Man faces charges

for fireworks

MAHANOY CITY - Mahanoy City police filed charges against a borough man after an incident at 12:05 a.m. Wednesday.

Police said Dennis Brennan, 51, was charged with setting off illegal fireworks and bottle rockets from his back yard.

Brennan will have to answer to the charges before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Juvenile charged

with retail theft

MAHANOY CITY - A 16-year-old juvenile was charged with retail theft after an incident on Dec. 20 at the Cocoa Hut on East Centre Street.

Mahanoy City police said the juvenile entered the store and then took cigars without paying for them.

The teen will have to answer to the charge in district court, police said.

Man throws garlic

bread at woman

AUBURN - An Auburn man and woman are facing charges of harassment after an incident about 8:40 p.m. Tuesday at 428 Mohave Drive in Wayne Township.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Brian I. RodrIgues, 59, threw a loaf of garlic bread at Jana A. Rodrigues, 33, who then slapped the man in the face.

Both will now have to answer to the charges in district court.

Man not hurt,

cited for crash

DELANO - A Mahanoy City man escaped injury when the 2004 Volkswagen Passet he was driving crashed about 2:45 p.m. Tuesday on Route 1016 in Delano Township.

State police at Frackville said Kenneth W. Vanhorn, 34, was driving in the area when he went off the road and struck an embankment along the east berm.

Vanhorn's vehicle was towned from the scene and police said he will be cited as a result of the crash.

2 Reading men

arrested for drugs

SHENANDOAH - Two Reading men were arrested by Shenandoah police on drug charges during a traffic stop at East Coal and North White streets on Nov. 13 and 14.

Police said Jaime M. Acosta, 34, of 408 W. Greenwich St., and Dashanne Mathis, 35, of 1146 Locust St., were each charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In addition, police said Mathis was charged with driving while operating privileges were suspended or revoked and one-way roadway violations.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle driven by Mathias for going the wrong way on a one way street and subsequently learned the man had a suspended driver's license.

When officers determined Acosta, who was a back seat passenger, had a valid license, he was asked to change places with Mathis and while exiting the car, a bundle of colored wax papers held together by a rubber band fell to the ground.

Knowing heroin is packaged in that way, officers searched Acosta and found with $375 in cash, police said.

After being given permission to search the vehicle, police said officers found baggies of marijuana packed for sale and a large amount of money.

The 10 wax paper packages dropped by Acosta field tested positive for heroin, police said.

Man faces drug

possession charge

SHENANDOAH - Shenandoah police charged a borough man in connection with an incident that occurred between 8:36 and 9:26 p.m. Dec. 16 at his 213 E. Coal St. home.

Police said Joseph Polaconis, 26, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after officers were called to the home for a dometic dispute.

During the dispute, officers searched Palocinis and found a glass smoking pipe that he later admitted smoking bath salts in, police said.

The charge against Polaconis was filed with Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Barnesville man

faces charges

MAHANOY CITY - A Barnesville man was charged by Mahanoy City police after an incident about 5:10 a.m. July 10 in the 100 block of East Centre Street.

Police said Thursday that Duane W. Messerschmidt, 48, of 187 Grier Ave., was charged with possession of controlled susbtance, possession of drug paraphernalia and turning movements and required signals.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle driven by Messerschmidt for a violation and when they approached the driver's side, they saw a large knife sitting between the driver's seat and console.

Messerschmidt then placed his hat over the knife to try and conceal it, police said.

Once the man exited the vehicle, police said officers took the knife from inside and, while doing so, found a glass pipe with burnt residue inside.

Messerschmidt then gave officers consent to search the vehicle. That search uncovered a large plastic bag in the glove compartment that contained long, slender mushrooms. When shown the mushrooms, police said, Messerschmidt said that he has had them for a long time and that he purchased them off the Internet.

Ringtown man

charged after stop

SHENANDOAH - A Ringtown man was charged by Shenandoah police after a vehicle stop about 2:45 a.m. Nov. 28 in the 200 block of North Main Street.

Police said Michael A. Bernotas, 54, of 222 Green Mountain Road, Box 374, will have to appear before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, on charges of DUI, period requiring lighted lamps and driving with a suspended license-DUI related.

Police said they stopped a vehicle driven by Bernotas for not having his headlights on and found a strong odor on the man and inside his vehicle.

After failing field sobriety tests, Bernotas was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street where he refused to take a blood alcohol test and was subsequently arrested for DUI, police said.

Christmas trees and other holiday decorations are starting to come down and a national fire safety organization recommends the sooner, the better.

Although rare, house fires involving trees are more likely to be fatal.

According to National Fire Protection Agency, there is an average of one death per 142 reported home structure fires. When a Christmas tree is involved, it's an average of one death per 40 home structure fires.

Nearly 40 percent of house fires that begin with Christmas trees occur in January, according to the NFPA.

"The longer they are in the home, the more dangerous they become," Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy for NFPA, said. "The continued use of seasonal lighting and dried-out trees can pose significant fire hazards in and outside the home. Proper disposal of the tree from your home will minimize the risk and will keep the holiday a joyful one."

Pottsville fire Chief Todd March said Thursday he doesn't recall any house fires in the city that were caused by holiday decorations, but that doesn't mean it can't happen.

"The real trees are our biggest concern," March said. "If there is a fire with a tree involved, you have a real problem. They go up fast and cause a lot of damage."

Real trees dry out and it could only take a frayed wire or a spark to light up the traditional holiday decoration, March said.

"One thing you really don't want to do is to have the tree up and the fireplace going," March said. "That's really not a good idea. It's a really high hazard doing something like that."

March said the longer a tree is in a home, the dryer it gets and the more it becomes a fire hazard.

"Now that the holiday is over, I suggest getting rid of live trees," March said. "The sooner you get them out of the house, the better."

When it comes time to dispose of a Christmas tree, check with local municipalities for a recycling program. Trees should not be left in a home or garage.

Other recommendations from the NFPA are:

- To unplug electronic decorations, use the gripping area on the plug. Never pull the cord to unplug a device from electrical outlets as it can damage the wire and insulation, which can cause a shock or electrical fire.

- When putting away electrical light strings, inspect each for damage. Throw out light sets if they have loose connections, broken sockets, are cracked or there are bare wires.

- Wrap each set of lights and put them in different plastic bags or wrap them around a piece of cardboard. Electrical decorations should be stored where they can not be damaged by water or dampness.

NFPA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1896 with a mission to reduce fires and other hazards and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training and education. NFPA develops more than 300 codes and standards to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other hazards.

For more information, visit www.nfpa.org.

A new year will bring a new batch of bridge projects in Schuylkill County.

The largest project to start in 2014 is the restoration of county bridge No. 113, also known as the Rock Covered Bridge. The Burr Arch Truss-style bridge runs over the Little Swatara Creek on Newswanger Road in Washington Township and is one of only two covered bridges still standing in the county. Built in 1870, it is 50 feet 7 inches long with a clearance of 10 feet 6 inches and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

The county commissioners gave their approval last week to disencumber $500,000 from the project to be used elsewhere. Lisa Mahall, county engineer, said that money came from the liquid fuel fund before the county was awarded a $1.2 million National Historic Covered Bridge Grant from the Federal Highway Administration to cover the entire project.

The Rock Covered Bridge is now restricted to 3-ton loads, which is the minimum weight capacity before a bridge is closed. That project is expected to go out to bid in March, Mahall said.

The commissioners also approved an extension with Alfred Benesch & Co., Pottsville, to inspect county bridge No. 200 on Maple Avenue that runs over the west branch of the Schuylkill River in Norwegian Township. The expiration date was set for Dec. 31, 2013, and was extended another year.

Mahall said the county is still waiting on the feasibility study from the company that will determine if the bridge can be repaired or has to be replaced. The study has already been submitted to the state Department of Transportation.

"Obviously, it would be a lot cheaper than to replace," Mahall said.

The bridge was one of 26 locally-owned bridges in the county that PennDOT posted a new weight restriction on in August. The restrictions were the result of the transportation bill not being passed until November. The new postings will remain until the structures are repaired, Mahall said.

Other bridge projects expected to start in 2014 and estimated costs include: No. 92 in West Brunswick Township, $400,000; No. 30 in Pine Grove Township, $300,000; No. 125 in Upper Mahantongo Township, $80,000; No. 42 in Rush Township, $95,000; and No. 7 in Barry Township, $300,000.

HAZLETON - A fire broke out in the laundry room of a home in Quakake, Rush Township, late Wednesday night.

The Hometown and Quakake fire companies were dispatched to the home at 4 E. Main St. just before midnight, according to township Supervisor Jeaninne Motroni, who also is a volunteer firefighter for the Hometown company.

When firefighters arrived, they were met with flames coming from the front door of the single-story white home, Motroni said. Once inside, firefighters saw the source of the fire was in a laundry room, where the home's electrical panel also is located.

Motroni said a state police fire marshal was called to make an official determination on the fire.

It took about 20 minutes for firefighters to extinguish the blaze, she said.

Motroni said the home was occupied by one woman, who was treated on scene for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.

The laundry room and kitchen sustained smoke, fire and water damage, and the rest of the home had smoke damage, Motroni said. Repairs likely will have to be made before the home can be occupied again, she said.

Delano firefighters, Ryan Township fire and emergency medical services and fire police from Hometown and Quakake also responded.

There were working smoke detectors in the home that alerted the woman to the fire, firefighters said.

Deeds

Barry Township - Harold I. Clouser to Ruby E. Clouser; 60.2-acre property; $1.

Branch Township - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Scott and Linda Wenner; property on Cherry Lane; $650.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Norman J. and Evelyn J. Tropp; 8 Branch Road; $1,856.

Butler Township - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Christian Montanero; 337 Homesville Road; $643.

Kevin Reich, executor of the Estate of Joseph J. Andershonis, to Christina Gessner and Joseph M. Kenenitz; 315 Germanville Road; $39,000.

Hotel du Village Inc. to Gregory J. Oakill; 50 Dutchtown Road; $117,500.

Cass Township - Edward J. Pollman and Deanna E. Sukeena to Edward J. Pollman; 17 Setter Lane; $1.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Sandra Peiffer; 95 Thomaston Road; $2,250.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Sandra Peiffer; property on Thomaston Road; $805.

Deer Lake - Karl F. Jr. and Jane M. Powers, Carl E. Krill Jr., individually and as executor of the Estate of Patricia L. Krill, and Gerald T. and Margaret J. Powers to Vernon W. Jr. and Elizabeth A. Kleckner and Vernon W. Kleckner III; 208 Lake Front Drive; $70,000.

Two Northeast Pennsylvania artists offer a look at their contrasting styles in a new exhibit opening this weekend in Scranton.

"The Large and the Small of It," featuring drawings and paintings by John Bromberg, Lakewood, and Trudy Gerlach, Wyalusing, goes on display today at ArtWorks Gallery & Studio, 503 Lackawanna Ave. An opening reception will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the gallery, coinciding with January's First Friday Art Walk.

The exhibit bears a literal difference in size between the two artists, including Gerlach's small-scale, detailed illustrations and Bromberg's grand-scale paintings, drawings and installation. That physical difference in the artwork is just one aspect of the contrast in the works, Gerlach said, and will be part of the artists' talk from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 8 at the gallery.

"She's really wrapped up in science and mathematics, and so she really delves very deeply into the science and mathematics of what she's doing, whereas I have my head in the clouds," Bromberg said. "I'm mystical, so mysticism is something that interests me."

The title of the exhibit also has a more subtle meaning.

"The large is really what directs us in our two different directions, and of course they're at opposite spectrums," Bromberg said. "And hopefully the audience will fill in everything in between."

His works are part of what he calls his "alignment series," which he began in the 1980s after studying with a Chinese geomancer. Bromberg, who also is well-known for his work with puppets, started dipping back into the series last year after Marywood University invited him to participate in an exhibit. The works grew out of his activism in protesting natural gas fracking, he said.

"I feel very strongly that the alignments that I do (have a) benefit," Bromberg said. "In other words, instead of opposing hydrofracking on a physical plane, I oppose it on a spiritual plane."

Gerlach's portion of the show will include a mix of early and contemporary pieces, many of which are graphite drawings combined with watercolor. Her work has more of a mechanical, scientific bent, and for the last 10 years she has focused on leaves, making detailed renderings of them combined with geometric constructions.

When she does a drawing, she said, she tries to connect things so they make sense out in the world.

"My interest in science makes me really want to understand how the world fits together (and) what underlies everything," she said.

Gerlach hopes audiences will be influenced by the art in some way.

"I think sometimes people find them to be somewhat meditative," she said.

The exhibit will remain on display through Feb. 22, and a second reception will take place during February's First Friday Art Walk on Feb. 7.

While snow can inconvenience some, the frozen precipitation is vital for success in agricultural systems and parts of the economy.

Winter normally brings snow to Schuylkill County, as well as complaints from some residents. However, the economy revolves around snowfall more than they realize, especially businesses in recreation areas, retail stores and farms.

"We are definitely dependent on the cold weather and advertising of snow," Barbara Green, president of The Blue Mountain Ski Area and Resort, Palmerton, said recently.

Ski resorts heavily rely on snowfall to attract skiers each year. All 21 ski resorts in Pennsylvania rely on snow making because the state only gets about 20 inches of snow spread out over each year, according to Green.

Natural snow provides free marketing for ski resorts. In the past, a lack of snow resulted in most marketing dilemmas for The Blue Mountain Ski Area and Resort.

"When there is snow out on everybody's front lawns, they think about skiing. When there is no snow, they don't realize all the resorts in Pennsylvania manufacture their own," Green said. "We have a much better time economically when it snows."

The snow-making process requires freezing temperatures. The machines mix air and water and releases the compressed air into the atmosphere. This process requires a large amount of electricity and water pumps in order to compress the air and release it into the resort. When this compressed air is released, it freezes and becomes snow.

Snow making has become more efficient for the Blue Mountain Ski Area in the last 15 years.

"We have become at least 30 percent more efficient over the years with our investments of new equipment," Green said.

The Blue Mountain Ski Area and Resort normally opens about Dec. 10, but it opened the day after Thanksgiving due to this year's early cold temperatures. The recent snow in Pennsylvania has worked in favor of the resort's success so far.

The resort remains open until the last weekend in March. Green said the resort could stay open well into late April if cold temperatures linger, but as the grass becomes greener, skiing is no longer on consumers' minds.

Snow encourages consumers to purchase warmer clothing and winter sporting gear, so sporting goods stores like Schuylkill Valley Sports can suffer economically without snow.

Tony Barone, assistant manager of Schuylkill Valley Sports, Pottsville, has been with the company for five years and has seen the sales pattern winter brings.

"We do see more sales in winter because of Christmas and holiday shopping as well as the cold weather that snow brings," Barone said.

If farmers don't experience the amount of snowfall required to run a farm during the winter, consumers can see higher food prices. Snow is moisture, which makes it just as important as rain in preventing future droughts.

"If there is no snow, you are going to be dryer than usual," Greg DeVoir of The National Weather Service State College office said. "Not enough snow can lead to drought and drought conditions."

Farmer Barron "Boots" Hetherington, 60, of B&R Farms, Ringtown, said he could face a 10- to 15-percent loss of production next year if the winter season is too cold and dry. Most of Hetherington's income comes from berry season.

According to Dwane Miller, agricultural educator of the Penn State Cooperative Extension, snow provides a temperature insulation blanket for plants surviving over the winter.

"Every inch of snow pack can raise the temperature of soil surface an estimated 2 degrees," Miller said.

It is important for crops like strawberries, which grow multiple times after being planted, to have snow pack over the winter for protection.

"I would much rather a few inches of snow rather than rain," Hetherington said.

According to Miller, snowfall won't cause erosion like rain does because it slowly melts every day, keeping the soil in place and recharging ponds and streams.

Snow can also kill off slugs or other pests and the eggs they lay on crops that inevitably hatch the next season.

The last heatwave on Dec. 21 and 22 of 60 degrees and heavy rain was not an ideal agricultural situation.

"The snow will run off rather than absorbing into the soil and filtration might not be very good," Miller said.

Hetherington and his wife, Robin, take precise care of their farm. B&R Farms has been in their family since 1842 and was the first preserve farm in Schuylkill County, which means regardless of what happens to Boots or Robin, nothing is permitted to be built on their land, including houses or malls.

"You can spend 49 weeks taking care of crops and it can all be gone in a 15-minute period of rain or hail for the whole year," Hetherington said. "If it were easy, everyone would do it."

The first snowstorm of 2014 has arrived and the National Weather Service projected three to six inches would be on the ground by this morning.

Snowfall began about 3 p.m. and quickly covered sidewalks and roads, causing them to be slick for those traveling home from work.

According to the NWS in State College, a winter weather advisory was in effect until 7 a.m. today.

The NWS said that the snow would cause hazardous travel with reduced visibility.

Overnight, there was an expected wind chill of five to 10 below zero that continues this morning.

While the NWS says that snow showers are likely before 7 a.m., there is also a chance of more snow showers between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., then a slight chance of snow showers after 1 p.m.

New snow accumulation during the day today is expected to be less than a half inch.

Besides the snow, it will be cloudy through midmorning, then gradually clearing and cold, with a high near 10 and wind chill values as low as -13.

Tonight, temperatures will drop with a low about 0 and a wind chill low of -8, but there is no more snow in the forecast.

Meteorologist Tony Mach from the NWS said Thursday night that no accumulation totals will be available until about 7 a.m. today.

The early snowfall Thursday caused the state Department of Transportation to temporarily reduce the speed limit on several major roadways in south central Pennsylvania about 5 p.m. Thursday.

The only roadway affected in Schuylkill County was Interstate 81, which was reduced to 45 mph.

John M. Matz, emergency management coordinator for the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency, said that the snow caused the Schuylkill County Courthouse to close early at 3:45 p.m. Thursday.

With temperatures expected to be extremely cold over the next few days and the winds making it feel like it is below zero, The Red Cross Northeast PA Region said it is watching the storm and prepared to respond if necessary.

The Red Cross also provided tips to stay safe during this winter storm.

In a press release, Jennifer LoConte, regional communications officer, offered tips of wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm, and gloves and a hat that will help prevent losing body heat.

After the storm, be extremely careful if you have to shovel snow and, since it is physically strenuous work, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.

Some other tips are:

- To seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia, such as confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.

- Watch for symptoms of frostbite, including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy feeling skin.

- Bring pets inside and if they can't be brought inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep warm and can get to unfrozen water.

- Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent pipes from freezing.

- Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

- Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. While your heating bill may be a little higher, you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - The superintendent of grounds maintenance at Schuylkill Haven Union Cemetery is concerned that people are risking their lives doing something dangerous with the dust cleaner containers he has found there.

"We're hoping that we don't find a body up here from someone doing that," Lester Aungst, 17, said Tuesday about the huffing of the containers' contents on the cemetery grounds.

Huffing is the act of inhaling the contents from a container, such as an aerosol can, through the nose or mouth. The substance inhaled can cause a lack of oxygen or heart irregularities and heart failure, dizziness, depression and long-term effects on health.

"This is where we find them the most, under the bench," Aungst said, pointing to section A8 at one of five benches at the 13-acre cemetery established in 1853.

He said he has found "at least 15 to 20" of the containers on the grounds. The containers are then usually thrown away.

"This is the first year we've been having the dust cleaner problem," Aungst said.

He said the first container that indicated huffing was taking place on the grounds was found in the summer, possibly May. He also found two other containers near a bench shortly after Christmas.

No one has been caught huffing at the cemetery, he said.

Of the latest find, Aungst said he was not surprised because of the frequency it has been occurring.

He said the most recent discovery of dust cleaner was Tuesday afternoon. It contains a gas, difluoroethane.

Literature from Falcon Safety Products Inc. warns of the dangers of misuse, saying it can cause "death without warning. Vapor reduces oxygen available for breathing and is heavier than air. Liquid contact can cause frostbite."

The National Institute on Drug Abuse said inhalants are toxic to the body. The heart, liver and other organs can be affected to the point the damage can't be undone.

"This can be fatal. No doubt about it. It's not worth it," Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David Moylan said Tuesday.

Moylan said there has been one inhalation case within the last two years in the county. A 15-year-old girl in Schuylkill Haven died because she inhaled dangerous substances.

He said police gave him the containers involved. An autopsy was performed that showed a chemical in the lungs, Moylan said.

The dangers of inhalant use should not be ignored, he said.

The "high" one gets because of abuse can be felt very quickly after use.

"From the perspective of the coroner's office, there is indeed a drug problem in the county," Moylan said.

Education can go toward addressing the issue, he said.

Aungst told a Schuylkill Haven borough police officer, but he doesn't remember when or with whom he spoke.

Jeffrey Walcott, Schuylkill Haven police chief, said he was unaware there was an issue.

"We can't prevent crimes we don't know about," he said.

He said he was going to speak with Aungst about the issue.

Bill Sterner, another cemetery employee, has also found the containers in various places, including a bench near the Haven Mausoleum and a garbage can.

He is also surprised that people could be using the contents for other than what they are intended.

"The first thing you read is to not inhale on the can," he said.

The danger of inappropriate use of the product is clearly stated on the cans: "The intentional misuse by deliberately inhaling contents may be fatal."

Sterner said he told borough council member Ruth Tucci about the finds. She said she was going to tell the police at a council meeting but no one was there. She didn't contact police about the matter.

Tucci is a member of the cemetery board. She said the issue might be discussed at a January meeting.

A 29-year-old Mahanoy City man charged with driving drunk and without a license when he slammed into a house on Route 61 in Butler Township on Aug. 20, injuring a man inside, is among those scheduled to plead not guilty Monday during arraignment in Schuylkill County Court.

Ethan C. Kennedy, 400 W. Mahanoy Ave., was arrested by Butler Township police Patrolman Shawn Butler and charged with aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault by vehicle, driving under the influence of drugs, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, no-passing zone violation, reckless driving, driving without insurance and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Butler said Kennedy was headed north at an apparent high rate of speed when his SUV crossed into and over the southbound lane, went into a grassy area and between a group of trees.

The SUV sideswiped one tree with the driver's side before becoming airborne and crashing into the home of David Kulp at 919 Fountain St.

The impact of the crash threw Kulp from his chair and across the room, where rescuers found him covered in debris.

Both Kennedy and Kulp were taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for treatment of serious injuries following the crash.

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

James R. Seigfried, 23, of 83 Harris Ave., Pine Grove - recklessly endangering another person, careless driving, stop and yield sign violations and limitations on driving on the left side of the road.

Herbert J. Seifert, 49, of 103 Dietrich Ave., Tower City - burglary, criminal trespass, theft, criminal mischief and receiving stolen property.

Michael T. Heiler, 54, of 181 W. Main St., Ringtown - DUI and DUI-highest rate.

Michael F. Jevelle, 27, of 21 Iron St., Ringtown - retail theft and misbranding of a controlled substance.

Robert Slover, 28, of 162 Schuylkill Ave., Shenandoah - theft and receiving stolen property.

Adam C. Walt Goodman, 23, of 18 Thomaston Road, Pottsville - DUI and DUI-high rate.

Ashley Blum, 22, of 111 Gay St., Tamaqua - theft of leased property and receiving stolen property.

Nathaniel Davis, 63, of 222 E. Broad St., Apt. 507, Tamaqua - DUI, DUI-high rate and driving at an unsafe speed.

Jesse M. Becker, 27, of 415 N. Railroad St., Apt. 1, Tamaqua - conspiracy, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Patrick B. McCarthy, 30, of 722 S. Kennedy Drive, McAdoo - possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ashley M. Sist, 28, of 27 N. Manning St., McAdoo - theft, receiving stolen property and disorderly conduct.

Sophia M. Covach, 24, of 322 W. Poplar St., Shenandoah - retail theft and receiving stolen property.

John Smith, 24, of 216 Owl Creek Road, Tamaqua - retail theft and public drunkenness.

Samantha L. Richardson, 23, of 236 W. Rowe St., Tamaqua - access device fraud, theft and receiving stolen property.

Alejandro Magos Coronado, 39, of 720 W. Centre St., Mahanoy City - DUI, DUI-high rate and failure to be licensed.

Joshua D. Kane, 21, of 25 S. Centre St., Frackville - selling or furnishing alcohol to minors and disorderly conduct.

Ralph J. Gantz, 50, of 311 S. Market St., Shenandoah - DUI, DUI-highest rate, unauthorized use of automobiles and driving at an unsafe speed.

Edward J. Klinger, 48, of 909 Brock St., Ashland - disorderly conduct.

Dakota S. Boyer, 20, of 603 Pottsville St., Box 263, Wiconisco - DUI, driving under the influence of drugs, driving under combined influence, DUI-minor and careless driving.

Brian J. Buchanan, 30, of 223 S. Second St., Frackville - aggravated assault on police, simple assault, resisting arrest, DUI and one-way roadway violation.

Jessica M. Kufrovich, 31, of 10 W. Centre St., Apt. 305, Mahanoy City - DUI, DUI-high rate and failure to use safety belts.

Brian S. Fritz, 37, of 335 Hazle St., Tamaqua - prohibited offensive weapons and public drunkenness.

Joshua R. McArdle, 22, of 426 Arlington St., Tamaqua - possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jodey Allen Mertz, 46, of 165 Fourth St., Coaldale - simple assault and harassment.

William A. Zabrosky, 31, of 126 Bayview Ave., McAdoo - manufacture of a controlled substance and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Dennis J. Kristoff, 31, of 501 Second St., Port Carbon - driving under the influence of drugs, having prohibited sun screening and other materials and careless driving.

Daniel J. Brogan, 41, of 40 N. Cleveland St., McAdoo - possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rose M. Adamitas, 19, of 508 E. Market St., Mahanoy City - theft and receiving stolen property.

Alex Jones, 22, of 730 E. Broad St., Tamaqua - possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tedd R. Fredericks, 41, of 317 Washington St., Tamaqua - possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jessica F. Stilitino, 31, of 242 W. Ridge St., Coaldale - possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Lisa M. Kelly, 45, of 1020 Pottsville St., Pottsville - possession of a controlled substance, driving under the influence of drugs and violation of general lighting requirements.

Paul D. Compinski, 28, of 1306 Centre St., Ashland - defiant trespass and resisting arrest.

Bradley L. Merwine, 34, of 323 W. Centre St., Tremont - flight to avoid apprehension, trial or punishment.

Jenny R. Rose, 40, of 1954 Elk Ave., Pottsville - DUI and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Joseph K. Zaun, 32, of 2220 S. Tulpehocken St., Box 296, Pine Grove - bad checks.

Sarah E. Harring, 25, of 65 Clay St., Tremont - possession of drug paraphernalia.

Daniel M. Adams, 20, of 110 Sawmill Road, Klingerstown - delivery of a controlled substance and recklessly endangering another person.

Ryan K. Seitz, 29, of 333 Mahantongo St., Tremont - terroristic threats and harassment.

Brooks D. Bryan, 36, of 104 Vine St., Ringtown - public nuisance and disorderly conduct.

Leonard J. Bridges, 52, of 1835 Walnut St., Ashland - driving under the influence of drugs, careless driving, driving at an unsafe speed and driving without insurance.

Bobby Lee Taylor, 20, of 23 N. Ferguson St., Shenandoah - resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal purchase or consumption of alcohol, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

Denise J. Krammes, 53, of 78 E. Line St., Tremont - DUI, DUI-highest rate and driving at an unsafe speed.

Robert J. Doyle, 53, of 138 N. Maple Ave., Pottsville - DUI.

April E. Reed, 39, of 1532 Ridge Road, Klingerstown - DUI, DUI-highest rate and failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Carl A. Harwi, 39, of 11 E. Wood St., Pine Grove - DDUI, DUI-highest rate, recklessly endangering another person, harassment, disorderly conduct, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, careless driving and reckless driving.

Patrick E. Schartel Jr., 25, of 25 S. Morris St., Saint Clair - possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

William Evans, 28, of 34 Walnut St., Cressona - delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kayla M. Mock, 31, of 209 W. Market St., Apt. 3C, Pottsville - possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Chad Jacoby, 29, of 711 Garfield Ave., Schuylkill Haven - possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kyle R. Simpson, 31, of 416 Spring Garden St., Pottsville - delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Troy R. Everitt, 43, of 420 S. Centre St., Apt. 3, Pottsville - disorderly conduct.

Brian J. O'Doherty, 29, of 210 Harrison St. Rear, Pottsville - possession of drug paraphernalia.

Laura L. Parenzan, 23, of 24 Hilltop Mobile Home Park, Schuylkill Haven - possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joseph M. Kline, 26, of 712 Mahantongo St., Apt. 4, Pottsville - delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brian G. Conville, 37, of 101 W. Race St., Apt. 201, Pottsville - false alarms to agencies of public safety.

Robert J. McShaw, 57, of 409 W. Arch St., Apt. A, Pottsville - retail theft and possession of a controlled substance.

Nestor M. Hernandez, 31, of 846 Madison St., Brooklyn, N.Y. - possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, unlawful restraint, luring a child into a vehicle, corruption of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mohammed R. Khan, 20, of 237 E. 194th St. East, Bronx, N.Y. - possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, unlawful restraint, luring a child into a vehicle, corruption of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Victor Declet, 21, of 2676 Grand Concourse, Bronx, N.Y. - possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, unlawful restraint, luring a child into a vehicle, corruption of a controlled substance, failure to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael E Ridgley, 43, of 258 E. Bacon S. Pottsville - theft and receiving stolen property.

Tyler M. Zimmerman, 19, of 317 Cherry St., Saint Clair - simple assault and harassment.

Brandon S. Fritz, 31, of 622 N. Centre St., Pottsville - harassment.

Lori Ann Brobst, 50, 1110 W. Main St., Box 386, Valley View - disorderly conduct.

Louis M. Deangeles, 52, 1398 W. Laurel Blvd., Pottsville - habitual offender and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Roger J. Williams, 27, of 1020 W. Market St., Apt. A, Pottsville - theft and receiving stolen property.

Jamal S. Singletary, 21, of 575 Peacock St., Pottsville - theft from a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property.

Jeffrey A. Madiera, 33, of 629 N. Second St., Apt. 2, Pottsville - DUI, DUI-highest rate, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic and careless driving.

Titus M. Steigerwalt, 47, of 120 Walnut Lane, Andreas - theft.

Deborah J. Ketner, 59, of 80 Avenue E, Schuylkill Haven - DUI, DUI-highest rate and stop and yield sign violations.

Raymond Mamuzich Jr., 50, of 17 S. Tamaqua Drive, Tamaqua - DUI, DUI-highest rate and driving on the wrong side of the road.

Jeffrey J. Hartz, 19, of 427 W. Broad St., Tamaqua - DUI and DUI-minor.

Rashel Melinda Richardson, 47, of 220 E. Tammany St., Orwigsburg - DUI, DUI-highest rate, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, turning movements and required signals violation and careless driving.

Carla L. Wingle, 42, of 235 Third and Pearson St., Auburn - theft and theft by deception.

David J. Wolfe, 61, of 1674 Chestnut St., New Ringgold - DUI and DUI-highest rate.

Amber L. Faust, 25, of 10 E. Liberty St., Schuylkill Haven - retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Brittni L. Shaak, 19, of 9 Whispering Pines Blvd., Pine Grove - driving under the influence of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cody Lee Adams, 24, of 142 W. Penn St., Schuylkill Haven - recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct and harassment.

William M. Zelinsky, 29, 322 E. Arch St., Pottsville - possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

William J. Murphy, 45, of 725 N. Third St., Pottsville - possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance.

Lynne Britton, 47, of 2 Grier Ave., Apt. 2D, Barnesville - altered, forged or counterfeit documents or plates and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Ashley N. Renninger, 28,of 107 Railroad St., Cressona - fleeing or attempting to elude police, driving under the influence of drugs, unauthorized use of automobiles, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without insurance, duty of driver on approach of motor vehicle, failure to be licensed, careless driving, reckless driving, driving at an unsafe speed, failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic, driving on the wrong side of the road, stop and yield sign violations, failure to obey traffic controls, turning movements and required signals violation and failure to use seat belts.

Jeremy R. Dean, 39, of 84 Coal St., Apt. 7, Port Carbon - simple assault and harassment.

Trevor M. Carl, 23, of 343 Penn St., Minersville - DUI, DUI-highest rate and exceeding the speed limit.

Douglas L. Creamer, 21, of 107 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City - retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Timothy H. O'Brien, 24, of 272 Third St., Coaldale - forgery, criminal attempt to commit theft and receiving stolen property.

Sean J. Murphy, 35, of 300 Lewis St., Apt. 603, Minersville - statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors and indecent assault.

James Lemmon, 40, of 505 E. Grand Ave., Tower City, currently incarcerated in Schuylkill County Prison - fleeing or attempting to elude police, recklessly endangering another person, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving without insurance, stop sign violation and reckless driving.

Christopher George, 36, of 66 River St. Cressona - possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI, DUI-highest rate, DUI-controlled substance, careless driving and driving a vehicle without a valid inspection.

n McKeansburg: Advance orders are now being taken for a sub sale with pick up 10:30 a.m. Jan. 16 at Congregational Free Church of Christ, 81 McKeans Ridge Road. There is a choice of Italian, ham or turkey at $4.50 each. The order deadline is Jan. 12. To place an order or for more information, call Anna at 570-366-2049 or Mary at 570-366-2286.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Area High School Chorale entertained during a recent meeting of the Pottsville Rotary Club, performing a variety of Christmas songs. Rotarians voiced appreciation for the entertainment. The club welcomed Jay Levan as a guest at the meeting. The club held its annual election for 2014-15 with the following results: president, Eric Lieberman; president-elect, Karen Ferenchick; vice president, Terry Bixler; secretary, Mary Sitcoske; treasurer, Jim Cooksey. The board of directors includes John Albertini, Pete Kietsock, Allen Kiefer, Frank Peron and Julie Werdt. The immediate past president is Clint DelValle with William J. Parulis as additional past president and Frank Peron as sergeant at arms. The club now holds its meetings at Vito's Coal-Fired Pizza in the Coal Creek Commerce Center, Saint Clair. Rotarians handled ringing of the Salvation Army kettle bell Dec. 21 outside Boscov's in Fairlane Village mall. The club will have a holiday party Thursday at Vito's.

n Pottsville: Donations to the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation help people "right here in your community," Eileen Kuperavage, SACF executive director, said in a press release. Regardless of a person's passion - arts and culture, community, education, environment, health and wellness or human services - SACF "provides an ideal way to easily give back and make a positive difference in the lives of people in Schuylkill County." All money established in 2013 will be invested along with 143 funds managed by the foundation and the annual fund earnings will be distributed as specified by the donor. The funds include: The John and Anna Breitigan Memorial Award Fund, established by Jennie Breitigan in memory of her parents, with awards distributed annually to students who are Schuylkill County residents enrolled at The Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing; the St. Paul's Historic Cemetery Fund, with earnings distributed annually to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Port Carbon, for the purpose of maintenance, repair and improvement of the St. Paul's Historic Cemetery in Port Carbon; the Schuylkill County Historical Society Fund, with earning distributed annually to the Schuylkill County Historical Society for uses and purposes as approved by the society's board of directors; the Beatrice Wasley Legacy Fund, established by Anne LaVoie, a former Shenandoah resident, in honor of her aunt, with earnings distributed to the Sisters of St. Casimir in Chicago, to be used for personal care needs of the sisters who are retired. Kuperavage said contributions may be made to any fund at any time and in any amount. For more information about establishing a fund, visit www.sacfoundation.com or call Kuperavage at 570-624-7223.

n Tamaqua: The Needlebugs knitting and quilting group gathers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday at the Tamaqua Salvation Army center, 105 W. Broad St. New participants are welcome. For more information, call 570-668-0410.

n Tamaqua: Stage Right Alliance has formed in the greater Tamaqua area to provide support for area art and theater groups. Organizers seek to keep open the lines of communication among the various groups to avoid duplication of efforts/productions and scheduling conflicts; share props, sets and costumes and provide better public relations. For more information, contact Lucille Fala-Brennan of the Strawberry Playhouse or Zane Bachert at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center or call 570-325-4368.

PINE GROVE - There's good news for Pine Grove borough residents. Their property taxes will not be going up in 2014, after all.

Three Pine Grove borough councilmen supported by the Concerned Citizens group this past election - Scott Zimmerman, Tony Gurski and Tom Fickinger - were successful Dec. 19 in eliminating the 1-mill property tax increase approved at the council's Nov. 26 meeting. The increase had been approved on a vote of 4 to 3 with Larry Dubbs, Lynne Umbenhauer, Paul Gantz and Steven Kramer voting for the increase.

The action this month might not have gone their way, however, but both Dubbs and Kramer were absent and the motion to modify the tax ordinance to the current 14 mills passed 3 to 2.

According to information from the November meeting, the budget already had $9,000 extra without the increased mill, which would raise an additional $40,000 plus.

"The money was excess (the extra mill)," Zimmerman said. "It wasn't put anywhere. We'll now have less excess."

Solicitor Chris Hobbs wasn't sure what could be done about the oversight so he advised the modification.

"If you don't pass the ordinance, you can't collect the taxes," Hobbs said.

The budget which had already been advertised, he said, can be reopened to make the change. Hobbs said that he would research further, though.

Secretary Melissa Dwyer said the day after the meeting that she had contacted the borough's association for guidance. The association, she said, agreed the council could reopen the budget prior to approving it at the special meeting the council had scheduled to pass the budget.

Chief reinstated

In another matter, following a 1 1/2 hour executive session on personnel matters, the council affirmed an action taken by the mayor to suspend the borough's police chief without pay.

According to Mayor Kim Brown-Zerbe, she had suspended Chief Thomas Trotter on Dec. 10 pending an investigation which she made. The decision, she said, is now up to council.

With only one negative vote from Gurski, the council affirmed the suspension without pay and approved the re-instatement of Trotter as of Dec. 20 with further investigation to take place.

No further information was provided.

A motion from Vice-President Lynne Umbenhauer to add detective to Cpl. Christopher Cruz's title without any change in pay died for the lack of a second.

Outgoing mayor

As it was the last regular monthly meeting for Brown-Zerbe, she urged the council to make sure the health officer condemns any property without water service. Two properties were discussed.

Also at her last regular monthly meeting, Umbenhauer thanked everyone who supported the swimming pool and playground during her time in office. She also thanked the Pine Grove Fish and Game for a $1,000 donation recently made to the recreation board for the use of the pool.

Alley paved

A Cherry Street resident entered a complaint that the borough had paved a portion of the alley behind her home that belongs to her. Although Barb Luckenbill said she was delighted to have a newly-paved alley, it's in the wrong place. She provided an explanation and documentation, which she said shows the paving was done in the wrong place. According to Luckenbill, it's the second time this has occurred. Although she said she did not know what she wanted the borough to do, she wanted it known that the incorrect paving was not her mistake.

When the borough's streets supervisor offered a suggestion that the paving be torn up, making it again dirt, Luckenbill said that was exactly what she had expected to hear. However, when Hobbs questioned whether she wanted a public hearing, she agreed. Hobbs informed her also if the results of the hearing did not satisfy her, she would have the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Common Pleas.

The alley is named Grandview and is now two lanes and has been added to the borough's liquid fuels list.

Road crew

Fickinger thanked the road crew for their recent efforts in keeping the roads snow free. The crew, he said, did a good job plowing. His request to advertise for bids for emergency snow removal work was approved.

Fickinger reported that a request had been received from Matthew Brandt for public water for his property next to Thompson Basement Sealing on South Tulpehocken Street. The property is located in Pine Grove Township and the expected water use would be 160 gallons per day.

Pleasant Valley

Zimmerman reported that the final meeting for the proposed Pleasant Valley Park Master Site Plan was held on Dec. 18. Engineer Ryan Fasnacht, he said, will be advertising the public hearing on the plan early in 2014.

Thank you

Streets supervisor Lenny Clark, responding to a citizen's remark during a recent council meeting, offered his support of the borough's entire work force noting that the office personnel are hardworking, as well as patient with a sometimes rude public. The borough crew, he said, makes sure the streets are clear of snow and ice, the street signs and water pipes are maintained and the leaves and ashes are picked up, as well as attend classes.

"During emergencies we all work long and hard," Clark said. "Rather than degrading these people, a 'thank you' would do."

In other action:

- A report from the North End Fire Company for October indicates the company had responded to 17 calls, held a fire drill and participated in three community service details and a parade. The calls included three structure fires, four motor vehicle accidents, two EMS assists, three landing site set ups and five were miscellaneous. Nine calls were in the borough, with the remaining in the townships of Washington (three), Tremont (three) and one each in Eldred and Hubley.

- The council approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of several Motorola Radios at a quoted $18,133.50, which can be paid over a seven-year period. Additional radios can also be purchased later at a reduced rate under the same county bulk purchase rate.

The council will meet 7 p.m. Monday to reorganize, followed by their regularly scheduled meeting 7 p.m. Jan. 15 on the third Thursday of the month.

HAMBURG - A Hamburg woman escaped injury after she lost control of her 2009 Volkswagen GTI on a snow-covered Route 143 in Perry Township, Berks County, and hit a stone pillar Thursday afternoon, state police at Hamburg said Friday.

April L. Falcon, 30, of Hamburg, was attempting to turn right onto Ontelaunee Trail when the crash occurred at 6:45 p.m. She will be charged with speeding, police said.

Pottsville police investigated a crash that occurred about 8:45 a.m. Thursday in the northbound lanes of Route 61, in front of Pottsville Auto Parts.

Police said Elizabeth Kirwan, 55, of Orwigsburg, was driving a 2007 Dodge Caravan when she stopped to allow a truck to exit the store parking lot and was struck from behind by a Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Eric Wagner, 59, of Schuylkill Haven.

Neither driver reported being hurt but police said a passenger in the Kirwan vehicle, Brian Kirwan, 20, chose to have a precautionary evaluation on his own at a local hospital, police said.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene and police said Pottsville firefighters assisted at the scene with cleaning up fluids that leaked from the vehicles as well as with traffic control. Police said Warner will be cited for careless driving as a result of the crash.

TREMONT - State police at Jonestown charged a Maryland man with failing to stay in his lane after the man hit a guide rail in Tremont Township on Thursday.

Conor J. Larkin, 22, of Frederick, Md., was driving a 2004 Toyota Camry south on Interstate 81 in the left lane at 3:51 p.m.. He drifted onto the left shoulder, struck the guide rail and brushed it for 400 feet before coming to rest, police said Friday. Larkin was not injured, police said.

RAVINE - A Torrington, Conn., man escaped injury when the 2012 Honda Civic he was driving crashed in the southbound lanes of Interstate 81, at mile marker 104.8 in Tremont Township, about 6:50 p.m. Thursday.

State police at Jonestown said Enamul Hoque, 26, was driving south when he lost control on the snow-covered road.

The car went off of the road and struck a large rock and a tree, police said, adding that Hoque will be cited for driving at an unsafe speed as a result of the crash.

MINERSVILLE - A man who was allegedly seen running from the scene of a fire in the borough Sunday is in State Correctional Institution/Mahanoy due to a parole violation for the possession of marijuana.

Minersville police said Friday that Caleb David Green, 31, of last known address 21 S. Front St., Minersville, had his parole revoked for the possession of marijuana and faces charges from Pottsville police.

His home was also condemned Friday, but the borough code enforcement officer is working to help get it back up to code.

Charges in the past that Green was found guilty of include multiple drug charges of possessing, manufacturing and distribution of a controlled substance and possessing drug paraphernalia, in addition to code violations, simple assault, theft, resisting arrest, trespassing, disorderly conduct and theft of property from a grave/human corpse.

Green may also face some charges in relation to the Sunday fire in Minersville, although no other information is available at this time.

According to newspaper archives, the fire, which started about 2:55 a.m. Sunday at 524 Pine Hill St., left six people homeless.

Flames quickly spread to an attached house at 522 Pine Hill St. and damaged the side of 526 Pine Hill St. before the fire was brought under control.

The 526 home is separated by a yard, but the intense heat damaged the vinyl siding and caused an air conditioner to fall out of a window and hit a firefighter, causing minor injuries.

The blaze left Rebekah Johnson, 30, of 524 Pine Hill St., homeless along with her two daughters - Jezebelah Rinker, 6, and Jade Johnson, 2 - and an uncle, Doug Good, 62.

Also left homeless were Tyler Bogoniewski, 24, and Justine Berger, 23, who resided in the adjoining 522 Pine Hill St.

Minersville fire Chief Eric Eichenberg previous said that 526 Pine Hill St., occupied by Ted Quintinsky, 32, his girlfriend, Tabatha Maslar, 25, and their daughter, Kendyll Quintinsky, 1, sustained heat and smoke damage, and that the family was able to return to their home following the fire.

He also said it was determined that the fire started in the kitchen area of the Johnson home, but the exact cause remains under investigation.

Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street

To Chad Myers and Dionne Harris, Port Carbon, a daughter, Dec. 16.

To John and Gina Swircek Chiplonia, East Union Township, a son, Dec. 24.

Frackville native James Jordan has always been interested in music, and that interest led him to a career as a conductor and composer and a nomination for a Grammy award.

The Grammy nomination is for James Whitbourn's "Annelies," which is the first major choral setting of "The Diary of Anne Frank" and was conducted by Jordan. "The Diary of Anne Frank" is the story of the Jewish family that hid itself away in Nazi-occupied Holland for most of World War II. Annelies is Frank's full first name.

The 56th annual Grammy Awards will be held Jan. 26 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast at 8 p.m. on CBS. Jordan plans to attend with his wife, Leslie. The couple have a daughter, Elizabeth, who works in development with the Central Park Conservancy in New York City.

A resident of Yardley, Jordan, 60, is the son of the late Louis and Florence Jordan. A 1971 graduate of North Schuylkill Junior-Senior High School, he earned his undergraduate degree in music education from Susquehanna University, then a master's degrees in choral conducting from Temple University, where he also earned his Ph.D. in psychology of music. Jordan also studied in Germany.

"I am the same family as the Jordan Brothers," Jordan said in a phone interview. "My father actually helped some of them musically. He was a keyboard player. His brother was Angelo, the father of the boys."

Jordan said many people in Shenandoah may have known his father, who was an auto mechanic with his own garage, Lou's Auto Repair, 605 W. Centre St.

"I worked there in the summers," Jordan said.

Jordan was very surprised when he learned of the nomination.

"It was a blur. It's really hard to believe. You can't really describe it. It's surreal," Jordan said. "Every musician dreams of something like this happening, but when it really happens, I still can't believe it actually happened."

Jordan said he and the choir will perform "Annelies" live on April 26 in the Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York City.

Jordan said that he played clarinet when he was young, and he played in the North Schuylkill band under the direction of Dale Schimpf, but later influences moved him into choral music and conducting.

"The Luther College Choir, which is a very renowned college choir, was on tour when I was an undergraduate," Jordan said. "I was very impressed. At Susquehanna University, the choral director, Cyril Stretansky, had a huge influence on me, and I decided that this is what I wanted to do. I did sing in a choir but not a lot. I pursued this area of music because I love choirs."

Jordan taught for eight years at a high school in Lewisburg, then took one year to teach at Penn State University, State College, where he conducted the university choir, and moved to the Hartt School of Music, Hartford, Conn., where he was the chairman of music education. After six years at Hartt, he then went to Westminster Choir College, Princeton, N.J., in 1991.

"This is the place in the world for choirs," Jordan said. "We've sung with every major conductor since Toscanini. I came here to conduct for the freshman choir. That was my job. I've spent most of my life here. It's the only choral school in the entire world. Everyone sings in a choir. We sing with the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra. The smaller choir that made the CD, ''Williamson Voices,' I established 10 years ago."

Jordan said that the entire production of "Annelies" is nominated for the Grammy. According to the website, www.grammy.org, the recording industry's most prestigious award is presented annually by The Recording Academy. A Grammy is awarded by The Recording Academy's voting membership to honor excellence in the recording arts and sciences. It is truly a peer honor, awarded by and to artists and technical professionals for artistic or technical achievement, not sales or chart positions. The annual Grammy Awards presentation brings together thousands of creative and technical professionals in the recording industry from all over the world.

"The CD is nominated by the Academy," Jordan said. "Basically, the ballot goes only to the voting members of the Academy. On our ballot for choral, there were over 100 CDs on there, and they pick five, and 'Annelies' was one of them. Right now, another vote is taking place to decide the winner from those five."

While winning the award would be great, being nominated is an honor, according to Jordan.

"As our president of the university said, being a nominee means that you already won," Jordan said. "It almost never happens to a college choir, just professional choirs. We've already won in a way. The students in the school are incredibly proud because it puts us on a world stage. Most of the choir on this CD are undergraduate students. It's amazing. They're not professional musicians. And the CD is on the Naxos label, which is the largest classical music label in the world, so we're very fortunate for that, too."

Jordan also spoke of friend and fellow composer, James Whitbourn. "Annelies" is the second recording for which Jordan has worked with Whitbourn.

"James Whitbourn is a longtime friend of mine. We've been working with this piece for almost 10 years," Jordan said. "And this is the first time that the family of Anne Frank allowed her diary to be set to music. It's an incredible piece."

According to information provided by the college, Jordan is recognized and praised around the musical world as one of the nation's pre-eminent conductors, writers and innovators in choral music. The most published performer/author in the world, he has authored more than 30 books on all aspects of the choral art, he has been described as a "visionary" by The Choral Journal. His book "Evoking Sound" was named as a "must read" on a list of six books by The Choral Journal. At Westminster Choir College, he is professor and senior conductor and also conducts the Westminster Schola Cantorum in addition to the Williamson Voices.

Jordan will be accorded two distinctive honors this year for his contributions to choral music around the world. He will be inducted by the Temple University Alumni Association into its Hall of Success and will be given an honorary Doctor of Music degree by the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.

The CD can be purchased at locations such as music stores, Amazon.com and iTunes.

PINE GROVE - A fire at a home in Washington Township early Saturday affected a family of three adults, according to a representative of American Red Cross Schuylkill Chapter, Pottsville.

"At approximately 1:45 a.m., the Red Cross Schuylkill County Chapter responded to a single-family fire on Fiddlers Road. The Red Cross provided a family of three adults with food and clothing and will follow-up with the family for additional services as needed," Janet Cutis, the chapter's executive director, said in a press release Saturday afternoon.

The fire was reported to the Schuylkill County Communications Center at 1:45 a.m. The call came in from a cellphone. The communications center could not confirm the exact location of the blaze Saturday night, according to a communications supervisor on duty.

Responders included firefighters from Friedensburg, Pine Grove and Summit Station and Pine Grove Ambulance. The scene was cleared at 4:02 a.m. Saturday, according to the supervisor.

Mike Stalnecker, township fire marshal, could not be reached for comment Saturday night.

Deeds

East Union Township - Matthew Waas to Christian Delbert Good Jr.; 63 Third St., Oneida; $16,900.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Frances Swenson; 136 First St., Oneida; $7,500.

Foster Township - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Jason Keller; 23 Lower Beechwood Ave., Buck Run; $4,476.

Frackville - William G. Schwab, trustee for David L. Kehler, to Kenneth and Lorraine Letcavage; 515 Broad Mountain Ave.; $5,000.

Hegins Township - Ray H. Warmkessel, administrator of the Estate of Carl C. Shadle, Curtis F. Shadle, William D. Shadle, Jeffrey R. Warmkessel and Jennie E. Maher to Ronald W. and Deanna J. Dietz; 33 Harvest Lane; $475,000.

North Union Township - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Christian Montanero; property on Camelback Road; $661.

Porter Township - James and Elaine Rodichok to Daryl L. Alger; four properties; $545,000.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Jason Keller; 405 Dietrich Ave., Orwin; $3,420.

James M. and Elaine A. Rodichok to Elvin K. Stauffer; 20.1-acre property on Mount Eagle Trail Road; $100,000.

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG - A Schuylkill Haven man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Monday on a charge resulting from his alleged showing of a pornographic video in October to a minor.

Thomas Brough, 57, of 255 Parkway Apt. 1209, faces a charge of corruption of minors. Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over that charge for the county court after Brough waived his right to a hearing.

Schuylkill Haven borough police alleged that Brough showed the pornographic video between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Oct. 11 in his apartment in the borough high-rise building.

Police said they found the pornography when they examined Brough's computer.

The video was not child pornography, according to police.

Brough is free on $5,000 unsecured bail pending further court action.

Other defendants whose cases Ferrier considered on Monday, the charges against each one and the judge's dispositions of the matters included:

Jose F. Cabrera Jr., 22, last known address of 63 N. Lake Drive, Pottsville; theft of leased property; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Shane A. Hewes, 18, of 184 Sweet Arrow Lake Road, Pine Grove; theft and receiving stolen property; charges held for court after preliminary hearing.

Joshua Wasilius, 36, of 169 Kiehners Road, Schuylkill Haven; driving under the influence, driving without a license, driving under suspension and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, driving under suspension charge withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

FRACKVILLE - Schuylkill Valley Sports at the Schuylkill Mall may be closing its doors after 24 years and is now liquidating most of its goods.

Matt Hirsch, district manager, said Friday that while no closing date is concrete, they are going to "play it by ear" and see how the traffic to the store is in the coming months.

"We just restocked some product," Hirsch said. "We're just trying to liquidate in the January/February time of year."

While Hirsch said that the possible store closing would be due to multiple factors, one reason is that the Schuylkill Mall location is one of the lower traffic stores.

"This mall is really slow," he said. "The occupancy isn't really big."

The Frackville store is one of 20 locations, and Hirsch noted that there are still locations in Pottsville, Hamburg, Selinsgrove and Wilkes-Barre.

Other reasons are that it is "in such close proximity" to the Pottsville store and the lease with the mall is almost up.

Hirsch said many people might think it is due to Dunham's Sports, also located in the mall, but that isn't the case.

"Honestly, we have stores that have Dick's Sporting Goods in the same mall, and they do great," he said. "They (Dunham's) are different than us. We did well during the holiday."

The Frackville store opened in 1990 in the location that is now Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, while the Pottsville store at the Fairlane Village mall opened in August 1989, Hirsch said.

In the coming months, the store is planned to stay open as long as possible, but "it's hard to say" if it will close, and that will "depend on how well the store does."

"At that time, we'd have to make a decision in the next month or two," Hirsch said.

For more information about Schuylkill Valley Sports and its locations, visit www.svsports.com.