Schuylkill Commissioners Show Support for Ukraine

Schuylkill County Commissioners expressed support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people during their weekly meeting at the Courthouse in Pottsville Wednesday.

Before conducting regular business, Commissioners Chairman Boots Hetherington asked for a moment of silence to honor the Ukrainian people.

Later, Hetherington issued a public statement on the Ukraine-Russia conflict and spoke of Schuylkill County’s connection to Ukraine.

As we reported recently, Schuylkill County has among the highest concentration of people claiming Ukrainian ancestry in the United States. Cass Township has the highest percentage of its population with Ukraine roots.

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Schuylkill County Commissioners Back Ukraine in Conflict with Russia

The Schuylkill County Commissioners are among a growing number of public officials who are seemingly throwing support behind Ukraine and the Ukrainian government as it tries to withstand an armed invasion by Russian troops.

“We must make a strong statement of support for the citizens of Ukraine,” Hetherington said. “The invasion of your country by Russian troops under the direction of President Vladimir Putin is an attack on innocent lives as well as a threat to democracy and democracy around the world.

Boots says the County fully supports the efforts of the United States, NATO, and the United Nations to stop the Russian invasion and “the bloodshed in the sovereign nation of Ukraine.”

“We ask all Schuylkill County residents to pray for a peaceful resolution and pray for the innocent people of Ukraine,” Hetherington added.

He also asked locals who can to support humanitarian efforts that are aimed at helping the Ukrainian people.

Commissioner George Halcovage said the Ukrainian people “are in our prayers” and noted the several Ukrainian churches in Schuylkill County are holding prayer services as the conflict drags on.

“Democracy can fall in a minute,” Commissioner Gary Hess added. “The sad thing is it’s young families, children, that are being injured. It’s innocent people that are trying to make a living just like we are here in a peaceful state.

Clerk of Courts Maria Casey asked Boots if the Commissioners would consider flying the Ukraine flag under the American flag at Schuylkill County Courthouse.

Boots told Casey he’d “take it under advisement.”