PINE GROVE - The Pine Grove Area Schuylkill District released a statement Friday concerning the criminal charges filed against faculty member Matthew Ryan Pfautz after he allegedly tried to get a teenage student to have sex with him.

Matthew R. Pfautz, 29, of Blue Jay Drive, Stevens, was charged Thursday with corruption of minors and unlawful contact with a minor, according to state police Trooper Chad Smith of the Schuylkill Haven station.

The charges against Pfautz stem from incidents involving a 17-year-old girl at the high school and in the borough of Pine Grove between Sept. 1, 2011, and May 30.

During that time period, Smith said Pfautz both in person and via text message enticed the teenager to perform sexual acts with him both in and out of the school building, police said.

Pfautz, an English teacher at the high school, also made lewd comments to the teen as well as sending her lewd text messages, police said.

The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge Carol A. Pankake, Tremont, who will schedule a preliminary hearing for Pfautz in her Tremont courtroom, and as of Friday evening, Pfautz was not in custody and had yet to be arraigned on the charges.

According to a statement released Friday by Pine Grove Area Superintendent Brian T. Uplinger, the school district is not only making every effort to fully cooperate with state police and other law enforcement agencies in connection with the charges, but has also taken appropriate action pursuant to the School Code to suspend Pfautz without pay.

"The investigation will continue and the district will be exploring all available options, including potential termination of the employee," Uplinger said. "The district is taking all necessary steps to ensure the continued integrity of its professional staff and the well-being of its students and to take all necessary steps to deter the likelihood of any such future conduct."

Opening arguments will begin Monday in the trial of a 40-year-old Molino man charged with killing his father in West Penn Township last year and then shooting at three other people in neighboring Berks County.

On Friday, attorneys for both Franklin Stumhofer Jr. and the commonwealth selected a jury of five men and seven women to hear the case that is expected to run through Thursday.

Two men were also chosen to serve as alternate jurors.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas J. Campion Jr. is prosecuting the case assisted by First Assistant District Attorney William C. Reiley, while Robert J. Kirwan, Reading, will defend Stumhofer.

Campion said the commonwealth plans to call between 25 and 35 witnesses during the trial to be presided over by President Judge William E. Baldwin.

Baldwin scheduled opening arguments by both sides to begin at 9 a.m. Monday.

State police at Frackville charged Stumhofer with one count of criminal homicide, three counts of attempted homicide, seven counts of aggravated assault, five counts of recklessly endangering another person and four counts of simple assault.

Troopers said that Stumhofer went to the home of his father, Franklin Stumhofer, 61, at 6 Log Lane in West Penn Township on Sept. 7, where he shot and killed him.

After killing his father, troopers said the younger Stumhofer drove to Windsor Township in Berks County, near Hamburg, and fired three bullets into a vehicle driven by his brother-in-law, Larry Miller, 42.

Miller and his two passengers, Samuel Stumhofer, brother of Franklin Stumhofer Jr., and Blain Schneck, 19, were not struck by the bullets or injured.

Campion said even though the second shooting occurred in Berks County, the entire case is being tried in Schuylkill County.

"It started here and we're looking it as one continuous act," Campion said.

The decision to have the entire case heard in Schuylkill County was made jointly by former Schuylkill County District Attorney James P. Goodman, who now serves as a Schuylkill County judge, and Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams.

During the 2 1/2 hour selection process, jurors were not questioned individually as would have been the procedure if the commonwealth was seeking the death penalty against Stumhofer Jr.

Kirwan said his client will present a defense but would not say whether or not he would take the stand in doing so.

Scott Herring is an artist behind a lens. He's not looking to simply take a picture. Instead, Herring is using photos to tell the story of a region.

For the past 40 years, the Tamaqua native has used two gifts - the technical capability of a camera and his limitless ingenuity - to paint a timeless mural of a rich culture and disappearing landscape.

The end result is "The Hardcoal Chronicles Fortieth Anniversary," a canvas that captures the life and times of the anthracite coal fields and the essence of the hardworking people who built America.

Since taking his first snapshot in 1973 - an image of Central Railroad of New Jersey's No. 1554 engine as it pulled coal cars - Herring has been motivated, not just by photography, but by a greater calling. Herring believes that the legendary anthracite region is much more than his home, it is something special. So special that its story needs to be preserved.

Sparked by that motive, Herring has amassed what is believed to be the largest individually produced and funded body of work of its kind in the region's long history - some 150,000 images in 242 portfolios-in-progress.

He claims his work is untainted by commercial motives. In fact, Herring has insisted his project be completely self-funded to guarantee artistic license.

Herring's devotion to the region is tied to family lineage. His father was a bootleg coal miner, and his grandfather, a welder for Lehigh Coal and Navigation Co.'s No. 14 colliery. Thus, the coal and railroad industry is in his blood.

Technology has changed in four decades and Herring was forced to adapt.

For instance, the method of capturing images has evolved dramatically since the days of black-and-white film processing inside a darkroom. The first major change was a trend toward color film. Next came the switch from film to digital. Herring stayed atop each transformation, but considers those earliest pictures some of his most valuable.

"I started with 35 mm slides and would go to the drugstore to get prints made," said Herring, 52.

He recalls using 126 mm film inside "an off-brand Sears camera."

Herring has earned unprecedented access to geological and industrial resources, a key to amassing his collection of images.

Interestingly, Herring manned a camera around the clock, capturing a wealth of nighttime images in addition to the more standard workday pictures.

"The lighting is much different at night," he said Herring.

Herring's career allowed him to travel extensively. For a time, he worked in lumber commodities and for the Transit Authority in Texas. He is now employed as a capacity expansion planner in the mining industry.

Making Herring's archives even more valuable is the fact that two-thirds of the subject matter he has documented on film already has disappeared. Moreover, a significant portion of that two-thirds represents the only images of the subjects known to exist. This is part of the reason why Herring is widely regarded as 'The Last Anthracite Photographer.'

"Scott Herring's superb photographs between 1973 and the present serve to document and preserve the heritage, culture and icons of our area and the anthracite region," said Dale Freudenberger, anthracite region coordinator for the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.

"We are grateful for his contributions to preserving the heritage and culture of our anthracite region in his photographs," Freudenberger said.

Herring is proud to say that "none of these images have ever been sold for any personal profit - instead, they are exclusively available in support of the many worthy hard coal cultural heritage and historic restoration efforts throughout the Coal Region and eastern Pennsylvania."

In February, Herring donated a print to Tamaqua Save Our Station. It depicts a railroad scene captured in front of the depot in 1975. The framed image is now hanging in the dining room of the depot's Restaurant at The Station.

The Hardcoal Chronicles Fortieth Anniversary formally will be launched January 2013. It will debut in Herring's hometown of Tamaqua, southern Gateway to the Anthracite Region.

Another show will follow in Pottsville in April, then in other locations around the state. More information is available by emailing coalpix@yahoo.com.

Ultimately, Herring's presentation serves as a salute to the people who made it possible.

"The images and information presented," he said, "are dedicated to my extended family - the monumental men and women of the hard coal region who mine the coal, run the trains, make the steel, and build the America we represent."

It's a story that needs to be told, he said. And Herring feels honored and humbled to have a part in telling it.

He introduces 40 years of passion with five simple words: "This is our family album."

Herring's website can be found at www.thelastanthracitephotographer.com.

The anthracite photographers - six men spanning five generations and 150 years:

George M. Bretz (1842-1895) Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, 1870s-1880s

William H. Rau (1855-1920) Lehigh Valley RR and Pennsylvania Railroad, 1890s

John Horgan, Jr. (1859-1926) Delaware & Hudson Railway, 1905-1926

Watson Bunnell (1871-1950) Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, 1905-1919

George Harvan (1921-2002) Lehigh Coal & Navigation Co. / Lanscoal 1949-1972

Scott D. Herring (1960-present) Independent, 1973-onward

On July 31 Judge Charles M. Miller sentenced Christine R. Hanlon, 53, of Mahanoy City, to serve 30 to 60 days in prison and pay costs and a $150 fine on a harassment charge.

After a one-day trial, a jury on June 12 found Hanlon not guilty of simple assault. However, Miller, who presided over the trial, found her guilty of harassment.

Shenandoah police had charged Hanlon with committing the harassment on March 30, 2011, in the borough.

In another Tuesday case, John E. Domalakes found Lamont K. Williams, 46, of Darby, guilty of driving under suspension, and sentenced him to pay costs and a $200 fine.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had charged Williams with driving with a suspended license on May 22, 2010, southbound on Route 61 in North Manheim Township just outside Mount Carbon.

"I seized his license" after stopping Williams, state police Trooper Mark F. Baron testified.

Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, had found Williams guilty on April 16, but the defendant appealed that ruling on May 7.

Also on Tuesday, Rachel E. Guscott, 22, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, with prosecutors dropping a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Miller, who had been scheduled to preside over Guscott's nonjury trial, instead accepted her plea and sentenced her to pay costs and a $200 fine.

Pottsville police charged Guscott with being disorderly on Feb. 10, 2011, in the city.

A Pottsville man could spend a year in prison after admitting Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he assaulted a woman in April.

Demetrios Manaroulas Jr., 29, must serve six to 12 months in prison and pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $4,964.21 restitution to Jessica O'Boyle under the terms of Judge John E. Domalakes' sentence.

Manaroulas pleaded guilty to simple assault.

Pottsville police had charged him with assaulting O'Boyle on April 20 in the city.

Domalakes also accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to plea agreements between prosecutors and the defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Bryce Beaver, 37, of Shenandoah; simple and recklessly endangering another person; time served to 11 months in prison consecutive to current sentence and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors dropped an additional charge of simple assault.

Sandra L. Demaio, 50, of Newtown; improper stop; $25 fine. Prosecutors dropped a charge of driving under the influence.

Michael A. Eckert, 21, of Minersville; receiving stolen property; 23 months probation and $50 CJEA payment.

Antonio Hernandez, 27, of Reading; DUI, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, driving under suspension-DUI related, damaging real property by operating motor vehicle and accident involving damage to unattended vehicle or property; 150 days to five years and three months in prison, $1,825 in fines, $300 SAEF payment, $150 restitution and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors dropped an additional count of damaging real property by operating motor vehicle and one count each of driving without a license and violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

John J. Luback Sr., 45, of Minersville; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; six months probation, $300 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 CJEA payment, $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors dropped charges of delivery of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Timothy Magni, 39, of Cleona; DUI and illegal parking; 72 hours to six months in prison, $1,015 in fines, $100 SAEF payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors dropped charges of reckless driving, careless driving and disregarding traffic lane.

Courtney Ann Mengel, 37, of Port Clinton; DUI; five days to six months in prison, $300 fine, $100 SAEF payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center.

Marcos Miranda, 60, of Mahanoy City; DUI; 10 days in prison, 40 days on house arrest with electronic monitoring, four months and 10 days probation, $750 fine, $100 SAEF payment, $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors dropped charges of accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property and reckless driving.

Rodney A. Snyder, 51, of Schuylkill Haven; two counts of simple assault and one each of resisting arrest and public drunkenness; 23 months probation, $25 fine and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors dropped two counts each of aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person. By pleading no contest, Snyder did not admit committing the crimes, but offered no defense to them.

Patrick J. Schuster, 53, of Pottsville; DUI and driving without a license; six months in the intermediate punishment program, $1,000 fine, $300 SAEF payment, $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors dropped a charge of failure to keep right.

Brittany Shadle, 21, of Tremont; disorderly conduct; $100 fine. Prosecutors dropped a charge of hindering apprehension or prosecution.

Rhonda M. Thomas, 34, of Pottsville; simple assault and defiant trespass; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and $125 restitution. Prosecutors dropped a charge of harassment.

Kale L. Witmer, 25, of Pine Grove; harassment; $200 fine. Prosecutors dropped an additional charge of harassment and one of stalking.

A Northumberland County man will go to prison after failing to show up for his hearing Monday in Schuylkill County Court.

John E. Long, 36, of Mount Carmel, who stands convicted of driving under suspension-DUI related, must spend 60 days in prison and pay costs and a $500 fine under the terms of Judge Jacqueline L. Russell's sentence.

"Mr. Long did nor ask for a continuance of this proceeding," Russell said before dismissing the defendant's appeal at the request of Assistant District Attorney Robert E. Matta.

Russell also said she would issue a bench warrant for Long.

State police at Frackville had alleged that on Feb. 20, Long drove with a license that had been suspended for an alcohol-related reason. Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, had found Long guilty on May 9, but the defendant appealed her ruling on June 5.

Also on Monday, Domalakes found Paul T. Delorenzo, 31, of Drums, not guilty of driving under suspension.

Rush Township police had charged Delorenzo with driving with a suspended license on Dec. 28, 2011, in the township. Patrolman Adam J. Sinton testified that he saw Delorenzo driving at 2:43 a.m. on Ryman Road, and that he knew the defendant did not have a valid driver's license.

However, Tonya Uliano, Delorenzo's girlfriend, testified she was the one driving, and that the defendant took the wheel only after they were in the driveway of what was then his residence.

Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, had found Delorenzo guilty on March 30, but the defendant appealed that ruling on April 27.

In other county court action, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to plea agreements between prosecutors and the defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people on Wednesday:

Neil M. Moyer, 37, of Pottsville; bad checks; 12 months probation, $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $725 restitution.

Tracey A. Mozdy, 41, of Pittston; driving under the influence; 72 hours to six months in prison with immediate parole, $1,000 fine, $300 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 10 hours community service.

Geoffrey A. Yesavage, 21, of Coaldale; DUI, driving without a license and littering; 48 hours to six months in prison with immediate parole, $800 in fines, $100 SAEF payment and 10 hours community service.

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

PRIMROSE - The warm weather Saturday afternoon brought out more than 100 classic, antique and modern vehicles to the 16th annual Gear Grinders Hot Rod Association car show at the South Cass Fire Company, Route 901.

"We have 112 cars today, antiques, classics and everything in between," said Robert Russell, Schuylkill Haven, Gear Grinders president.

Russell said there were more cars at the event this year, probably due to the rain last year. He also said the Chinese auction was a huge draw for people at the show Saturday as there were 65 baskets auctioned. There were also 35 door prizes.

Russell attributed the event's success over the last 16 years to the members of the association.

"We have a very good group of members who work very well together," Russell said.

To-Shea Sound provided entertainment for the event. Tony Brophy, owner of To-Shea Sound, is also the car show chairman.

Brophy said Gear Grinders have been around for about 54 years and are one of the oldest surviving car clubs in the state. He thanked the numerous sponsors for making the event possible, including the various McDonald's in the area.

Proceeds from the show benefit the Gear Grinders' Achievement Awards, which are annual gifts made to graduating students from Schuylkill Technology Centers' auto body and auto technology programs. Donations were also being taken for the Hillside SPCA, Pottsville.

In addition to the Best in Show Award, trophies were awarded to first, second and third place in each of the 30 classes of vehicles at the show. There were also special awards, such as the children's award and the Dick McDonough Award, sponsored by Robin's Diner, Schuylkill Haven. The award is in honor of the late Gear Grinders member.

Edie McDonough, Schuylkill Haven, wife of the late Dick McDonough, picks the winner of the annual award that was started in 2002.

"It's just a great day to be here with friends," McDonough said.

She said some of the people showing off their cars Saturday were from out of the state and there were a lot of new faces as well as vehicles.

"I think that we actually do get the best of the best showing up," she said.

One of the unique cars at the show was a Viking blue 1072 Oldsmobile 442, with a W30 option that included a 455 engine. The classic muscle car belonged to Anthony Pezzella, Kulpmont, who was at the show with his daughter, Lisa Pezzella, also of Kulpmont.

Pezzella, who grew up in Brooklyn, said he bought the vehicle from a dealer five miles from his home in 1971 after his other car was stolen and was set on fire.

He said it is now the only one of its kind with a four-speed engine and bench seating. He took the car to shows and drag races while growing up in Brooklyn.

He said it had only two miles on it when he bought it. As of Saturday, the car had 662,625 miles registered on the odometer.

"Nobody believes that many miles can be put on a car that is still in one piece," Pezzella said. "I hope I'm around when it hits 1 million miles."

The many trophies and awards the vehicle has won throughout the years were also on display with the car Saturday.

"It outlasted two marriages and it still treats me good," Pezzella said.

Boy injured

in Rt. 339 crash

SHEPPTON - A young boy suffered minor injuries when the vehicle in which he was a passenger crashed on Route 339 in East Union Township about 10:35 p.m. Wednesday.

State police at Frackville said Heather Hallidin, 44, of Eaglesville, was driving south after a day at Knoebles Amusement Resort when she struck a large rock that was in her lane of travel as she was rounding a right curve.

Hallidin lost control and her vehicle rolled onto its roof before coming to a stop blocking the southbound lane of the highway.

Hallidin and two of her children, her 8-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son, both escaped injury but her son's friend, an 11-year-old Norristown boy, was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street for observation after he complained of pain. The boy was later released to his parents, police said.

Shenandoah EMS and Sheppton-Oneida firefighters assisted at the scene, police said.

Pedestrian struck

by vehicle

ORWIGSBURG - A 46-year-old Orwigsburg woman suffered multiple head injuries after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing Chestnut Road, just west of Dreher Road, at 10:15 a.m. Saturday.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Sandra D. Kline was standing on the westbound shoulder of Route 442 attempting to cross the road when a 2008 Lincoln Town Car driven by Denise D. Halbrook, 49, of New Ringgold, was traveling west on the road and turned into the eastbound lane to avoid Kline.

She ran across the road and was struck by the vehicle, hitting the windshield and rear view mirror of the vehicle before being thrown from the car and onto the road, police said.

Police said Kline was taken to Hamburg by the Orwigsburg EMS where she was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, where she was in stable condition as of Saturday.

Police said Ketty J. Holbert, 75, of Uniontown, was also in the vehicle as a passenger. Both people in the vehicle wore seat belts and did not suffer any injuries.

Police said the vehicle sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

Mahanoy City

woman charged

KLINGERSTOWN - State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Caitlin Ryan, 24, of Mahanoy City, for harassment, following an incident with Dustin Rickert, 30, of Pitman, at 2:45 p.m. Thursday, at 193 Grove Road, Eldred Township.

Police said they were arguing in the driveway when Ryan pushed her shoulder into Rickert, falling backwards, and then swung her fist at Rickert, hitting him in the collar bone.

Charges were filed with District Magistrate Carol A. Pankake, Tremont.

Police probe

jelwery theft

RINGTOWN - State police at Frackville are investigating a burglary the occurred the residence of Virginia Gloria Schutte, 72, of Hazleton, at 13 W. Players Way, East Union Township, between July 26 and Aug. 2.

Police said several diamond rings, diamond necklaces, an emerald diamond watch and a pearl necklace were stolen.

Anyone with information should call state police at Frackville at 570-874-5300.

Do you remember the lazy days of summer when you were a kid? You played croquet in the backyard with the rest of the neighborhood gang, frolicked in the lawn sprinkler or went to the ballpark to take in a baseball game. Snacks were part of the summer fun and a popular treat was Cracker Jack, the candy-coated popcorn and peanut snack.

An early form of Cracker Jack was first sold at the World's Fair in Chicago (also known as the World Columbian Exposition) in 1893. By 1896, the popcorn and peanut snack was perfected and sold by the Rueckheim Bros. & Eckstein Company.

While the delightful snack became a well-known American treat, it also became associated with the American pastime, the game of baseball. In 1908, Cracker Jack was highlighted in the tune, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" written by Jack Norworth urging sports fans to "buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack."

The game, the song, and the snack became synonymous with America in the early decades of the 20th Century.

While the yummy mixture was enjoyable, it was the introduction of the Cracker Jack toy that solidified its place in American culture.

Back in the day, Cracker Jack toys or prizes were included in every single box sold. The idea of placing a toy prize in the box had actually been a continuation of an earlier promotional campaign when sellers handed buyers a prize when purchasing a box of Cracker Jack. The idea of putting the toys into each box didn't come to fruition until 1912.

The toy prizes ran the gamut from decoder rings to plastic charms. Some of the prizes were tin lithographed sundials, penny banks, mini magnifying glasses, paper dolls, tops, alphabet charms, celluloid on metal pin backs, lithographed metal clickers, miniature booklets, doll house cutlery sets and the list goes on.

Cracker Jack even distributed baseball cards in a set of 144 cards at the outset of World War I. The entire set of Cracker Jack baseball cards commands $100,000 on the collectibles market today.

While most collectors don't have the highly sought-after Cracker Jack baseball cards, many people still retain a few of those miniature Cracker Jack toy prizes. Many collectors kept the little toy prizes and displayed them in shadowboxes or traded them with their friends. Some Cracker Jack afficionados embroidered the small charms onto beanie caps, hats or framed pieces of velvet in the shape of a Christmas tree. And, for the crafty child, Cracker Jack toys were molded into decorative ceramic planters and glued onto wooden jewelry boxes.

Today, Cracker Jack is owned by Frito-Lay and, unfortunately, the prizes are not what they used to be. Most contemporary Cracker Jack toys are simple paper prizes such as optical illusion drawings or printed mind-teaser riddles.

In 2004, when the New York Yankees baseball club tried to replace Cracker Jack at their concession stands with a similar peanut and popcorn snack product, the public forced club management to return to selling Cracker Jack at Yankee Stadium. The team listened to their fans and returned to selling Cracker Jack. Some things should never change.

(Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide and is the star appraiser on Auction Kings on Discovery channel. Go to www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori or call (888) 431-1010.)

PATTERSONVILLE - Lyla Rose Salvadore was born with spina bifida, but that has not stopped her from being all she can be, taking on a new activity or adventure with the idea that, "But we can try. We can try."

Those words are Lyla's reply when someone says that she should reconsider doing something that may be very difficult with her physical challenges. The five-year-old blonde girl usually gets her chance to try something new, being very persuasive with her courage, her bright eyes and a very wide smile.

Lyla sat near her grandmother, Sharon O'Brien Salvadore, Pattersonville, Union Township, during part of the interview, enjoying a turkey sandwich - a favorite - and showing off her small cup decorated with Winnie the Pooh, who she likes a lot, along with The Goonies.

When told she was so cute, Lyla looked up from her sandwich, gave a big smile, and without hesitation said, "Yeah!" She also has a cat named Hurley.

According to the Spina Bifida Association, spina bifida is the most common, permanently disabling birth defect in the United States. Spina bifida literally means "split spine." Spina bifida occurs when a baby is in the womb and the spinal column does not close all of the way. Every day, about eight babies born in the United States have spina bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. The cause is unknown, though scientists believe that genetic and environmental factors act together to cause the condition.

Sharon Salvadore spoke of the process that led to wanting to help those children and families who may not have the support in dealing with spina bifida. She said families have so many "stressors" to deal with, having to get medical care at hospitals not near home, the time to care and the expenses, including gasoline for the long drives. Lyla had family support from her mother, Jade Rusk, and her fiance, John Houston, Salvadore and others.

"I would find myself asking myself what would people do if they didn't have family," Salvadore said. "What about these children who don't have a network to help them?"

Salvadore's idea to find ways to help others came through information on the United by Spina Bifida website and a reunion of children with the condition at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where she learned of specific needs.

"That was when I said that we could do this, find some people to come on board, and a group of us can raise money," Salvadore said. "And through the network of friends we were making on the Internet, we can start helping them."

Salvadore said the requests that were answered have been small up until recently, but with the 501(c)3 status in place, the opportunity to help in a larger capacity is available.

"Now, we're really going to move forward and go big, because there are a lot of families who need help," Salvadore said.

"She (Lyla) doesn't have any limits. She just goes and does," Rusk said.

"You make me wake up," Lyla added, getting a laugh from everyone in the room.

"When Lyla was little, she wanted to go on a four-wheeler, and I said 'I don't think you can do that,' and she'd say, 'But we can try, Nana, we can try,' " Salvadore said. "That phrase stuck with me, and when we got the idea to help other people, we knew that we couldn't help everybody, but we could try. That became our pet phrase."

Salvadore added, "Children don't know limits at this early age, and Lyla has inspired us to not put any limits on ourselves."

Lyla was diagnosed before she was born, and Rusk was told about the many potential problems Lyla would have after she was born.

"The doctors would mention the problems, but then would add 'We're not sure,' " Rusk said. "They were like horror stories. Every negative thing they could say they did. And even after she was born, they said that she might not walk or other things, and all the things they were not sure of and wouldn't be able to do, she has done."

While Lyla needs a walker to help get around, for short distances, she made short walks across the room several times, going back and forth between her sandwich and Rusk and Houston.

Lyla attended pre-kindergarten last year, and will enter kindergarten for the new school year at North Schuylkill Elementary School.

In May, Lyla's Hope received its 501(3)c status from the federal government. The specific objectives and purposes of this non-profit corporation are:

- To provide material support for children with neural tube defects, including but not limited to braces and accessories for the feet, such as shoes, socks and boots.

- To provide catheters and accessories, diapers and non-latex items along with medical supplies.

- To provide therapy services and equipment.

- To assist with transportation during medical emergency and/or hospital stays.

Long term goals are to provide a day camp location where children will have exposure to nature, and activities in a country setting that accommodates mobility issues.

In addition to Salvadore, board members are Bethany Salvadore, Ringtown; Michelle Reismiller, Gordon; Carly Lewis, Shenandoah; Amanda Aagon, Shenandoah; and Karen and Ralph Keppner of AlternaMed, Ashland. A support group is also being considered.

Helping to get the message out is Road Scholar Transport, Scranton, which decorates its trailers and cabs with designs to increase awareness of nonprofit organizations. Lyla's Hope is the latest tractor-trailer in the fleet.

"He (owner James Barrett) told me last year he was going to make a truck," Salvadore said. "I was contacted by his daughter for ideas about what the truck could look like, and we talked back and forth, but I recently found out the truck was finished. We're so excited about it. This is so cool."

In addition to Lyla's Hope, Road Scholar Transport is currently spreading awareness for 22 other organizations including Alex's Lemonade, American Breast Cancer Foundation, American Red Cross, The Flight 93 National Memorial, Make a Wish Foundation, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, and Children's Tumor Foundation.

The Lyla's Hope design is not on the company website yet, but the other truck designs can be seen at www.roadscholarawareness.org.

Salvadore said plans are to have the truck in Schuylkill County for a fundraiser in September, though a date and location have not been set.

"I think it's going to be great. We'll have food and things for kids," Salvadore said.

For more information, go to the Lyla's Hope website, lylashope.org, and to the Facebook page by going to www.facebook.com and search "Lyla's Hope."

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG - A West Brunswick Township man faces Schuylkill County Court action after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday on charges that he broke a boy's nose in July at a supermarket.

Scott A. Parsons, 23, of 57 Summer Valley Road, Orwigsburg, is charged with simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of aggravated assault.

Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, who had been scheduled to preside over Parsons' preliminary hearing, instead bound over the three remaining charges to the county court.

Orwigsburg police alleged that Parsons assaulted the boy at 5 p.m. July 16 at Boyers Food Markets, 329 S. Liberty St., in the borough.

Police said Parsons punched the boy four or five times in the face and back of the head, breaking his nose and also giving him a bloody and swollen right eye.

The boy had to be taken by Orwigsburg EMS to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street for treatment, police said.

Witnesses said Parsons punched the boy for no reason, according to police.

Parsons is free on $50 unsecured bail pending further court action.

Other defendants whose cases Ferrier considered on Tuesday, the charges against them and the judge's dispositions of the matters included:

Stanley J. Jalonski Jr., 72, of 349 Anderson St., Pottsville; accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property, improper left turn and violation of duty to give information or render aid; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

William J. Sherakas, 80, of 100 Valley St. Apt. 2, New Philadelphia; driving under the influence, failure to yield, careless driving and seat belt violation; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Want to participate in Make A Difference Day but don't have a clue how to help? We're starting to get requests from nonprofits for easy projects they have for "adoption." More will be coming in and featured each week. If any interest you, contact this office for details.

RSVP of Schuylkill County invites you to join their Sock it To Us Make A Difference Day project. They're collecting new socks for infants, children and adults to be distributed throughout the county to those in need to help keep them warm this winter. Collection bins are distributed around the county, but you can donate directly to them by calling Carol Bowen at 622-3103 or stopping by the office at 110 E. Laurel Blvd., Pottsville. That's in the Human Services Building at the intersection between the post office and the Empire Beauty School.

Care Net Pregnancy Center has several ways you can help them for MADDay. The center will be hosting a Coat Give-A-Way for MADDay and is looking for gently used coat donations. They also have some handy projects. They need help hooking up a washer and dryer, hanging doors, moving furniture, painting and more. Most supplies are provided. If you're handy with this type of project, this is the opportunity for you. Children must be supervised by a parent or adult.

Service Access management Inc. announces its third annual Dog Walk for the MADDay project. While they don't need volunteers, if you're a vendor or business and who would like to participate or donate to the cause, contact this office for information.

Everyone can help them by attending and supporting their project Oct. 6 at Stoyer's Dam in Schuylkill Haven.

If your organization, group or business could use help with your MADDay project, contact this office at 628-1426 and I'll promote it on your behalf, too. Welcome to the Schuylkill MADDay family.

Don't forget that we're here to help you with your project. Feel free to contact us for project suggestions and general guidance.

There will be blood drives on Wednesday at the Frackville Elks, on Thursday at the Aurand Memorial UMC in Ringtown, and on Monday, Aug. 13, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Pottsville. All people in general good health who weigh at least 110 pounds are encouraged to donate.

The 98th annual Lithuanian Days Festival will be held at the Schuylkill Mall on Saturday and Sunday. Food, dancers, live entertainment, Lithuanian sports, arts and crafts are only some of the fun and educational displays and activities featured ta the festival.

The Penn State master gardeners will feature their annual Walk in the Garden at 9 a.m. Saturday in the demonstration garden in Schuylkill Haven. The free hour-long program is open to the public and will focus on sunflowers. Learn how to cut and arrange them and discover plants suited for sunny rock gardens and perennial plants. Call 622-4225 for details.

The Schuylkill County Sportsmen's Association will present the Schuylkill County Women's Outdoor Day on Aug. 18 at the Friedensburg fish and game. The free event will include lunch and is open to any woman age 16 and older. Planned events are archery, canoeing, fishing, .22 pistol, shotgun, .22 rifle and muzzleloader. Choose which events appeal to you. Registration is required by Wednesday by calling the Schuylkill Conservation District at 622-3742.

For information about volunteer opportunities, call Community Volunteers in Action at 628-1426, e-mail jjohnston@co,.schuylkill.pa.us or go to www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Check us out on Facebook.

Museum worker

Times: Flexible

Responsibility: Help staff with tours, filing, clerical, etc.

Skills: Idea opportunity for teens or adults. Training provided.

Location: Frackville Museum

Contact: 874-2814

Ombudsman

Times: Flexible, once per month.

Responsibility: Go to a specific facility once per month to meet with new residents, give them packets of information, and listen to concerns residents may have.

Skills: Age 55 and above. Friendly, wanting to help seniors. Training is required.

Location: Throughout Schuylkill County

Contact: Susan, RSVP, 622-3103

n Frackville: The Frackville High School Reunion Committee is making plans for the fifth reunion, to be held Oct. 13 for class years 1925 to 1968, according to a release from committee coordinator Roy W. Mengel. Information has been mailed to class members. The committee is updating addresses. If anyone has moved, did not receive a notice about the last reunion in 2009 or attended Frackville High School and is interested in attending, send name and address to: FHS Reunion, c/o Roy W. Mengel, 1 S. Third St., Frackville, PA 17931, or email Mengel at rmengel@ptd.net.

n McAdoo: An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 13 at St. Michael Church Hall, 37 E. Blaine St. The drive is sponsored by McAdoo Lions Club and St. Michael Church. People 17 an older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are urged to donate blood.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following honor donation: For the Pottsville Free Public Library Staff from Susan Wagner. The library also acknowledged the following memorial donations: For John Flanigan from Tom and Diana Beausang; for Barbara Hanna from Barbara Hoehn and Deborah Rehrig.

n Pottsville: The reunion committee of Pottsville Area High School Class of 1977 is seeking the current addresses for the following classmates for the upcoming 35th-year class reunion to be held on Sept. 29. They are Dennis Carmichael, Francis Curry, Theresa Dixon, Daniel Heck, Karen McKenzie, Deborah Heni Sock, Cynthia Hobbs, Joyce Kienzle, Charles McBreen, Barbara Roos, Linda Shoener Dunham, Mary Ann Snyder Koch, Carla Wenner Rosenberg, Debbie Whitman and Richard Young. If you have any information, please contact pahsclassof77@aol.com.

n Shenandoah: Officers and board members of the 15 W. Washington St. Shenandoah Area Free Public Library for 2012 include Kawika Daguio, first vice president; Debi A. Dodson, library director; William Krash, Ph.D., past president; Kimberly Szymanski, president; Mary Ann Mickelonis, secretary; Mary Luscavage, treasurer; Mary Ellen Matunis, second vice president; John Szczyglak, Helen Beddall and Andrea Pytak, board members. Sarah Daguio is the student representative on the board. The library gratefully accepts memorial and honor donations. Its phone number is 570-462-9829.

n Shenandoah: The borough has an ordinance requiring people who walk pets on public sidewalks to clean up after them. Those who do not are in violation of the law and can face a fine. Pet owners may not allow their animals to roam in the borough unleashed or out of control. Driving ATVs on public streets or areas where they are not allowed, such as parks or private property, also is unlawful. Anyone who witnesses such violations is asked to contact municipal authorities. The borough's new mayor, Andrew J. Szczyglak, at one time spoke out, as a councilman, about the problem of people not picking up after their dogs. The council appointed Szczyglak mayor after former Mayor Michael Whitecavage resigned due to increased work responsibilities.

n Snyders: Zion's Stone Church will host a hearing loss education seminar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 14 in the church auditorium. Amy Conover-Buchman from Miracle Ear, Lehighton, will present educational information about how people hear, hearing loss, hearing aid options and hearing issues. Call the church at 570-386-5111 for more information.

n Tamaqua: Tamaqua Area High School Principal Stephen Toth has announced that orientation for freshmen and new students will at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the district auditorium. Parents of incoming freshman and new students to the district are encouraged to attend. Students also are welcome. The high school will not be open for tours at this time. Arrangement to schedule a tour can be made by calling the school office between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at 570-668-1901.

GORDON - Three Canadian passengers not wearing seat belts died and two others were injured in a single-vehicle accident after the driver of the vehicle fell asleep behind the wheel at 2:15 a.m. Saturday on Interstate 81 north, near mile marker 118, Butler Township.

State police at Frackville said Jocelyn Caron, 52, of Quebec, was driving a vehicle in the left lane, fell asleep and lost control of the vehicle, exiting the west berm through the grass median and hitting a dirt embankment that launched his vehicle about 100 feet in the air before crashing against Highridge Park Road and slamming against the concrete bridge support beneath the Interstate and coming to a rest on the passenger's side.

Police said Caron and the passenger in the front seat, Paul leRoy Audy, 60, of Quebec, were flown by Life Flight to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. As of Saturday evening, Caron was in stable condition with a broken foot and Audy was also listed as stable with a broken arm. Police said both men were wearing seat belts.

Pronounced dead at the scene were Mamon Simard, 57, wife of Caron; Danielle Joncas, 54, wife of Audy; and Audy's 17-year-old daughter, all of Quebec.

Assisting at the scene were EMS from West Schuylkill Haven, Pottsville and Minersville. Fire personnel were from Heckscherville, Minersvlle and Yorkville. Also on scene were Schuylkill County Chief Investigative Deputy Coroner James Nettles, Deputy Coroners Andrew Szczyglak, David Truskowsky and Joshua Hart, and state police at Schuylkill Haven and Frackville.

Deeds

East Union Township - David and Andrea Yurkanin to Randall J. and Pamela S. Brown; 3 Horseshoe Drive, Eagle Rock; $179,900.

Frailey Township - Elizabeth Bettinger, executrix of the Estate of Elizabeth M. Gauntlett, to Patrick L. Shaud Sr.; 107 Spring St., Donaldson; $65,000.

Gilberton - Anna and Felix Bashinsky to Denise Hanrahan, Jonathan M. Bashinsky and Diana Bashinsky-Witman; property on Main Street; $1.

Anna N. and Felix Bashinsky to Denise Hanrahan, Jonathan M. Bashinsky and Diana Bashinsky-Witman; property on Mahanoy Creek; $1.

Anna N. and Felix Bashinsky to Denise Hanrahan, Jonathan M. Bashinsky and Diana Bashinsky-Witman; 2030 Main St., Mahanoy Plane; $1.

Dianne M. Boczkowski and Leon V. Boczkowski Jr. to Lawrence J. Buslia; property on Growler Street; $5,500.

Washington Township - Curtis M. and Carol J. Meyers to Jason D. and Amy K. Crouse; 3 Tyler Drive; $225,000.

Wayne Township - David M. and Elaine H. Steele to John F. Keller; 1661 Long Run Road; $13,500.

David DeRito to Paul E. and Nancy M. Eschbach; 1376 Long Run Road, Friedensburg; $126,500.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association to Robert L. Sr. and Ruth Raezer; 246 Ridge Road; $70,000.

James II and Brooke Spink to Jarrod P. and Lauren M. Szilli; 26 Hillside Drive; $229,000.

Anne M. Singleton to Michael Endres; 0.0893-acre property on Moyers Station Road; $3,572.

Michael Endres to Michael Endres; 502 Moyers Station Road; $1.

Wells Fargo Bank NA to Frank Dian Jr. and Elizabeth Szabo, guardian of Teresa Dian; 986 and 987 Horseshoe Drive, Lake Wynonah; $1.

Ideal Consulting & Investment Co. to Justin M. Miller; Lot 861, Lake Wynonah; $8,000.

HEGINS - Albert N. "Ap" Shadle toiled in coal mines for more than 37 years.

This year, his portrait is featured on a memorial mug, which recognizes the grit and sacrifices of the region's coal miners.

Each year, the organizer of the annual Independent Coal Miners Picnic, David A. Lucas, Hegins, has a memorial mug designed in honor or in memory of local miners. The glassware features miners' names, the year they passed away and the date of the annual picnic with a design of a coal buggy at the entrance to a mine.

The Bootleggers' 28th annual Independent Coal Miners Picnic will begin at noon Aug. 11 at Hegins Park, and Shadle's family is expected to be among those attending.

"We were really close, and he taught me everything I know about mining," Darryl Shadle, Molleystown, said of his late father, Albert.

Shadle and his wife, Helen, grew up in the Lincoln area, lived in Molleystown and had four children, Darryl and Cindy, Molleystown, Steven, New Hope, and Michael, Elysburg, eight grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Albert Shadle worked at Herb & Reed Coal Co., Tremont, and Zimmerman Coal Co., Lincoln. In the early 1970s, he started H&S Coal Co. with his brother-in-law, the late John Harman, in the Gap. By the 1980s, he had established an independent mine near Mount Pleasant. Albert Shadle then launched Shadle Coal Co. with his son, Darryl, in Molleystown. He continued to work with his son at DJT Coal Co. near Westwood until his retirement in 2000.

He died on April 29.

In addition to Albert Shadle's portrait, the names of others on the annual coal miners mug are: in memory of Albert Block, 2011; Clair M. Schwalm, 2011; Richard W. "Snook" Boyer, 2011; Lewis W. Graver Sr., 2011; Norman R. "Dick" Rothermel, 2011; Sterman E. "Stermy" Masser, 2012; William J. Kroh, 2012; Larry L. "Mouse" Schlegel, Sr., 2012; John C. Batz, 2012; Justin Ladick, 2012; Allen E. "Les" Tobin, 2012; Irvin H. Schreffler, 2012; and Marvin H. Klinger, 2011.

Many of the mugs were pre-ordered, but additional mugs will be available, Lucas said, and can be obtained on the day of the picnic for a $7 donation.

Lucas said a family member of the late William J. Kroh is scheduled to bring his race car to Hegins Park for display during the gathering. According to Lucas, others slated to attend are: Marc Brodcik, Philadelphia, producer of the movie, "Hard Coal"; Christian Abraham, Connecticut, who takes professional photos of the picnic for Lucas; and Rev. Curtis Zemencik, Sacramento, who will read the names of the men memorialized on the mug and offer a prayer before the meal.

For a $20 donation at the picnic, guests will receive a hot meal served at 4 p.m., which includes soups and cold cuts. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Gold Dust and The Breaker Boys. The event will be held rain or shine and everyone is welcome to attend.

For any other information about the annual picnic, call Lucas at 570-682-9140.

MAHANOY CITY - A man who threatened to harm himself Friday afternoon was found near his home later that night about 1 1/2 hours after authorities called off their search.

Jeremiah Spirko, 24, of 639 E. Centre St., was found at his home just after 11:30 p.m. and taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street for psychological evaluation on a mental health warrant obtained by police earlier in the day.

Mahanoy City police Chief Mark J. Wiekrykas said officers checking the area near Spirko's home saw the man near the back door before he fled inside the house.

Officers were then able to take the man into custody without incident.

The chief said the incident began about 2 p.m. when information was received that Spirko left his home threatening to harm himself and that he could possibly have a weapon with him.

After two sightings, one about 3:30 p.m. near his parents home in the 1200 block of East Mahanoy Avenue and another about 4:30 p.m. near the former White Oil Manor facility, police stepped up their search for Spirko.

A person who reported seeing the man about 4:30 p.m. said he appeared to be holding what looked like a hand gun.

As the night moved on, Lt. John Kaczmarczyk spotted Spirko in an area near his home on a Reading and Northern Railroad property about 7:30 p.m.

The man again fled and an all-out search of the area began that included police from neighboring communities, state police troopers from the Frackville station and a state police helicopter.

As darkness fell, Wiekrykas said the search was called off for the day with anticipation of starting again Saturday morning.

This, the chief said, never occurred because the man was located and taken into custody without incident at his home.

Wiekrykas said authorities still do not know whether or not Spirko had a weapon and that the investigation is continuing.

He said police are also looking into the possibility that family members provided false information to authorities during the course of the search and that criminal charges may be filed.

LLEWELLYN - Engines were roaring and the dust was flying at the Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 as more than 1,000 all-terrain vehicles gathered for the second annual ATV Poker Run.

"This is probably the most people that have ever been in Llewellyn at one time," said a Good Intent representative.

Members of the Good Intent Hose Company, 12 Silverton Road, insisted on not giving their names. They said everyone at the company has worked hard and they can't name everyone, so they didn't want any one member singled out.

Representatives said they could tell early Saturday morning that it was going to exceed last year's total of 480 riders. About 11 a.m., there were about 700 people registered for the event with a long line still in front of the company building.

The trail also expanded a few miles from last year. There were a total of five stops along the 32-mile course on Sharp Mountain, with the last one being the return to the fire house. At each stop, the player pulled a card out of a deck and tried to make the best poker hand. Riders left for the trail in groups of 50.

There were a lot of locals, company representatives said, but most of the people came from out of the state, including a group of 52 people from West Virginia.

Fire company members said it took about three months to prepare the trail and three weeks to prepare all the food for the weekend.

A lot of people were camping this year, as well, starting Thursday evening. By Saturday, there were 46 campers at the fire company.

The hose company hosted a bonfire Friday night and a spaghetti dinner earlier that day and breakfast Saturday morning. Representatives said they sold out of food both nights. There were also raffles and food being sold throughout the evening.

Funds raised during the weekend events will go towards payment for the trucks, the new garage built in 2010 and other equipment, representatives said.

The event also provided a boost to the local economy, like hotels, bars, restaurants, gas stations and other stores.

The fire company also thanked the land owners for allowing them to use the trail, and Reilly and Branch township supervisors and the local residents for their cooperation.

Elizabeth Greis, Pottsville, and Gabby Tobin, Minersville, were two locals participating in the poker run Saturday.

"I just like to ride and it's for a really good cause," Tobin said.

This was their first year participating in a poker run, but a lot of their friends and family did it last year.

"I just like being outside and in the woods," Greis said. "I like getting dirty, that's part of the fun."

Also at the event as an equipment vendor was Matt Ziegler, of S.A. Ziegler Performance, Boyertown.

He said the sport is getting bigger and more shows and events have been popping up throughout the state.

"It gets everyone together," Ziegler said. "You meet new people that are into the same thing as you and it's all for a good cause. It's also a good family event."

Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers and state police at Schuylkill Haven are asking for public's help in finding the person or persons responsible for two bank robberies, one in Tremont and the other in Tower City, earlier this year.

The Tremont robbery occurred about 11:35 a.m. June 6 at Miners Bank, 23 E. Main St.

Police said a man entered the bank, did not display a weapon but demanded money from the tellers.

After obtaining the cash, police said the man exited the bank and walked south across Main Street between two houses to an alley that runs parallel to Route 209, between Good Springs Road and Union Street, and got into a dark mid-size vehicle driven by another man and both then fled.

The robber is described as being black, about 6 feet 2 inches tall with a medium build, and between the ages of 30 and 35 with scruffy facial hair.

He was wearing a dark New York Yankees baseball hat, a black shirt and black jeans, police said.

There was no description of the driver of the getaway car other than that he was also a black man.

Then, on June 29, a robber entered the Halifax Bank, 920 E. Wiconisco Ave., Tower City, at 10:10 a.m., walked up to a teller and demanded money.

The man did not show or use a weapon and was handed money from the teller, police said.

After getting an undetermined amount of money, the man exited the bank and walked across East Wiconisco Avenue and fled the area.

The man is described as being in his late 20s, about 6 feet 2 inches tall with scruffy facial hair.

Smith said he was wearing a dark baseball hat, a long-sleeve flannel shirt and blue jeans.

No one was injured in either robbery, police said.

Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information on the identity of the person or persons responsible for these robberies or on any other unsolved crime in Schuylkill County.

Callers are asked to refer to incident 08-05-12 when calling with information about the bank robberies in Tremont or Tower City.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 877-TIPS4SC (877-847-7472)

Individuals with information can also contact state police at Schuylkill Haven directly at 570-593-2000.

All information received will remain confidential.

SUMMIT STATION - Although Homecoming Night on Saturday marked the last day for this year's Schuylkill County Fair, it went out with some exciting entertainment as the high-energy performance group Vocal Trash and the 2012 Schuylkill County Idol winners took the stage.

"These guys are phenomenal," said fair President Paul T. Kennedy as he watched Vocal Trash perform Saturday. "They're different."

Based out of Dallas, Texas, Vocal Trash performances consist of singing, dancing and the use of homemade instruments from recyclables.

"We play industrial instruments," said Steve Linder, who runs the group with his partner, Kelsey Rae.

Linder said the goal of the group is to promote creativity and recycling awareness all through entertainment.

"It's all for fun," Linder said. "It's just pure entertainment and it's family friendly. Our appeal is very broad and that's hard to do in this day and age. It's not easy to be cool for the kids while not offending grandpa, but I think we found that balance."

Since being formed in 2001, the band has performed across the nation, including Madison Square Garden and numerous state fairs. Linder said the group has been touring up and down the East Coast all summer. When Linder asked the audience to see who had the longest drive to see their performance tonight, several people in the crowd drove several hours just to watch them Saturday night.

For more information about the group, visit www.vocaltrash.net or find them on Facebook.

Although the Schuylkill County Idol winner Maura Gownley, 16, of Ashland, and Junior Idol winner Reiley Lonergan, 13, of Minersville, had yet to take the stage about 7 p.m., Kennedy was confident they would also put on great performances as well.

"It's always a pleasure to have them here with us," Kennedy said.

Homecoming Night at the fair was sponsored by Kreitzer Sanitation, Orwigsburg. This was the first time the fair has partnered with Kreitzer, Kennedy said.

"They've been unbelievable to work with," Kennedy said.

Kennedy said the fair had a nice crowd last night for Country Night that featured the 4-H/FFA Master Livestock Showman Contest and musical performances by up-and-coming country star Jason Michael Carroll.

While attendance numbers were not yet available Saturday evening, Kennedy said it was another successful year for the fair and they are already planning for next year.

"We have a great team within the fair committee with fantastic ideas and we are already planning for next year." Kennedy said. "We got a lot of comments and feedback from a lot of people this year. It's important to continue to have a fresh product and we are excited to bring in new ideas every year."

Armstrong County businessman Tom Smith wants Pennsylvania to send two conservative Republicans to Washington.

A former Democrat - driven out of the party in 2010, he said, for supporting GOP candidates - he is the Republican challenger to the re-election of U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa. The men face off in the Nov. 6 General Election.

In an interview Friday with The Republican-Herald editorial board, he said he had misgivings last year about his party's efforts to unseat the popular moderate from Scranton who supported The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

"With all due respect to the Republican party, I did not see where they had a Pat Toomey-type all warmed up in their bullpen ready to take on Bob Casey," he said.

Smith, who grew up on a family farm, had just sold his mining company which he had started in 1989, which employed about 100 people when he decided to run.

After winning 47 percent of the vote in a primary with 11 candidates, he is campaigning on a pro-business platform hoping to secure future prosperity for his eight grandchildren.

"I see this country, with its economic conditions deteriorating ... I'm blessed. I lived that dream and I see their opportunity diminished."

Taxes, regs stifle business

Smith believes high taxes and excessive regulations hurt business and he supports extending the Bush-era tax cuts on all income brackets, including the most wealthy.

"Those are the very people we need to grow this economy," he said.

However, in the long run, Smith thinks the entire federal tax code - he said it is "ten times the length of the Bible with none of the good news in it" - should be replaced with a simplified flat tax system. Smith said the loopholes in the tax code are put there by "politicians who want to get re-elected."

Smith said he does not know what the flat rate should be because he believes it is equally important to cut spending.

To the usual spending recently completed of federal entitlements - Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid - Smith said they add interest on the federal deficit.

"We are trying to hold down forces that will not be held down forever," he said, warning that the interest rates on the public debt will go up, maybe 100 percent, and swamp the nation's economy. He believes the budget should be balanced and the debt paid down.

In cutting spending, he said all federal agencies need to be scrutinized, mentioning in particular the Departments of Education and Energy. He did not go so far as to call for the abolition of the education department, as did former President Reagan, but he faulted the energy department for being set up to "get the country off foreign oil" and failing to do so.

Smith, with a background in the coal industry, said the federal government is waging a regulatory war to destroy the nation's coal industry.

"We need coal. We need energy," he warned. "We're fortunate to have Marcellus gas."

Obamacare

Smith is on board with tossing the 2010 health care reform law overboard and he said repealing Obamacare is a priority.

To address high health care costs, he prefers tort reform and allowing people and companies to buy health insurance from across state lines.

When asked how the government should protect people with pre-existing conditions to whom companies often refuse to sell insurance, he said some states have laws in place that forbid this practice - which is also prohibited by Obamacare.

When asked about the many uninsured, he said that many refuse to buy health insurance and that the high premiums everyone else pays covers emergency room costs incurred by covering everyone and that no one is denied emergency care.

Smith warned that the uncertainty created by the imposition of Obamacare as well as the uncertainty created by complex tax laws stop businesses from expanding.

Israel support

Citing Israel's right to protect itself, Smith stressed the importance of the United State's alliance with the tiny Middle Eastern Nation surrounded by hostile Arab countries.

He said he prefers using sanctions to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons but would support military action to achieve the goal if necessary. Asked about reports of the Israel government spying on the U.S., Smith was dismissive, saying "everyone spies on everyone."

He also expressed doubts about the Arab Spring as it may put unstable or hostile regimes in place.

Other issues

Now is not the time to jump onto the gun control wagon, in Smith's view, as terrible as the July 20, 2012, Aurora, Colo., movie theater massacre may have been.

"It is never good to regulate out of emotion," he said and summed up his views on gun control simply by saying, "I am a second amendment man."

Smith is pro-life, opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants, and supports term limits.

"We need more common sense and balance in this country," he said of his conservative philosophy which he believes the Democratic party has moved further away from over the decades since he registered to vote.

ASHLAND - The Ashland Area Municipal Authority and Ashland borough are continuing their efforts to collect on delinquent water accounts, including placing liens on properties.

Borough Manager Thomas Joyce made the report on delinquent accounts at the July 30 AAMA meeting. The water authority owns the water system, including the reservoir, water treatment plant and distribution system, with the borough under contract with the authority to operate the system on a day-to-day basis, including billing and collections.

"I informed the board at the meeting that we have shut off four more people in the past week," Joyce said after the meeting. "The borough solicitor, James Diehl, has put 25 to 30 liens on properties in the last month. Most of those properties are vacant where people have left and they're up for sale."

Since the next billing cycle is being prepared, the total delinquencies are not available now, Joyce said, but should be by the next authority meeting Aug. 27.

"We are progressing in collecting on the past-due accounts," Joyce said. "We are monitoring the situation when we have to shut off service when people don't live up to their agreements."

In January, the authority board approved the policy that sets the guidelines for a delinquent customer who wants to pay the outstanding balance on the account over a period of time and stay current with future bills. Periodic payments on delinquent amounts will be accepted, subject to the following conditions:

- The total delinquency shall be satisfied within a period of 10 months from the date of the initial payment.

- Periodic payments shall be made at monthly intervals on the same date each month.

- Periodic payments shall be $125 or 10 percent of the total amount due and owing, whichever is greater.

- In order to be provided with water service, and in addition to the periodic payments, current bills from the date of the initial periodic payment forward shall be paid in full prior to any such bills due date.

- As of the date of the first payment, there shall be a moratorium with respect to additional interest and late fees. Such a moratorium shall cease if any of the provisions hereof are violated by any customer. If service has been terminated, the authority shall restore such service at the time of the initial payment. Any reconnection or restoration fees shall be added to the amount due. Service shall continue so long as the customer continues to comply with the terms of this policy.

The policy also includes the granting of waivers to delinquent customers who apply in writing to the authority board asking to make payments in lesser amounts if there is a showing of economic or medical hardship.

In other business, the technical review process continues between the authority and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for the DEP-mandated reservoir upgrade.

During the July 30 meeting, Joyce said that Alfred Benesch & Co. senior designer Natalie L. O'Connor, EIT, told the AAMA board that the latest questions from DEP have been answered.

"The engineer reported that they (Benesch) got other questions from DEP, and O'Connor said the questions have been answered and now they're waiting for DEP for its reply," Joyce said.

The authority is planning the DEP-mandated improvements at its reservoir in Butler Township that will raise the crest of the reservoir by six feet above its current height. The improvement will allow the reservoir to hold more than its current capacity of 110 million gallons during major storm events. The increased height will permit large amounts of storm water to leave the reservoir in a more controlled fashion through the spillway instead of flowing over the dam crest, thereby increasing safety for areas below the reservoir.

The authority is also planning an upstream closure project at the dam in response to another DEP mandate.

In a related matter, O'Connor said that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PennVEST) has extended the deadline until February 2013 on the use of the $650,000 low-interest loan for the project. The estimated project cost is about $1 million.

Joyce said that the reservoir water level is at one foot, 10 inches, below overflow, or 90 percent capacity, with the reduction due to the reduced rainfall in recent weeks.

The authority will soon seek bids for repairs of the water storage tank at 22nd Street. Repairs of leaks were made in late 2010 with the idea that permanent repairs would be done at a later time.

"It's a temporary fix now, but now we're trying to get the permanent fix on the inside," Joyce said. "The estimated cost is about $155,000, which is the number received by Benesch from a tank company."

The water storage tank at the top of town has a capacity of one million gallons.