POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County employees will have more flexibility to buy needed supplies and other items after the commissioners voted on Wednesday to raise the amount they can spend without a purchase order.

The commissioners decided to increase the threshold for requiring the purchase order to $500 from $250. County workers may request a check for purchases of $500 or less.

“It’s been a long time” since the last increase, County Administrator Gary R. Bender said. He said the county still wants to have a purchase order for as much spending as possible.

Commissioner Gary J. Hess said the new limit is a good idea because of changes in the prices of many items.

Also, the commissioners voted to pay $441,096 to PCorp Insurance Programs to renew their insurance policy, effective June 1, for one year.

“This is property, automobile and liability insurance,” First Assistant County Solicitor Glenn T. Roth Jr. said. “It’s standard. Every year, we renew our insurance.”

Roth said the commissioners obtained the policy in 2013 through the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. The policy cost $423,000 last year, and the increase is a reasonable amount, he said.

“They did their best to keep the rates as consistent as possible,” Roth said of PCorp.

In other business, the commissioners:

• On behalf of Children & Youth, approved purchase of service agreements with Community Solutions Inc., Bloomfield, Connecticut, Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, Mar Lin, and Signature Family Services, West Reading.

Community Solutions will provide per diem services for $22 and psychological evaluations for $225 each. IU 29 will provide day treatment at a per diem rate of $210. Signature Family Services will provide training, corollary services and intensive casework counseling at per unit rates of $15, $33 and $60, respectively.

• Selected Karleen Yarnell as an independent contractor to provide cleaning services for $8 per hour for court, judicial and adult probation offices.

• Approved a one-year extension, to May 31, 2019, of the contract with Lehigh Valley Health Network Rehabilitation Center-Schuylkill.

• Approved a budget adjustment for 2018 of $325 for the treasurer’s office.

• Approved a one-year contract, effective July 1, with Inroads at Family Guidance Center to provide counseling for employees. Under the contract, the county will pay $5,680 plus the cost of the counseling sessions, which will include an administrative fee of $10 per covered full-time employee and $70 per authorized session.

Bender said the counseling sessions help keep employees happy and productive.

• Approved a purchase of service agreement with Lancaster County Intervention Center for housing juveniles. The costs will be $305.35 per day for youths housed at the detention facility and $191.76 per day for youths in the shelter care.

Bender said the center’s rates are average.

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6014

MOUNT PLEASANT — The sky was the limit on Thursday at the Schuylkill County Joe Zerbey Airport for Saint Clair Area School District students on a field trip as part of the Summer of Explorers program.

There were 12 students from fifth to eighth grades and three teachers who spent the morning at the airport. Accompanying the students from Saint Clair Area were teachers Fred Cicero, Kim Martin and Eileen Tarconish, along with Mariah Stoppie and Jennifer Schaeffer of the Explorers program.

The Summer of Explorers is the summer component of the Schuylkill ACHIEVE Afterschool Program, which is sponsored by the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29. The program during the school year gives students in multiple school districts the opportunity after the normal school day to enjoy recreation, receive homework, reading and writing help, and get character education, STEM activities and more.

The visit to the airport was one of six field trips held Thursday. The other field trips had Mahanoy Area and Pottsville Area stopping at Tuscarora State Park for a presentation about bears; Minersville Area and Williams Valley went to Home Depot in Saint Clair to learn how to make birdhouses; Pine Grove Area visited Highwood Technologies for a tour of the facility and its robots; Schuylkill Haven Area students toured the Ashland Technologies Inc. plant in Hegins where roller coaster parts are manufactured; and North Schuylkill will got a heads-up on farming technology at Masser’s Potato Farm.

At the airport, the students were taken to the hangar attached to the office. Airport manager William “Bill” Willard, a licensed pilot, greeted them and spoke about the history and operations of what is also called the Joe Zerbey Airport.

Willard explained the airport is used not only by local private pilots, but also by corporate jets from companies that have operations in the county. To accommodate those clients, the airport constructed a very large hangar to hold larger jets about three years ago at a cost of almost $1 million.

“We should be extending the runway. We’ve run into some nuts and bolts problems, engineering problems, but we’re going to take it out to 5,100 feet, and that will allow larger aircraft and handle other planes that need the extra length when weather gets bad,” Willard said.

After answering questions, Willard invited the students to the single-engine plane in the hangar to give each of them the opportunity to sit in the cockpit and ask questions about the controls.

The students were taken to the large hangar where Willard opened the huge sliding doors for the planes. He explained that many conveniences for fueling and other services are available, including a weather station that can be called on a phone to be provided with real time weather and other data to inform incoming pilots on atmospheric conditions for safe landings.

During a break when lunch was served, Martin was asked how the visit connects with the ACHIEVE afterschool program.

“When Mr. Willard was telling everyone about what is involved in flying a plane, and with the ACHIEVE program being STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) based, I think it really shows the children how much math and science is actually needed in something like this that they may not think of in getting up in the air with a plane,” Martin said. “This is so related to math and science.”

After lunch provided by the culinary department of the Schuylkill Technology Center near Frackville, Willard told the group that he would take a plane out for a flyby of the airport for the students and teachers. When Martin heard, she was considering asking Willard to go up for the flight.

“I’m afraid of flying, but now I’m thinking about doing this,” Martin said. She was considering the idea for a short time, and when the plane was wheeled out of the hangar to the tarmac, Martin decided to go for it and ran out to the plane. Willard got into the pilot seat first, and then Cicero got into the back seat. Martin was last to get in and took the passenger seat next to Willard. As the plane prepared to taxi, Martin gave a big smile and a thumbs up.

Willard took the plane to the main runway and took off, flying around the outskirts of the airport and then flew in low in front of the large hangar where everyone else watched and cheered. There was another pass, and Willard did a landing on grass and taxied the plane to the hangar. Martin got out and was smiling broadly as the students came over to congratulate her.

“That was wonderful!” Martin said. “That was great. I am less afraid now. Now that I know they do the half-hour (flying) sessions up here, I would love to bring my daughters up here. It’s so close to home.”

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

A local coal producer received a second grant to help extract rare earth elements from its operations.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s board of directors recently awarded $25,000 to Blaschak Coal Corp., Mahanoy City, a news release from the organization states.

It was part of $695,000 awarded last month to projects in support of regional economic development.

Blaschak, which also has a mining operation in Lattimer, has partnered with Lehigh University’s Energy Research Center to develop a process to efficiently extract REEs from anthracite mine water sources.

It is the second $25,000 grant Blaschak has received from Ben Franklin Technology Partners for the project. The first grant was awarded a year ago.

Laura S. Eppler, chief marketing officer for Ben Franklin, said in a email “this second investment was anticipated and reflects positive progress with the work.”

REEs are a set of 17 metals found in the earth’s crust. They have a wide variety of applications in electronic, optical and magnetic devices. China presently produces nearly all REEs and there is great demand for domestic suppliers.

A year ago, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded a $1 million grant to Jeddo Coal Co. for a pilot program at its anthracite mining operation in Hazle Township.

Researchers from Texas Mineral Resources Corp., Inventure Renewables, K Technologies and Penn State University are involved in that project. Penn State scientists have found elements such as scandium and yttrium in coal seams, but said concentrations lie within the shale above the coal.

The scientists liquefy the rock and draw out rare earth metals with a solution of ammonium sulfate, a process they say is better for the environment and uses less energy than a roasting process used earlier.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania works to build partnerships that develop and apply technology for competitive advantage.

Since beginning operation, the partnership has helped to create 18,056 jobs for Pennsylvania workers and retain 31,840 existing jobs, start 511 new companies and develop 1,733 new products and processes. Its clients have generated $1.5 billion in follow-on funding since 2007.

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County officials said Wednesday at the commissioners meeting that they believe the demolition program to take down decrepit buildings has succeeded, and will seek more money to continue it.

“We’re close to the maximum of $1.4 million,” commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said.

County Administrator Gary R. Bender said 94 buildings either have been or are contracted to be demolished under the auspices of the program. However, he said there are lots more around the county that could be razed and the program needs to be continued.

“It’s only scratched the surface of what needs to be done,” he said.

Halcovage and Commissioner Gary J. Hess said they will work with the county’s state legislative delegation — state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, and state Reps. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, Jerry Knowles, R-124, and Mike Tobash, R-125 — to obtain additional state money to continue the program.

“We’re working hard with (Goodman and Argall) to get funding for the next round,” Bender said. The current grant will run out on June 30, 2019, according to Bender.

“I want to commend all of the municipal leaders for getting their structures into the program,” he said, adding that officials want more money than is left in the program. “We’ve had good cooperation from everybody. It’s a very successful program.”

Hess also said the program has encouraged municipalities to make sure property owners maintain their buildings.

“You see a lot of (local) efforts” in addition to the county program, he said. “We’re working on some more revenue.”

In the latest part of the program, Halcovage and Hess — Commissioner Frank J. Staudenmeier was absent — extended the time for the demolition of 233-235 W. Oak St., Shenandoah, to July 21. Kass Contracting, Shenandoah, will demolish the structure.

Bender said the commissioners extended the time for the project because the borough originally was going to do it.

Also, the commissioners reaffirmed the awarding to Kass Contracting of the $18,500 contract for the demolition of the building at West Coal and Race streets in Shenandoah.

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6014

The Pottsville fireworks will launch from General George A. Joulwan Park at 9:30 p.m. today.

The city’s event surrounding the fireworks will be held at Union Station starting at 7:30 p.m. Leo Haley will be master of ceremonies and the program will include the Third Brigade Band, Pottsville Joint Veterans Color Guard, Winter Carnival royalty, Crimson Academy, Marie Flynn, Mayor James T. Muldowney and city council members.

The concert by Third Brigade Band will start at 8:30 p.m., followed by the fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Police: DUI driver had gun, silencer

SHENANDOAH — Shenandoah police said Wednesday they filed charges against a Pottsville man who was found during a traffic stop with a rifle and homemade silencer and that a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Patrolman David Stamets charged Edward L. Harley, 47, of 35 White Lane, with firearms not to be carried without a license, prohibitive offensive weapons, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI-controlled substance and display of registration plate violations.

Stamets said he conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of West Penn Street around 12:20 a.m. April 16 and found the driver, Harley, under the influence.

Inside the vehicle, Stamets said, police found a .40-caliber pistol under the driver’s seat. Also inside was a semi-automatic rifle with a homemade silencer fastened to the barrel, a bullet in the chamber and a magazine containing 32 rounds of ammunition.

Harley submitted to a blood test that determined he had levels of amphetamine in his system at the time of the stop, Stamets said.

Stamets said that on June 15, Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, issued a felony arrest warrant for Harley and that the warrant remains active.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Harley is asked to call Shenandoah police through the Schuylkill County Communications Center at 570-462-1991.

PSP Schuylkill Haven to conduct patrols

SUMMIT STATION — State police at Schuylkill Haven reported they will be increasing enforcement details to combat DUI.

Sgt. Tracy Flynn, station commander, said that every year thousands of people get injured or killed in alcohol- and controlled substance-related crashes throughout the state.

The Pennsylvania State Police, he said, are committed to making highways throughout the state a safer place to travel.

With this in mind, Flynn said, the Schuylkill Haven station will be increasing DUI patrols, which will also include a sobriety checkpoint, this weekend.

“The increased patrols will look for operators under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and will take appropriate enforcement action,” Flynn said.

MAHANOY CITY — Increasing mandated costs to school districts continue to put a strain on budgets and cause tax increases to keep up was the message from Mahanoy Area Business Administrator John J. Hurst at Thursday’s school board meeting.

Hurst commented on a recent “School District Budget Report” from the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials and the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators after the board formally adopted its proposed general fund budget for the 2018-19 fiscal/school year that included a 1.7-mill real estate tax increase.

Hurst distributed the report to board members and administration and spoke of the challenges. More than 300 school districts participated in the study.

“Basically, to summarize, the fiscal deterioration continues, as the headline states. Most schools again are treading water at this point,” Hurst said.

The study asked how each school district anticipated the financial condition would be in 2018-19 as compared to the current school year, with 48 percent responding that it will be worse, 45 percent to be the same, and 7 percent that it will be better.

The opening summary of the report states, “As we review the survey results each year, we are always hopeful that the financial challenges that have plagued many districts in the past several years are beginning to diminish. We are often surprised to find little to no indication that the financial condition of school districts has improved significantly. Unfortunately, this year is no different, and districts, in general, continue to be focused on maintaining current operations while continuing to make cuts to counter rising mandated costs. Some districts have begun recovery, but no one has fully recovered. Districts across Pennsylvania continue to struggle to make ends meet and balance budgets without negatively impacting educational programming.”

Hurst said Mahanoy Area’s budget is impacted like many other districts in the county as evidenced by real estate tax increases.

“What you will see in that report is one of the biggest cost drivers, and you’re probably sick of hearing me say this, is charter schools. That is creating a challenge for all schools, as well as the other cost drivers of pensions and special education,” he said.

Hurst also remarked on the state budget: “The state budget went through quickly this year. The governor got the $100 million he requested for the basic education subsidy. However, the special education amount was $5 million less at $15 million as opposed to $20 million asked for. Unfortunately, the one thing that was kicked down the road again was charter school costs. I’ve seen over the last two weeks that most of the schools in the county are raising taxes, and I will bet every one of them cite charter school costs as a major cost driver. I think it would be safe to say that if we didn’t have to pay those charter school costs, we would be financially solvent and there would be no need for a tax increase.”

Hurst requested everyone reach out to legislators about the charter school issue.

The formal budget was the same as the tentative budget, voted on at the May meeting, with total expenditures of $18,707,336, which is an increase of $547,878 (3.02 percent) over 2017-18. The projected total revenue of $18,359,746 shows an increase of $495,486 (2.77 percent) over the current year’s budget.

The real estate tax increase of 1.7 mills would raise current millage of 47.9 mills to 49.6 mills. Each mill brings in about $83,000 in tax revenue. The new millage will result in an average increase of $30.53 per taxpayer. He wrote, “As a result, for every $1,000 in assessed value, a taxpayer pays $49.60, which means the average Mahanoy Area SD taxpayer will pay $890.76 in taxes.”

The deficit of $347,590 between revenues and expenditures will be come from the uncommitted fund balance, which will reduce it from $778,736 to $431,146 by the end of the 2018-19 fiscal year. The school district will have a net increase in the Public School Employees’ Retirement System of about $45,000 and a net increase in health care costs of approximately $157,000.

The vote was 5-2 in favor of the budget and annual tax levy resolution. In favor were Nancy Boyle, Steve Gnall, Daniel Lynch, Jim Mitchell and Karen Yedsena. Voting against were board President Jay Hanley and Michael Mistishen. Absent were Gary Gnall and John Honus.

All other taxes remain the same: occupation tax $130; real estate transfer tax: 0.5 percent; earned income tax: 0.5 percent; occupational privilege tax: $5; amusement tax: 5 percent.

The board also approved unanimously the final cafeteria fund budget that has total revenues at $905,615 and expenses at $892,580. Lunch and breakfast prices remain the same. Breakfasts and lunches for all elementary and secondary students are free regardless of eligibility, and adult prices are $1.75 for breakfast and $3.70 for lunch.

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

TOWER CITY — Taxes for Williams Valley School District residents will remain stable for the 2018-19 school year.

The school board, by a 7-0 vote, Thursday approved the final general fund budget with expenditures of $16,377,663 and revenues of $16,006,767. Earlier this month, the board approved the tax resolution in support of the budget.

Directors Tedd Johns and Michael Minnich were absent.

Real estate taxes will remain at 16.46 mills for Dauphin County residents and 34.68 mills for Schuylkill County residents.

The median assessed valuation for property in Dauphin County is $45,600 and $18,000 in Schuylkill County.

Other levies are two $5 per capita taxes and a $205 occupation tax.

The board held a half-hour executive session to discuss personnel.

In other action, the board approved:

• An agreement with Yellow Breeches Educational Center Inc., of Carlisle, reflecting nine paid tuition slots for the 2018-19 school year at a cost of $27,700 per student and one free academic slot, and $5,563 for transportation, a total cost of $299,367 payable in 10 monthly installments.

• $49,205 change order to the parking lot repaving project, plus the cost of curbing and speed bump material at Viking Stadium.

• Repairs to Viking Stadium field lights at a cost not to exceed $18,000. The work will be performed by Fannick Electric of Frackville, and the materials will be purchased from Fromm Electric Supply Co., Schuylkill Haven.

• Hiring Katelyn Neiswender, of Fredericksburg, as assistant band director; Tiffany Esterline, of Muir, as color guard instructor; and Kristen Perdew, of Ashland, as assistant volleyball coach. Joshua Evans, of Fredericksburg, was appointed as a volunteer percussion instructor for the 2018-19 school year.

• Granting tenure to Kristin Baker, Alexis Franko and Heather Shertzer who each completed three consecutive years of satisfactory teaching with the district. Tenure for Elise Bordner Sweger did not get enough votes from the board, with directors Daniel Stroup, Christopher Stroup, John Mika and Jennifer Kramer voting no.

• Hiring attorney Nicholas Quinn as school solicitor for the 2018-19 school year.

• An employment contract to rehire 15 temporary professional employees. The board, by a 7-0 vote, did not approve the rehiring of Ashley Brennan.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — In recent Schuylkill County Court action, Judge John E. Domalakes accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Jennifer Adams, 49, of Lyons, New Jersey; driving under the influence, no rear lights and seat belt violation; 72 hours to six months in prison, $1,035 in fines, $300 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $520 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew charges of violation of parking regulations, improper tires and violation of restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Dustin R. Ballard, 39, of Pottsville; four counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, two of possession of drug paraphernalia and one each of possession of a small amount of marijuana and false identification to law enforcement; two to four years in a state correctional institution, $200 in SAEF payments and $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, with sentence effective at 9 a.m. July 16. Prosecutors withdrew three counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of operating vehicle without required financial responsibility.

Albin Kaminsky, 43, of Shenandoah; possession of drug paraphernalia, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct; 12 months probation, $50 in fines and $100 SAEF payment. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of possession of a controlled substance.

Joseph G. Klinger, 39, of Shenandoah; disorderly conduct; 12 months probation.

Karen A. Krainik, 47, of Pottsville; three counts of Medicaid fraud and one each of theft by deception and tampering with public records; three to 18 months on house arrest with electronic monitoring, two years consecutive probation, $50 CJEA payment, $3,461.60 restitution to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities, with sentence effective on July 16. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of unlawful use of a computer.

Justin L. Lindenmuth, 36, of Pottsville; DUI, driving under suspension and no rear lights; 72 hours to six months in prison, $1,225 in fines, $100 SAEF payment, $400 restitution to Lehigh Valley Health Network and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of operating vehicle without valid inspection.

Canei B. Miller, 28, of Pottsville; driving under suspension, restraint systems violation, seat belt violation and unlawful activities; $275 in fines. Prosecutors withdrew charges of possession of a controlled substance and failure to carry license.

Samuel F. Pfleegor, 39, of Sunbury; two counts of bad checks; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and $4,020 restitution.

All defendants who were sentenced must pay costs as a part of their sentences.

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6014

Geisinger Hospital, Danville

To Michael Pecika Jr. and Tiffany Blashock, Mahanoy City, a daughter, June 21. Maternal grandparent is Susan Blashock, Pottsville. Paternal grandparent is Michael Pecika Sr., Park Place.

POTTSVILLE — Helping out animals at the Hillside SPCA can be as simple as donating a blanket, toy or medicine in a cardboard box at area businesses.

The Pottsville Lions Club has put out boxes at four area businesses: Miss Doolittles, 117 W. Norwegian St.; Sasha’s Canine Bakery, 1415 Bunting St.; Fish and Beyond Pet Center, 420 Nichols St.; and Hadesty’s Ace Hardware, all of Pottsville.

Each business offers pet-related items or services.

“It is our duty to help those less fortunate,” said Debbie Altobelli, Pottsville, a member of the Pottsville Lions Club.

Earlier this year, Dana Smith-Mansell, a volunteer with the Hillside SPCA, spoke to the Lions Club about what the SPCA does.

The Christmas in July effort was launched. Boxes will be out through July 21.

“We just want to do something for the animals,” Terry Harvey, secretary of the Pottsville Lions Club, said.

He said it is “gut-wrenching” how animals end up at the shelter.

Smith-Mansell said more than 200 cats call the shelter home, and at least 80 dogs and eight rabbits.

She said the shelter is appreciative of the support of the Lions and community.

Items needed include medicine like Pepcid and Pepto-Bismol; blankets, sheets, quilts, sturdy toys for dogs like Nylabone or Kong toys and treats; cleaning supplies such as industrial mops and brooms; snow shovels, bleach, window cleaner and paper towels. Gas cards for vehicles used to transport animals are also appreciated, Smith-Mansell said.

Missie Mattei, owner of Miss Doolittles, said she is happy to help out.

“It’s a community effort to help unwanted dogs,” she said.

She said the small ways people help out by donating items can have a big impact.

“Everybody’s small way helps the bigger picture” of making life a little better for the animals at the shelter, Mattei said.

Patti Lanz, owner of Sasha’s Canine Bakery, said no donation is too small.

If you can’t make it to any of the sites, donations are also accepted at the shelter, 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

For 242 years on July 4, Americans will have celebrated the birth of the nation, but as celebrations wind down and friends and families head home, law enforcement reminds all that “buzzed driving is drunk driving.”

Schuylkill County police and the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration remind everyone that any time you drive under the influence of alcohol, you put people in danger.

During the 2016 Fourth of July period — July 2 to 6 — 188 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher.

According to David Everly, regional coordinator with the North Schuylkill Regional DUI Enforcement Program, that was a 28 percent increase from 2015, during which 146 people were killed.

“That’s 188 families who will forever remember Independence Day with a heavy heart and nightmarish memories,” he said. “We want our community to enjoy the holiday, but to do so responsibly. This is why we’ve partnered with NHTSA to get the message out that buzzed driving is drunk driving.”

Everly said the message is very serious.

“This is not a joke and it’s not a time to test the laws … drunk driving is illegal, but it’s also deadly.”

He said drunk driving can be deadly to drivers, passengers and others on the road.

“We’re imploring you, ensure you have a sober driver lined up to get you home safely from your holiday festivities; doing so could save a life,” Everly stressed.

According to NHTSA, 37,461 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2016; 10,497, or 28 percent, of fatalities occurred in a crash during which the driver had an alcohol level over the legal limit of 0.08 percent.

Everly said that with Fourth of July festivities wrapping up in the evening, more cars will be on the roads and that the rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes is higher at night.

During the 2016 July Fourth holiday period, the number of drivers involved in fatal crashes was more than three times higher at night than during the day.

“We need every adult who plans to drive on the Fourth of July to hear us loud and clear,” Everly said. “Drunk driving is deadly. It’s a selfish decision that jeopardizes the lives of many. Work with us and designate a sober driver. If you plan to be the sober driver, then don’t drink, not even one — your friends are relying on you. If you plan on drinking, plan how you will get around without driving.”

Use these safety tips:

• Remember it is never OK to drive after drinking. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride-sharing service

• Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, available on Google Play for Android devices and Apple’s iTunes Store for iOS devices. SaferRide allows users to call a taxi or a predetermined friend, and identifies the user’s location to be picked up.

• Use your community’s sober ride program.

• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911.

• Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

Everly also said the price of drunk driving is not cheap. A DUI arrest could cost you up to $10,000, not to mention the loss of your vehicle and driver’s license.

You could face jail time, higher insurance rates, and hefty expenses from attorney fees, fines, car towing, repairs, and lost work time.

“Imagine trying to explain that to your family, friends or employer,” he said.

Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013

Elizabethville

The Elizabethville Area Historical Society, 100 E. Main St., will hold open houses from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 7 and 21. The site will also be open the first and third Saturdays in August and September. The museum features a Military/First Responder Room, Bender information, military uniforms, pictures of the area from the early 20th century, artifacts and antiques, officials said in a press release. The library contains many books on local history and genealogy. For more information about the society, go online to www.elizabethvillehistory.org or go to Facebook, Elizabethville Area Historical Society.

Pottsville

Patriotic Favorites and Music from the Movies will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at Yuengling Mansion Gardens, 1440 Mahantongo St. The cost is $15 for adults and $12 for seniors/children. People may bring a lunch or have one of Ted’s famous hot dogs plus a cold beverage, according to a release. They may also have a cup of ice cream while enjoying the music. For more information, call 570-628-5158.

Pottsville

An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 7 at the mall office in Fairlane Village mall, Route 61. People 17 and older (16 with parental consent), weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are urged to donate blood. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to arrange for an appointment, call 800-733-2767.

Pottsville

Summer 7 p.m. concerts at Providence Place of Pottsville, 2200 First Ave., will be as follows: July 17, Third Brigade Band, strawberry sundaes served; Aug. 16, John Bauer, peach sundaes served. The concerts are free and open to the public. People planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Stacy by calling 570-628-6950. For more information about Providence Place, go online to www.providence-place.com.

Shenandoah

High school and elementary registration in the Shenandoah Valley School District for the 2018-19 school year will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment only Monday through Thursday, July 9-Aug. 23. Prior to appointment, registration packets must be picked up at the high school office. Items required for parents to register include birth certificate, report card, up-to-date immunization record and (optional) Social Security card. People also should bring any three of the following: Occupancy permit (available at municipal offices), valid driver’s license or vehicle registration card, lease or deed for property of residence, current utility bills, paycheck stub within 30 days with name and address. To register or for more information, call 570-462-1957.

William Penn

The William Penn Fire Company, Mount Olive Boulevard (Route 54 just west of Shenandoah), is having an “Almost Armondo’s” unbaked pizza sale with an advance order deadline of July 16. The cost is $10 for plain, $12 for pepperoni and 75 cents extra for hot sauce. To order, call 570-462-0338 or 570-590-4397. Orders can be picked up after 3 p.m. on July 20. Officials said in a release there will be no walk-ins or deliveries.

Shenandoah Heights

The popular M&J Big Band will present a concert from 2 to 3 p.m. July 14 at Ridgeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, 200 Pennsylvania Ave. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

Summit Station

People may preview what’s to come at the 2018 Schuylkill County Fair — to be held July 30-Aug. 4 at the fairgrounds here — by picking up brochures at various places of business as well as at events and other establishments throughout the county. For more information about the fair, go to its website at www.schuylkillfair.com or follow the fair on Twitter on Facebook.

Valley View

The Cressona Band will appear in concert at 3 p.m. today at Valley View Park, Gap Street. The rain location for the free performance will be Tri-Valley High School. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-622-8784.

This year, Pennsylvanians can celebrate Independence Day with a bigger bang.

For decades, state law limited the residents of the commonwealth to the enjoyment of sparklers, fountains and other grade-school level pyrotechnics. Meanwhile, people in other, less nervous states could celebrate with high-octane explosives. That changed with the passage of the state’s 2018 budget. Now, Pennsylvanians may purchase and use Class C fireworks that include classic firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets and their kin — explosives with a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material.

Adam Hull and his parents, Jeff and Dawn, who have an independent roadside fireworks tent in the Cressona Mall parking lot, have seen the difference.

“People are only coming in pretty much for the bigger fireworks,” Adam Hull said.

“Sales have been unbelievable. Everybody’s going right for the mortars and aerials,” Jeff Hull said.

Adam Hull said he enjoyed running the stand when he was younger, but 12 years ago his parents gave it up after running a stand four times. At his insistence, the family discussed going back into business in April, before setting up shop in the corner of the mall parking lot near the road to Burger King.

“I figured why not give it one more shot. And it’s the year for big fireworks,” Adam Hull said.

Despite the long hours, Jeff Hull agreed with his son. Selling fireworks is “oddly fun,” he said.

“It truly is. It’s exciting. It’s fun. It’s fun to talk to people. It’s a good thing to do if you have the time,” Jeff Hull said.

Jeff Hull recommended customers not wait until the last minute to buy their fireworks because people were buying hard early in the week.

While the laws have loosened, not everything that goes bang can be bought. Display fireworks, which according to the Pennsylvania State Police website are classified as “including salutes that contain more than two grains or 130 milligrams of explosive materials, and professional-grade aerial shells containing more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions,” are still only to be used by professionals with a permit from the municipality where the display will take place.

There remain restrictions on where fireworks can be used. They cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without express permission of the property owner; they cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building; they cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building; they cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure; and they cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug.

Fireworks can be bought at any licensed facility, including temporary ones. Temporary structures can sell fireworks between the dates of June 15 to July 8 and Dec. 21 to Jan. 2.

Along with the Hulls, other temporary or independent fireworks sites are set up in the county.

At 400 Terry Rich Boulevard, Saint Clair, in the parking lot across from the Taco Bell, Tom and Colleen Griffin are selling fireworks. They’ve had a stand for the last 15 straight years, 11 in their current location.

“People are buying those things, Class C. Customers seem really excited about it,” Colleen Griffin said.

One of the most popular items is the Artillery Shell WB011 with 12 different special effects. Another is the Laser Candles. Both expect new types of fireworks to bring customers in. Tom Griffin said sales have been fair but slow in the early part of the week, but they won’t know how well they do until the later part of the week.

While the day is made for fun in the sun and a light show at night, precautions should be taken to keep the fun from turning into danger. Chief Michael Combs of the Minersville Police Department said it is too soon to say what effects the new law allowing people to buy Class C fireworks will have on people in the area, but new law or not, the biggest problem is people doing unsafe things with fireworks.

“These things are explosive. Every year people get hurt using these fireworks,” Combs said.

He said those planning to display fireworks should receive permission from the property owner, shoot them in a safe location and be prepared for any issues that may arise, such as administering first aid and having a fire extinguisher on-hand.

He reminded users of the adage: what goes up must come down. In the case of fireworks, the debris doesn’t come straight down. It might end up in the yard of a neighbor who doesn’t want the debris there, so users should be considerate of neighbors, especially those who turn in early.

Port Carbon Chief of Police Joseph Ferraro stressed safety first for those lighting the fuses or watching.

“That’s what we’re looking for,” Ferraro said, alluding to safely handling fireworks.

He also asked people to be respectful of their neighbors and he suggested people watch professionals or research online how to safely use Class C fireworks. He also reminded Port Carbon residents there is a midnight deadline to launch fireworks before police start arriving.

“Hopefully we’ll have no incidents,” Ferraro said.

One of the Hulls’ customers was Robert Cooper of Summit Station early Thursday evening. After browsing a few minutes, he bought a set of Small Festival Balls and an assortment pack called The Perfect Show. Cooper said he and his family usually set off fireworks for the holiday and will do so this weekend rather than wait for the actual holiday. He knew about the law change after a work friend told him about it over the winter.

“I’m glad they gave us a bit of responsibility to do this,” Cooper said.

Contact the writer: dbarr@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6011

TOWER CITY — The Tower City and Porter Township community pulled out all the stops on Saturday to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the borough’s settlement in 1868 with a grand parade held appropriately along the town’s Grand Avenue.

The Porter-Tower Sesquicentennial blast was hot in its own right, but the temperatures were at least in the mid- to high 90s in the sunshine, and about 90 degrees in the shade. The torrid temps did not stop people from watching the parade, be it from under tents set up in yards, bringing sun umbrellas or sitting under trees along Grand Avenue and other streets along the parade route. As the sun changed position in the sky, people moved their seating to stay under the shade.

“The parade is coming in hot. Smoking hot,” a spectator yelled as the parade approached.

The 2.6-mile parade contained six divisions and line up on Yohe Street in Reinerton, traveled west on Grand Avenue (state Route 209) to Hand Street, turned left to go to Wiconisco Avenue, where it then went east on Wiconisco to 10th Street, where the parade disbanded in the area of The Midway near the American Legion post.

On Saturday, the nearby American Legion baseball field was used for sesquicentennial activities, where a “Show and Shine” allowed owners of all types of vehicles to show off their cars. There was no fee to enter and no trophies were awarded.

The parade included many different types of cars, with a special emphasis on Jeeps, according to Angie Bixler, who is the vice president of the sesquicentennial committee.

There were two large groups of Jeeps in the parade, totaling more than 120 vehicles. Many Jeeps held veterans who were honored by the people lining the streets, and some Jeeps had signs with photos in honor or memory of a military veteran. A major sponsor of the Jeep rally was Schuylkill County Jeep Alliance.

The Porter-Tower Lions Club’s float showed that the organization has a bit of pull by getting Santa and Mrs. Claus to be part of the parade.

There were about 65 entries in the parade, Bixler said, though she pointed out that all of the Jeeps were only one entry.

“It’s going to be a long parade,” Bixler said, pleased with the great interest of so many people participating in the historic event. Committee President Michael Brennan announced the entries as they passed his location, and Bixler streamed the parade live on Facebook for those who could not see it in person.

“We are concerned about the heat, but we do have water stations everywhere. We’ll have buckets of water for the horses. We have taken that into consideration,” Bixler said. “We have porta-potties at the school square, at the Legion and at the fire station in Reinerton.”

The Christ United Methodist Church volunteers were busy before and during the parade preparing grilled hot dogs and serving cold water and snacks, all provided for free.

Tower City’s oldest resident, Sue Korab, 97, rode in style in the parade, getting applause as she passed through the crowds.

The parade had the Hawk Mountain Highlanders, Schuylkill County Equestrian 4-H Club, Tower City American Legion Post 468 “Brothers of the Brush,” Zembo Shrine Sports Car Unit, fire trucks, Army vehicles, farm tractors, Williams Valley Viking Pride Marching Band, American Legion Riders, Northeast Variety Band and much more. The last unit in the parade was from the Reinerton Volunteer Fire Company.

According to Wikipedia, Tower City was founded by and named for Charlemagne Tower, a New York-born lawyer who had come to Schuylkill County in 1846 to work with the legal issues regarding land claims to large coal and mineral deposits in that area. His first Pennsylvania practice was located in Orwigsburg, and then relocated to Pottsville in 1850 when it was made the Schyulkill County seat.

Not long after Tower came to Pottsville, he began furiously purchasing and clearing liens to lands containing large anthracite deposits in and around Schuylkill County.

In 1867, Tower decided to start selling the lands, wanting to realize his interest in them. Unfortunately, he could not find a buyer at the time due to the title issues. Deciding instead to establish collieries on the land, in March 1868 he leased 1,503 acres to two independent coal companies. It was a 15-year term, with a rental of 30 cents for each ton of coal mined. The companies placed two collieries on the land, the Tower (later known as East Brookside) and the Brookside. Near the collieries, Tower began to develop a small town, which was named Tower City when first surveyed. Tower laid out the town, and rented lots to settlers. The town was up and running by mid-1872, and immediately suffered a housing shortage. After these initial growing pains, the town grew steadily due to the collieries, and was officially incorporated on Dec. 19, 1892, as a borough from Porter Township.

Contact the writer; jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

Frackville Rotary

Brian Dziczek, a son of Joseph and Michele Dziczek, was honored as Frackville Rotary student of the month for March at a meeting at Cracker Barrel Restaurant, Frackville.

Brian, who will be a senior this coming school year, is a distinguished honor student and participates in college classes. He is a member of Teens Against Tobacco, STEM and the robotics team and volunteers in Gordon with the Children’s Fishing Rodeo and with the North Schuylkill football team. He was a starter on the varsity football team as an offensive tackle/defensive end.

A member of St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Frackville, Brian plans to attend college and study mechanical engineering.

Nathan Griffin, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Griffin, Frackville, was honored as Frackville Rotary student of the month for April at a meeting at Cracker Barrel Restaurant, Frackville.

An honor student, he is a varsity football and track athlete and participates in Teens Against Tobacco and STEM.

Nathan plans to attend college and major in engineering.

Mahanoy Area

Mahanoy Area High School 2018 graduates Leah Van Horn and Willie J. Streisel Jr. were named students of the month for April, as announced by Mahanoy City Elks Lodge 695.

Leah is a daughter of Lee and Anne Van Horn, Mahanoy City. Her high school activities included National Honor Society, student council, Olweus Youth Leadership, Areascope, choir, Interact secretary, SADD, Teens Against Tobacco, Theatre Arts, swim team, and track and field.

She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and youth swimming. She was also a homecoming candidate.

Leah is a member of ACTION Youth Group, and a church greeter and youth group member at St. Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church, Mahanoy City. She plans to attend Penn State University and major in biomedical engineering.

Willie is a son of Willie J. Streisel Sr. and Danielle Streisel. His high school activities included Olweus Youth Leadership, band, choir, Interact, SADD, Teens Against Tobacco, Theatre Arts, cross country captain, swim team, track and field captain and wrestling.

Willie was an escort for homecoming and also crowned homecoming king. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, youth track and cross country.

Willie is an acolyte, church greeter and usher at St. Paul’s Church, Mahanoy City. He plans to attend Penn State University and major in special education.

Mahanoy Area High School 2018 graduates Natasha Cunningham and Jordan McGee were named students of the month for May, as announced by Mahanoy City Elks Lodge 695.

Natasha is a daughter of Carla Cunningham, Mahanoy City, and Daniel Cunningham, Mahanoy City. Her high school activities included National Honor Society, Olweus Youth Leadership, Areascope, band front, cheerleading, choir, Interact, Spanish Club, SADD and Teens Against Tobacco.

She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and a homecoming candidate. Natasha plans to attend Kutztown University and major in biology/forensics.

Jordan is a son of Michele Wagner, Mahanoy City, and Robert McGee, Saint Clair. His high school activities included National Honor Society, Schuylkill County Academic Team, Bloomsburg Math Contest Team, Interact, Spanish Club, SADD and Teens Against Tobacco.

He was also a participant in the Young Men’s Youth Symposium and served as a basketball team captain. He was a volunteer for youth basketball and Meals on Wheels.

Jordan plans to attend Marywood University, Scranton, and major in architecture.

Mahanoy Middle

Mahanoy Area Junior High School students Emily Hartranft and Taylor Walsh were named students of the month for April through a program sponsored by the Mahanoy City Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 695.

Emily, a daughter of Jolene Miller and George Budihas, Delano, is a distinguished honor roll student who is involved in National Junior Honor Society and band.

Taylor, a daughter of William and Kimberly Walsh, Barnesville, is a distinguished honor roll student who is involved in band, chorus, National Junior Honor Society, ski club, student council, Theatre Arts, basketball, intramurals and track and field. She is an altar server at St. Richard Roman Catholic Church, Barnesville.

Madilyn Rick and Kaylee Valinski were named Mahanoy Area Junior High students of the month for May.

Madilyn, a daughter of Joseph and Jessica Rick, Barnesville, is a distinguished honor roll student. Her activities include band, chorus, Theatre Arts and track and field. Madilyn is also an altar server at St. Richard Roman Catholic Church, Barnesville, and she has taken dance for 11 years.

Kaylee, a daughter of Steven and Kim Valinski, Mahanoy City, is a distinguished honor roll student who is involved with student council and Theatre Arts. She also participated in the litter cleanup around the school and cleaned sidewalks for elders.

Pine Grove Area

Nilitza Malave and Chloe Readinger were named students of the month for April at Pine Grove Area High School.

Nilitza is a daughter of Jesus Malave and Nilsa Rodriguez, Puerto Rico, and her guardians are Thomas and Melissa Luckenbach, Pine Grove. She studied in the college preparatory curricula.

Her high school activities include track and field, soccer, SADD, FBLA, student council and statistics club.

Nilitza plans to attend Inter-American University of San German, Puerto Rico.

Chloe is a daughter of Lizann White and Donald Readinger, Pine Grove. She studied in the advanced placement, honors and college preparatory curricula.

Chloe’s high school activities included Class of 2018 president, band vice president, National Honor Society, student council, FBLA, FFA, volleyball, statistics club, Cardinal Spotlight Theatre and ski club.

She plans to attend Penn State Schuylkill to obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology and later attend dental school to obtain a doctoral degree in orthodontics.

Tri-Valley Lions

The Valley View Tri-Valley Lions Club hosted Kieffer Quandel, a grandson of Lee and Kay Kieffer, Hegins, as its outstanding student of the arts for April at its April 2 meeting.

Kieffer performed and sang a song that he wrote and composed for the members present at the meeting. He played the roll of the baker in the Tri-Valley High School’s production of “Into The Woods.”

Club President Steven Dietz presented Kieffer with a plaque from the club for his accomplishments. Kieffer said he plans to attend Penn State University to study musical education.

Frackville

The Frackville Senior Citizens group is taking reservations for a trip to American Music Theater for “Songs of the Silver Screen” at 3 p.m. July 19. A family-style lunch will be served at noon at Good ’n’ Plenty. For reservations or more information, call Kathy Kraft at 570-874-3531.

Frackville

The Sons of American Legion Post 398 will sponsor a bean soup and food sale beginning at 11 a.m. July 14 at Whippoorwill Dam, Morea Road. For advance tickets, call the post at 570-874-4750 or Joe at 570-874-1108.

Lansford

The Music in the Park program at Kennedy Park will feature soloist Matt Miskie at 6 p.m. today. The park is located near the Panther Valley football stadium. The concert is sponsored by the Lansford Alive Events Committee. Admission is free and people should bring chairs to enjoy the performance.

Orwigsburg

The Third Brigade Band will perform in concert at 7 p.m. July 10 at Orwigsburg Square. The rain date for the performance is July 12. People should bring lawn chairs to enjoy the performance. All are welcome.

Orwigsburg

The Science Night program on July 18 at the Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library is titled “Germs.” Also on July 18, there will be an all-day dine-out at DiMaio’s Mustard Seed Café to benefit the library, officials said in a release. The library is having a “Beach Read” book sale now through August with paperbacks at 10 cents each. At 6 p.m. July 26, there will be a program regarding safe driving and aging by Adaptive Mobility Services, Claudia Gross, library director, said in the release.

Pine Grove

First Congregational Church is sponsoring a day trip Oct. 3 to Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe for the “Real Diamond” show. The cost is $75, which includes meal, show, transportation and tip. The bus will depart from Pine Grove at 10 a.m. For reservations or more information, call Cathy at 570-345-3106.

Pottsville

The 16th annual Stuff the Bus effort will be held during July at the Salvation Army, 400 Sanderson St. “Help us to reach our goal of stuffing 1,400 backpacks to be distributed through agencies in Schuylkill County for the fall school year,” Salvation Army officials said in a release. Volunteers will be needed at the Salvation Army site from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 3 for sorting and setup and from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 6 for backpack stuffing. For more information, call Christine at 570-622-6421 or email dircomre@schuylkillunitedway.org. Concerning another matter, company officials have issued a reminder to members to make gift certificate Bonanza raffle ticket returns by Thursday for the July 8 raffle. Members can make returns after 3 p.m. at the company grill or via deposit in the mailbox. For more information, email jomorris@ptd.net.

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah Rotary Club is continuing its annual flag program, in which people may buy flags in memory or honor of an armed forces person in their lives, according to a club press release. The cost is $20 and buyers will receive certificates as mementos. The certificates will provide information on the honoree, including rank, service years and war service. Certificates will be given out at the M&T Bank Shenandoah branch, Main and Centre streets. To buy a flag, call Marie Poppoff, Shenandoah Senior Living Community, at 570-612-3894, or Mark Bernardyn, M&T Bank, at 570-462-2734.

Tamaqua

The Southern Gospel quartet The Dixie Melody Boys will be featured at 7 p.m. July 26 at Lewistown Valley Tabernacle, 614 Valley Road. The popular group features four-part harmony. All are welcome. For more information, go online to www.dixiemelodyboys.com.

POTTSVILLE — It was an evening to inspire patriotism and love of country at Union Station on Saturday with a band concert, uplifting poetry and a really big whiz bang finish with a fireworks program.

The city held the 2018 Pottsville Fireworks event starting at 7:30 p.m. at Union Station. Many people attended the annual program and seemed to deal well with the heat and humidity.

Mayor James T. Muldowney stepped up to the podium to welcome everyone to the festivities.

“Welcome to the great City of Pottsville for a Fourth of July celebration,” Muldowney said. “I’d like to thank the people who are enjoying this with us, starting with the Third Brigade Band, the Crimson Academy dancers and our Winter Carnival Royalty.”

The Rev. Christopher M. Zelonis offered a prayer, and was followed by Leo Haley, who was the master of ceremonies.

“To open the program, which we have done for the last 30 years, we’ll ask Pottsville’s own Third Brigade Band to perform a military rendition,” Haley said.

Former members of the Pottsville Joint Veterans Council, representing the Veterans Committee in Pottsville, were called by Haley to advance the colors. As the honor guard stood before the program stand, Marie Flynn sang the national anthem.

The first member of Pottsville royalty to speak was Queen of the Snows Alexandra Mullin. She read the poem “Home of the Brave” by Roger J. Robicheau. Next up was Snowflake Princess Mikaela Tobash, who read “The Flag Goes By” by Henry Holcomb Bennett.

Mullin announced that Snowdrop Princess Kali Grochowski was unable to join them due to her attending a national dance competition in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“After listening to these young ladies, I take exception to those people that the youth of today is lacking in patriotism,” Haley said after the readings. “I’m sure if you listen to these young ladies, you realize that patriotism is alive and well.”

Haley introduced the young girls of Crimson Academy for the Performing Arts, Pottsville, and recognized their abilities and talents as young performers.

Flynn, identified by Haley as “The First Lady of Pottsville Song,” returned to the microphone for a patriotic melody of songs that included “God Bless America,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “This is My Country,” “You’re a Grand Ol’ Flag” and more. Flynn encouraged everyone to sing along.

Haley again introduced the Third Brigade Band for its concert that included patriotic music and songs from modern day composers.

The fireworks program held from Gen. George A. Joulwan Park began after the band concert.

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

Seeking another way to combat the opioid crisis and other forms of drug addiction, officials in Schuylkill County started the Drug Treatment Court in January 2017 using a carrot-and-stick approach to help participants beat their addictions.

Judge James P. Goodman, a former district attorney in the county, helped develop the court and presides over its weekly session each Thursday morning.

Goodman runs each session with less formality than a traditional court proceeding in an effort to make participants more comfortable and allow more participation.

People entering the 14-month program begin with inpatient and outpatient treatment. After they complete the inpatient treatment, they begin to attend the weekly court sessions, often continuing with outpatient treatment and weekly counseling sessions.

They must also submit to random drug testing and home visits, meet with probation officers and comply with directives from the court and those officers.

Each weekly court session features participants reading from their mandatory essays about a particular topic and how the drug court program has affected their views of a chosen aspect of the program.

Sessions also include meting out sanctions of varying severity for participants who have violated program rules and, beginning recently, having raffle-type drawings for small prizes for those who have complied with the rules during the week.

Participants often credit the program with saving their lives, which most recognize have been in a downward spiral.

As they move through the program, participants do not have to come to court every week.

No one has yet completed the program, but some are beginning to get close. This year, the first graduates should be finishing it, according to authorities. With that completion will come dismissal of the charges against them.

So far, five participants have been expelled from the program. All have been sentenced to state prison time.

Goodman told participants at a recent session that the people in it who get in trouble generally do so for the same reason.

“The common theme is that they’re not honest,” he said. “You have to face the consequences. If you don’t they’re going to be a lot worse.”

Lynn Holden, a probation officer who also serves as the treatment court coordinator, recently said that 32 people are in the program, and more are scheduled to be added.

Holden said the court is going well, with the successful participants buying into the idea early.

“Phase One is the most crucial,” she said.

Chief Probation Officer Neil Stefanisko said the participants hold the keys to their own success.

“(They are) dedicated and want to succeed,” he said. “The longer they’re in the program, the easier it is for them to succeed.”

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6014

Rest up in the afternoon so you can be nice and fresh to take in some divine summer stargazing this month. It’s not truly dark enough until after 10:30 p.m., but it’s wonderful when it does finally get dark.

It’s planets a plenty in the evening sky this month. From the later stages of evening twilight to midnight, you’ll be able to see all five of the planets visible to the naked eye. Two of them are also having close encounters with Earth this month.

Venus is the brightest of the planets by far, and the brightest star-like object in the Pottsville night sky. Before evening twilight, it pops out in the low western sky as bright as can be. Right now, it’s about 96 million miles from Earth and over the course of the month, it will draw about 20 million miles closer to the Earth as it continues to orbit around the sun.

Venus is so bright not only because it’s so close to Earth this month, but because the heavy cloak of cloud cover really reflects a lot of sunlight. The clouds make Venus a less than attractive target for your telescope, but what is cool is that Venus goes through phases just like our moon does. That’s because its orbit lies within Earth’s orbit in our solar system, and the angle between the sun, Earth and Venus is always changing. Currently, Venus resembles an oval-shaped gibbous moon, and later on this month it will shrink to a crescent shape.

While you’re gazing at Venus in early July, see if you can spot Mercury a little to the lower right of Venus and closer to the horizon. It won’t be nearly as bright though. Like Venus, Mercury will be more or less a half-moon shape through a telescope. It also goes through phases. On July 14, the new crescent moon will be parked just above Mercury, and on July 15, the moon will have a spectacular celestial hugging with Venus. Don’t miss that.

Meanwhile, the second brightest “star” in the evening sky is Jupiter, popping out of evening twilight fairly high above the southern horizon. Through even a small telescope, you can easily see up to four of Jupiter’s largest moons and maybe some of Jupiter’s brighter cloud bands.

In the low southeastern sky this month, the planet Saturn is on the rise in the vicinity of the constellations Scorpius and Sagittarius. Saturn reached its closest approach to Earth last week, and it’s wonderful to look at the planet and its ring system through a telescope. I’ll have a lot more on Saturn in next week’s Starwatch column.

If you’re a real night owl, look for Mars rising in the low east-southeast sky toward midnight. It’s really bright and really red, and late this month it will reach its closest approach to Earth in 15 years. It’s the biggest story in the night sky in 2018 as far as I’m concerned. If you’ve ever needed an excuse to purchase a telescope, now’s the time to do it. Mars will put on quite a show through most of September. Stay tuned for much more on Mars!

The brightest actual star in the sky this month is Arcturus, the brightest star of the summer sky. At twilight’s end, Arcturus is perched high in the western sky at the tail of a giant kite. That kite is more formally known as the constellation Bootes, the hunting farmer. How the kite is supposed to be a hunting farmer is anyone’s guess. Arcturus is a giant star, more than 22 million miles in diameter and more than 36 light-years distant, with one light-year equivalent to about 6 trillion miles.

In the eastern heavens, you’ll see the prime stars of summer on the rise. As we move through July, they will be a little higher at the start of each night as the Earth passes in their direction while orbiting the sun. The best way to find your way around the summer stars is to locate the “Summer Triangle” made up of three bright stars, the brightest in each of their respective constellations. You can’t miss them. They’re the brightest stars in the east right now.

The highest and brightest star is Vega, the bright star in a small faint constellation called Lyra the Harp. The second brightest star on the lower right is Altair, the brightest in Aquila the Eagle. Altair is on the corner of a diamond that outlines the wingspan of the great bird. The third brightest at the left corner of the summer triangle is Deneb, a star possibly at least 1,500 light-years away. It’s also the brightest star in the tail of Cygnus the Swan. Cygnus is known as the “Northern Cross” because that’s what it really looks like. Deneb is at the head of the Northern Cross, presently laying on its side as it rises in the east.

In the northern sky, look for the Big Dipper hanging from its handle in the northwest, along with the fainter Little Dipper standing on its handle. The moderately bright star Polaris, otherwise known as the North Star, is at the end of the Little Dipper’s handle. Every single thing in the sky, including the sun and the moon, appear to revolve around Polaris every 24 hours.

Enjoy the short, but starry planet-filled nights of July 2018!

(Lynch, an amateur astronomer and professional broadcast meteorologist, can be reached at mikewlynch@comcast.net)