Borough of Shenandoah Announces Phased Snow Removal Plan, Temporary Parking, and Garbage Collection Delay

The Borough of Shenandoah has announced a structured, phased snow removal plan that will begin at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, as crews work to clear streets following the recent winter storm.

More Than 4 Pounds of Meth Seized During Shenandoah Drug Operation

A Pottstown man is facing felony drug charges following a controlled drug purchase that allegedly led to the seizure of more than four pounds of methamphetamine in Shenandoah Borough.

Shenandoah Borough Council Reviews Finances, Approves Emergency Truck Purchase, and Updates Ordinances

Shenandoah Borough Council addressed a wide range of borough business during its meeting Monday night, including financial updates, delinquent account collections, staffing changes, infrastructure needs, and the adoption of several ordinances aimed at enforcement and revenue generation.

Council entered executive session from 7:01 p.m. to 7:18 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. Upon returning to open session, council noted that no decisions were made during the executive session.

Council also approved a correction to the December 22, 2025 meeting minutes to formally document a motion related to a previous executive session.

Officials reported the borough continues to operate on a $3 million annual budget without raising taxes. Despite paying approximately $4 million in bills over the past year, Shenandoah finished the year with roughly $1.2 million in the bank.

The borough has taken a more aggressive approach to collecting delinquent utility bills. To date, $23,724 has been collected in overdue sewer payments. Borough Manager Mike Cadau said water shut-off notices were issued to residents who failed to respond.

“It’s not fair to the people that are always paying the bills,” Cadau said.

Delinquent trash accounts have also been targeted. Through Portnoff Law Associates, the borough collected $15,114.81 in unpaid trash fees. Moving forward, the borough will place liens on properties with unpaid trash bills rather than discontinuing service.

Council approved the promotion of Christian Vazquez from part-time to full-time police officer in an effort to establish 24-hour, seven-day-a-week police coverage by mid-February or March.

Brian Oliver was hired as a non-union Public Works Supervisor at a rate of $28 per hour. The position is intended to provide leadership, oversight, and improved safety within the department. One council member voted against the hire, citing concerns about the background check.

“I believe it’s an incomplete background check,” the council member stated. “I can’t conscious a full background check.”

Council also accepted Brian Urban of Urban and Urban as zoning solicitor at a rate of $250 per hour.

Due to multiple plow breakdowns and an approaching winter storm, council approved the emergency purchase of a 2011 truck with approximately 11,000 miles for $42,000. Cadau said relying on borough-owned equipment is more cost-effective than outsourcing snow removal services, which can cost about $250 per hour.

“It’s a cost savings by having our own guys do it,” he said.

Council announced the borough was awarded an $83,608 Local Share Account (LSA) grant toward the purchase of a Public Works truck. A resolution was also approved to apply for a $3 million PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Program (MTP) grant for drainage and culvert improvements near the Boyer’s area.

Discussion also continued regarding improvements at the borough pumping station, commonly referred to as “The Pumpy.” The project includes plans for pavilions and a well funded by a $77,000 LSA grant. Cadau said initial bids reached as high as $131,832, prompting the borough to consider using in-house resources for grant management to reduce costs.

Council approved a request to combine two parcels owned by Doc Ed Kolonsky at 108 North Catherine Street and 0 North Catherine Street.

A resolution was also approved allowing Wes Kass to purchase a burned property on Zero Rock Street, with the goal of returning the property to the tax rolls.

Council approved the transfer of a liquor license to Bitter and Twisted LLC at 316–318 South Main Street, formerly Mulligan’s. During discussion, concerns were raised about noise. The owner emphasized the establishment’s focus on dining rather than nightlife.

“The goal for us is to be a restaurant,” the owner said. “It’s not a bar.”

Several ordinances were approved or amended during the meeting. Council voted to reintroduce a “meter maid” enforcement officer to address nuisance parking in alleyways, which has interfered with fire trucks and garbage collection.

Council also amended the skill games ordinance, increasing the annual fee from $250 to $500 per machine, with proceeds directed to the borough’s recreation fund.

Additionally, council established a $50 annual business license fee. Businesses owing any municipal bills will be denied a license until those balances are paid.

Several Homes Damaged in Overnight Fire in Shenandoah

SHENANDOAH — Several homes were damaged by a fire that broke out overnight Sunday along West Arlington Street in Shenandoah.

Independent Forensic Review Uncovers Pension and Payroll Irregularities in Shenandoah Borough

SHENANDOAH - An independent forensic accounting review has identified serious payroll and retirement-benefit irregularities involving two former Shenandoah Borough employees, with issues dating back several years and spanning multiple prior borough administrations.

Shenandoah Man Convicted in Schuylkill County Trial on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

A Schuylkill County man has been convicted following a jury trial on charges related to possession of child sexual abuse material.

Ringtown Man Charged After Theft of Police Uniforms from Shenandoah Police Station

SHENANDOAH - A Ringtown man is facing multiple misdemeanor charges following the theft of police uniforms from the Shenandoah Police Department in early December.

Mrs. T’s Pierogies Announces Operations Leadership Transition, Honors Longtime Director’s Retirement

 

SHENANDOAH - Mrs. T’s Pierogies is marking a major leadership milestone at its Shenandoah operations with the retirement of longtime Director of Operations Ray Stasulli and the promotion of several veteran team members as part of a planned succession strategy.

Man in Custody Following Early Morning Burglary in Shenandoah

SHENANDOAH - A man is facing felony charges following an overnight burglary in Shenandoah.

Shenandoah Man Jailed on Robbery, Assault Charges Following Incident at T-Mobile Store

A Shenandoah man is behind bars on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges following an alleged assault and robbery at a local cellphone store on Saturday morning, December 27, 2025, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Shenandoah Teen Reported Missing

The Shenandoah Police Department is looking for a teen that has been reported missing.

Ringtown Man Charged After Alleged Assault Involving Pistol and Hot Soup

A Ringtown man is facing multiple charges after Pennsylvania State Police say he assaulted his wife during a violent altercation in Shenandoah on December 5, 2025.

Man Found Sleeping in Abandoned Vehicle in Shenandoah Charged After Firearm Discovered

A 44-year-old man with no known address was taken into custody Sunday morning after Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville discovered a firearm in his possession while he was sleeping inside a vehicle in a wooded area in Shenandoah.

Santa Claus Trades Parachute for Helicopter Ride at This Year’s Skydiving Celebration in Shenandoah

The holiday season soared into full swing Friday as Mrs. T’s Pierogies hosted its 18th annual Skydiving Santa celebration at Shenandoah Valley’s Veterans Memorial Stadium, but with an unexpected twist.

Schuylkill County Man Convicted in 2022 Assault at Luzerne County Gentlemen’s Club

A Schuylkill County man has been convicted by a Luzerne County jury for assaulting a dancer during a private session at a gentlemen’s club in May 2022, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office announced Wednesday.

Shenandoah Valley Names October Student of the Month: Jasmin Hurtado Olayo

Shenandoah Valley Jr./Sr. High School has announced senior Jasmin Hurtado Olayo as its October Student of the Month.

Shenandoah Borough Tackles Audits, New Noise Rules, and Potential Cooper Site Redevelopment for Veteran Home

The Shenandoah Borough Council convened Monday evening to tackle a full agenda focused on financial accountability, public safety, infrastructure planning, and administrative updates. 

Shenandoah Releases Forensic Report Alleging Overpayments to Former Borough Manager

Shenandoah Borough officials have released new allegations following the completion of a forensic review into post-retirement payments made to former Borough Manager Joseph Palubinsky—a review Borough Manager Mike Cadau says reveals significant financial irregularities and unauthorized compensation.

Shenandoah Man Wanted by Schuylkill County Detectives on Four Active Bench Warrants

 

A Shenandoah man is wanted in Schuylkill County after failing to report to prison earlier this month to begin serving multiple court-ordered sentences.

Victim Identified in Fatal Crash on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County

A three-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 South claimed the life of a Shenandoah man and injured two others Friday evening, according to a Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville.