SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Penn State Schuylkill will mark its 80th anniversary this year with a kick-off celebration scheduled for noon Jan. 30 in the lobby of the Student Community Center.

The campus is inviting students, faculty, staff, advisory board members and the community to the gathering, which Mary Sacavage, director of continuing education and coordinator of public information, said Monday will feature treats and speakers.

Details on all of the events scheduled during the year-long celebration will be unveiled as well.

"We're especially excited about this year-long celebration of our 80th anniversary since it provides us with the opportunity to thank the Schuylkill community for their commitment to the campus," Dr. Kelly M. Austin, campus chancellor, said. "This truly is a partnership. The campus has been able to provide a high quality, world-class, post-secondary education for residents of the county due, in no small part, to the efforts of our highly involved advisory board."

Austin said that at the same time, the campus' economic impact on the local community is approximately $70 million.

"We look forward to this continued partnership so we can help create good jobs to keep our talent in our area," he said.

According to Sacavage, Penn State Schuylkill remains "firmly committed to the Schuylkill community" and more than 11,000 alumni have completed their education at the campus and many more started their education at the campus prior to completing their degrees at other Penn State campuses, including University Park.

The campus currently offers five baccalaureate degrees and four associate degrees that can be completed without leaving Schuylkill County.

According to information provided by Sacavage, Penn State Schuylkill traces its origins to the years of The Great Depression in the 1930s when a citizen's group in Pottsville began to explore options for local, affordable, post-secondary education.

Meanwhile, The Pennsylvania State College adopted guidelines on May 22, 1934, for the establishment of undergraduate centers throughout Pennsylvania in an effort to bring its services to more of the commonwealth's citizens.

Pottsville was quickly proposed as one of the sites for a center and a survey of the county's educational needs was completed, she said.

Pottsville, along with Hazleton and Uniontown, were approved by the state superintendent of schools on July 25, 1934 as locations for undergraduate centers. Classes began at the Pottsville Undergraduate Center on Sept. 19, 1934, with Walter R. Van Voorhis as administrative head.

There were 20 freshmen enrolled by opening day. They were taught by six faculty members.

Not long after that, enrollment increased to 62.

Classes were originally held on one floor of the Bunker Hill Building at Ninth and Schuylkill streets, Pottsville, which was leased from the Pottsville School Board for a dollar per year, an arrangement that would last until 1966.

It also used the laboratory facilities at Pottsville High School in the late afternoons.

By 1937 the college was leasing the entire Bunker Hill Building.

In 1944, an advisory committee of local citizens was incorporated as the Schuylkill Education Foundation and is now known as the Advisory Board of the Schuylkill Campus of Penn State University.

By the end of World War II, the Yorkville School Building at 20th and Norwegian Streets was also leased from the Pottsville School District and it provided an additional six classrooms and faculty offices.

Liberal arts classes were taught at the Yorkville site, while science classes were housed in the Bunker Hill Building.

The center received a new name in 1948, the Pennsylvania State College Center of Pottsville, along with another new building.

Space constraints in Pottsville led the Schuylkill Educational Foundation to begin a search in the 1950s for a new campus site, which eventually led to a county-owned tract, more than 200 acres, south of Schuylkill Haven, which had been used since the 1830s as a "poor farm," providing a home and livelihood for the county's indigent and mentally ill.

The county agreed to sell a 42-acre parcel to the university for one dollar.

Following renovations completed by the end of 1966 at a cost of $576,743, the Schuylkill campus opened for classes at its Schuylkill Haven location in January 1967 with an enrollment of 468.

Sacavage said that upcoming plans for the campus for the fall include the addition of three more baccalaureate degrees in areas related to high demand occupations, seeking to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in an increasingly competitive world.

Penn State Schuylkill offered more than $600,000 in merit based scholarships for 2013 freshmen and anticipates additional scholarships for this fall, she said.

"Celebrating our 80th anniversary provides the opportunity to review our legacy of excellence over the past 80 years; to renew our current commitment to providing a student-centered education steeped in strong academic excellence and rich with opportunities for community engagement, and to re-energize for a long and prosperous future, bright with endless opportunities to partner with the Schuylkill community for the continued success of both Penn State Schuylkill and the surrounding community," Sacavage said.

n Girardville: The Girardville division of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians is sponsoring an Irish history writing contest with two categories, depending on grade level. The theme for Level 1 (grades 6 to 8) is "Giants' Causeway Fact and Folklore"; the theme for Level 2 (grades 9 through 12) is "The Book of Kells - Its Origin and Present Day Influence." Prizes will be awarded on division, state and national levels. Students who are enrolled in parochial, private or public schools or who are home-schooled are eligible to participate. For information on contest rules, guidelines and judging, email limcassg@ptd.net. The deadline for essay entries is Jan. 15.

n Minersville: The God's Bountiful Table Soup Kitchen at St. Matthew the Evangelical Roman Catholic Church scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled. The soup kitchen's schedule will continue normally as weather permits.

n Pottsville: In a press release, the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority, Minersville Water Authority and Butler Township Municipal Authority advised customers to protect their water service lines and meters from freezing during the cold-weather season. The authorities, officials said in the release, do not thaw frozen water lines. Customers with concerns about lines freezing should contact their plumbers, they said.

n Ringtown: Ringtown Boy Scout Troop 731 will pick up Christmas trees in the borough on Sunday. Trees should be placed in front of homes with all decorations removed.

n Saint Clair: Due to the extreme cold weather conditions, the Saint Clair borough sanitation collection route scheduled for pickup today has been postponed until Wednesday, borough officials said.

n Schuylkill Haven: An American Red Cross blood drive is scheduled for 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St. People can donate blood by calling 800-733-2767 or visiting redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. People who are 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

n Tamaqua: Borough property owners must maintain a 3-foot-wide path, clear of all snow and ice, on their sidewalks, according to a press release from borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt. Snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after a storm ends. Property owners who fail to clean their sidewalks may be subject to a $25 fine for the first offense and higher fines for subsequent offenses. Residents are also reminded not to throw snow, ice or other materials onto the streets. Traffic compacts snow into ice and causes a traffic hazard, he said, adding that snow should not be piled at intersections, near fire hydrants or on top of storm drains. Residents are encouraged to clear snow from around fire hydrants and storm drains. Residents may also be fined for throwing or piling snow onto the streets. Any questions may be directed to Tamaqua Borough Hall, 320 E. Broad St., during normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by calling 570-668-3444 or 570-668-0300.

n Tamaqua: Xi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society is offering a $500 educational scholarship to one qualified woman in Schuylkill County. Applicants must meet the following criteria: Be female with a primary residence in Schuylkill County; currently enrolled in college with a major in education, and have competed at least one year of college with a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. For more information, contact Stephanie Kaye at srkaye@verizon.net or call 570-929-1012 or 570-778-6956. The deadline for applications is Feb. 28. Delta Kappa Gamma is an international organization of women educators.

n Tremont: Upcoming events for the Tremont Fire Company include: A wing night from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, eat in or take out, call 570-695-3915; pickup-only macaroni and cheese/stewed tomato sale Jan. 25, call 570-695-3674 for tickets; Super Bowl wings 1 to 5 p.m. Feb. 2, call 570-695-3915 and leave a message to order in advance with advance orders accepted through 6 p.m. Jan. 31 and orders day of the sale beginning at noon. The company will also sponsor Lenten fish fry 5 to 7 p.m. March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11 and 18. Fish fry orders will open at 4 p.m., call 570-695-3915.

n Ashland: The Ashland Community Watch group will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 14 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, North Ninth Street. The public is encouraged to attend, spokesman Frank Rice said in a release. For more information, call 570-875-4190.

n Minersville: An American Red Cross blood drive is scheduled for 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Good Shepherd building, 301 Heffner St. People can donate blood by calling 800-733-2767 or visiting redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. People who are 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

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 Pine Grove: An American Red Cross blood drive is scheduled for 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Pine Grove Ambulance headquarters, Spruce Street. People can donate blood by calling 800-733-2767 or visiting redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. People who are 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

n Schuylkill Haven: The Schuylkill Haven Free Public Library Board of Trustees agreed at its Dec. 15 meeting to engage the services of PC Sentry, a Pottsville-based computer company, to provide new computers for the library. The board agreed in September that this year's fund drive be geared toward buying new computers and a new circulation system. The needed upgrades, according to a library press release, are in accordance with the "Edge Initiative," which "provides an opportunity for public libraries to focus on technology and how they serve the community with a simple assessment." In a recent letter, Stacey Aldrich, the deputy secretary for libraries, wrote that the state library needs to be informed on "what kinds of support libraries need to provide public access technology and services in PA." The "Edge," as it is called, will be crucial in supplying the necessary data, according to the release. The Schuylkill Haven Free Public Library, 104 St. John St., "strives to recognize and meet the needs of our community and patrons who have generously contributed to our total upgrade," officials said in the release. For more information about the library, call 570-385-0542 or go online to sch@iu29.org.

n Shenandoah: The monthly soup sale fundraiser sponsored by the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. will be held beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday at the downtown center, 116 N. Main St. Everyone is welcome.

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. Also, 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 Tamaqua: An American Red Cross blood drive is scheduled for 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 22 at St. John's United Church of Christ, Pine and Biddle streets. People can donate blood by calling 800-733-2767 or visiting redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. People who are 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

ROEDERSVILLE - An 81-year-old woman died Tuesday morning when the vehicle she was riding in struck a tree just off Sweet Arrow Lake Road in Washington Township, according to state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Wallace Hodgson pronounced Mary Reed, 81, of Pine Hill Road, Pine Grove, dead on the scene, according to state Trooper Jeffrey Hummel of the Schuylkill Haven barracks, the investigating officer.

Meanwhile, two other women in the vehicle, the driver, Bonnie Neal, 61, and a passenger, Annie Reed, 41, both of Pine Grove, were flown to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hummel said.

Mary Reed is the mother of Bonnie Neal and Annie Reed, Hummel said.

The accident was reported at 7:59 a.m. It occurred between Roedersville Road and Dewalt Road, according to a supervisor at Schuylkill County Communications, Pottsville.

Bonnie Neal was driving a green 1995 Subaru Legacy station wagon east on Sweet Arrow Lake Road. Her mother, Mary Reed, was riding in the passenger side front seat. Her sister, Annie Reed, was riding in the back seat on the driver's side, police said.

Neal hit a large patch of ice which covered the entire eastbound lane. She lost control and slid into a tree, Hummel said.

The vehicle sustained heavy damage to its passenger side front end, police said.

Responders included Pine Grove firefighters, Pine Grove EMS, West Schuylkill ALS and Pottsville/Schuylkill Haven Area EMS, and two medical helicopters, MedEvac 7 and PennSTAR 5, police said.

The scene was cleared at 10:15 a.m., according to the communications supervisor.

A virtual autopsy will be done today on the body of Mary Reed at Simon Kramer Institute, New Philadelphia, under the direction of Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III, Hummel said.

Aside from that, Hummel said the investigation is complete and no charges will be filed.

Deeds

Ashland - Dennis Cope to Khalid McBain; 1624 Walnut St.; $1,500.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Garage Flex LLC; 1333 Walnut St.; $700.

It's a cold winter with a lot of headaches.

Schuylkill County plumbers could not get to all the frozen and leaking pipes, broken furnaces and other domestic disasters caused by extreme temperatures Monday night into Tuesday. Meanwhile, residents seemed to heed warnings from doctors to stay inside as there were no reports of hypothermia. County schools were closed and auto suppliers are selling more batteries.

Household disasters

The uncommon temperatures can wreck havoc on water pipes and heating appliances.

Leonard Hamerly, Orwigsburg, said he learned about freezing pipes the hard way.

Upon entering his home about 7 a.m. Saturday, he found water leaking from a pipe in the kitchen.

"It looked like it was raining in here," he said.

The culprit was a broken hot water pipe, Hamerly said.

Insulation had not prevented freezing and the subsequent 3/4 inch split in the copper pipe, something he said never happen before in freezing temperatures.

After turning off water to the house, he did some research and fixed the problem with a fitting.

He estimated about 1/4 an inch of water was on first floor office floor and a bathroom after leaking from the kitchen above, which had little water.

There was about 1/4 an inch of water on the kitchen counters, Jeanne Hamerly said.

Tom Hlavaty, vice president of Hlavaty Plumb-Heat-Cool, Pine Grove, said they are very busy.

"We've been turning people down," he said, something they don't like to do.

The company has about seven technicians who are responding to no heat or heat and pipe issues.

Since the cold snap, he said, they went on hundreds of calls.

"When it gets so severe like this, your company can only be geared to handle so much work," he said.

Normally, they would respond to fewer than 20 calls during this time frame.

"This is obviously an extreme," he said.

Butch Young, operations director of Losch Plumbing and Heating Inc., Schuylkill Haven, said his company is also busy.

"Every one of our technicians were out to at least midnight last night," he said Tuesday.

Customers mostly called about frozen pipes and no heat.

"We had boilers that totally broke," he said.

Meanwhile, Hlavaty said property owners need to have heating equipment serviced and make sure pipes have adequate insulation. Moreover, they need to know where the water shut off valves are.

When discovering a leak, shutting off the water should be the first step. The second is to call someone with knowledge of plumbing, he said.

"You want to see if you can get on someone's list as soon as possible," Hlavaty said.

Preventative maintenance can't be stressed enough.

"It's just common sense," make sure you have everything insulated, Young said.

As painful as it could be financially, a boiler issue could be a positive thing.

"One of the best things that can happen to people is their boiler breaks," Hlavaty said, adding that the owner must then confront a problem that perhaps he had been delaying.

"It forces people to address situations and maybe do something better," he said.

Some systems are inefficient and old, he said.

Having a working smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and even a combustible gas detector is something residents should not forget, Hlavaty said. A combustible gas detector checks for gas and propane.

Dan Perlman, owner of Flex Mechanical, Schuylkill Haven, also is dealing with a lot of phone calls.

"Most of them are no heat," he said Monday.

The calls ranged from oil furnace repairs, heat pumps, fireplaces and other forms of heating.

He also recommends heating systems be inspected before it gets too cold.

"Take care of your system," he said.

The American Red Cross made several suggestions to prevent and thaw frozen pipes.

Keeping kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open can help to circulate air around the pipes. To help prevent pipes from freezing, let the water drip from faucets and keep the thermostat the same during the day and night.

In case of frozen pipes, do not use items such as a kerosene or propane heater, blowtorch or charcoal stove to heat the affected area. Using a blow dryer, portable space heater within distance, an electric heating pad or towels soaked in hot water is safer. Contact a plumber if needed.

Vehicle maintenance forestalls stalling

Furnaces and pipes aren't the only hardware having a hard time this week. The cold is not kind to the internal combustion engine either, as auto mechanics across the county know too well.

"When it gets cold like that, it's harder for cars to start because it takes more power and has an extra strain on the battery," customer consultant Gregory Sagan, 41, of Jack Williams Tire and Auto Service Center, Pottsville, said.

In the last few weeks, the service center has sold at least 12 or 13 batteries per week.

Along with batteries, mechanics are frequently checking antifreeze. When the vital fluid gets to a low level, the engine can seize or crack. Coolant is good for minus 34 degrees but if it is too diluted with water, it can freeze.

One of the managers at Ken's Tires Inc., Pottsville, Doug Howell, 42, suggested that vehicle owners get their antifreeze tested to prevent freezing. "If it does not test very good, get it drained," Howell said.

Howell said Ken's Tires does a lot of business in the winter, not only with batteries but with snow tires, as well.

"The snow comes and people realize they need snow tires, so they come to us," he said.

Sagan also sees a lot of ice-related problems in cars, like bent rims and damaged tires from pot holes and sliding into curbs as well as windshield wiper replacements.

Using windshield wipers to clear ice instead of scraping it can ruin the rubber on wipers and also damage the wiper motor.

"It's not supposed to move snow, it's for rain, but people are in a hurry when it's cold outside," Sagan said.

The best way to protect your car during the winter is with preventative maintenance.

"Make sure you have good tires, wipers and check the battery before it gets cold out," Sagan said. "We can't do anything about ice on the road, but you can prepare with early maintenance."

Howell said a key to keeping a vehicle in shape during the winter is to check the air in the tires often, since the air will fluctuate in cold weather.

Starting your car when it isn't in use for long periods of time can prevent some freezing.

Don't go out

As of Tuesday, there were no reports of hypothermia at the county's hospitals.

"The secret to success would be to stay indoors," Dr. Jeff Narmi, attending physician for the emergency department at Schuylkill Medical Center for both East Norwegian Street and South Jackson Street, said.

Those who must go outside should limit their time there. Hypothermia can occur in 10 to 15 minutes, he said. The condition can be characterized by dizziness, numbness, tingling, your heart rate increasing and pain in the body, Narmi said.

"Cover everything," he said.

Going inside and gradually warming up will lessen the symptoms.

"Anything that's wet has to come off," Narmi said.

Changing clothes, covering up with blankets and even using a heating pad cautiously will help with symptoms. When in doubt, call a medical professional, he said.

Aaron Tyburski, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, State College, warned about the other great danger in arctic air.

"We could see frostbite occur in a matter of minutes," he said. "We did have minus 20 to 30 degree wind chill all over the state."

Nevertheless, if the deep freeze makes one pine for warmer days, there is hope, but still a few days off. Today's temperatures will be in the single digits in the morning with a wind chill making it feel like minus 15 or 20 below. Later in the day it will in the 20s.

"We won't be out of the woods just yet," Tyburski said.

Thursday temperatures will be in the low 40s. Friday will see nearly 40 degrees.

"By the weekend, it will be in the 40s. It will feel like quite a change," he said.

The average temperatures for this time are about freezing, 32 degrees, and a low of 18 degrees, Tyburksi said.

Cold day

Several school districts in the area canceled school because of the cold weather.

Blue Mountain, Pottsville, Pine Grove, Saint Clair, Marian Catholic, Schuylkill Haven Area, Williams Valley and Nativity BVM all did not have classes Tuesday.

Information from other schools could not be obtained.

Some tips to stay safe during the cold winter months.

- At home, check the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors; carbon monoxide is odorless and can be fatal.

- If you're using space heaters, keep them at least 3 feet away from any objects.

- Don't use your oven or stove to heat your home; it's not designed to do so, and could cause a fire.

- Be careful if you're using a portable generator. Never use it indoors or in enclosed spaces where harmful carbon monoxide can accumulate.

- Check on elderly neighbors and family members.

- In the event of a power outage, be sure to report your outage at 800-DIAL-PPL. The outage center is mobile ready and also can be accessed with your smart phone.

- Be sure you have an emergency kit that includes items such as water, canned food, medications, flashlight and batteries.

Source: PPL Electric Utilities

A Schuylkill County judge will decide whether the hearing on suspended Gilberton police chief turned YouTube star will move to Scranton.

Now that they know about the proceedings, Lackawanna County courthouse officials will be ready.

Mark A. Kessler filed a suit to keep the hearing about his employment with the borough from moving to Lackawanna County on Monday. Officials in the Lackawanna County Courthouse found out Tuesday he was scheduled for an appearance later this month after reading an article by the Republican-Herald in The Times-Tribune.

Kessler drew national attention when he posted YouTube videos in which he fired borough-owned automatic weapons, cursing and orating about gun control. The borough council voted to suspend him in July and extended the suspension indefinitely in August, citing unauthorized use of borough weapons. A hearing about his future employment on Oct. 10 was discontinued after an audience member dropped a semi-automatic pistol, raising safety concerns.

After attempts to move the hearing to the Schuylkill County Courthouse failed, special counsel from Elliott Greenleaf & Dean requested use of a courtroom in the Lackawanna County courthouse.

On Tuesday morning after reading the article, Lackawanna County Court officials contacted the newspaper to say no hearing had ever been scheduled in the courthouse and President Judge Thomas Munley was unaware of the pending hearing.

However, Gilberton's attorneys told the newspaper a Lackawanna County courtroom had been reserved both on Dec. 6 and Jan. 24.

After a Times-Tribune reporter asked Chief Deputy Court Administrator Jeff McLane to check the court calendar on those dates, he confirmed the courtroom was reserved. However, there was no mention of Kessler or Gilberton, McLane said. Under Jan. 24, "special hearing master to use courtroom 3" holds a 10 a.m. slot. On Dec. 6, the original hearing date scheduled, an "administrative agency hearing - police tenure act" note is listed before Schuylkill County special hearing master.

After the discovery of the entry on the court calendar, Munley recalled extending the courtesy, according to McLane, adding that it may not have been clear who would be using the courtroom.

The letter from Gilberton's attorneys requesting use of the courtroom did not name Kessler or the borough of Gilberton.

While the Jan. 24 hearing date remains on Munley's calendar, McLane said that could change depending on the outcome of Kessler's injunction. Schuylkill County Judge Charles Miller is scheduled to rule on the matter on Jan. 20.

"Depending on what Judge Miller does," Munley will review whether to allow the Lackawanna County courtroom to be used Jan. 24, McLane said. One of the attorneys for the borough, Lawrence J. Moran Jr. of Elliott Greenleaf & Dean, explained that safety at the hearing was a priority.

"That's our prevailing concern," he said. "That will continue to be our argument."

Pennsylvania is an open carry state, he added, and there are limited venues where guns can be restricted.

While it remains unclear whether the hearing will move forward in Lackawanna County, Sheriff Mark McAndrew said the courthouse will be secure.

"If it is going to take place, we'll take the necessary precautions," he said.

Man loses control

of car on icy road

KASKA - Two people suffered minor injuries when the Lincoln Towne Car they were in crashed on Market Street, Route 209, just north of Maple Street in Blythe Township, about 5:05 p.m. Sunday.

State police at Frackville said Donald H. Nye, 75, of Kaska, was driving north when he lost control on the ice, causing the car to go off the road and strike a utility pole.

Police said Nye and his passenger, Marie A. Nye, 75, also of Kaska, suffered minor injuries and were taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-East Norwegian Street by ambulance, where they both refused treatment.

Mahanoy man

charged in assault

MAHANOY CITY - A borough man was jailed Sunday after being arrested by Mahanoy City police and charged with assaulting his wife about 3:40 a.m. that day at their home.

Police said Marquis G. Vaughan, 24, of 18 S. A St., was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, on charges of simple assault and harassment and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $10,000 straight cash bail.

Police said Vaughan became upset because his wife, Chanequa, was talking on the telephone to her brother. Marquis Vaughan then followed his wife to a bedroom, where he picked up food and threw it on her, and then punched and slapped her in the face, causing a laceration to her nose and heavy bleeding, police said.

The second Schuylkill County Youth Summit will be held March 20 in Courtroom No. 1 at the county courthouse.

The event's community advisory group met Tuesday afternoon in the commissioner's Hoffman Room to set the tentative date and discuss other plans for the second Youth Summit.

"It's the power of youth that can make changes," Commissioner Gary J. Hess said Tuesday. "Government can not do it alone."

Hess and Kay Jones, executive director of Schuylkill County's VISION, spearheaded the first youth summit in March along with commissioners Frank J. Staudenmeier and George F. Halcovage Jr. and other community organizations, legislative offices and business associations with the goal of encouraging students to make the changes they want to see in their communities.

The community advisory group consists of representatives from area business, educational and legislative communities.

While the date can change, Hess said the courtroom is open on March 20. Hess also said the Salvation Army, located across the street from the courthouse, is open to hosting the students for lunch during the event. The lunch trip makes perfect sense as the student ambassadors said they are in favor of giving this year's event the theme "Get Involved: Volunteer Opportunities."

Hess said the students have been very involved in planning the next summit. In fact, the students weren't supposed to meet over summer break, but Hess said they didn't want to wait that long and held a meeting in July.

"It's their summit," Hess said.

The last time the students met, Hess said they suggested spending the morning discussing the top three issues in the county as identified through their surveys: quality of life, jobs and safety.

The students also recommended adding representatives from the following organizations to the annual county career fair at Martz Hall in April: Big Brothers/Big Sisters, YWMCA/YMCA, historical societies and museums, agricultural organizations and other civic organizations. The annual career fair is hosted by the Northeast Pa. Manufacturers and Employers Council and will be in April, but a specific date has not yet been determined.

Jones provided updates on the various student projects. Mahanoy Area students completed their clean-up project and are now working to secure a Fourth of July fireworks display for the borough for the first time in at least five years. In Schuylkill Haven, the students are planning student art shows at the Walk in Art Center. Shenandoah students are looking to start a student-run recycling center in the borough

Each Schuylkill County high school, as well as Gillingham Charter School and the north and south campuses of the Schuylkill Technology Center, have projects.

The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Foundation provided $2,900 in funding for the student projects. Jones said some of the schools were able to raise their own money or received grants for their projects and no longer needed the initial funding.

"The interesting thing is that as they are getting involved, they are seeing more organizations out there willing to help them," Jones said.

Student ambassadors will meet later this month in the commissioners' Hoffman Room. The advisory group will next meet at 1 p.m. Feb. 4 in the Hoffman Room.

Reading Hospital and Medical Center

To Marcel and Melissa Glunz LeBlanc, Pottsville, a son, Dec. 18.

ELIZABETHVILLE - A man charged with shooting another man to death Dec. 7 after finding him with his wife in a trailer near Williamstown is headed to Dauphin County Court.

Roberto Souffront, 53, of 113 Autumn Drive, Apt. 15, Williamstown, is charged with murder, criminal attempt to commit murder, aggravated assault, burglary, possessing instruments of crime and recklessly endangering another person.

After hearing about 1 1/2 hours of testimony from Souffront's wife and two state police troopers, Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Margerum ordered all charges against Robert Souffront held for county court.

Trooper Timothy Janosco Jr. of the Lykens station charged Souffront with shooting and killing James W. Harbst, 27, about 3:40 a.m. in a travel trailer to the rear of 185 Lenker Drive in Williams Township about 3:40 a.m.

Janosco, assigned to the criminal investigation unit, said he interviewed Souffront hours after the shooting and was told he and his wife argued over prescription medication and that she left about 4:40 p.m. the day before the shooting, Dec. 6.

After trying to call his wife numerous times on her cellphone, Souffront said he walked to the Lenker Drive address between 1 and 2 a.m. to see if his wife was with a man he suspected her of having an affair with and observed her get into a car with that man, later identified as Harbst.

Janosco said Souffront stated that he went home and retrieved a .25-caliber handgun, returned to the trailer and realized his wife was inside with the man.

Entering the trailer, Souffront said he saw his wife performing sexual acts with Harbst, but she came after him and hit him in the face, prompting him to hit her back.

Janosco said Souffront said he was "blind with anger" knowing his wife was with Harbst, and he fired a shot at the man. Janosco said Souffront said Harbst then came after him, knocking the gun from his hand and began punching him. Janosco said Souffront said he recovered the weapon and fired at Harbst until the gun was empty.

Janosco said Harbst was shot three times, including the fatal shot that went through his heart and lung, and shots to his forearm and hip.

Nicole Souffront, who said she and Roberto will be married nine years next week, said he does not allow her to have friends, go places, talk on her cellphone or text people.

The day before the shooting, Nicole Souffront said she told her husband she was going to the store and took her 11-year-old daughter with her, leaving her remaining three teenage children from previous relationships at home.

She said that instead of going to the store, she dropped her daughter off at a house in Harrisburg where she could stay for the night and went out with Harbst in the city where they "had a few drinks and a good time."

Nicole Souffront said she and Harbst eventually returned to the trailer where she took off her shoes, glasses and coat and planned to lie down and rest.

She said Harbst was intoxicated and that there was nothing romantic between the two.

"The only relationship we had is a friend relationship," she said.

After hearing her husband yelling outside and then enter the trailer, the woman said she managed to get out and, once outside, heard a gunshot. She said she did not know how the gun went off or if there was a struggle.

"Once I got out I heard a shot, what happened from there is unknown to me," she said.

Minutes later, Nicole Souffront said her husband left the trailer, came to her and began pulling her hair, punching her and hitting her with an object and said, "I've been waiting for this for a long time."

In attempts to make him stop, Nicole Souffront said she kept telling her husband that she loves him but he only stopped after seeing the lights of the state police cruiser that arrived at the scene.

Under cross examination, Nicole Souffront said she answered her cellphone one or two times and told her husband that she would be home soon, although she had no intention of doing so and said that he had no idea she was with Harbst.

She also denied having sex with or performing sexual acts on Harbst while in the travel trailer the morning of the shooting.

Trooper David Yearick of the Lykens station, one of the first to arrive at the scene, said Roberto Souffront was found outside the trailer, obeyed orders to lie down and was taken into custody without incident.

At the end of testimony, deputy public defender Mary Klett asked that the charge of criminal attempt to commit murder filed on behalf of Nicole Souffront be dismissed since her injuries were not life-threatening and that she was treated and released from a hospital within hours.

Shannon Sprow, chief deputy district attorney, countered saying the only way Souffront stopped the attack on his wife was when police arrived. If they would not have come when they did, the woman could have suffered more serious injuries.

Margerum agreed and ordered all offenses held for court.

SAINT CLAIR - The frigid temperatures outside St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church in Saint Clair on Tuesday morning were no match for the warmth found inside as the Divine Liturgy was celebrated on the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Christmas celebration as commemorated in accord with the Dec. 25 date on the Julian calendar, which is Jan. 7 on the Gregorian calendar, drew many Eastern Orthodox Christians to the Divine Liturgy. The inside of the church was decorated with a huge Christmas tree, a smaller tree, wreaths and a manger scene for the people to enjoy.

As the church bells were rung, the Rev. Jeff L. Zias, pastor, began the Divine Liturgy by incensing the iconostasis, or icon wall, and then walked down the center aisle, incensing the congregation. At the back of the nave, he incensed the icons of Jesus Christ; Mary, the Theotokos ("God-Bearer"); and St. Michael, the patron of the parish.

Zias returned to the iconostasis, walked through the Royal Doors and prayed in song at the altar, with members of St. Michael Choir, under the direction of Barbara Verbitsky, singing the prayers a cappella, or without musical instruments.

During the opening prayer, Zias repeatedly prayed "God is with us," accompanied by the choir, which also sang hymns in Rusyn and English.

According to Orthodox teaching, the Birth of Jesus is of tremendous importance to eternal salvation, because through His Birth, God has given the food of Life Eternal, which is His Body and Blood under the forms of bread and wine in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

Very little importance is given to the exchange of gifts or to any commercial thought. Orthodox Christians rejoice on Christmas Day because Christ is in their midst, a newborn child with outstretched arms begs for his love, and he returns this love in his God, his neighbor, his family and to his country.

The sermon presented by Zias was from the Archpastoral Letter for the Nativity 2013 by Bishop Gregory of Nyssa, Primate of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the U.S.A., of which St. Michael parish is a member.

"I greet you with joy and love in the Name of our Incarnate Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," Zias said as he read Gregory's letter to the congregation. "Let us give thanks to Almighty God, by whose grace we have been given the opportunity to celebrate the Birth of his Son.

"If we look around, we find hatred, mistrust, suffering and the absence of peace and love in our neighborhood, city, country and in fact the whole world. This reality in life makes us cry out for God's help, assistance and intervention.

"My beloved ones, despite all the suffering, sorrow and injustice in our world, today, joy and hope comes to us once more. That's why at this blessed time of the year we look forward to the arrival of the newborn King.

"Therefore, let us celebrate the miracle of his birth. Let kindness come with every gift. Let compassion, forgiveness and love come with every greeting. Let our hearts be filled with prayer, charity and reconciliation for one another."

Zias concluded with the bishop's wishes that "May all of us, priests, panis, deacons, parishioners, friends and supporters of our God-protected American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese experience the joy and wonders of the Shepherds and the awe and respect of the Three Wise Men at the arrival of the messiah. Christ is born."

The building at the top of the Pottsville Blight and Nuisance Task Force list, dubbed "the worst of the worst," may come down next week, City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said Tuesday.

The row home, 674 N. Second St., is owned by Said Attalla, Mississauga, Canada. It sustains constant damage from exposure because its front door is broken off its hinges.

The task force discussed the project at its first meeting of 2014 held Tuesday morning at City Hall.

In late 2013, the city developed a program to demolish properties singled out by the task force, a team of city officials and community representatives formed in April 2012.

In October, the city council decided to knock down seven. So far, Northeast Industrial Service Corp., Shamokin, was hired to knock down 407 W. Laurel Blvd., owned by Apt. & Acquisitions, at a cost of $20,750, Palamar said.

Northeast Industrial was also hired to knock down 235 Pierce St., owned by Tina Brown, at a cost of $15,350.

The council awarded five demolition contracts to Penn Earthworks, Hazleton. Following are the names of the owners of those properties and the cost of the demolition projects: 674 N. Second St., Attalla, $19,850; 439 Fairview St., Joseph Yutz Jr., $16,300; 433 Fairview St., Andrew Chillemi, $18,800; 303 N. Ninth St., Garage Flex LLC, $19,850; and 657 N. Second St., Investment Property Cheap, $17,770.

To date, the task force has 380 properties on its list. And since September, the task force has issued 245 Quality of Life tickets. Of those, 128 were paid, 77 became citations, 19 were appealed, 10 were voided and 11 remain unpaid, according to the agenda handed out at Tuesday's meeting.

MINERSVILLE - The borough's street department worked to remove ice from the intersection of Seltzer and Division roads in Norwegian Township on Tuesday following a crash the previous day.

Borough street supervisor Jeffrey Enders said Tuesday that his crew worked to remove about eight inches of ice that formed on the intersection from water that comes out of an underground spring.

He said that they have not had this problem in the past because not as much ice has formed on the intersection before.

While the street department currently can only place sandbags to stop water from going across the road, next week they plan to mill out that section so the water will run onto the berm instead of the roadway.

Minersville police Chief Michael Combs said that they were going to close Division Road temporarily.

"We are going to do what we can for the moment," Combs said.

The ice was the reason a crash occurred at 4:13 p.m. Monday, according to state police at Schuylkill Haven. No one was injured.

Combs said that since Seltzer Road is in Norwegian Township, borough police only assisted with traffic control, but the homes surrounding it are in the borough so both the borough and township are working to remedy the situation.

The township then heavily salted the roadway Monday.

State police said that the crash occurred as the vehicle driven by Camille M. McGonigle, 24, of Pottsville, was traveling west on Seltzer Road and slid on a patch of ice.

McGonigle's vehicle spun clockwise, crossed the eastbound lane and shoulder and then, hit an embankment.

The vehicle spun counterclockwise and came to final rest in the eastbound lane.

She was not injured, but her vehicle sustained significant damage and was towed from the scene,

McGonigle does not face any charges in relation to the crash because she was driving at a safe speed.

SHENANDOAH - An intense fire in sub-zero temperatures destroyed a double-block home on Ferguson Street early Tuesday.

The fire ravaged the 216 S. Ferguson St. home of Michael Cooney as well as an unoccupied adjoining house at 218 S. Ferguson St. owned by Joseph G. Hydock.

According to police, Cooney told fire officials that he wasn't sleeping well early Tuesday morning, so he bundled up in warm clothing and went out for a walk about 5 a.m. He then went to pass the time at the nearby Knights of Columbus post home, where he is a member. Cooney was at the Knights of Columbus when the fire broke out.

The temperature hovered around minus 5 degrees at 7:25 a.m. when the fire alarm sounded.

First to arrive at the scene, Shenandoah police Lt. Gary Kepple said heavy smoke was billowing out both sides of the double home when he arrived. Within moments, the window glass exploded from the intense heat inside the structure.

"Smoke was pouring out the windows when I got there. Then the glass blew out and it was just flames," Kepple said.

The police officer tried to get inside the house to look for occupants, but the fire was raging inside and the smoke was too heavy. Kepple ran to neighboring homes, knocking on doors to awaken sleeping neighbors as firefighters arrived at the scene.

Ferguson Street is a narrow, single-lane, residential alley that runs parallel to Shenandoah's Main Street, one block to the west. The tight space added a challenge to firefighters who fought the fire in dangerously cold wind chill conditions.

According to the National Weather Service, winds combined with Tuesday morning's bitterly cold temperatures created "extremely dangerous conditions for exposed skin." Conditions were cold enough to cause frostbite in about 15 minutes or less, the weather service reported.

As firefighters trained hoses on the fire, the frigid air turned the water to ice almost immediately. A foggy mist, caused by water hitting the intense fire, swirled in the air and froze fast on every surface it touched, including nearby vehicles, utility wires and firefighters' faces and equipment.

Several firefighters emerged from the fire fight with their clothing and gear coated in a thick crust of ice. Hand-held radios clipped to many firefighters' coats were frozen fast to the men's jackets under a layer of ice. Some firefighters needed help to pry off the breathing apparatus face masks that were frozen in place. Firefighters with beards or mustaches had heavy layers of white ice-crystals frozen to their facial hair.

Ryan Township Fire Company set up a heated, inflatable dome-shaped shelter on the unit block of West Cherry Street where firefighters could take refuge from the intense cold, warm up and be evaluated by medics, if needed.

There were no immediate reports of any injuries, police said.

Water flowing from hydrants risked freezing in the fire hoses that snaked across the slushy, ice-coated streets. Shenandoah's Defender Fire Company of Turkey Run lost use of a 100-foot, five-inch diameter hose when the water inside froze and the hose burst.

"A fire couldn't come at a worse time," said Rich Mensick, former borough fire chief and current foreman with the borough water authority. "There's not a lot you can do in these conditions. Every time there's a gust of wind, it feeds the fire," he said.

The protective turn-out gear worn by firefighters protects from heat, Mensick said, but not cold.

"These guys are taking a beating," he said.

Crews pumped water on the flames for four hours as wind-fed flames continued to erupt from any area of the structure not already devoured by flames. The front porch and roof of the home, weakened by fire damage and weighed down by the heavy build-up of ice, crashed to the street as firefighters continued to pump fast-freezing water onto the inferno.

"It collapsed on itself," firefighter Bill Moyer Sr., Shenandoah Heights, said.

Massive icicles formed on power lines in the area, knocking out power to more than 870 electric customers in the borough. Crews from PPL had the power restored to most homes within two hours. The outage continued to affect residents in the immediate area for several hours until firefighters cleared the scene and PPL crews could access the problem area.

If firefighters had one advantage, it was the vacant lot on each side of the structure, which gave the flames no where to spread beyond the double home.

As water froze to the ground, it created a riverbed of ice that channeled flowing water from Ferguson Street to South Main Street, which is Route 924. The difference in temperature between the flowing water and the frigid air caused an eerie fog to rise off the puddles and slush on South Main Street. Borough street crews and PennDOT plow drivers worked to clear the thickening ice flow from the roadway using plows, salt and cinders for traction.

The firefighters won the battle about noon. Weary, they folded frozen hoses and packed ice-encrusted equipment onto trucks, ready to transport the gear back to the firehouses to thaw and dry.

Following a post-fire conference with borough fire Chief Russ Schumack, Kepple said a state police fire marshal would likely be called in today to assist the fire department with investigating the fire's cause and origin.

Kepple said Cooney told fire officials he augmented his home heat with an electric space heater and also used an electric blanket in his bedroom. If either of those items sparked the fire, Kepple said the cause would be deemed accidental.

The Red Cross was on scene, providing hot coffee and water to the firefighters and will assist Cooney in securing emergency clothing and shelter as needed, Kepple said.

Numerous area fire companies assisted Shenandoah emergency responders at the scene.

Relationship incorrect

Former Pottsville Mayor John D.W. Reiley and Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley are second cousins. Their family relationship was listed incorrectly in Tuesday's edition.

Identity incorrect

Edward F. Burns was sworn in Monday for a second term as mayor of Girardville by Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville.

Burns was incorrectly identified in Tuesday's edition as Edward F. Burke.

Information incorrect

William Angelo was appointed as Minersville borough council president Monday night, replacing outgoing borough council President Helen Droskinis. The information was incorrect in Tuesday's edition.

The jobless rate in Schuylkill County is at its lowest point since 2009.

The seasonally-adjusted rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point to 8.5 in November, according to the latest figures from the state Department of Labor and Industry. The last time the rate was at 8.5 percent or lower was January 2009 when it was 8.3 percent.

"The big take away is, of course, the fact that the rate is the lowest it has been since January 2009," Steven Zellers, industry and business analyst for the department, said Wednesday.

The state rate fell 0.2 of a percent to 7.3 percent in November while the national rate dropped 0.3 percent to 7 percent.

Over the year, the county rate fell 1.1 percentage points while both the state and national rates went down 0.8 of a point.

"That's really strong for the area," Zellers said.

Total nonfarm jobs in the county were up 200 in November at 53,000. Over the year, the county was up 1,800 jobs, or 3.5 percent, while the state gained only 32,200 jobs, or 0.6 percent.

There was little or no change in employment over the month, keeping with historical and seasonal patterns. However, there has been noticeable growth in several sectors over the year.

Transportation, warehousing and utilities and professional and business services were all at record highs in November and helped drive service-producing industries to a record high.

Transportation and warehousing and utilities is only up 100 jobs over the month but added 400 since last year and was at a total 6,000 jobs in November. Professional and business services did not see an increase over the month but was up 200 over the year at 3,600 jobs.

Overall, the service-providing sector increased 1,500 over the year and was at 40,400 for November. The sector only increased by 200 jobs over the month.

Schuylkill County was tied with Cambria and Clearfield for the 12th highest among the state's 67 counties. Rates ranged from 5.6 percent in Montour County to 10.9 percent in Cameron County. The rates of surrounding counties were: Berks, 7.3; Carbon, 8.2; Columbia, 7.1; Dauphin, 6.6; Lebanon, 5.8; Lehigh, 7.4; Luzerne, 9.2; and Northumberland, 8.3 percent.

Shen woman

cited for crash

RINGTOWN - A crash that occurred on Ringtown Boulevard in Union Township about 10:25 a.m. Saturday was investigated by state police at Frackville.

Police said Tia L. Knapp, 21, of Shenandoah, was driving a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser north when she lost control while rounding a left curve. The vehicle spun around and went off the road where it struck an embankment before coming to a stop, police said.

Police said they did not know the extent of injuries Knapp or her passenger - Chuianne L. Mummey, 20, of Palmyra - suffered in the crash. Knapp, however, will be cited for failing to drive on roadways laned for traffic, police said.

Gilberton man

injured in crash

GILBERTON - A Gilberton man suffered minor injuries when the 2006 Dodge Caravan he was driving crashed on Route 924, about a mile north of Catawissa Street, about 3:25 p.m. Sunday.

State police at Frackville said Vincent W. Bloss, 19, was rounding a left downhill curve when he lost control on the ice, causing the van to go off the road and hit a state Department of Transportation sign and causing heavy front end damage.

Police said Bloss complained of back pain but refused to seek medical treatment while at the scene.

Driver escapes

injury in crash

PINE GROVE - The driver of a 1999 Honda Odyssey escaped injury Sunday after her vehicle slid out of control.

State police at Jonestown said the 6 p.m. accident in Pine Grove at Interstate 81 and Suedberg Road occurred as Carol L. Vinatieri, 22, Fredericksburg, Va., slid on the slush and ice while driving south on I-81.

After driving on the wintry mix, Vinatieri slid across the right lane and struck the concrete bridge barrier, police said.

She was wearing a seat belt, police said.

She was cited for a violation of failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Crash due to slush

has no injuries

TREMONT - A driver from New York escaped injury after his vehicle slid on a slushy roadway.

The 8:45 p.m. accident occurred as Brian T. Drake, 18, Oswego, N.Y., was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Impala south in the right lane of Interstate 81 at mile marker 104.1 and slid on slush, state police at Jonestown said.

Drake slid off the road and hit trees/shrubbery and an embankment before stopping.

He was charged with a violation of failure to drive on roadways laned for traffic by police.

His passenger, Jacob Murdock, 19, Clay, N.Y., was not injured.

Both were wearing seat belts, police said.

Woman allegedly

steals from BG's

MINERSVILLE - A Pine Grove woman allegedly stole items from BG's Value Market in the borough recently.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said the incident occurred at 2:18 p.m. Monday as Tricia Devine, 24, of Pine Grove, was allegedly seen concealing merchandise while in the store, police said.

When she attempted to exit the store without paying, police said, store personnel detained Devine and recovered the undisclosed merchandise.

She will be charged for the offense through Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko's office, Port Carbon.

Tremont man

charged in crash

TREMONT - A borough man was charged with failure to stop for a stop sign after an accident in the borough Dec. 29

The 8:35 p.m. accident on Route 209 at West Main and North Pine streets occurred as Larry Umbenhauer, 42, of Tremont, was driving a 1994 Dodge Dakota south on Pine Street and came to a stop at the sign, state police at Schuylkill Haven said.

Harley A, Fortner, 25, of Tremont, was driving a 1994 Hyundai Excel north on West Main Street, approaching the intersection.

Umbenhauer then proceeded from the stop sign and drove into the path of the Hyundai, police said.

Fortner was unable to stop and hit the passenger side front bumper of the Dakota with the Hyundai at the 11 o'clock position, disabling the Dodge, which was towed from the scene by Hatter's Towing, Pine Grove.

Fortner was able to drive the Hyundai away from the scene.

Both drivers were uninjured and wearing seat belts, police said.

The Tremont Fire Company and EMS assisted at the scene.

Police investigate

Frackville crash

FRACKVILLE - Frackville police investigated a crash that occurred about 8 p.m. Sunday in the 100 block of North Lehigh Avenue.

Police said Mansfield Sharpe, 56, of 423 E. Mount Vernon St., reported he was driving north between 30 and 35 mph when he lost control of his 2010 Hyundai Elantra on the ice.

The car began to slide and then went off the road and struck a utility pole causing a light lens to be knocked out, police said.

Police said Sharpe was not hurt and PPL crews were called to repair the lens.

The Schuylkill County prison board has a new chairman while the average inmate population hit its lowest mark in two years.

Republican Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr. takes over as chairman after the board reorganized Wednesday. President Judge William E. Baldwin, a Democrat, served in the position for the last eight years.

"The judge has done an excellent job in leading the prison the broad," Halcovage said. "There is great cooperation from all the people who make up the board. We have worked together for the betterment of the community and want to continue same type of communication we have had in the past."

The prison board consists of the three commissioners, controller, district attorney, sheriff and the president judge of the court of common pleas.

County Sheriff Joseph G. Groody, a Democrat, nominated Baldwin for the position but there was no second. Fellow Republican Commissioner Frank J. Staudenemeier nominated Halcovage, and it was seconded by the newly-elected Republican District Attorney Christine Holman. The board members then unanimously voted to appoint Halcovage.

Halcovage appointed a new personnel committee consisting of Staudenmeier, chairman, Democratic Commissioner Gary J. Hess, and Republican County Controller Christy Joy, secretary.

After reogranizing, the prison board held its first monthly meeting of the year.

The average inmate population for December was 265, consisting of 219 men and 46 women. There were 261 inmates, 219 men and 42 women, at the prison Wednesday, Berdanier said.

The monthly average population is at its lowest since it was at 268 in January 2012. The average inmate population for 2013 was 303, consisting of 251 men and 52 women. Total intake of prisoners for the year was 1,863 and the average length of stay per inmate was 59 days.

The population has been steadily declining since the board started the prerelease program in October. The program is similar to parole but features stricter monitoring.

"We are very happy with that program," Berdanier said.

A total of 11 offenders started the prerelease program in December, bringing the total of participants to 48, saving 1,238 total jail days at the prison. One participant was removed for violations.

Approximately 4,952 alcohol tests were administered and 138 drug tests were taken on the 48 participants.

There are currently no staff vacancies at the prison.

Warden Gene Berdanier said corrections officer John "Jack" Wowak submitted his retirement notice, effective Monday.

"Jack has been a correctional officer since Dec. 3, 2011," Berdanier said. "I thank him for his years of service and wish him well in his future."

Berdanier said he was reviewing the top candidates for further testing with human resources.

"I will coordinate a recommendation with the personnel committee as soon as test results are received," Berdanier said.

Following a brief executive session to discuss personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of Jessica Karrer as a corrections officer. Her resignation went into effect Tuesday.

A Saint Clair woman is headed to state prison after being sentenced Tuesday in Schuylkill County Court.

Jennifer T. Hollywood, 36, must serve one to three years in a state correctional institution, Judge John E. Domalakes decided.

Domalakes imposed the sentence after having revoked Hollywood's probation for a third time.

Hollywood originally pleaded guilty on Aug. 21, 2008, to theft by deception and unsworn falsification to authorities, with prosecutors withdrawing a second count of theft by deception. At that time, Domalakes placed her on probation for five years and also sentenced her to pay costs, a $50 CJEA payment and $20,206 restitution, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Pottsville police charged Hollywood with committing her crimes on Nov. 30, 2003.

However, Domalakes revoked Hollywood's probation on Aug. 12, 2011, Oct. 15, 2012, and Sept. 16, 2013. This was the first time the judge sentenced Hollywood to prison.