New mayor, councilman sworn in at Frackville; vote for vice president splits
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Schuylkill County Judge Christina Hale, right, swears in Frackville's Mayor and council members elected in the recent general election. From L-R: Councilmembers Stephen Tertel, John Matern, Ed Beneshunas, Steve Kuzio, and Mayor John Morgan, on Jan. 5, 2026.
FRACKVILLE – This community has a new mayor and a new councilman.
John Morgan was sworn in as Frackville’s mayor at Monday night’s reorganization meeting along with new councilman John Matern.
Morgan defeated longtime mayor Kim Phillips in the November general election.
Matern joined returning council members Stephen Tertel, Ed Beneshunas, and Steve Kuzio, all of whom took the oath of office and were sworn in by Schuylkill County Judge Christina Hale.
Council also reappointed Ron Jordan as president, a role he has held since at least 2010.
The vote for vice president split. Brian Russell nominated Stephen Tertel, while Ed Beneshunas nominated Charlie Berger.
Council voted 5-2 in favor of Berger, with Russell and Tertel voting for the latter councilman.
They also voted to set the real estate tax at 4.113 mills and to set council meetings as the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6pm, with the exception of January. The meeting will take place Jan. 15, the third Thursday of the month.
The Shenandoah Sentinel was the ONLY local news source at this meeting. If you find value in our reporting and in knowing what YOUR local elected leaders are doing, PLEASE consider contributing to our efforts via Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee.
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