Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania fortune-tellers cajoled desperate victims into relinquishing high-end goods to be cleansed of ‘black magic’: report
A pair of supernatural swindlers is accused of duping their victims into forking over their personal goods, including high-end merchandise, and even blackmailing some into following their instructions all under the guise of fighting “black magic,” investigators said.
Gina Marks, 52, and Steve Nicklas, 40, both from the Philadelphia metro area, are accused of teaming up to take advantage of vulnerable people and pilfering more than $600,000 from 2022 to 2024, according to a press release from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
“These defendants, through their con scheme, preyed on people who were looking for help, guidance and hope, exploiting them for financial gain. They are now going to be held accountable for their actions,” District Attorney Kevin Steele said.
Their victims’ mystical misadventures began in 2022 when one called the Jenkintown Psychic Visions for a psychic reading over the phone. The suspects were quick to conclude that the victim was trapped by a “powerful curse preventing her from finding love and happiness,” the release said.
The suspects convinced the frantic victim that if she didn’t have the curse removed, which they could do, then it would “destroy her marriage, business and family,” according to the release.
Over the next year, the victim continued to pay for their services and handed over wads of valuables, including jewelry, cash, clothing, and concert tickets, so that they could “cleanse” the curse.
The suspects told the woman that they needed her valuables “to complete the ritual” that would lift her curse, but the belongings were never returned, according to the release.
The victim eventually stopped seeing the pair after a year of counseling. By then, the psychics had taken roughly $595,959 from her, the release said.
Around the same time, another client was growing wary as Marks kept asking her to share “increasingly personal” photos and images under the guise of completing “rituals that would help her,” according to the release.
Between June 2023 and February 2024, Marks turned up the heat and started threatening “reputational damage and personal repercussions” if the victim didn’t fork over her Chanel purse and more money, according to the release.
Marks allegedly drained $18,000 from the second victim, prosecutors said.
The duo was arrested Tuesday for a laundry list of felonies, including involvement with corrupt organizations, dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activities, theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception and receiving stolen property, and fortunetelling, according to the release.
The fortune-tellers were arraigned on Tuesday, the release said. Both were released after posting bail and are expected to appear in court on Oct. 20 for a preliminary hearing.
It isn’t Marks’ first rodeo, though.
The serial scammer was sentenced to six years behind bars in 2018 for a similar scheme where she bilked a lovesick woman out of more than $80,000. Marks repeatedly insisted she needed larger sums of money in order to cast a love spell on the victim’s boyfriend, who had recently gotten married.
Marks attempted to flee the country, but was captured at Miami International Airport, NBC Washington reported.
At the time, she insisted she was a bona fide psychic who provided legitimate services
“People are racist from gypsies. They’re racist on my culture. We do have power. We’re not allowed to talk about it,” Marks said.
Pennsylvania
Black Cap Brewing to halt happy hour specials due to Pennsylvania liquor code update
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Black Cap Brewing Company in Red Lion is no longer serving happy hour or daily drink specials due to a new interpretation by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
The restaurant took to Facebook to state that, despite not being happy about the new interpretation of the law, it is forced to comply with current regulations.
Black Cap said the PLCB has been conducting on-site inspections in the York area, and one of the main issues has been happy hours and daily drink specials.
A new interpretation of the state’s liquor code is finding that all “G License” holders, like brewery manufacturing, are ineligible to offer happy hour or daily drink promotions.
The brewery said these new restrictions put them “at a distinct disadvantage” when trying to compete with other licensed food and drink providers in the area.
“All of us at Black Cap work hard every day, to provide the highest quality beer, food, cocktails, and hospitality that we possibly can, and we hope that all of you will understand this situation, and continue to support us, and patronize us, throughout these challenging economic conditions,” the brewery wrote on Facebook.
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CBS 21 has reached out to Pennsylvania Liquor Control Enforcement for further comment.
Pennsylvania
MSU basketball extends offer to Pennsylvania 4-star center prospect
Michigan State basketball has extended an offer to a high-end four-star big man from Pennsylvania.
Jayden Jenkins of Warminster, Pa. announced on Sunday that he’s received an offer from the Spartans. He made the offer from Michigan State known by posting on his social media X account on Sunday.
Jenkins is listed as a four-star prospect, with a recruiting rating of 98.46 in 247Sports’ composite system. He ranks as the No. 7 center and No. 1 player from Pennsylvania in the 2027 class. He’s also ranked as the No. 39 overall prospect in the class.
Michigan State joins a list of nearly 20 schools that have offered Jenkins, according to 247Sports. Notable programs to offer him includes Georgia, Oklahoma State, Mississippi State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, East Carolina, Villanova, Seton Hall and St. Bonaventure.
It’s notable anytime Michigan State basketball hands out an offer to a prospect since they typically only do so to players that are key priorities for them. So this announcement of an offer shows that Michigan State is clearly focused on Jenkins in the 2027 class.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
Pennsylvania
10 Best Small Towns In Pennsylvania For A Crowd-Free Summer
Small-town Pennsylvania makes the right summer trip when the itinerary calls for peace and quiet. In the ten sweet spots highlighted below, you’ll find attractions secretly worthy of a larger crowd, but happily flying under the radar. Lititz invites visitors to tour America’s first commercial pretzel bakery and commune with wolves. New Hope pairs riverside charm with live performances at the historic Bucks County Playhouse. In Jim Thorpe, scenic train rides through the Lehigh Gorge compete for attention with concerts overlooking the Pocono Mountains. It’s all here in Pennsylvania if you know where to look.
Jim Thorpe
Named for a famed Olympic athlete despite the fact that he never lived there, Jim Thorpe stands as a jewel of the Poconos and a quiet destination for a summer adventure. The natural beauty of the area is on full display during a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. This train will take you through nearby forests and give you a real appreciation of the expansive views of the Poconos from the comfort of a train car. In town, there’s plenty to do in the summer, especially if you enjoy the arts. The Mauch Chunk Opera House pays homage to the town’s original name and frequently hosts live music from local performers. And when the weather is nice, there’s few better venues for a concert than Penn’s Peak. In this beautiful outdoor setting, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the quality of entertainment you’d expect in a city like Philadelphia without the crowds.
Lititz
In the heart of Amish country, Lititz feels like a time capsule. The town has a rustic feel, with buildings that have stood for more than 100 years. The first stop during any trip should be the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. This local landmark has been making pretzels by hand since 1861, and you can schedule a tour during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds and even make your own. For a unique experience, check out the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, where you can take a tour and see the resident wolves up close. Come during a full moon for their special events. Summer festivities heat up at Lititz Springs Park during the Fourth of July for its annual celebration of the nation’s birthday with vendors and attractions.
Zelienople
Zelienople (or Zelie, as many locals call it) is about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh and offers a quiet alternative to the big city for a summer trip. The Strand Theater has been a popular destination in the town since it opened in 1914. In its new restored state, it frequently shows classic movies, hosts concerts, or puts on live shows. The Passavant House was the first house built in Zelienople. It now hosts a museum with period furniture and unique pieces, such as wreaths made from human hair. And if you’re hungry, Zelienople has plenty to offer. ShuBrew is a popular brewpub right by the Strand Theater that features craft beers and artisanal pizzas that will be a hit with your entire party.
Renovo
If your ideal summer getaway involves peaceful exploration of trails in forests near the Susquehanna River, Renovo should be your top destination. Staying in Renovo puts you right next to Hyner View State Park, featuring a hilltop that gives you a wide view of the river valley. And if you’re the adventurous sort, you can even hang glide off the hill. Closer to town is Bucktail State Park Natural Area. There, you’ll have a chance to see local wildlife, fish, and snap pictures of the river without seeing a soul. Back in town, you can enjoy a casual meal at Socky’s, a laid-back diner with delicious pizzas and breakfasts, or bring the kids to the 16th Street Park to play on the playground or shoot hoops at the basketball court.
Wellsboro
Wellsboro is the ideal vacation spot for art lovers, as this tiny town near the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania offers several unique opportunities to appreciate the arts. The Arcadia Theater on Main Street has been entertaining residents and visitors since 1920. Inside, you’ll find four screens, and frequent live shows and musical productions. For a different vibe, check out the Deane Center for the Performing Arts further down Main Street, with community productions of everything from plays to musicals. And come in June to experience the unforgettable Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival. During the festival, you’ll have a chance to see local art, concerts, and much more for an entire week.
Ohiopyle
With a population well below 100, Ohiopyle is one of the smallest towns in Pennsylvania. When you want a crowd-free summer, it’s hard to get quieter than that. It serves as the gateway to Ohiopyle State Park, which surrounds the town and boasts over 20,000 acres of beautiful forest in the Laurel Highlands, with trails, rivers for fishing, and kayaking. For the best whitewater rafting experience, book a guided trip at Ohiopyle Trading Post. In town, accommodations include vacation rentals and well-appointed cabins at Ohiopyle Suites. If you don’t mind a slightly bigger crowd, the annual Beer and Gear Festival in the summer gives you a chance to enjoy live music and craft beers while you gear up with equipment for a trip to the state park in a fun, community-led event.
New Hope
New Hope is a youthful, artistic community on the banks of the Delaware River. The highlight of this town’s creative spirit is the Bucks County Playhouse, a former gristmill that now hosts live music, plays, and more. No matter when you make your trip to New Hope in the summer, you’ll likely find a show worth attending, right in the heart of town. Down South Main Street, you’ll find Gallery Piquel. It hosts a variety of artwork from local artists, and the owners are always happy to answer any questions you have about the pieces on display. For a scenic feel, book a ticket on the New Hope Railroad to enjoy riding in luxury along its scenic track. The railroad also offers many themed excursions for adventurous travelers.
State College
Home to Penn State University, State College is a bustling city during the academic year when students are in attendance. However, it becomes much quieter in the summer, making this the perfect time to visit one of America’s most beautiful campuses. The Arboretum at Penn State hosts a diverse selection of trees and flowers from around the world, and everything is in full bloom in the summer. Right next door is the Palmer Museum of Art, with rotating exhibits that feature artwork from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. After a day spent exploring, you can treat yourself to some of the best ice cream in the world at the Penn State Berkey Creamery.
Somerset
Somerset is a quiet Pennsylvania town that has seen its fair share of history. In 1794, it was the site of the Whiskey Rebellion and the home of several leaders. More than 200 years later, the town would again be in the news when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a nearby field during the attacks on September 11th. This is where you’ll find the Flight 93 National Memorial honoring the lives and bravery of the victims. You can also learn more about the impressive operation to save trapped miners at the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site in town. Despite these important events, Somerset stands as a quiet town that’s perfect for a summer getaway, particularly if you’re a nature lover, as Laurel Hill State Park sits right by the town, with over 4,000 acres for camping, swimming, and hiking.
Clarion
Clarion is a quiet town in Western Pennsylvania that sees most of its visitors during the fall for an annual festival. In summer, the town is relatively quiet, but there’s still plenty to do that makes it worth the trip. The town is home to several delicious places to get a bite to eat or enjoy the local brew. Toby Hill Bar & Grill is a local spot with classic bar food and frequent live shows on weekends. And to get a true taste of Clarion, take a trip to Mechanistic Brewing Co. with beer and mixed drinks you won’t find anywhere else in Pennsylvania. For nature lovers, Clarion is a can’t-miss summer destination. It sits right by Cook Forest State Park, one of the best in the state, with 29 miles of trails, ample fishing and camping opportunities, and a beautiful pine and hemlock forest.
Unforgettable Summer Trips in Pennsylvania Without the Crowds
From rafting the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle and taking in the views from Hyner View State Park near Renovo to exploring theaters in Wellsboro and galleries in New Hope, Pennsylvania’s small towns offer a wide variety of summer experiences. History buffs can reflect at Somerset’s Flight 93 National Memorial, food lovers can sample handcrafted pretzels in Lititz and local brews in Clarion, while outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities in the state’s forests, rivers, and parks. Whether you’re drawn to arts and culture, scenic landscapes, or fascinating local history, these destinations showcase a quieter side of Pennsylvania that is every bit as memorable as its better-known attractions.
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