Photos omitted

Shane Bowers and Cody Carpency will both graduate from Pottsville Area High School on May 31. Their photos were inadvertently omitted from the graduation special section that appeared in Thursday's edition.

SHENANDOAH - Police took 13 people into custody Friday during a roundup to execute more than a dozen arrest warrants.

One of the men picked up had been a fugitive since leading police on a car chase in January. He needed to be subdued Friday and taken for medical treatment.

Franklin R. Sterner, 26, jumped through a window in the home at 334 S. Jardin St. in Shenandoah where he had been staying. He was taken into custody after officers used their Tasers to subdue him.

Shenandoah police Capt. George Carado said Sterner lists his address at 326 E. Centre St., Shenandoah, but was staying at the home where officers arrested him.

"He ran from the guys, jumped through the window but someone grabbed him by the legs," Carado said.

Sterner was arraigned on three complaints.

The first complaint charged Sterner with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and fleeing or attempting to elude police, all felony offenses; a misdemeanor charge each of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle reckless driving; and summary offenses of driving without lights to avoid apprehension or arrest, accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property, careless driving, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, duties at a stop sign and driving the wrong way.

In connection with those charges, Shenandoah police said that on Dec. 27, 2011, Sterner stole a car owned by Kevin Evans and on Jan. 1 was involved in two hit-and-run crashes in the borough.

Sterner fled from police but crashed the car into a garage and utility pole on South Chestnut Street and then fled on foot into the woods.

A second unrelated warrant charged Sterner with misdemeanor theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property and felony forgery while a third warrant charged him with felony criminal trespass and two misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief.

Sterner was committed to Schuylkill County Prison on $50,000 straight cash bail for the first warrant and then $10,000 straight cash for each of the two additional complaints set by Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Others taken into custody on drug charges Friday were:

- William Rodriguez, 30, of 315 S. West St., Shenandoah. Rodriguez was arraigned on two warrants each charging him with two counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and one count each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $35,000 for each of the complaints.

- Tori A. Chester, 27, of 238 W. Coal St., Shenandoah, two felony counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $25,000.

- Alex J. Fogarty, 22, of 19 Lost Creek Road, Lost Creek, two felony counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and a one misdemeanor count each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Kilker set bail at $50,000.

- Kristen N. McCabe, 19, of 408 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah, four felony counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and two misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $50,000.

- Andrea L. Dinofa, 34, of Raven Run Road, Box 224, Lost Creek, two warrants, each charging her with two felony counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and a misdemeanor count each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $35,000 for each of the complaints.

- Richard Bates, 26, of 206 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah, two felony counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $35,000.

- Megan McCabe, 19, of 13 Mauch Chunk St., Tamaqua, two felony counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $15,000.

- Matthew Koncsler, 20, of 126 N. Catherine St., Shenandoah, two felony counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $15,000.

- Felix Luna, 23, of 15 N. Gilbert St., Shenandoah, four felony counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and two misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $50,000. Luna was arrested in Pottsville.

- Katherine Mock, no age available, of Shenandoah, two felony counts of delivery and possession with intent to deliver marijuana. Bail was set at $15,000.

All of those taken into custody were committed to prison unable to post bail, Shenandoah police Chief Joseph Hall said.

In addition, Drug Task Force members served a bench warrant on Corey Ratliff, Ashland, for failure to appear for a revocation hearing, according to the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office. Martin Mercado, Girardville, was also apprehended during the sweep because he was wanted by the state parole board, according to the DA's office.

Taking part in the arrests were police from Shenandoah and West Mahanoy Township, the state police Fugitive Task Force, state police from the Frackville station, the Schuylkill County Sheriff's Office and DA's office, Schuylkill County Adult Probation, the Pennsylvania Parole Board and the U.S. Marshals.

Authorities said the arrests are the result of more than six months of investigations into the various crimes.

District Attorney Karen Byrnes-Noon said many of the drug investigations were started by people calling in tips to the Schuylkill County Drug Tip Line. If anyone has drug tip information, they can call 800-414-1406. If anyone has information in the City of Pottsville, they can call 570-622-1234 mailbox 150.

n Frackville: Organizer Roy W. Mengel announced that letters have been mailed to 1,340 families of Frackville High School classmates and friends with invitations to the fifth Frackville High School reunion planned for Oct. 13. People who attended FHS between 1925 and 1968 but did not receive a letter should call Mengel at 570-874-1916 or email Rmengel@ptd.net.

n Mahanoy City: The Mahanoy Area Food Pantry at First United Methodist Church, 400 E. Mahanoy Ave., distributes on even months, 10 a.m. to noon the last Tuesdays, according to Jason Schally, program operation specialist with Schuylkill Community Action. The site contact is Greg Reser, 570-462-2322. The pantry serves Mahanoy City and Mahanoy, Ryan and Delano townships.

n Mahanoy City: The Mahanoy City Visiting Nurse Association recently acknowledged the following memorials: For Margaret Bleyzgis from Rose Feltcher, Lois Griffiths, Rose Kern, Bruce and Mary Harlor, Sally Irvin, Rosemary Demko, Betty Nolter and the visiting nurse board; for Robert "Bobby" Mitchell from Mary Peca, Betsy Lewis, Jeff and Anne Marie Keck and daughters; for Martin "Luke" Purcell from Rose Fletcher, Jackie and Alfir Peca; for Rosemary Purcell from Rose Kern; for Florence Stanakis from Catherine McCann, John and Joyce Anczarski and sons, Elaine and Leon R. Trusky, Mary Anne Anceravige.

n McAdoo: The McAdoo Area Food Pantry at Van Hoekelen Greenhouses Inc., 220 S. Hancock St. has distribution on odd months, 9 to 11 a.m. the third Saturdays. The site contact is Marion DeBalko, 570-929-1628. Information about the regional food pantries is provided by Jason Schally, program operation specialist with Schuylkill Community Action, Pottsville.

n Pine Grove: Blue Mountain High School Class of 1957 will hold a class picnic for classmates and friends on Aug. 2 at the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park pavilion. For more information or to make a reservation, call Betty at 570-754-7234, Carl at 570-739-4721 or Sam at 570-385-3210.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Area High School Class of 1967 will hold its 45th-year reunion Sept. 22 at the Pottsville Zone, Peacock Street. The reunion committee is seeking the current addresses for the following classmates: Maria Barney, Charlene Bedford, Harold Bensinger, Joann Beres, Francis Berger, Carol Berzowski, Ellen Daubert (Marcolla), Beverly Davis (O'Brien), Noor Dosty, Theresa Earnst, Joanne Echert, Reynold Eiche, Sharon Eichennbaum (Steinberg), Linda Forney (Fegley), Aaron Frantz, Louise Gradwell, Margaret Gudinas, Lilly Hirsch, Joseph Hopkins, Randy Jenkins, James Klementovich, Frank Kostelnick, Donna Leo, Lewis Litwack, Carol Mackey, John Mataka, Ruth Meisner (Neal), Karen Penberth (Keys), John Phillips, Erick Polcrack, Patricia Pollman (Fisher), Charles Renninger, Michell Rupert (Stevens), Frederick Sanner, Francine Seiden, Mary Ann Seitzinger (Wherry), Barbara Smolock, Dennis Spiess, Christine Starinsky, David Wirth, Pia Wohlstrom and John Wood. Anyone with the information is asked to contact Charlie Sippel at 570-622-5448 and leave a message or email csippeljr@comcast.net.

n Ringtown: Bingo games are played every Thursday at the Ringtown Area Senior Citizens Center, 104 W. Main St. Seniors spokeswoman Creta M. Lindenmuth said doors open at 5 p.m. and games begin at 6 p.m. There are weekly jackpots as well as other activities. Everyone is welcome.

n Shenandoah: A food pantry/nutrition center operates from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays in the J.W. Cooper Community Center, White and Lloyd streets. Building owner Kent W. Steinmetz, president of Steinmetz Jewelers, Hamburg and Shenandoah, said locals have been regularly contributing food for the pantry and Boran's Cobblestone Bakery, 208 N. Main St., Shenandoah, regularly contributes freshly baked bread and other items. Gordon Food Service also contributes items, Steinmetz said.

HARRISBURG - Creating an independent state Tourism Commission and adding more reporting requirements for county hotel room tax revenue are among recommendations in a new study on ways to help one of Pennsylvania's largest industries.

The study by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a legislative research agency, appears during a time of the greatest change for tourism promotion in Pennsylvania in the past 30 years.

State spending to promote tourism, which increased steadily from the early 1980s onward to double-digit numbers, has dropped dramatically in the past several years due to tight budgets.

The current state budget appropriation is $4 million and Gov. Tom Corbett has proposed $3 million, or a $1 million cut, for fiscal 2012-13. A Senate-approved state budget bill appropriates $3.8 million.

A 50-year-old state subsidy to help regional tourism promotion agencies pay for ad campaigns ended this fiscal year, a victim of state budget cuts.

As state support declined, tourism promotion agencies have come to rely more heavily on hotel room tax revenues. A 2000 state law gave mid-sized counties authority to levy such a tax and set conditions for how revenue could be spent.

Almost 70 percent of the income for 45 tourism promotion agencies in mid-sized counties comes from the hotel room tax, the center study said. The amounts ranged from a low of $10,500 in rural Cameron County to $2.8 million in Monroe County, the heart of the Poconos.

In addition, larger counties operate under specific state laws regarding hotel room taxes.

The House approved legislation in April, paving the way for a rate hike in the Lackawanna County hotel room tax. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Ed Staback, D-115, Archbald, would give the county commissioners the green light to increase the tax from the current 4 percent rate to a maximum 7 percent rate.

The bill changes the distribution formula so that 40 percent of the revenue goes to the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau and 60 percent to the county. Under current state law, 20 percent of the revenue goes to the convention bureau and 80 percent to the county.

State government will eventually have to reassert its traditional role in supporting regional tourism, said Rep. Mario Scavello, R-176, Mount Pocono, a member of the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee.

"As the economy turns around, the state needs to be a player in this too," he added. "You can't just depend on hotel room revenues."

The state should consider reviving a program that lets tourism promotion agencies compete for state funding and provide a local matching share, Scavello said.

The study views giving a state Tourism Commission an umbrella role to promote national and state heritage parks and corridors, state-owned historic sites and festivals, fairs and performing arts centers.

The commission could operate with some state funding and perhaps a small earmark from hotel room tax revenue, the study added.

Bills to establish a commission have been in the legislative hopper for a number of years.

The study also urges handling county room tax revenue like state sales tax revenue. Hotels would turn over the revenue to the state Revenue Department on a quarterly basis. The state would then reimburse the counties, which in turn would give the money to the Tourism Promotion Agencies.

How well do you know Frackville? Here is a quiz about the borough courtesy of the Frackville Business and Professional Association. Find the answers on Page 10 of this special section.

1. On Apr. 10, 1876, Frackville was incorporated as the Borough of Frackville. It is known that two groups of petitions had presented petitions each seeking court approval for the naming of the new borough. One group wanted the community to be named "Frackville." What was the second group's petition asking for the borough to be named?

2. Manufactured in 1962 by the Roustabout Company in Frackville, the Trivan was a three-wheeled lorry with a fully enclosed cab for two people. How many were built and sold?

3. The Frackville Community Ambulance Association purchased its first vehicle in 1947. What was it?

4. In what is now the Zion Lutheran Church parking lot there was once a business. Name that business.

5. What Frackville funeral home has been serving the community since 1991?

6. Where is the "Frackville Train Station" located today?

7. The Lehigh Restaurant, operated for many years as Swade's Restaurant, saw its demise when a spectacular electrical fire destroyed it on what date?

8. What Frackville general practice law firm has produced three Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas judges since it was founded in 1976?

9. On what street was "the old footbridge?"

10. Before a building stood at the current location of the Michael J. O'Connor and Associates law office, how was the land used?

11. The former ACME grocery store's grand opening was hosted by two stars. Who were they?

12. This funeral home has been serving the community for more than 130 years?

13. What were the two ice cream parlors at the Altamont end of town?

14. One of those ice cream parlors served a big 64-ounce milkshake. What was it called?

15. Where was the community Christmas tree displayed in the 1960s?

16. Under Gov. Dick Thornburgh, this man was acting Secretary of General Services on Jan. 20, 1979, before being confirmed by the state Senate. He was the "man who put Frackville on the map." Who was he?

17. What year did Interstate 81, also known as the "American Legion Memorial Highway," open up to Frackville?

18. What is the oldest business still in operation in Frackville?

19. Known as a walking history book, this saw filer got his nickname when he wore a pumpkin on his head to a Halloween party as a school boy. Who was he?

20. Which FBPA member was voted "Best Shopping Center" in 2009 through Schuylkill Living Magazine?

21. What year did the Frackville Free Public Library open?

22. If you call Sellin' Helen at Realty World, who will she say is number one?

23. Where did Frackville High School hold its first game, "under the lights"?

24. What was the name of the electric horse at Alexander's 5&10?

For answers, see Page 10. Frackville Trivia

answers

1. "Mountain City"

2. 112

3. 1948 Wagner-Meteor Cadillac

4. White Spot

5. Albert Gricoski Funeral Home

6. Temple, Berks County, Pa.

7. May 3, 2000

8. Rubright, Domalakes, Troy & McDonald. (The late Wilbur H. Rubright Sr. and current judges John E. Domalakes and Charles M. Miller)

9. Frack Street

10. As a baseball field

11. Sally Star and Wee Willie Weber

12. Nice-Hart Funeral Home Inc.

13. Carvel and Ken's Creamy Cone

14. The Monster

15. Intersection of Frack Street and Lehigh Avenue.

16. Walter A. Baran

17. 1969

18. Domalakes Insurance.

19. Francis "Punk" Keiffer.

20. Schuylkill Mall

21. 1939

22. You are number one!

23. Current Frackville Girls Softball field on High Street

24. Sandy

FRACKVILLE - "A town where you can still say 'Hello' to your neighbor" has been used throughout the years as a slogan to promote the borough as a great place to live and work.

In this case, it is definitely a case of truth in advertising.

Located at the top of Broad Mountain, the nickname of "Mountain City" is also most appropriate for the borough. Its elevation of 1,476 feet makes it the highest municipality in the local area, and Mountain City almost became its official name back in the 19th century.

The borough's location has also earned it being called the "crossroads" and "gateway" into Schuylkill County by having state routes 61 and 924 taking drivers into the county, especially from Interstate 81, located just outside the borough.

The Broad Mountain is the dividing line separating the middle coal basin from the southern one. However, unlike most of the boroughs in the area, Frackville has no coal deposits under it. As the Rev. Jonathan W. Miller wrote in his early history of Frackville in 1904, "Therefore, Frackville is built upon a sure foundation, a rock that cannot be moved."

A tale of two towns

The story goes back to 1852, when Daniel Frack of Saint Clair and his family moved to the 166 acres he had purchased on the Broad Mountain in West Mahanoy Township. A new village - unnamed at the time - was begun by Frack.

As that was happening, Columbia County native Samuel Haupt bought 180 acres adjacent to Frack's and began to develop it. Both men subdivided their lands into lots, marking streets and turning them into their own towns.

For some, two towns on the mountain top were too many. A group living in the eastern track of land known as "Frackville" filed a petition with the Schuylkill County Courts of Quarter Sessions in Pottsville on Nov. 22, 1875, asking to incorporate 2,352 acres into a borough. That amount of land would have incorporated the current boundaries of Frackville and included land from West Mahanoy, Butler and Mahanoy townships.

Another group from the west side, known first as "Planeville" and later as "Mountain City," which was the area purchased by Haupt, filed their papers in court on Jan. 1, 1876, to incorporate a borough only with the land originally purchased by Frack and Haupt, which totaled 346 acres.

According to the history in the 2001 commemorative book celebrating the borough's 125th anniversary, which was written by Frackville native and Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas Judge John E. Domalakes, county Judge Aregood split the difference between the two petitions, deciding to name the new borough as Frackville, but only allowing the municipality to contain 346 acres.

A popular legend is that at some point the decision to name the town depended on the flip of a coin at a local saloon, with the tavern owner performing the honors in front of a group of citizens, according to Domalakes. According to the story, Frack and Haupt were in attendance.

"One possible scenario is that Judge Aregood of the Schuylkill County Court, confronted by two partisan groups of petitioners with conflicting claims, directed the parties to 'settle' the matter and may even have suggested the method of doing it," Domalakes wrote in the 125th commemorative book. "One can suppose further that the coin flip took place witnessed by dozens of people and the result reported to the judge, who then confirmed it in his court order without mentioning the procedure he followed to arrive at his decision."

Frack is buried in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, located at Spring Street between Line Street and Broad Mountain Avenue. The stone memorial is heavily weathered, with the inscriptions unreadable except for the name "FRACK" at the monument's base. In 2001, a new bronze marker from the Frackville Area Historical Society was dedicated at the gravesite.

Loss and improvement

As with many communities in Schuylkill County, Frackville has seen its share in the loss of businesses and decreases in population. The borough had 4,361 residents in 2000, but in 2010, the population was at 3,805. It has seen the loss of landmarks, such as the Town Clock Building, Frackville School Building, Zetusky Building, Mark's Hall, the Baney and Herwick Building, Victor Smith Furniture Store, Bohorad's Men's Store and Studlick's Hall.

In more recent years, the borough had a marked improvement along Lehigh Avenue with new sidewalks and highway improvements. With the closing of the Frackville Area Elementary Center by the North Schuylkill School District, the building, which was the former Frackville High School, is now borough's municipal building and community center, housing borough operations, the Frackville Area Municipal Authority, the new Frackville Museum and Heritage Hall and a fitness center. The building's gymnasium is being used for a variety of community activities.

The Frackville Free Public Library is a major asset to the borough at its Lehigh Avenue location, drawing many people, especially for the public computers. The borough can be proud of the Frackville Rotary Club, Frackville Elks Lodge 1533, Frackville Lions Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Frackville Recreation Board, Good Will Hose Company, Frackville Ambulance Association, a variety of sports programs and more.

Close and caring

Frackville is also a town of faith, according to the Rev. Susan J. Ketterer, pastor of First United Methodist Church, who said there are 14 churches in the borough. She has been a pastor in Frackville for five years.

"When we (with husband Gerry Ketterer) first drove through Frackville, I remember how nice and orderly it was, how neat and tidy," said Ketterer. "We were impressed with the ball fields, the pool was open when we drove through. We thought everything looked very nice."

A native of Philadelphia, Ketterer said Frackville was such a different type of community as compared to where she last lived.

"Coming from a suburb of Philadelphia, the culture here is very different. It's more of a small-town atmosphere, and the people in our church and friendly and outgoing and willing to help one another at the drop of a hat," she said. "If someone says they're having a fundraiser dinner for so-and-so, the response is immediate as to what can I do, what can I bring, what can I make, how can I help. It's amazing how the people in Frackville care for one another. That is a big impression for me."

Ketterer has been involved in local groups, such as the Lions Club and Lift Your Spirits Performing Arts, and keeping the Frackville Ministerium active with community worship services and the food pantry.

Domalakes is one of the borough historians, always interested in learning more about his native town. His wife, Suzanne, is the current Frackville Rotary Club president, along with serving as president of the Frackville library board of directors.

"I loved growing up in Frackville because one of the things I love to do is walk in the woods. When you live in Frackville, the woods are never more than a half-mile to a mile away," said Domalakes. "It's something I continue to do to this day. About three or four times a week when I come home from work, I will be somewhere on Broad Mountain walking."

Domalakes said he realized how close to nature Frackville and the other local boroughs are when he went to college in the Lehigh Valley to find that a lot of communities are connected to each other without the natural areas in between.

"This is a small town where people know each other, and when I was growing up, there were people leaving, but those who stayed were here for the long term," he said. "Growing up in Frackville, there was a sense of community because most of the people were born and raised here and had a commitment to the community. That's not as prevalent today as it was then."

Suzanne Domalakes, who moved to Frackville when she married John, has been so impressed with how the community supports the library when it purchased the current library building. Over the years, the support has come from individuals and groups, from the Scouts to the Frackville Business and Professional Association.

"People were so outgoing and so friendly and so welcoming," said Domalakes when she moved to Frackville. "I always wanted to live in a small town."

The North Schuylkill School District's superintendent, Andrew D. Smarkanic, spent his high school sophomore year living in Frackville, later graduating in 1973 from Mahanoy Area High School, and is now a Frackville resident.

"When I lived here when I was a sophomore, the main focal area was Memorial Park with the swimming pool, the fields and the basketball courts," said Smarkanic. "The Little League was also very prevalent. It was an area people got together for the holidays. I live near the park and enjoy listening to the speakers at the Memorial Day programs. Frackville had the fireworks display for the Fourth of July, which was always huge draw."

After college, Smarkanic moved to Cressona, and in 1983 came back to Frackville.

"My daughter and son grew up here and we're involved in a lot of activities," said Smarkanic. "Frackville was always noted, in my eyes anyway, as one of the nicer communities in the northern Schuylkill area. People always pull for one another. There are the many block parties through the summer. It's a nice place to raise a family."

Growing together

Mayor Kim Phillips moved to Frackville in 1976, moving in during the borough's celebration of its 100th anniversary. She has also been very active with the Frackville Recreation Board, which sponsors many community activities.

Phillips said while other boroughs got their start as people moved in to work at different industries, such as mining, Frackville drew people from all ethnic cultures just because of their desire to move to the borough.

"We have grown together," said Phillips. "We really kind of like a melting pot and represent the whole United States. Some of the towns around here were developed because their was an industry there and then the town grew around that industry. We are not as industry-driven as we are community-driven. People moved here because they chose to live here."

Phillips enjoys being mayor of Frackville.

"Being mayor is a nice thing. It's kind of like the whipped cream and cherry on top of the sundae," said Phillips. "Ninety-nine percent of my being mayor is all fun. It's all positive, it's all good things. There are other things I have to deal with, but the good stuff totally outweighs the bad." Frackville facts

Municipality: Borough

Incorporated: April 10, 1876

County: Schuylkill

Borough officials

Mayor: Kim Phillips

Borough council:

Ron Jordan, president

Peter Zuber, vice president

Bradley Gotshall, president pro tem

John Morgan

Karen Domalakes

Charles Berger

Brian Dillman

Borough secretary: Brenda Deeter

Chief of police: Michelle Ashman

Fire chief: Charles Berger

Solicitor: Mark Semanchik

Municipal Building: 42 S. Center St., Frackville, PA 17931

Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Office phone: 570-874-3077 (voice); 570-874-3077 (fax)

Fire company: Good Will Hose Company No. 1 (Fire District 43)

Ambulance: Frackville Community Ambulance Association

Library: Frackville Free Public Library, 56 N. Lehigh Ave. 570-874-3382

Library hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Closed holidays and Sundays

Man injured in

hit-and-run

LENHARTSVILLE - A 22-year-old man from Houston suffered a minor injury after a hit-and-run collision on westbound Interstate 78, about 150 feet east of mile marker 35, Greenwich Township, at 7 a.m. Sunday.

State police at Hamburg said Edgar A. Carboso-Cruz, was driving a 2004 Dodge Durango west on Interstate 78 when a vehicle struck the back of his causing it to spin counter-clockwise and hit the center median wall.

Police said the vehicle continued west on Interstate 78 after the collision.

NEW PHILADELPHIA - In addition to honoring those who served their country, the Simon Kramer Cancer Institute planted about 20 trees Monday afternoon in memory of others who have lost their lives.

Hosted by Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David Moylan, medical director of the institute, and Chief Deputy Coroner Joseph Weber, several families participated in the ceremonial planting of the flowering trees lined up in front of the building.

"It's just a nice tradition and I know from personal experience that it means a lot," Moylan said.

About 1 p.m., the family of John Anczarski arrived to dedicate a tree to the 19-year-old cyclist from Ringtown. Anczarski died on June 21, 2010, after he was hit by a vehicle near Albuquerque. He was cycling cross country with friends as part of the "Pink Pedal" to raise money for breast cancer research.

Moylan called Anczarski a martyr for breast cancer during the ceremony in front of the institute, which is a cancer care center.

"It's just always nice to now that someone is thinking of Johnny," John Anczarski, Anczarski's father, said.

Moylan also read quotes from Anczarski that were on the back of a prayer card given to him by the family. One of them read: "Life isn't too short, it's just often wasted. That is why we need to bike across America."

"I think these are all words we can live by," Moylan said.

Moylan also said when his aunt died when he was a child, a bush was planted in her honor. He also said a tree was planted for his brother, who died in a car accident about 20 years ago.

"Every time I see that tree, I think of him," Moylan said.

Moylan said he hopes to make the ceremony an annual event to honor everyone who has come through the county coroner's office. In addition to the individual tree dedications, two were dedicated to all the decreased adults and children that the coroner's office has provided services this year.

"It's hard to believe that there's already been 250 (deaths) by May," Moylan said, noting that there were 15 children.

A sarcophagus containing photos, belongings, and any other memorabilia from family members was also buried near the trees.

Ceremonies were scattered throughout the day from 9 a.m. to about 2 p.m. Monday, Moylan said.

Schuylkill County Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr. was at the event all day to sing a hymn to the tune of "Danny Boy" during the dedications.

"We are fortunate to live in a place where the community can come together to share the tough times as well as the good times," Halcovage said.

It was an emotional event for the family as Joyce Anczarski held a photo of her son that was taken two years ago Monday in Chicago. In the photo, Anczarski is wearing his cycling gear and standing in front of a flag.

"It's just a beautiful honor to remember Johnny's life and the cause for breast cancer awareness," she said. "We want to thank them for remembering Johnny. We miss him just as much today as the day he passed away."

Additional trees were planted in honor of the following individuals by their friends and loved ones: Adele Moses, Dr. Bing Light, Helen Sleva, Sabrina Fessler, R.N., Dr. Anthony Saracena, Dr. Sultan Kahn, Pat Houghton, Rita Morrison and Kevin Cassidy.

SHENANDOAH - The Memorial Day commemoration here paid special remembrance to the community's special hero, Marine Cpl. Anthony P. Damato with the dedication of a mural that honors his being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor during World War II.

It was among ceremonies countywide - from Sheppton to Orwigsburg and Tamaqua to Pine Grove - honoring veterans and those who paid the ultimate price for America's freedom.

The annual Memorial Day parade in Shenandoah began at 9 a.m., moving north on Main Street with the American Legion Anthony P. Damato "Medal of Honor" Post 792 honor guard leading the way, followed by the Shenandoah Valley Blue Devil Pride Marching Band under the direction of Robert Stoner, Shenandoah Little League players and coaches and fire apparatus of the Shenandoah Fire Department.

The parade stopped at the Veterans Memorial at Main and Washington streets, where service officer Joseph Chowanes conducted the program. The Shenandoah Valley band provided the music throughout.

"This day is sacred with the almost visible presence of those who have gone before us," said Chowanes in his opening remarks. "We honor the memory of the lives of those who gave their lives in the service of our country and of those who have dropped their burdens along the wayside of life and have gone to their eternal rest. May the ceremonies of today deepen your reverence for our departed friends and comrades. Let us renew our pledge of loyalty to our country and its flag."

Post Chaplain Charles Calise presented the invocation and benediction. The program included the laying of the wreath at the memorial by post members Joseph Cocco and John Alcaraz, followed by a three-volley rifle salute and playing of taps.

After the program, most people moved to American Legion Memorial Garden in the 100 block of North Main Street for the mural dedication honoring Damato. The Shenandoah native enlisted in the Marines in January 1942, served in Northern Ireland for a short time before serving in the Northern African campaign, returned to the United States for a few months in 1943 before being assigned to the Pacific Theater of Operations. On the night of Feb. 19-20, 1944, at the airstrip on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands, Damato sacrificed his life by falling on a Japanese grenade, shielding two fellow Marines in the foxhole from the explosion. For his bravery, Damato was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States.

In addition to Damato, the mural also honors all military services and depicts the history of Shenandoah in its life, industry, culture and ethnic diversity. The mural depicts the Dorsey Brothers - Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey - who were raised in the borough and developed their musical talent, and the coal and garment industries, which led to the growth of the town in the late 19th and 20th centuries.

The mural, created by Pottsville artist Martin Braukus, is 150 feet long and 30 feet high at its tallest point and was begun in June 2009, with students from Shenandoah Valley High School. The project was originally planned for the school's art class and funded through a 2008-09 Learn and Service America K-12 School-Based Federal Grant to the school district through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Due to the scope of the project, Braukus was hired, with about 40 students assisting him at the beginning, including providing input into the design.

Barbara Boyer, Shenandoah Valley math teacher and Learn and Serve adviser who coordinated the project with the students, spoke about the history of the Learn and Serve grant, received through an application written by teacher Linda Hixson. Students used the grant money for various activities in and out of the borough, including the creation of the mural.

"These students gave up hours of their summer vacation in the blistering heat to help Mr. Braukus with this mural," Boyer said. "Because of their dedication to the project, they now leave a piece of them that will be shared for generations to come. They will always remember coming to this garden and leave their mark. The students' intent was to design a mural that depicted the community of Shenandoah to everyone who drove by. The community of Shenandoah cannot be described without mentioning the profound ethnic cultures that comprise the town."

Boyer pointed out the many persons depicted wearing their respective native costume and carrying their ethnic flags. She also said that the mural shows the great service that Shenandoah men and women provided to the armed forces, and in many cases died for their country on the fields of battle, especially honoring Damato.

Boyer also thanked Shenandoah Main Street Program Manager Mary Luscavage, noting her many hours of work in coordinating the mural project. Luscavage, who was in attendance, received a round of applause.

"The project would not have been successful without her," Boyer said.

She also thanked Braukus for his work in taking on such a large project.

Four of the student mural artists were in attendance: Jillian Dove, Ahna Huss, Janette Lukashunas and Marissa Conti. Dove, Huss and Lukashunas spoke during the program on what the mural means to them.

Braukus spoke briefly about working the huge mural.

"I just want to say thank you for all the kindness and making me feel very welcome. I was a temporary Shenandoan," Braukus said. "Thank you to the American Legion, Mary Luscavage, Barb Boyer and the students. I'm very honored to have been a part of this."

Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis about nine months ago, Leo James always has a smile as he stays active and does all he can to help raise awareness about the disease and funds for research.

"I've come to accept it and now I just want to advocate and do this as long as I can," said James, 58, of Pottsville. "Even if it doesn't help me, it can help someone else down the line."

Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS is progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord, according to the ALS Association. As these cells die, a person loses voluntary control of his/her muscles and movement.

"In the late stages of the disease, patients are completely paralyzed but their minds remain sharp and alert," James said. "It's like being trapped in your body."

Although the disease can run in the family, it can affect anyone at any time. There are also no biomarkers that can predict or diagnose the disease. Diagnosis is based solely on the exclusion of all other possibilities.

James goes to an ALS care center in Hershey every three months so professionals can monitor the progress of the disease and determine what he may need assistance with next. James said the center loans out equipment and also provides speech therapy when the disease reaches the point it affects the patient's ability to talk.

While there is no effective treatment for the disease itself, James shares the following advice with those suffering from any terminal disease:

"Keep a positive attitude. Keep as active as you could while you could," James said. "Worrying isn't going to change a thing. It's not going to make you live a minute longer. It isn't going to stop anything from happening. So try not to worry and live your live. You're still the same person, you just have a disease."

As May marked National ALS Awareness Month, James was a spokesman for the ALS Association during a national advocacy day in Harrisburg from May 13 to 15. During that time, James shared his story with public officials, hoping to get their support as well as government funding for the organization's research.

James said the organization went to the state's capitol with two goals. The first was to seek funding for two federal ALS programs. James said the programs did not receive any federal funding last year.

The first was the National Registry at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 2008, the national registry identifies the number of cases of ALS nationally. More funding would enable the registry to collect more information and samples from the cases to develop treatments for the disease.

"There's only about 30,000 in the country that have it right now, but people die so fast they can't build up the numbers," James said. "That's why the numbers aren't so high, because we die so fast."

The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from the time of diagnosis.

The other federal program the organization was looking to provide funding for was the ALS Research Program at the Department of Defense. Although there are no known causes of the disease, military veterans are twice as likely to get ALS than the general public.

James is a veteran himself, having served in the military during the Vietnam War.

The second purpose of the advocacy day was to urge Congress to pass the Modernize Our Drug and Diagnostics Evaluation and Regulatory Network, or MODDERN, Cures Act that was introduced in November 2011.

According to the ALS Association, the bill will specifically encourage research on treatments, which have been set aside in the lab, but hold promise for treating diseases with unmet medical needs; remove barriers and provide incentives to develop new diagnostics and ensure timely and appropriate reimbursement for new tests and treatments so that patients have access to the latest medical technology as soon as possible.

"There are over 800 patients and families across Pennsylvania who are currently living with ALS and yet few people know what it is, how it destroys lives, or that patients typically only live between two and five years from diagnosis," Tony Heyl, ALS Association communications manager at the Greater Philadelphia Chapter, said in an email. "The ALS Association is committed to raising awareness of this disease so that more people can get the help they need today, and so that we can provide hope for a world free of ALS in the future."

James also said he is looking to start fundraisers for the organization in the area during the summer. He said anyone interested in helping can call his home phone at 570-622-1396 or email him at ljames1213@comcast.net,

For more information about the ALS Association, visit www.alsa.org.

Pottsville's Sovereign Majestic Theater would like to run a series of classic films.

Theaters like The Colonial in Phoenixville, Chester County, have done series like these with much success, members of the Sovereign Majestic Theater Association said this week.

"There could be collections of John O'Hara-based films, or films of a particular genre, depending on what the sponsors would be interested in seeing and what is available," Steve Durkin, an association member, said Wednesday. "The idea is to have a predictably scheduled series of movies in order to achieve a stable base of patrons coming to the theater. Like on the third Thursday of every month showing movies of the same type."

For example, The Colonial has a popular film fest called "First Friday Fright Night," at which horror films are screened on the first Friday of every month, according to its website, www.thecolonialtheatre.com.

"We'd like people to make our theater a regular stop," Vanessa Mihoda, association president, said Thursday.

To get a film fest off the ground, the Sovereign Majestic would need a sponsor, Amy S. Burkhart, executive director of the Pottsville Area Development Corp., which manages the theater, said Wednesday.

"It would cost $4,000 to run 12 movies," Burkhart said. "That includes licensing, staffing, cleaning and advertising."

The Sovereign Majestic Theater Association was assembled in Pottsville in 1998 to spur revitalization of the former Majestic Theater at 209 N. Centre St. into a state-of-the-art, all-purpose facility for the performing arts.

In January 2001, PADCO and the association purchased the remains of the former theater for $80,000. Following an $800,000 renovation project, the 224-seat Sovereign Majestic opened in 2006, according to Burkhart.

The Sovereign Majestic has become a venue for a variety of presentations, from musical concerts to plays to film screenings. Since 2009, the theater has held a monthly film event, "M&T Movies at the Majestic," held usually at 7 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month. Hosted by the Pottsville Recreation Commission and sponsored by M&T Bank, the event features family films. Admission and popcorn are free, Burkhart said.

The theater's board of directors is now hoping to do other regular film events and is looking for business sponsors. Carl Raring, an association member, came up with the idea at a recent brainstorming session.

"The sponsor would get commercial time on the screen before and after each movie as well as at intermission, if the movie is long enough for an intermission," Raring said Wednesday.

Burkhart said potential sponsors can make suggestions for film fests, or sponsors can ask the association for ideas. Interested parties can contact her at 628-4647.

"The board is always seeking new and dynamic programming ideas," Burkhart said. "We have a difficult task in determining not only what will work within the community for an attendance stand point but also in what will financially break even as an event."

"We hope to gain a regular audience for a specific feature. We'd like to bring people to Pottsville's downtown for the theater who would then be likely to use our restaurants and see our other businesses as well," Durkin said.

Association members have also been making appearances at events at the Sovereign Majestic to promote the theater and encourage patrons to buy theater memberships. They include, Burkhart, Durkin, Raring, Maryanne Conway, Christina DiCello, Jen Gensemer, Sandy Kost-Sterner, Jack Mansell, Vanessa Mihoda, Naomi Ost, Billie Payne, Ernie Pizzico, Lori Spotts, Amie Tobash and Karen Wood.

"The input and participation of the board is so important in a small nonprofit. There are only so many hours that staff can dedicate to any task, so it makes sense to allow the staff to perform duties that board members cannot for various constraints, such as tickets sales, bookings, etcetera," Burkhart said. "Beyond that it is the board members who are the most committed to the success of the theater, so who better to discuss the importance of the resource?"

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do."

Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Darren "Doc" Dreher, a Schuylkill Haven native and Pennsylvania Guardsman, used the quote by American author and Unitarian clergyman Edward Everett as guest speaker during Memorial Day ceremonies in the borough Monday afternoon.

"That is who a veteran is, someone who chooses to do something for his country and their fellow Americans," said Dreher, who had also served as grand marshal for the borough's annual Memorial Day parade.

A large crowd gathered around the memorial at Parkway wearing patriotic colors and waving small flags. Accompanying Dreher at the ceremony were his wife, Dr. Kate Dreher, Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary J. Hess, who is also a former borough mayor, Mayor Michael Devlin, police Chief Jeff Walcott, and Schuylkill Haven councilmen Jerry Bowman and Roger Spotts.

"Today is truly a day of mixed emotions," the Rev. Brian Reading, master of ceremonies, said. "We grieve and we celebrate this afternoon. ... Thank you all for coming here today to remember those who gave their lives so that we can stand here in freedom today."

The parade and ceremonies were sponsored by the Joint Veterans Committee of Schuylkill Haven, which includes American Legion Post 38 and VFW Post 4385.

Following Dreher's speech, wreaths were presented at the memorial by ladies auxiliary members. Musical selections were played by the Schuylkill Haven Area High School band and the Belvederes Junior Drum & Bugle Corps of Schuylkill Haven. Christine Schaeffer and Caroline Snyder also sung a rendition of country singer Tim McGraw's song, "If You're Reading This."

Following the ceremony at Parkway, people were invited to the American Legion for free food and drinks.

The Memorial Day observances began early Monday morning in Schuylkill Haven. Flags were lowered to half staff at 7 a.m. then raised to full staff at noon. Ceremonies and gun salutes were held at the local cemeteries starting at 8 a.m. Monday. The parade started at 10 a.m. at Schuylkill Haven Area High School and continued down Main Street to Parkway.

The Veterans of Vietnam War Post 29 conducted a ceremony at 1 p.m. at the Schuylkill County Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Route 61 and University Drive.

"I want to remind you that we don't need to gather only on Memorial Day to remember those who sacrificed for all of us so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today," Reading said. "We could do that everyday."

Schuylkill County has plenty to offer nature enthusiasts Saturday on National Trails Day.

According to a press release from the Schuylkill Conservation District, the county offers many trails for people to enjoy whether they're walking, biking, bird watching, studying nature or taking photographs. There is even a water trail it hosts for kayakers.

"Here in Schuyl-kill County we've certainly got a lot of trails," said Patrick M. "Porcupine Pat" McKinney, the district's environmental education coordinator.

National Trails Day is a day where trails are celebrated for their many benefits to local communities, such as providing inspiration, a sense of community, beauty and a general appreciation of the environment, according to the release.

On Saturday, Schuylkill On the Move, a partner of Schuylkill County's VISION, will host four walks that are free and open to the public. They will be cancelled in the event of rain.

The first hike will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on the Lehigh Valley and New England Rail Trail with McKinney. It's a flat walk of about three miles that meets in the Stonehedge Gardens parking lot off Dairy Road in South Tamaqua.

Other hikes are from 10 a.m. to noon at Weiser State Forest with Judy Llewellyn, Bernie Francaviglia and Robin Tracey, which meets at the St. John's Lutheran Church on Main Street in Ringtown; 11 a.m. to noon at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park with Denise "Nightowl" Donmoyer, meeting at the Waterfall Road parking lot; and from 1 to 2 p.m. at a Landingville Marsh Ramble with Dave "Big Owl" McSurdy and Flo Moyer, a flat walk that highlights the beauty of that natural area.

"I want people to be driven to the schuylkill.org website," McKinney said. "They have the trails directory there that was a project of the Schuylkill Leadership class."

McKinney also that some of the trails in the county are former railroad lines. A recent study determined there are more than 70 miles of potential rail trails in northern Schuylkill County, he said.

In addition to the National Trails Day celebration, a Girl Scout program in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America will be held Saturday at Bubeck Park in Schuylkill Haven. The scouts were given the option of either walking 100 miles or 100 kilometers to qualify them for a patch.

McKinney will lead the nature walk.

"We're going out because it's a true celebration of walking trails and Girl Scouting," McKinney said.

For more information on any hike, contact McKinney at 570-622-4124, ext. 113, or porcupinepat@yahoo.com.

Pottsville man

arrested for DUI

A city man was arrested Sunday morning by state police at Schuylkill Haven for allegedly driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

Police said Ryan Patrick Miller, 25, was driving a red 1999 Pontiac Grand Am at West End Avenue and North 19th Street at 2:48 a.m. Sunday.

Police said Miller was later released from their custody.

Police probe

drug case

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating an incident of possession of drug paraphernalia that occurred at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the Manheim Diner parking lot in North Manheim Township.

Police said Amanda Lee Campion, 20, of Pottsville, was found to be in possession of a marijuana smoking pipe and a metal grinder.

Charges are pending, police said.

Padlock taken

in Lykens area

LYKENS - A gold padlock was stolen between 1 p.m. Saturday and 1 a.m. Sunday at 552 N. St., Lykens, Dauphin County, police said.

Anyone with information regarding the burglary is asked to call state police at Lykens at 717-362-8700.

n Hazleton: The McCann School of Business & Technology is calling on males to participate in the Hazleton Relay for Life's second annual Ms. Relay contest. In a press release, McCann's community relations specialist Lori Kane said the event "brings together good humored men to dress as women and walk the catwalk during the Hazleton Relay for Life" at 11 p.m. Friday. The winner will receive a gift certificate to be used for massages at the Spa at McCann. He will also be crowned, complete with sash and flowers. "We tried Ms. Relay ... for the first time last year and it went over very well," Kane said, adding, "with only a handful of men, we raised over $400. Ms. Relay has been a successful event for the Carbon-Tamaqua Relay for Life for a number of years. The guys dress up as women and participate in a 'pageant.' Each participant gets to introduce 'herself' and answer a question that they draw at random out of a purse. After everyone does the final catwalk, they work the crowd to see who can collect the most money; so in essence, they buy their way to the crown." Teams are encouraged to have at least one male participate. Registration is encouraged by contacting Kane at 570-454-6172 or emailing her at lori.kane@mccann.edu. Participants can also register the night of the event.

n Minersville: The Minersville Area Food Pantry at Zion Lutheran Church, Fourth and Lewis streets, distributes from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the third Tuesdays of even months. The primary site contact is Jason Schally, program operations specialist for Schuylkill Communtiy Action, 570-622-1995. In addition to Minersville, the pantry serves Cass, Foster and Branch townships.

n New Ringgold: The New Ringgold Area Food Pantry at the United Methodist Parsonage, Royer and Kelm streets, distributes from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. the first Wednesday of even months. The primary site contact is Kay Brown, 570-385-3360. The pantry serves New Ringgold, McKeansburg, Port Clinton, Drehersville, Snyder, Andreas, East Brunswick Township and pat of West Penn Township, according to Jason Schally, program operations specialist for Schuylkill Community Action.

n Shamokin: The SAT Reasoning and the SAT Subject tests will be administered to candidates who have registered in advance Saturday at Shamokin Area High School. In a press release, Joe Klebon, test center supervisor, said check-in and room assignments will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the auditorium lobby for those who bring all required admissions documents and material. All candidates, he said, must bring photo/signature identification or an official letter of identification on school letterhead signed by either the school's principal or counselor. He advised students to consult their registration bulletin or www.collegeboard.com for more information about test-day procedures. The doors to the test room will close at 8 a.m. Cell phones are not permitted in the test center. Candidates should park in either of the school's side parking lots.

n Shenandoah: Trinity United Church of Christ, 109-111 W. Lloyd St., will sponsor a penny auction June 10 at the church. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. and the auction will begin at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 570-462-4346.

n Tower City: During its May meeting, the Williams Valley school board accepted the resignation of long-time maintenance supervisor Robert Ehrhart, effective at the end of the work day on June 29. Ehrhart has worked 40 years for the district. Board members and Superintendent Donald Burkhardt, Ph.D., thanked Ehrhart for his many years of service. District residents Scott and Celia Rudy asked the board to reconsider a tax exoneration that had been denied. President Richard Updegrove said the board would discuss the matter with them and have Homer Knox, business manager, get back to them about the board's decision. Resident Kim Jansen posed questions about the district's booster policy and spoke of the need for extensive financial reporting. The board approved a change to the April 26 board meeting minutes regarding an inquiry by residents Mike and Tracy Sedesse. The minutes should reflect that the couple was there questioning the status of future coaching decisions, not the status of their son's participation in sporting events. The board approved Kathleen Welsh for the 21st Century program staff to assist in implementing the summer program at the high school. Members also gave the OK for Emily Volek, Tower City, to serve as assistant band director; Kathy Ferraro, Tower City, as color guard advisor and Cory Merwine, Tower City, as volunteer assistant girls soccer coach.

Hugh O'Brian

Several area high school sophomores were chosen to represent their schools at the annual Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar that was held May 17 through 20 at Millersville University.

The students were among 245 youngsters from throughout central and northeast Pennsylvania who interacted with groups of distinguished leaders in business, government and education to discuss present and future issues in an enthusiastic learning environment, according to a press release from the HOBY Leadership.

Calvin Talbott, a sophomore at Marian High School, is a son of James and Wendy Talbott, Barnesville.

Joann Butkus, a sophomore at Tamaqua Area High School, was selected to represent her school. She is a daughter of Pete and Diane Butkus, Tuscarora.

Brandon Haeseler, a sophomore at Schuylkill Haven Area High School, is a son of James and Leanne Haeseler, Schuylkill Haven.

Corinne Foster, a sophomore at Blue Mountain High School, is a daughter of John and Bonnie Foster, Orwigsburg.

Richelle Van Horn, a sophomore at Panther Valley High School, is a daughter of Richard and Nancy Van Horn, Nesquehoning.

Shen Rotary

Megan James, a senior at Shenandoah Valley High School, was chosen as student of the month for April by the Shenandoah Rotary Club.

Megan's high school activities include National Honor Society, marching, concert and jazz band, volleyball, softball, drama club, Relay for Life and Academic Bowl. Her out-of-school activities are volunteering at the St. Stanislaus and Annunciation BVM churches' block party bingos, yard sale for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Shenandoah's Kielbasi Festival.

A daughter of Mark and Patricia James, Shenandoah Heights, she plans to attend Marywood University, Scranton, to major in biology.

Mahanoy Middle

Trey Macieunas and Meghan Letcavage were chosen as students of the month for April by the faculty of Mahanoy Area Middle School. The program is sponsored by the Mahanoy City Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 695.

Trey is an honor student and student council vice president. His activities include ski club, National Honor Junior Society, Theatre Arts stage crew, seventh- and eighth-grade boys basketball, golf team, intramural basketball, Teener League baseball, track and field, and Biddy Basketball. His volunteer work includes the YMCA program, Biddy Basketball Tournament and CYO.

He is a son of Joseph and Kelly Macieunas, Barnesville, and a member of St. Richard Roman Catholic Church, Barnesville, where he is an altar server. His future plans are to attend college.

Meghan, an honor student, is involved in chorus, Mahanoy Area High School marching and concert bands, jazz bands, Schuylkill County Band, National Junior Honor Society, Paw Print, ski club, Theatre Arts, seventh- and eighth-grade cheerleading, swim team, Biddy Basketball and Mahanoy City Girls Basketball. Her volunteer work includes working at the Biddy Basketball concession stand, Mahanoy Area Elementary Wrestling Tournament and Good American Hose Company bazaar.

Meghan is a daughter of Robert and Kim Letcavage, Barnesville, and a member of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church, Mahanoy City. Her future plans are to attend college and major in nursing.

Pottsville Rotary

Nativity BVM High School seniors Alyssa Davidson and Billy Birosik and Pottsville Area High School seniors Kendra Muldowney and Jenna Mickonis were named students of the month for April by the Pottsville Rotary Club.

Alyssa is a daughter of James and Lisa Davidson, Minersville. She attends St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, Minersville, where she is an altar server.

An honor roll student, Alyssa is involved in the drama and Interact clubs, Meals on Wheels, concert chorus and music ministry. She plans to attend college.

Billy is a son of William and Patti Birosok, Schuylkill Haven, and attends St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven, where he is active in church events.

Billy was MVP and an All-Star selection on the basketball team, and is also involved in track and field. He plans to attend East Stroudsburg University to play football and become an engineer.

Kendra is a daughter of Sandra Muldowney, Pottsville, and a granddaughter of Robert and Kathleen Muldowney. She is a two-year member of the National Honor Society and a three-year member of the Quill and Scroll and German National Honor Society. She was also the winner of the Kiwanis Community Service Award.

Kendra is squad leader of the marching band, second chair concert band. She is publications sports editor and German Club treasurer and a member of student council, varsity track and field, volleyball and the pep band.

Kendra is a member of Alpha Iota Delta service sorority and volunteers at the soup kitchen, SPCA and with the SKIP cleanup. She plans to study biology at Temple University, Philadelphia, and go to medical school to become a dermatologist.

Jenna is a daughter of David and Sandra Mickonis, New Philadelphia. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society, a three-year member of the Spanish Club and Alpha Iota Delta service sorority, two-year member of Teens Against Tobacco and a member of Interact and student council.

Jenna lettered in varsity cheerleading the past three years, and was captain of the squad her senior year. She is a dancer at Dalinda Dance Studio, Saint Clair, and an altar server at her church.

She plans to attend Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, and major in pharmacy.

HARRISBURG - Senate Republican leaders plan to introduce legislation soon to put new hires for state government and school district jobs under a defined contribution pension plan similar to 401(k) plans in the private sector.

The pending legislation could be considered Act Two for efforts in recent years to lessen the impact of a costly spike in payments by state and school taxpayers to meet public pension obligations to hundreds of thousands of current and retired state government and school district employees.

This proposal would end the traditional defined benefit plan for those hired after a future date. Defined-benefit plans enable retirees to collect a portion of their salary based on a formula that weighs age, years of employment and their own contributions.

"Without significant changes in the design of Pennsylvania's pension system, including a switch to a defined contribution system, the costs associated with the pension system in the long run will be unaffordable to Pennsylvania taxpayers," said Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-9, Chester, and Sens. Pat Browne, R-16, Allentown, Jake Corman, R-34, Bellefonte, and Michael Brubaker, R-36, Lititz, in a memo seeking bill cosponsors.

The senators said having a defined contribution plan will make pension costs more manageable and allow public employees to enjoy the benefit of market returns and integrate the investment of pension funds with the rest of their portfolio.

Officials hope the cost containment part is addressed in the 2013-14 state budget.

The state is contributing $481 million to the State Employees' Retirement System this year with a $1.7 billion contribution projected by fiscal 2016-17 to meet a wave of retirements. The state is contributing $671 million to the Public School Employees Retirement System this year with a $2.3 billion contribution projected by fiscal 2016-17, according to the state Independent Fiscal Office.

The renewed focus on pensions follows in the wake of a 2010 state law that cut pension benefits for new state and school district employees. The law increases the vesting age to be eligible for a pension from five years to 10 years, for example. This law spreads out the costs of meeting pension obligations over ensuing decades.

But the governor and Corman warned that pensions obligations will still overtake the state's other spending priorities.

"The first thing you have to do is draw a line in the sand. The costs are unsustainable," said Rick Dreyfuss, a Hershey actuary who writes about pension issues.

A spokesman for the teacher-oriented Pennsylvania State Education Association said the pending Senate bill doesn't address existing pension obligations.

"It's important to remember that the current and future increases in pension costs to the Commonwealth and school districts were brought on by 12 years of employer underfunding, combined with investment losses from two historic recessions," said PSEA spokesman Wythe Keever. "Changing future hires into a defined contribution system won't erase that debt."

The emergence of the Senate bill has led to speculation about a third act: tackling existing pension benefits for current employees and retirees.

State officials and pension fund managers have said that Pennsylvania can't legally reduce pension benefits for current and retired employees because the state Constitution and case law define them as a contract between the state and its employed that can't be impaired.

But one theory suggests the contract definition may not apply to pension formulas and benefits not yet earned.

HARRISBURG - Presenting a united front, two House and Senate floor leaders said Wednesday that agreement on the next state budget is taking shape while negotiations continue on spending for education and county-run human services programs.

House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-28, Pittsburgh, and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-9, Chester, held closed-door negotiations with a month left to the June 30 budget passage deadline. Both made it clear that the $27.6 billion state budget bill approved by the Senate last month is the starting point for discussions. The Senate bill restores $500 million of spending cuts proposed by Gov. Tom Corbett last February when the state's fiscal picture was more dire.

"We think the Senate bill sets good parameters in keeping us fiscally responsible and balancing the needs of Pennsylvania citizens," Turzai said.

The two majority caucuses are negotiating whether to go beyond the $50 million restoration in the Senate bill for accountability block grants which school districts use to support pre-school and kindergarten programs and tying extra higher education funding to pledges by public universities to limit any student tuition hikes.

The Senate bill would restore $84 million of a $168 million cut proposed by the governor for county programs that offer services ranging from community mental health and disability programs to drug and alcohol treatment. Democratic lawmakers have called for a full restoration.

"That's an item still under discussion," Turzai said.

Pileggi indicated that funding state cash assistance grants to the poor which is zeroed out in the Senate bill is not being discussed despite recent calls by a coalition of faith-based groups to do so.

The next milestone for the budget comes Friday when state tax revenue reports for May are released. GOP leaders are scheduled to meet early next week with Corbett. House lawmakers plan to vote on budget amendments offered on the floor.

SHENANDOAH - A fast-moving fire severely damaged two homes Wednesday on West New York Street, leaving three people homeless.

Firefighters were called about 10:07 a.m. to 428-430 W. New York St. and found heavy smoke and fire when they arrived.

Shenandoah police Lt. Gary Keppel, one of the first at the scene, said heavy smoke was coming from the second-floor front windows of 428 W. New York St.

Flames quickly spread to the adjoining home at 430 W. New York St. but firefighters managed to contain most of the fire to those two homes.

"It didn't take long for it to spread," Keppel said, adding that no one was home at the time of the fire.

Shenandoah police Chief Joseph Hall, who is also a borough fire investigator, identified the occupants of the homes as Daniel Wylie and Rita Suda at 428 W. New York St. and Shawn Weinus, 37, at 430 W. New York St.

Firefighters helped an elderly woman out of her 432 W. New York St. home during the early stages of the fire as a precaution.

The woman, identified as Julia Gervel, was not injured and her home sustained minor fire damage to the rear and some smoke damage inside.

Firefighters from Shenandoah and surrounding communities battled the blaze and had it completely under control in about 90 minutes, according to Shenandoah fire marshal Rick Examitas.

The cause of the fire has not been determined and Hall said a state police fire marshal was called to assist. Hall said, however, that the blaze started in the 428 W. New York St. home and does not appear to be suspicious.

Shenandoah Fire Police assisted at the scene with traffic and crowd control and the American Red Cross was on hand to assist those left homeless.