By JIM ZBICK
The first month of 1912 was quite noteworthy for two special priests in the region.
First, the Rev. Hayes, rector of St. Mary's Church in Coaldale, became the talk of the area when he wrestled with an intruder who was trying to break into the poor box.
After surprising the thief, the Rev. Hayes grappled with the man. According to the Tamaqua Courier, the priest "put up a plucky fight in trying to capture him, but the intruder proved a slippery customer and managed to escape."