Local News-Tuesday, May 22nd

Former Nativity coach Dan Shields has reported to prison. Monday morning, the Pottsville man, who pleaded guilty to crimes against former athletes at the Pottsville school, began his sentence at the Schuylkill County Prison. According to the Republican and Herald, Shields will remain there for several days until his paperwork is processed and he can be moved to the State Correctional Institution in Camp Hill. From there, he will be farmed out to another state prison based on classification. Shields was sentenced last Monday by Judge D. Michael Stine. He will serve 18 to 48 months in jail, followed by 6 years probation. He will also be listed as a sex offender for 10 years under Megan's Law.

One week has passed since the primary election, but an issue regarding internet names in the race for Schuylkill County Controller moves to another level. At the end of March, Democratic candidate Melinda Kantner of North Manheim Township lodged a complaint against Republican challenger Jason Gherghel. She alleged that he broke election laws by purchasing her internet domain name and other combinations of it, blocking her ability to establish a website in her name. The appointed Board of Elections, Jerry Knowles, Susan Koch and Lynne Bressi, reviewed the complaint, and a special counsel was hired to look into the matter as well.
In a release issued yesterday, the Board completed their investigation, and believes that there are quote "irregularities that could constitute suspicious circumstances" endquote. The panel cites that their authority and jurisdiction to investigate election matters is limited. They have forwarded the matter to the Schuylkill County District Attorney for review. Both Gherghel and Kantner ran unopposed on their respective tickets.

An Ashland man has been formally charged in a string of burglaries that spanned two years. Trooper Robert Betnar of the Schuylkill Haven barracks reports that 45-year-old Robert Linkchorst was arrested for the thefts, using kids to help him. From April, 2005 till February of this year, Linkchorst drove 12 and 13 year old boys to sites across Schuylkill County, and had them help to steal items. Once they finished, Linkchorst would either keep the goods or sell them for a profit to unsuspecting people. He is charged with more than a dozen counts of burglary, corruption of minors, theft, receiving stolen property and other offenses. He was arraigned before District Judge David Plachko. Linkchorst remains in county prison. He has also been charged with burglarizing several area businesses as well.

A Freeland man is under arrest on theft charges in Shenandoah borough. Police report that 42-year-old Scot McFee was arrested Saturday morning, and a gun belonging to Shenandoah councilman Leo Pietkiewicz was in his possession. McFee reportedly threatened Pietkiewicz with his own weapon. Officials are also investigating an earlier incident between the two men in April, where McFee was drunk and got into a fight with the councilman. No charges have been filed in that incident as yet. Charges of theft and receiving stolen property were filed against McFee in the office of District Judge William Slezosky.

Spring is the time for planting. Residents of Pottsville have an opportunity to do some gardening of fresh vegetables, while beautifying the community. Jenny Wagner, director of Pottsville Project Fit, announced Pottsville’s Adopt a Community Garden Program, which began this week at the Bunker Hill Playground. The garden will provide a learning lab for city youth, a great recreation program for residents and to help beautify the city. Wagner said that they are looking for 8 individuals or families to tend the garden. Each participant will get a 6 by 12 foot section of a raised bed to plant vegetables. Seeds and starter plants will be provided by students at All Saints School. A Schuylkill County Master Gardener will spend an hour per week at the garden to answer questions about successful gardening. If you are interested in putting your green thumb to work, call Pottsville Project Fit at 628-5079.