A Scranton man charged with robbing a bank at the Laurel Mall in Hazle Township also was involved in the robbery of banks in Dickson City and Hometown and the attempted robbery of a bank in Hazleton, a witness told police, according to a probable cause affidavit filed during his preliminary arraignment on Thursday.

Lee T. Sokalsky, 35, appeared on video from prison before Magisterial District Justice James Dixon, who set Sokalsky’s bail at $250,000 for charges related to the armed robbery of M&T Bank at the Laurel Mall on Oct. 10.

The affidavit stated a witness told police that Sokalsky was involved in the robbery of Mauch Chunk Trust in Hometown on Aug. 26, the attempted robbery of First National Community Bank in Hazleton that afternoon and a robbery in Dickson City in August. Times-Shamrock records list no bank robbery in Dickson City in August, but indicate NBT Bank was robbed there on July 25.

Sokalsky’s arrest is the first since a spate of bank robberies began in Greater Hazleton this summer.

In addition to the robberies listed in the affidavit, First National Community Bank in Hazleton was robbed on June 20, First National Bank in Rittenhouse Place, Butler Township, was robbed on Oct. 6, and National Penn Bank on Route 309 in Butler Township was robbed Sept. 30, Aug. 8 and July 10.

Last week, Butler Township police said they believe different people committed each of the four bank robberies in their township and that they were closing in on one of the suspects.

Police recovered some of the money stolen from National Penn on Aug. 8. A day after the Sept. 30 robbery at National Penn, Butler police found the getaway car.

Seven days before that robbery, Butler police received a telephone call from Blakely police in Lackawanna County, where a woman whom they arrested for driving a stolen car told them that she had driven a car that she thought Sokalsky stole to a motel in Butler Township.

Butler police found the stolen car at the Econo Lodge Motel, and when they interviewed the woman, Stephanie A. Ware, 25, of Carbondale, Lackawanna County, she admitted to driving several cars for Sokalsky and wiping down the interiors when dropping them off at arranged locations.

Ware is charged with receiving stolen property, conspiracy, unauthorized use of a vehicle and tampering with evidence, according to a criminal complaint filed against her with District Justice Daniel O’Donnell in Sugarloaf Township.

Sokalsky is in Lackawanna County Prison for theft from a motor vehicle and other charges.

Speaking via video, Sokalsky told Dixon that he has previous convictions for aggravated assault and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver it.

Based on those convictions and the allegation that a gun was used in the M&T Bank robbery, Dixon told Sokalsky, “I certainly believe you are a danger to society” when setting bail.

Dixon said if Sokalsky posts bail he also will have to provide income statements or other records to prove that the money came from legal sources because the money stolen from M&T Bank hasn’t been recovered.

In the M&T robbery, a man wearing a bandanna, baseball cap and sunglasses escaped with a large amount of money that he removed from four tellers’ stations and the vault. He pulled a handgun and told employees, “Don’t let this get ugly,” the affidavit said.

A witness recognized Sokalsky from a video shown on WBRE-TV of the M&T Bank robbery and contacted police, the affidavit states.

Another witness told police of Sokalsky’s involvement in the two other robberies and the attempted robbery, the affidavit says.

State police Trooper Robert Christman, who is prosecuting Sokalsky in the M&T Bank case, asked the media not to identify the witnesses named in the affidavit. Christman said Sokalsky is a suspect in other bank robberies.

The regional robberies led banks to take precautions.

National Penn Bank stationed a guard at the branch in Butler Township.

After being robbed on June 20, employees at First National Community Bank locked the doors to keep a man wearing a ski mask, baseball cap and sunglasses from entering the bank at 1:20 p.m. Aug. 26.

About 45 minutes later, a man wearing pantyhose over his head, a baseball cap and sunglasses with white rims robbed Mauch Chunk Trust in Hometown.

A dark pickup truck in which the robber fled was involved in a hit-and-run crash in Hazleton about 50 minutes after the robbery in Hometown. The truck hit a vehicle that was backing out of a parking space, nudged a parked vehicle and took off. Police found $164 dyed red from a bank’s ink pack near where the crash occurred on South Poplar Street.

A Philadelphia man will spend at least the next 24 1/2 years in prison for killing another man in Pottsville last year.

Anthony M. Ballard, 27, pleaded guilty Thursday to charges of third-degree murder and conspiracy.

After accepting the plea, President Judge William E. Baldwin sentenced Ballard to 15 to 30 years on the charge of third-degree murder and 9 1/2 to 19 years on the conspiracy charge.

Baldwin said the sentences will be served consecutively, which means Ballard will serve a total of 24 1/2 to 49 years in a state correctional institution.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to drop charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Pottsville police charged Ballard with the June 13, 2013, shooting death of Elijah T. Carraway, 19, that occurred about 8:30 p.m. near West Laurel Boulevard and Sanderson Street.

Baldwin also ordered Ballard to pay $1,340 to the state police crime lab, $250 for a DNA sample and $6,767.67 to the Victim’s Compensation Fund.

“The plea is accepted,” Baldwin told Ballard, his attorney, Assistant Public Defender Andrea L. Thompson, and assistant district attorneys William Burke and John Fegley after Ballard agreed to the sentencing and restitution.

After accepting the plea, Baldwin told Ballard he is thoroughly knowledgeable of the evidence and that the prosecution had a very strong case.

Baldwin scolded Ballard for his actions.

“The weapon you used has no other purpose than to kill other people,” Baldwin said.

The judge also told Ballard that when he is eligible for parole in 24 1/2 years that the sentencing judge is contacted for a recommendation.

Although, Baldwin said, “I will not be here or I may be gone.” He told Ballard at that time he hopes he “is either too old or too infirmed so that you can’t do this to anyone else.”

Ballard was scheduled to enter into a previous plea agreement last month but decided to have his case heard before a jury after Baldwin indicated he would not accept the plea agreement under which the defendant would have pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and conspiracy and been sentenced to serve 15 to 30 years in a state prison.

Last month, Baldwin postponed the sentencing of Ballard’s co-defendant, Jaimee J. Watson, 20, of Pottsville, who pleaded guilty June 17 to conspiracy and agreed to testify against him.

Watson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit third-degree murder, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

After the 15-minute proceeding, Thompson, Burke and Fegley would not comment on the plea agreement or sentencing.

Pottsville police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky made a statement in connection with Ballard going to prison for the killing.

“While I am acutely aware that no outcome could have sufficiently replaced the void felt every day by Elijah’s family, I hope that this admission of guilt and protracted sentence will help in some way as they begin to refocus on the future of their families and allow themselves to reminiscence about good times with their son, brother, cousin and the many other roles Elijah filled in his family’s world, instead of carrying the burden of being overwhelmed by one terrible day,” he said.

“I also hope the positive impact his parents had in the prosecution and ultimate sentencing of his murderer will give them a small piece of satisfaction in having had the opportunity to actively effect justice for their son,” Wojciechowsky said.

Marriage licenses

Neal D. Confer, Tamaqua, and Bernadette M. Beckett, Tamaqua.

Peter A. Hoffman, Tower City, and Robert C. Bellon, Tower City.

Charles A. Butkus, Barnesville, and Lisa M. Rehrig, Barnesville.

Gary A. Kiebach, Newmanstown, and Nathalie K. Owens, Newmanstown.

Joseph E. Burns, Bloomsburg, and Mikki L. Kaufman, Frackville.

Andrew M. Shaker, Mahanoy City, and Angela M. Comisac-Curry, Mahanoy City.

Thomas J. Trotter IV, Schuylkill Haven, and Lucero Martinez, Schuykill Haven.

Seth C. Kreiser, Bethel, and Erica L. Franz, Bethel.

Robert B. Sweitzer, Mahanoy City, and Marie A. Ebert, Mahanoy City.

n Llewellyn: The Llewellyn Hose Company Auxiliary will stage a Vera Bradley Bingo from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the firehouse, 12 Silverton Road. Doors will open at 11 a.m. The cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Refreshments will be available. For more information, call 570-544-6169.

n Pine Grove: The Pine Grove Area High School Cardinal Band will sponsor “Haunted Schools/Safe Trick-or-Treat” from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26 in the high school auditorium. The cost for Haunted School is $5 while safe trick-or-treat is free. Haunted School will be through the halls of the high school and safe trick-or-treat will be in the gym. Sponsors include the booster club, school organizations and the board of education. Admission is free. For more information, call 570-345-2731, ext. 206.

n Pottsville: In observance of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Schuylkill Health will offer reduced cost digital mammogram screenings. Mammograms will be conducted at Schuylkill Medical Center Women’s Imaging Center, 171 Red Horse Road (Gordon Nagle Trail/Route 901). Mammography Services at Schuylkill Health are accredited by The American College of Radiology, according to a release. To arrange an appointment, call 570-621-5999. To, be eligible for the screening, participants must be at least 40 years old, have had no mammogram in the past year, not be pregnant or nursing and have a physician’s order for the mammogram.

n Saint Clair: First Presbyterian Church will sponsor a harvest bazaar from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 25 at Covach’s Food Market, 134 N. Mill St. Children will be able to meet Splash the Clown, make their own Halloween masks and rubber band jewelry. Participants will also be able to paint their own pumpkins. Adults will be able to enjoy coffee or cider and barbecue and pulled pork sandwiches. There will also be an ethnic food sale, flea market and handmade holiday gifts. For more information, call 646-715-6022.

n Schuylkill Haven: Borough officials will plant and dedicate a new oak tree in Island Park at 10 a.m. Saturday. The tree began its life on the lawn of the Governor’s Mansion in Harrisburg. Gov. Tom Corbett presented the sapling, along with three others, to Schuylkill River Heritage Area officials in August in recognition of the Schuylkill as Pennsylvania’s 2014 River of the Year. Corbett requested that the trees be planted along the river or Schuylkill River Trail. Schuylkill River Heritage Area Executive Director Kurt Zwikl opted to distribute the trees to four communities located along the river: Schuylkill Haven, Reading, Pottstown and Manayunk. In Haven, the tree will be planted in Island Park in a clearing near the launch of the annual Schuylkill River Sojourn, adjacent to the Irish Flats Trail. The oak will grow there as a symbol of strength and dedication, borough Manager Scott Graver said in a release. “The oak signifies strength and there’s strength in rebuilding Island Park and building the trail and also in the river itself,” Graver said. The Schuylkill River was named Pennsylvania’s 2014 River of the Year in January, following a monthlong online public vote. The Schuylkill was one of five rivers nominated and won by a wide margin, earning 43 percent of the 5,527 votes tallied. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area, Pottstown, was named the lead agency for organizing and disseminating information about 2014 River of the Year programs and events. In August, Corbett paddled the Schuylkill and visited the Schuylkill River Heritage Area’s River of Revolutions Interpretive Center.

n Shenandoah: Trinity Academy at the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center, Cherry and Chestnut streets, will observe Make A Difference Day today with prayer during a holy hour at 9 a.m. in Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Church. In the afternoon, food will be donated to local food banks during a “Trunk or Treat” in the church parking lot, West Cherry Street. Children are bringing nonperishable food items and neighbors wishing to participate are welcome to take items to the school or send it in with the children. The food will be donated to food banks in Ashland, Frackville, Girardville, Mahanoy City and Shenandoah.

Pottsville police

investigate crash

A crash involving a vehicle hitting a pole that occurred about 7:55 a.m. Tuesday near 1 Peacock St. was investigated by Pottsville police.

Police said Janelle Hartz, 26, of Brockton, was driving a 2001 Ford Focus north on Centre Street when she turned west onto Peacock Street.

The woman failed to safely navigate the turn due to the wet road conditions, went off the road and hit a light owned by the Pottsville Housing Authority, police said.

The woman was not injured and her vehicle was towed from the scene, police said.

Girardville police

cite 2 in incident

GIRARDVILLE — Two people were cited by Girardville police after officers were called for a report of a man assaulting a woman on Aug. 21 in the area of East Mahanoy Avenue, just west of Second Street.

Police said that on scene officers found Xennie Thompson, 29, of 323 E. Main St., Girardville, and Christopher E. Benjamin, 32, of 41 Lost Creek Road, Box 126, Lost Creek, sitting on a guide rail close to each other.

Both said they were not fighting, just arguing, and despite having scratches on the left side of her neck, Thompson said she was not assaulted.

Witnesses, however, reported both were screaming at each other and using profanity and that Benjamin was hitting Thompson and throwing her against a guide rail, police said.

The witnesses said that when they told Benjamin to stop assaulting the woman, he turned to them with his right hand in his pocket and said, “You want a piece of me? Let’s go,” police said, adding that the witnesses feared he had a weapon and called police.

Both Thompson and Benjamin will receive citations as a result of the incident, police said.

2-vehicle collision

leaves 2 injured

ELIZABETHVILLE — Two people suffered minor injuries when their vehicles collided about 9:40 p.m. Saturday at East Main Street, Route 209, and Summer Avenue in this Dauphin County community.

State police at Lykens said Barbara A. Schade, 52, of Elizabethville, was driving a 2006 Chevrolet Impala north on East Main Street when she began traveling to the right side of the road and struck a legally parked 2005 Ford Explorer in the area of 76 E. Main St.

The impact pushed the SUV into a legally parked 2009 Chevrolet Malibu and police said after the impact, the Schade vehicle flipped and landed on its driver’s side in the middle of the road.

The woman’s car was struck on the side by a 2008 Hyundai Tiburon being driven south on Route 209 by Alexander P. Deitrich, 19, of Lykens, police said.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries but did not require transport to a hospital, police said, adding that Schade will be cited for the crash that shut down Route 209 for about an hour.

Police: Woman

reports drug theft

WICONISCO — State police at Lykens are investigating a theft that occurred between noon and 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at 215A Pottsville St. in Wiconisco Township, Dauphin County.

Police said Amanda Marie Reedy, 25, of Wiconisco, reported an 18-year-old woman, who was not identified, stole a number of alprazolam pills from her.

The investigation into the theft is continuing, police said.

Syringes found

on man’s body

State police at Lykens are investigating an incident involving contraband that occurred about 5 p.m. Monday at Schuylkill County Prison.

Police said a 33-year-old Tower City man, who was not identified, was committed to the prison where guards found a syringe hidden on his body.

No other information on the incident was provided by police.

State police probe

garage burglary

GIRARDVILLE — State police at Frackville are investigating a burglary that occurred about 2:50 a.m. Monday in the borough.

Police said two white men, described as being in their late teens or early 20s with a thin builds and wearing light-colored hoodies and jeans, opened the overhead garage door at Kricks’s Automotive, 648 E. Mahanoy Ave., and ransacked the garage office.

The men also took a Milwaukee 18 volt cordless impact driver and its charger, a 2 1/2 gallon gas can and about $2 in coins. Video surveillance captured the incident and it is currently being viewed by police so that they can identify those responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-874-5300.

SHENANDOAH — Christmas lighting was a topic at Wednesday’s breakfast meeting of the Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce, held at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community.

Chamber secretary Betty Ann Bugden provided a brief report on the upcoming season.

“We’re hoping to do ‘Light Up the Park’ again,” Bugden said, referring to the lighting of trees in Girard Park at the north end of the borough. “If anyone wants to donate a new tree, it’s $150. The renewal will remain at, I believe, $75. We’re looking for new people because we have some beautiful decorations for the park.”

The chamber sponsors a holiday evening at the park, which will be held Dec. 6 this year. Bugden requested permission to hold the event again, which she received.

“The community watch already volunteered the hot chocolate and Sadusky’s Plumbing will donate the candy canes,” Bugden said.

The meeting opened with a prayer by Sister Natalya Stoczanyn, Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, who is one of two sisters assigned to work with the parishes in the South Anthracite Protopresbytery of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia to reach out to the communities.

Chamber President Marie Poppoff reported that the new affiliate agreement with the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce would be signed and submitted to the county chamber. She said copies of the agreement are available to members for their review.

Holiday Lighting Committee co-chairperson Beth Cataldo said $290 has been received in donation from businesses for the lighting fund.

“It’s about the same total as last year at this point,” Cataldo said.

Shenandoah Valley student council adviser Anthony Pytko told the group that students will collect donations from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at Boyer’s Food Markets in Shenandoah, with proceeds going to the lighting fund. Pytko hopes to arrange a similar collection on the same day and time at Redner’s Markets in the borough.

Pytko reported that the traditional Veterans Day program on Nov. 11 at the school will include a flag retirement ceremony at the Columbia Hose Fire Company, which is across the street from the school complex.

Some Shenandoah Valley students will attend the Anti-Defamation League Youth Conference on Nov. 17 at the University of Pennsylvania. Pytko said Shenandoah Valley students attended last year and the school is the only one from Schuylkill County to be represented.

Downtown Shenandoah Inc. Executive Director Mary Luscavage reported that representatives from the state Department of Community and Economic Development and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center will visit on Monday to do an assessment on DSI’s request for redesignation as a Main Street Program, which will open the revitalization program to better opportunities for funding.

Luscavage also thanked the chamber for its donation to the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library.

Monsignor Myron Grabowsky, pastor of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, Shenandoah, gave an update on future activities, including a program called “Alpha,” which had been presented in the past. He said the program includes a meal, followed by a DVD presentation and then open discussion.

“You’d be surprised how much this program stimulates and brings back to people a need to come back to the Lord,” Grabowsky said.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The borough council set a tentative deadline on submitting paperwork for adding fluoride to the water at its Wednesday meeting.

“Come January, I think we’re going to be making a decision whether we’re going to be moving forward with putting the fluoride in or not,” council member Kurt Montz said.

The state Department of Environmental Protection must approve a permit for adding fluoride into the water, which was going to be submitted in September. However, the council voted in September to postpone the submission of necessary paperwork to DEP. Council member Ruth Tucci said previously the decision to postpone the submission was recommended by members of the water committee.

Montz said he would like more comments from the public and others about the fluoride issue. He added that feedback from the Cressona borough council and the Schuylkill Haven school board was also appreciated.

The council voted Feb. 5 to add fluoride to the water supply with council President Marlin Berger Jr. and members Tucci, Paul Bedway and Montz voting in favor. Council members Jerry Bowman, Roger Spotts and Tom Gordon voted against it.

Fluoride was in the borough’s water supply until 2011, after a motion to keep fluoride failed on Feb. 3, 2010.

In other news, Bowman said the creation of a borough dog park could be beneficial.

“There are a couple of places in town we could have one,” he said.

A previous effort to establish a dog park in Schuylkill Haven was stalled more than two years ago. B.J. Folk, Schuylkill Haven recreation director, said after the meeting there are possible sites in the borough but they would need to be evaluated. A final decision is up to the borough council.

“It’s not something that’s going to happen this year anymore,” Folk said.

Mayor Mike Devlin brought up the topic of the police possibly relocating to a building next door of its current location at the Walk-In Art Center at 220 Parkway in the borough. Bert Evans, chairman of the Walk-In Art Center, has said the art center is growing and he would like extra space. Evans is also a general partner with 562 Terminal Facility Limited Partnership, which owns the art center building and 250 Parkway, a location under consideration for the police department move.

Borough Manager Scott Graver said there is no signed contract in place for a possible relocation.

“We got a sketch layout. There was a verbal offer,” Graver said.

Evans said previously he would like either the police department or a department of Evans Delivery, a trucking company based in the borough, to move into the approximately 4,332-square-foot site. Evans is president of the trucking company.

“We need to give the man answer to move forward with his plans,” Montz said.

In other matters, a budget meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Oct. 22 in the council chambers. Graver said the preliminary budget for 2015 is “a little under $13 million.” He said no tax increases are planned. The current millage is 4.75 mills or $4.75 for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

The state attorney general’s office has taken over the case of the 10-year-old boy accused of homicide, the Wayne County district attorney announced Thursday.

Prosecutors said fifth-grader Tristin Kurilla, Damascus Township, beat Helen Novak, 90, of Tyler Hill, with his fists and strangled her with a cane, leading to her death.

Because the boy is related to a staff member in her office, Wayne County District Attorney Janine Edwards had asked the attorney general’s office to assume jurisdiction of the case. She did not disclose the relationship or who the staff member is.

The boy is being held in a private cell in the Wayne County Correctional Facility, separate from the rest of the inmates.

Pennsylvania law states that a child charged as an adult can be housed in a juvenile detention facility if ordered by the court and agreed upon by the district attorney.

The defendant’s attorney did not ask for the move Wednesday in a hearing at the Wayne County Courthouse, and thus no court order was issued, Edwards said Thursday.

Defense Attorney Bernard Brown has said the boy’s family is not comfortable taking him out of the prison at this time because of numerous reasons, including the boy’s supervision and their own work schedules, as well as for the sake of the victim’s family.

Wayne County does not have a juvenile facility. The closest are located in Scranton and Northampton County.

Efforts to reach Brown were unsuccessful Thursday.

Brown has said he would schedule a psychological examination of the boy Thursday, and plans to file a petition today to have the boy’s case moved from adult to juvenile court.

It’s too early in the process to comment on whether the attorney general’s office will argue for or against such a move, spokesman J.J. Abbott said.

Reached by phone Thursday, the victim’s son, Bruce Novak, also had little to say and asked for privacy.

“We’d like to grieve at this time,” he said.

Organizers expect ideal fall weather Saturday for the Applefest in Ashland.

“It looks like it will be a great day. It looks like the foliage will be at its peak,” Gary Glessner, Ashland Downtown Inc. board member and former president, said. ADI, the borough’s revitalization group, sponsors the event.

The 11th annual Applefest will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the borough’s downtown district. The event features entertainment, activities and food, especially the festival’s namesake red fruit.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures on Saturday will be in the low 60s under mostly cloudy skies. There is only a slight chance for rain during the day.

Glessner said the event added two new vendors to the lineup this year — David Lucas, who will be serving oxtail soup, and the Pasta House. Glessner said the Pasta House is a new restaurant in the borough.

The main attraction on Saturday will be the apples. Glessner said the fruit will be sold in a variety of ways. Cinnamon Stix Sweets and Treats will serve up apple desserts. Bissinger’s, Bloomsburg, will return with its apple dumplings and cinnamon ice cream and Boyer’s Food Markets will offer a range of apple foods. Groody’s Catering is also slated to have a stand at the festival.

Musician Henry “Hank” Ahrensfield, Gordon, will provide the entertainment.

Glessner said the family-friendly event will also have activities for children, such as face painting, a basket raffle and the popular apple pie-eating contests. He said there will be two contests, one for North Schuylkill High School football players and cheerleaders and one for the public. Each contest will have six pies. Glessner said participation is first-come, first-serve.

Funds from Applefest go to ADI and its mission to improve the community.

“The main purpose was to raise money for ADI to use on projects in town and that is still the intent,” Glessner said.

Glessner said the festival is usually packed with people and he hopes to draw in a couple hundred this year.

“We get some really good feedback from the community. It is something they look forward to,” Glessner said.

Glessner said Applefest is a “reunion-type of day” when people meet friends and family for a good time.

“People come to enjoy the food and entertainment and you do see that,” he said.

The members of ADI hope to continue the fall festival in the future. After the group lost its contracts with the state and its Main Street manager, the board members and volunteers stepped up to take the reins last year.

“We would like to provide it as long as we can,” Glessner said.

A storm that, in one day, nearly dumped the total amount of rainfall the region usually sees this month may play a role in resolving the largest manhunt in Northeast Pennsylvania.

The storm, which lasted all day Wednesday and most of Thursday morning, recorded a total of 2.98 inches of rain, AccuWeather meteorologist Brett Rathbun said. The average October rainfall total is 3.3 inches.

The heavy rain played a role in shedding a portion of the tree canopy in the Barrett and Price townships in Monroe County, where authorities continued Thursday searching for accused cop killer Eric Matthew Frein.

“There was significant rain and wind last night in Pike County and rain and wind in the search area in Monroe County,” state police spokeswoman Trooper Connie Devens said in an email. “Some of the canopy has fallen due to this, although there is still quite a bit of foliage.”

The thick, leafy forest in the five-mile search zone straddling Barrett and Price townships has hampered search efforts.

Frein, 31, of 308 Seneca Lane, Canadensis, is the sole suspect in the Sept. 12 sniper attack at the Blooming Grove state police barracks in Pike County that killed Cpl. Bryon K. Dickson II, 38, of Dunmore, and severely wounded Trooper Alex T. Douglass, 31, of Olyphant. Police said Frein fled in his parents’ Jeep Cherokee but crashed it in a swampy retention pond two miles north of the barracks roughly 20 minutes after the shooting. He left behind identification and bullet casings matching the ones found across from the barracks, police said, and hiked south through dense forest terrain to his hometown.

A phone call to the Frein family home was made from Frein’s cellphone somewhere in the search zone Sept. 18, police said, and a large force of law enforcement descended on the town to search for him. They have remained ever since. Police said they believe Frein is still there because of numerous possible sightings and the recovery in the woods of items believed to belong to him.

Search teams have swept through the forests and helicopters have patrolled overhead on an almost daily basis.

Devens said the rain did not hinder ground patrols, but the inclement weather kept the helicopters from leaving the landing pads.

Wind speeds were relatively light, compared to the ferocity of the rain. The top wind speed was a 21 miles per hour gust recorded at 1 p.m., Rathbun said.

“Especially for a storm of this intensity, we expect 30 miles per hour,” Rathbun said.

The weather will be dry through the weekend, though temperatures will progressively get colder. The low on Sunday night will be near freezing.

A self-taught survivalist, Frein is considered armed and dangerous.

FRACKVILLE — Several operations at the Frackville Area Municipal Authority treatment plant can now be monitored directly from the plant office through fiber optic cable.

Plant operator Lon Antalosky spoke about the upgrade project during Wednesday’s FAMA meeting.

“The fiber optic cable was installed from the pressroom to our office building,” Antalosky said in his plant operator report. “That went well. It was completed on Monday. A new router was put in, along with an uninterruptible power supply. That’s just in case the power goes out.”

The new communications ability will provide better monitoring of the plant.

“The connection is between the pressroom and the office building at the plant,” Antalosky said. “Eventually, we’re going to get a SCADA system so we can monitor everything.”

SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) is a system operating with coded signals over communication channels so as to provide control of remote equipment.

The sewage plant electronic controls are in the process of being replaced, either due to age or damage. Earlier this year, the PLC (programmable logic controller) board was replaced due to damage caused by a power outage. Since the control board was 20 years old, which is the age of the plant, it was recommended by an electrician that the replacement was due.

In March, Senior Project Manager Donald M. Cuff at Entech Engineering Inc., the authority’s consulting engineers, said the upgrade of the PLC equipment and SCADA is due.

“When the PLC was installed, that was all linked in,” Antalosky said. “So I can see digestor levels from inside the office, and with the pressroom panel tied in, so I can see when it’s running, and if there’s any kind of an issue where the press shuts down and we’re out in the street doing a dig, I can also check that from my phone.”

Information incorrect

The Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation submitted an application for a $3 million federal grant that will be used for the construction of the travel plaza, which is a separate from the natural gas fueling station project. The project description was incorrect in Thursday’s edition.

A man was flown by Life Flight in critical condition after a three-vehicle crash occurred about 1 p.m. Thursday at routes 209 and 901.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said the incident occurred at 12:54 p.m. as David F. Pavlik, 62, of Pine Grove, was driving a 2002 Mazda 626 west on Route 901 and attempted to turn left onto Route 209. Pavlik’s car was hit in its passenger’s side by Shawn A. Spotts, 21, of Mount Carmel, who was driving a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee east on Route 901, police said.

Pavlik, who was not wearing his seat belt, was partially ejected from the vehicle out of the passenger’s side door, which was severed during impact with the Jeep, police said.

After hitting the Mazda, the Jeep spun and hit a 2013 Ford Escape, driven by Donald A. Wells, before hitting the dirt shoulder and rolling onto its roof, police said. Spotts, a passenger, Kaitlin Malia, 19, of Mount Carmel, and Wells were not injured, police said, adding Wells was wearing a seat belt, while it is not known if Spotts or Malia were wearing seat belts.

Pavlik was cited for the incident.

According to Nicole Berzowski, assistant fire chief at Mar Lin Fire Company, Spotts and Malia escaped the Jeep and were speaking with police after the SUV flipped and came to a final rest upside down on the shoulder of Route 209 north. Pavlik was flown by helicopter to Geisinger with unknown injuries.

“This intersection is bad but this is the worst I’ve seen in all of the years I’ve been with the fire company,” she said.

A light will be installed at the Route 209/901 intersection and a turning lane installed.

The state Department of Transportation’s updated 12-year Transportation Program said previously that safety improvements are slated for the intersection during the first four-year time frame at a cost of $2.32 million.

Ron Young, spokesman for PennDOT, District 5, Allentown, said Thursday that design work started earlier this month. He said it could be two to three years before construction starts at the intersection. A timeline for completion could be dependent on weather and other factors, he said.

Installing a red light at the intersection has been something Norwegian Township supervisors have been unsuccessfully trying to achieve for years.

In May 2013, township officials met at the intersection with state representatives, Minersville borough officials and PennDOT employees about the issue.

Usually, the township receives about two to three calls a month inquiring about the light at the intersection, township Chairman Robert Kirwan said previously. Kirwan was unaware about the accident Thursday until contacted by The Republican-Herald. His greatest fear for that intersection is “a major accident before we got the light in.”

“That’s terrible. That’s absolutely terrible,” he said. “I just hope nobody was killed.”

Assisting on the scene were state police at Schuylkill Haven, EMS and Yorkville Hose and Mar Lin Fire Company.

Locals have the chance to enjoy a gourmet meal and help those in need by buying at ticket for the Men Who Cook gourmet dinner at the Greystone Restaurant.

The meal is from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Greystone, 315 N. Centre St., Pottsville. Tickets are $25 with proceeds from the ticket sales going to the Thanksgiving meal effort by the Schuylkill County Knights of Columbus, Schuylkill Council 431. The organization will distribute food to those who otherwise might go without in Schuylkill County on Thanksgiving Day.

Those attending the event at the Greystone will be able to sample a variety of dishes cooked by men in the community. Among the dishes available are Italian-seasoned chicken, smoked beef brisket, garlic and oil primavera with rigatoni pasta and chicken marsala with fresh mushrooms finished with Marsala wine. A cash bar will be available as well, with proceeds going to the Greystone.

So far 12 men have volunteered for the event, Dave Donlin, grand knight of the Knights of Columbus, said Thursday. He added that more men are expected to join the effort.

“We have 50 or 60 tickets that are confirmed. We are hoping to get between 100 to 125 (people),” he said.

There is limited seating available. Tickets are available at the door but advanced purchase is preferred. To buy the tickets, visit Murphy Jewelers or the Greystone or call 570-573-1841.

Peter Russo, co-owner of Roma Pizzeria and Restaurant in Pottsville, said Roma is donating chicken marsala for the “worthwhile cause.”

He said Thanksgiving is one of his favorite holidays “just to be thankful for all the blessings that you have.”

Phil Valenti, manager of Vito’s Coal Fired Pizza at the Coal Creek Commerce Center, Saint Clair, agreed the cause is a good one. The restaurant is donating garlic and oil primavera with rigatoni pasta.

Both Russo and Valenti will be working at their respective restaurants during Men Who Cook.

Men Who Cook donor list:

Knights of Columbus members John Corbacio, porklets, and David Steffan, shrimp scampi; Peter Russo, co-owner of Roma Pizzeria and Restaurant, chicken marsala; Phil Valenti, manager of Vito’s Coal Fired Pizza, Saint Clair, garlic and oil primavera with rigatoni pasta; Kevin DiCello of Charlie’s Pizza & Sub Shop, Italian sub on a stick and Nana’s meatballs with peppers; Paul Lazarchick of Pottsville Zone, pulled pork loin and macaroni and cheese; Paul Lysek, head chef at KFC, pulled pork; Jeff Stump of It’s Just BBQ, Deer Lake, smoked beef brisket; Summit View Restaurant, Schuylkill Haven, bread stuffing with gravy; friends of Corbacio, John Anderson, Philadelphia, seared tuna with potato chive, Bill Fanelli, sausage with broccoli rabe, Bill Fazio, Italian-seasoned chicken, and John Platchko, a dish yet to be determined; and friends of members, Tim Holden, Joseph Spotts and Thomas Yarnell, dishes yet to be determined.

Dave Donlin, grand knight of the Knights of Columbus, said Yuengling’s Ice Cream might also be available.

A West Penn Township man is headed to state prison after being sentenced Monday in Schuylkill County Court for thefts committed in July 2012.

Joseph B. Franz, 27, of Andreas, must serve 15 to 30 months in a state correctional institution under the terms of Judge James P. Goodman’s sentence.

Goodman imposed the sentence after removing Franz from the intermediate punishment program.

“You violated the terms of the (program)” by failing to report to his supervising officer, failing a drug test, not completing his drug and alcohol program and having new charges filed against him, Goodman said.

Franz, who admitted committing the violations, originally pleaded guilty on April 24, 2013, to two counts of theft and one of theft by deception. At the time, Goodman put him in the program for two years, and also sentenced him to pay costs, a $500 fine, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $750 restitution, amounts he still must pay under the terms of Monday’s sentence, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

State police at Frackville charged Franz with committing the thefts on July 1, 2012, in Schuylkill Township.

Also on Monday, Goodman revoked the probation of Amber E. Eddie, 29, of Orwigsburg, and sentenced her to serve six to 23 months in prison and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation.

Eddie admitted violating her probation by failing to report to her supervising officer, moving without permission, failing a drug test and not making payments on her court costs.

“Do you have a problem with drugs?” Goodman asked Eddie.

“Yes,” she answered.

Eddie originally pleaded no contest on April 24, 2013, to delivery of a controlled substance, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. At that time, Goodman sentenced her to spend 23 months on probation, pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Eduction Fund and $239 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, amounts she still must pay under the terms of Monday’s sentence, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Pottsville police charged Eddie with delivering drugs on Sept. 19, 2012, in the city.

“I hope you can address your situation,” Goodman told Eddie.

In another Monday case, Goodman revoked both the parole and probation of Teea Shoop, 22, of Tower City, and sent her to SCI/Camp Hill for possible participation in the state intermediate punishment program.

“It’s an intensive drug and alcohol program,” Goodman told a tearful Shoop. “You have to want to do it. I suggest you take this seriously.”

Goodman revoked Shoop’s probation and parole after the defendant admitted violating it by not completing her drug and alcohol evaluation.

Shoop originally pleaded guilty on March 20, 2013, to two counts of conspiracy and one each of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, driving without a license, theft and receiving stolen property. At that time, Goodman sentenced her to spend six to 12 months in prison and 12 months on probation, pay costs, a $200 fine, $150 in CJEA payments and $3,675.88 restitution, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Shoop with committing unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and driving without a license on March 10, 2012, while Tower City police alleged she committed conspiracy and theft on March 20, 2012, and conspiracy and receiving stolen property on Oct. 2, 2012.

In other recent Schuylkill County Court action, Judge Charles M. Miller accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Michael A. Midiri, 26, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; no rear lights; $25 fine and $50 bench warrant fee. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Joseph P. Miklesavage, 19, of Saint Clair; disorderly conduct and criminal mischief; $200 in fines and $200 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew charges of simple assault and harassment.

Jason M. Adamick, 34, of Pottsville; procuring drug by forgery; 12 months probation, $100 payment to the SAEF and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of forgery.

Alfred A. Bond, 27, of Coaldale; delivery of a controlled substance; three to 23 months in prison, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment, $80 restitution to Tamaqua police, $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew charges of conspiracy, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Louis M. DeAngeles Sr., 53, of Pottsville; habitual offender and driving under suspension; two to 12 months in prison and a $1,000 fine, with sentence effective at 9 a.m. Monday.

All defendants who were sentenced must pay costs as a part of their sentences.

A Shenandoah man charged with killing a woman in the borough earlier this year is among those scheduled to plead not guilty Tuesday during arraignment in Schuylkill County Court.

Luis R. Nunez-Calderon, 41, whose last known address was 518 W. Centre St., was arrested by state police Trooper Melissa Kyper of the Frackville station and charged with murder in the first degree, criminal homicide, murder in the third degree, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal trespass.

Kyper charged Nunez-Calderon, who was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States in 2009, with killing Wendy Contreras-Hernandez, 38, in the home they once shared at 518 W. Centre St. sometime between 12:25 and 4:08 p.m. April 29.

Shortly after the slaying, Nunez-Calderon fled to New York City, where he was later apprehended.

He was subsequently returned to Schuylkill County and is lodged in Schuylkill County Prison without bail.

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

Elizabeth Perez, 22, of 322 Ridge Terrace, Coaldale — theft of property lost, mislaid or delivered by mistake and receiving stolen property.

Jonathan A. Miller, 33, of 127 Owl Creek Road, Tamaqua — forgery, theft by deception, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception and receiving stolen property.

Jordan A. Zulkowski, 24, of 332 W. Arlington St., Shenandoah — defiant trespass.

Amber L. Hall, 25, of 175 Marian Ave., Tamaqua — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Charlene Lower, 50, of 1100 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City — disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Johnny J. Baker, 35, of 513 W. Coal St., Shenandoah — recklessly endangering another person, retail theft and scattering rubbish.

Bryan W. Purcell, 39, of 33 Centre St., Tamaqua — theft and receiving stolen property.

Ricardo Gomez, 32, of 12 E. Centre St., Shenandoah — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Siobhan Heiser, 35, of 399 W. Ogden St., Shenandoah — criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property.

John A. Weidensaul, 39, of 225 A St., Girardville — possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, misbranding of a controlled substance, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and general lighting requirements violation.

Curtis G. Hahn, 28, of 118 N. Sixth St., Frackville — criminal trespass, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael A. Leiby, 28, of 224 First St., Coaldale — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Matthew D. Matalavage, 20, of 223 Market St., Tamaqua — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Zachary A. Rossi, 29, of 303 Washington St., Tamaqua — burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal trespass.

Ralph P. Bolletino, 52, of 124 Centre St., Tamaqua — false reports.

Marissa K. Duignam, 24, of 118 Schuylkill Ave., Tamaqua — unsworn falsification to authorities.

Michael R. Farber, 49, of 599 Old Route 209, Tamaqua — disorderly conduct and harassment.

Zalane Kunkel, 35, of 419 Willing St., Tamaqua — endangering the welfare of a child, careless driving, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

Anthony E. Polcheck, 36, of 36 Bruno Ave., McAdoo — burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property.

Thomas Kepp, 60, of 248 S. Kennedy Drive, McAdoo — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Prince Vereen, 24, of 308 Washington St., Tamaqua — delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

Nathan G. Fritz, 26, last known address of 231 Catawissa St., Tamaqua — theft and receiving stolen property.

Larry A. Keiser, 48, of 14 S. Lehigh St., Tamaqua — simple assault and harassment.

Joseph Becker, 32, of 203 E. Hazard St., Summit Hill — possession of a controlled substance, theft and receiving stolen property.

Anthony Gaunt, 28, of 564 W. Washington St., Frackville — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cody L. Harris, 23, of 404 S. Broad Mountain Ave., Frackville — theft and receiving stolen property.

Peter Slavinsky, 38, of 306 W. Chester St., Shenandoah — theft.

Jillian A. Yackera, 32, of 225 A St., Girardville — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tiara R. Pleva, 30, of 219 W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City — criminal trespass, aggravated assault, robbery, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Jeffrey A. Najunas, 43, of 236 N. Jardin St., Shenandoah — possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving an unregistered vehicle and general lighting requirements violation.

Jacob A. Schopfer, 21, last known address of 30 S. Ninth St., Mahanoy City — escape, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, terroristic threats, criminal mischief and defiant trespass.

Bruce J. Layton, 24, of 23 Newtown Road, Shenandoah — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Derrek A. Davidson, 30, of 626 W. Market St., Mahanoy City — terroristic threats, possessing instruments of crime and simple assault.

Jonathan P. Zeiders, 29, of 408 W. Market St., Mahanoy City — possession of a controlled substance, deliver of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Luis Lopez, 55, of 59 Spittler Road, Pine Grove — theft and receiving stolen property.

Tanya L. Svrcek, 35, of 237 Wallace St., Pottsville — retail theft.

Katelin P. Flamini, 24, of 227 Louisa Ave., Pottsville — retail theft, theft by deception and false identification to law enforcement.

Mona B. Khalil, 60, of 214 Schuylkill Ave., Shenandoah — simple assault, retail theft, resisting arrest and harassment.

Brian C. Martin, 24, of 51 E. Arch St., Frackville — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gregory P. McGovern, 21, of 1501 W. Market St., Apt. 2, Box 195, Pottsville — possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Vincent L. Balthaser, 19, of 36 S. Nicholas St., Saint Clair — possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael E. Paolella, 19, of 447 Carbon St., Minersville — prohibited offensive weapons and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Travis G. Knopf, 21, of 258 Fort Lebanon Road, Auburn — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rachel E. Guscott, 24, of 438 Front St., Pottsville — possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and public drunkenness.

Maria E. Rosario, 31, of 9111 W. Market St., Apt. 2, Pottsville — simple assault.

Clayton L. Stoner, 20, last known address of 423 E. Market St., Pottsville — corruption of minors and indecent assault.

Thomas Steranko, 37, no known address — resisting arrest.

Steven J. Brilla, 20, of 821 Water St., Pottsville — possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kenneth W. Rich III, 23, of 101 W. Race St., Apt. 302, Pottsville — possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tyler A. Fanelli, 20, of 99 Caroline Ave., Pottsville — possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving a vehicle without an inspection certificate.

Jonathan L. Speer, 25, of 14 Muskee Lane, Pine Grove — possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dylan R. Madenford, 20, of 316 E. Colliery Ave., Tower City — aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault and harassment.

Quentin J. Lightner, 27, of 117 W. Pine St., Mahanoy City — possessing instruments of crime and prohibited offensive weapons.

Geralynn Matta, 48, of 25 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah — terroristic threats, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

James L. Hummel, 26, of 935 E. Centre St., Mahanoy City — possession of a controlled substance and general lighting requirements.

Austin Creamer, 18, of 107 E. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City — possession of a small amount of marijuana.

William M. Weber, 41, of 208 Parkway, Schuylkill Haven — delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Christopher A. Reedy, 27, of 345 N. Coal St., Port Carbon — theft, receiving stolen property and unauthorized use of an automobile.

Many gathered in front of the Schuylkill County Courthouse on a cool, sunny Friday morning for the dedication of the Commons.

“The dedication of the Courthouse Commons represents the culmination of a great deal of work by a whole bunch of people,” Frank Staudenmeier, Schuylkill County commissioners chairman, said.

The ceremony opened at 11 a.m. with Staudenmeier welcoming attendees to the dedication on “a beautiful day here once again in Schuylkill County,” he said.

The veterans of the Vietnam War Post 29 presented a posting of the colors, followed by the singing of the national anthem by Schuylkill County Idol winner Bryel Frasch, 16, of Ashland, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Melanie Love, 9. The Courthouse Commons blessing was lead by Monsignor Edward O’Connor of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville.

The bicentennial committee decided there would be four major events for the 200th anniversary of Schuylkill County, Staudenmeier said in his opening remarks.

“The first occurred on March 1, 2011 ... and we all remember the bands, the parade of flags. It was a very patriotic and emotional event that will long be remembered,” he said.

The second event was the county picnic at Sweet Arrow Lake on July 9, 2011.

“That was certainly a fun day with programs for the young and old,” Staudenmeier said.

The third was the burial of the time capsule in April 2013, which will be opened in April 2063.

“The Courthouse Commons is our legacy to the future generations. It is a reflection of who we were and who we are today. We certainly hope that in 2063, the people standing here can say, ‘Well done,’ ” Staudenmeier said.

“The fourth was something more permanent — our Courthouse Commons,” Staudenmeier said. “We all decided we needed something more permanent to celebrate our 200th anniversary.”

Two people that were instrumental in developing that idea were Darlene J. Robbins and Frank Zukas, co-chairmen of the Courthouse Commons Fundraising Committee, Staudenmeier said.

Robbins acknowledged members of the fundraising committee for what in 2009 was just an idea and is now a reality, she said.

She mentioned her co-chairman, Zukas, as well as Mantura Gallagher, Yongcheol Kim, Gary Bender, Michael McCord, Eileen Kuperavage, Henry Nyce and their corporate legacy sponsor, PPL.

She also acknowledged the county commissioners, Staudenmeier, George Halcovage and Gary Hess, for working cooperatively and being able to “unveil a beautiful central outdoor meeting place where celebratory or other public functions can take place,” she said.

“Our Schuylkill County youth are our future. This Courthouse Commons is the foundation for a legacy with which we wish to pass forward,” Robbins said.

Hess then presented a framed rendition of what future depictions of the monument will look like to two of the Schuylkill County Youth Summit ambassadors from Pottsville Area High School, Katie Deegan, 17, and Sarah Lecher, 17, both seniors.

“We present this to you, the next generation of community leaders, in hope that this future monument will grow with your assistance of Schuylkill County Youth Summit ambassadors along with its community advisors,” he said.

Gallagher expressed her “sincere gratitude” to those who worked on the committee that made “this beautiful park” what it is, she said.

Halcovage also spoke briefly about the county.

“When you talk about anywhere that you’d want to live, this is the place,” he said. He also said that they were honored for “our youth to take this forward.”

The ceremony closed with Staudenmeier cutting the red ribbon, held by Sharon Love, member of the Schuylkill County Courthouse Commons committee, and Nyce, publisher of The Republican-Herald.

The monument is made up of 610 bricks and 80 pavers, which are the larger bricks, according to Love.

Police investigate

incident at game

TOWER CITY — State police at Lykens are investigating an incident that occurred during a football game at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Williams Valley Football Stadium, on Hemlock and North streets, Williamstown.

Police said two sixth-grade Tower City students at the school, both 11, were arguing with a 10th-grade boy, 16, when the older student grabbed the two younger students and put them in a headlock.

Police said the younger students were able to escape, but the 16 year old pulled out a double-sided pocket knife and made threatening gestures toward the one student.

Police said the victims fled the area and reported the incident to security.

Ohio man injured

in 1-vehicle crash

DELANO — A man suffered a moderate injuries when the truck he was driving hit some trees along Interstate 81 in Ryan Township.

State police at Frackville said Gerald W. Grant, 65, Montpeler, Ohio, was driving a 2013 Mack Truck, towing a 2015 Vanguard Trailer, south on Interstate 81 in the right lane when the vehicle left the roadway, traveled south about 150 feet and hit some trees before coming to a final rest on the west side of the road facing southwest.

Ryan Township EMS and Delano Fire Company assisted at the scene, police said.

Police said Grant was wearing a seat belt and was treated at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Man not hurt in

1-vehicle crash

TOWER CITY — A Tower City man escaped injury when the 2001 Ford Taurus he was driving crashed about 1:10 p.m. Tuesday on Goldmine Road, just south of county line in Cold Spring Township, Lebanon County.

State police at Jonestown said Jordon S. Astrove, 28, was driving south when he lost control while rounding a left-hand curve.

The vehicle, police said, crossed the northbound lane, went off the road and struck an embankment causing disabling damage.

Astrove will be cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic as a result of the crash, police said.

The students at St. Joseph Center for Special Learning in Pottsville received an early morning visit Friday from the Most Rev. John O. Barres.

The bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown has been visiting schools through the five-county diocese, with St. Joseph Center and Nativity BVM High School on Friday’s itinerary.

Barres arrived at St. Joseph Center after 8 a.m., and after meeting with Principal Julia Leibensperger and others in the office, he was taken to the cafeteria/activity room to participate in morning prayers. He greeted the children before the prayers. Some of the prayers were sung, accompanied on guitar by diocesan music director Susan Kaczmarek.

Leibensperger read a story from the Bible and the bishop commented on the reading to the children.

“I love that story of the wonderful woman who put the perfume on Jesus’ feet. She showed us just how she loved Jesus, and as I look at you, I can see that Jesus is real by your faces. God bless you,” he said.

After prayers, Barres was given a tour of the classrooms, the first being the community habilitation program called New Beginnings, which is a state licensed program open to individuals age 21 and older who, due to functional level, are unable to join the workforce. He visited with the participants, including Skye Major, who entered the program this year, and spoke with program director Karissa Montgomery.

Next on the tour was the Practical Assessment Exploration System classroom where students age 14 and older can build skills to be employable when they leave St. Joseph Center. Explaining the program was PAES lab coordinator Erin Meier.

In between visiting classes, Barres said the school visits are a bit later this year due to his visit to the Holy Land.

“With the trip to the Holy Land, I didn’t have the chance to visit the school during the first week,” Barres said. “It’s wonderful to be here. It’s a nice time to be in the schools with all the enthusiasm, along with the Catholic spirit and identity, the service and love for the poor.”

Barres is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his ordination as a priest this year.

“On Sunday, I’m going to have a 25th anniversary of priesthood celebration. As I look back over 25 years, it’s such a wonderful time to reflect the way God’s grace flows through the sacrament of Holy Orders,” he said. “My own life history and the life history of so many of our priests. One of the beautiful discoveries I’ve had over the five years as bishop of Allentown is the wonderful harvest of vocations that have come from Schuylkill County. Great churchmen like Cardinal Brennan, Cardinal Dougherty, Father Walter Ciszek, and the history of diocesan priests from Schuylkill County, which is something I will be giving God thanks for on Sunday. I will be praying for canonization of Father Ciszek.”

After leaving St. Joseph Center, Barres went to Nativity BVM, where he celebrated Mass.

The TV program “60 Minutes” will air a segment on Barbara Mancini at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Joseph Yourshaw, 93, formerly of Pottsville, died in 2013 after Mancini, his daughter, allegedly gave him morphine. She faced charges of contributing to his death, which occurred at Yourshaw’s residence, 1311 W. Market St.

Pottsville police had charged Mancini, Philadelphia, with aiding suicide, alleging she handed Yourshaw a bottle of morphine Feb. 7, 2013, after he had expressed a desire to die. Yourshaw died four days later at Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street, according to the Republican-Herald archives.

Schuylkill County Judge Jacqueline L. Russell dismissed the charges in February of this year.