ASHLAND - The Mothers Memorial in the borough, a statue of Whistler's Mother, has caught the eye of numerous photographers and artists over the years.

Among them was Eric J. Meyer.

Meyer, who died in 1994, lived in Ashland for many years and sketched or painted a few of its iconic structures, including the historic Buck Mansion at 435 Centre St.

The Pottsville-based Allied Artists of Schuylkill County will be showcasing a collection of Meyer's art at a special event at from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 11 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N. Ninth St., Ashland.

His artistic impressions of those iconic Ashland sights are part of the collection, according to Allied Artists President Madlen Piccioni, Pottsville.

"The items will be for sale and the monies will go to support Allied Artists," she said.

Allied Artists inherited a collection of artwork, a total of 63 framed images, after Meyer's widow, Mary Jo Meyer, 61, of Carlisle, passed away Aug. 6 at Harrisburg Hospital.

"It was part of Mary's will. A few of them were damaged, and we can't sell those. So we anticipate there will be about 57 available to sell," said Piccioni, who has been storing the artwork in her Pottsville home.

The collection, for the most part, is made up of Eric Meyer's artwork. But it also includes needlework by Mary Jo Meyer and other artwork the Meyers had collected over the years.

While some items will be selling for $5, others will be selling for $75, Piccioni said.

"And they're very well framed," she said.

Eric Meyer graduated from North Schuylkill High School in 1969 and attended Williamsport Area Community College, Piccioni said.

"He was an art director who did fine art as a hobby. He had exhibitions with the Allied Artists in Pottsville and the Hazleton Art League in Hazleton. He also showed in the Mechanicsburg School and Galleries," Piccioni said.

"He specialized in watercolor and pen and ink," said Kathy Connelly, a watercolor artist from Pottsville, who is a member of the Allied Artists board of directors.

Connelly was impressed by one of Meyer's watercolors, a portrait of a clown.

"People collect those," Connelly said.

She also liked a watercolor print of a flower with white petals.

"It reminds me of an apple blossom," Connelly said.

The Allied Artists of Schuylkill County is a nonprofit community arts group that encourages self-expression through visual arts. Its meetings are held 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, 1440 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, according to the group's website, schuylkillart.com. If you go

What: Showcase and sale of Eric J. Meyer's art collection

When: 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 11

Where: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N. Ninth St., Ashland

Presented by: Allied Artists of Schuylkill County

MINERSVILLE - The Minersville Area school board swore in new member Kevin E. Wigoda during its Monday night meeting.

Wigoda, an accountant from Minersville, said he has been on a few other boards and is involved in sports with his children.

"Hopefully I can take that experience and use it here and help the school district," he said.

Originally from Saint Clair, he has lived in Minersville for 12 years and said he has a child enrolled in the elementary school and another in the high school.

"I'm also the treasurer for most of the sports groups out there, so I try to stay involved," Wigoda said. "I look at it as, if you don't do it, somebody else is going to do it and they may not do so well."

Wigoda was appointed to the board during the September meeting to replace board member James T. Garraway, whose resignation was effective Sept. 4 due to business obligations.

According to newspaper archives, Garraway won re-election to the board in November 2009.

He was originally appointed to the board in June 2008 to fill a position that opened when Joseph Polinsky resigned at the May 2008 meeting.

Wigoda will fill the unexpired term of Garraway until November 2013.

In other business, the board rescheduled the November agenda session and regular meeting.

The agenda session Nov. 22 will be held Nov. 15 and the regular meeting Nov. 26 will be held Nov. 19.

Superintendent M. Joseph Brady said the changes are due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

The board will reorganize at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, followed by a special meeting for general purposes and the December agenda session and regular meeting were also canceled.

A Pottsville man will not have to spend more time in prison after admitting Monday in Schuylkill County Court that he assaulted two people in April in the city.

Raul Ramos-Bonilla, 39, pleaded guilty to two counts of simple assault and one of resisting arrest, with prosecutors dropping charges of aggravated assault, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Judge John E. Domalakes accepted Ramos-Bonilla's plea and, pursuant to an agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to time served to 23 months in prison and granted him immediate parole.

"When you're on parole, you're still under the supervision of the court," Domalakes warned Ramos-Bonilla.

Domalakes also sentenced Ramos-Bonilla to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

First Assistant District Attorney William C. Reiley said the victims consented to the plea agreement.

Pottsville police charged Ramos-Bonilla with assaulting an undercover officer and a woman on April 2.

Also in the county court on Monday, Jason H. Hill, 22, of New Ringgold, left the courthouse a free man after a jury acquitted him of charges of criminal mischief and loitering and prowling at nighttime.

Tamaqua police had charged Hill with damaging a car and a pickup truck belonging to John Sienkiewicz in the early morning hours of March 23 in the borough.

"Who did you observe standing in front of your vehicles?" Assistant District Attorney Jennifer N. Lehman asked Sienkiewicz.

"Mr. Hill," Sienkiewicz said while pointing at the defendant.

However, the jury of eight men and four women deliberated less than an hour before reaching a contrary verdict to end the one-day trial presided over by Judge Jacqueline L. Russell.

Deeds

Coaldale - Frances E.M. Smolinsky Albino, executrix of the Estate of Frances E. Smolinsky, to Frances E. Albino; 245 W. Howard Ave.; $1.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Five benches recently installed in the borough's downtown district are drawing favorable reviews.

"It's a good idea 'cause of the senior citizens in town. When they (go) downtown shopping they need a place to rest," Donna Thompson, 65, a borough resident, said as she sat on a chair in a local store Wednesday.

"We wanted to do something to improve the look of the downtown," Lorie Reichert, chairwoman of the design committee for Our Haven Foundation, said. The foundation is dedicated to revitalizing the downtown.

A grant of $3,000 from the Herman and Mary J. Zwerling Community Trust was used to pay for three of the benches and each plaque on them, Reichert said. The other two benches were paid for with funds from the Schuylkill Haven Midget Cheerleaders and the Greater Schuylkill Haven Area Business Association.

The benches were installed in front of the economic development office, Valenti's II, The Jungle and Stine's Pharmacy, all on East Main Street, and at the Edward Jones firm, 17 St. John St.

According to Reichert, suggestions were made about what to do for the area by those on the committee, which finally settled on the benches from Kirby Built, a Wisconsin-based firm.

Property owners gave permission for the benches to be placed at the aforementioned sites.

Derek Flail, general manager of The Jungle, a gym setup, said the addition of the benches can have positive benefits.

"It makes the downtown look busy. It keeps it looking alive," he said.

A couple of days ago, he said, women were sitting on the bench in front of the business.

Carl Berger, economic development director, said the benches are "a welcome addition to the borough."

Yon Schlear, 62, a borough resident, agreed, saying the benches were nice.

Borough Mayor Mike Devlin said the benches added a nice touch to the borough.

"I love the benches personally. I'm definitely in favor of the benches," he said after a council meeting Wednesday.

Council President Marlin Berger Jr. had also had positive comments about the benches.

"They dress the town up a little bit," he said.

With Halloween drawing near, many people are shopping for - or making - the costumes they will wear to attend parties or trick-or-treat.

But one day before the holiday, another event happens - "Mischief Night," a night that keeps area police agencies on their toes.

Mischief Night, also known as Devil's Night, Hell Night, Cabbage Night, Gate Night, Mizzy Night, Miggy Night, Goosing Night and Egg Nyte, is an annual tradition in the United States as well as parts of the United Kingdom and Canada. It is a night when people, primarily teenagers and preteens, take to the streets to play pranks and do mischief.

Over the years, Mischief Night included childish pranks ranging from ringing door bells, putting toilet paper in yards and smashing pumpkins.

Some pranks, however, have escalated to causing property damage, such as spray painting and throwing rocks at buildings and vehicles, and that can result in arrests.

Minersville police Chief Michael Combs said it appears the number of people taking to the streets for Mischief Night has decreased over the years.

One of the main reasons, he said, is because residents are more wary of what can happen to their property and call to report incidents faster than before.

"People are more aware that what was once a childish prank may not be nowadays," he said.

With increases in vandalism and mischief occurring throughout the year, people are not only watching out for their property but for the property of their neighbors as well.

"Years ago, you had someone soaping the windows of their friend's car or throwing eggs but it was taken advantage of with some people now breaking into cars and throwing rocks instead of eggs," Combs said.

Those planning to take to the streets are warned that police officers, not only in Minersville but throughout Schuylkill County, are being extra vigilant during Mischief Night.

Also, anyone causing damage will face criminal charges, Combs said.

The most common arrests made by police during Mischief Night are criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and criminal trespass. However, if a person chooses to drink alcohol before going out, a charge of public drunkenness can be included as well.

Combs said when pranksters get carried away and begin to cause damage, they have to pay the consequences.

"You understand pranks but when the problem gets out of hand, you have to crack down on it," Combs said. "Some of these youngsters think they are allowed to do this type of think on a given night but they are not and can be charged for causing damage."

The chief said not much has changed in what happens on Mischief Night over the past decades.

"You still have the same kind of pranks being done year after year and for the most part, they're done by kids just trying to have fun," he said.

Pottsville police Chief Joseph Murton agreed that most Mischief Night incidents are exactly that - mischief.

However, like Combs, Murton said that when mischief goes too far, arrests will be made.

Most youngsters taking part in the pranks do not intend to cause damage and if they do, may not even realize it, Murton said.

"Their thought is to get a laugh and maybe cause a little inconvenience," he said. "They're (pranks) not done with vengeance."

Murton said that the economy may be playing a part in residents getting more upset with pranks than they did years ago.

"Before a car got hit with an egg, you just washed it off," he said. "But now with the expensive price of cars, houses and other property, it's different."

When the pranks get out of hand and damage is done either intentionally or by outright neglect, there are consequences.

"Will we file charges against someone who gets out of hand and causes damage? Yes, we will," Murton said.

ORWIGSBURG - There were no Republicans or Democrats Monday night at the Schuylkill Country Club.

There were only Schuylkill County residents giving a grateful farewell to their congressman, out-going U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, D-17.

"He always put the residents of Schuylkill County first," said James C. Bohorad, president of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce. "He was and is Schuylkill County's congressman. At times, he was not always the most popular with the leadership of either party but he has been popular with the voters of Schuylkill County for the last 20 years."

Holden, 55, a native of Saint Clair, lost his bid for his party's nomination in the April 24 Democratic primary to personal injury lawyer Matt Cartwright, Moosic. Cartwright faces home health nursing agency owner Laureen Cummings, Old Forge, a Republican, in the Nov. 6 General Election.

During Monday's reception, sponsored by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and costing $25 to attend, business owners, elected officials and community leaders all praised Holden's bipartisanship and constituent service, as well as lamented its imminent loss.

Monday's program included comments only from Bohorad and chamber executive director Bob Carl. However, among the 203 attending, everyone had plenty to say.

Former Democratic state Rep. James Goodman peered around the crowded room.

"Don't they know he lost," he joked merrily. "He's still packing the place."

Goodman said to find another congressman like Holden one must look back to Ivor D. Fenton, Mahanoy City, who represented the county in the 1950s and '60s.

"It is a very sad night. Tim worked very hard for al the citizens. It didn't matter what party you were, Tim was there to help," said county Commissioner Gary Hess, a fellow Democrat. "Tim never changed. The office never put him higher than the people he represented. It's going to be a void. It's going to take a long time to recover from Tim's departure."

Hess said the county will be especially hurt if the sort of funding Holden steered toward it dries up.

"And it wasn't just frivolously wasting taxpayers' money," Hess said. As former mayor of Schuylkill Haven, his borough is slated to enjoy a $10 million highway widening that planners hope will relieve some of the traffic congestion for which the borough is known. Even more than that, Hess emphasized the millions of dollars in federal grants and loans sorely needed by the county's volunteer fire companies.

Republican county Commissioner George Halcovage holds the same view of Holden as Hess.

"He helped the elderly. He helped the fire companies. He helped the young people get into the military academies," he said. "I believe Tim did what was best for his constituents. Tim heard the concerns of all of Schuylkill County. I'll give you an example - his vote on health care. He believed in his heart that (voting against it) was what his constituents wanted."

"It was a great honor to have Tim Holden for our congressman," former Democratic County Chairman Ed Kleha said. "He was the greatest congressman ever in our legislative district and it is sad to loose the greatest congressman ever in our legislative district. "You get this once in a lifetime."

"Always been a friend of the community," said Democrat Kathy Laughlin Shields. "Whether it was in education or health care or civic organizations, everyone always could count on him."

Goodman's nephew, state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, held Holden up as a role model.

"Standing shoulder to shoulder with Tim Holden these last 20 years has been my life's honor. He represented his district with no regard for party. Through his example, he made all of us better public servants," he said. "As the old Irish proverb goes, 'We'll never see his likes again.' "

Over his two decades in Washington, Holden, a former two-term Schuylkill County sheriff, built a solid base of support by steering his political career through the middle. He was a member of the Blue Dog Democrats, a coalition of moderates formed in 1995 in response to Republican gains perceived as a reaction to an excessively liberal Democratic party.

He held mainly conservative views on social issues and was opposed to gun control and same sex marriage. Also, he often sided with conservatives on pro-business issues; however, he held the line defending Social Security, Medicare and the coal industry. He was critical of globalization, which cost his constituency so many jobs, particularly in the textile industry, and voted against several free trade agreements. He voted against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

He survived an attempt to oust him through redistricting in the 2002 election. First elected to the 6th Congressional district, consisting of Berks and Schuylkill counties, Holden found himself thrown in a redrawn, Republican-leaning 17th District that included Schuylkill, Lebanon, Dauphin and parts of Berks and Perry counties. Nevertheless, he went on the attack, campaigning heavily in the Harrisburg area and defeating longtime Republican George Gekas.

However, when the 17th District was redrawn earliers this year, it was transformed into a more Democratic-leaning area made up of Schuylkill and parts of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe and Northampton counties. Holden's moderate positions contributed to his defeat in the more liberal district.

After Carl presented Holden and his wife, Gwen, with a card, gift certificate and an aerial shot of his hometown, Saint Clair, the congressman said he was humbled and, as he frequently did during his career, said it was a privilege to represent Schuylkill County.

"Every tough fight I was in it was Schuylkill County that put me over the top and I will never, never forget that," he said, no doubt with the 2002 race in mind.

Holden then treated the audience to a handful of anecdotes about how Congress works, from wheeling and dealing to get funding for a cancer center in Lebanon County and keeping the Tobyhanna Army Depot burning anthracite to securing $500,000 to repair a bridge Saint Clair.

While some call it "wheeling and dealing," Holden calls it "getting things done," something that he said is not happening these days.

"Congress' approval rating is the lowest it has ever been since they started taking polls and both parties are responsible for that," he said.

Holden was born March 5, 1957 to and Joseph "Sox" Holden, who served four terms as a Schuylkill County Commissioner and played for the Philadelphia Phillies.

John Siney, founder of the Miners Benevolent Association, was his great grandfather.

He attended St. Mary's Elementary School and graduated from Saint Clair Area High School, and attended Fork Union Military Academy on an athletic scholarship. He then attended the University of Richmond on a scholarship but left college due to a bout with tuberculosis. Thereafter, he earned a bachelor's degree in sociology at Bloomsburg University.

In 1980 he worked as an insurance broker and real estate agent for the family business, Holden Insurance & Realty. After working as a probation officer and then sergeant-at-arms for the state House of Representatives he was elected county sheriff in 1985.

He was first elected to Congress in 1992 and gained assignments to the agriculture and transportation committees. He was appointed Vice Chairman of the House Agriculture committee in the 110th Congress and was recently selected to serve as the Ranking Member of the Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research, and continues to serve on the Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee. He is also the senior Pennsylvania member serving on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and serves on the Subcommittee of Highways and Transit as well as the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Holden and his wife Gwen live in Saint Clair.

2 faces charges

in incident

CRESSONA - State police at Schuylkill Haven said charges of harassment will be charged against a man and woman after an argument at a home at 43 Front St. about 8:15 p.m. Sunday.

Police said Michelle Hendricks, 39, of Cressona, and Edward Kline Sr., 44, of Temple, will have to answer to the charges before Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg.

Police said the two became involved in an argument during which Hendricks shoved Kline, causing him to lose his balance. During the same argument, Kline put his hands on the woman's throat, causing superficial reddening to her neck, police said.

Police probe

theft at home

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - A theft that occurred at 1180 Moyer's Station Road in Wayne Township sometime Oct. 12 or 13 is being investigated by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Police said Craig D. Lehman reported someone entered his yard and stole a blue Briggs and Stratton mini bike that was for sale.

The vehicle had a headlight, black clutch cover and a red brake lever, police said, and anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-593-2000.

n Gordon: The Gordon Area Senior Citizens organization recently held its annual picnic. President Ray Umlauf conducted the group's business meeting. Members enjoyed picnic lunches and playing games. The seniors meet at 11 a.m. every Wednesday at the municipal building. New members are always welcome.

n Kelayres: Ashes will be picked up in Kline Township on Oct 27. Beginning Nov. 3, ashes will be picked up every Saturday throughout the winter. Trick-or-treat night will be held in the township from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

n Hamburg: The 2012 King Frost Parade will begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 27 starting at North Third Street and Port Clinton Avenue. It will head south on Third Street to Maple Street, east on Maple to South Fourth Street and north on South Fourth to Franklin Street. The route will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6:30 p.m. until the end of the parade. The staging area will include Port Clinton Avenue between North Fourth and Mountain Avenue; Northumberland Avenue between North Fourth Street and Port Clinton Avenue; Franklin Street between Church Street and North Fourth; North Fifth Street between Confer Avenue and State Street and all of Williams, Chestnut and Crescent streets. The staging area will be closed starting at 4 p.m. Police Chief Pedro A. Rivera, in a release, said all parked vehicles must be removed from the staging area by 4 p.m. and form the parade route by 5 p.m. Drivers should refrain from returning to park on the parade route until noon Oct. 28 in order to facilitate cleaning of the streets. He urged residents to leave interior and exterior lights on during the event and to ask neighbors who are remaining at home to watch for and report any suspicious activity "immediately." He said Berks County sheriff's deputies, state police and Hamburg officers will be in marked and unmarked vehicles and on foot patrol throughout the borough.

n Mahanoy City: The Mahanoy Township Authority accepts payment of water bills online at www.mahanoywater.com. It also accepts payment by telephone or in person using a credit card. A service fee will be charged for the service, Robert J. Legutko, general manager, said in a press release. For more information, contact the authority at 570-773-0650.

n Millersburg: The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art is featuring the art of Carol Laudenslager in its Romberger Hallway Gallery through December. In a press release, Alexis Dow Campbell, the center's director of creative programming, said that after retiring from teaching, Laudenslager decided to concentrate on her hobbies of gardening, painting, reading and golfing. Her lifelong love of nature and wildlife is the inspiration for her work. In addition to traditional paintings, Laudenslager uses rocks, decoys, wood carvings, walking sticks and tree fungus as "canvases" for her work. She is a lifetime member of the Millersburg Area Art Association and has served as secretary of its board for many years. She resides in Elizabethville. More information about the center is available at its website, www.nedsmithcenter.org, on Facebook.com/nedsmithcenter or on Twitter @nedsmithcenter.

n Shenandoah: St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Parish, Chestnut and Oak streets, will hold its annual parish dinner at noon Nov. 11 in the parish hall. The homestyle meal will include wedding soup, baked ham, roast chicken, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, roll, dessert and coffee. The cost is $15 per person and the deadline for reservations is Nov. 6. For more information or to make a reservation, call 570-462-0809.

n Summit Hill: St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 462 W. Ludlow St., will sponsor an Election Day luncheon from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 6 in the church hall. The ethnic food sale will include pirohy, halushki, halupki, soups, turkey barbecue, beef barbecue, filling with gravy, macaroni and cheese, cakes, soda, water, coffee and tea. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 570-645-2664.

by peter e. bortner

Vanessa Crawley testified Monday in Schuylkill County Court that she was sitting in a car one March night in Shenandoah when she saw two people starting trouble that quickly got worse.

"I heard a whole bunch of commotion," Crawley testified at the trial of James C. Stevens, 21, of Shenandoah. "The defendant pulled out a gun from his waistband and started shooting."

Crawley was the first witness that prosecutors presented to the jury that will decide the fate of Stevens, who is charged with 12 counts of simple assault, six each of aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person, three of discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure and one of firearm not to be carried without a license.

Assistant District Attorney Douglas J. Taglieri finished presenting his case on Monday and Assistant Public Defender Kent D. Watkins, Stevens' lawyer, will start presenting his case when the trial, which is presided over by President Judge William E. Baldwin, resumes at 9 a.m. today.

Shenandoah police allege that Stevens fired six shots with a .40-caliber Star handgun into the house at 313 S. West St. about 10 p.m. March 27.

"She told me it was James" who fired the gun," borough Patrolman Michael J. O'Neill testified about Crawley.

Crawley was just as certain in her testimony.

"Is there any doubt in your mind that the man who fired the gun was the defendant?" Taglieri asked Crawley.

"No," she answered.

When cross-examined by Watkins, Crawley acknowledged she said at the preliminary hearing that she could not see well, but said she remembers the incident better now than she did at that time.

State police Cpl. James Cuttitta testified that the day after the shots were fired, he found a .40-caliber Star handgun wrapped in a T-shirt concealed in the back yard of Stevens' 321 W. Cherry St. residence.

"The T-shirt was pristine white in color. It looked like it had been recently placed there," Cuttitta testified.

Former Shenandoah police Chief Joseph W. Hall, who now is training to be a state police officer, testified that he photographed the T-shirt, pulled it from its hiding place and opened it to reveal the handgun and more.

"There was a spare magazine inside the T-shirt," he said.

O'Neill testified that when he interviewed Stevens, the defendant first denied being at the scene but later said he was there but he gave the gun to a man named Tyson, who did the shooting. James C. Stevens

· Age: 21

· Residence: Shenandoah

· Charges: 12 counts of simple assault, six each of aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person, three of discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure and one of firearm not to be carried without a license

MINERSVILLE - While many took part in Halloween activities Sunday, a group of volunteers spent most of the day honing their skills on heavy rescue operations.

Four Pennsylvania State Fire Academy instructors taught the Special Vehicle Rescue class, which included scenarios of a tractor-trailer rolled over onto a passenger car and a heavy truck on top of a passenger car.

Eric J. Rickenbach headed the group of state-certified instructors that included Kurt Shelhamer of the Pottsville Fire Department and Pottsville-Schuylkill Haven Area EMS, Chad Mundell and Brad Silcox.

Rickenbach said firefighters taking the class already had training in basic vehicle rescue and wanted to take the next step and learn how they can help victims when the incident involves large machines such as tractor-trailers and construction vehicles.

"What we're doing here is having them enhance the skills they already have by adapting them to situations involving larger vehicles," he said.

Offered through Bucks County Community College, the Special Vehicle Rescue class gave participants hands-on experience on how to stabilize and lift a large tractor-trailer to gain access to a passenger car that was crushed beneath it.

Firefighters were also able to use hydraulic air bags to learn how to lift a piece of heavy equipment, in this case a large cement mixer truck.

They also used various tools used for cribbing and stabilizing vehicles and the Jaws of Life rescue tool to access the passenger compartments of the cars after the larger vehicles were lifted, allowing access to the areas where patients would be found.

A large wrecker owned by Hammer's Towing, Duncott, was used to show participants the proper and safe way to stabilize the tractor-trailer, allowing access to victims.

Eric Eichenberg, chief of Minersville Fire Rescue, which sponsored the class, said that company volunteers from Ravine, Tremont and Summit Station also participated.

While Minersville has up to 28 members trained in basic vehicle rescue, Sunday's class resulted in 15 to 20 of those members now being trained in heavy rescue situations.

Eichenberg said such preparation is important for Minersville because its rescue squad covers a 10-mile section of nearby Interstate 81, from mile markers 113 through 123.

"These types of vehicles travel that road every day and now with construction the changes of a heavy rescue situation increase," he said.

Eichenberg also said crashes involving larger vehicles are not only isolated to interstate highways.

Routes 61, 901 and 209 have truck traffic including tractor-trailers, tri-axle dump trucks and similar vehicles.

"We have people trained in basic rescue and this is just taking them to the next level of preparedness," Eichenberg said which manning the heavy-duty wrecker used in Sunday's class.

People in need of assistance for the upcoming holiday season may apply for the Salvation Army's holiday assistance program.

"It will go over last year for sure," Capt. Adam Hench of the Pottsville Salvation Army said Monday regarding the number of people who will need some help.

So far, he said, about 275 people have applied.

Hench said the economy is still hurting some families.

"We're seeing a lot of first-timers this year," he said.

Proof of income and residency in Schuylkill County area required as are the names of everyone in the household, he said

Last year, nearly 800 families registered for the program, which provides a Thanksgiving meal to single people in need and families that qualify plus a traditional Christmas ham or turkey, toys for youngsters 12 and younger and even stocking stuffers for adults for Christmas.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day single individuals can enjoy a meal at the Salvation Army headquarters, 400 Sanderson St., Pottsville,

The deadline to apply for the Thanksgiving meal is Thursday. People can visit the Salvation Army building from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Christmas help is also available until then.

Applications will be also accepted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov.7, 8, 14 and 15 for the Christmas aid. After that, people can call the office at 570-622-5252 to make an appointment for help, Hench said.

"We really encourage folks to come in as early as possible," he said.

Donations are being accepted for the program. "We are in desperate need" for items for the food baskets, Hench said, adding, "Our cupboards are pretty bare."

He said there is a need for canned goods, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce and other holiday-related items. Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army.

Eddy Glasner, owner of Chapel Rose Tattoos in Minersville, believes he knows what he is doing.

"I make sure I have barriers down, gloves. Everything is disposable, one use only. Done. Nobody comes in contact with anything from that person to the next customer," he said Monday.

However, he would not oppose state regulation to make sure his business is safe, provided it is a reasonable regulation.

If state Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-32, has his way, that regulation will be coming. The Allegheny lawmaker is sponsoring House Bill 2617, which would require parlors to be licensed and tattoo artists would have to take written examinations, along with other regulations.

"I find it difficult to understand how we regulate hair salons and nail salons but still do nothing to protect our citizens' health and safety when they get tattoos," DeLuca said. "Particularly when you consider tattoos involve invasive procedures using needles to inject pigments into a person's skin."

The only law regarding tattoos in Pennsylvania prohibits tattooing or body piercing anyone under 18 without a parent or guardian giving permission and being present when the tattoo is given.

DeLuca's bill would establish a registry where anyone who gives tattoos, body piercing or other corrective cosmetic services would have to register with the state. It also sets rules for the health of the tattoo artist.

Introduced Sept. 18, the bill was sent to the House Committee on Health although there haven't been any votes on it.

Glasner, 51, worked in South Carolina as a tattoo artist. A license was required there, he said, in addition to yearly courses on blood-borne pathogens.

"I think all businesses that deal with blood in general should have guidelines," he said.

Moreover, he said people sometimes get tattoos in less-than-ideal conditions that could be dangerous, such as hotels and homes, and legislation should address that.

Meanwhile, on Oct. 9, state Auditor General Jack Wagner weighed in on the issue and recommended state licensing, inspections of tattoo facilities, training for tattoo artists, certification of blood-borne pathogens, and first aid and CPR training, along with other suggestions.

Wagner said there are more than 750 known tattoo parlors and artists in Pennsylvania.

"We license cosmetologists, hair salons and nail salons. It's time we join the growing number of states that also regulate tattoo parlors," Wagner said.

Kait Gillis, deputy press secretary for the state Department of Health, said in an email that the department does not comment on pending legislation.

Shawn Gauvreau, owner of Needleplay Tattoo, Pottsville, agreed that some type of regulation is needed.

"I think it's a great thing. I think anything that's going to protect our customers and the consumer is a great thing," he said about attempts to regulate tattoo artists.

"It shouldn't be legal to tattoo someone out of your house," he said.

However, the bill must be first discussed in committee and it may wait a while.

"That bill will not be acted on this term," said state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125. "I think we need to weigh the health risks associated with tattoos. I'm not certain licensure for tattoo parlors is the way to go at this time."

State Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, said he did not have an opinion on the bill but "I think it's certainly worth to listen to hear more about. We're dealing with needles here."

According to the website, www.statisticbrain.com, 14 percent of Americans have tattoos.

There are 21,000 tattoo parlors in the United States.

Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street

To Steven and Jessica Hine Kohr, Schuylkill Haven, a daughter, Oct. 7.

Concession stand

damaged at field

WILLIAMSTOWN - State police at Lykens are investigating damage to a concession stand that occurred between Sept. 29 and Friday at the Williamstown youth softball field.

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

In 2005, James T. Croley II opened an Irish pub and restaurant in Saint Clair.

Seven years later, he has two locations, a following and a brand name.

Croley opened The Wooden Keg Tavern at 1 W. Caroline Ave. on Oct. 17, 2005. He said the business, which can seat "more than 100," has 1,000 customers a week.

"It's good, homemade food, and that's what I attribute our success to," the Saint Clair man said. "We try to do the simple things, like chicken wings, to the best of our ability. Our wings are fresh, not frozen. So are our burgers. We make our own dressings, our marinara sauces, our blue cheese dip, our ranch dip. It's all homemade.

"When we do battered mushrooms, we take fresh mushrooms and batter them. One of our best sellers are fried pickles. We batter those, too."

On Oct. 25, 2011, Croley opened The Wooden Keg Pottsville at the former Brass Tap, 112 E. Norwegian St. It can seat 80 and he said he has "about 800 or 900 customers a week" there.

"We're really encouraged by our start in Pottsville after one year in business," Croley said.

On Monday, Megan Murray-McDonald, Saint Clair, was at the Pottsville location with her two daughters, Cassidy, 17, and Lily, 9.

"I love the wings and I love how they celebrate local history," Murray-McDonald said. "The Wooden Keg in Saint Clair, that building's historical."

"It was once owned by Patrick Dormer, who was an alleged Molly Maguire," Croley said. "So over the years I made an expert on the history because it's kind of important. And there are people who come in who are enthusiasts."

Starting out

Born in Minersville, March 5, 1983, Croley graduated from Minersville Area High School in 2001 and took a few business classes at McCann School of Business & Technology.

On July 19, 2005, he married Jessica Prutzman, Minersville, and the two moved to Saint Clair. The two graduated the same year from Minersville Area and are both 29. They have a daughter, Hailey K., 5.

As Croley worked to build his business, he had a bit of family expertise to guide him. His father, James A., now of Danville, owned Maroons Sports Bar & Grill, 556 N. Centre St., from 2003 to 2005.

"That's where I got my crash course in business, and I really admired my dad for taking a risk and opening his own business. That's important," Croley said.

With an Irish heritage, Croley said he decided to open an Irish pub and restaurant. He leased the 1 W. Caroline Ave. building and opened The Wooden Keg.

"The business grew over the years. What it was then and what it is now is night and day," Croley said. "At first, I went in and did the cooking. We did really basic bar food. My wife took care of the front of the house and we managed a 40-person restaurant."

On Oct. 28, 2010, he bought the building from John P. Wabby for $129,374, according to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator.

Before the purchase, with a determination to build his customer base, Croley expanded the Saint Clair restaurant and pub in 2007.

"I've always believed you need to continually invest in your businesses to get the best out of them. So when I did start making some money and business became steady, I added 'The Molly Maguire Tunnel Room,' " Croley said.

A dining room for 45 patrons, it was built underneath the restaurant's main floor.

"It's in an area where I found a tunnel that was used by the Molly Maguires," Croley said. "And I found a lot of old bottles that were buried down there, too, and we excavated a bit of it out so people can go in it."

Croley took on another business venture in July 2008 when he opened The Porter House Grille & Pub at the Pottsville Ramada.

"I was the owner and my dad was the manager," he said.

The family closed The Porter House in November 2010.

"I closed down because of contract negotiations with the hotel. So I decided to relocate," Croley said.

In August 2008, Matthew P. DiRenzo, Pottsville, closed The Brass Tap Tavern, 112 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville, after 17 1/2 years in business. Three years later, in October 2011, Croley leased the restaurant from DiRenzo and opened his second Wooden Keg.

"The Saint Clair location is a full-fledged restaurant now. You can't eat there on the weekend unless you have a reservation, which is nice, and on the weekend, if we're booked, we encourage people to come to our location in Pottsville. We needed a second location for The Wooden Keg," Croley said.

Both locations have a kitchen staff and a full menu. He has a staff of 20 part-time employees and Croley said he markets his businesses as full-service restaurants.

"People who haven't visited us may have the misconception that we're just a bar," Croley said.

The menu at both locations includes steaks, seafood, burgers, wings, sandwiches, salads, "authentic Irish dishes" and fresh baked pizza, according to woodenkegtavern.com.

Looking ahead, Croley said he's always trying to come up with new ways to treat his customers.

"You have to do that. It's not always easy for businesses in Schuylkill County. And people will remember you, especially when they have so many great memories at your establishment, and they'll come back," Croley said.

FRACKVILLE - The Frackville Area Municipal Authority is concentrating on getting customers who are delinquent with their sewage accounts to pay up.

The FAMA board of directors discussed the delinquencies during the Oct. 17 meeting, a subject that was also raised during the Sept. 19 meeting, when the board directed solicitor Paul G. Domalakes to take all aggressive, cost-effective legal action against property owners who are delinquent in their sewer bills

This directive at the September meeting followed a report by Liaison Committee Chairman Delmar Phillips that unpaid sewer charges totaled about $75,000. The delinquencies squeeze the operations budget involving daily operations of the plant, which serves Frackville and portions of Butler and West Mahanoy townships. According to plant manager Douglas Cleary, the authority also has the high cost of necessary plant renovations.

FAMA office manager Rhonda Frantz said total delinquencies as of Sept. 30, the end of the third billing quarter, was $69,422.

The solicitor's actions will supplement the water shut-offs on delinquents already scheduled to take place this month.

Correcting the infiltration and the costs of the renovations, which were not expected to be necessary this year and are already in progress, are a strain on the FAMA budget, according to board President William Rhodes and other directors.

"It is not fair to all those who pay their bills on time," said Rhodes, expressing his frustration with delinquents.

"It's the same people every time," Phillips said.

Domalakes said that the board understands that there are people dealing with hard times and a bad economy, and FAMA has been very cooperative with those customers who fall behind if they are consistent in their efforts to catch up.

"Given the financial needs of FAMA, however, the board believes a firmer policy aimed at collecting the unpaid sewer bills and encouraging customers to get current was the only way to be fair to all and for FAMA to meet its legal obligations," Domalakes said.

In a telephone interview, Domalakes said a large delinquent account owes more than $18,000 for multiple rental properties, but the person has declared bankruptcy and FAMA is dealing with the trustee.

"The trustee in bankruptcy is collecting rent on some of his properties and he has agreed to pay the sewer bills - at least going forward - of those properties that are occupied, which is good," Domalakes said. "We also filed the paperwork necessary to preserve our claim with the bankruptcy."

Domalakes added that FAMA will be looking at water shut-offs to those properties that are chronically delinquent.

n Girardville: Curbside recycling in the borough is set for Oct. 30 and 31. All recyclables can be placed out for pickup either day. Acceptable items include newspapers and cardboard, clear, brown and green glass and metal cans, plastics Nos. 1 and 2. Newspapers must be bundled and tied or in brown paper bags and cardboard must be flattened. Glass must be placed in one container and cans in another. According to a release from borough hall, Schuylkill County Drop-Off Recycling Program dumpsters are on site permanently near the municipal building. The recycling center is open to any Schuylkill County resident. Recyclables must be placed in the correct sections of the dumpsters. Glass, cans and plastics must be removed from plastic bags before placement in the dumpsters.

n Mahanoy City: Coal Cracker Magazine, a project of Greeley-based Heron's Eye Communications, will host a series of four free workshops at the Mahanoy City Public Library to train young journalists in exploring their sense of place through interviews, writing and photography. The series is open to young people ages 12 to 18, and will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. Nov. 3, 10, 17 and Dec. 1. According to a press release, no prior journalism experience is required. The interactive sessions will provide a foundation of knowledge in media literacy, an approach to education that helps people to access, analyze, evaluate and create messages in print, video and web. Students will gain interviewing, photography and writing skills as they develop short articles, profiles and images that may be published in print or online by Coal Cracker Magazine, according to the release. "We are grateful to the Mahanoy City Public Library Board of Directors for recognizing the importance of supporting young people in our communities and for welcoming Coal Cracker into its wonderful facility," Krista Gromalski, a co-founder of Heron's Eye Communications and a Mahanoy City native, said in the release. The Coal Cracker sessions are part of Gromalski's graduate studies in Sustainable Business and Communities at Goddard College. Heron's Eye Communications is a marketing, publishing and project management firm with offices in Schuylkill and Pike counties. Gromalski and Sandy Long, a Wilkes-Barre native, founded the company in 2006 with a mission to create strong community partnerships that foster a healthy environment, desirable quality of life and sustainable local economy. Young people interested in the Coal Cracker sessions should email their name and a brief paragraph (three- sentence minimum) to krista@heronseye.com stating what they like most about the place where they live, what challenges young people in their community face and why they are interested in becoming involved in Coal Cracker Magazine. Paragraphs may also be dropped off at the Mahanoy City Public Library or mailed to the library at 17-19 W. Mahanoy St., Mahanoy City, PA 17948. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 31.

n Ringtown: The Ringtown Valley Senior Citizens have announced the group's apple dumpling sale is today. Advance orders may be picked up at the senior center, West Main Street, from 2 to 5 p.m. There will also be a limited amount of apple dumplings for sale at that time. The seniors, in a release, said people should arrive early for on-site purchases.

n Ringtown: The board of directors of the Ringtown Valley Community Fund has issued a reminder to local residents about sending in contributions for the 2013 fund drive. "A contribution at this time will lower the cost of a second mailing," according to a press release issued by the board. Contributions support the Ringtown Community Ambulance Association and nonprofit organizations serving the Ringtown area. A minimum fee - $30 for households of three or more; $20 for households of two or less - makes residents an ambulance service subscribers, meaning the ambulance association will accept the reimbursement received from an insurance carrier as payment for ambulance services. Nonsubscribers will be billed for services not covered by insurance. And Ringtown Valley residents who did not receive a mailing can pick up a fund drive brochure at the Ringtown Area Library, 132 W. Main St. Residents may also mail checks or money orders payable to "Ringtown Valley Community Fund" to: P.O. Box 204, Ringtown, PA 17967. Be sure to include your complete name and address. Directors in the release thanked residents for supporting the annual drive.

n Ringtown: The Ringtown Area Library, 132 W. Main St., will offer a free blood pressure and blood sugar screening from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday courtesy of Family Home Medical, Mount Carmel.

The Shenandoah man who police say fired a gun into a borough home in March faces a long term behind state prison bars after a Schuylkill County jury convicted him Tuesday of 22 crimes stemming from that incident.

James C. Stevens, 21, did not react as the jury of six men and six women, after deliberating about 1 1/2 hours, pronounced him guilty of six counts each of aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and simple assault, three of discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure and one of carrying a firearm without a license.

"We're very happy with the verdict," said Assistant District Attorney Douglas J. Taglieri, who decided not to send six other counts of simple assault to the jury. "I think the jury reached the right verdict."

President Judge William E. Baldwin, who presided over the two-day trial, did not immediately set a date for Stevens' sentencing. However, Baldwin did order preparation of a presentence investigation and increased Stevens' bail to $10,000 cash or bond.

"The possibility of flight is enhanced" by the conviction, Baldwin said in explaining his decision to boost Stevens' bail from $5,000 straight cash. Taglieri had asked Baldwin to increase bail to $30,000, while Assistant Public Defender Kent D. Watkins, Stevens' lawyer, had asked the judge to keep it at $5,000.

Stevens could not post bail and went to prison after the jury announced its verdict.

Shenandoah police had charged Stevens with firing a .40-caliber Star handgun into the residence at 313 S. West St., and then fleeing the scene, about 10 p.m. March 27.

Vanessa Crawley, Shenandoah, testified Monday that she saw Stevens pull the gun out of his waistband and fire it at the house.

State police Cpl. James Cuttitta and former Shenandoah police Chief Joseph W. Hall testified on Monday that the day after the shooting, they found the gun wrapped in a T-shirt concealed in the yard of Stevens' 321 W. Cherry St. residence.

Borough police Patrolman Michael J. O'Neill, the prosecuting officer, testified that Stevens changed his story about the incident, at first denying he had been at the scene, but later telling him that he was there but gave the gun to a man named Tyson, who did the shooting.

Watkins declined to comment on the case after the verdict.

Taglieri said he would ask Baldwin to impose a long state prison sentence on Stevens. He also said the community is fortunate that the incident did not result in far worse consequences.

"This was an extraordinarily dangerous act that the defendant committed," he said. "We're thankful that no one was injured."Defendant: James C. Stevens

Age: 21

Residence: Shenandoah

Crimes committed: Six counts each of aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and simple assault, three of discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure and one of carrying a firearm without a license

MAHANOY CITY - A stormwater drainage project in the Mahanoy Township village of Park Place is in jeopardy of losing funding due to the noncooperation of some residents involving income surveys.

The residents who have not submitted their income surveys to the township have until Friday to do so or the township will lose up to $70,000 in grant funding.

The project status was discussed during last week's meeting of the township supervisors through the report of Alfred Benesch & Co. project engineer Michael J. Peleschak, which was read by township Secretary Cheryl Backo.

"We continue to work with the township and the county for a successful completion of the CDBG income survey," Peleschak wrote in his report. "The income surveys have not met the 51 percent low- to moderate-income requirement. We must have all surveys by Oct. 26 or the project may be stopped by the county."

The proposed project involves replacing drainage culverts along Park Place Road, Route 1014, at two locations, along with pipes to cross the road to alleviate road flooding during heavy rains.

The Community Development Block Grant application has been submitted to the county but in order for the township to qualify, at least 51 percent of the residents must be considered to be low- or moderate-income.

Earlier this month, Benesch engineers met with Schuylkill County Grant Writer Gary Bender and Karen Parrish of Mullin and Lonergan Associates Inc., the county CDBG consultant, to discuss the grant application.

At a previous meeting, supervisors Chairwoman Sharon Chiao said that the grant is vital to the project since the township does not have the funds to do it on its own.

In Peleschak's report, he said Benesch has submitted a response to the comment letter from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on the initial design package submittal for the Park Place Community Park project.

The township has been waiting for months for final approval from DCNR to place the recreation equipment in the park. The equipment has been purchased and is being stored by the township until the approval is received. The plan was to install the recreation equipment in the spring, but until the final approval is received, the equipment cannot be placed.

"We should have that up in May. The equipment has been sitting here since the end of April," Chiao said. "We can't put it up until they (DCNR) release it."

"I'm just as disappointed as anyone," Supervisor James Stevens said.

"We would have it up the day after the equipment came," Chiao said.