SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - The borough has been awarded a $24,000 Heritage Trail Town Grant for directional "way-finding" signs in the community.

Carl Berger, the borough's economic development director, wrote the grant request earlier this year. As required, the council in May voted to provide up to $2,400 as part of the grant submission.

Berger told council members about the grant award at their regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday evening.

After the meeting, Berger said he received email saying the grant was awarded. The contract could be done in the next 30 days, he said.

About 10 signs - each 36-by-52 inches - could be installed by borough workers throughout Schuylkill Haven showing points of interest such as The Island and Bubeck Park. Signs could be up by this time next year or earlier, Berger said.

In other news, the Island Committee was presented a check for $1,000 by Michelle Lewandowski, loan officer/branch manager of Riverview Bank. She said the Island is important to the community and being a "good corporate neighbor" Riverview wanted to contribute.

B.J. Evans, president of the Island Committee, said that to date more $300,000 has been received through various means for the Island, located off Fritz Reed Avenue in the borough. He did not immediately know what the $1,000 would be allocated for.

"We've been blessed. We're very lucky," he said about all the support for the effort.

The council voted to hire two full-time workers for the waste water treatment plant because two people from the department went to another department, borough Manager Scott Graver said. Council voted to hire Jesse Killian and Kyle Morgan. They will start July 30. A pay rate was not provided.

Council member Jerry Bowman said the monthly farm market will be held in the borough hall parking lot today form 3 to 6 p.m. Member David Gerber said the Schuylkill Choral Society will perform at the recreation center July 29. For more information or tickets contact the Schuylkill Haven Library, who will benefit from the event, at 570-385-0542.

A Paws, Claws, Dine and waddle event for dog lover will take place July 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the borough, said council member Tom Gordon. Vendors and others will be there. Owners are encouraged to bring their dogs.

Thirty years ago, artist A. Gilbert Haviland used to display his work at the annual Allied Artists of Schuykill County Juried Art Exhibit.

Now his work is making impressions once again.

One of his pastel landscapes, discovered in an attic of a Pottsville home in 2011, has been reconditioned and framed. And on Wednesday, in the middle of this year's week-long Allied Artists exhibit, the illustration is being displayed front and center.

"I think it's chalk pastel," said artist Kathy Connelly, Pottsville, one of the directors of the Allied Artists, as she gave the illustration a once over Wednesday afternoon.

The public can view the 18-by-22-inch illustration, as well as the other 90 photos and paintings on display, at the exhibit from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight, Friday and Saturday at the Foursquare Gospel Church, 2300 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. Admission is free, but donations are welcome, said Allied Artists President Madlen Piccioni, Pottsville.

Haviland was a native of Canada who lived in New York and Philadelphia before moving to the Pottsville area in 1952. A self-taught artist, he specialized in oils and pastels, according to the Aug. 6, 1981 edition of The Pottsville REPUBLICAN.

Kane Garzone and his wife, Donna, moved from Long Island, N.Y., to Pottsville. "We came up here for a change of scenery. It's a little more peaceful here," Garzone said.

In April 2011, they bought a home at 331 E. Second Mountain Road.

"The home was built in 1785 and the day we bought it I went up into the attic and I found it sandwhiched in between two pieces of cardboard. I showed it to my mother. She loved it, so I gave it to her," Garzone said.

His mother, Carol DeAngelis, Ferndale, took a special interest in the illustration and gave it a close inspection.

"I didn't see the artist's signature. She found it. And she looked it up and found out he was an artist from Pottsville," Garzone said.

His mother set about making arrangements to have the artwork cleaned and framed.

"That was about two months ago," Garzone said. "She said it's a Pottsville artist and you should keep it in Pottsville. And she gave it back to us as a house warming gift.

On Monday Garzone and his wife read an article in The Republican-Herald about the Allied Artists exhibit and decided to visit

"I figured if anybody knows anything about the history of Mr. Haviland, they might be affiliated with Allied Artists. And I went up Monday night," Garzone said.

Piccioni was impressed with the illustration and Garzone offered to display it for the remainder of the exhibit.

Garzone is still trying to find more information about the artist, including his obituary.

"I couldn't find anything about that on the Internet. I have no idea. We found photos of him up to 1985 in the newspaper," Garzone said.

The Pottsville Area school board on Wednesday approved a resolution to refinance a $5 million bond, a debt it incurred in 2008 for roof repair, according to district Business Manager David J. Delenick.

"In 2008, it was originally $5 million. Now it might be around $4.3 million. It was a 20-year bond issue. So we're hoping to get lower interest rates so we can save money while paying it back," Delenick said.

The district is managing its bonds with the help of Rhoads & Sinon LLP, Harrisburg. The district's bond counsel, Jens H. Damgaard, Harrisburg, an attorney with the firm, spoke about the issue during the meeting.

Damgaard said the district could save up to $250,000 by refinancing the bonds.

"The rates were great in 2008. But, largely with the problems that have been going on with the economy, rates have even come down further. We've been breaking records over the last several months," Damgaard said.

The district was expecting to refinance the bond in 2013, five years after the bonds were issued. But Damgaard recommended the district move now.

"Rates have been bouncing around a little bit. But the target I've been told by your underwriter is about $250,000 in total debt service savings is achievable," Damgaard said.

The plan is to take money from the new bond issue and use it to buy U.S. Treasury securities, lending money to the federal government for a specified period of time, Damgaard said.

District solicitor Richard A. Thornburg recommended the district approve the resolution. RBC Capital Markets. Scranton, a broker, is the underwriter of the bond. The district makes payments on the bond twice a year to First National Bank of Minersville, Damgaard said.

In other financial matters, the school board formally approved H.A. Berkheimer Inc., Northampton County, as the earned income tax collector for the district.

On July 10, the Schuylkill County Tax Collection Committee, which represents the district along with the other school districts and municipalities in the county, unanimously voted to hire Berkheimer as the EIT collector for the county for a term to end Dec. 31, 2013.

In recent months, the committee became frustrated with its previous EIT collector, Centax Group, Allegheny County, since Centax was failing to process tax bills in a timely manner.

The school board also voted Wednesday to hire Berkheimer to collect its local services tax.

While the Schuylkill County TCC worked out the contract for EIT collection for municipalities and school districts, those entities approved their own contracts with tax collectors for the local services tax.

Pottsville Area had hired Centax to collect its LST, but in a unanimous vote Wednesday night the board decided to get out of that agreement and go with Berkheimer.

Delenick said the district, like other school districts and municipalities that had hired Centax to collect the LST, is working with the Schuylkill County TCC to close out their local service tax contracts with Centax.

In other matters Wednesday, the board took the following actions:

- Approved the following fall sports budgets for the 2012-13 school year: Football, $58,650; boys' soccer, $6,779; girls' soccer, $10,373; girls' volleyball, $11,170; water polo, $7,869.; cross country, $2,507.; golf, $6,089.; girls' tennis, $2,525, and medical budget, $9,506.

- Agreed to advertise bids for athletic equipment for the 2012-13 school year.

For the second year in a row, the John E. Morgan Foundation will match all new dollars donated to the Schuylkill United Way Pacesetters Club during the 2013 campaign, according to a release.

New Pacesetters who join will have their donation matched while current club members who increase their donation over last year will have their increase matched via the $50,000 matching grant.

"We are pleased to partner with the Schuylkill United Way to assist the community here in Schuylkill County," Jim Zigmant, president and chairman of the John E. Morgan Foundation, said. "We strive to participate in numerous nonprofit organizations, whether financially or through volunteering. Needless to say, we are proud to enhance the Schuylkill United Way Pacesetters program."

The Pacesetters Club gives United Way a head start to its annual campaign, which begins each September. The club is divided into six divisions according to the amount of the donation and includes only individual contributions.

Divisions are: Copper, $500 to $749; Bronze, $750 to $999; Silver, $1,000 to $1,499; Gold, $1,500 to $1,999; Diamond, $2,000 to $2,499 and Platinum, $2,500-plus.

The club began in 1994 and the Pacesetters alone have since raised more than $3 million to help support each of the 15 United Way partner agencies that offer their programs and services for little to no cost.

Pacesetters Co-Chairman Jay Jones said the club set a record last year with 384 members who combined to donate $334,325, about 33 percent of the 2012 Schuylkill United Way Campaign total of $1,063,000.

The club also had 99 new pacesetters last year.

"Our Pacesetters have been an important part of our campaign each and every year," Jones said. "They are a very generous and loyal group of individuals who we know we can count on to make the campaign a success every year."

Co-Chairman Bob Weaver said the John E. Morgan grant could have a positive influence on the Pacesetters donations this year.

"Our Pacesetters are outstanding community members," Weaver said. "Their generosity helps us to reach our goal each year and now with the continued help of the John E. Morgan Foundation, we hope to keep setting the pace for the campaign."

The Schuylkill United Way's goal for the 2013 campaign has been set at $1,002,013.

The 2013 "United To Make A Difference" Campaign kicks off at 8 a.m. Sept. 7 at Penn State Schuylkill and at noon Sept. 21 at Dimaggio's La Dolce Casa, Tamaqua. The campaign traditionally runs through November.

For additional information, contact the Schuylkill United Way at 570-622-6421 or online at www.schuylkillunitedway.org.

ASHLAND - The borough council opened two bids for the third phase of the borough's streetscape project at Wednesday's meeting.

Heim Construction Co. LLC, submitted the lowest bid at $187,575.

Robert Weir of Entech Engineering read the bids to the council.

The council opened five bids for the project at its May meeting, but all were rejected at the June meeting at the recommendation of Entech project engineer Donald M. Cuff.

Borough Manager Thomas W. Joyce said after the June meeting that in order for the borough to receive the PennDOT permit, some of the bid specifications need to be changed in order to meet new requirements, particularly involving accessibility to the handicapped.

The project will be funded through a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Grant of $250,000. In addition to construction fees, the grant will also pay for legal and engineering fees, audit fees at the end of the project and any other related costs.

The project includes both sides of the 400 and 500 blocks of Centre Street and involves replacing sidewalks and curb cuts (for the handicapped) and removing two trees, similar to the work done on the 200 and 300 blocks of Centre Street.

The council accepted the low bid conditionally after review by Entech and borough solicitor James Diehl. After the bid review, the project will start as soon as possible, official said.

In another street matter, the council gave permission to Joyce to begin the process for the 2012 road program. The tentative plan is to pave Walnut Street from 15th to 18th streets or Walnut Street from 22nd to 24th streets.

"In the uptown area (22nd to 24th streets), we probably won't have to mill, but at the downtown area, we would have to mill on the north side because the curb is low," Joyce said, adding the milling would add to the project costs. The amount of money available is limited this year for road projects, he added.

by peter e. bortner

Joshua Thurman, who cut his girlfriend's throat with a box cutter in January at their Hubley Township home, is headed to state prison after being sentenced Tuesday in Schuylkill County Court.

"The actions that you committed could have been deadly," Judge Jacqueline L. Russell told Thurman, 25, of Spring Glen, shortly before ordering him to spend 40 to 80 months in a state correctional institution, plus two additional years on probation.

Having Thurman sent away provided some comfort to Natalie Barr, Thurman's victim, who said the incident has been particularly hard on her 12-year-old son.

"He's scared to be by himself," Barr testified Tuesday. "He wakes up during the night."

The assault also changed her life, Barr said.

"Every door is locked," she said. "It's very hard."

After a two-day trial, a jury of nine men and three women convicted Thurman on June 6 of two counts each of aggravated assault and simple assault and one each of recklessly endangering another person and possession of drug paraphernalia, while acquitting him of charges of attempted homicide and terroristic threats. The jury also decided that the box cutter Thurman used was a deadly weapon.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had charged Thurman with cutting Barr's throat and punching her Jan. 18 on the front porch of the apartment building where they lived.

Thurman, who had testified at his trial that he remembered hitting Barr but not cutting her throat, told Russell that he wanted a chance to be part of his daughter's life.

Thurman must also must pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, perform 100 hours community service and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities under the terms of Russell's sentence.

A Pottsville man admitted Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he violated a protection from abuse order in June in Saint Clair.

Peter Kadingo Jr., 54, pleaded guilty to indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom.

Judge John E. Domalakes accepted Kadingo's plea and sentenced him to pay costs and a $300 fine.

Saint Clair police had charged Kadingo with violating the order June 13. Judge James P. Goodman had entered the order against Kadingo on April 18.

Also Wednesday, Domalakes found two women not guilty of indirect criminal contempt for alleged violations of temporary PFA orders.

Melissa A. Bradley, 46, of Pottsville, had been charged by state police at Schuylkill Haven with violating the order against her on June 14.

Domalakes acquitted Bradley after the alleged victim did not appear for the hearing.

"You're still bound by the order," which remains in effect, Domalakes warned Bradley after finding her not guilty.

Goodman entered the order against Bradley on June 12.

In the other case, Domalakes acquitted Tracy Butler, 33, of Pottsville, who had been charged by Minersville police with violating the order against her May 22 by writing a letter.

Assistant District Attorney Robert E. Matta told Domalakes that the alleged victim did not want to proceed with the case.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell had entered the order against Bradley on May 18.

In other recent county court action, Russell accepted guilty pleas from, and imposed the indicated sentences on, these defendants:

Heather N. Reichert, 32, of Pottsville; two counts of recklessly endangering another person and one of driving under the influence; 48 hours to six months in prison, 12 months consecutive probation, $500 fine, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors dropped a charge of failure to drive at a safe speed.

Travis S. Reichert, 24, of Pottsville; DUI, careless driving and stop sign violation; 72 hours to six months in prison with immediate parole, $1,050 in fines, $300 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors dropped a charge of reckless driving.

Danielle M. Revinski, 26, of Locustdale; improper furnishing of drug-free urine; 12 months probation consecutive to current sentence and $50 CJEA payment.

Craig A. Rittenbaugh, 39, of Pine Grove; six counts of recklessly endangering another person and one of criminal mischief; six to 23 months in prison, $50 fine and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors dropped six counts of harassment and five of endangering the welfare of children.

Wendy M. Ritzko, 51, of Lansford; theft of leased property; 23 months property, $50 CJEA payment, $2,324.23 restitution and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Rodney Rogers, 56, of Pottsville; possession of marijuana; 30 days probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors dropped charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct

Roberto Rolon, 35, of Reading; theft and agricultural trespass; one to 23 months in prison and $100 in CJEA payments. Prosecutors dropped charges of corruption of minors and receiving stolen property.

Jeremiah J. Ruscavage, 32, of Schuylkill Haven; theft; 38 days to 23 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment and $1,000 restitution. Prosecutors dropped a charge of receiving stolen property.

Debra A. Sacco, 57, of Scranton; theft; two to 23 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment and $341.96 restitution.

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

Marriage licenses

Chris A. Zehner, Coaldale, and Melissa D. Pettit, Coaldale.

Derek Jackson Sr., Pottsville, and Danielle M. Crawley, Pottsville.

Christopher J. Potash, Tamaqua, and Tara M. Rupert, Tamaqua.

Dustin L. Boyer, Cumbola, and Alicia Schumacher, Cumbola.

Matthew D. McNulty, Saint Clair, and Traci J. Linkey, Pottsville.

Adam R. Zerbe, Valley View, and Heather A. Morris, Valley View.

George R. Dillman, Kulpmont, and Amy E. Chubb, Kulpmont.

Robert G. Donati, Schuylkill Haven, and Virginia M. Austerberry, Schuylkill Haven.

Kyle J. Luscavage, Pottsville, and Caitlin E. Sanders, Pottsville.

Joseph M. Pukavage, Shenandoah, and Amanda C. Beaver, Shenandoah.

Jamie S. Shive Sr., Cumbola, and Melissa V. Foster, Cumbola.

Anthony Winkler, Frackville, and Nancy J. DeStefano, Minersville.

Michael J. Ulinitz, Barnesville, and Cassandra J. Lettich, Sacramento.

Eric J. Porter, Pine Grove, and Tina L. Barton, Pine Grove.

Chad J. Whitman, Valley View, and Crystal M. Sterner, Valley View.

Thomas A. Tutko, Zion Grove, and Rabekah M. Dalessio, Zion Grove.

Joshua A. Davis, Nescopeck, and Jennifer L. Wolfe, Muncy.

Christopher Frushon, Minersville, and Justine A. Guldin, Minersville.

Fruit stolen in New Ringgold

NEW RINGGOLD - A theft at Dunn's Produce, 59 Peach Drive, East Brunswick Township, about 6:30 p.m. Monday is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Police said someone drove onto the property and parked alongside the nectarine field where two men, possibly Hispanic, got out of the vehicle each holding a plastic bag and filled them with about $50 in fruit.

The two then fled the scene on Peach Drive in a champagne-color Nissan Altima.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-593-2000.

Police plan DUI checkpoints

The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced that sobriety checkpoints and roving DUI patrols will be conducted today through July 30 on routes 61, 183, 901, 209, 1006, 309, 443, 895, 125,25, 924 and 54.

Travelers are reminded to call 911 if they suspect a drunk driver or to call, toll-free, 888-UNDER21 to report underage drinking.

Tire damaged in parking lot

SAINT CLAIR _ State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a criminal mischief incident at the Hexcel plant parking lot on Industrial Road in East Norwegian Township between 10 and 10:30 p.m. Monday.

Police said someone damaged the left rear tire of a vehicle owned by Eric Trezise, Cressona, and fled the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-593-2000.

Police announce checkpoint results

The North Central PA Regional DUI Enforcement Program said two officers from two departments conducted a roving DUI patrol Saturday that resulted in 18 vehicles contacted and detained and two drivers tested for DUI.

There was one juvenile DUI arrest made along with one arrest for underage drinking. The officers also made eight traffic arrests, one criminal arrest and issued one seat belt citation and 12 warning notices.

Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street

To Ryan Chladek and Stephanie Jones, Mahanoy City, a son, July 10.

Child misidentified

A 9-year-old boy was bitten by a pit bull at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at 307 Oak St., Wiconisco Township, according to police.

The gender of the child was incorrect in Wednesday's edition.

Contestant misidentified

Schuylkill Idol contestant Rich Harper, 19, of Cumbola, was misidentified as Jeffery Bates in a photograph in Wednesday's edition.

The Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners will vote on room and board rate hikes at Rest Haven during the public meeting July 25.

The rate proposal was brought forward during the commissioners' work session meeting Wednesday.

If approved, rates would be increased from $250 a day each to $325 for a private room, $300 for a semi-private room with three beds, $275 for a room with four beds, and $300 for an Alzheimer's unit, per day starting Sept. 1.

While rates usually increase every year, there has been no increase since November 2009, said Jill Schaeffer, Rest Haven administrator. Schaeffer also said the increases are "in line with neighboring facilities."

At 401 University Drive, Schuylkill Haven, the Rest Haven nursing home has 142 beds and provides nursing care, social services, rehabilitation, therapeutic activities, pastoral services and specialized services with a Alzheimer's/Dementia Unit. The facility also has rehabilitation programs including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and a restorative nursing program.

Also Wednesday, Robert S. Carl Jr., executive director of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and former county commissioner, was reappointed as a member of the Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Investment Board for a three-year term beginning July 1 and ending Sept. 30, 2015. There is still one more vacant position on the board.

In other news, the board approved the continuation of a service agreement with Kova Corp., Little Egg Harbor, N.J., for the 88 channel audiolog max pro recording system that was bought in 2008. Cost is $23,570 from Aug. 1 to July 31, 2013, and comes from the Act 78 and Act 56 funds. The agreement has been in place since 2009 with no price increases.

The bid to supply uniforms for the Schuylkill County Prison employees for one year was awarded to Hess Embroidery & Uniforms, West Reading. The agreement is from July to June 2013, and will be for $19,940.76. There was only one bid submitted.

On behalf of the county Public Works Office, the board approved an additional $915 for Hahner Brother's Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc., for labor and materials to finish repairs to the roof above the commissioner's room in the courthouse.

The monthly prison board meeting will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the commissioners' board room.

ORWIGSBURG - The sweet corn crop planted in April at Harding's Farm in West Brunswick Township should be standing at least 5 feet high.

When Mark Harding, 19, son of Steve Harding who owns the family farm, walked past the corn rows Tuesday morning, the plants only came up to his waist.

"And there are no ears of corn on them," he said, explaining that recent heat waves and lack of rain have stunted their growth.

"Overall, we plant about five acres of sweet corn. We don't plant all of it at once. We planted some in April, then some in May and so forth. We might lose an acre this year. Not sure," Harding said Tuesday.

Steve Harding, 53, welcomed the brief downpour that fell Wednesday afternoon.

"I'll take rain any way we can get it," he said.

Steven C. Dunn Sr., owner of Dunn Fruit Farm, New Ringgold, has similar problems.

"I have one field of sweet corn that's more than four acres and it's not going to amount to anything. It didn't come up because of the dryness. There was too much against it. Another field of sweet corn on our farm needs moisture to grow. It's not so high. There's corn on them but the cobs aren't as big as it should be," Dunn said Tuesday.

"It'd be nice if we could get 1 to 2 inches of rain in the next two weeks. We could use more, but that would definitely help," Dunn said.

"If we don't get some rain soon, we're going to have some hurting fields," Dennis DiOrio, district conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pottsville, said Tuesday.

"The drought is definitely affecting the corn, but not everything. But give us another month of drought like this and, yes, it will affect everything," Mark Harding said.

Steve Harding, said he's been farming for three decades.

Dunn, 48, said his family started his farm in 1954 and today, he farms on 125 acres.

There's a 60 percent chance of precipitation tonight and a 70 percent chance of precipitation Friday, according to the website for the National Weather Service, State College.

According to The Associated Press, more than half of the United States is in some stage of drought, while the rest is enduring abnormally dry conditions.

On Wednesday, stream flow in Schuylkill County remained normal, according to the website for the U.S. Geological Survey.

Thus far, the state Department of Environmental Protection has not issued a drought warning for Schuylkill County, John Matz, emergency management coordinator for the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency, Pottsville, said Tuesday.

The extreme heat has had only a slight effect on local reservoirs, according to Patrick M. Caulfield, executive director of the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority, Pottsville.

"This year, we were at full capacity, 100 percent, through June 29. As is common with this time of year, the lack of precipitation, warm temperatures and increased evaporation rates cause the reservoirs to begin depleting capacity. As of July 17, our capacity has dropped to 97.82 percent," Caulfield said Tuesday.

"The groundwater levels in our wells have slowly decreased with the dry conditions and lack of recharge from precipitation. Although we are not yet at drought stage, we always urge customers to conserve water and look forward to some steady seasonal precipitation so that the potential for drought conditions is diminished," Caulfield said.

Meanwhile, farmers feel the heat.

"Corn in general, including field corn, is going to take a hit without a doubt," DiOrio said.

"The rain on Sunday did help. We got 6/10 of an inch. But we still need more rain," Mark Harding said.

"The inch we got on Sunday really helped. That's a start. Now if you irrigate, you can help some crops come back a little quicker. If we don't get rain soon, it's going to be too late for some crops," Dunn said.

Nevertheless, with the use of modern irrigation, some dryness can be tolerated and is even desirable.

"With the farming that I do, I usually prefer a dry year over a wet year," Steve Harding said Tuesday.

He's referring to a drip irrigation system which feeds the roots of plants including tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, watermelon, cantaloupe and cucumbers.

"Some people may think I love this weather we've been having. But no. This is a little extreme."

However, "Last year was the worst year I've had in farming, period. It rained every three days, and that's no good. Sunlight is everything," Steve Harding said.

But Dunn and Harding said they don't usually use the irrigation system for sweet corn, pumpkins and orchard crops because it is too expensive.

"For me, it's because of cost. It's also because I don't have the water source. But I don't know anybody who does a drip irrigation system with sweet corn," Steve Harding said.

"But so far this is one of the best years for plums and peaches. Tree fruits in general and apples, too. The peaches are little smaller than usual because there's no rain," Mark Harding said.

"The apple crop looks very good, exceptional. The reason the orchard tree fruit survives is because the trees have deeper roots than some other crops. But if I don't get rain in the next three of four days, the pumpkins are young enough. They'll be fine. And the tree fruits will be a little bit smaller," Steve Harding said.

Like the Hardings, Dunn also uses a drip irrigation system with some crops, but not all.

"We have 30-some acres of pumpkins. They need rain. Everything needs it, from our fall apples to our late sweet corn. I hope the whole country will get some rain. There are some farmers out west and, man, they're losing millions of acres and millions of dollars. They're mowing their corn crops down because they're completely dead," Dunn said.

n Ashland: During the July meeting of the borough council, members approved a request from Dr. Mary Stout, D.P. T., of Central Penn Physical Therapy, to hold a patient appreciation/community awareness day near the Ashland office at 1836 Centre St. The event will be held next to the office and will include free hot dogs, chips and water as refreshments, free basket raffles and chair massages plus information about the services provided. Live music may also be available. The council also OK'd the suggested dates of either Aug. 3 or 10. They also approved the request of Pioneer Tunnel business manager Kathy Lattis to hold the annual Pioneer Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 18 in Higher-Up Park and approved a request from Girardville Mayor Edward Burns for the Ashland Fire Police to assist with traffic control on Aug. 18 for the Girard Hose Company's anniversary parade beginning at 7 p.m. The approval was contingent on the ability of the fire police to assist that day in Girardville after working the entire day providing traffic control for Pioneer Day. Joyce said the fire company will be contacted by the fire police in advance if they cannot attend the parade.

n Barnesville: Kevin Clouser, wildlife conservation officer with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will present a program on Pennsylvania mammals at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Locust Lake State Park amphitheater. The program, according to a press release, will include information on wildlife habitat, diet and life cycles. He will also speak about some of the unique characteristics of different mammals. In the event of rain, the event will be held in the program shelter. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

n Danville: The annual Danville Iron Heritage Festival, launched in 1999 to focus on the history of the Danville-Riverside areas, will be held today through Sunday. According to organizers and the festival's website, "The Iron Age, 1829 through 1950, and Danville are truly synonymous." In 1829, the first iron foundry was established in Danville to manufacture wagon boxes, plowshares, and iron and griddles. "In 1839-40, iron ore started to be mined locally and in 1840 the first anthracite furnace to efficiently produce iron was opened in Danville. On Oct 8, 1845, the first T-rail in America was rolled out at the Montour Iron Works, the largest iron manufacturing plant in the United States. The T-rail made it possible for Pennsylvania and America to become the leader in the industrial revolution. This festival is a celebration of America's ingenuity and foresight and is of interest for all of our nation's citizens," according to the website at www.ironheritage festival.net.

n Frackville: The next bleenie sale at St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, 414 W. Oak St., will be at 11 a.m. July 27 at the church. Bleenie sales are held every other week throughout the summer.

n Frackville: Knights of Columbus Council 2580 will hold its monthly Hogan Happy Hoagie sale July 26. Hoagies come in a variety of configurations and may be ordered for pickup only by calling Tom Malloy at 570-874-1843 or Grand Knight John Costa at 570-773-0627.

n Mahanoy City: The Mahanoy City Neighborhood Crime Watch will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the Sen. James J. Rhoades Downtown Center, Main and Centre streets. The guest speaker will be David Boehm, Pennsylvania State Police public information officer, Troop L, Reading barracks. The public is welcome.

n Port Carbon: The Port Carbon Public Library is having a Deppen pie sale again. The cost is $8.50 per nine-inch pie and all orders are due by July 26, according to a release from Jason Abati, library director. Flavors include are blueberry crumb, raisin crumb, apple crumb, strawberry rhubarb crumb, peach, cherry, shoofly, coconut custard, lemon sponge and no-sugar apple. Orders can also be made by calling the library at 570-622-6115. Pies can be picked up at the library Aug. 8

n Sacramento: The 10th annual Sacramento Community Fire Company Poker Run will be held July 29 rain or shine. Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the firehouse, 2206 E. Main Street. In a release, Ronald T. Radel, fire chief, said that in 2011 more than 700 people participated with thousands of dollars in cash and prizes awarded. Food, refreshments and a live band follow the ride. The entry fee is $25 per hand. A custom-painted 2012 Harley-Davidson will be chanced off that day. Tickets for the bike are available at Koppy's on the Square, Kissinger's Family Restaurant, Erdman Sportsman's Club, Valley View Gun Club, Mayer and Kehler, Jack's Spot, One Stop Recycling, RC's Bar and Grill, Traci's Restaurant, Schaeffer's Harley Davidson and Bubba's Bar. Vendors are welcome. For more information, contact Radel at 570-682-9144 or Gene at 570-682-3082.

A Girardville man will spend time on house arrest and probation instead of in prison after being sentenced Thursday in Schuylkill County Court for two crimes arising from separate incidents in 2011 in Pottsville.

Alberto Gonzalez Jr., 28, must spend three months on house arrest and nine on probation for one of his crimes, and 12 additional months on probation for the other, under the terms of Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin's sentence.

Dolbin also sentenced Gonzalez to pay costs and $100 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account. The judge made the sentence effective on July 23.

"It's time for you to start behaving like a man instead of a little boy," Dolbin told Gonzalez.

Gonzalez pleaded guilty on May 23 to defiant trespass and possession of a prohibited offensive weapon, with prosecutors dropping charges of simple assault and harassment.

Pottsville police charged Gonzalez with trespassing on a property on Sept. 17, 2011, and possessing the weapon on Oct. 1, 2011.

Gonzalez asked Dolbin to allow him to spend time on house arrest instead of in prison, saying he needed to help his fiancee, who needs physical therapy, take care of their children.

"I think that's a pretty substantial reason, Dolbin said.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer N. Lehman had opposed house arrest, saying Gonzalez had behaved badly when he was in prison.

Assistant Public Defender Andrea L. Thompson, Gonzalez's lawyer, successfully argued that returning her client to prison would do more harm than good.

In other recent county court action, Judge Jacqueline L. Russell accepted guilty pleas from, and imposed the indicated sentences on, these defendants:

Melissa A. McCormick, 22, of Minersville; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance; 36 months probation, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Eduction Fund, $50 CJEA payment, $113 restitution to the state police laboratory in Bethlehem and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors dropped a charge of possession of a controlled substance.

David U. Memeke, 31, of Pottsville; harassment; $200 fine. Prosecutors dropped a charge of simple assault.

William E. Miller, 45, of Schuylkill Haven; DUI; six months in the intermediate punishment program, $1,000 fine, $300 SAEF payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors dropped charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages and disregarding traffic lane.

David A. Mullins Jr., 21, of Pottsville; possession of a prohibited offensive weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia; 18 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment.

Norman S. Paisley III, 50, of Tamaqua; possession of drug paraphernalia and accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property; 18 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment.

James A. Polusky, 21, of Mahanoy City; two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one each of criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property; 23 months probation, $100 SAEF payment, $100 in CJEA payments, $293 restitution, drug and alcohol evaluation and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors dropped a charge of burglary.

Michael Portanova, 47, of Hazleton; DUI, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to have rear lights; 72 hours to six months in prison with immediate parole, 12 months probation, $1,025 in fines, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $60 restitution.

David J. Rambo, 25, of Philadelphia; theft; six months probation consecutive to current sentence and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors dropped a charge of receiving stolen property.

Jonathan D. Reed, 35, of Pottsville; DUI; six months in the intermediate punishment program, $300 fine and $100 SAEF payment.

A Monroe County man no longer faces an indirect criminal contempt charge arising from an incident on Independence Day in Pottsville, but still must defend against other criminal charges stemming from the same incident.

Prosecutors dropped the charge on Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court against Gregory J. Cousar, 39, of Mount Pocono, in order to prevent double jeopardy problems, Assistant District Attorney Robert E. Matta told Senior Judge D. Michael Stine, who had been scheduled to preside over Cousar's hearing.

Cousar had been charged by Pottsville police with indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom, as a result of a July 4 incident in the city.

Stine had issued the order against Cousar on Dec. 8, 2010.

Pottsville police also have charged Cousar with burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, harassment and driving under suspension in connection with the case. The defendant is scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley at 11 a.m. July 27 for a preliminary hearing on those charges.

However, Cousar remains in prison in lieu of $50,000 straight cash bail pending that hearing.

In other recent county court action, Judge Jacqueline L. Russell accepted guilty pleas from, and imposed the indicated sentences on, these defendants:

Jesse M. Becker, 25, of Tamaqua; driving under the influence, driving without a license and failure to have rear lights; 72 hours to six months in prison, $1,225 in fines, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $60 restitution. Prosecutors dropped charges of possession of a controlled substance and disregarding traffic lane.

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

Man charged with theft

HAMBURG - State police at Hamburg are investigating thefts from vehicles that occurred at the Pleasant Hills Trailer Court in Tilden Township, Berks County, between 10:20 p.m. July 9 and 1:40 a.m. July 10.

Police said Matthew Jones, 19, of Hamburg, was seen entering unlocked vehicles and taking various items.

He was stopped, questioned and taken into custody and found with a small amount of marijuana in his possession.

Police said the vehicles entered were owned by Sherry Boyer, Kenneth Lasko, Charles Ackerman and Beth Boyer, all of Hamburg.

Jones was charged with theft from a motor vehicle and possession of marijuana and taken to Berks County Central Processing.

Police ask that anyone who may have had items stolen from their vehicles during the above listed times in the Pleasant Hills Trailer Court to call 610-562-6885.

Haven woman charged with theft

CRESSONA - State police at Schuylkill Haven investigated a theft that occurred at CVS, 212 Pottsville St., about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Police said Emma Carl, 18, of Schuylkill Haven, concealed numerous items valued at $106.82 in her bag and tried to leave without paying for them.

The woman was detained by store personnel until police arrived, police said.

Carl will now have to answer to a charge of retail theft before Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg.

Police investigate Kohl's theft

State police at Schuykill Haven are investigating a theft by deception that occurred at 8:30 p.m. Monday at Kohl's, 7110 Fairlane Village mall, Norwegian Township.

Police said the incident occurred as a suspect entered the store, picked up a bag of Godiva chocolate valued at $3.95 from a rack near the registers and proceed to pay with a $50 bill.

When the suspect received his change from the cashier, he put his hands under the counter where he exchanged two $1 bills for the two $20 bills he received from the cashier, police said.

The suspect told the cashier that she gave him two $1 bills instead of two $20 bills for his change and the cashier exchanged the $1 bills for $20 bills, police said.

The suspect fled the scene, police said. The investigation is ongoing.

Police probe break room theft

FRACKVILLE - The theft of money from a purse that occurred outside the Schuylkill Mall in New Castle Township between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. June 30 is being investigated by state police at Frackville.

Police said Felicia E. Catizone, Girardville, reported someone removed $250 from her purse that was in the break room used by employees of McDonald's restaurant.

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

Pair charged for assault, harassment

TAMAQUA - Two men were charged following a fight June 15 at North Greenwood and Mauch Chunk streets.

Tamaqua police said they were dispatched to the area and found Anthony Houser, 22, of Tamaqua, lying on the ground between two vehicles.

According to police, Houser had a strong smell of alcoholic coming from him and had cuts and bruises on his body.

He was highly intoxicated and vomiting as officers were trying to interview him, police said.

Further investigation determined that Houser had gotten into a fight with Gregg Muffley, 28, of McAdoo, police said.

After police spoke with witnesses, Houser was charged with simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness, police said.

Muffley was charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment, police said.

Charged were filed through the office of Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua.

Two charged with assault

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Scott M. Bowers, 31, and Nadine M. Mason, 29, both of Schuylkill Haven, were charged with simple assault following an incident at 1:35 p.m. Thursday at 319 S. Front Street in Wayne Township.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said the incident occurred as Bowers and Mason were engaged in a verbal argument that became physical when Bowers pushed Mason, causing her to fall to the ground.

Mason then struck Bowers multiple times with a cooking pot, causing Bowers to suffer an open laceration on his forehead, police said.

This investigation is ongoing, police said.

The weather may be hot and humid outside, but Boscov's Department Store in the Fairlane Village mall is celebrating "Christmas in July" by assisting the Pottsville office of Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown in its mission to provide services to people who need help.

"Christmas in July" began Wednesday and will end July 31. It is the second year the charitable organization and retailer have teamed up.

Shoppers who enter the main entrance lobby will notice three large Christmas wreaths decorated with red, white and blue paper stars, with a table in front with more stars. People can pick a star and purchase the item listed at Boscov's or any other store, after which they can bring the item to the Boscov's courtesy desk. David Dagon is the Schuylkill County supervisor at the local Catholic Charities office in Pottsville.

"We have a pregnancy support services program. A counselor provides support, counseling, information regarding stages of development for a child or relationship issues that a pregnant woman might have," Dagon said. "But to supplement that program, we also provide some material assistance, such as if they need baby clothing or diapers or any of the items on the stars."

"Each of the stars represent items that are needed for these children," said Liz Eich, Boscov's store manager. "We have crib sheets, diaper bags, onesies, Boscov's gift cards, infant towels, baby wash. These are all items that are needed by these children. When the items are brought in, we ensure that it gets to Catholic Charities."

"Our counselor provides that kind of material assistance," Dagon said. "The need keeps growing. Our requests for help are 30 percent higher this summer than it was in the same period last summer, but our resources don't keep up, so this program is a big help to those who have the need."

Boscov's is also holding a food drive for the Catholic Charities food pantry. The pantry is in need of canned tuna, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal and other non-perishable food items. Donations to the pantry can be dropped off in the main entrance lobby in the large white containers next to the Christmas wreaths.

"We're certainly grateful to Boscov's for providing this service to Catholic Charities," Dagon said. "In the summer months, our food pantry tends to become depleted. Kids are home from school, and since there are no school lunches, families have to provide more for the summer months and our requests for assistance go up."

"People can purchase non-perishable food and deposit them in the white containers here in the lobby," Eich said. "I think what's important to remember is that Catholic Charities feeds everyone. It's not just an organization that just feeds Catholics. There are no restrictions because of religious belief. Whoever needs help is assisted," Dagon said.

"Food pantries are in such need these days," Eich said.

The third part of the "Christmas in July" project occurs at checkouts throughout the store.

"There is also the pin-up sales, where a customer can donate $1 or more at the register. The pin-ups are displayed at our courtesy desk on the second level of the store," Eich said.

The proceeds from the pin-up sales all go to Catholic Charities.

The Catholic Charities office is at 13 Westwood Road, Pottsville. For more information, call 570-628-0466.

Clients of Recovery Edge Peer Support took steps toward a better self Wednesday.

Jeff Driscoll, owner of Driscoll Karate Institute, Pottsville, told eight men and women fighting substance abuse and other problems that they need to be aware of their surroundings and take control.

"The best defense in the world ... is (to) use your mental awareness. If you use your mental awareness, you don't have to run," he said.

Recovery Edge Peer Support, 18 N. Second St., Pottsville, is a peer support recovery group for those with mental health, drug and alcohol issues. To date, it serves 75 clients, said Eddie Perhonitch, a forensic specialist and director of program operations with Recovery Edge Peer Support.

In all, 15 people, clients and Recovery Edge employees attended the hourlong session.

Perhonitch said the session, the second in a series of events over several months, gives clients another method for taking on their problems.

"This is also about recovery, alternate ways of treatments. How can we be community-based if we don't involve community businesses?" he said.

The clients attended the first session last month, which also covered awareness. A third session in August will cover meditation. Thereafter, in September, clients could learn how music impacts one's well-being. That event will be held at a yet-to-be determined place and will include a later trip to Philadelphia or New York to experience a community outside Schuylkill County.

Driscoll was donating his time to give back to the community.

For about an hour, those at the institute learned different techniques to protect themselves.

Before the demonstrations, Driscoll gave suggestions on how to be aware of your surroundings.

"The worst possible situation is for you to have to react to what happens," he said. "It's common sense things that make the difference."

For example, it's a good idea to look behind you when walking to make sure you are safe, Driscoll said.

"Most situations are about control," he said.

The fighting techniques Driscoll demonstrated include not standing with one's feet together, aiming for the inside of the pressure points inside the elbows - this disrupts the center of balance - and other maneuvers.

However, apologizing is another way to diffuse a situation, he said.

Sandra, 50, of Pottsville, said she learned a lot.

"I'm able to know what I have to do to get out of a situation in case I'm ever in a fight or something," she said.

Heather Arias, 35, of Pottsville, said the class made her feel empowered.

"It doesn't matter how big someone is, that makes a woman feel better. I feel more safe," she said of the possibility of defending herself against someone.

Next month will bring an opportunity to see where food comes from by visiting three family owned county farms.

Sponsored by the Schuylkill Chamber Agribusiness Committee, the Schuylkill County Farm Tour will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 18, although the deadline to register for the tour is Aug. 3.

At $25 a person, the tour includes lunch and transportation, with all proceeds benefiting the committee.

The tour will visit Pioneer Evergreen Farms, Orwigsburg, a Christmas tree farm; Hepler Homestead Farms, Pitman, a dairy farm; and Jersey Acres Farm, Pine Grove, a dairy, farm market and winery.

Jersey Acres is also a Farmers Market Nutrition Program participant, associated with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, popularly known as WIC.

"We have so much to offer pertaining to agribusiness and it is right in our own backyard," said Patrick M. "Porcupine Pat" McKinney, the Schuylkill Conservation District's environmental education coordinator. "The tour features our farmer neighbors who are working to ensure that food is on your table and a real nice Christmas tree is in your home for the holidays."

McKinney said agribusiness is not only the county's, but also Pennsylvania's No.1 economy.

According to the event flier, a "comfortable and air-conditioned motor coach bus" will leave the Schuylkill County AG Center, 1206 AG Center Drive, and ample parking will be available.

McKinney will lead the tour.

Along the tour, participants will have the opportunity to purchase local produce and wine while supporting the agriculture industry.

"The tour reminds people of our agrarian roots and showcases farms that are inviting and innovative," McKinney said. "Our farm site hosts will roll out the green carpet for our tourists as they jaunt around the county in a comfortable, air-conditioned motor coach bus."

For more information or to register, contact McKinney at 570-622-4124 ext. 113 or porcupinepat@yahoo.com, or Elizabeth Hinkel at 570-622-3742 ext. 117 or ehinkel@co.schuykill.pa.us.

A check made payable to the conservation district may be sent to Schuylkill Conservation District, attn: Porcupine Pat, 1206 AG Center Drive, Pottsville, PA 17901.

The Gillingham Charter School is cutting cyber school for the 2012-13 school year.

During the board of trustees meeting Thursday, the board approved the decision for the same reasons stated during the work session July 11.

At the work session, Christie Werkheiser, director of organizational development, said that Gillingham used a cyber school service to provide Internet teaching for two students who needed it last year; however, these students did not receive the same relational education curriculum as the students in the charter school building.

Relational education is the teaching method that Gillingham uses and is based on principles developed by Charlotte M. Mason, a British educator who lived from 1842 to 1923.

The Charlotte Mason method of teaching is centered around the idea that education is an atmosphere, a discipline and a life. She stressed using prose books containing full stories, or "whole books," to teach children rather than using textbooks.

A cyber school program at Gillingham is planned to be reinstated in about two to three years, which is the soonest the charter school thinks it will be able to create the type of cyber school program that fits its needs, when they will have the technology to connect the cyber students with Skype.

The board also approved a change to the school uniform policy.

While Lori Quinn, vice president of Gillingham's board of trustees and director of public relations and marketing, said the changes to the policy are not drastic, there are now grade groups, each with a few grade-specific garments that denote lower, middle and upper school students.

Quinn also said that they have a new year-round local provider for school uniforms, The Uniform Corner, 213 Route 183, Schuylkill Haven.

The new uniform policy is available online at the charter school website. Printed copies are also available in the school office.

In other business, Deniece Smith was announced as a new hire for the fifth and sixth grade at $39,000.

There was no action taken on the contract with the Simon Kramer Institute, New Philadelphia, as it is still being negotiated.

The school is still trying to determine where gym classes will be held during the coming school year, but Quinn said afterschool sports will be held at the institute.

The proposed board of trustees meeting and work session dates were also announced.

Meetings will now be held at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, with an executive session held at 6 p.m.

Work sessions will be held the Tuesday of the week prior to the meeting.