n Mahanoy City: The Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite — Tridentine Latin Mass — is celebrated at 3 p.m. on the last Sunday of every month at St. Cecilia Chapel, South Catawissa Street. The Rev. Edward B. Connolly is the celebrant. Latin-English missals are provided to assist worshippers. For more information, call Sarah Johnson at 570-734-3022.

n Pottsville: An American Red Cross blood drive is set for 1 to 5:45 p.m. Wednesday at Life Center Foursquare Church, 2300 Mahantongo St. People 17 and older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are urged to donate blood. To make an appointment or for more information, call 800-733-2767. A blood drive is also set for 1 to 5:45 p.m. Dec. 7 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 W. Arch St.

n Pottsville: Pottsville Area High School will host a financial aid night at 7 p.m. Monday at the high school. Guest speakers will discuss changes in FAFSA and local scholarship applications. It is requested that parents of seniors attend the information session. For more information, call Ellen T. King, post secondary counselor, at 570-621-2964.

n Ringtown: Local artist Douglas Schiefer is offering three prints featuring the historic Ringtown Valley “Old White Church” for sale to benefit the Ringtown Area Library, 132 W. Main St. Schiefer, according to a release, creates his artwork by rendering digital images into impressionistic prints. The Old White Church images are available at the library for $9.99 for an 11-by-8.5-inch print, $3.50 for a single greeting card, or $8.49 for a set of three cards, one of each featured image. Schiefer will donate 30 percent of the sales of the prints to the library. The prints will remain available at the library through the end of the year. For more information, call the library at 570-889-5503.

n Shenandoah: The Anthony P. Damato American Legion Medal of Honor Post 792, 116 N. Main St., is continuing its quest to enlist new members. “Come visit our post, see what we have to offer for you and your family,” enlistment effort organizers said in a press release that called for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines veterans to consider joining and suggested that National Guardsmen and reservists could “continue serving your country” at the post. Veterans who belong to a post or who previously belonged to a post can transfer to the Damato post, according to the release. For more information, call 570-462-2387.

n Shenandoah: M&T Bank is holding its 25th annual winter coat drive. Coats collected, according to the bank’s Mark Bernardyn, will be donated to people in need. Coats may be dropped off at M&T’s Shenandoah branch, Main and Centre streets. For more information, call Bernardyn at 570-462-2734.

n Tamaqua: A project called “Socks for Seniors” is underway for its fourth year coordinated by Mary Ann Dulaney and Jessica Kutza, assisted by 13 regional businesses. Organizers are collecting socks and other items to be distributed to regional nursing homes and rehabilitation centers for the holiday season, according to a press release. In addition to socks, personal care items — shampoo, lotion, chap stick, deodorant, brushes, combs, aftershave, shower caps, small hand sanitizers — as well as individually wrapped snacks or sugar-free candy, soft tissues, costume jewelry, garden gloves for wheelchair use, backscratchers and puzzle books are being collected. Socks for Seniors is “a nationwide service project that supports individual efforts to hold sock drives in local communities. Founded by Jamie Coyne in Columbus, Ohio, this was to ensure that all seniors, even those without family members, would have a gift to open at the holidays,” Dulaney and Kutza said in the release. New, unwrapped items can be dropped off at the following sites: Coaldale, Tommy’s Restaurant, Angela Triplex Theatre; Lansford, Sports Zoo, First Niagara Bank, Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank; Summit Hill, Hiles Brothers, Midas Touch Hair Salon; Nesquehoning, Classic Beverage; Jim Thorpe, Mauch Chunk 5 & 10; Lehighton, Beacon 443; Tamaqua, Dr Puddu’s office, AAA, M&S Hardware. The deadline is Dec. 8. Businesses interested in hosting a dropoff box or nursing centers in need of gifts should call Dulaney at 570-645-4228 or email to madula@ptd.net.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH — A 24-year-old borough man charged by Shenandoah police with damaging property with a BB gun on Sept. 7 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Michael Diaz-Rodriguez, 29 E. Coal St., was arrested by Capt. Michael O’Neill and Patrolman David Stamets and charged with one count each of criminal mischief and propulsion of missiles onto roadways.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Diaz-Rodriguez will now have to answer to both charges in Schuylkill County Court.

O’Neill said officers were called to the area of the man’s home for a report of several people shooting glass bottles with a BB gun in an alley. Officers went to the scene and found a party was being held in the yard of 29 E. Coal St., broken glass in the alley, bottles propped up on the Shenandoah Community Ambulance building and about 30 holes in the metal siding of that building.

When identified and confronted, O’Neill said Diaz-Rodriguez admitted to shooting the BB gun and being responsible for the damage.

Other court cases included:

Marvin P. Houtz, 57, of 408 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah, withdrawn: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance. Waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate, DUI-controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Donna L. Hartranft, 41, of 304 W. Pine St., Mahanoy City, waived for court: possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Danielle C. Haupt, 19, of 318 W. Poplar St., Shenandoah, held for court: false identification to law enforcement and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jorge Tovar Zamudio, 44, of 214 Ohio Ave., Shenandoah, dismissed: criminal trespass. Held for court: criminal trespass, terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment.

James Mercuri, 57, of 24 S. D St., Mahanoy City, withdrawn: bad checks.

Eleanor A. Styka, 50, of 115 W. Pine St., Mahanoy City, withdrawn: possession of a controlled substance and selling a controlled substance with a known trademark.

Christopher J. Briksza, 32, of 118 N. Ferguson St., Apt. 2, Shenandoah, held for court: public nuisances.

William L. Devaney, 50, of 105 E. Main St., Girardville, held for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robert Wentworth, 34, of 432 E. Lloyd St., Shenandoah, held for court: simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.

Wayne W. Kechula, 61, of 105 W. Centre St., Shenandoah, waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jordan Demko, 19, of 141 Hazle St., Delano, withdrawn: corruption of minors.

William D. Smith, 50, of 304 W. Pine St., Mahanoy City, waived for court: possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kelly Bancroft, 44, of 149 Pioneer Road, Shenandoah, waived for court: defiant trespass, possession of drug paraphernalia, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

Tasheena Casara Ortiz, 22, of 26 S. Grant St., Shenandoah, withdrawn: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA — A 57-year-old borough man charged with assaulting another man on July 9 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Thomas K. Fahringer, 120 Mahanoy St., was arrested by Tamaqua police Patrolman Thomas Rodgers and charged with two counts each of aggravated assault and simple assault and one count each of possessing instruments of crime and harassment.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Fahringer will now have to answer to all six charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Rodgers charged Fahringer with having words with Robert Laughlin in the area of 61 Bowe St. that led Laughlin pushing Fahringer away, prompting him to go after Laughlin with a knife and stabbing him several times in the arm and one time in the stomach.

Other court cases included:

Jonathan M. Pauly, 21, of 242 Orwigsburg St., Tamaqua, withdrawn: recklessly endangering another person. Waived for court: terroristic threats and simple assault.

Woman trapped

after 2-car crash

Pottsville police investigated a crash that occurred at Route 61 and East Arch Street about 2:45 p.m. Saturday.

Police said William Thompson, 54, of New Jersey, was driving a Ford F-150 north on Route 61 when he failed to stop for a steady red light at the intersection and collided with a Chevrolet Cavalier being driven west on East Arch Street by Tanya Viars, 39, of Pottsville.

Viars was extricated from her car by Pottsville firefighters and taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street by Schuylkill EMS for evaluation and treatment of unknown injuries.

Police said both vehicles had to be towed from the scene and that Thompson will be cited for violating the state Vehicle Code pertaining to traffic control devices.

Man charged

with threats, assault

MINERSVILLE — A borough man charged with threatening and assaulting a woman was placed in county prison Friday morning, state police at Frackville said Saturday.

Joshua Rogers, 29, of Minersville, was charged with two counts each of making terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment. Following a video arraignment before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Rogers was incarcerated with a bail set at 10 percent of $10,000, police said.

The incident occurred at 11 a.m. in the 600 block of Sunbury Street in Cass Township. Based on information police received from the victim, a 29-year-old woman police did not name, Rogers brandished a knife and threatened her and her daughter. Rogers turned himself in at the state police barracks in Frackville, police said.

Man removed

from home

SHENANDOAH — A magisterial district judge issued an emergency protection from abuse order Friday to remove a West Mahanoy Township man from his residence to protect the woman he lived with, state police at Frackville said Saturday.

The incident occurred at 5 p.m. Friday at 1164 W. Centre St., West Mahanoy Township. John M. Pikitus, 45, grabbed the victim, Helen Pikitus, 43, by the hair and pulled her into the house during a domestic dispute, police said Saturday.

The victim then fled the scene on foot. Police responded, conducted an investigation and removed John Pikitus from the residence with the eviction order from the judge. Harassment charges will be filed against John Pikitus, police said.

Minor injuries

after 2-vehicle crash

GRANTVILLE — An Orwigsburg woman suffered a minor injury in a two-vehicle crash in East Hanover Township, Lebanon County, on Tuesday, state police at Jonestown said Friday.

At 6:14 p.m. Tuesday, Andrea L. Miller, 28, of Orwigsburg, was driving a 2005 Subaru Forester 26X east on Mill Road when she pulled out from a stop sign and hit a 2012 Chrysler 200 traveling on Harrison School Road, police said.

The driver of the Chrysler, Russell W. Riddell, 56, of Moravia, was not injured, police said.

Miller was treated on scene by the first aid and safety patrol. She will be charged with failing to properly stop at a stop sign, police said.

State police

investigate theft

NEW RINGGOLD — State police at Frackville are looking for the thief who stole a hydraulic pump, lift cylinder and headlights from a snow plow in a private driveway at Koch’s Lawn and Garden Inc., East Brunswick Township, between Friday night and Saturday morning, police said Saturday.

The incident occurred between 7:45 p.m. Friday and 7:45 a.m. Saturday at the property at 1044 Summer Valley Road. The thief stole the items from an 8-foot Western Poly Pro Snow Plow, police said.

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

Man robbed of

fireplace, mantel

ONEIDA — A burglar entered a building in East Union Township sometime this month and removed a fireplace, a brown wood mantel and a ceramic log insert, state police at Frackville said Saturday.

The incident occurred between 3:30 p.m. Nov. 1 and 5 p.m. Friday at 239 Green Mountain Road, a property owned by Stephen Bushinski, 58, police said.

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

Crash lands woman

in hospital

HOMETOWN — A vehicle carrying two people crashed on Route 309, Claremont Avenue, in Rush Township.

Rush Township police said the crash occurred in the 200 block of Claremont Avenue where Steven Spohr, 32, of McAdoo, was driving a 2001 Jeep south when it flipped onto its side, coming to a stop in the front yard of 237 Claremont Ave.

A passenger in the vehicle, Brianna Pridgen, 32, of McAdoo, was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton, for treatment of unknown injuries.

Police said Spohr reported it felt like the tires on the SUV locked up causing him to lose control.

Spohr was wearing his seatbelt while Pridgen was not, police said, adding that the vehicle had no inspection sticker and was severely rusted on the undercarriage.

The state Department of Transportation warns motorists to be cautious on the interstate and several other Schuylkill County roads this week as crews perform maintenance work.

From 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Thursday, crews will seal cracks on Interstate 81 in Frailey and Foster townships, between the exits for Route 209 and Highridge Park Road. Other crews will be sealing cracks on the interstate between the Delano and Route 54 exits. Motorists should be alert for lane restrictions on I-81 north or south. This will be a moving operation possibly causing traffic delays. Rain will delay the work.

Meanwhile, at the same time and days, crews will patch potholes on Brandonville Road between Center Street and Route 339 in Union and East Union townships.

They will also patch potholes on Pottsville Street in Cressona. These jobs will require lane restrictions and may cause delays.

From 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Wednesday, inspectors will examine bridges on I-81 South between the Delano and Route 309 exits. There will be lane restrictions.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 770 traffic cameras. The service is available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 511, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. One can follow local PennDOT information on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAAllentown.

With choirs singing in a local church, a fire truck parade with dozens of blinking lights, a visit from Santa and toys for neighborhood children, Pottsville ushered in the Christmas season Saturday night.

Before taking the stage at First United Methodist Church to sing carols, Sara Leibel, a senior at Pottsville Area High School, explained why the city’s annual Christmas program is important to her.

“I think it’s really nice. And in the city, it’s the start of the Christmas season and it brings everybody together,” Leibel said.

She and other members of the Pottsville Area High School Choir — senior Julia Rismiller and sophomore Jalen Tran — were among the local students who performed at the church to start off this year’s program.

They sang “Peace On Earth,” “Sending You A Little Christmas,” “On A Winter’s Night” and “No Golden Carriage, No Bright Toy.”

The annual event was hosted by Mayor James T. Muldowney and the Pottsville Recreation Commission.

“On behalf of my office and city council, we welcome all of you. I want to wish all of you a safe and happy holiday,” Muldowney said, starting off the event before a crowd of more than 80 at the church.

“So glad to see that everybody could come out tonight. And we have some entertainment for you,” Mary Quirk, director of the recreation commission, said.

Then she introduced the Pottsville Area singers and other performers there at the church, including Sounds of Heaven and the D.H.H. Lengel Tide Tones choir under the direction of Kaitlyn Dunn.

“So, please sit back, enjoy and feel free to sing along,” Quirk said.

The concert began at 4:30 p.m. Then at 6 p.m., with a parade of fire trucks, Santa rolled into town for the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree in Garfield Square.

This year it was lit by Julie Botto, 13, daughter of city Councilwoman Dorothy L. “Dottie” Botto, and Zachary Snyder, 4, of Pottsville, who was there with his father, Brian.

The mayor instructed them on how to click on the lights, pointing to two switches in a fuse box at Garfield Square: “There’s two switches here that you will throw over when the band starts playing ‘O Christmas Tree.’ ”

He was referring to musicians from the Pottsville Area High School band who came out to perform that and other holiday favorites.

Meanwhile, a crowd was forming outside Humane Fire Company No. 1 waiting for admission to the Mayor’s Christmas Party. There, children up to age 10 would be given gifts.

“We got here around five o’clock,” Malia Sterner, 17, of Pottsville, said.

She was there with her mother, Jody Gamrak, and siblings, Wyatt, 11, and Gage, 6. Also with them was Stephanie Lepera, Pottsville, and her two children, John, 10, and Shawn, 7.

By 6 p.m., when fire sirens approached and a truck carrying Santa rolled in, there were more than 150 people in line to meet him.

“We come out to this every year,” Jody Gamrak said.

“At least the last four years,” Malia Sterner said.

“You see that line. That’s why we got here early. I didn’t feel like standing in line,” Jody Gamrak said.

Why is the event so popular?

“Because the kids get presents for free. And there’s free food,” Jody Gamrak said.

LARAMIE, Wyo. — After her family moved from suburban New Hampshire to the wind-whipped plains of southeastern Wyoming, Monica Morin embraced small-town life, forging lasting friendships and celebrating her own quirky style.

Dark-haired, with hipster glasses and a disarming sense of humor, Monica was a “why-not kind of kid,” her mother, Kim Morin, said. The kind who would wear a giraffe costume to the grocery store, just because.

Last year, during Monica’s sophomore year of high school, her mood began to darken. She turned to alcohol and marijuana, and some days withdrew from the close relationship she had always had with her parents, who, although long divorced, remained friends and partners in raising their only child. After her descent into drinking, she started cutting herself.

Morin was alarmed, aware that family history was not in her daughter’s favor. Her sister had developed bipolar disorder in her teens, eventually drinking herself to death. Her father had taken his own life when Morin was 19.

Monica’s parents sought help for their daughter’s despair, driving her 2½ hours to Casper for inpatient treatment. As the year drew to a close, Monica seemed to be improving, clinging to a fragile stability with twice-weekly counseling.

On the afternoon of Feb. 4, after Monica and her mother returned to their apartment from a doctor’s appointment, Monica said she needed to finish homework in her room. Some time later, she took a shower and asked her mother if they could snuggle on the sofa and watch a movie before going to bed.

“I love you, Mom,” she said, as Morin stroked her hair.

Not long into the film, Monica suffered a seizure. The paramedics who responded to Morin’s frantic call searched Monica’s room and discovered an empty bottle of over-the-counter allergy pills pilfered from her mother’s medicine cabinet. She died at Ivinson Memorial Hospital that night.

“You replay everything in your head,” Morin said in her living room recently, her voice shaking. “Wondering what else you could have done.”

A growing rural-urban gap

Stories like Monica’s unfold with disturbing frequency across small-town America.

Rural adolescents commit suicide at roughly twice the rate of their urban peers, according to a study published in the May issue of the journal JAMA Pediatrics. Although imbalances between city and country have long persisted, “we weren’t expecting that the disparities would be increasing over time,” said the study’s lead author, Cynthia Fontanella, a psychologist at Ohio State University.

“The rates are higher, and the gap is getting wider.”

Suicide is a threat not just to the young. Rates overall rose 7 percent in metropolitan counties from 2004 to 2013, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In rural counties, the increase was 20 percent.

The CDC reported last year that Wyoming has the highest suicide rate in the nation, almost 30 deaths per 100,000 people in 2012, far above the national average of 12.6 per 100,000. Not far behind were Alaska, Montana, New Mexico and Utah, all states where isolation can be common.

In one telephone survey of 1,000 Wyoming residents, half of those who responded said someone close to them had attempted or died by suicide.

In September, mental health experts, community volunteers and law enforcement officers gathered in Casper to discuss possible solutions. Among the participants was Bobbi Barrasso, the wife of Sen. John Barrasso, who has made suicide prevention a personal and political mission.

“Wyoming is a beautiful state,” she told the crowd. “We have great open spaces. We are a state of small population. We care about one another. We’re resourceful, we’re resilient, we cowboy up. And of course, I’ve learned it’s those very things that have led to a high incidence of suicide in our state.”

Despite a sleepy “Mayberry” sort of image, the realities of small-town life can take an outsize toll on the vulnerable. A combination of lower incomes, greater isolation, family issues and health problems can lead people to be consumed by day-to-day struggles, said Emily Selby-Nelson, a psychologist at Cabin Creek Health Systems, which provides health care in the rural hills of West Virginia.

“Rather than say, ‘I need help,’ they keep working and they get overwhelmed. They can start to think they are a burden on their family and lose hope.”

Isolated lives

Country life can be lonely for people in the grip of mental illness or emotional upheaval, and the means to follow through on suicidal thoughts are close at hand. Firearms, the most common method, are a pervasive part of the culture; 51 percent of rural households own a gun, compared with 25 percent of urban homes, the Pew Research Center reported last year.

Experts also note a mindset, born long ago of necessity, dictating that people solve their own problems.

Leonard Jacobs, who grew up in southeast Iowa, moved to Laramie when his wife, Sarah, enrolled in law school at the University of Wyoming. After 9/11, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, and he spent a year deployed in Iraq in 2005.

He came back a different man, Sarah Jacobs said — prone to anger and paranoia, troubled by nightmares and obsession over cleanliness and order. He refused to discuss the war and insisted on trying to fix himself, just as he had their car, their dishwasher and anything else in need of repair.

Eventually, fearing for the safety of their two children, Sarah filed for divorce. The day she brought him the final papers, in February 2014, he retrieved from his truck a gun she had never seen and ended his life as she watched, horrified. It was their son’s birthday.

Leonard never sought help. But even in cases like Monica Morin’s, where families desperately seek help, proper care can be hard to find.

Morin learned that Laramie was not equipped to address her daughter’s complex needs. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that 55 percent of counties in the United States — all of them rural — do not have a single psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker.

Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman and Schuylkill County detectives are asking the public to help them in finding a woman wanted on drug warrants.

Detectives said Courtney Noelle Lynn is wanted on a bench warrant issued in Schuylkill County Court on charges of misdemeanor possession of a small amount of marijuana and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Lynn is described as being 25 years old, about 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing about 145 pounds. She has a last known address of 2009 Long Run Road, Schuylkill Haven.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of this woman or on any other fugitive in Schuylkill County is asked to call the district attorney’s office at 570-628-1350 or your local police department immediately.

In addition, detectives urged that anyone who may see or come in contact with Lynn to call the Schuylkill County Communications Center immediately.

All information received will remain confidential.

A complete list of Schuylkill County Bench Warrants is available on the Schuylkill County website at www.co.schuylkill.pa.us.

Q: Is recycling still worthwhile given the expense and emissions associated with it?

— MICHAEL VITTI, NORWALK, OHIO

A: Americans generate about 254 million tons of trash and recycle and compost about 87 million tons of this material, which adds up to a 34.3 percent national recycling rate. Recycling and composting prevented the release of 186 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2013, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, comparable to taking 39 million cars off the road for a year.

Aluminum cans are currently recycled more than any other beverage container in the U.S, which is good for business and the environment, says the Aluminum Association, because making a can from recycled aluminum saves not only aluminum but 92 percent of the energy required to make a new can. A 2015 analysis by the Aluminum Association and the Can Manufacturers Institute determined that if all of the aluminum cans in the U.S. were recycled, we could power 4 million homes and save $800 million per year. Aluminum cans are also the most valuable to recycling companies, with a value of $1,491 per ton, compared to $385 per ton for PET plastic. “Cans are recycled at the highest rates, and drive recycling programs across the country,” said Heidi Brock, CEO of the Aluminum Association.

In recent years, however, recycling companies are struggling with higher processing costs, due in part to newer, larger recycling bins that don’t require user sorting and thus become increasingly contaminated with garbage. When the District of Columbia replaced residents’ 32-gallon bins with ones that were 50 percent larger last year, the extensive amount of nonrecyclable material put into the bins drove up the city’s processing cost for recyclables and cut profits from selling recyclables by more than 50 percent.

“Our biggest concern and our biggest challenge today is municipal solid waste and contamination in our inbound stream,” said James Delvin, CEO of ReCommunity Recycling, which operates 31 facilities in 14 states. “We go through all this effort to process this material, and roughly 15 to 20 percent of what we process ends up going back to the landfill. It’s incredibly inefficient to do that.”

In a 2014 survey by the National Waste and Recycling Association, nearly one in 10 Americans admitted to throwing their waste in recycling bins when trash cans were full; one in five said they will place an item in a recycling container even if they are not completely sure it is recyclable.

 Improved education regarding the proper materials to recycle is needed to allow recycling plants to remain economically feasible. The pros and cons of recycling are heavily debated, but there’s never an argument over the environmental benefits.

EARTHTALK is a trademark of Earth Action Network Inc.

View past columns at www.earthtalk.org. Email questions to earthtalk@emagazine.com.

Mary Ann Lubinsky, Pottsville, was among the more than 50 people from the area who spent Saturday morning in the city working on special arts and crafts projects.

Spread out on tables at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church Parish Hall were the materials they had to work with, which included foam cubes, purple and pink candles and collections of neatly trimmed evergreen branches.

“Evergreen doesn’t fade like other trees. It’s eternal, almost. So it’s a good symbol of eternity, of God,” Monsignor Edward O’Connor, pastor of St. Patrick, said.

“I’m not a parishioner here. I go to St. Stephen’s in Port Carbon. I heard about it on Facebook, and I signed up right away for it. I have an Advent wreath in my house. It’s not a real one. It’s plastic. I think I only had one with real branches once, a blue moon ago. I love the meaning of it and having one brings a little excitement to the season in December,” Lubinsky said.

They were making Advent wreaths, and O’Connor said it was the first time the parish held a special event inviting both parishioners and the public to make them. The cost was $15 per wreath.

The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition which symbolizes the four weeks of Advent. It’s a circular candle holder, and during the season one candle on the wreath is lit each Sunday.

Tara Davis, Port Carbon, brought the idea to St. Patrick Church.

“I went to one in Mahanoy City last year. I thought it was really awesome and the kids loved it,” Davis, who was there with her family, said. They include her husband, Bill S., and their children, Bill W., 8, Riley, 6, and Kelly, 2.

That was at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Mahanoy City, she said.

“Sometimes great ideas come from somewhere else,” O’Connor said.

So this year, St. Patrick Church decided to hold its own Advent wreath-making event. The parish bought supplies, including the evergreens, which came from Wendi’s Flower Shop in Mahanoy City, Davis said.

A volunteer from Blessed Teresa of Calcutta parish, Deb Walker, helped Tara Davis set up Saturday’s event in Pottsville.

“We do use Advent candles in church during Mass. In the sanctuary we have a big one. But this is the first time we’ve done this, actually held an event where people can make their own. While I’ve never made one — I’m not real creative — we do encourage people to use them in their homes. But this is a great activity for a family, to make one together,” O’Connor said.

With the $15 fee, people were given the candles, the evergreens, the foam cubes and plastic plates to hold all of the decorations in place, plus a prayer book.

“The candles represent the weeks of Advent. The first and second are purple. The third week is called in Latin ‘Gaudete’ which means ‘Rejoice.’ And that’s represented by the third candle, which is pink or rose-colored. The fourth candle is purple. Families light them when they say the prayers together or sometimes they light them at the dinner table. I’m really pleased with the turnout. At least 15 families are here. This could be a good tradition to start,” O’Connor said.

Participants were asked to sign a memorandum of understanding:

“By signing this, I understand that real candles are a potential fire hazard. I will not hold St. Patrick Church of the Diocese of Allentown responsible in the event of a fire or harm due to the use of the candles that were provided at the Advent Wreath Making Day.”

“It’s coming along. I don’t think there are any bald spots,” Barb Artz, a parishioner at St. Patrick, said as she examined the arrangement of evergreens she’d been working on.

Next to her was another parishioner, Joanne O’Toole, who said this was the first time she’s made one.

“It’s a little challenging. But it’s good for fellowship,” O’Toole said.

“It’s a good opportunity to spend time with the people you go to church with,” Artz said.

“Camaraderie,” O’Toole said.

“They’re looking great,” Tara Davis said as she examined wreaths being made by Christine Rutecky, Pottsville, and Jennifer Cresina, Philadelphia, who was there with her mother, Pat Cresina, Pottsville,

“Mine’s not,” Jennifer Cresina said.

“Yes it is,” Davis said.

“I always wanted to do this. This is my chance. This is it,” Rutecky said.

“And it was a good price. These are usually expensive to buy,” Pat Cresina said.

Award recipient

The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools announced that Frank Radzievich, retired principal of Schuylkill Haven Area High School, is a recipient of this year’s Susan K. Nicklas Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Presented annually, the award recognizes a dedicated volunteer who has advanced the mission of the Middle States Association to foster continuous school improvement through accreditation so all students receive the highest quality education possible. Volunteers serve on accreditation teams that evaluate schools based on an established set of protocols and standards designed to reflect best practices in education.

Radzievich has been a volunteer for Middle States since 2005 and has served as a team member and team chair on several school visits. He served as an English teacher at Schuylkill Haven Area High School from 1970 to 1982, when he became principal. He retired in 2005 and is an online adjunct instructor for Nova Southeastern University, teaching World Literature I and II.

King’s

Angela Cazonie, Minersville, a junior accounting major at King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, attended the annual Career Day sponsored by King’s Washington, D.C., Area Alumni Club in the nation’s capital.

Angela, along with 48 King’s students, was able to attend career presentations, more than half of which were given by King’s alumni working in the Washington, D.C., area. Some of the general topics covered were government ethics, applying for federal jobs, resume and interview pointers and careers in health care and the FBI.

Students then had the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions to conduct more concentrated discussions on their career.

Angela is pursuing a minor in criminal justice. She participates in the Phonathon as well as the KC Mini-THON. She is completing an internship with Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance.

IUP

The following students have been recognized as a Provost Scholar at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Provost Scholar recognition is given only once during a student’s time of study at IUP:

Tori A. Kehley, New Philadelphia, a nursing major; Nicole E. Fidler, Orwigsburg, international studies; Cassandra K. Eagan, Pottsville, English education; Kaitlyn J. Torpey, Pottsville, physical education and sport/exercise science; Katelyn M. Fox, Schuylkill Haven, marketing; Holly N. Schley, Valley View, interior design.

Aboard carrier

Electrician’s Mate Fireman Devon Williams, Pine Grove, is serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

The Theodore Roosevelt is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations as part of a worldwide deployment en route to its new homeport in San Diego, California, to complete a three-carrier homeport shift.

Navy training

E-3 Seaman Cody Tutko completed basic training and his “A” School from Great Lakes Naval Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois. He will be stationed in San Diego, California.

He is a son of Michael Tutko, Pottsville, and the late Roxane Rosenberger Tutko.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — State police are asking the public for help in the investigation of a fire that caused an estimated $100,000 damage to a home in North Manheim Township on Friday afternoon, police said Saturday.

The cause is still undetermined, Trooper Janssen Herb of the Frackville barracks said.

The fire occurred at 12:49 p.m. Friday at 28 Crestview Drive at a property owned by an 81-year-old man from Schuylkill Haven. Police did not name the man in the report.

“The state police at Reading investigated the report of a structure fire at the above location. Responding crews arrived from Community Fire Company to find the garage and attic area of the house in flames. They were able to extinguish the flames quickly and save most of the residence. One occupant home at the time was not injured. Responding neighbors were able to guide the occupant outside to safety prior to firefighters arriving. The damage estimate is $100,000,” Herb said.

“The investigation showed the fire originated in the garage after a recently driven vehicle had been parked inside. An exact cause is still under investigation,” Herb said.

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

A former Pottsville man charged with sexual crimes against a child stemming from incidents in June 2014 is among those scheduled to enter not guilty pleas during arraignments Thursday in Schuylkill County Court.

Ronald H. Tobias, 39, currently an inmate at State Correctional Institution/Camp Hill, was arrested by Pottsville police Capt. Steven Guers and charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, corruption of minors, indecent assault and another felony sexually related offense.

The incidents against Tobias, formerly of 306 W. Market St., Apt. 1, came to light in August when a 10-year-old girl reported being sexually abused by Tobias.

Guers said the child reported being sexually abused while visiting Tobias at his apartment. When interviewed, police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said Tobias admitted he had indecent contact with the girl, consistent with the story the girl told investigators.

The chief added that Tobias independently corroborated details associated with the incident that would only have been known by the child victim and the assailant.

Guers said that during the interview, Tobias admitted telling the girl not to tell anyone what happened and that he wanted the child to know that he was sorry and that “it will never happen again.”

Others scheduled to appear for arraignment Thursday are:

Thomas R. Fort, 58, of 1308 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville, DUI, DUI-highest rate, careless driving and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Clinton W. Grommett, 42, of 500 E. Mifflin St., Orwigsburg, DUI, DUI-high rate, maximum speed limits and careless driving.

Robert Boardman, 52, of 82 W. Overlook Drive, Pottsville, DUI, DUI-highest rate, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Chad M. Harig, 33, of 701 5th St., Port Carbon, firearms not to be carried without a license, driving under the influence of drugs, illegally operating a vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving at an unsafe speed and not driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Stephen S. Kubeika, 27, of SCI/Mahanoy, Frackville, fleeing or attempting to elude police, escape, driving under the influence of drugs, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, reckless driving, driving on the wrong side of the road, driving without insurance, driving a vehicle without an official Certificate of Inspection, drivers required to be licensed, general lighting equipment and altered, forged or counterfeit documents and plates.

Bradley L. Sunday, 59, of 620 Valley Road, Pottsville, DUI, DUI-high rate and careless driving.

Allyson F. Pormann, 29, of 267 Stony Mountain Road, Auburn, driving under the influence of drugs, flashing signals, obedience to traffic control signals, careless driving and stop and yield sign violations.

Nathan J. Heckman, 32, of 211 Blue Mountain Road, New Ringgold, DUI and DUI-highest rate.

Catherine M. Bainbridge, 21, of 104 1/2 E. Oak St., Frackville, corruption of minors and inducing minors to purchase alcohol.

Rebekah A. Ulrich, 32, of 132 E. Centre St., Apt. 3, Mahanoy City, simple assault, disorderly conduct, harassment and criminal mischief.

William J. Walter, 49, of 1113 Centre St., Ashland, flight to avoid apprehension, trial or punishment, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, public drunkenness and harassment.

Jason Garcia, 31, of 17 S. Chestnut St., Shenandoah, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and harassment.

Shannon K. Reed, 33, of 236 N. 12th St., Pottsville, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and public drunkenness.

Michael J. Bleashka, 42, of 319 W. Market St., Apt. 2, Pottsville, simple assault and harassment.

John C. Leitzel, 32, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, aggravated assault on police, simple assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and simple trespasser.

Joshua E. Kaylor, 25, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, conspiracy.

Cory M. Ratliff, 38, of 305 E. Savory St., Palo Alto, possession of a controlled substance and public drunkenness.

Nathaniel R. Russell, 25, of 406 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville, simple assault and resisting arrest.

Mitchell S. Wright, 33, of 41 Marsha Drive, Cressona, simple assault.

Braxton J. Moore, 33, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, burglary, conspiracy, robbery, theft, receiving stolen property and harassment.

Justine S. Myro, 26, of 385 N. Fourth St., Port Carbon, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Paul D. Laurusevage, 29, of 28 S. Fourth St., Frackville, criminal attempt to commit rape, unlawful restraint, indecent assault, terroristic threats, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.

John J. Ulrich, 30, of 132 E. Centre St., Mahanoy City, simple assault, disorderly conduct, harassment and criminal mischief.

Vaughn J. Marshall, 30, of 503 Lewis St., Minersville, fleeing or attempting to elude police, driving an unregistered vehicle, classes of licenses, driving without insurance, obedience to traffic control signals, driving on the wrong side of the road, stop and yield sign violations, turning movements and required signals, maximum speed limits, careless driving and driving a vehicle without an official Certificate of Inspection.

Tony A. Schannauer, 35, of 1459 W. Main St., Valley View, possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Steve A. Lucas, 43, of 430 S. Goodspring Road, Hegins, unauthorized use of automobiles, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked and harassment.

Cody A. Sticker, 23, of 31 Mifflin St., Pine Grove, and Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, robbery, discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure, simple assault, terroristic threats, possessing instruments of crime, prohibited offensive weapons, theft, receiving stolen property, recklessly endangering another person, criminal mischief and harassment.

Randy M. Gelbutis, 45, of 310 N. Jardin St., Shenandoah, aggravated harassment by prisoner, resisting arrest, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, obstructing the administration of law and disorderly conduct.

Bradley Q. Freil, 19, of 612 E. Centre St., Mahanoy City, corruption of minors, selling or furnishing alcohol to minors and purchase or consumption of alcohol.

Vincent A. Davalos, 21, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jordan A. Zulkowski, 25, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brian R. Specht, 47, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

James R. Morgans, 25, of 42 Trenton St., Mahanoy City, terroristic threats, harassment, recklessly endangering another person and criminal mischief.

Kaitlin S. Leibensperger, 22, of Berks County Prison, Leesport, delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joshua R. Leibensperger, 24, of 1296 Schuylkill Mountain Road, Schuylkill Haven, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and delivery of a controlled substance.

Daniel R. Wagner, 38, of 576 Schwartz Valley Road, Schuylkill Haven, retail theft.

Sean M. Hess, 23, of Berks County Prison, Leesport, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joshua S. Generella, 27, of 613 W. Harrison St., Pottsville, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Barbara A. Reusing, 51, of 306 Frieden Manor, Schuylkill Haven, false reports.

Dustin J. Noecker, 25, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, theft, burglary, criminal trespass, receiving stolen property, defiant trespass, public drunkenness and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

James Browning, 42, of 304 St. Charles St., Schuylkill Haven, failure to register with state police.

Amber L. Faust, 27, of 10 E. Liberty St., Schuylkill Haven, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael G. Miller, 52, of 46 Lutz Valley Road, Schuylkill Haven, unsworn falsification to authorities.

Joshua S. Honey, 19, of 2003 West Penn Pike, New Ringgold, agricultural vandalism and criminal mischief.

David G. Dillow, 37, of 264 W. Savory St., Palo Alto, simple assault and harassment.

Joleen M. Price, 19, of 601 W. Maple St., Mahanoy City, retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Jesse M. Lincovich, 34, of 912 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City, receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and persons not to possess or use firearms.

Jason Ensel, 30, of 405 Pine St., Tamaqua, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joyce Card, 36, of 414 E. Elm St., Apt. 2, Tamaqua, accidents involving damage to attended vehicles or property, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, duty to give information and render aid, careless driving and not driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Anthony L. Kehl, 45, of 27 Tuscarora Park Road, Tamaqua, theft from a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tyrell J. Rucker, 25, of 12 S. Greenwood St., Apt. 1, Tamaqua, prohibited offensive weapons and disorderly conduct.

Patrick B. McCarthy, 32, of 722 S. Kennedy Drive, McAdoo, forgery, criminal attempt to commit forgery, operation on streets and highways, criminal attempt to commit driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, owner’s responsibilities, driving an ATV or snowmobile at an unsafe speed, simple assault and harassment.

Allison J. Sanders, 36, of 80 Pine Hill Road, New Ringgold, forgery, theft, receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and retail theft.

James E. Evans, 43, of 70 River St., Cressona, bad checks.

Luis A. Haddock, 23, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, simple assault and harassment.

Thomas J. Murphy, 38, of 208 N. Third St., Pottsville, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Tiffany S. Jackson, 26, of 32 Ann St., Pottsville, false alarms to agencies of public safety, recklessly endangering another person, false reports and disorderly conduct.

Thomas M. Kelly, 30, of 94 New St., Pottsville, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving an unregistered vehicle, duty to comply with inspection laws and altered, forged or counterfeit documents or plates.

Joseph T. Beaufort, 24, of 812 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville, burglary, criminal trespass and theft.

Samuel L. Deppen, 23, of 206 Angel Drive, New Ringgold, criminal mischief.

Jonathan D. Reed, 38, of 802 W. Race St., Pottsville, aggravated assault, aggravated indecent assault, terroritic threats, indecent assault, unlawful restraint, simple assault and false imprisonment.

Bobby J. Rohrbach, 29, of 231 N. Mill St., Saint Clair, burglary, conspiracy, robbery, theft and receiving stolen property.

Jose A. Ortiz, 28, of 548 W. Bacon St., Pottsville, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judith J. Creitz, 51, of 318 Lake Front Drive, Orwigsburg, unauthorized use of automobiles and criminal mischief.

Andrew Z. Arndt, 28, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault of a person under the age of 16, indecent exposure, corruption of minors and indecent assault.

Paul J. Hertz, 40, of 2085 Long Run Road, Apt. 1, Schuylkill Haven, simple assault and harassment.

Travis J. Levan, 34, of 43 Broad Drive, Pine Grove, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Keith J. Culbert, 34, of SCI Mahanoy, Frackville, simple assault, resisting arrest, harassment, disorderly conduct and drivers required to be licensed.

Jason M. Hill, 40, of 230 Sanderson St., Pottsville, aggravated assault, persons not to possess or use firearms, possessing instruments of crime, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Jared M. Kiefer, 24, of 863 E. Mountain Road, Hegins, possession of drug paraphernalia.

There might be rain in the forecast today.

“I don’t mind the rain,” said Rick D. Rumberger, 47, of Pottsville, who is planning to take to the woods in Schuylkill County for the first day of rifle deer season.

His stepson, Mark D. Ritschel, 11, will be by his side.

While the two keep their ears open for the clap of hooves on the forest floor of the Locust Valley, the two will be enjoying time together.

“If we don’t get a deer, we hope to bring good memories home,” Rick said Tuesday.

The Scheib family, Weishample, Barry Township, doesn’t mind the rain either.

“I think it will affect the deer movement. When it’s ugly weather, they don’t move around too much. They’ll bed down. But there will be a lot of hunters in the woods on the first day. It doesn’t matter if it rains or snows on the first day. They’ll be out, and they’ll be chasing them,” Kevin R. Scheib, 50, said Tuesday.

He’ll be out hunting with members of his family, including his sons, Jacob K., 10, Dan R., 15, and twins, Nathan T. and Sam J., both 21. They hope to bag a few bucks.

“As a family, we usually harvest about seven or eight deer a year. For us, hunting has always been a way of life, for me growing up with it, then teaching them. It’s tradition,” Kevin said Tuesday.

“The 12-day concurrent antlered and antlerless firearms season in the county includes a five-day antlered-only hunt and a seven-day antlered and antlerless hunt. A ‘concurrent’ season means that the two seasons (antlered and antlerless) run together. In Schuylkill County, you have a five-day Antlered Only season, followed by a seven-day concurrent (antlered and antlerless) season,” Cheryl Trewella, information and education supervisor, for the game commission’s Southeast Region, said Nov. 23.

The skull and antlers of one of the bucks Sam Scheib caught during his hunting career is mounted on the wall of the family’s parlor, an eight-pointer.

“That was during rifle deer season in 2013. I was using a 7 millimeter ‘Mag.’ It was about a half mile from our house,” Sam said.

He didn’t get a buck during rifle deer season in 2014. He bagged a doe instead.

During rifle deer season 2014, Kevin, Dan and Jacob got eight-pointers, and Nathan brought home a six-pointer.

“Danny and Nathan also shot a doe each,” Sam said, “and this year, I’m sure I’ll get a buck.”

There are 33,645 acres of State Game Lands in Schuylkill County, according to Trewella.

“In addition to that, DCNR also has ground that is open to hunting as well as a lot of private property,” Trewella said.

According to the 2015-16 Deer Population Report, published by the state Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management in April, the deer population in Schuylkill County is “stable.”

“Over 10 years ago, we moved our deer management program away from a county, political boundaries, based system to a habitat based system using Wildlife Management Units to improve our ability to manage wildlife. Since then, all data that is collected is divided by WMUs as opposed to counties. Portions of Schuylkill County are now included in either WMU 4C or 4E,” Trewella said.

Wildlife Management Unit 4C includes Frackville, Girardville, Mahanoy City, Pine Grove, Port Clinton, Schuylkill Haven, Shenandoah, Tamaqua and Pottsville.

Wildlife Management Unit 4E includes Ashland, Tower City and Valley View.

The game commission’s website include a report on the 2014-15 Deer Harvest Estimates. It contains the following statistics:

• The harvest estimates for hunting seasons in 2014-15 in 4C were: antlered, 4,800; antlerless, 5,000.

• The harvest estimates for hunting seasons in 2014-15 in 4E were: antlered, 5,800; antlerless, 5,900.

• The harvest estimates for hunting seasons in 2014-15 across the state were: antlered, 119,260; antlerless, 184,413.

“To manage deer population in PA, we do not estimate deer population numbers because in the end, the number of deer in an area does not explain whether the population should be increased, decreased or remain stable. We manage deer with three goals in mind: we manage to have healthy deer, healthy forest habitats and acceptable levels of deer/human conflict. Therefore, instead of actual deer numbers, we look at trends of deer impacts and then determine from there whether the population should be increased, decreased or remain stable. Management is done through the antlerless license allocation,” Trewella said.

There’s always some debate about the deer population.

“Since they put that antlerless restriction on, there’s more now,” Sam Scheib said.

“A few years ago, you used to be able to shoot doe right on the first day of rifle deer season. They changed so now we can only hunt them during the second week. I think that made a big impact,” Kevin Scheib said.

“That helped a lot,” Sam said.

“The numbers of the deer have come up in the last few years. And I think the genetics are really good in the area for deer. You see a lot of doe around here who have two or three fawns with them. And it’s an agricultural area. There’s good feed,” Kevin said.

“But I think the deer numbers are down, compared to when I was his age,” Rumberger said, referring to Ritschel.

“The reason is the doe population has just been obliterated in the past 10 years. On the flip side of that, with all the deer we had back then, you didn’t have these monster deer that we have today. It leaves more food. With the point-restrictions, it gives the animals a chance to grow. If you go into the butcher shops or the taxidermist shops, you can see how the racks have grown,” Rumberger said.

A day out on the hunt can help you hone your decision-making skills, Ritschel said.

“One thing that happened last year, it was a good opportunity for me to shoot a buck, but we weren’t sure about it. It was a spiked buck,” Ritschel said.

“It had a single horn,” Rumberger said.

“We were in a tree stand. At first, it didn’t know we were there. And we didn’t know if the antlers were 3-inches or more, long enough to shoot it,” Ritschel said.

“Prior to 2002, the antler restriction was two points to an antler or a spike at least three inches in length. From 2002 to 2010, the antler point restrictions were three or four points to an antler depending on area of the state. Starting in 2011, the four-point area changed to three points to an antler, not including the brow tine,” according to the game commission’s website.

“If it’s a single horn, it has to be three inches or bigger. I wasn’t sure if it was legal. While I was pulling a bullet out, I was asking myself ‘is it three inches or isn’t it three inches?’ I let it ride. I want to teach him to make sure before pulling the trigger,” Rumberger said.

Helping first-time mothers in Schuylkill County since 2013, Nurse-Family Partnership will be hosting an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Terry Reiley Center, 216 N. 12th St., Pottsville.

The voluntary, free maternal and childhood health program provides first-time mothers with knowledge and support throughout pregnancy until the child is 2 years old. Nurse-Family Partnership pairs registered home nurses with low-income, first-time mothers with the goals of improving pregnancy outcomes, child health and development and the economic self-sufficiency of the family, according to the company website.

“We count on the community to help out our moms,” Barb Still, nursing supervisor for the company, said in a press release last week. “It takes a village and we pull together every agency and organization available to help our families succeed.”

Still said the nurses and mothers in the program build strong, trusting relationships that allow guidance through various situations.

“We help our moms to have a healthy pregnancy and baby, but we also look at the whole picture,” Still said.

That includes assisting clients with housing, nutrition and staying in school.

“Every mom we visit has different needs, and we individualize a plan that best fits their needs,” Still said.

The open house program is also a celebration for the 2-year-olds and their families graduating through the program.

“We love our moms and babies and are proud of all the hard work they do to help themselves and their babies,” Still said.

Many community partners will be at the open house. Child Development Inc. will have activities for babies and toddlers as well as free vision checks, Schuylkill Health will have samples of food for babies, CareNet will have information on their affordable car seat program and Child Care Information Services will talk about safe and affordable day care options.

Santa will also be there for free pictures.

The Schuylkill County Nurse-Family Partnership is funded through a grant through the state Department of Public Welfare, specifically through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, and the Schuylkill Drug and Alcohol Commission of Schuylkill County.

Fore more information about Nurse-Family Partnership, visit www.nursefamilypartnership.org.

Lawyers win

$1M verdict

Attorney Albert J. Evans, who was the lead attorney, and attorney Rick Day, of the law firm of Fanelli, Evans & Patel P.C., Pottsville, received a $1,220,259 verdict from a Carbon County jury on Nov. 9 in the case of Patricia Bortz, administratrix of the Estate of Victor Bortz, deceased v. The Tuthill Corporation, according to a release from the law firm.

The case was filed after Victor Bortz was killed while operating an articulated dump truck that went over an embankment at the Blue Mountain Ski Resort, which is owned and operated by Tuthill Corp., according to the release.

Court personnel in Carbon County said the verdict was one of the largest recorded in the county.

“When Ms. Bortz came to us, she had been told by several attorneys she had no case, and I am happy we could help her receive justice for this tremendous loss,” Evans said in the release.

Each of the partners of Fanelli, Evans & Patel P.C. are members of the Million Dollar Advocates forum, which is an association of attorneys who have received verdicts in excess of a million dollars for their clients, according to the release.

Dialysis clinic

expands in city

Fresenius Medical Care North America, a network of dialysis facilities, invites residents to an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at its newly expanded dialysis clinic at 278 Industrial Park Road, Pottsville.

The clinic, according to a Fresenius press release, offers both peritoneal and home hemodialysis training in addition to in-center dialysis, which will enable Fresenius’ local team of medical professionals to better serve Schuylkill County’s “growing home dialysis community.”

Members of the nurses’ staff will be available to discuss patient services and the latest treatment options including home dialysis, which can offer greater independence, convenience and health benefits, officials said in the release.

For more information, call Kris Srinivasan at 717-636-2193. For more information about the company, visit www.fmcna.com or visit www.ultracare-dialysis.com.

Yuengling looks

to show ‘Respect’

D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc., Pottsville, will support the VFW with a multi-year commitment through a campaign called “Respect. It’s Earned.” The campaign will kick off in 2016, according to a Yuengling press release.

The initiative, according to the release, is a “great way for Yuengling to demonstrate the brewery’s respect for our nation’s veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made to protect our great country.”

Yuengling’s #LagersForHeroes program will be promoted at restaurants, retail locations and bars starting in May. Consumers, retailers and wholesalers will be able to join Yuengling in its commitment to help support the many VFW programs and services that benefit the nation’s heroes.

“We have tremendous respect for those that have served and their sacrifices,” Richard “Dick” Yuengling, president and owner of D.G. Yuengling & Son, said in the release, adding, “As a family with multiple generations of servicemen dating back to the European theater of World War II, we know the toll it takes to leave your family to protect and serve our great country. This is our way to support those who give so much.”

The VFW offers scholarships, financial grants, employment assistance and other services to veterans, service members and their families.

“We’re extremely pleased to have the support of America’s Oldest Brewery,” John E. Hamilton, VFW adjutant general, said in the release.

For more on Yuengling, go to its website at www.yuengling.com.

Area surveyor

earns re-election

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors has announced that member and past President Michael F. Brinkash has been elected to a second term as president of the state Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists.

Brinkash, according to a press release, is the owner of Brinkash & Associates, Ashland, and a member of the Susquehanna Chapter of PSLS.

He served as PSLS president from 1989 to 1990 and is a recipient of the 1991 Surveyor of the Year award. He also authored and published “‘County and Municipal Boundary Descriptions,” a 472-page professional textbook copyrighted in 1997. He has been a presenter and speaker for various continuous education workshops on surveying topics over the past 20 years.

He is a 1971 graduate of Mount Carmel Area School High School and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserves in 1978. He is a licensed professional land surveyor in Pennsylvania and New York with more than 35 years of experience.

The state registration board includes the commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs, two registered professional land surveyors, five registered professional engineers, two registered professional geologists and three public members, according to the release.

Schuylkill Mall

has busy agenda

FRACKVILLE — Pet photos with Santa, a rabies clinic, a “Star Wars” meet-and-greet and blood drive are on the December agenda at the Schuylkill Mall.

Pet photo nights with Santa are set for Dec. 3, 6, 10 and 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, according to a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce flier.

A rabies clinic will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the mall’s small community room. For a listing of shots and prices, call 484-769-8926.

There will be a free “Star Wars” meet-and-greet from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, with “Star Wars” characters on hand to visitors. For more information, call 570-874-2526.

An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 19 in the mall’s large community room. People 17 and older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are urged to donate blood.

Boyer’s aids

food pantries

LYKENS — Boyer’s Food Markets, 672 Main St., collected $762 in donations in one week for Lykens United Methodist Emergency Food Pantry and Williams Valley Food Pantry.

Boyer’s, according to a press release, matched all donations collected to make the total $1,524.

More than 18 Boyer’s stores matched $18,640 for a grand total of $37,280 to local food pantries for each store location.

Lykens United Methodist Church, 527 Main St., offers food to anyone in need in the Lykens Valley on the first Tuesday of the month. It is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the rear of the church. The Williams Valley Food Pantry, 800 E. Grand Ave. Tower City, is open from 10 to 11:30 a.m. the third Saturday of the month to anyone in need of food in the Williams Valley School District.

Fairlane mall

lists happenings

There is plenty on the December agenda at Fairlane Village mall, Pottsville, according to a mall press release.

Events free and open to the public include:

• 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Dec. 9 and 16 — Pet photos with Santa. All pets must remain leashed or in a cage while in the mall; no exotic animals permitted. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet. High-quality digital photo packages will be available for purchase.

• 10:30 a.m. Saturday — Students of Mary Beth’s Gymnastics and Cheerleading Studio holiday performance at the mall’s north end court near Boscov’s.

• Dec. 17 to 20 — Train display hosted by The Reading Company Technical & Historical Society at center court near CVS.

• Dec. 18 to 20 — Holiday extravaganza will be hosted by the Hillside SPCA.

• 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 20 — Pet photos with Santa.

For more about Fairlane Village mall, visit www.shopfairlanevillage.com.

Bon-Ton OKs

credit extension

YORK — The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. announced it has extended its private label credit card program agreement with Alliance Data Systems Corp.’s Ohio-based card services business, a provider of branded private label, co-brand and commercial credit programs.

The agreement, according to a Bon-Ton press release, provides that the original term is extended three years to July 2022.

In Schuylkill County, Bon-Ton has a store in the Schuylkill Mall near Frackville.

The Bon-Ton Your Rewards Credit Card program has experienced significant growth in recent years and the new agreement allows for further investment in the marketing and promotion of the program, Bon-Ton officials said in the release.

Chamber agenda

includes luncheon

The annual Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Schuylkill Women in Business Christmas luncheon will be held at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday at the Schuylkill Country Club, 877 W. Market St., Orwigsburg.

The cost is $20 for chamber members and $25 for nonmembers (the registration deadline was Nov. 25).

For more information or to register, call the chamber at 800-755-1942 or visit the chamber website at www.schuylkillchamber.com

The annual chamber and Schuylkill Economic Development Corp. holiday party will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Schuylkill Country Club, 877 W. Market St., Orwigsburg. Tickets are $25 per person and must be picked up prior to Dec. 15 at SEDCO or at the chamber office at Union Station, Pottsville, according to a chamber flier. The deadline to make reservations is Dec. 11. People may register online at the chamber’s website.

The 2016 Schuylkill Executive Leadership and Schuylkill Leadership classes are forming, according to a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce flier.

The 2016 classes are scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Jan. 12, 19 and 26 and Feb. 2, 9 and 16.

For an application or more information, call Monica Walborn at 800-755-1942 or email her at mwalborn@schuylkillchamber.com.

The leadership class, organizers said in the flier, is aimed at “providing the resources for the development of community leadership to address the problems, opportunities and issues facing Schuylkill County and finding workable solutions for a better quality of life for you and your family.”

The 2016 leadership classes are slated for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1, 15 and 29, April 12, 19 and 26, May 10 and 24 and June 7 and 14.

For an application or more information, call Walborn at the aforementioned number.

All aboard

for Santa rides

The Pottsville Area Development Corp., in conjunction with Reading & Northern Railroad and Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, will hold two days of Santa Claus train rides, Dec. 5 and 13.

Trains will depart from Union Station in Pottsville at 10:30 a.m. and 1 and 3:30 p.m. and head toward Port Clinton in a 70- to 80-minute ride.

Tickets are $13 for people 13 and older and $9 for children 3 through 12. Children 2 and younger will receive free tickets. All children, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

Advance purchase of tickets is recommended, according to a press release. Tickets are available at PADCO, 1 S. Second St., Pottsville, or by calling 570-628-4647. Seating is not assigned for the rides, which will go regardless of weather. Any tickets not sold in advance will be sold at Union Station on the days of the rides.

Pay what able

for trim ‘tresses’

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Trina’s Tresses, 372 Center Ave., will have its second annual “Blessed to be Tressed” event from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 21.

In the setup, according to a Trina’s release, patrons will be able to “pay what you can.”

Trina’s, organizers said in the release, believes that “everyone deserves to feel beautiful … we are giving back to the community” with the event.

Appointments are required. For more information, call 570-640-6403 or visit www.trinastresses.com/blessings.

Ala. man arrested

on DUI charges

SHENANDOAH— State police at Frackville arrested a man from Alabama for not only driving under the influence in the borough Saturday night, but driving without a license, police said Sunday.

At 6:27 p.m. Sunday at Redner’s Plaza along Route 924, Jamie N. Bates, 51, of Florence, Alabama, was observed operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, police said.

Bates submitted to a blood test at Schuylkill Medical Center, Pottsville, and was arraigned before on-call Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville. Bail was set at 10 percent of $5,000 and Bates was remanded to county jail, police said.

Woman charged

with harassment

LYKENS — A 32-year-old borough woman was charged with harassment and disorderly conduct by state police at Lykens after an incident about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Top Star Mini Mart, 646 Main St. in this Dauphin County community.

Police said Shannon M. Zerby will have to answer to the charges before Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum, Elizabethville.

Zerby, police said, approached Carla Ann Hoke, 52, also of Lykens, in the parking lot and a verbal argument between the two turned physical when Zerby struck Hoke multiple times in the face and head.

n Frackville: The final open house of 2015 is set for 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Frackville Museum located in the Frackville Municipal & Community Center, Center and Oak streets. It will include Christmas memories with music by Frackville native Stosh McCloskey. Many items will be available for purchase. For more information, call 570-874-3531.

n New Ringgold: Christ Church McKeansburg, 1751 Chestnut St., will sponsor a soup and cookie sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the church. The church’s Circle of Friends will have a variety of homemade cookies for sale by the pound as well as homemade soup available by the quart. Turkey, beef barbecue and hot dogs will also be available for “lunch on the go,” according to a release. For more information, call 570-943-2822.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Lions Club recently honored 16 members who served in the military, according to the Lions bulletin. Cathy Lintner-Wolfe, club president, said it is because of the veterans that “we as club, but most of all a nation, are able to gather together to celebrate Veterans Day in peace, thus enabling all America and our club to shout out, to each and every veteran, including those who have passed away or are simply not with us this evening, a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for what you did and what you continue to mean to America.” A certificate of recognition and appreciation was presented to each of the veterans with the following inscription: “The Pottsville Lions Club wishes to express our deepest and most sincere appreciation to all our valiant service men and women for your bravery, hard work, service and dedication to the United States of America.”

n Saint Clair: Tickets are available for a dinner hosted by Holy Apostles Episcopcal Church, 307 Hancock St., set for 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the church. Tickets are $8 each and patrons may eat at the church or take meals out. Meals will include a half breast of chicken, baked potato, green beans, roll, dessert and beverage. For tickets or more information, call 570-429-2272.

n Shenandoah: The group Healthy Shenandoah will sponsor “Be Part of the Park” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Anthony P. Damato American Legion Medal of Honor Post 792, 116 N. Main St. The “town meeting” will be aimed at improving Bicentennial Park in the borough’s southeast section. Participants will “work together to create a plan of action for next spring,” organizers said in a release. Refreshments and lunch will be served. Reservations are requested by calling 570-622-6097.

n Tamaqua: This year’s Tamaqua Community Advent Breakfast, to be held beginning at 9 a.m. Dec. 12, will have a Moravian touch, according to a press release from the Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network. There will be special musical guests, including the Bethlehem Area Moravian Trombone Choirs. Breakfast attendees will receive a commemorative Moravian beeswax candle to take home. The breakfast will be hosted by the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and sponsored by the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce, Tamaqua Area Partnership, Tamaqua Ministerial Association and TAFFN, an organization of law leaders from Tamaqua congregations formed to “promote understanding and cooperation among all groups doing God’s work in the community,” according to the release. Tickets are available through TAFFN members, church offices, the chamber office and the Tamaqua Community Art Center. No tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, call 570-668-4451.

n Tremont: Borough area residents will be able to learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic, serious conditions via screenings by Life Line Screening. The borough will host the screening event on Dec. 16 at 139 Clay St. Screenings can check for the level of plaque buildup in arteries related to risk for heart disease, stroke and overall vascular health, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, diabetes risk, bone density as a risk for possible osteoporosis, kidney and thyroid function and other conditions. Packages start at $149 and consultants will work residents to create a package that is right based on age and risk factors, according to a press release. Advance registration is required. For more information or to register, call 877-237-1287 or go online to www.lifelinescreening.com.

MAHANOY CITY — Santa Claus made his arrival in the borough Saturday evening in a horse-drawn trolley to kick off the Christmas season with a flair.

As he got off the trolley, Santa was greeted by lots of good little girls and boys who followed him for the lighting of the borough Christmas tree in the Service Electric Cablevision parking lot. Unlike recent years, the temperature was moderate for the end of November, helping to make the tree lighting ceremony and program more comfortable for spectators and participants alike.

Santa arrived by the trolley and was escorted into the lot by Mayor Patti Schnitzius to where the Christmas tree was set up on a platform. The tree and lighting was provided by the Citizens Fire Company of Mahanoy City. Santa was also accompanied by members of the Mahanoy Area High School Marching Band, directed by Allison Kline and Eric Moucheron. The band performed during the program.

Children from the Mahanoy City CCD program performed Christmas songs like “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells” for the crowd. Kristen Nunes and Dennis Tempest sang “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” Marie McElhenny sang “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” Alivia Economy sang “Up on The Housetop,” and Kim Souchuck, Economy and Nunes sang “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The program came to a close with the group singing of “God Bless America.”

“We’d like to conclude this program by remembering the people who can’t be with us tonight because they are serving our country in the United States and abroad,” Schnitzius said. “We want to give this salute to the men and women of our armed forces. God bless, America.”

Schnitzius thanked the West End Fire and Rescue Company for bringing chairs and lights for the program, noting that the fire company has been doing so for about 15 years. She thanked Service Electric for the use of the parking lot, the Mahanoy City Social Club and Tom Ward Electric.

“We also have the Humane Fire Company here tonight selling hot apple cider, hot chocolate, baked goods and food,” Schnitzius said. “Citizens Fire Company is selling food and Christmas trees. If you venture to Catawissa Street and St. Cecilia Chapel, the ACTION Youth Group has a tremendous presentation of Christmas in Bethlehem that you don’t want to miss. The Lambda Nu Sorority will be at the chapel with photos with Santa, a living Nativity, a gingerbread house contest, food and a petting zoo.”

The Mahanoy Area Historical Society museum was open for the evening, as was the Senior Resource Center with food, coffee, hot chocolate and crafts. The horse-drawn trolley provided free rides for about two hours.

The chapel on South Catawissa Street held “A Night in Bethlehem,” which was sponsored by the ACTION Youth Group and the Mahanoy Area Ministerial Association. A live Nativity was performed in the first floor chapel, with crafts, food and different activities in the hall on the lower level. A petting zoo was held outside on the sidewalk.

ACTION group leader Debbie Walker said the evening was going very well at the chapel.

“I’m thrilled. It’s all about bringing Jesus to people, and I think we did that. I think we accomplished that,” Walker said. “We taught that he was born in Bethlehem. Some people didn’t know that. We’re thrilled that they got the chance to see a real live Jerusalem marketplace. It’s like a tribute to the ACTION kids and the community for coming together and putting this together.”