SHENANDOAH - Two proposed ordinances to deal with blight issues in the borough will be advertised for formal adoption by the Shenandoah Borough Council in August.

The borough council took action at Monday's meeting upon the recommendation of borough solicitor Michael A. O'Pake after explaining the purposes of both ordinances.

"As council is well aware, there are a number of issues in the borough with regard to property maintenance, blight and things of that nature," O'Pake said. "I have prepared two ordinances that I would like to have your permission to advertise."

The first ordinance he introduced was the "Neighborhood Blight Protection and Enforcement Ordinance, which provides certain protections and safeguards in order to address deteriorating properties, public nuisances and properties in serious violation of state law and municipal codes, O'Pake said.

"These protections would include the denial of permits issued by the borough, be they building, parking, occupancy, special exceptions and variances from zoning ordinances, and things of that nature," O'Pake said. "And it authorizes actions at law and in equity in order to address deteriorated properties that have an impact upon crime, the quality of life of the residents of Shenandoah and required expenditure of public funds by the borough to correct or abate these nuisances, violations and delinquent services accounts."

O'Pake said the actions at law would be "in personam" actions, which would be directed to the person, not the property. "What that would allow you to do is once you collect judgment against that person, that judgment could be used to attach that person's assets in another state or anywhere in the commonwealth."

The denial of permits would also apply to those who are delinquent in municipal service payments, such as garbage, water and sewage and tax delinquency.

"It's just another tool that the borough can use to give some teeth to your enforcement efforts," O'Pake said. "It extends to any property in the commonwealth. So if they're delinquent on a property in Mahanoy City, you can deny them a permit in Shenandoah."

O'Pake then spoke of the second ordinance, which is commonly called the "Quality of Life Ordinance."

"It sets forth 20 quality of life violations, which include the accumulation of rubbish on one's property, failure to clean up animal feces, high weeds, grass and plant life, placing indoor appliances and furniture outside on your porch or sidewalk, failure to clean snow and ice off sidewalks," O'Pake said.

O'Pake said the ordinance will allow Code Enforcement Officer John Boxer or a police officer to issue tickets when they see violations. The first offense is $25, second offense within 12 months is $50 and the third offense is $100, all of which can be applied daily until the problem is abated. Someone who receives a ticket can receive an appeal hearing before the borough council. If the fine remains unpaid, a lien can be placed on the property.

The advertising of both ordinances were approved unanimously.

RINGTOWN - For the first time in 83 years, the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania commander is from Schuylkill County.

Joseph A. Cocco Jr., Ringtown, a 29-year member of the American Legion Anthony P. Damato Medal of Honor Post 792 of Shenandoah, was elected Sunday during the 94th annual state convention in Harrisburg. For the next year, Cocco will be busy working with the Harrisburg staff and traveling around the state.

Getting to the top Legion position in the state takes many years of moving up the ladder, Cocco said.

"It takes quite a few years. I was very fortunate at the local post here, working my way up from junior vice commander to senior vice commander, and then became the commander," he said. "And from that level, you go to deputy district commander, then to district commander, which takes a couple of years, and then I finally got elected Eastern District vice commander in 2010. I had the whole eastern part of the state with 42,000 Legionnaires. That gave me the eligibility to run this year for department commander on Sunday, of which I had the honor and privilege to be elected. I was unopposed."

The last Legionnaire from Schuylkill County elected to the state position was Charles A. Gebert from Post 173 in Tamaqua in 1929.

District 13 encompasses all of Schuylkill County and its 28 Legion posts. There are 38 districts in the state.

Because of his job and other responsibilities, he was a "paper member" for his first 20 years, but after he retired, he put much more time into Legion business.

"Most people think that the Legion is nothing more than a barroom with a bunch of old guys drinking. In Shenandoah, we don't even have a bar. The Legion is far from that," Cocco said. "That's what kept me active in it. It is because of all the great things we do and all the great programs we have. We have great children and youth programs, which is one of our pillars."

He said the American Legion sponsors athletic youth activities, essay contests and scholarship programs.

"We have the National Emergency Relief Fund. About two years ago, I was fortunate to help a young family in Ringtown through the fund," Cocco said. "That program states that any Legionnaire with school-age children and runs into financial problems, like this gentleman who had a car accident, I made one call and he had $1,500 that does not have to be repaid to the Legion."

The Damato post helped buy the borough clock and the post also turned an empty lot into Legion Memorial Garden, located next to the post home on the 100 block of North Main Street.

As state commander, Cocco said one of his pet projects will be supporting the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. Cocco said that the children of any serviceman or servicewoman killed in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001, will receive a free college education from the Legion.

"As commander this year, I'm making it my project," Cocco said. "What that means is that I will be sending a letter to all 700 posts in Pennsylvania with almost 200,000 Legionnaires to solicit donations. Next year at the national convention, I'll present the funds to the Legacy fund, which has no administrative costs. The American Legion takes care of it. It is still veterans taking care of veterans, and if somebody loses their life for our country, I think we're responsible for their children as Legionnaires."

Cocco said that his daily agenda is already filled until October, and the months after that already have many entries, including attending Legion functions such as banquets and fundraisers throughout the state. In order to get around the state to carry out his duties, the Legion state department provided him with a white 2013 Ford Explorer, along with gas cards, to use during the next 12 months.

As state department commander, he will represent the Pennsylvania Legion when veterans issues are brought to Congress in Washington.

Cocco enlisted in the Navy in June 1962 and completed basic training in San Diego, Calif. He served aboard the USS Galveston CLG-3 for the next three years. After receiving an honorable discharge in June 1965, Cocco joined the Naval Reserve in 1974 and retired in 1997 as the Battalion Command Master Chief of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 21 (NMCB-21), Lakehurst, N.J., known as "The Fighting Seabees."

In 2010, Cocco retired from PPL Electric Utilities after 37 years, where he worked as a supervisor in the resource management department. He is a life member and past commander of AMVETS Walter H. Wardigo Post 7, Shenandoah. He belongs to the Past Department District Commanders Association, was chairman of the legislative Committee of the Pennsylvania War Veterans Council, is a member of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 398, and is a member of LA Societe Des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux (40&8).

Cocco is also an inductee and member of the Schuylkill County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Fleet Reserve, Navy Club of America Ship 257, Senior Enlisted Association and the USS Galveston Shipmates Association.

The American Legion is the largest veterans organization in the world, created in 1919. Pennsylvania is the largest department and has almost 200,000 members. The national organization has 2.7 million members in 55 departments, which includes all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Far East.

n Ashland: The annual St. Anne Novena at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 11th and Walnut streets, will close with Mass in the chapel at 7 p.m. today followed by veneration of the relic of St. Anne. Thursday is the feast day of Sts. Joachim and Anne. St. Anne, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus, is the patron saint of coal miners. The novena has been prayed in St. Joseph Church since 1930 and was started by the Rev. Francis P.K. Hoey, pastor, who had a lifelong devotion to St. Anne, whose intercession is credited with saving the life of Father Hoey's brother from a childhood illness. The Rev. John Bambrick, pastor, will conduct the novena. The public is welcome. The chapel is air conditioned and accessible to the handicapped.

n Barnesville: George Gress, naturalist, will present a program at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Locust Lake Amphitheater focusing on bog turtles. Gress is a fire specialist/land steward for the Nature Conservancy and manages the bog turtle program in Pennsylvania. Bog turtles are the smallest turtles in the state. They are listed as threatened and are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Gress is also an avid nature photographer and his photographs have been featured in various publications. In the case of inclement weather, the presentation will be held in the program shelter at Locust Lake located near the camp store.

n Hegins: The Schuylkill Wine Festival is scheduled for Sept. 2 at Hegins Park and the committee that oversees the festivities is touting discounted advance ticket sales. Tickets at the gate on the day of the festival will be $15 for wine tasters and $5 for non-drinking designated drivers. In preparation for the festival, tickets can be purchased for $12 until the end of August through the event's website at www.schuylkillwinefestival.com. People interested in purchasing tickets for groups of 10 or more can get an extra discount. Group tickets will be on sale for $10 until Aug. 15. The committee has been busy putting together the winery participants, vendors and entertainment. Co-organizers Mary Tobash and Yvonne Specht already getting ready for the festival's popular table-decorating contest. This year the theme for the table-decorating contest is "Shades of Autumn". The 2012 Schuylkill Wine Festival will feature entertainment by the Mudflaps and disc jockeys Dan Poletti and T.J. Fitzpatrick. A list of participating wineries, vendors and ticket prices are detailed on the website. An order form can be printed and mailed to reserve advanced ticket orders. The event also has a Facebook page which is kept updated with the latest event news.

n Nuremberg: The Black Creek Township Recreation Committee will hold a pool party from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Rock Glen Pool. The rain date is 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Disc jockey Gary Welsh will entertain and all food and drinks are free. The cost is $4 for children 6 and older. Youngsters under 6 will be admitted free. Those not wanting to swim may bring a lawn chair to enjoy the activities. For more information, call Lori Webster at 570-384-3674 or Kay Riotto at 570-384-4441. Season/daily pool passes do not count toward admission, according to the committee.

n Pine Grove: U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, D-17; state Rep. Neal Goodman, D-123 and former state Rep. Tim Seip, a candidate for the 29th Senatorial District, will hold a formal announcement and press event at the North End Fire Company, 18 N Tulpehocken St., at 1 p.m. Sunday.

n Pottsville: Leo James, Pottsville, a Vietnam veteran who was diagnosed with ALS, also called Lou Gehrig's disease, said Ruby Tuesday's give-back program will feature the ALS Association July 31, Aug. 1 and 2. Attendees at the local eatery will have to present a flier for the ALS Association to get credit for their receipt. People can get a flier by going to Ruby Tuesday anytime from now up to and including the days of the event, or by contacting James at 570-622-1396 or emailing ljames1213@comcast.net. "It is only through your kindness and generosity that a cure can be found," James said in a statement. "Please consider attending."

Wednesday's preliminary hearing for the chief operator of the Greater Pottsville Area Sewer Authority arrested on charges he submitted false monitoring reports to the state Department of Environmental Protection, was continued.

Staff at the office of Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, said the continuance was requested by attorney Frederick Fanelli of Pottsville, David L. Kraft's lawyer.

The new hearing was scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 14 in Reiley's Pottsville courtroom.

On May 25, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Harrisburg, charged Kraft, 59, of 1210 Pottsville St., Pottsville, with two third-degree felonies, one count of tampering with public records and one count of unlawful conduct under Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law. The charges were filed by Donald A. Hentz Jr., a special agent with the Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Environmental Crimes Section.

Kraft was arraigned May 25 before Reiley and released on $20,000 unsecured bail.

Kraft allegedly submitted false reports to DEP for the wastewater treatment plant's total residual chlorine analysis.

Between January 2009 and December 2010, there were 119 instances in which handwritten results for chlorine levels were greater than the results reported to DEP, according to a news release from the office of Attorney General Linda Kelly.

Kraft, a certified waste water treatment plant operator, submitted monthly discharge monitoring reports to DEP which contained false information and allowed unpermitted waste water discharges into "the waters of the commonwealth," Hentz said in his affidavit.

Man charged in pedestrian crash

Charges were filed against a city man after he allegedly hit a man with his vehicle last month, police said.

Pottsville police charged Scott Joseph Meade, 52, with felony accidents involving death or personal injury, misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances and careless driving. A criminal complaint was filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

Police said the incident occurred June 22 as Meade was driving south in the 500 block of North Centre Street about 9:20 p.m. and glanced at his cellphone in the front seat. Police said the man struck Russel Murphy, 41, of Pottsville, as Murphy was walking from the west side of North Centre Street to the east near Centre and Harrison streets.

Police said Meade fled the scene after hitting Murphy, and a description was not provided of his vehicle. Meade returned to the accident scene about 15 minutes later as police and others were at the scene, police said, and Meade's blood alcohol contest was later tested, revealing a level of 0.10 percent. This is above the legal limit of 0.08 percent.

Murphy was treated for critical injuries following care at the scene at Geisinger Medical Center, police said.

Police: Man fires gun in dispute

A domestic disturbance in the city Monday led to charges being filed against a city man, police said.

Pottsville police said they responded to 922 W. Race St. at 8:04 p.m. for a domestic dispute, where officers were advised that Kevin Cannon, 30, had fired the gun inside the residence. Upon arrival, police had the man leave the home and Cannon was arrested after being told to go outside.

A subsequent investigation determined that Cannon assaulted his girlfriend, Xennie Thompson, 27, who resides at the home, and had taken possession of a 0.308 Winchester rifle and threatened to harm himself, police said. Police said Cannon fired the rifle, and the round exited the residence through a west wall in the direction of the street, which had numerous residents at that time.

Thompson was treated at the scene and taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street for treatment, although the extent of her injuries was not known.

Police charged Cannon with aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley and taken to the Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of 10 percent of $50,000 bail, police said.

Tamaqua man unhurt in crash

REYNOLDS - A 22-year-old Tamaqua man escaped injury when the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee he was driving crashed on Wildcat Road, just west of Reynolds Road in Walker Township, about 6:05 p.m. Sunday, police said.

State police at Frackville said Nathan Zelinsky was driving west when he lost control while rounding a left curve, causing his Jeep to go off the road, hit an embankment and roll onto its roof.

Police said Zelinsky showed signs of being intoxicated and was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street for a blood alcohol test. Charges are pending the results of the test, police said.

MaryD man flees in vehicle stop

TAMAQUA - A 24-year-old MaryD man was arrested by Tamaqua police and charged with driving with a suspended license and fleeing or attempting to elude police after an incident about 6:30 p.m. Friday.

Police said Derek Krapf, 80 Back St., will have to answer to the charges before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Police said officers pulled over a vehicle driven by Krapf knowing his license was suspended and found a passenger in the car, Anthony Pascoe, no age or address listed, was wanted on a warrant by Schuylkill County Adult Probation.

Police said Krapf drove away while Pascoe was being taken into custody.

Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street

To Jeffrey Andrewsky and LeeAnn Ressler, Frackville, a son, June 26.

To William and Beth Williams Rossachacj, Pottsville, a daughter, July 2.

To John and Nicole Nice Johnson, Ashland, a son, July 16.

HIGHRIDGE - Two people were injured in a fiery crash in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81 on Wednesday morning.

The crash occurred about 10:35 a.m. at mile marker 116.9 in Butler Township and completely closed the northbound lanes of the road for about 45 minutes.

The driver of the car, a Chrysler Sebring, was identified as Lester Wagner, 75, of Fredericksburg, Va. He was trapped inside his vehicle for a short time before being removed by Frackville firefighters.

Wagner was then treated by Minersville EMS and West Schuylkill ALS and flown to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, in the Life Flight helicopter.

Since both northbound lanes were closed, the medical helicopter landed on the interstate between the car and a tractor-trailer.

The driver of the truck, a 2007 Freightliner, was identified as Anthony Goines, 39, of Max Meadows, Va. He was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street by ambulance for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

State police Trooper Joseph Aponick said the crash occurred as Wagner was pulled over onto the east berm of the road.

Goines was driving his rig north and went over the white fog line and struck the car that was stopped.

After hitting the car, Aponick said the tractor-trailer continued north for about two tenths of a mile and came to rest against the guiderails off the east berm of the road.

The tractor portion of Goines' vehicle caught fire and was completely destroyed. The trailer and its contents, large rolls of paper, escaped the flames but sustained smoke damage.

Firefighters from Altamont, Englewood, Lavelle and Fountain Springs extinguished the truck fire while Yorkville Rescue firefighters from Pottsville managed the landing zone for the helicopter.

State police at Frackville are investigating the crash and were assisted at the scene by troopers from the Schuylkill Haven station.

Aponick said his investigation into the crash is continuing.

George Klipola, who state police said tried to run over people with his pickup truck in June 2011 at a bush party in Blythe Township, will have to return to Schuylkill County Court at least once, as a judge rejected on Wednesday his proposed guilty plea to two charges stemming from the incident.

"I don't know what's going on here," Judge John E. Domalakes said in turning down the plea agreement that would have sent Klipola, 39, of Middleport, to a state correctional institution for one to two years. "I'm not certain what the agreement is."

Under the terms of the agreement between Klipola and prosecutors, the defendant would have pleaded guilty to two counts of recklessly endangering another person, with two counts of aggravated assault and one each of simple assault and driving under suspension being withdrawn.

However, judges are not bound by plea agreements between prosecutors and defendants, and Domalakes said a dispute over the amount of restitution owed by Klipola and a last-minute victim impact statement made him reject the agreement.

Cody Carpency submitted that statement, which Domalakes received earlier on Wednesday, and Sheila Carpency, Cody's mother, told Domalakes that her son is suffering.

"He's going through counseling," she said. "He's having panic attacks."

Although Sheila Carpency said her son, who did not attend Wednesday's hearing, had supported the agreement, Domalakes instructed Assistant District Attorney Robert E. Matta to make sure that was still the case.

Domalakes also asked Matta to make sure of the amount of restitution Klipola would owe.

Under the original terms of the agreement, Klipola was to have paid more than $130,000 restitution to the victims. However, Domalakes said that amount had been changed to approximately $3,500.

"The victims have been reimbursed through their insurance companies," Matta said in explaining the difference.

However, Domalakes said he wanted to know about reimbursement of the insurance companies before he accepted the agreement.

Klipola left the courtroom without making any comment, while his lawyer, James G. Conville, Schuylkill Haven, said he would not have a problem with his client being sentenced at a future date. Neither Klipola nor Conville indicated that the defendant would withdraw his plea.

Since Domalakes did not accept the agreement, all six charges remain against Klipola. If there is no agreement, Klipola could be tried at the criminal court term that runs from Aug. 27 through Sept. 5.

State police at Frackville alleged that Klipola struck Cody Carpency, then 18, of New Philadelphia, Gavin Heim, then 17, of Valley View, and Joseph Rolanaitis, then 18, of Middleport, with his white Ford pickup truck in the early morning hours of June 18, 2011, at the end of a bush party near Kaska in a section of Blythe Township known as Strawberry Fields.

Cody Carpency testified at Klipola's preliminary hearing on July 28, 2011, before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, that he suffered three pelvic fractures and a ruptured bladder that required surgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.

Heim testified at the same hearing he suffered three or four broken ribs, three or four torn tendons in one of his knees, a collapsed lung and internal bleeding.

Rolanaitis also testified he had a titanium plate put in his body as a result of the incident but otherwise was not seriously hurt.Defendant: George Klipola

Age: 39

Residence: Middleport

Charges: Two counts each of aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person and one each of simple assault and driving under suspension

The Schuylkill County commissioners approved hikes in room and board rates at Rest Haven during the public meeting Wednesday.

Brought forward during the commissioners' work session last week, the rates have been 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.

During the work session, Jill Schaeffer, Rest Haven administrator, said the increases were "in line with neighboring facilities" and the facility rates have not increased since November 2009.

In other news, the commissioners authorized the annual county fall cleanup event from Sept. 17 through Sept. 29. The event will include nine sites throughout the county and is open to all residents. The state Department of Environmental Protection is partnering with the county for the event and will reimburse up to 50 percent of all costs.

The board also approved Wednesday to advertise for bids for collecting waste electronics and tires for the annual event.

The board also approved an agreement with Reading Anthracite Co., Pottsville, to supply about 1,000 tons to the Schuylkill County Courthouse and County Prison from Aug. 1 through July 31, 2013. The cost per ton delivered is $169.50.

St. John's United Methodist Church of Christ, 121 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven, will be used as a county senior center following the board's approval of a lease that will go into effect Aug. 1, expiring on July 31, 2015.

The Church's Fellowship Hall, located in the basement, will be used as the center. Consisting of 2,535 square feet, monthly rent is $880, or $4.17 a square foot.

County Administrator Mark Scarbinsky said last week the site has been previously used as a senior center and has just undergone renovations.

The county salary board approved two transfers within Rest Haven and an appointment in human resources following the commissioners' public meeting Wednesday. Melanie Devers, Port Carbon, was transferred from part-time nurse's aide to full-time, at an hourly rate of $11.72. Rose Nordall, Pine Grove, was transferred from full-time nurse's aide to full-time housekeeper at $14.63. Both transfers are effective July 30.

Theresa Zubris, New Philadephia, was appointed to part-time office support at an hourly rate of $11.09, effective Wednesday.

Also at Rest Haven, Sheena Witman, Orwigsburg, resigned as part-time licensed practical nurse, effective July 23.

A Berks County man admitted Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that, in August 2010, he robbed a West Brunswick Township bank along Route 61 of almost $2,500.

Algis M. Diaz, 25, of Reading, pleaded guilty to robbery, with prosecutors dropping charges of terroristic threats, theft, receiving stolen property and disorderly conduct.

Judge Charles M. Miller accepted Diaz's plea and sentenced the defendant to serve 15 to 30 months in a state correctional institution, pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $2,456 restitution to Susquehanna Bank and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Miller made Diaz's sentence concurrent with one he already is serving at SCI/Rockview in Centre County. Since Diaz is an inmate at SCI/Rockview, the guilty plea and sentencing were held by videoconference.

Diaz said little during the hearing except to indicate he understood his plea and made it voluntarily.

State police at Schuylkill Haven filed the charges against Diaz, saying he robbed Susquehanna Bank, 1251 Centre Turnpike, at 9:45 a.m. Aug. 6, and taking $2,456 in cash.

Diaz entered the bank and handed to the teller a note reading, "This is a robbery, give me all your money" and "give me the note back," according to police.

Police said Diaz drove away from the bank in a black Mazda.

Within two weeks of that incident, another bank was robbed in Lancaster County and the description of the perpetrator and vehicle matched those from the Susquehanna Bank robbery, according to police.

Also, video surveillance from Susquehanna Bank showed a "very close resemblance" between Diaz and the perpetrator of the robbery, police said.Defendant: Algis M. Diaz

Age: 25

Residence: Reading

Crime committed: Robbery

Prison sentence: 15 to 30 months in a state correctional institution

FRACKVILLE - Charges will be filed against a Frackville man after 15 pit bulls were found in a basement Sunday.

Sgt. Marvin Livergood of the Frackville Police Department said Wednesday that 15 summary counts of animal cruelty and 15 counts each of violating the dog law regarding to not having a dog vaccinated and licensed will be filed against Michael A. Williams, 539 W. Oak St.

A dog three months of age and older must be licensed, according to state law. Owners of dogs older than three months must also have a current rabies vaccination. The state dog law office was closed when contacted Wednesday. A phone call to Francis Cremia, state dog law warden for Region 7, was not returned.

Barb Umlauf, Hillside SPCA director, said fines for not having a dog vaccinated or licensed can range from $50 to $300, depending upon the magistrate.

Livergood said the charges could be filed today.

In his 12 years on the force, Livergood said he had not seen such a thing.

When asked if he had seen a situation as bad as that before, he said, "Not that bad, no."

Fifteen pit bulls, one of which was dead, were taken from the house Sunday after neighbors complained.

Livergood said both he and patrolmen Christ Hand received a call early Sunday and went to the house.

After looking in a window, they noticed the dogs, one of which had a paint can on its head. The dogs could also be heard barking, he said.

A back door was opened and the officers entered.

Livergood could tell that one dog had wounds on its body.

He said they encountered an "overpowering smell and strong urine and dog mess."

Some dogs were found running in the basement, cages were faced against the wall and a dead dog was on the floor, Livergood said.

People from the Hillside SPCA were there to collect the dogs later that day.

Umlauf has said the dogs are friendly. Two of the dogs are in critical condition at a veterinarian's office. One of them has a torn ACL and the other has a high fever and other complications, she said. The surgery for the ACL will cost about $2,000, she said.

So far, $1,500 has been spent for the vet care and for the dog that died, Umlauf said. Medical care is coming out of Joe's Fund, an account used to care for animals that need special medical care.

A Facebook page has been established for the dogs called The Frackville Fifteen.

To help the dogs or contribute to the Hillside SPCA, call 570-622-7769 or write a check to the Hillside SPCA, attention Joe's Fund, 51 Spca Road, Pottsville, PA 17901.

William J. Schilbe admitted Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he possessed child pornography, and faces potential state prison time and lifetime Megan's Law sanctions as a result.

Schilbe, 55, of Pinebrook, also told Judge John E. Domalakes that he drove drunk in another case and possessed drugs and drug paraphernalia in yet a third.

Clad in a prison jumpsuit and wearing handcuffs, Schilbe pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of children-child pornography in the first case, DUI and disregarding traffic lane in the second and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia in the third.

Prosecutors dropped charges of simple assault, indecent assault and harassment that had been filed in still another case.

Domalakes did not immediately sentence Schilbe, instead instructing the state sexual Offenders Assessment Board to perform an investigation to determine whether the defendant is a sexually violent predator. Schilbe faces a maximum total sentence of 19 years in a state correctional institution and $70,000 in fines.

Schilbe said nothing during the hearing except to indicate that he understood the terms of his plea and that he knowingly and voluntarily entered it. He remains in prison pending sentencing; Domalakes revoked his $50,000 straight cash bail in the child pornography case on Feb. 24.

State police at Schuylkill Haven filed all charges against Schilbe.

In the first case, they allege that he had the child pornography on his home computer between Feb. 11, 2010, and Nov. 4, 2011.

Police said they found and removed nine multimedia devices, which state police at Reading later analyzed, during a search of Schilbe's home. The thumb drive and laptop computer contained approximately 1,000 pictures of children engaging in or simulating prohibited sexual acts, according to police.

In the second case, police allege that Schilbe was DUI in a 2003 Lincoln Navigator sport-utility vehicle at 10:50 p.m. Sept. 22, 2011, on Grist Mill Road at Woodbridge Road in West Brunswick Township.

In the third case, they allege that he possessed marijuana, heroin, a scale, a bong, pipes and syringes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. Nov. 9, 2011, at his residence.Defendant: William J. Schilbe

Age: 55

Residence: Pinebrook

Crimes committed: Sexual abuse of children-child pornography, driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lane, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia

The Schuylkill County Prison Board is further exploring the possibility of constructing a temporary housing facility inside one of the prison courtyards as inmate population continues to be an issue.

"We are not saying let's do it, we are saying let's explore it," said President Judge and prison board Chairman William E. Baldwin, during the monthly prison board meeting Wednesday.

As of Wednesday morning, Warden Eugene Berdanier said the inmate population was 293, including 49 women. According to the warden's monthly report during the meeting, the average for June was 306, peaking at 310 on June 6 and 7.

The suggested capacity for the prison is 240.

After last month's meeting, Baldwin said Proteus On-Demand Facilities LLC, Austell, Ga., had contacted the county and proposed building a temporary structure. He also said having the structure in the courtyard would allow the county to continue existing medical and food programs.

The prison has two exercising yards, but Baldwin said only one can be used at any given time due to security concerns so eliminating one of them would not interfere with prison operations.

When the proposal was first heard, Baldwin said the idea was to use the temporary structure to house female inmates and free up 24 beds for males.

On Wednesday, Baldwin said that has changed as the prison is primarily used for male housing. According to monthly reports, the average female inmate population has been in the 40s for five of the last six months.

"I think it would give us a lot better management of the male population," Baldwin said of the temporary structure. Baldwin also said the board will be looking into the possibility of the structure having three individual cells for people taken into custody in the middle of the night. He said it would speed up the arraignment process, keeping the accused person's time at the prison to a minimum.

It was unclear during the meeting whether or not the county was required to open such a project for bidding. The issue was going to be looked into.

Berdanier also said he was researching a potential processing/booking fee for all new commitments as a way to generate revenue for the county.

"Several county jails and prisons have been doing this for a number of years with great success," Berdanier said. "I will collect my information and make a formal proposal at a future meeting."

Also during the meeting, Berdanier provided updates on several maintenance concerns.

He said both showers in the work release area have been closed for weeks after it was determined that it was not safe due to unstable floor support. The floor area around the shower and floor boards have water damage. The county public works office has been soliciting quotes for repairs. Until the repairs are made, work release inmates are showering in the booking and search rooms

"We are working to remedy this problem as quickly as we can," Berdanier said.

Maintenance crews have also been working on the main front door locks. Berdanier said United Prison Equipment, Green Lane, recommended installing a new lock on the door to cover the old section since repairing it may be costly due to the age of the door and parts.

"This door is our only means of regular traffic in and out of jail," Berdanier said. "General business traffic should not use the security gate unless an emergency so repairing or replacing the front door lock should be a priority."

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

n Minersville: "Cabaret for a Cause," to benefit the Minersville Area Public Library, will be held at Minersville Area High School at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 featuring several of the region's top singers, including Jenna McBreen, Reiley Lonergan, Julia Schultz, Jacob Tarconish, Charles Tamburelli, Mark Mahal, Leilani Chesonis and Kailyn Fitzpatrick. The show will highlight all genres of music including Broadway, country, cabaret and Christian. There will also be performances by the Minersville Theatre Association, the Minersville Jazz Band, Lil' Bits of Broadway program, young dancers and gymnastic routine. Tickets are $10 and available at the library, Fourth Street. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event. Youngsters 8 and under are free. For more information, contact chairperson Sandy Kost-Sterner at 570-581-8617.

n Pine Grove: Schuylkill County Firemen's Convention Week will be held here Aug. 19-25. During the week, Hugs & Kisses will host Family Fun Night beginning at 5 p.m. Aug. 24 at the Brickyard at Hose Hook & Ladder Fire Company No. 1. There will be food, games, cotton candy, popcorn, a bouncy house, sno-cones, face painting, ring toss, dime pitch and other activities. There will also be an outdoor movie and fireworks to end the evening. For more information, contact one of the officers at 570-294-2503, 570-617-2323, 570-617-3417 or 570-640-0126. The convention parade is set for Aug. 25 and the fire company will host a breakfast beginning at 6 a.m. that day.

n Pottsville: No schools in Schuylkill County are included on the list of 414 lowest achieving schools in the state published online by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

n Pottsville: The Nativity BVM High School Class of 1967 will hold its 45-year reunion on Sept. 29 at the Pottsville Zone. The reunion committee needs addresses for the following classmates: Barbara Laurinitis, Barbara Davis, Cathy Cahill, Jean Sharockman Scanlan and Robert Zombro. Anyone who has the information is asked to call Eileen Smilko at 570-544-2116.

n Pottsville: Members of the Pottsville Rotary met recently at Providence Place where they enjoyed a meal and presentation about the retirement community by Linda Baldinger, marketing representative. According to the Rotary Bulletin, Baldinger "was very passionate about Providence Place, emphasizing its wonderful reputation within the community and the fact that Providence Place has always stood for quality living." Many of the current guests, she continued, are there from referrals. Providence Place has five living styles, "offering a layering of services approach that enables them to provide the best value to the residents and add services and associated costs as needed." Currently there are about 140 residents and the facility has plans to add another unit in the future. Regarding Rotary news, past President Pete Yasenchak gave the invocation, remembering the late Betty Kodash, a long-time waitress at the Pottsville Club. The Rev. Jim Bill, a Rotarian, and honorary Rotarian Dick Higgins, both residents of Providence Place, joined the club for the meeting. Other guests on hand included Catherine Cooksey, a guest of her son, Jim Cooksey; Betsy Kessler, daughter of Jim Bell, and John Albertini, guest of Joanne Parulis. Organizers said the Rotary's Hops, Vine & Dine event will be held Sept. 13. Volunteers are needed for the committee. Those interested are asked to contact Eric Lieberman, chairman.

n Shenandoah: A Divine Liturgy and healing service will be celebrated at 3 p.m. Aug. 19 at St Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, 114 S. Chestnut St. Praise and worship music will be performed by Ralph and Victoria Mohutsky. Ralph has been music director/cantor/pianist for churches throughout the San Gabriel Valley in California, including San Gabriel Mission, St. Therese in Alhambra, St. Luke in Temple City and St. Michael Orthodox Catholic Church in Arcadia. Currently he is based at Assumption BVM in Pasadena.

n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network is inviting residents of the Tamaqua area to attend a free showing of the movie "Courageous" from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the air-conditioned auditorium at Tamaqua Area Middle School. The film explores the challenges real dads face every day trying to balance work, family and life. A large screen TV will be given away to one lucky dad who attends show.

For some edifying fun, check out one of two performances - 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday - of the acclaimed musical "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," staged by the Actors Guild of Schuylkill County at the Sovereign Majestic Theater.

The cast and crew of "Spelling Bee" will entertain, engage and inspire the audience through the talents of a small and energetic group of local actors in the 90-minute, one-act musical whirlwind.

" 'Spelling Bee' is what is called, an 'ensemble' show, meaning no character is really a 'lead' .... we all perform as one group," said Dan Mock, Ashland. "It's a fun show, it's audience interactive and it is one of those shows where you definitely will let out quite a few laughs."

Bill Sugrue said it "isn't really about the spelling bee specifically, but about that special, awkward, exciting, terrifying and often difficult period of time that we have all lived through."

Sugrue plays a character identified only by the fact that he spells things with his "magic foot."

"As an audience member, and now as a cast member, I had the chance to relive all those moments, taking the best of them with me but secure in the knowledge that the worst of them could be left behind at the box office door," Sugrue said.

Jessica Lech, guild member and a 2010 graduate of Wilkes University, plays Olive Ostovsky, a timid girl with absent parents.

"I think people should come see the show because they can find themselves in one of the characters … there will be someone to relate to," Lech said. "I mean, who didn't feel like a loser in middle school sometimes? This is a way to laugh at the awkwardness in everyone."

Chelsea Gonsalves, a Pottsville Area High School graduate and Alvernia University student, joined the cast as overachiever Marcy Park thanks to her previous work with director Maria Malek, who is also the director of dramatics at Pottsville Area High School.

"The show takes people back to the awkward ages of middle school students, that people can look back and laugh at, especially since it's not them," she said. "I got involved with the show because of Mrs. Malek. I couldn't pass up the chance to work with her again, because through 'West Side Story' I realized how much I really liked theater, and it is why I continue to do it."

Malek said the cast is a director's dream.

"The talent, the creativity, the joy - they make me laugh with every rehearsal," she said. "When the guild asked me to direct 'Spelling Bee,' I was very honored, and extremely excited. I love a show in which audience members can see themselves in the characters," she said. "Everyone goes through middle school. Everyone experiences the struggle for acceptance and everyone remembers that awkward, joyous and sometimes painful search for self."

More talent brought on board by Malek includes Lindsay Boncore, an art teacher Pottsville Area, who said she got involved after designing and painting sets for a couple of years with the Drama Club at the high school.

"The actors seem to have so much fun, I wanted to give theater another shot. The experience thus far has definitely taken me out of my comfort zone, and the cast is a great group of people to do so with," Boncore said. "In learning about our characters, we learn about humanity as a whole. Specifically, in 'Spelling Bee,' our insecurities, fears, hopes and motivations. The characters open up in us wells of compassion and, just as importantly, laughter."

Amy Mills, actors guild secretary, even gets into the act as the 11-year-old political activist Logainne Schwartandgrubenairre.

"While the show is extremely funny, it also has serious undertones about how young students can sometimes feel out of place and pushed hard by those they love," Mills said, adding with a laugh, "Besides, at my age what other show would give me a chance to play a pre-teen?"

That is exactly the mix of seriousness and fun that is promised to theatergoers who attend the performances.

"This is a very fast-paced, extremely witty musical comedy. The songs are engaging, from 'Magic Foot' to 'I Love My Dictionary,' but there is an edge to the comedy as well," Malek said. "Audiences should expect the unexpected. This is not the typical musical."

Tickets are $15 for all ages and can be obtained by calling the Sovereign Majestic Theater box office at 570-628-4647 or at the door.

Sixteen people received a second chance from the criminal justice system Thursday in Schuylkill County Court, as they entered a special probationary program that will allow them to emerge with a clean record if they successfully complete it.

That program, the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program, requires participants to pay the costs of it, perform community service and comply with all directives from the court and the county Adult Probation and Parole Office, Judge John E. Domalakes told the 16.

"I certainly hope that you do everything that you're told to do," Domalakes said.

Participants who comply with those conditions then can petition the court to have the charges against them dismissed and their record expunged. Any defendant who does not successfully complete the program can be removed from it and have his or her case placed back on the trial list.

"This is your opportunity to have these charges dismissed," Domalakes said.

The 16 people Domalakes admitted into the program, and the charges against them, included:

Timothy W. Dorshimer Jr., 27, of Pottsville; driving under the influence.

Jacqueline Firestine, 37, of Tremont; five counts of theft, four of forgery and one of access device fraud.

Edward J. Flaim, 18, of Barnesville; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Jason Halupa, 31, of Pottsville; DUI.

Nichole Horack, 23, of Lansford; DUI.

Edward M. Kaluchie, 67, of Llewellyn; DUI.

Lisa A. Kauffman, 45, of Pottsville; DUI.

Joseph C. Kehoe III, 21, of Ashland; DUI.

Eli E. Long, 20, of Ashland; disorderly conduct.

Jimmy C. McMurray Jr., 46, of Madison, Ala.; DUI.

Christine M. Naftzinger, 32, of Pine Grove; DUI.

Rachel A. Rogers, 32, of Andreas; DUI.

Richard K. Snyder, 41, of Coaldale; conspiracy, theft and receiving stolen property.

Michael J. Sunderville, 54, of Lansdale; four counts each of forgery and tampering with public records and one each of deceptive business practices, theft by deception and theft by failure to make required disposition.

Charles M. Williams Jr., 19, of Drexel Hill; simple assault.

Robert S. Wisniewski, 23, of Dillsburg; DUI.

In other recent county court action, a Schuylkill Haven woman left prison on July 19 after being sentenced in Schuylkill County Court on two sets of charges.

Danielle B. Wildermuth, 30, admitted violating her probation on two counts of receiving stolen property and one of theft.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin revoked Wildermuth's probation, sentenced her to 49 days to 23 months in prison and granted her immediate parole.

However, Dolbin warned Wildermuth that she needed to change her behavior in order to remain free.

"If you violate again ... then they're going to put you back in (prison)," he told her.

Wildermuth originally pleaded guilty on April 4 to the charges, with prosecutors dropping five counts of defiant trespass. At that time, Dolbin placed her on probation for 12 months and also sentenced her to pay costs and $100 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account; Wildermuth is still liable for those amounts under the judge's new sentence.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Wildermuth committed the theft and receiving stolen property on June 7, 2011, and the second receiving stolen property charge on Sept. 5, 2011.

Also on July 19, prosecutors dropped a charge of driving under suspension against Anthony J. Petritsch, 37, of Shenandoah.

State police at Frackville alleged that Petritsch drove with a suspended license on Nov. 24, 2011. Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, found Petritsch guilty on March 15, but the defendant appealed on April 10.

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

Douglas G. Brower, 41, of Jonestown; interference with custody of children; 10 days to 23 months in prison with immediate parole, $50 CJEA payment and drug and alcohol evaluation.

Jayne E. Bruno, 45, of Reading; theft; 12 months probation consecutive to current sentence, $50 CJEA payment, $50 bench warrant fee and $1,218 restitution. Prosecutors dropped a charge of receiving stolen property.

Joshua L. Bubeck, 31, of Schuylkill Haven; two counts each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia and one of possession of a controlled substance; six to 12 months in prison, $400 in fines, $200 in SAEF payments, $100 in CJEA payments, $176 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Ralph J. Castellano Jr., 53, of Pottsville; driving under suspension-DUI related; 60 days in prison, $1,000 fine, $50 CJEA payment, $50 bench warrant fee and $5,125.55 restitution. Prosecutors dropped charges of habitual offenders and accident involving damage to unattended vehicle or property.

Christopher J. Fox, 22, of Schuylkill Haven; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; 23 months probation, $300 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 CJEA payment, $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Kerry L. Freedman, 37, of Coaldale; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors dropped charges of criminal use of a communication facility, delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Mark A. Hamilton, 45, of Pottsville; disorderly conduct; 12 months probation and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors dropped two charges of prohibited possession of firearm.

Thomas E. Halye, 37, of Pottsville; criminal trespass; $50 fine. Prosecutors dropped a charge of defiant trespass.

Elizabeth N. Henderson, 20, of Kulpmont; two counts each of retail theft and conspiracy and one of defiant trespass; eight days to 23 months in prison, 23 months consecutive probation, $100 in CJEA payments and $827 restitution. Prosecutors dropped two additional counts of retail theft and one of harassment.

Tyler J. Hosler, 27, of Pottsville; driving under the influence; six months probation, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street.

Patricia A. Hunter, 42, of Hanover Township; conspiracy and retail theft; one to 23 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment and $325.09 restitution. Prosecutors dropped a charge of receiving stolen property.

Lorraine Layden, 51, of York; conspiracy and retail theft; one to 23 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment, $50 bench warrant fee, $325.09 restitution and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors dropped a charge of receiving stolen property.

Jessey L. Long, 23, of Pottsville; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors dropped charges of disorderly conduct and purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of an alcoholic beverage by a minor.

Also in the county court, a New York man must spend time in a Pennsylvania state prison after pleading guilty to, and being sentenced on, charges arising from two assaults he committed in 2011, one in Schuylkill Haven and the other in Pottsville.

Jeffrey M. Marchuck, 27, of Kingston, N.Y., must serve one to two years in a state correctional institution, plus two additional years on probation, under the terms of Domalakes' sentence, which was imposed on July 20.

Marchuck pleaded guilty to three counts of simple assault and one each of recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest and fleeing and eluding police. Prosecutors dropped three counts of aggravated assault and one of prohibited possession of firearm.

Schuylkill Haven borough police charged Marchuck with committing one assault on June 6, 2011, in the borough, while Pottsville police charged him with committing the other on Oct. 24, 2011, in the city.

Marchuck also must pay costs and $100 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account under the terms of Domalakes.

In another July 20 case, Domalakes sentenced Van D. Vesay Jr., 26, of Huntington, to serve six to 12 months in prison concurrent to his current sentence and pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, a $50 CJEA payment and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Vesay pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance, with prosecutors dropping a charge of possession of contraband.

Pottsville police had charged Vesay with possessing Clonapin on April 28, 2011.

"He was turning himself into the county prison" when caught with the drug, Assistant District Attorney Rebecca A. Elo said.

Vesay is an inmate at SCI/Smithfield, and he participated in his hearing by videoconference.

Also on Friday, Domalakes revoked the parole of William F. McDonald, 43, of Girardville, who did not appear for his hearing.

McDonald initially pleaded guilty on May 21, 2009, to conspiracy, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and Domalakes placed him on probation for 12 months.

Domalakes revoked that probation on June 28, 2011, and sentenced McDonald to spend four to 12 months in prison.

Domalakes ruled that McDonald violated his parole by failing four drug tests.

"He's had some rather intensive inpatient treatment but continues to abuse controlled substances," Domalakes said. "The reason we're doing this is to keep him under supervision."

McDonald now will be under supervision, either in prison or on parole again, until April 9, 2013. Domalakes did not send him to prison immediately, instead saying he would wait to see if he is in a rehabilitation program.

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

Christopher Hyland, 43, of Tamaqua; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $50 CJEA payment.

Duane J. Ingraham Jr., 22, of Pottsville; two counts each of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia; one to 23 months in prison with immediate parole, 12 months consecutive probation, $300 in SAEF payments, $100 in CJEA payments, $226 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Barry E. Jacoby Jr., 40, of Pine Grove; harassment; $300 fine. Prosecutors dropped two counts of disorderly conduct, an additional count of harassment and one count each of terroristic threats and simple assault.

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

Deeds

Branch Township - Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to GMAC Mortgage LLC; 325 Washington St.; $1,025.18.

Cass Township - Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 821 Forest Lane, Forestville; $935.51.

Asset Management West 13 LLC and Advantage Property Ventures LLC to Jose Melendez and Deanna Ortiz; 0.16-acre property on Lower Jonestown Road; $15,000.

Coaldale - Albert Lakitsky to Joseph Clauss; 131 W. Moser Ave.; $15,000.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Thomas R. Putzel; 70 First St.; $900.

Cressona - Marilyn J. Reedy and Brent M. Hoover, co-executors of the Estate of Carolyn E. Hoover, to Robert C. and Catherine L. Woleschok; 19 N. Fourth St.; $125,500.

East Brunswick Township - Lee R. Miller and Jason R. Miller to Raymond Reper; property at Arch and Chestnut streets, McKeansburg; $62,000. East Union Township - Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Joseph and Kristen Billena; Lot 342ER, Eagle Rock; $29,900.

Mechanicsville - Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 1025 Pottsville St.; $1,204.66.

North Manheim Township - Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation; 418 Stoney Run Road, Chestnut Hill; $1,030.02.

Weichert Relocation Resources Inc. to Matthew W. and Angela G. Morgan; 622 Stoney Run Road, Chestnut Hill; $212,000.

North Union Township - Deirdre E. Levin-Bee to Jerome L. and Karen L. Depp; Lot 28AW, Eagle Rock; $250,000.

Palo Alto - Lloyd and Erma Horst to Luke J. Chiaretti; 121 W. Savory St.; $52,250.

Jeffrey D. Hughes and Lisa Wessner to Tanya Kelley and Mary Ann Haluska; 212 W. Bacon St.; $41,000.

Pine Grove - Keith Blankenhorn to Jeffrey D. Blankenhorn; 10 Morris St.; $1.

Pine Grove and Pine Grove Township - Kimberly Jo Tobias to James R. Tobias; 0.547-acre property on Grant Street; $188,000.

Port Carbon - Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to GMAC Mortgage LLC; 66-68 Coal St.; $980.85.

Porter Township - RCMS Investments LP to First United Methodist Church; 0.803-acre property on Main Street, Joliett; $1.

Rausch Creek Land LP to Rick Bender; 0.804-acre property on Main Street, Keffers; $2,000.

RCMS Investments LP to John D. Jr. and Karen D. Kroh; 0.931-acre property on Main Street, Joliett; $4,000.

John D. Jr. and Karen D. Kroh to John D. Jr. and Karen D. Kroh; 1.448-acre property on Main Street, Joliett; $1.

Reynold C. and Cindy L. Miller to Richard M. Zurat; 19 Mt. Eagle Trail Road, Orwin; $35,000.

Pottsville - Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 226 N. 12th St.; $1,036.40.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 716 N. Third St.; $989.04.

Janet M. O'Toole, by attorney in fact Michael J. O'Toole, to Robert M. Huff; 1 Timber Road, Forest Hills; $110,000.

Craig E. Lash to Ralph Luckenbill; 0.98-acre property at Ravine and West Railroad streets; $900.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Barefield Development Corp.; property on North Ninth Street; $1,237.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Barefield Development Corp.; 642 N. Second St.; $1,548.

Ringtown - Robert H. and Dianne R. Thompson to Richard and Susan Drukker; 23 N. Center St.; $1.

Rush Township - Paul D. and Faith A. McDade to Paul D. and Faith A. McDade; 51 Jones St., Quakake; $1.

Saint Clair - Dorothy Liptock to Vernon D. and Mary J. Grube; 330 S. Second St.; $48,000.

Schuylkill Haven - Gary L. and Patricia A. Kramer to Gary L. and Patricia A. Kramer, Gregory L. Kramer and Jodi M. Kramer; 421 E. Union St.; $1.

Schuylkill Township - Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co.; 225 Green St., Brockton; $1,099.90.

South Manheim Township - Carl A. and Susan M. Eidem to Carl A. and Susan M. Eidem and Barbara S. Eidem; 2.21733-acre property on Township Road T-676; $1.

Tamaqua - Shirley I. Miller to Calvin and Melissa Miller; 316 Van Gelder St.; $7,000.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 515 N. Railroad St.; $1,007.56.

CRESSONA - Three people were taken to the hospital with injuries after a crash on Route 61 south Thursday.

The incident occurred at 10:49 a.m. at the intersection in front of the Cressona Mall, North Manheim Township, as a blue 1993 Ford Ranger XLT driven by Todd Moyer, 25, of Schuylkill Haven, hit a 2011 Red Chevy Cruze driven by Kay Fago, 64, of Schuylkill Haven.

"He's coming south (and) doesn't stop for the red light," said Cpl. Fred Krute of the state police at Schuylkill Haven at the scene.

The truck hit the driver's side of the Chevy. Moyer will be cited for running a red light, Krute said.

"I believe it was turning red and I couldn't stop in time," Moyer said. He said he was in the left lane.

Moyer's passenger, Steve Bigger, 50, Port Carbon, was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street via ambulance with minor injuries to the face and neck, Krute said.

Moyer said both were wearing seat belts; however, the police report states the bent steering wheel and shattered windshield suggest otherwise.

Krute said Kay Fago, who had moderate injuries, was taken by Pottsville-Schuylkill Haven Area EMS for treatment at Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Jennifer Fago, 24, a passenger in Fago's car, had minor injuries and was at Schuylkill-Medical Center South Jackson Street receiving treatment, a spokeswoman said.

Another passenger, Melissa Fago, 37, was not hurt. All were from Schuylkill Haven and wearing seat belts, he said.

All four air bags deployed in the Chevy. Both driver's side doors were smashed, and the window to the driver's side was gone.

The front bumper of the truck was damaged along with the driver's side light.

Traffic was diverted on Route 61 south at the entrance to the mall into the mall parking lot to Route 183 until about 11:35 a.m. when the road was reopened. Vehicles were also prohibited from leaving the mall via the intersection with Route 61, and the left turning lane of Route 61 north entering the mall was blocked with emergency and state police vehicles. Fire police directed traffic at the scene. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

Responding to the scene was Pottsville-Schuylkill Haven Area EMS, Rainbow Hose Company, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill Hose Company. No. 2, Goodwill Hose Company, Cressona and the state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Hanging plant

reported stolen

WILLIAMSTOWN - A theft that occurred at 512 W. Broad St. in this Dauphin County community sometime Sunday or Monday is being investigated by state police at Lykens.

Police said Janna K. Miller reported that someone stole a hanging plant valued at $30 from her property and fled the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 717-362-8700.

Items taken from

open vehicles

BARNESVILLE - State police at Frackville are investigating the theft of items from two vehicles on Plantation Drive in this Ryan Township community sometime Sunday night into Monday morning.

Police said Patricia Patton and Ryan Gutsie, both of Barnesville, reported someone entered their unlocked vehicles that were parked in their driveways and removed items.

Police said about $20 in change was removed from the Patton vehicle and a wallet containing about $20 along with credit cards was taken from Gutsie's vehicle.

Police ask anyone with information on the incident to call them at 570-874-5300.

Lawn ornaments

sustain damage

HAMBURG - State police at Hamburg are investigating a criminal mischief incident that occurred at 114 Forge Dam Road in Upper Bern Township, Berks County, between 11 p.m. Sunday and 3 a.m. Monday.

Police officer Bernard Heckman, Hamburg, reported that someone caused about $2 damage to two plastic lawn ornaments and fled the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 610-562-6885.

Marriage licenses

David M. Mendoza, New York, N.Y., and Janelle A. Riotto, Pottsville.

Matthew R. Nestor, Ringtown, and Julie A. Kovach, Ringtown.

Jesse Derr, Schuylkill Haven, and Jessica M. Yeastadt, Schuylkill Haven.

Sean P. Murphy, Kutztown, and Nicole A. Uranko, Kutztown.

Matthew J. Cronberger, Schuylkill Haven, and Krystal L. Hill, Schuylkill Haven.

Gilberto Laboy Correa, McAdoo, and Patricia Lopez Cordero, McAdoo.

Mark Fowler, Emmaus, and Ash-ley M. Merchlinsky, Emmaus.

James T. Murray, Tower City, and Jacquelin C. Imhof, Tower City.

David J. Quinter, Port Carbon, and Jennifer M. Jacoby, Port Carbon.

Nathaniel M. Borek, Philadelphia, and Melissa A. Kistler, Tamaqua.

Richard Degregor, Shenandoah, and Lisa M. Degregor, Shenandoah.