Schuylkill court news

Landlord-tenant

dispute

A board of arbitration ruled in favor of both parties. James D. and Doris J. Harman, of Sacramento, rented a home in Donaldson, Tremont Township, to Jeff and Brandy Livinghouse and sued for unpaid rent and alleged damages to the property. In turn the tenants filed a countersuit for work done in the premises. The arbitration board awarded the landlord $2,700 and the tenants $725.

Divorces granted

Howard S. Mengel, Ashland, was granted a divorce from Paula Denise Mengel, Mississippi. They were married May 23, 2000.

Jeffrey A. Green, Cressona, was granted a divorce from Justine M. Green, Minersville. They were married May 24, 1980.

Erica L. Cola was granted a divorce from Stanley A. McDemus, both of Pottsville. they were married June 4, 2005.

6 months punishment

Joseph John Stefan, 34, Pottsville, pleaded guilty to DUI and drugs and was sentenced by Judge Baldwin to serve six months in the IPP, pay a fine of $1,000 and court costs, pay $100 to the SAE fund, $50 to the Catastrophe fund, $60 to Schuylkill Medical Center and a $50 monthly supervision fee. His driver's license is suspended 12 months. On a charge of failing to obey a traffic signal was fined $25 plus $50 costs. Stefan was cited by Patrolman Kirk Becker, Pottsville police, on Jan. 13, 2009.

90 days in jail

Christina L. Kofchock 21, Hamburg, Berks County, pleaded guilty to DUI and was sentenced by Judge Russell to serve 90 days to five years in the county prison with credit for 29 days spent at Lehigh Valley Hospital Psychiatric Unit. She also must pay a fine of $1,500 and court costs, a $50 monthly supervision fee, $100 to Catastrophe fund, $300 to SAE fund, $50 to Criminal Justice Enhancement Account (CJEA) fund and perform 20 hours community service. On a charge of failing to drive on roadway laned for traffic was fined $25 plus $50 costs. Kofchock was cited by Patrolman John Dzurek, Orwigsburg police, last July 19.