Seventeen people died from drug overdoses in Schuylkill County in 2014.

Heroin was present in 7 of those deaths in Schuylkill County, according to a recently released report from the Drug Enforcement Agency. Oxycodone was present in 8 of those deaths, data show. That information is from the first statewide drug overdose assessment entitled “Analysis of Drug-Related Overdose Deaths in Pennsylvania, 2014”

Other drugs were also present in varying degrees in the deceased.

“Drug-related overdose deaths are increasing nationwide; as such, it is imperative for law enforcement to maintain awareness of the drugs of abuse in the communities that we serve. Deaths that result from the abuse or misuse of illicit street drugs and diverted pharmaceuticals are of particular interest to the DEA and our law enforcement partners, as they reflect the most malicious way the illegal drug trade damages and destroys lives,” Gary Tuggle, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Philadelphia Field Division, said.

Released Nov. 17, the 89-page report has specific information from 62 of the 67 counties in the state. The data in the report was complied after working with various state agencies including coroners, the Pennsylvania State Police and state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The counties of Beaver, Juniata, Montour, Somerset and Venango did not provide information for the report.

Overall, the Pennsylvania Field Division office has information on 2,497 drug overdose deaths from the 62 counties. Fifty eight of those counties reported drug overdose deaths. The drug test results were grouped into three different categories, illicit drugs, opioids or benzodiazepines.

Statewide, 64 percent of those who died were male and 36 percent female. Further data shows 80 percent were white, 13 percent black, 5 percent Hispanic and 2 percent other. Of those who died, 867 were between the ages of 31 and 45, 836 between 46 and 60, 612 range from age 18 to 30, 164 were 61 or older, 11 were between the ages of birth to 17 and the ages were unknown for 7 people.

Heroin was found in 51.8 percent of the toxicology results of the deceased, the most common drug found. When morphine, a metabolite of heroin, was found, it was classified as heroin because it is hard to distinguish from other opiates due to the time it degrades in the body, the report said.

Statewide, Philadelphia County had the highest drug related overdose deaths in the state at 655. Based on 100,000 people, Philadelphia was first with 41.98 deaths per 100,000 people, followed by Susquehanna, 33.40; Cambria, 31.22; Fayette,29.83, Wayne, 27.24; and York, 26.77. Schuylkill County was 47th on the list with 8.92 drug related overdose deaths per 100,000.

Despite heroin being the most illicit common drug found in the toxicology tests, Oxycodone was the drug found most often in data from the Schuylkill County Coroners office shows. Of the 17 people who died, 10 were male and seven female. Eight of them were between the ages of 31 to 45; five were 18 to 30; and four were 46 to 60 years old.

The most common type of illicit drug found was heroin with it being found seven times. Methamphetamine was found five times and marijuana five.

Oxycodone was the most common opioid discovered in eight instances. Alprazolam, which is more commonly called Xanax, was the most often found benzodiazepine.

Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan III was unaware of the report until told about it. After briefly reading through it, he said he was surprised with the number of deaths related to drug overdoses statewide.

“I thought the report was a real eye opener,” he said.

He is going to post the information from Schuylkill County on his website, simonkramer.wix.com/coroner.

Jason Snyder, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, said drug overdoses statewide are a problem that needs to continue to be addressed “in the midst of its worst ever overdose epidemic.”

He said Naloxone, a fast-acting overdose antidote that blocks effects of heroin and opiates on the brain, is a tool that can help save lives. The drug also goes by the brand name Narcan.

“We know Naloxone is not treatment but we can’t get people into treatment if they are dead,” he said.

TREMONT — A Pine Grove area third-grade teacher is headed to Schuylkill County Court after a judge ruled prosecutors had produced enough evidence to support charges that he hit two people with the butt of a gun in September in Pine Grove Township.

Emphasizing that he cannot weigh the credibility of witnesses during a preliminary hearing, Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi ordered 12 charges against Joshua A. Hewes, 35, of Pine Grove, held for court.

Those charges included four counts of aggravated assault and two each of simple assault, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.

Rossi also ordered charges of terroristic threats and harassment held for court against Joshua Hewes’ wife, Ashley E. Hewes, 37, although he dismissed two counts of simple assault and one of terroristic threats against her dismissed. He allowed them to remain free on bail pending further court action.

State police at Schuylkill Haven allege Joshua Hewes assaulted Katherine H. “Katie” Baker, 23, and Aaron Williams, 24, both of Pine Grove, in the early evening hours of Sept. 6 at the 43 Broad St. residence of Terry Levan.

Baker and Williams, who were the only witnesses to testify at Thursday’s 3 1/4-hour hearing, each said Joshua Hewes came to the house, demanded to know where the money and the drugs were and pointed a gun at them.

“Were you scared?” District Attorney Christine A. Holman asked Baker.

“Yes,” Baker answered.

Baker said Joshua Hewes said he would kill her and her dogs, and that he struck her with his gun, although she could not say whether it was a rifle or a shotgun.

“My face was mangled,” she said while referring to pictures of her taken the next day. “My eye is swollen shut, black and blue.”

However, Baker could not fully explain why she waited three hours for her mother to come from Cape May, New Jersey, to pick her up and then drive her all the way to a hospital in Philadelphia for treatment, or why she did not go to a police station either in Schuylkill County or anywhere on the way to the City of Brotherly Love.

She also perplexed Rossi when she said she did not seek aid from Levan, her boyfriend’s father, when he appeared at the house.

“You didn’t ask him for help?” Rossi asked.

“I didn’t know how to handle the situation,” Baker said.

She also said she was a heroin addict, and, when cross-examined by Frederick J. Fanelli, Pottsville, Hewes’ lawyer, asserted her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination several times when questioned about her drug use and the presence of narcotics and drug paraphernalia on the property, which police had raided a couple days earlier.

Williams testified Joshua Hewes hit him with the butt end of a rifle and then fired a shot at him.

“Were you bleeding?” Holman asked him.

“Yes,” he answered.

He said he ran to a nearby house, and the person living there, whose name he did not know, called 911.

On cross-examination, Williams said he had been a heroin addict but had just left a rehabilitation center. However, he admitted, in spite of Rossi warning him about self-incrimination, that he still uses drugs occasionally.

Williams said he left the house to which he had run, a statement that also startled Rossi.

“You don’t stay and wait for the police? Why didn’t you stay at the neighbor’s?” the judge asked Williams, who said he was scared.

Instead, Williams said, his grandfather gave him a ride to his house, although before the police arrived, he and his father went to buy cigarettes at a nearby store.

Fanelli asked Rossi to dismiss all charges.

“The evidence that was produced today was so bizarre, contradictory and obtuse that no fact-finder” could find either of the Heweses guilty, he said.

However, Holman, although acknowledging that some of the testimony was “bizarre,” successfully argued to Rossi that enough evidence existed to support the case.

“There were crimes committed,” she said. “Both are threatened. Aaron is shot at.”

The Schuylkill County Zoning Hearing Board granted a special exception Thursday that will allow the Mount Carbon-North Manheim Township Fire Company No. 1 to include another banquet hall in its plans to rebuild.

The fire company at 120 Main St., Mount Carbon, was destroyed in a fire in October 2013. The building also contained borough offices and a banquet hall. The fire company plans on rebuilding at the same location, but required a special exception from the board to build a social hall in a residentially zoned area.

“We had a social hall,” Jerry Strokelitus, company president, said. “That’s what funds our fire company. That’s what puts the bucks on the table for the equipment and repairs on the trucks. Everything costs a lot of dollars and that’s the only funding we have.”

The company hired Miller Bros. Construction Inc., Schuylkill Haven, for the project. Jeff Butz, engineer technician for Miller Bros., said only slight modifications were made to the original design.

“We are just basically putting back what was there,” Butz said. “For us to get it back where it was, we have to go wider.”

The board unanimously approved the fire company’s request Thursday. Two residents owning neighboring properties had their questions answered during the meeting and did not oppose the project.

Kyle Nettles, also an engineer technician with Miller Bros., said the banquet hall will be 2,900 square feet. He said the company still needs to obtain the proper permits before starting construction, but said they were looking to start by spring.

In another matter at the meeting, Paul J. Datte, an attorney representing Pine Grove borough at the hearing, said there is a written agreement between the borough and Supportive Concepts for Families Inc., Reading. However, he said the document still does not have all the necessary signatures and the borough did not feel comfortable withdrawing its appeal until they have been acquired.

“We would respectfully request one final continuance until the January meeting,” Datte said.

The board unanimously approved the continuance.

The zoning board granted a permit in early 2015 for Supportive Concepts for Families Inc. to build group homes at 202 Walters St. and 13 Ridge Vista Drive. On May 6, permits were approved for similar homes at 8 Ridge Vista Drive and 1 Hillside Vista Drive. The borough had appealed the variance permit.

Hazleton Area School District petitioned Schuylkill County Court on Friday to allow it to hire another police officer.

In its petition, the district asked the court to appoint James A. Patterson, Freeland, as a school police officer with full powers and authority under the state School Code.

The court has not scheduled a hearing on the petition.

Hazleton Area is one of several districts in the region that has been hiring school police officers to supplement security at its properties.

The school board on Oct. 22 hired Patterson, who works as a police officer in Kline Township and Sugar Notch and as a security guard with KRE Security, Hamburg. However, court approval is needed before he can officially become a school police officer.

In its petition, the district alleged Patterson is fully qualified to act as a school police officer, citing what it termed his “distinguished past training and service in law enforcement.”

That service includes, in addition to his current employment, work with police departments in Frackville, Girardville, McAdoo, Rush Township, Beaver Meadows, Freeland, Shickshinny and White Haven, according to the petition. Patterson also has worked as a public safety officer, security guard and youth counselor, according to the petition.

A Pottsville man is not guilty of harassing his neighbors, a Schuylkill County judge ruled Thursday.

After a 30-minute hearing, Judge John E. Domalakes found Vincent J. Palerino Sr., 56, not guilty of harassment.

Pottsville police had charged Palerino with harassing Gary Conklin and his son, Michael Conklin, on May 4 on Davis Avenue in the city.

“He put his hands up, making gestures and saying he was going to (hurt him),” Michael Conklin testified.

“Did you find that to be a credible threat?” Assistant District Attorney Kimm M. Montone asked Michael Conklin.

“Yes,” he answered.

“Were you in fear?”

“Yes.”

However, Palerino testified he was in fear and intervened only to protect his girlfriend.

Domalakes said the only witness he found to be credible was police Patrolman Jonathan Randolph, but that the officer arrived on the scene too late to see what had occurred.

Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, had found Palerino guilty on Sept. 15, but the defendant appealed that ruling on Sept. 21.

On Wednesday in the county court, President Judge William E. Baldwin revoked the probation of Shawn M. Tobin, 29, of Pottsville, and sentenced him to time served to 12 months in prison.

Tobin originally pleaded guilty on March 19, 2014, to possession of a controlled substance, with prosecutors withdrawing a second count of the same crime. At that time, Baldwin placed him on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, all of which Tobin still must pay under the terms of Wednesday’s sentence.

State police at Reading charged Tobin with possessing drugs on Oct. 21, 2011.

In recent Schuylkill County Court action, Judge Charles M. Miller accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Jeffrey J. McCarthy, 27, of Mahanoy Plane, theft by deception; 12 months probation and $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account. Prosecutors withdrew three additional counts of theft by deception.

Erik T. Ossman Sr., 26, of Tremont, possession of a controlled substance; 12 months probation, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of public drunkenness.

James H. Purcell, 74, of Girardville, disorderly conduct; $100 fine. Prosecutors withdrew two counts each of terroristic threats and simple assault and an additional count of disorderly conduct.

Alexander Ruiz-Mora, 24, of Hazleton, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and $176 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Brenda Sheppo, 32, of Saint Clair, possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment.

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

n Fountain Springs: The North Schuylkill High School Band and Chorus will perform its holiday concert at 3 p.m. Dec. 13 in the high school auditorium. There is no admission fee. Freewill donations will be accepted at the door.

n Frackville: St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church is taking orders for its Christmas nut roll sale. The rolls are filled with English walnut, poppy seed, apricot, prune or seedless red raspberry. The cost is $15 per roll and orders are due by Dec. 13. Pickups will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Dec. 19 and noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 20 at the church hall, Oak and Second streets. To order, call Marcia at 570-874-2169.

n Minersville: The seventh annual Boilo competition will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. today at Mountaineer Hose Company, Third and South streets. Doors will open at 4 p.m. for registration and judging will begin at 6 p.m. Entries to be a judge are $5. The cover charge is $2. The event is for people 21 and older.

n Shenandoah: The American Red Cross, in partnership with the Shenandoah Fire Department and Shenandoah Ambulance Association, recently made 35 families in the Shenandoah area safer as part of the nationwide Home Fire Campaign. According to a Red Cross press release, fire department, ambulance and Red Cross representatives visited local neighborhoods to install smoke alarms in homes needing them and teaching residents what they can do now to be prepared should a fire break out in their home. They installed more than 85 smoke alarms in the homes “in just two hours,” according to the release. “In this country, seven people lose their lives every day from a home fire,” Adrian Grieve, Red Cross Tri-County Chapter, said in the release, adding, “Over the next few years, the Home Fire Campaign will keep on going to help protect people and prepare them for emergencies like a fire in their home.” The campaign is a multi-year effort to reduce the number of home fire deaths and injuries by 25 percent.

n Shenandoah: The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. will stage a soup and sausage sale beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday at its downtown center, 116 N. Main St. The cost for soup is $5 per quart and $2.50 per pint and the cost for sausage hoagies is $3.50 each. Soup varieties will include chili, chicken noodle, vegetable beef, pasta fagiole, New England clam chowder, split pea and kielbasa. To order or for more information, call 570-462-2060.

n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Public Library will have an Italian hoagie sale with pickups from noon to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 150 Pine St. The cost is $6 per hoagie and proceeds will benefit the library. Tickets are available at the library or by calling 570-668-2573.

n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Area High School Music Department will present its annual holiday music program at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Tamaqua Area Auditorium. Students in the concert choir, jazz chorale, senior high wind ensemble and the Raiders Concert Band will perform holiday selections and the audience will join the band and choir for a sing-along. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. and the cost is $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. All are welcome.

n Tremont: The Tremont Fire Company will host a wing night from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. Flavors include mild, hot, naked, creamy hot, ranch, barbecue, honey mustard, spicy barbecue and parmesan peppercorn. An order of jumbo wings includes celery and dressing. Chicken tenders and French fries are also available. No alcoholic beverages will be available. For takeout orders, call 570-695-3915.

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — A Cressona man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday on charges stemming from an incident in November in his hometown.

William H. Flail, 41, of 39 N. Third St., faces charges of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and criminal trespass. Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over the charges for court after Flail waived his right to the hearing.

Prosecutors withdrew a second count of disorderly conduct.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Flail entered the Sapa Industrial Extrusions property at 53 Pottsville St. at 5:16 p.m. Nov. 10.

Once there, police said, Flail yelled and screamed in the parking lot for no reason.

Police said they told Flail to raise his hands and start moving toward their car. After starting to do so, however, Flail turned around, ran toward and reached for a black-handled knife, police said.

According to police, Flail continued to resist and had to be tased before he could be controlled, handcuffed and arrested.

Flail is free on $2,500 unsecured bail pending further court action.

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

Leon J. Charles, 56, of 512 St. Peter St., Schuylkill Haven; driving under the influence and careless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Bernadette Frederick, 18, of 119 Haven St., Schuylkill Haven; false reports to law enforcement; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Kathryn S. Green, 56, of 20 Haven St., Schuylkill Haven; disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and public drunkenness; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Tiffany D. Starkey, 20, of 119 Haven St., Schuylkill Haven; false reports to law enforcement; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Timothy J. Willman, 29, of 935 Oak Grove Road, Pine Grove; three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Rebecca J. Margerum

ELIZABETHVILLE — A Tremont woman is wanted by Dauphin County authorities after failing to show up Tuesday for her preliminary hearing on charges resulting from what police allege was an October incident.

Robin J. Miller, 19, of 233 W. Main St., faces charges of conspiracy, receiving stolen property and retail theft. Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum ordered all charges held for Dauphin County Court against Miller after the hearing.

Margerum also asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Miller.

State police at Lykens allege Miller committed the theft on Oct. 29 in Washington Township.

Miller’s formal arraignment is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Jan. 29, 2016, in Harrisburg.

Other defendants whose cases Margerum considered on Tuesday, the charges against each one and the judge’s dispositions of the matters included:

Todd A. Chappell Jr., 26, of Wiconisco; harassment, false imprisonment and simple assault; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Steven M. Heisey Jr., 26, of 783 Colebrook Road, Middletown; two counts of access device fraud and one each of theft and receiving stolen property; right to preliminary hearing waived, one count of access device fraud withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Paul W. Lightner, 59, of 2473 Valley Road, Marysville; aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Jordan R. Rumberger, 29, of 233 Main St., Tremont; terroristic threats, unlawful restraint, endangering welfare of children, simple assault and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge of unlawful restraint withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Joseph Tomcavage, 56, of 159 E. Old Reading Road, Catawissa; driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lane, careless driving and reckless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge of reckless driving withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Sonya M. Wallace, 24, of 20 E. Main St., Tremont; conspiracy, receiving stolen property retail theft and driving without a license; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Tiffany A. Webster, 25, of 107 S. Second St., Gratz; possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI, improper location of registration permit, careless driving and reckless driving; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Hundreds of people enjoyed the opening night performance of “The Nutcracker” at the D.H.H. Lengel Middle School in Pottsville.

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Sandy Taylor, 72, of Valley View, said Friday.

She was at the 7 p.m. performance by the LA Dance Theatre Inc., Saint Clair. Taylor has attended for years, but this year was extra special. Her granddaughter’s friend, Aislinn Lehane, a senior at Pottsville Area High School, was appearing in her 10th and final Nutcracker performance. Taylor was there with her granddaughter, Sarah Petchulis, 17, and Sarah’s mother, Terri Petchulis, 52, both of Norwegian Township.

Sarah said she spoke to Aislinn before the show and wished her luck. The three were looking forward to the event beginning.

“It’s a start to the holiday season,” Terri Petchulis said.

The show is based on the story “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice” by E.T.A. Hoffman. It’s a story about a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker prince and a fierce battle against a mouse king. Russian composer Peter Tchaikovsky later turned the story into a ballet.

For Rebecca Lascala, the excitement was different this year. She played the role of Clara Stablaum. Lascala played other roles before, including a party girl last year. The 13-year-old from Pottsville admitted she was a little nervous, but more confident than previous years; she didn’t know why, but said she prepared for the role with a lot of practice. She said if you want something in life you have work hard to attain it.

“If you have a dream, you should definitely keep it and go for it,” she said.

Professional dancer Ryan Tuerk, Philadelphia, was reprising his role of The Prince for the fifth year. He said his professional schedule is busy but he makes time to come to Schuylkill County because “I really like the community up here.”

He said people enjoy the presentation because of “the family value, family togetherness,” which can be hard to find in today’s world.

Act 1 features dancing by Clara and her family and friends. Clara also receives the nutcracker from Drosselmeyer, played by Liam Wolfe.

State Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, also attended.

“It would not be Christmas or the holiday season without it,” he said of the show.

Lois Ann Maley, owner and director of LA Dance Theatre, said the cast members have been practicing since September. This year there were 92 cast members, she said.

LA Dance will hold additional performances of “The Nutcracker” today at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the D.H.H. Lengel Middle School. Tickets are $14 for adults, and $12 for children and senior citizens.

Schuylkill County’s unemployment rate hit its lowest mark since 2008 for the month of October.

The seasonally adjusted figure went down 0.4 of a percentage point in October to 5.8 percent, according to the latest figures released Tuesday by the state Department of Labor & Industry. That is the lowest since May 2008 when it was also 5.8 percent, Jeff Newman, industry and business analyst for the department, said Thursday.

“The rate has dropped 5.7 percent from the recessionary high of 11.5 percent in February 2010,” Newman said.

Over the month, the seasonally adjusted number of unemployed in the county dropped by 300 to 4,000 total and the number of employed increased 400 to 65,200 total. The seasonally adjusted labor force increased 100 to 69,200 total. Since last year, the seasonally adjusted number of unemployed is down 200, employed is up 900 and the labor force is up 700.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October 2014 was 6.1 percent.

There was a total of 52,100 nonfarm jobs in the county in October.

“Not seasonally adjusted jobs increased by 100 in October,” Newman said. “Over the year jobs are up 900, led by transportation, warehousing and utilities, which has grown by 400.”

The seasonally adjusted unemployment for Pennsylvania was 5.1 percent in October while the national rate was 5.0 percent.

The surrounding areas had the following seasonally adjusted rates for October: Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, 5.1; Harrisburg and Carlisle, 4.1; Reading, 4.7; Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton, 5.8; and Bloomsburg, Berwick and Sunbury, 5.1 percent.

Stephanie Ann Ware admitted Thursday in federal court in Scranton that she helped to rob a bank in August 2014 in Hometown, the U.S. attorney’s office announced Friday.

Ware, 25, of Scranton, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert D. Mariani to two counts of aiding and abetting bank robbery.

Mariani accepted Ware’s plea, but did not immediately sentence her.

Federal prosecutors allege Ware acted as the getaway vehicle driver in the Aug. 26, 2014, robbery of Mauch Chunk Trust Co., 226 Claremont Ave. (Route 309). Ware and her co-defendant, Lee Sokalsky, robbed the bank of $25,159, prosecutors said.

Police said the getaway vehicle was a Ford Explorer Sport Trac four-door pickup truck.

In her plea to the second count, Ware admitted she also was the getaway vehicle driver in the July 25, 2014, robbery of NBT Bank, 736 Main St., Dickson City. Prosecutors allege she and Sokalsky robbed that bank of $10,479.25.

Ware faces a maximum possible prison term of 20 years for each robbery, plus a fine and a term of supervised release after completing any imprisonment.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. insured each bank’s deposits, thereby giving U.S. authorities jurisdiction to prosecute Ware’s case.

Sokalsky is awaiting trial for both bank robberies, along with four others in Hazleton, Drums and Hazle Township, Luzerne County. Mariani also is presiding over his case.

The FBI, state police and police from Dickson City, Hazleton, Rush Township and Scranton investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus Jr.

MAHANOY CITY — The Mahanoy Area school board reorganized on Thursday evening and welcomed two new members and retained the top two officers.

Nikki Stetson and Gary R. Gnall were welcomed to the school board after their election in the November General Election. They fill the vacancies left by two longstanding members — Thomas Bashinsky and Dr. David Kurzinsky — who did not run for re-election.

Re-elected in November were Nancy Boyle, Michael J. Mistishen and Daniel Lynch.

Board solicitor John G. Dean asked for nominations for president pro tempore, with Jay Hanley elected for the position. Hanley then administered the oath of office to new and returning members.

After the swearing in, the first order of business was nomination and election of board president. Gary Gnall nominated Hanley, which was seconded by Karen Yedsena. Hanley was retained as president in an 8-0 vote.

Hanley took over the meeting and asked for nominations for vice president. Yedsena nominated Steve Gnall, seconded by Gary Gnall. The vote was 8-0 to retain Steve Gnall as vice president.

In other business, Hanley appointed Lynch as the board liaison to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.

“I’d like to welcome the new members to the board,” Boyle said. “You’ll find it very interesting and none at all what you think right now. It’s interesting and we’re all here for the good of the kids.”

Hanley thanked the board for his re-election as president.

“I really appreciate your support,” Hanley said. “We’re here to support our school district kids and to work for the taxpayers that elected us.”

Police investigate

stolen ATV

RICHLAND — State police at Jonestown are investigating a theft that occurred in this Lebanon County community between Aug. 5 and Oct. 4.

Police said someone stole a black Yamaha Raptor owned by a 36-year-old Pine Grove woman while it was at 604 E. Linden St.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 717-865-5067.

Woman arrested

at booking center

HARRISBURG — A 34-year-old Lykens woman was charged by state police at Lykens after an incident between 3:10 and 3:40 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Dauphin County Judicial Center.

Police charged Shannon Zerby, 34, with obstruction of government operations-contraband.

Zerby, police said, was under arrest when she brought controlled substances and drug paraphernalia into the center.

The woman was subsequently committed to Dauphin County Prison in lieu of $2,500 bail.

State police

investigate theft

TOWER CITY — State police at Lykens are investigating a theft that occurred on Nov. 13.

Police said Sara M. Adams, Tower City, reported someone removed from $396 from her account without authorization.

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

Police investigate

laser light use

BETHEL — State police at Jonestown are investigating an incident of recklessly endangering another person that occurred about 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24 in an area between Forest Drive and Zeigler Lane in Bethel Township, Lebanon County.

Police said someone used a laser light and pointed it into the cockpit of a Pennsylvania National Guard ch-47 Chinook helicopter while it was in flight.

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

Roving DUI Patrol

makes 6 arrests

The North Central PA Regional DUI Enforcement Program reported 27 vehicles were contacted and detained during a Roving DUI Patrol conducted Nov. 25 by three police officers from three departments.

There were two drivers tested for DUI resulting in one DUI arrest. The officers also made four traffic arrests, one criminal arrest and issued 22 warning notices.

3 charged in

Wal-Mart theft

ELIZABETHVILLE — State police at Lykens reported making arrests in two separate thefts at the Wal-Mart store, 200 Kocher Lane in Washington Township.

Police said Brenda A. Thorton, 37, of Williamstown, Dominic Thorton, 18, of Williamstown, and a 17-year-old girl were charged with retail theft after stealing items from the store between 8:40 and 9:10 p.m. Nov. 3.

Brenda Thorton and a 17-year-old Tower City girl will also be charged with retail theft for taking items from the same store between 6:50 and 7:25 p.m. Nov. 5.

All three will now have to answer to the charges against them before Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Margerum, Elizabethville.

Man uses drugs,

violates probation

ELIZBETHVILLE — A 30-year-old borough man was charged by state police at Lykens after an incident about 9:45 a.m. Nov. 5 at 3501 Route 209 in Washington Township, Dauphin County.

Police said drug charges against Anthony R. Troutman will be filed with Magisterial District Judge Rebecca Margerum, Elizabethville.

Police said Dauphin County probation officers were conducting a routine check on Troutman and during that check found drugs, drug paraphernalia and illegal weapons inside his home.

Troutman is currently being held in Dauphin County Prison on the probation violations, police said.

Marriages

Steven S. Miller, Tamaqua, and Jennifer A. Kanard, Tamaqua.

Relatives of the late Cpl. Martin Allen King have found comfort in learning more about him decades later from his Harrisburg childhood friends.

Now, they finally have a photo of their lost kin, and remembrances of him to pass on to future generations.

King, a Korean War prisoner of war, was laid to rest Nov. 9 with full military honors in Annville, following a funeral service at Dimon Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Tower City. His final resting place is in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Section 34, Site 547. At the time, no known photo was available of King and his relatives longed to know more about the young man who was adopted by another family.

King was a member of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. On Nov. 2, 1950, he was taken prisoner of war while fighting the enemy near Unsan, North Korea. On April 12, 1951, he died of malnutrition on what’s recorded as his 18th birthday.

Since King’s funeral, Joseph “Joe” Fox, Harrisburg, and Salvatore “Sam” Marte Jr., now of Oceanside, California, have come forward to relay details of King’s young life and a photo to some of his survivors.

Fox remembers his friend as “Buddy” or “Marlin” King.

“I think I was probably the only one there that really knew Buddy,” said Fox, who attended the Tower City funeral service with his wife, Iva.

“We grew up together on Sixth Street in Harrisburg and joined the Army together in May 1950,” said Fox, now 84. “We were part of the Sixth Street Gang — we weren’t really a gang, but we all hung out together,” he said.

He said he remembers visiting King’s house where his mother would let them smoke cigarettes, because she said at least “she knew where we were,” Fox said.

Fox said he, King, and their friend, Peter P. Sukley, went to basic training together at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The photo he has of King is a picture that was taken as part of their graduation book, upon completion of their Army training. While King and Sukley were sent to Korea, Fox said he attended clerical school and stayed at Fort Knox until 1952, when he was also sent to Korea. Fox said his mother alerted him that his two friends were missing in action.

“After all these years, you never really forget. I always think of Buddy and Pete. We joined the Army, not even thinking about war,” Fox said.

Fox said King was a good soldier who took his training seriously.

“I don’t know how I lucked out. I went over and didn’t see any front line action,” said Fox, a retired utility and production worker from Quaker Oats, Shiremanstown.

According to Fox, King’s parents adored him. “The sun rose and sat on that boy,” he said. “Buddy was their pride and joy.”

Hearing that Martin King had a happy childhood was healing, according to his niece, Tina King, Riverside, California.

“What touched me the most was knowing about his adoptive parents and knowing that he was ‘their boy’ and that they loved him tremendously,” Tina said.

“It’s been quite amazing,” she said. “I thought only four people were going to show up for his funeral. This boy, who had been lost to us without any acknowledgement, and now this. It’s overwhelming to me. I couldn’t be more grateful,” Tina said of the outpouring of support and respect shown to her late uncle.

Among King’s survivors are his nephew, Richard Bohner and his wife, Joan, Williamstown; and another niece, Vicki King Stater, Redlands, California. Tina and Vicki are the daughters of Martin’s late brother, Edward F. King Sr.

“I’m thinking about going down to talk to Mr. Fox,” Richard Bohner said.

It was just a few months ago that Richard Bohner discovered his Uncle Martin King existed. King was the brother of Richard’s late mother, Grace King Bohner. King, who lived in Tower City, Lykens and Harrisburg, was adopted by another family — believed to be Mr. and Mrs. Harry R. Beyrent — but kept the King last name.

“He looks like Tina and Vicki’s dad when he was younger,” Richard Bohner said of Fox’s photo of his late uncle. Richard and Joan Bohner were invited to lead a tree lighting ceremony in Tower City, organized by the Tower City Rotary Club on Nov. 29. During the ceremony, Richard was introduced as King’s nephew, as the community took another opportunity to acknowledge the young soldier’s sacrifice.

Tina and Vicki recently visited Marte in California to hear more details about their late uncle.

Marte, now 82, recalls King moved into his Harrisburg neighborhood when he was about 12 or 13 years old. King went to Camp Curtin Junior High and onto William Penn Senior High, Marte said.

Marte lived at 1536 N. Sixth Street.

“Buddy could run. He ran track when he was in junior high. He’d go with us to Wildwood Park, and we’d hike and hike at Rockville,” he said.

“We had about 20 or 30 kids on our block and we all came from big families, except Buddy.”

“The people that he lived with, they were really nice people and I never knew he was adopted,” Marte said. “His mother was very protective of him,” he said.

“Being Italian, we always had ‘Open House.’ We had a double porch on Sixth and Harris and we’d hang out, make up games and sit on our porch reading comic books. They all hung out at our place,” Marte said. “There were no bad kids on the block. Buddy was never rowdy,” he said.

Marte said he remembers when King, Fox and Sukley decided to join the Army. Marte said he tried to talk Martin out of quitting school to join, encouraging him to wait until he graduated. Martin enlisted anyway at age 17. Sukley and King were sent overseas, according to Marte. “I remember them coming home on furlough. Then they were sent over really fast,” he said.

One of Marte’s vivid memories is of his brother-in-law, Gene Schultz, who was a World War II Marine veteran, teaching King techniques on how to use guns in close, hand-to-hand combat during that furlough.

Marte said he joined the military in February 1951, serving with an anti-aircraft group in the Army. All he ever knew of King was that he was missing in action, but he never knew anything more. As time passed, he visited Martin’s parents, who had since moved to Elizabethtown, and asked if they had heard any more information on their son. They had not.

“They were nice people,” Marte said. “They sure cared for Buddy and watched him like a hawk.” Marte then lost touch with King’s parents and wasn’t sure if they had moved again or what happened to them.

For the past 38 years, Marte has been operating “Marte’s Donuts” in Escondido, California.

“It really touched me,” Marte said of Tina and Vicki’s visit. King’s nieces brought Marte copies of information they had obtained on their late uncle. “We must have talked for three hours,” Marte said. “I’ve thought about Buddy a lot.”

Tina said the meeting with Marte came about after she had been in contact with reporter David Wenner, from PennLive, Harrisburg. She had read the condolences for her uncle posted online, and was curious to see if she could locate some of the people who may have known her late uncle. She said a woman — who turned out to be Marte’s niece — had reached out to Wenner who eventually forwarded Marte’s contact information to her. She was also alerted that Fox had a photo of King, and Fox’s wife emailed her the photo.

Tina said before her father, Edward F. King Sr., died in 2008, he gave her one of Cpl. King’s medals he had received as Martin’s next of kin. She said the new information she’s learned about her Uncle Martin will continue to be passed down through multiple generations of the family.

Chloe, an English Labrador retriever, can’t vocalize her sympathies when consoling people after the loss of a loved one, but she can try to comfort them.

At 13 months, she is still a puppy at heart, but knows she has a job to do when she is at the Schlitzer-Allen-Pugh Funeral Home, Pottsville.

“She knows she is at work,” Brian Leffler, owner and funeral director, said Friday.

Chloe is owned by the funeral home. Leffler got her about three months ago. She has her certification to be a therapy dog, which she received about two weeks ago. Leffler got the idea after speaking with a friend in the funeral business who also had a therapy dog. According to Leffler, his friend said the dog was good with helping people who have lost a loved one.

Chloe is a well-behaved dog. She is from Washington state and was selected for her personal characteristics and temperament from a friend of someone at K9 Korner, Wilkes-Barre Township. The mild-mannered dog went through intensive training with Therapy Dogs International, New Jersey, to become a therapy dog. The dog is available to visit nursing homes, schools and for other events.

“She’s a very good dog. She’s a very loving dog. She’s just a pleasure to be around,” Leffler said.

Chloe is shared between three funeral homes, in Avoca and Wilkes-Barre, which are all owned by Leffler. She attended her first service recently in Pottsville. Angela Mestishen-Regnier, also a funeral director at the funeral home in Pottsville, said the family of a man who recently died requested Chloe be there. The man loved dogs, she said. The family members were thankful Chloe was there to comfort those who needed support.

Having Chloe at a service does not come with an extra cost. Chloe is always with a handler who also received training.

“We don’t let her free roam around the funeral home,” Leffler said.

When Chloe is not at work, she does behave like a normal dog, he said.

“She’s still a year-old puppy. She likes to have fun,” he said.

She spends time at the home of the different funeral directors. She is house-trained and sleeps in a crate. She gets along with cats but wants to play with them more than anything else, he said.

ORWIGSBURG — The borough got into the holiday spirit Saturday with the lighting of the borough Christmas tree, the singing of holiday songs and Santa.

“We are here to welcome in the Christmas season,” Preston Broadhurst, senior pastor at Kimmels Church, Orwigsburg, said to the crowd about 5 p.m.

People assembled on the M&T Bank lot in the borough square for the event sponsored by the church. The Orwigsburg Lions Club was there selling items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, soup, cookies and drinks. Before the lighting of the 22-foot blue spruce Christmas tree, people sang “Joy to the World” and other Christmas favorites while holding white candles. Students from Blue Mountain School District played instruments to accompany the Christmas carols during the evening.

Ira Walton, 40, of Orwigsburg, was there to take in the holiday atmosphere and to see people he knew. He was there with his dog, Mazie, an 8-month-old golden doodle.

Cathy Hassman and her husband, Todd Hassman, Orwigsburg, were there to celebrate the meaning of the season, the birth of Jesus. Their dogs, Rosie, 2, adopted from Louisiana, and Toby, 13, adopted from the Hillside SPCA, were also enjoying the festivities.

Rebecca O’Neal, 25, of Orwigsburg, originally from North Carolina, was at the event for the first time.

“I think it shows the community coming together,” she said.

Kay Jones, Orwigsburg, also enjoyed the event. It’s a good celebration, and it “brings the community together in a wonderful celebration of the holidays,” she said.

Mike Lonergan, former borough manager, also was in the crowd. He came back to see old friends and share in the tradition after moving out of the area.

“I miss the borough,” he said.

One of the big events of the night — the lighting of the tree — took place at 5:15 p.m. Jake Brensinger, borough employee, did the honors of lighting the tree donated by Guy Robinson, who lives near Lake Wynonah.

Later, a crowd of at least 50 people stood in line on a nearby street waiting for Santa to appear,

Bryson Bubeck, 3, and his dad, Brandon Bubeck, 27, were among those standing in line. Brandon said they were there to share in the excitement of the holiday season and to meet Santa.

A firetruck announced his arrival about 6 p.m. Santa was sitting comfortably in a horse-drawn trolley by Leiby’s Carriage Service, Tamaqua. Belgian draft horses, Brady, 13, and Ryan, 11, pulled the carriage that took people on a short ride downtown and back to the square.

Cole Frantz, 7, was all smiles as he sat on the trolley near Santa. His brother, Blake, 4, sat next to Santa and told him what he wanted for Christmas. Their grandmother, Carol Lutsey, 60, of Orwigsburg, thought it would be a good idea to bring them to the event.

“It’s the start of Christmas. It’s not just all about the presents,” she said.

Robert Williams, Orwigsburg borough manager, said he was glad residents enjoyed the event.

“This is a wonderful event for a great town,” he said.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH — A New York man charged with assaulting a Shenandoah police officer and threatening a woman with a knife Oct. 31 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Glenalban Lugo, 49, of 107 Schenck St., Brooklyn, was arrested by Patrolman John Buchinsky and charged with two counts of felony aggravated assault; two misdemeanor counts of simple assault; one misdemeanor count each of terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person and resisting arrest; and a summary charge of harassment.

By waiving his right to a hearing Lugo will have to answer to all eight charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Buchinsky said he was called to 100 Pioneer Road for a report of a domestic incident and learned that Lugo threatened a woman with a knife and threw it at her missing and hitting a wall. Buchinsky said he and Patrolman William Moyer went to the residence where Lugo opened the door and immediately slammed it.

Moyer went to the back of the home where Lugo opened the door and was ordered to come outside, ignored the orders and went inside.

He then exited, resisted being taken into custody and in the process kicked Moyer in the knee, Buchinsky said.

Other court cases included:

Michael P. Lutz, 25, of 18 S. Chestnut St., Shenandoah, withdrawn: simple assault and harassment. Dismissed: loitering and prowling at night. Held for court: flight to avoid apprehension or punishment and public drunkenness.

Amber L. McCracken, 27, of 136 B St., Girardville, held for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. McCracken failed to show for the hearing and a warrant was requested for her arrest.

Mark K. Wolfe, 62, of 26 S. Nice St., Frackville, waived for court: forgery, theft and receiving stolen property.

Michael E. Williams, 43, of 390 Tuscarora Mountain Drive, Barnesville, waived for court: DUI and DUI-highest rate.

Giovanni Garcia Cruz, 26, of 1264 W. Coal St., Shenandoah, waived for court: DUI and DUI-highest rate.

Roberto A. Hernandez, 21, of 205 E. Coal St., Shenandoah, waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, driving at an unsafe speed, no rear lights, careless driving and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Charles A Welna, 29, of 10 Goldstar Highway, Shenandoah, withdrawn and reduced to a summary offense: possession of drug paraphernalia.

The need for blood doesn’t take a break over the holiday season. In fact, the need increases. Add to that, fresh blood has a relatively short shelf life and there is no substitution for blood. This makes your blood donation one of the most vital gifts you can give someone. There will be a blood drive on Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pottsville and at Tredegar Film Products, on Dec. 10 at Williams Valley High School, and on Dec. 11 at Tractor Supply Co. in Saint Clair. Everyone who is in general good health who weighs at least 110 pounds is encouraged to donate.

Hope Hill Lavender Farm invites you to their Holiday Open House from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 12. High quality lavender products fresh from the farm and custom baskets will be available for purchase.

A Broadway Christmas will be presented at the Majestic Theater at 7 p.m. Dec. 13. Purchase tickets at 570-628-4647.

Penn State THON will hold a Gift Card and Gift Basket Bingo at noon Dec. 13 at the Walk In Art Center in Schuylkill Haven. There will also be food and refreshments and a 50/50 drawing. Call Patty at 570-385-6262 for ticket information.

Next month starts the 2015 tax season. Are you someone who enjoys working with numbers? Are you one of those who are not intimidated by tax preparation? Do you like helping others?

Schuylkill Community Action is looking for volunteers for their VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program.

The VITA program offers free income tax preparation to the low to moderate income taxpayers of Schuylkill County who are eligible to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit. The assistance is provided at community and neighborhood locations and all sites offer electronic filing. The preparation of these taxes is completed by volunteers who are IRS trained and certified. The training is a free, self-paced course and volunteers do not need prior tax/accounting knowledge. There are also volunteer positions available for those who want to help but not get involved in doing taxes.

The tax season runs from Jan. 25 through April 9. If you’re interested in volunteering with VITA or want more information, call Marie Maurer at 570-622-1995 or email mmaurer@schuylkillcommunityaction.com.

Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Use the preceding contact information for those specific opportunities and search other listings on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Find us on Facebook. Call us at 570 628-1426 or email to jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

Ombudsman

volunteers

Times: Flexible, about 1-2 hours per month at your convenience.

Responsibility: Make transitioning to an adult day care or long-term care facility easier for a new consumer by being a friendly face and distributing materials on residents’ rights.

Skills: Good listener, compassionate. Free two-hour orientation plus one-day site training required.

Location: Green Valley Nursing Home in Pitman (formerly Friendly Nursing Home)

Call: Eileen Barlow, MidPenn Legal Services, 570-628-3931.

Literacy tutors

Times: Requires a commitment of four hours per week for one year.

Responsibility: Help adults with English as a Second language (ESL), reading skills, or GED preparation.

Skills: For volunteers age 55 and above. Bachelor’s degree required. Training and ongoing support provided.

Call: Carol Bowen, RSVP of Schuylkill County, 570-628-3103.

A Pottsville man will not have to serve time in prison after being sentenced Friday in Schuylkill County Court for three drug-related crimes.

Instead, Dwarshi L. Davis, 34, must spend 24 months in the intermediate punishment program, which combines punishment with substance abuse treatment, Judge Charles M. Miller ruled.

“You’re getting a big break. You’re looking at a long stiff sentenced in a state (correctional) institution” if you do not comply with the program, Miller warned Davis. “Dot the I’s and cross the T’s in the program.”

Miller also sentenced Davis to pay costs, a $500 fine and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, perform 40 hours community service and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. He made the sentence effective on Monday.

Davis pleaded guilty on Aug. 18 to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Pottsville police charged Davis with possessing drugs and paraphernalia on Aug. 5, 2014, in the city.

Also on Friday, Miller revoked the parole of Darryl D. Dorsey, 50, of Pottsville, and recommitted him to prison. Miller did so after ruling Dorsey violated his parole by having no address and not complying with mental health directives.

Dorsey originally pleaded guilty on Nov. 13, 2013, before Judge John E. Domalakes to open lewdness, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of indecent exposure, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. At that time, Domalakes sentenced him to serve 12 months on probation and pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment.

Saint Clair police charged Dorsey with walking out of the borough’s Sand Castle bar naked on July 10, 2013.

Domalakes revoked Dorsey’s probation on May 27 and sentenced him to 98 days to 12 months in prison and an additional 12 months probation.

In other recent county court action, Judge James P. Goodman accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Joshua R. Huegel, 33, of Andreas; fleeing or eluding police and failure to drive at a safe speed; three to 23 months in prison, $25 fine, $50 CJEA payment and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of failure to stop at red signal.

In other recent county court action, Goodman accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Thomas Hosler, 52, of Tamaqua; simple assault; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment, $5,517.38 restitution and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of harassment.

Logan J. Kanezo, 19, of Pottsville; public drunkenness and purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of an alcoholic beverage; $400 in fines. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Scott Kendricks, 32, of Shenandoah; fleeing or eluding police; 23 months probation and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew charges of careless driving, unlawful operation on streets or highways and failure to stop at red signal.

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

SHENANDOAH — Bicentennial Park is a recreational asset to the Borough of Shenandoah that could become a more user-friendly community location for public use.

A town meeting was held Saturday at the American Legion Anthony P. Damato Medal of Honor Post 792 to discuss ways of improving the park. The meeting of more than three hours was sponsored by Healthy Shenandoah, which is facilitated by Schuylkill County’s VISION and is supported in part by the Community Services line item of the Schuylkill County Block Grant Allocation, Capital Blue Cross, Compassionate Care Hospice and Susquehanna Bank.

About 25 people attended the meeting, which was moderated by VISION Executive Director Kay Jones. Most of those present lived or worked in the borough and showed a great interest in improving the park to provide more avenues for people to improve their overall health.

Aliana Havrilla, a community coach with County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, Frederick, Maryland, attended the meeting and provided input.

Before the meeting, Havrilla said Shenandoah is beginning the initiative with a $10,000 grant.

“Shenandoah was awarded in the spring an Active Living by Design Action Award Grant, and in support of that, they’ve been working very hard to think about opportunities to build on the assets in the communities and improve the health of the community,” Havrilla said. “Today’s meeting is to bring many people together from all over the town to talk about what opportunities exist, especially at the Bicentennial Park area. The focus through this award has been to improve the park and engage the community in sharing their ideas and thoughts to develop an action plan.”

Havrilla said Shenandoah is the only community in Pennsylvania to have received an action award.

The discussion at times went beyond Bicentennial Park and touched on different aspects of the borough. Jones said it is all about health.

“The biggest thing you can do for your health is eat well and get out and walk or roll for people in wheelchairs,” Jones said. “And in this town you can do that.”

Jones provided a short overview of the Healthy Shenandoah program, which was introduced last year.

“Healthy Shenandoah is one of the outgrowths of one of the original surveys that Schuylkill Health did for the county,” Jones said. “They identified two issues: poor nutrition and lack of exercise. So we started in Schuylkill Haven, then went to Shenandoah, and we’re also in Mahanoy City. The object of today’s session is to come up in setting some priorities for what we can do with Bicentennial Park.”

Jones said there is a need to use the $10,000 grant by May 31, so decisions need to be made on what should be done at the park.

The interactive process at the meeting had the attendees provide their input in two areas. People sat at tables with three to five at each. Jones asked everyone to give five reasons why they love Shenandoah. The answers ranged from the town’s ethnicity, many traditions, its history, its people and the closeness of the community, cultural celebrations, food and the religious faith of the people.

Options were discussed on how the park could be used for different types of sports. Jones said the idea of making it more of a “universal utility field” by using a multi-sport field template could be considered.

The people at each table were asked to list the improvements they would like to see at the park.

“We need for you to give us the five top things that you would like to put into the park,” Jones said.

The suggestions from each table were written and posted on the wall, with a representative each table explaining the suggestions. Each person was given three stickers to place next to the suggestions they liked the most. When the tally was made, the following were the top vote-getters:

• Walking trail (18 votes)

• Exercise and handicapped accessible equipment (11)

• Lights (11)

• Bathrooms (9)

• Pavilion and benches (8)

“The park would obviously be done in phases,” Jones said. “We would go to the borough and say that these are the things that really seem to matter. This is what we can start with, so how can we get the grants and the rest of the resources we need to work on it for the next five years? We need to start to think about this as a group on how to get this done.”