A feral cat problem in Coaldale won’t be solved by traps alone, according to a neighbor who is fed up with the issue.

The borough recently started trapping cats in the area of Greenwood Street, where neighbors have complained repeatedly about feral cats going to the bathroom in their yards, and having litters of kittens in public areas.

The cats are taken for humane euthanasia.

But neighbor Susan Asbury says that trapping the cats won’t be effective quickly enough for neighbors who have had to suffer through the smell of the animals for too long.

Read more...

The 31st annual fall campaign dinner of the Coaldale Republican Party will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday in the Viennese Villa, Sixth and Ruddle streets in Coaldale.

Gary Bender, chairman of the Schuylkill County Republican Committee, will introduce the 2015 county ticket for county commissioner and the courthouse row offices. Bob Ames, town chair, will introduce local candidates for town offices.

For more information on the dinner, call 570-645- 3587. Reservations are required for the dinner.

Coaldale police have filed charges against Joseph Becker, 33, of 208 E. High St., Coaldale, in connection with an incident that reportedly happened on Sept. 15.

Police were contacted by two men who said they had been robbed and threatened by Becker. According to the victims, they were in a vehicle driving east on High Street at 5:50 p.m. As they stopped for the stop sign at the intersection with Second Street Becker approached the car, leaned in the window and punched the driver, several times, in the face. Becker then pulled out a pocket knife, extended the 3- to 4-inch blade, and held it against the driver’s throat, demanding cash that was in the center console.

As Becker leaned further into the car trying to get the cash, the passenger grabbed the money. Becker then put the knife to the second victim’s throat.

The victim dropped the cash which Becker grabbed before fleeing toward his home.

Police have charged Becker with robbery, theft by unlawful taking, simple assault, reckless endangerment, harassment and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Coaldale Complex

It's that time! We will be holding our halloween party on Sunday, October 25. Party will begin at 2:00pm. Prior to that we will parade down from the Police station at 1:30pm to the Coaldale Complex where the party will be held. FREE party, food and snacks to all children in any community that is 12 and under. Please comment your childs first and last name along with age below to register or PM me. Come join us for fun, food, games and end with a Halloween movie!!

Coaldale has $2,500 to spend on its parks in 2015, but the mayor and a member of the parks board disagree about how to use it.

The issue was brought up at Tuesday’s council meeting after Mayor Joel Johnson asked council to vote to buy benches for a ball field and basketball court located in the Seek section of the borough.

Johnson said that the facilities are used by a youth organization, and they should have something to sit on.

But Angela Krapf, who leads the borough’s recreation board, said the board has been holding onto that money in hopes of buying playground equipment for the borough’s Miners Park at the end of the year.

Krapf said that Johnson should have brought his request to the recreation board first before taking it to the full council.

Read more...

Independence Day weekend is a special time when even those who take our freedoms for granted feel a surge of patriotism.

For Coaldale native Tom Frendak, patriotism and love of country has been a day-to-day lifestyle since he graduated from Panther Valley High, where he achieved success in football and baseball as well as the classroom.

Frendak retired in 2005 with the rank of Lt. Colonel after serving 22 years in the U.S. Army. He than began a second career in service of our nation as a government consultant for the Army at the Anny Environmental Center Edgewood Arsenal, 25 miles east of Baltimore. Frendak’s new position allowed him to put into action a plan he shared with three other retired military personnel from Pennsylvania to help fellow veterans share their love of the outdoors by forming what they dubbed “Four Mile Outfitters.”

Frendak, Steve Sharpless of East Stroudsburg, Scott Spaeth of Philadelphia and Neil Spaeth of Northampton came together to support the Keystone Wounded Warrior project. Their first venture was to provide pheasant hunts with the cooperation of Wil and Michele Dise at Clover Hollow Preserve near Slatington, where they have a corporate membership. Their first hunt was for Sgt. Jonathan Tompkins, a Marine Corps Reservist with Battery I, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines in Reading, who was wounded while on routine patrol with members of his unit near Camp Fallujah, Iraq.

Read more..

By Andrew Leibenguth on October 6, 2015

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Plans are being made to add the names of six World War II veterans to the memorial wall in Coaldale.

Those with loved ones who served in the war, and whose names are not already inscribed, are asked to call designer William Gaddes at 570-645-2762.

The names will be added before Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

The wall is part of the Veterans and Womens Memorial Garden, on Third Street next to borough hall.

By Donald R. Serfass dserfass@tnonline.com

One of the most sensational events to happen in the Panther Valley will be remembered on its 100th anniversary.

Anthracite mining historian Michael Havrischak announced Monday that plans are underway to commemorate the six-day entrapment and eventual rescue of a team of miners in the historic 1915 Coaldale Foster’s Tunnel Mine Cave-In.

On Sept. 27, 1915, 11 men were entombed in the East Mammoth Vein of Foster’s Tunnel on Mount Pisgah.

The water level opening of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company is located in the woods near Coaldale’s southwest boundary line.

According to records, a sudden rush of water from the East Mammoth top split gangway, an abandoned working area, trapped the men and, for a time, all hope was lost.

According to LC&N records, those entombed included: four contract miners, two laborers, a battery starter, a loader, two mule drivers and a door tender.

Rescue workers labored around the clock to find the missing men. The ongoing drama drew national attention as day-by-day reports of rescue attempts kept readers captivated and all attention focused on the small mining town in Schuylkill County.

The commemoration will be staged near the grounds of the Coaldale Rod and Gun Club at 2 p.m. Oct. 3, not far from the mine entrance.

Havrischak, a Coaldale native, has been planning the event for a number of years, along with coordinating site cleanup at the tunnel entrance and removal of trees and shrubs. Havrischak also secured help to provide a smooth foundation to the tunnel’s access road.

The mine remains sealed for safety reasons.

However, many believe the Coaldale site has the potential to become one of the region’s top tourist draws.

See Saturday’s Times News for an in-depth look at Coaldale Foster’s Tunnel Mine Cave-In.

Friday, August 21, 2015

Sewer authority

Coaldale Lansford Summit Hill Sewer Authority will be having a budget meeting with general purpose and discussion at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the sewer authority office in Lansford.

Contact the Times News at 800-443-0377 or tneditor@tnonline.com.

Poker Run and Horseshoe Tournament, Coaldale Rod and Gun Club, Coaldale, 8-15-2015 (52)Members of the Coaldale Rod & Gun Club and the Coaldale Fire Company held a Poker Run and Horseshoe Tournament at the club on Saturday, August 15, 2015 to benefit the fire company

By LISA PRICE lprice@tnonline.com

On a stormy November morning in the 1950s, Jim Tierney was driving from his home in Tamaqua to his job at Kaier's Brewery in Mahanoy City.

As he neared the sweeping curve along Route 54 near the Lakeside Ballroom, he tightened his grip on the steering wheel as winds from a tropical storm whipped across the open area.

Soon he was witness to one of the turning points in the history of the Lakeside Ballroom.

The park had opened in 1880 with two dams and picnic grounds, with the wooden roller coaster added in 1923.

Read more...

Coaldale Mayor Joel Johnson told the borough council on Tuesday that he will be holding a "Coaldale Town Hall Meeting" at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25 in the Angela Theater.

The meeting originally was to be held in the borough hall, but the owner of the Angela Theater offered the use of that facility to accommodate more residents.

Johnson said topics to be discussed will be police, blight problems, code enforcement issues, local ordinances, street issues and recreation.

He said the goal of the meeting is, "To be a more transparent and open community involving positive feedback and opinions."

By Andrew Leibenguth on August 11, 2015

A Schuylkill County judge has revoked the parole of a Coaldale man.

President Judge William Baldwin revoked Michael Kabana's parole in two cases on July 23. Kabana, 25, was returned to jail, with credit for the 36 days he had already served.

His 91 days on parole was disallowed, and will be added to his maximum sentence. Kabana won't be able to apply for parole again until Oct. 18.

Kabana on March 18 pleaded guilty to manufacture, delivery, or intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance in both cases. Baldwin sentenced him one to 23 months in jail.

he has since been charged with use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

A Coaldale woman faces criminal charges after she left a bag containing drug paraphernalia at a resident on E. High Street in Coaldale.

Police were called to the home at 1 p.m. on July 27 after a 3-year-old child found the bag and began emptying it. The child's mother said the bag was left at the home by Amber Allen, 23, of 208 E. High St., who had been visiting. She thought Allen had gone to a home on Third Street.

Officers found Allen on Third Street. She admitted the bag was hers. She also said she knew there was drug paraphernalia inside but it wasn't hers. She was just holding it for someone else, whom she declined to name.

She was charged with reckless endangerment and possession of drug paraphernalia.

By Andrew Leibenguth on August 4, 2015

Thursday, July 30, 2015

By LISA PRICE lprice@tnonline.com

Wednesday's zoning hearing board meeting regarding construction of a cellphone tower in Coaldale has been continued and will be heard at 6 p.m. Sept. 30.

Attorney Richard Lemanowicz, representing CiG Towers LLC, requested the continuance.

"We've learned of several alternative properties," Lemanowicz said. "If the properties are more suitable, I believe the borough would prefer it."

Read more...

By Andrew Leibenguth on July 30, 2015

Council votes for a doctor to evaluate police chief before approval is granted

By Kelley Andrade kandrade@tnonline.com

A motion to have Coaldale Police Chief Tim Delaney evaluated by a doctor before Delaney could be approved for early retirement passed four to two at Wednesday night's meeting.

While President Thomas Keerans, Micheal Doerr, Yvonne Stoffey and Francis Hutta all favored the motion. Council members Brenda Hosler and Angela Krapf were against the motion. Harry Hontz Jr. was absent.

Read more...

Click me for the Sky Photo web site

Click me for the freelance Photograper web site

Coaldale Council hopes to hire a secretary during a special meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Council president Thomas Keerans said that council discussed the matter during a "lengthy" executive session held during a meeting July 14.

"We're ready to hire," he said. "I think we've found someone who is flexible and can work the hours we need."

During a meeting June 17, council members voted 4-2 against continuing the employment of secretary Elizabeth Hosler. Hosler is the daughter of Councilwoman Brenda Hosler.

Keerans said the special meeting Wednesday is to discuss the police pension board and also for general purposes, which should include the hiring of a secretary. He added that Coaldale's Zoning Hearing board will meet at 6 p.m. July 29 to discuss an application for a cell tower to be constructed in the borough.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com

Two Coaldale residents face drug charges after a Lansford incident in May.

George Becker III, 56, of 411 E. Ridge St., Coaldale, and Leslie McDonald, 55, of 236 East St., Coaldale, face charges from an incident on the 300 block of West Bertsch Street.

Becker is charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a misbranded controlled substance, and traffic violations.

McDonald is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a misbranded controlled substance.

Read More..

By Andrew Leibenguth on July 21, 2015 •

Click me ...

Tuesday, July 21, 2015
By LISA PRICE lprice@tnonline.com

Council president Thomas Keerans said that council discussed the matter during a "lengthy" executive session held during a meeting July 14.

"We're ready to hire," he said. "I think we've found someone who is flexible and can work the hours we need."

During a meeting June 17, council members voted 4-2 against continuing the employment of secretary Elizabeth Hosler. Hosler is the daughter of Councilwoman Brenda Hosler.

Keerans said the special meeting Wednesday is to discuss the police pension board and also for general purposes, which should include the hiring of a secretary. He added that Coaldale's Zoning Hearing board will meet at 6 p.m. July 29 to discuss an application for a cell tower to be constructed in the borough.

By Andrew Leibenguth on July 20, 2015

By Andrew Leibenguth on July 18, 2015

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Coaldale police cited two people after a May 17 incident that involved a 2-year-old child.

At 3:16 p.m., Noel Abadia, 34, went to the police station and said he needed help for his son. Abadia said he received a call from the boy's mother, Kayla Leibowitz, 26, the day before.

She was extremely upset because the child had swallowed four of her pills. He wasn't sure if the pills were Xanax or Clonazepam.

He went to her home, at 274 Third St., and found the boy to be "completely out of it."

Instead of taking the child to a hospital, because Leibowitz was afraid of the consequences, he spent about an hour with the toddler, who started "acting better."

Abadia then left with instructions to Leibowitz to "watch him closely through the night."

Read more.

2. Officials of the municipalities are not ready to commit to having the Coaldale-Lansford-Summit Hill Sewer Authority take over control of the sewer lines in the three towns until more financial information is available.

3. As soon as the approximate cost for developing an Act 537 Plan is known, monthly sewage rates for residents of the three municipalities will rise.

Read more...

HUGE Multi-family yard sale on Bull Run St. from 7 am until whenever!

TONS of Juniors and Womens clothing items priced from $1 - $3 (sizes S-L)!, collectible Hallmark ornaments, and lots more!

Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Nick Paraschak can't remember too many living veterans from his hometown.

In fact, the 93-year-old who served during World War II at the Battle of the Bulge can only recall two, both classmates of his having graduated in 1942.

On Sunday, Paraschak read the names of 20 veterans from Coaldale who died since Memorial Day 2014 during two services sponsored by the Coaldale United Veterans Organization.

“You don't have to turn on the television to see a veteran,” said retired U.S. Army Sergeant Michael Vigoda, who served as master of ceremonies. “We have them right here in Coaldale.”

Guest speaker retired U.S. Army Major Gerald New, senior instructor of the Panther Valley High School Junior ROTC, gave a brief history of Memorial Day including the two dozen cities and towns claiming to be the birthplace of the holiday.

Read more...with photos.

By Andrew Leibenguth on May 17, 2015

Click me for details.

This year's inductees are:

Palmerton - Jan Sosik, Nicole Levandusky, Joe Visnosky Jr., Charles "Biddy" Romig.

Lehighton - Carl Wolfe, Wayne Wentz, George Tkach.

Jim Thorpe - Mary Gillespie Whalen, Kevin Trice, Scott Kmetz.

Nesquehoning - Katherine A. "Kitty" Curry, Anita Misantone, Robert "Bob" Rehatchek, James Agosti, Carl Mikovich.

Lansford - Robert D. "Bob" Popik, John "Nini" Kranchick, Edward J. "Moose" Kosciolek,

Summit Hill - Brad Miller, Joseph D. Perilli, Gary John Evans.

Coaldale - Mike Frendak, Jack Evans, James "Blue" Bonner.

Tamaqua - Mike Miorelli, Dave Lehatto, Charles Connely.

Anyone looking for tickets to the banquet can contact Danny McGinley (570-325-3550), Art George (610-826-2830), Jake Boyer (610-751-6634), Trevor

Lawrence (570-645-4722), Bill Gardiner (570-669-6564) or Bob Gelatko (570-645-8652). The deadline for tickets is May 4. No tickets will be available at the door.

Read more...

If directors of the Coaldale/Summit Hill/Lansford Sewer Authority don't formulate a written plan for improvements at its sewer plant, located in Coaldale, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection may not renew its permit to operate when it runs out in February.

Coaldale Councilman Francis Hutta attended a sewer authority meeting at the DEP's Wilkes-Barre offices May 6.

During a Coaldale Council meeting Tuesday, Hutta said that DEP officials want to see a written plan by July 31, and urged the sewer authority to schedule a public meeting about the issue in June

Read more...

A Coaldale man was picked up on an active arrest warrant April 24, despite his best efforts to avoid authorities. In the process, he earned several more criminal charges.

Coaldale police were assisting the Schuylkill County Adult Probation Office at 2:50 p.m. attempting to arrest Trevor Christman, 21, of 223 E. Elm St. Officials had a tip that Christman could be located at 274 Third St., but had already left by the time they arrived.

Officers were then directed to 208 E. High St., where they were advised he could possibly be in the basement.

As officers were invited into the home, Christman ran out the back door, fleeing toward a wooded embankment. When the suspect refused to stop a Tamaqua police officer used a stun gun, bringing the chase to an end.

A weapons search was conducted and a clear/orange syringe was removed from his right pocket.

Probation officials transported him to the Schuylkill County Prison in Pottsville. Coaldale police have filed charges of resisting arrest, escape and possession of drug paraphernalia.

BY JARRAD HEDES jmhedes@tnonline.com

It was no ordinary weekend for Dr. Edward J. Girard.

The Coaldale resident was ordained a permanent deacon by the Diocese of Allentown on Saturday. The next morning, Girard preached the homily during Mass for the first time in that role at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palmerton.

Girard, 58, has been a member of Sacred Heart since the summer of 2008. In May of 2009 he became its coordinator of religious education.

Traditionally, a permanent deacon will have his first Mass at his home parish.

Read more...with photos...

The Coaldale Rod & Gun Inn Horseshoe Leage has posted sign-ups for its upcoming season at the Inn, located at 300 Sixth St. in Coaldale.

The Rod & Gun is a smoke-free facility welcome to the public, and the horseshoe league is seeking new players. All are welcome to join the fun.

Anyone interested can sign up until April 28, but alternate players are welcome to join all season.

Games occur every Tuesday night starting at 6:30 pm, from May 5 through mid-September.

Sign-up fee is $20, which includes food on game nights, two fully catered picnic/banquets during the season, and prizes for the championship teams.

A league meeting will be held on April 28 at 6:30 pm. The first match starts on May 5 at 6:30 pm. For more information please contact Jim at 570-952-4259.

Friday, April 17, 2015

By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com

Two men accused of beating to death a Coaldale man have waived their formal arraignments and entered pleas of not guilty in Schuylkill County court.

Oliver L. Trizarri, 21, of Reading, and Stanley E. Kralik, 17, of Coaldale, are charged in the death of Corey M. Samuels, 24, sometime after 11 p.m. Jan. 20, 2014.

At a preliminary hearing on March 10 Trizarri admitted to his role in Samuels' death

Read more here...

By Andrew Leibenguth on April 16, 2015 • ( 0 )

Members of C.H.O.S.E. organization are asking Coaldale residents to spend a few hours sprucing up their neighborhood this Sunday, April 19, 2015.

The group will meet at the C.H.O.S.E. complex starting at 1 PM. Anyone is encouraged to stop by and help.

For more information, contact Angela Krapf or visit the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/101874783477956/

In 2013, PA AMVETS Post One of McAdoo assisted the Marywood University Student Veterans Alliance in restoring an old house on the campus into a veteran's center.

This led to helping them on a program involving pairing rescued dogs with veterans suffering form PTSD. We contributed more than $6,000.00 dollars to these efforts.

In January of 2015, three Marywood student veterans joined our post. This year we have donated $1,000.00 to this program. In addition, Bill Gaddes, Finance Officer of Post One, took it upon himself to attempt to raise an additional $1,000.00 for what is called "Tails for Troops

As of 09 April 2015, Bill has raised $810.00. He has a pledge from a member of Post One to contribute the balance to meet our goal. Based upon this success, we are attempting to raise an additional $500.00; which will fund the training of a veteran and his or her companion dog.

If you wish to help on this program, which has been a huge success; you may remit a check to: AMVETS Post One. 64 Oak Court, Nesquehoning, PA 18240. . We know of these successes based on testimony of veterans who have completed the companion training.

On behalf of AMVETS Post One; thank you very much for your consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,
Bill Gaddes
Finance Officer

AMVETS Post One

Flag Raising Ceremony, old Coaldale High School, Coaldale, 4-7-2015 (45)Remembering the 52nd anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War and all Americans injured or killed in war, members of the Panther Valley JROTC and members of the “Friends of Coaldale High” held a flag raising ceremony outside the Coaldale Complex (old Coaldale High School) this morning (Tuesday, April 7, 2015).

“Vietnam was America’s longest war,” previously said Korean War veteran William Gaddes of the “Friends of Coaldale High,” who purchased the large 15-foot by 25-foot Garrison flag. “The war cost the lives of nearly 60,000 men and women.”

Gaddes, a Coaldale native now living in Lake Hauto, said he flew 80 combat missions above North Korea and served with the South Korean Navy during the war.

Veterans organizations represented during the ceremony were Coaldale American Legion Post 170, Coaldale VFW Post 6982, Tamaqua/McAdoo AMVETS Post 1, Tamaqua American Legion Post 173 and others.

“Events like this show heart, compassion and resolve of our country,” added Gaddes. “We shall overcome and become even more watchful.”

Source: (TamaquaArea.com) with video and photos click me...

Bunny Olympics, C.H.O.S.E., Coaldale, 3-22-2015 (54)Over 60 kids took part in the C.H.O.S.E. Community Organization’s Bunny Olympics recently at the Coaldale Complex Grounds. The event was held for kids aged 12 and under.

All were welcome to the free event.

For more information, contact Angela Krapf or visit the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/775476615881468.

Click HERE to view photos and a video

Traffic was backed-up for a short this afternoon (Tuesday, March 24, 2015) after an oversized load carrying a large piece to a Euclid coal hauler impacted a utility pole and knocked down a large wire on US209 between Tamaqua and Coaldale. The incident occurred around 1 PM today. The load traveled south on US309 and then turned north on US209 at the Five Points intersection in Tamaqua. Officials on scene added that the destination was less than 2 miles away. No injuries were observed. Officials added that the lines were mostly internet and communication lines, not power lines. Traffic is kept moving in both directions while officials detour traffic around the wires.

Responding were Coaldale and Tamaqua fire departments, Tamaqua Police, State Police and others

Click here for Photos and video.

This year's inductees are:

Palmerton - Jan Sosik, Nicole Levandusky, Joe Visnosky Jr., Charles "Biddy" Romig.

Lehighton - Carl Wolfe, Wayne Wentz, George Tkach.

Jim Thorpe - Marijo Gillespie Whalen, Kevin Trice, Scott Kmetz.

Nesquehoning - Katherine A. "Kitty" Curry, Anita Misantone, Robert "Bob" Rehatchek, James Agosti.

Lansford - Robert D. "Bob" Popik, John "Nini" Kranchick, Edward J. "Moose" Kosciolek.

Summit Hill - Brad Miller, Joseph D. Perilli, Gary John Evans.

Coaldale - Mike Frendak, Jack Evans, James "Blue" Bonner.

Tamaqua - Mike Miorelli, Dave Lehatto, Charles Connelly.

Anyone looking for tickets to the banquet can contact Danny McGinley (570-325-3550) or any other Hall of Fame committee member.

During the next several weeks, the Times News will be running biographies of everyone in this year's class

Read the full news release here...More to follow...

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

A Coaldale man is being sought by police on charges of burglary and assault following an incident that occurred on Sunday.

Borough police have charged Michael Kenneth Shannon, 28, of 322 Ridge Terrace, with one count each of burglary, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and terroristic threats, and two counts of simple assault.

Police said about 1:20 p.m. officers were dispatched to 220 Fisher Ave. On scene the resident of the home, Tonia Girard, said about 1 p.m. she was in bed when Shannon entered the house and went upstairs to her bedroom. She said she told him to get out. Shannon then pushed her down onto the bed, grabbed her purse and ran out of the home.

Read more...

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

By LISA PRICE lprice@tnonline.com

A detective with the Schuylkill County District Attorney's office has investigated former Coaldale Mayor Francisco Rodriguez, and sent him a letter calling for his resignation.

If he doesn't resign, the DA's office will initiate a Quo Warranto action and the court will remove him from office, according to the letter.

"As a result of a general investigation conducted by Detective Joseph E. Lipsett of the DA's office, you may not qualify as a result of your residency," the letter reads. "The investigation revealed that you did not reside in the Borough of Coaldale continuously for at least one year before filling the position as Mayor."

"Your resignation as Mayor of the Borough of Coaldale is expected."

Read more...

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

By FRANK ANDRUSCAVAGE Republican & Herald, Pottsville

One of two men charged with killing a Coaldale man last year admitted to the crime while being led to his preliminary hearing Tuesday.

When asked if he killed Corey M. Samuels, alleged killer Oliver Luis Trizarri, now 21, simply said "yes."

When asked why he killed Samuels, Trizarri said, "It wasn't the thing I was supposed to do. It was wrong."

Trizarri, 645 N. Sixth St., Reading, and Stanley E. Kralik, now 17, are charged with beating Samuels to death in a wooded area off East Miner Street in Coaldale between 11 p.m. Jan. 20 and midnight Jan. 21, 2014.

Read more...

Three Coaldale residents were cited by Tamaqua Police on Jan. 17 following an argument.

Police were dispatched to Freddy's Pub on Mauch Chunk Street at 1:20 a.m. for a disturbance.

As officers approached, they could clearly hear raised voices coming from a group on the sidewalk.

As they tried to get information from everyone involved, Tina Fairchild, 41, of 250 W. Ridge St., Coaldale, continued yelling and screaming at her husband, Troy Fairchild, 42. She refused the officer's request to remain calm.

Read more...

The Lansford-Coaldale Joint Water Authority has completed the purchase of the Bear Creek Water System from the Panther Valley Water Company. The purchase price is $700,000.

The authority will supply water to Hauto, Lansford, Coaldale and the Andrewsville section of Summit Hill.

Taking part in the negotiations were authority board members William J. Clements, Frank W. Heister and Charles A. Probert.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Johnson, who brought residency to council's attention, steps into vacant seat

By LISA PRICE lprice@tnonline.com

With two 4-3 votes, Coaldale Council ousted Mayor Francisco Rodriguez and replaced him with Joel Johnson.

Johnson has attended recent council meetings, detailing reasons why he believed Rodriguez should not be mayor.

Rodriguez was appointed by council during a meeting Dec. 16 to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Richard Kellner.

During that Dec. 16 meeting, after council deadlocked on Councilman Mike Doerr's motion to appoint Johnson as mayor, members recessed their special meeting and convened their vacancy board.

Read more...

State police at Frackville reported troopers are investigating a reported rape incident in the borough of Coaldale.

In a public information release report troopers said a 15-year-old female reported she was sexually assaulted by a 22-year-old male. The assault allegedly occurred in the area of 129 Phillips St. The time span listed in the report for the incident was May 20-29, 2013.

No other details were released by troopers.

Friday, January 30, 2015
By DEN MCLAUGHLIN dmclaughlin@tnonline.com

A Coaldale man, who held his girlfriend captive and was involved in a standoff with police, entered a guilty plea in Carbon County Court on Friday.

Jefferey Allan Gangaware, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful restraint. In exchange for the plea charges of terroristic threats and false imprisonment were dropped. Gangaware was scheduled to go on trial on the charges on Monday.

Judge Steven R. Serfass accepted the plea and sentenced Gangaware to serve one to 12 months in the county prison but gave him credit for 61 days already served and he was paroled. The prison term will be followed by a year of probation.

The incident occurred on June 23, 2013 at 524 E. Bertsch St., Lansford.

Read more...

By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com

A Schuylkill County judge has sentenced a Coaldale man to serve up to 48 months in state prison for operating a meth lab.

President Judge William Baldwin on Jan. 14 sentenced Jason Shiffert, 34, to 18 to 36 months, plus an additional six to 12 months for having a volatile chemical, liquified ammonia gas.

Coaldale police on Feb. 21, 2014, charged Shiffert with manufacture of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of liquified ammonia gas with the intent to manufacture a controlled substance, possession of pseudoephedrine, lithium and ammonium nitrate with the intent to manufacture a controlled substance, operating a methamphetamine lab and possession of a controlled substance.

Read more...

Less than a month from when he raised his right hand and took the oath of office, Coaldale Mayor Francisco "Frank" Rodriguez found himself in the hot seat during a council meeting Tuesday.

Joel Johnson, who was narrowly defeated by former Mayor Richard Kellner in the 2013 general election, asked Rodriguez to resign.

Kellner resigned Dec. 1; council accepted his resignation during a meeting Dec. 9.

Read more...

By KATHY KUNKEL kkunkel@tnonline.com

Two men arrested for the January 2014 death of Coaldale resident Corey Samuels have admitted beating the victim, but each claims the other is the actual murderer.

Oliver Trizarri, 21, of 645 N. Sixth St., Reading, and Stanley Kralik, 17, of 114 First St., Coaldale, were arrested by Pennsylvania State Police on Sunday night and charged with one felony count each of criminal homicide, murder in the first degree, murder in the third degree, robbery, aggravated assault and theft by unlawful taking, as well as two felony counts of conspiracy.

Kralik was charged as an adult, although he was 16 at the time of the alleged crime.

Read more...

The charges were filed by Trooper Melissa Kryper of the Frackville state police barracks

State police at Frackville announced Sunday that two people have been charged with the death of a Coaldale man, whose skeletal remains were found in a wooded area last September.

Troopers said Oliver Luis Trizarri, 21, of Reading, and a 17-year-old male, have been charged with criminal homicide, criminal conspiracy to commit homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, and theft by unlawful taking.

The two are charged with the murder of Corey Michael Samuels, 24.

Read more...

By Andrew Leibenguth on January 12, 2015 •

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Mention snowboarding and the image that would come to mind for many people would be that of Shaun White.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist is memorable both for his high-flying skills and his trademark wild mane of curly red hair.

Few may know that the flamboyant, wildly successful athlete was born with a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot. White had open-heart surgery before his first birthday.

That didn't slow his ambition or success in athletics, and you could say the same for 8-year-old Connor Reighard of Coaldale. Reighard was also born with Tetralogy of Fallot, and had open heart surgery when he was 6 months old.

Read more...

Coaldale Council has a new president, Thomas Keerans.
During a reorganizational meeting Monday, council members voted Keerans to serve as president, taking the place of past President Angela Krapf. Mike Doerr will be vice president.

And the borough may or may not have a new mayor, although Francisco "Frank" Rodriguez was appointed during a special meeting in December.

Read more...

Nesquehoning police have levied theft and related charges against a Coaldale man.

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With new members seated in January, Coaldale council wasted no time in reopening the budget for 2014.

The borough's three full-time police officers had been furloughed in 2012, although the three continued to serve Coaldale as part-time officers.

In April 2014, with council headed by President Angela Krapf, council reinstated the full-time positions, with benefits, for Sgt. Keith Krapf and officers Charles Blesse and Todd Weiss.

Coaldale council has adopted a budget for 2015, which for the third year in a row does not include a tax increase.

The three officers had filed a lawsuit in Schuylkill County Court seeking back pay; the lawsuit is still pending.

Lisa Price

Richard Corkery, retired from a long career as an accountant at Penn State University, chose the tiny town of Coaldale to spend his golden years, moving there from Philadelphia in 2005.

Now, he sits in Gratorford state prison, convicted of possession of vast amounts of child pornography.

Corkery, who turned 76 on Dec. 14, quickly became immersed in the community and was elected mayor in November 2009, urging council members at his Jan. 4, 2010, swearing-in to resolve their disagreements in a civil manner.

Read more...

A Coaldale man faces charges of possessing child pornography and trying to get a minor to perform sexual acts, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

Robert Rang, 25, appeared Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick in Wilkes-Barre and was ordered to remain in prison pending a Jan. 6 detention hearing.

According to the complaint, Rang used a facility of interstate commerce during September and October to attempt to “persuade and induce a minor to engage in illegal sexual activities.”

Read more...

The Coaldale Tax Office will be closed Jan. 1 and 2.

Office will be open regular hours, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday for final collections.

Please remember Dec. 31 is the last day of collections for 2014 taxes. If mailing, they must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2014.

Regular hours will resume Jan. 6.

A Coaldale mother and son have both been cited following a drug overdose at their home on Monday.

Coaldale Police were dispatched to 67 Second St. at 5:41 p.m. for a woman in cardiac arrest.

Once at the home, where several volunteer firefighters had also responded, the woman was identified as Peggy Hill, 49.

Hill was breathing but had a very weak pulse.

Emergency medical personnel from the Tamaqua Community Ambulance and Lehighton ALS arrived and began treating Hill for a possible overdose of heroin.

Read more...

Coaldale has a new council member, mayor, secretary/treasurer and zoning officer.

Council members made the appointments during a special meeting Tuesday.

Frank Hutta takes the seat of Linda Miller, who passed away Nov. 16.

Francisco "Frank" Rodriguez is the new mayor, replacing Richard Kellner, who resigned Dec. 1.

Read more...

During Tuesday's regular meeting, Coaldale council members had agreed to hold a special meeting Friday; but the meeting couldn't be held because it hadn't been advertised.

The time and date for the special meeting had been noted in a Times News article Wednesday, but publication in a general news article does not satisfy the advertising requirement.

Read more...

By DEN MCLAUGHLIN dmclaughlin@tnonline.com

Former Coaldale Mayor Richard Corkery had his bail revoked Friday morning by a county judge and was ordered to report to the county prison at 9 a.m. Monday to begin serving his state prison term on child pornography charges.

Judge Steven R. Serfass revoked Corkery's bail following a hearing on a petition he filed for relief from the costs of wearing an ankle bracelet while on bail.

Read more...

Former Coaldale Mayor Richard Corkery had his bail revoked Friday morning by a county judge and was ordered to report to the county prison at 9 a.m. Monday to begin serving his state prison term on child pornography charges.

Judge Steven R. Serfass revoked Corkery's bail following a hearing on a petition he filed for relief from the costs of wearing an ankle bracelet while on bail.

Read more...

Davis cites workplace bullying; Council to address personnel issues at meeting tonight
By LISA PRICE lprice@tnonline.com

Coaldale secretary/treasurer Andrea Davis quit her job Monday, citing "workplace bullying," and Mayor Richard Kellner has tendered a letter of resignation.

Council is expected to address the moves in its meeting tonight.

Davis, who was hired in October 2013, said in a phone interview that she could not stay at her job due to conditions.

"It's a hostile work environment," Davis said. "I think there's a conflict of interest with the council president married to the police sergeant; because of that situation I've been asked to do things that ethically I'm not comfortable with doing."

Read more..

According to scanner reports, Coaldale police are on the lookout for the driver of a 1998 gold Toyota Camry.

According to scanner reports a stolen handgun may possibly be in the vehicle as well.

Two people, a male and a female, were last seen in the vehicle leaving Coaldale.
If anyone sees the vehicle matching the description, they should call 911.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

By TERRY AHNER tahner@tnonline.com

It was only a few short months ago that the Russian Citizens Club in Coaldale seemed to be on its last legs.

Membership was down, fewer people patronized the bar, and operational costs were on the rise, factors which would surely seal its fate

Read more...

By Andrew Leibenguth on November 29, 2014 • ( 0 )

Santa Claus will arrive by fire truck on Sunday, November 30, 2014 during Coaldale’s Annual Tree Lighting program.

The event starts at 5 PM.

In addition to Santa, the event will include carols, tree lighting, hot chocolate and cookies.

For more information, visit the C.H.O.S.E. Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/140027326018155.

Click HERE to view related TamaquaArea.com photos from past years.

By LISA PRICE lprice@tnonline.com

The SS Leopoldville, a Belgian passenger ship pressed into service during WWII, carried 2,500 United States soldiers from the 66th Division, Army Infantry, through the rough waters of the English Channel. The men had ridden in crowded trains across England the previous day and were headed to combat in France.

Read more...Interesting - read to conclusion

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Choir rehearsal will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Sunday services will be held at 9 a.m. Sunday, with Sunday school at 10 a.m.

The annual Harvest Home collection of nonperishable food items at First Congregational Church, Coaldale, will begin Sunday. Distribution of food will take place on Nov. 23.

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS The Lions Clubs of Coaldale and Summit Hill conducted a joint meeting at the Viennese Villa in Coaldale this week, hosting Sharon E. Kimmel, governor of Multiple District 14, Pennsylvania.

The Lions Clubs of Coaldale and Summit Hill conducted a joint meeting at the Viennese Villa in Coaldale on Oct. 21.

They hosted Sharon E. Kimmel, governor of Multiple District 14, Pennsylvania; Lions International.

The meeting was presided over by Robert Ames, president of the Coaldale Lions. Assisting was Judy Midas, president of the Summit Hill Lions Club.

District Gov. Kimmel described the challenges to Lions organizations, her program and the priorities of District 14.

Read more...

The latest leak was the last straw.

During a meeting Tuesday, members of Coaldale's borough council decided they'd be better off buying a new truck than continuing to pay for repairs on an old one. The truck's latest problem, a transmission leak, wasn't expensive but was the kind of thing that could have sidelined the vehicle at a critical time, such as a snowstorm.

Read more...

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Coaldale police are warning residents of an increase in phone scams and mail fraud.

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A Carbon County judge has a granted a petition this morning for convicted former Coaldale mayor Richard Corkery to remain free on bail until his petition for an appeal is heard in a child pornography case.

Read more...

It's unusual for a newly accredited trauma center to win triple-year accreditation, but St. Luke's Hospital Miners Campus in Coaldale was able to pull it off.

That distinction shows how far the local area has advanced from the early days, said its chief executive officer.

"The miners had to travel 30 miles to receive care," said President Bill Moyer on Tuesday.

Read more...

Coaldale council is beginning to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.

But that doesn't mean the tracks are clear ahead.

During a budget meeting Tuesday, council members reviewed the status of the budget for 2014, which is a key to planning the 2015 budget. Their task was easier due to the borough's revised accounting procedures, implemented by secretary/treasurer Andrea Davis, who was hired in October 2013.

"We had way too many accounts to keep track of; there were 53 bank accounts and 270 expense accounts," Davis said.

"Currently we have 12 bank accounts and 180 expense accounts; you'll find it easier to understand where we're at so we can make better decisions."

Read more...

Monday, September 29, 2014

Ex-Coaldale mayor asks for bail extension in child pornography case

By DEN MCLAUGHLIN

dmclaughlin@tnonline.com

Convicted former Coaldale mayor Richard Corkery filed a petition on Friday with the Carbon County Clerk of Courts office to have his bail continued incident to him appealing his conviction on 27 counts of child pornography.

Read more...

By Andrew Leibenguth on September 26, 2014

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Former Coaldale mayor Richard Corkery, 75, was sentenced in Carbon County court today to serve 9 to 36 months on child pornography charges.

The sentenced will be followed by 36 months probation and he is required to register as a sex offender under Megan's Law.

Judge Steven R. Serfass imposed the sentence on 27 felony three counts of child pornography a jury convicted Corkery of on June 12 following a two day trial. Nesquehoning police charged Corkery with viewing child pornography on a computer at his then employer's offices, radio station WLSH. Corkery denied viewing the pornography stating the images would "pop up" when he went to the website of his former high school in Philadelphia.

However, during testimony presented by the Commonwealth, a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent, John Bates, said Corkery admitted viewing the child pornography while the agent and police were at his Coaldale residence. Also, a state police computer expert, Trooper Paul Iannace, testified he examined the computer in question and found "thousands" of porn sites.

Read more..,

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Complex, sewer lines bring some unexpected expenses

By LISA PRICE lprice@tnonline.com

When it rains, it pours.

With less than four months to go in 2014, and council members just scheduling their first meeting to work on the 2015 budget, unanticipated costs keep making unwelcome appearances in Coaldale.

During a meeting Tuesday, council members learned that roof repairs to the Coaldale Complex, which the borough owns, are estimated to cost $190,000. Pathstone, which administers the Carbon County Headstart Program, has leased the building from Coaldale since 1980. The borough currently has about $12,000 in the Complex fund.

The Coaldale complex is the former Coaldale High School, located on Sixth and Phillips streets, and built in 1922. The borough acquired it in 1974 after Panther Valley School District was formed and the high school closed. The roof, which is flat and covered with a rubber membrane, was repaired about 15 years ago.

Read more...

Firefighters, family and friends surprised Rich “Ritchie” Marek with a retirement party in celebration of his longtime dedication to the community of Coaldale and Coaldale Fire Company

Read more - with video and photos.

According to WBRE TV/PAHomepage, officials have released new information regarding the skeletal remains discovered yesterday (Saturday, September 6, 2014) in Coaldale. Two individuals searching for mushrooms in the woods, found the remains about a quarter-mile south of the Seek section of Coaldale

Read more...

St. Luke's Miners Hospital Cares for Kids 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run will be held on Sept. 20, rain or shine. The course will begin and end at the hospital in Coaldale.

Proceeds will support St. Luke's Miners Community Health Initiatives which focus on children, such as Live Your Life, Reach Out and Read, Reading Rocks, diabetes education, tobacco cessation, Healthy Homes, community safety initiative and "Get Your Tail on the Trail."

Miners Campus President Bill Moyer will lead the St. Luke's Team.

Race day registration will be held from 9 to 9:45 a.m. with the 5K Run/Walk scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

The fun run will begin at approximately 10:45 a.m.

Pre-registration will guarantee the participant receives a T-shirt.

For more information, or to preregister, contact Michelle Bowman at 570-773-3500 or at bowmanmi@slhn.org.

By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com

Schuylkill County Judge James Goodman on Aug. 20 sentenced April Ann Reznick, 31, of Coaldale, to 12 months of probation on access device fraud and theft by deception charges.

Reznick also has to pay $50 restitution to First National Bank, and pay court costs and fees.

The charges stemmed from a Nov. 11, 2013, incident at the BRL Grocery Outlet, Tamaqua.

Street paving in Coaldale starts Tuesday for sections of Miner, Greenwood, Third and Fifth streets.

Drivers are asked to stay alert and use caution as street closings and new traffic patterns are in effect. No-parking signs will be posted and enforced during paving.

By LISA PRICE lprice@tnonline.com

Coaldale has a new council member.

During a special meeting Wednesday, the council appointed Yvonne Stoffey. Stoffey, a Coaldale native and Panther Valley High School graduate, was a unanimous appointment.

Councilman Thomas Keerans made the motion to appoint Stoffey, which was seconded by Mike Doerr. Five council members, President Angela Krapf, Keerans, Doerr, Linda Miller and Brenda Hosler, voted in favor of the appointment. Councilman Harry Hontz was working and unable to attend.

Read more...

Jobs Starting Tomorrow !!! 08/14/2014 Auto parts distribution center is seeking associates for 1st shift. Their schedule will be Monday thru Thursday 7:30am -3:30pm and Friday 6am – 2pm. Overtime as needed. Steel toes are needed & Prescreening. Must be able to Lift up to 50 lbs. ,carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, stretching, bending, twisting, walking, standing. Rate will be $9.50.

Please call OneSource at 570-501-0802

https://wl.onesourcestaffing.com/'

This company 'auto parts distribution' does this to temps to see who to hire as full time employees normally after three months. The starting rate is about $14 as a full time employee.

Monday, August 11, 2014

The Coaldale Tax Office will be closed Tuesday and Thursday. It will reopen for business Friday, with closing time extended to 5 p.m.; and Aug. 16 only, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

Monday, July 28, 2014

By LISA PRICE lprice@tnonline.com

Coaldale councilman Steve Tenetylo, 90, passed away July 21. He was instrumental in the creation of the borough's Veteran's Memorial, dedicated in November 2009.

"We believe we have one of the most unique and beautiful memorials to be found in America," Tenetylo said during the dedication. "When we consider that Coaldale is first in the nation regarding per capita who served in World War II, the memorial is well-deserved."

Tenetylo was one of those World War II veterans. A 1942 graduate of Coaldale High School, he served in the U.S. Navy's submarine service.

Read more...

The winter? Long. The turmoil over whether or not to restore the borough's police force? Over. The budget? Stretched to the limit.

What Coaldale residents need most now is an event to anticipate, something to unite them in its planning and hosting, Mayor Richard Kellner said during a council meeting Tuesday.

"I think we should make plans to have a Coaldale Community Festival in 2015," Kellner said. "We can have games, a band, possibly over Memorial Day next year."

Read more...

Coaldale man facing charges

By DONALD R. SERFASS dserfass@tnonline.com

A Coaldale man will be charged with drug-related offenses after a bizarre incident that took place along Route 309 in Hometown during a busy Farmers Market Wednesday.

According to Rush Township police, Michael Leiby, 28, Coaldale, was a passenger in a car traveling along Route 309 about 2:30 p.m. when, according to those at the scene, a bag of drugs was tossed from the vehicle.

Read more...

A Coaldale man was sentenced to a long county prison term Monday in Carbon County court after previously pleading guilty to fleeing or attempting to elude police, and three counts of driving under the influence.

Matthew Joseph McFarland, 21, was sentenced by Judge Steven R. Serfass to serve a total of eight to one day less 24 months in prison.

Read more...

Monday, June 16, 2014

By LISA PRICE lprice@tnonline.com

Here are the names and charges of those rounded up Monday in a widescale drug bust in Schuylkill County:

Read more...

Saturday, June 14, 2014

A former Coaldale man, now reportedly living in the woods behind Shickram's Car Wash in Tamaqua, spent some time in the Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, following a domestic incident on June 6.

Tamaqua police were dispatched to 423 N. Railroad St. at 9:57 p.m. and met with Rebecca Haughwought, who told officers that her boyfriend, Michael A. Strohl, 30, had thrown cans at her, striking her in the head and face.

She had a lump on her head and a small cut next to her left eye. She also said the couple was living in the woods and then led police to the exact spot, where they found Strohl.

He was arraigned before duty District Judge James Reilly on charges of simple assault and harassment. Bail was set at $5,000.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Former Coaldale mayor Richard Corkery, charged with 27 counts of downloading child pornography, took the stand today in his own defense

Former Coaldale mayor Richard Corkery, is guilty on all 27 counts of downloading child pornography, a Carbon County jury ruled today.

The jury, made up of eight men and four woman, deliberated for just over two hours before returning the guilty verdict. They asked the judge questions and requested police report during deliberations.

Corkery, 75, took the stand today and denied intentionally viewing child pornography images on computer at the radio station where he worked.

“Absolutely not,” he replied in response to questions by his attorney, Nicholas Quinn of Pottsville.

Read more...

Former Coaldale mayor Richard Corkery, charged with 27 counts of downloading child pornography, took the stand today in his own defense

Former Coaldale mayor Richard Corkery, charged with 27 counts of downloading child pornography, took the stand today in his own defense.

Corkery, 75, denied intentionally viewing child pornography images on computer at the radio station where he worked.

“Absolutely not,” he replied in response to questions by his attorney, Nicholas Quinn of Pottsville.

Read more...

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Former Coaldale Mayor Richard P. Corkery enters the Carbon County Courthouse Wednesday morning morning to face multiple charges of child pornography.

Photo available...

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Coaldale fugitive Joseph R. Becker, wanted in connection with a reported robbery in Lansford on June 5, was caught by Rush Township Police Tuesday afternoon. Becker, whose photo has been published by local media and online, was recognized by alert employees of St. Luke’s Health Center on Claremont Avenue in Hometown, who then contacted police.

Read more...

Friday, June 6, 2014

William Gaddes points out the name of John Katchak carved into one of the pillars at the Coaldale Women's and Veterans Memorial. Katchak, who was a neighbor of Gaddes, was the first Marine killed on Wake Island during World War II. Gaddes recently talked about walking along Wake Island 10 years later and remembering Katchak.

By PATRICK MATSINKO pmatsinko@tnonline.com

On June 6, 1944, countless Allied troops and equipment hurtled onto the beaches of Normandy, France, initiating an immense operation that marked the largest amphibious landing of World War II.

The D-Day invasion lasted more than two months and essentially broke the German occupation of Europe, liberating Nazi concentration camps and ending the conflict that left Western Europe in shambles.

Today marks the 70th anniversary of that momentous fight, an occasion that will be commemorated with innumerable ceremonies, both at home and abroad.

Read more...

Friday, June 6, 2014

Other suspect still at large

Lansford police have arrested one of the two Coaldale men they believe robbed resident George Becker on Thursday.

Christopher Keer, 24, of 23 W. Ruddle St., was taken into custody Thursday night and is being held under $75,000 straight bail.

Police are still searching for Joseph Becker of 208 E. High St.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by officer Brian Horos, George Becker came into the police station and said he had been robbed

Read more...

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Chris Parker cparker@tnonline.com

Lansford police are searching for two Coaldale men they believe robbed resident George Becker on Thursday.

The men are Christopher Keer, 24, of 23 W. Ruddle St. and Joseph Becker of 208 E. High St.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by officer Brian Horos, George Becker came into the police station and said he had been robbed.

George Becker said he was standing outside of a building he owns at 200 W. Bertsch St. in the borough when he saw Christopher Keer across the street. He crossed the street and asked Keer where the Hess trucks he had stolen from him where.

Read more..

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

By DEN MCLAUGHLIN dmclaughlin@tnonline.com

The former mayor of Coaldale, charged by Nesquehoning police with downloading child pornography, will finally go to trial.

A jury panel was selected Monday in Carbon County court to hear the case of Richard Corkery, 75, of 249 Early Ave., who is charged with 28 counts of child pornography.

Corkery was elected as mayor of Coaldale in 2009. He did not seek re-election to the office.

The trial will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, before Judge Steven R. Serfass.

The case began in 2011 when Corkery was confronted by Nesquehoning police for allegedly downloading child pornography on his computer at his then placed of employment, radio station WLSH. When the charges were filed, the station management fired Corkery.

Read more...

By Andrew Leibenguth on April 16, 2014 •

House Demolition, 3rd Street, Coaldale, 4-16-2014 - Contractors spent most of the day today (Wednesday, April 16, 2014) demolishing the property at 292 South Third Street in Coaldale. The home is located at the end of 8 row homes from 278 to 292 South 3rd Street.

Schuylkill County Parcel lists the Coaldale Borough as the current owner of the property. The property, estimated to be built in 1920, was assessed last year for $20 to Edward and Margaret Smith. The borough has owned the property since August 14, 2013.

Demolishing the property are Northeast Industrial SVCS Corporation of Shamokin, who submitted the lowest bid in December ($16,770) to tear it down. When asked who paid to tear it down, they said the invoice stated “Schuylkill County”.

A passerby, who wished to remain anonymous, stated how impressed he was that the demolition crew could tear down just the end home without affected the other connected row homes.

Furloughed officer's wife heads Coaldale Council

By DONALD R. SERFASS dserfass@tnonline.com

The wife of a furloughed borough police officer was elected to head Coaldale Borough Council at Monday's reorganizational meeting.

Angela Krapf captured the votes to step in as president, with one negative vote cast.

Krapf's husband, Sgt. Keith Krapf, was one of three officers and two borough workers furloughed in 2012 in what council called a cost-cutting move.

Krapf was nominated to the president's slot by councilwoman Linda Miller. The lone negative vote was cast by member Michael Doerr.

Read more...

VFW Quartermaster, Jeremiah Barkman spoke of the impact the attacks had on our nation.

Read more...