Local News-Tuesday, June 5th

A Pottsville man, who contends he is a "prisoner of war", began his trial on drug and weapons charges Monday in Schuylkill County Court. 59-year old John Phillips, was arrested by city police last year for growing and packaging marijuana at his home, and had a cache’ of weapons at his disposal when arrested. According to the Republican and Herald, Phillips contends that he is a prisoner in the war on drugs, and has been less than cooperative with law enforcement since his arrest in September, 2006 following an undercover investigation. He faces drug possession charges, carrying firearms, resisting arrest and terroristic threats. The county showed the plants that Phillips was growing in his backyard, and also displayed a mine, like those used by the military, and other weapons during the first day of testimony. Phillips is expected to take the stand when the case resumes today.

The County Commissioners have appointed an interim county administrator following the departure of Bill Reppy. Reppy, who returned to work in the healthcare field, left the post last Friday. Darlene Dolzani, who is the chief assessor for the county, was appointed interim county administrator for a 6 month period while the search for a permanent replacement continues.
Dolzani, who had a long career in the banking industry as the head of the former Schuylkill Savings and Loan, has been working as the county’s property tax chief since 2005.

A Shenandoah man was picked up by state police on an outstanding warrant during a traffic stop yesterday evening. Trooper Joseph Aponick of the Frackville barracks made a traffic stop on a car on Route 924 in Gilberton after 10pm. During a background check of the occupants, 36-year-old Karl Csak of Shenandoah was identified as having a bench warrant out on him by the county court. Csak was taken into custody and lodged in the Schuylkill County Prison.

Two Pine Grove residents were injured in a one vehicle crash yesterday morning in Pine Grove Township. A car driven by 19-year-old Shaun Wingle was westbound on Oak Grove Road and struck a ditch while negotiating a left turn onto 2 and a half mile Road. Wingle and a 17 year old female had minor injuries. Neither of them were wearing their seatbelts. Wingle will be cited for several violations in the crash. Wingle's car was towed from the scene.

A Barnesville man was arrested for drunk driving Sunday night in Ryan Township. Frackville State Police report that 32-year-old Derek Dillmann was northbound on Orchard Road around 9:20pm when he lost control of his vehicle and it left the roadway. The car became stuck in a ditch. Dillmann showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol, and was taken to the Frackville barracks for a breath test. It was determined that he was over the legal limit.
Charges will be filed against Dillmann in District Court.

The former Shamokin city deputy treasurer was charged Friday with the theft of more than $93-hundred dollars from about 60 taxpayers. The News Item reports 23-year-old Morgan Jeremiah of Shamokin was formally arraigned Sunday afternoon and was released on $25-thousand dollars bail. Jeremiah is charged by Shamokin Police with two counts each of forgery and theft by deception, and related counts. All charges are felonies and each carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a $25-thousand dollar fine. Jeremiah voluntarily agreed to appear for her arraignment. She was charged after an extensive and complex five-month investigation into the theft of city tax money.

Schuylkill Haven firefighters were called to a minor fire on Main Street last night. The call came in after 9pm to an apartment at 104 East Main Street. All three borough companies responded to the call. There were no damages, according to reports. The property houses a pharmacy and two apartment units. More details are expected today.

A New York City man is in the county jail following an incident in Mahanoy City Friday night.
Police now say that Enrique Pino Jr. was picked up in the 100 block of East Centre Street, where he was reportedly drunk. Officers took him to the home where he was reportedly visiting on Mahanoy Avenue. Pino began yelling at police, and had to be subdued while being taken into custody. They found a large number of bags of marijuana during the arrest.
Pino was arraigned on charges of possession with intent to deliver pot, resisting arrest and public drunkenness. After processing, he was taken to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $50-thousand-dollars cash bail.