears to have started in 92 N. Kennedy Drive, he said. Fire investigators are waiting for police to complete their investigation, Leshko said.

American Patient Transport Systems was also on the scene.

A Berks County woman will spend more time on probation after being sentenced Thursday in Schuylkill County Court following revocation of her original probation.

Diane K. Bechtel, 52, of Lenhartsville, must serve five years on probation under the terms of Judge Jacqueline L. Russell's sentence.

Russell imposed that sentence after revoking Bechtel's original probation, which the defendant admitted she had violated.

Bechtel initially pleaded guilty on Feb. 18, 2010, to two counts each of deceptive business practices and theft by deception. At that time, Russell sentenced her to spend nine to 23 months in prison and an additional five years on probation, pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $66,000 restitution, amounts she still must repay under the terms of Thursday's sentence, perform 80 hours community service and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

The state police Bureau of Criminal Investigations charge Bechtel with committing her crimes beginning on Jan. 1, 1994.

Bechtel had been scheduled to appear Monday for her revocation hearing, but she did not show up at that time.

On Tuesday, Russell revoked the parole of Zachary D. Pisanchyn, 20, of MaryD, and ordered him placed on house arrest.

Pisanchyn originally pleaded guilty on June 19 to driving under the influence, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of failure to drive at a safe speed. At that time, Russell sentenced him to serve 72 hours to six months in prison, pay costs, a $1,000 fine, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, a $50 CJEA payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street, and perform 10 hours community service.

Rush Township police alleged Pisanchyn was DUI on Aug. 12, 2012, in the township.

As Schuylkill County residents take down their holiday decorations, local haulers are already collecting Christmas trees and will be busy over the next few weeks.

Krietzer Sanitation Inc. is the largest waste hauler in Schuylkill County and also provides services to Berks, Carbon, Luzerne and Columbia counties.

Krietzer has different contracts with each municipality regarding collections. Some agreements include tree collection in regular trash pickup, like in Pottsville. Other municipalities schedule a certain day for tree pickup.

Pottsville residents can also drop off their Christmas trees at the city garage at 425 E. Railroad St. Dan Kelly, superintendant of streets for the city, said Thursday that some people already started dropping off trees.

"We put them up on Sharp Mountain last year," Kelly said. "This year, we have a load of yard waste and will mulch them this year."

In Schuylkill Haven, Boy Scouts Troop 622 will collect trees throughout the borough Jan. 11. The scouts will go door to door all day to collect the trees for free. Donations are welcome to help the troop.

Last year, the trees were mulched at Reynolds Logging Co.

Troop 731 in Ringtown will collect trees Jan. 12.

"We put them out for rabbit habitats," Scoutmaster Charles "Chuck" Faust said Thursday.

Faust said the scouts usually collect about 100 trees each year.

"It's been going down the last few years because people are getting artificial trees," Faust said.

About 17 scouts will collect trees this year, he said.

"It gives people a place to put used trees so they don't get tossed into the landfill and it puts them back into the environment for animals to use them," Faust said.

For more information about tree disposal in your community, call your municipal office.

MAHANOY CITY - A Shenandoah man was jailed Thursday for allegedly trying to steal a car in Mahanoy City earlier in the day.

David J. Rich, whose age was not available, was arraigned on a felony charge of criminal attempt to commit theft and committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of 10 percent of $10,000 bail.

Patrolman Jonathan McHugh charged Rich in connection with an incident about 6 a.m. at 144 E. Pine St.

McHugh said that he was called to the 100 block of East Pine Street for an attempted vehicle theft and spoke to the owner, Warren Seddon, who said Rich had been in the driver's seat of his vehicle.

Seddon said that, before going to work, he had started his vehicle outside his home, and then went back inside while the vehicle was running. A neighbor then called to tell him a man was in his car.

McHugh said Seddon reported he went out and confronted Rich who turned the radio up to a high volume.

Seddon said he pulled out a gun and ordered Rich to get out of his vehicle and that he complied, then fled on foot, McHugh said.

About five minutes later, McHugh said he and Lt. John Kaczmarczyk found Rich in the area of D and Market streets and took him into custody.

A Schuylkill County doctor placed on suspension by state medical officials smuggled drugs in her rectum into Lackawanna County Prison, according to state prosecutors.

Dr. Stephanie Tarapchak, 45, of 1239 Centre St., Ashland, wrote prescriptions for highly addictive drugs to drug-dependant patients and herself, and smuggled drugs into the county prison for her own use, according to charges filed Thursday by the state attorney general's office.

County prison Warden Robert McMillan said he and his staff were unaware of the charges against Tarapchak and alleged smuggling into the prison, but said that may have happened before his time. He became warden in June 2011.

McMillan stressed that objects brought into the prison are heavily scrutinized.

"We investigate everything," McMillan said.

According to the county grand jury presentment, she smuggled Vicodin, Adipex and Ambien in her rectum while she served 10 consecutive weekends in county prison for being in contempt of court following 2011 child custody hearings.

Her 16-year-old daughter overdosed on Xanax given to her by her mother in November 2010, which prompted her father to file a petition for emergency special relief a few days later.

Tarapchak, who is a doctor of osteopathic medicine and specializes in internal medicine, illegally dispensed thousands of schedule II controlled substances, including Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, between January 2008 and August 2011. Prosecutors believe that her prescribing practices led to multiple overdoses, including the death of a 52-year-old patient in June 2011, four days after being prescribed an excessive amount of Oxycodone.

She ordered excessive amounts of controlled substances from Moore Medical LLC, a wholesale supplier in Connecticut. She prescribed medication to patients and family without any physical examination, as well as dispensing drugs to herself.

In one instance, she drank alcohol in 2009 with her then-boyfriend and went to her medical office, introduced him to intravenous Valium and gave him an injection of testosterone.

She also fraudulently billed insurance companies for patient visits and procedures never performed to fuel her drug addiction, according to the state attorney general's office.

She was placed on probation by the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine in March 2012 for an undisclosed medical reason, though she was required to attend support groups, not use any controlled substances except approved medications prescribed by a licensed health care provider, notify the state's Professional Health Monitoring Program of all such prescriptions and submit to random drug testing.

According to Pennsylvania Department of State databases, her medical license is currently suspended.

Tarapchak was charged with corrupt organizations, drug delivery resulting in death, prescribing outside the scope of practice, distribution/prescription to a drug dependent person, refusal or failure to keep records, controlled substance contraband to a confined person, perjury, endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person, insurance fraud, theft by deception and criminal conspiracy.

She was sent to Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $100,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 9.

The Joseph Priestley House is hosting a final holiday party to conclude the Christmas season.

The annual Twelfth Day celebration will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the historic house in Northumberland. Admission is $6 for adults, $5.50 for people over 65, $4 for children ages 3 to 11 and free for children under 2 and active military and their families.

The Twelfth Day is the final day of the 12 days of Christmas, which are celebrated from Dec. 25 with the birth of Jesus Christ to Jan. 5.

"We have been holding this event for 20 years. It gives the visitors a sense of what occurred in English homes during Twelfth Day 200 years ago, the traditional last day of Christmas celebration," said Tom Bresenhan, president of the Friends of Joseph Priestley House.

In keeping with traditional customs, the house is decorated as it would have been in the 18th century and volunteers dress in period costumes. Dating back to medieval times, the decor will feature natural materials displayed on the mantels above the fireplaces.

Free refreshments will be served including wassail, a hot mulled cider, and twelfth cake, an ornamented cake that was passed between friends during twelfth night festivities.

Chemistry demonstrations hosted by Dr. Priestley are scheduled at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. in the Pond Building. Priestley is most famously known for the discovery of oxygen in 1774 while still in England.

A controversial figure for his political views, Priestley's house was burned down in a riot in 1791, forcing his family to flee to London. Three years later, Priestley and his family left England and settled in Northumberland. He continued his work in Pennsylvania until his death in 1804.

On Sunday, the planned entertainment will also depict how life was like when the Priestley family lived on the estate.

"In the house, we have dancers and musicians performing in 18th century styles," Bresenhan said. The music will be provided by the Bloomsburg Music Ensemble.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about the customs and Christmas traditions that are being celebrated. Guides in period costumes will be stationed throughout the house to explain the events of the twelfth day and what life was like for the Priestley family in the 18th century.

According to its website, www.josephpriestlyhouse.org, the Joseph Priestley House is a historic site that preserves and interprets the contributions Priestley made to American history.

The house and laboratory are registered as a National Historic Landmark and National Historic Chemical Landmark.

For more information on the Joseph Priestley House and Twelfth Day, visit the house's website, call 570-473-9474 or email info@josephpriestleyhouse.org.

"For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning."

- T.S. Eliot

Happy New Year Friends! The new year is a time for new beginnings. A time of promise and hope. A time to grow and expand our horizons. At the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau, we're working on those things and we've got reason to believe we're headed in the right direction.

Throughout the winter months, the visitors bureau is laying the groundwork for a fantastic tourism year for our community by investing time, effort, resources and energy into enhancing benefits for our members. We are also working diligently to form partnerships and collaborative efforts in Schuylkill County and throughout our region.

I say this over and over again, but it bears repeating, often. Tourism ranks as the second largest industry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania is the seventh most visited state in the nation. Tourism is also the second largest industry in Schuylkill County with agriculture ranked first. The tourism industry generates $12.8 billion in wages and benefits annually, and accounts for almost 10 percent of all individuals employed in Pennsylvania.

Visitor spending in Schuylkill County for 2012 totaled $195.7 million, which included lodging, food and beverage, shopping, recreation and transportation sales and is up a whopping 9 percent from 2011.

That's huge, folks. Absolutely huge when compared to the slow growth we've seen in the overall United States and state economies as well as other sectors of these economies over the last five years.

Tourism in Pennsylvania and Schuylkill County has steadily grown for four years and is expected to continue to grow in 2014. As I stated previously, tourism industry spending in Schuylkill County totaled $195.7 million for 2012. This accounted for 1,277 jobs (up a whopping 10 percent from 2011) in our county and labor income of $36.9 million, which translates into a 10 percent increase as well.

Our state and local tax coffers are then increased by $10.3 million and we contribute $8.8 million in federal taxes as well. What all of this really means is money and jobs in Schuylkill County and across Pennsylvania. The tourism industry does not compete with vital programs; it helps pay for them and that is precisely why tourism is a critical component of a comprehensive economic development plan for Schuylkill County and Pennsylvania.

The Schuylkill County 2014 Visitors Guide hits the shelves over the next two weeks. Be sure to keep an eye out for it and grab one. Inside you'll find attractions, outdoor recreation, dining, lodging, retail, arts, entertainment, wineries, events and so much more. We're excited about Schuylkill County's tourism prospects for 2014 and hope you are too.

We're always looking for new partners, members and creative ways to showcase our beautiful outdoor recreation destination.

To find out more about the benefits of membership, the 2014 Visitors Guide and other resources, give us a call at 570-622-7700, or email gina@schuylkill.org. Happy New Year from the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau.

(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)

n Mahanoy City: Mayor Nancy A. Petritsch has issued a snow parking ban in the borough. There will be no parking between midnight and 7 a.m. on the following streets: Centre, Main and on South Street from Second Street west to the borough line.

n Fountain Springs: The Ashland Area Municipal Authority water boil advisory for Fountain Springs and Country Club Estates has been canceled. Ashland borough Manager Raymond Jones Jr. said the required sampling and testing of the water system has been conducted and the test results have indicated no presence of harmful bacteria.

n Millersburg: The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art's Olewine Gallery exhibit, "Only Owls," is open now through March 15. It has come from Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wis., according to a release from Alexis Dow Campbell, the center's director of creative programming. The Woodson facility's mission is "to enhance lives through art." In addition to the varied collection of owl art, the center has developed interactive educational components to enhance the exhibit, Dow Campbell said. Visitors can compare their "wingspan" to various owl species, examine replica owl pellets and eggs, examine owl boxes and other items. Support for "Only Owls" comes from The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. Admission to the center's galleries is free to center members. For others it is $7 for adults and $2 for seniors and students. For more information, call the center at 717-692-3699.

n Minersville: The Minersville Area Food Drive Committee's 28th annual holiday food drive is under way and will conclude on Feb. 28, Edward M. Butler, committee chairman, said in a press release. The drive's purpose, he said, is to provide economically disadvantaged people in the Minersville area with food during the holiday season and into the new year. All donations of nonperishable food items can be made by calling 570-544-2739. Monetary donations can be mailed in care of the Minersville Area Food Drive Committee, 529 Lytle St., Minersville, PA 17954. Last year, the committee collected more than 22,000 cans, packaged food and other items including turkeys and other meats, Butler said in the release. "All this was made possible because of the generosity and caring of" Minersville area residents. For more information on the drive, contact Butler at the aforementioned phone number.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Area High School Guidance Department will conduct an informational scheduling session in the high school's Wachter Auditorium for eighth-grade students planning to attend the high school for the 2014-15 academic year, according to Mikki G. McGinty, director of guidance. In a press release, McGinty said it is "extremely important" that Saint Clair Area and parochial students register with the Pottsville Area School District before attending the session by calling the district office at 570-621-2915. For parents/students whose last names begin with A through L, the session will be 7 p.m. Jan. 13. For those whose last names begin with M through Z, the session will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 14. All students and parents of D.H.H. Lengel Middle School and Saint Clair Area should bring the course selection booklets they received in school.

n Shenandoah: In line with a borough ordinance, residents must clear their sidewalks, providing at least a 30-inch-wide path, within 24 hours of an accumulating snow or ice event. Residents also should not throw snow onto streets, a practice that is prohibited by the ordinance. People who do not adhere to the requirements can face penalties.

n Tamaqua: The borough's street department will collect Christmas trees throughout January. Residents should place their trees at the curb for pickup on their garbage collection day. The department will check each street on garbage days and collect trees as time and weather permits. Trees should not be placed in bags and must be free of tinsel and other decorations. Trees will not be collected after Jan. 31. Residents can also drop off trees behind the borough garage at 421 Rear E. Broad St.

n Tamaqua: Snow removal will be performed on various streets in the borough during the winter season. Streets will be posted the day before snow removal is scheduled. Snow removal may begin anytime after 12:01 a.m. on the posted day, and start times will vary depending on work schedules and weather conditions. Residents are reminded that they must move their vehicles for snow removal. Vehicles that remain on the posted streets will be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense.

Schuylkill County retirees did not get their long-awaited cost-of-living increase in 2013, but 2014 may be their year as the retirement fund continues to reach new highs.

Members of the county Retirees Association met in December with the county commissioners and Hank Steihl, senior consultant for The Hay Group, the county's financial actuary for the retirement fund. The county pension hasn't increased since 2007.

Pensions are paid out of the county's retirement fund, which is made up of about a dozen cash and stock accounts. It pays out monthly to nearly 500 retired workers.

Following the 2007 increase, the retirement fund was only about $70 million towards the end of 2008 and most of 2009. The fund has steadily recovered since then and has been setting new highs each month in 2013. It was at $118,551,391.23 on Dec. 16, 2013.

"The way the fund is going, hopefully, without any problem, we could (give a cost-of-living adjustment)," Commissioner Gary J. Hess, the lone Democrat county commissioner, said Thursday.

According to County Pension Law, the county is required to give any new COLA increases for each year since the last time it was changed.

"Our big concern is it has to go retroactively eight years," Hess said.

The county retirement board is comprised of the three commissioners, controller and treasurer. Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management, Bethlehem, serves as the consultant for the fund and has advised the county each year since 2007 to not increase the pension.

"That's why we have those folks there," Hess said. "We have a responsibility to both the current and future retirees. You have to do that balancing act to make sure everyone is covered."

Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr. said the meeting showed good and open communication between the county, its employees and retirees.

"I thought it was a very positive meeting," Halcovage said Thursday. "It was the information that they needed to give back to the people they represent."

The county is also required to transfer an Annual Retirement Contribution from the county general fund. The commissioners approved the second-quarter payment of $395,000 last week. The total annual payment is usually about $4 million.

While the county is only required to vote on a cost-of-living adjustment once every three years, the Schuylkill County Retirees Association makes sure the board doesn't forget about the issue.

"That's our foremost objective," Joan Deitrich, president of the association, said Thursday. "Gas went up, food prices are outrageous, oil has gone up, everything is going up and some of our retirees are living on a very meager income."

While Deitrich said she was disappointed after asking the same question to no avail for seven years, the county retirees are not giving up.

"I'm hopeful that 2014 is going to be a better year and they will consider us again," Deitrich said.