HARRISBURG — School property tax relief is at center stage of a top-level effort to end the five-month state budget stalemate.

A proposal to use new state sales tax revenue to provide property tax cuts for homeowners is part of an emerging compromise framework for a budget deal announced last week by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and legislative leaders of both parties.

The framework provides for increasing the state sales tax rate to 7.25 percent from 6 percent and putting the additional revenue into a new fund for property tax relief. Meanwhile, the state’s share of revenue from slot machines at the casinos that now goes for property tax relief would be diverted into a special fund to pay down Pennsylvania’s public pension debt.

The net effect could be an additional $1.4 billion annually for property tax relief.

Some estimates put a potential property tax cut in the 15 percent range, but Wolf spokesman Jeff Sheridan isn’t acknowledging that.

“All details are being worked out,” he said.

The fund switch is seen by observers as accomplishing these goals: The sales tax hike would generate more revenue each year for property tax cuts than slot machine revenue currently does. More than $783 million in slots revenue went for property tax cuts of about $200 per household this year.

Diverting slot machine revenue to a dedicated fund for pension debt would please Wall Street bond-rating agencies. They have downgraded Pennsylvania’s credit rating in recent years due in part to the mounting debt.

The House and Senate are in session this week, but it’s uncertain when the estimated 30 to 40 bills that could be part of a budget package will be agreed to, written and ready for a vote.

Boosting school funding by $350 million and changing pension benefits for future state government and school district employees and the state liquor store system are part of the framework, too. It’s one of the biggest public policy undertakings in Harrisburg in decades.

Key details about those proposals and how new revenue would be distributed statewide for school funding and property tax relief have yet to be made public or provided to rank-and-file lawmakers.

“This is all murky,” Terry Madonna, Ph.D., pollster at Franklin & Marshall College, said. “We’re speculating from a framework.”

Adding to the drama, the Senate could vote this week on a bill to replace school property taxes with revenue from a combination of state sales and income tax hikes.

The bill sponsor, Sen. David Argall, R-29, said this would be the first time the Senate has voted on the bill since its introduction several years ago.

He has said that property tax cuts as envisioned in the framework can be undone if school boards approve future property tax hikes.

A bill co-sponsor, Sen. John Yudichak, D-14, Plymouth Township, said supporters want a floor vote on the property tax elimination bill first before they consider anything else.

Yudichak said he has concerns about the property tax proposal outlined in the framework. Few consider the current method for distributing property tax relief with slots revenue a success, he added.

There is speculation the framework will close current exceptions available to school districts to avoid public referendums on property tax increases.

Imposing mandatory back-end referendums would have a devastating impact on school districts’ control of their budgets and ability to provide quality education, said the Campaign for Fair Education Funding, a coalition of education groups, including teachers unions and school administration associations.

ASHLAND — A Connecticut man was jailed Sunday by borough police on threat and related charges.

Geoshawa R. Atkins, 29, of 15 Lilac St., East Hartford, was charged by Patrolman Philip Schlegel with recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, terroristic threats, criminal trespass, harassment, criminal mischief and public drunkenness. He was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $5,000 straight cash bail.

Schlegel said the charges stem from an incident that occurred about 12:10 p.m. at 100 N. Ninth St. He said officers were called there for a report of a man who was out of control and had already left the area.

Schlegel said police spoke to a man and two women who reported that Atkins came to the home highly intoxicated, started to act out of control and threatened the man before slamming and breaking a window.

About 1:20 p.m., Schlegel said officers returned to the house where they found the two woman outside crying and screaming, saying Atkins was inside possibly going after their male friend with a knife.

Inside, Schlegel said police met the male resident who had two baseball bats in his hands and said he had the items because Atkins threatened to come after him with a knife.

Schlegel said he was told that Atkins was upstairs in a back bedroom and that the man obeyed commands to go to the top of the stairs and show his hands. Atkins was taken into custody while yelling and screaming.

Back at the police station, Schlegel said Atkins continued to yell and scream, refused to stop and at one point kicked a desk near a bench to which he was secured. When told to stop, Atkins began to bang his head off a wall, saying he was doing so to cause damage, Schlegel said.

Schlegel said Atkins will have to appear for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, at a later date.

The Majestic Players showed audiences a “Whole New World” over the weekend with two casts performing “Aladdin Jr.” at the Majestic Theater.

Based on the hit Disney movie and Broadway show, the story tells of street rat Aladdin who, with the help of his new friend, the Genie, seeks the love of Princess Jasmine while fighting off the evil Jafar.

A junior cast with performers ages 6 to 13 had shows at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. The senior cast consisted of high school students who performed at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

“A lot of the kids have asked for it,” Lisa Gillespie, director, said Sunday. “It works well with the two different age groups.”

It is Gillespie’s third production with the Majestic Players. She served as assistant director for the March performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and July’s “Rent.”

She said everyone loves being part of Disney productions.

“It’s a really popular show,” she said.

The Majestic Players were formed in late 2014 to keep a performing group in the Pottsville theater following the departure of the Actors Guild of Schuylkill County. They have about 50 members. Each of the casts for “Aladdin Jr.” had about 25 members.

The junior cast leads sat in the first row for the senior performance Sunday afternoon.

“Drama is my thing, and I love doing it,” James Malek, a fifth-grade student at D.H.H. Lengel Middle School, said. “It’s fun and it keeps me occupied.”

“I really like the show ‘Aladdin,’ ” Emily Hart, a fourth-grade student at Minersville Area Elementary Center, said. “I like the songs.”

The senior cast leads are both high school seniors.

“Obviously, we love to perform,” Lauren Tidmore, Blue Mountain High School, said. “We take every opportunity we can to be on stage and it’s rare to have that opportunity outside of school productions. To have a theater in the county that provides that opportunity is incredible.”

Taylor Brigade, Pottsville Area, said Aladdin was one of his favorite Disney movies growing up.

“I grew up on Disney movies and this is the magic behind them,” he said.

“The play is so colorful and fun and Jasmine is just such a strong character,” Tidmore said.

Both Tidmore and Brigade said they are looking to continue learning about musical theater next year in college.

The theater was nearly full for the Sunday afternoon show and the entire audience gave a standing ovation as the cast came to the stage for the curtain call.

“I thought it was great,” Doug Mullin, Pottsville, said. “They have the best performers in the county.”

Mullin’s daughter, Jillian, was one of the featured dancers in the senior cast.

“It’s a great outlet for them instead of only having sports,” Marie Weikel, Pottsville, said.

Weikel’s grandson, Wesley Evans, played one of the guards in the senior cast.

During the curtain call, Tidmore and the cast thanked Gillespie and the Majestic Theater for the opportunity to perform.

“We thank you for giving us a safe haven to do what we love,” Tidmore said. “We are so lucky to have the Majestic Theater and the Majestic Players.”

In recent Schuylkill County Court action, Judge James P. Goodman accepted guilty pleas from and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed sentences on these people:

Brian Dietrick, 44, of Coal Township — delivery of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without a license and operating vehicle without required financial responsibility; 16 to 32 months in a state correctional institution, $500 in fines, $200 in Substance Abuse Education Fund payments, $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew an additional count of possession of drug paraphernalia and charges of criminal use of a communication facility, possession of a controlled substance, false identification to law enforcement, driving under suspension-DUI related and failure to carry registration.

Nathan G. Fritz, 27, of Tamaqua — theft; three to 23 months in prison and $110 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of receiving stolen property.

William J. Higgins, 21, of Pottsville — two charges of possession of drug paraphernalia; time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, $100 SAEF payment and $50 bench warrant fee.

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

FRACKVILLE — The borough council amended an ordinance that changes the maximum fine for the parking of large trucks, buses and other vehicles on borough streets.

The adoption amends Ordinance 2012-5 by raising the maximum fine from $10 to $600 plus costs.

The 2012 ordinance, which was an amendment to a motor vehicle ordinance adopted in 1998, made it unlawful for any person “to park, or to allow to remain parked, upon any street or highway within the borough any motor vehicle having an unloaded weight of more than four tons. The vehicle owner/operator had the option to pay $10 within 48 hours of the issuance of the violation by borough police.”

The 2012 ordinance also restricted motor vehicles with unloaded weight of driving in both directions along Arch Street between Lehigh Avenue and Line Street unless for the purpose of making local deliveries or pickups.

Councilman Bradley Gotshall said after the meeting that the original $10 fine was too low for it to have any impact.

“The ordinance is just increasing the penalty to a maximum of $600,” Gotshall said. “These tractor-trailers just park out on our streets and run all night. They wake people up and drivers can’t see around them. If you slap them with a $10 fine, they’ll just continue to park it there. It’s cheaper than getting a lot to park on.”

In other business, the borough council awarded the trash collection and recycling pickup contract for the next three years to County Waste of PA (Kreitzer Sanitation Inc.). Bids were opened at the Oct. 14 council meeting and were tabled for review for action at Wednesday’s meeting.

County Waste will collect residential waste for a total of $390,400 over the three years with this breakdown: first year, $121,800; second year, $132,600; and third year, $136,000.

The total for recycling collection for three years is $86,400, with each year at $28,800.

Gotshall pointed out that the cost for trash collection in 2015 is $132,600, so the borough will see a reduction of $10,800 for 2016.

Resident Judy Ragazinsky asked about recycling compliance, saying that it is mandatory to do so.

“People do not recycle. I’m one person, and I have two bins of recycling,” Ragazinsky said.

“It’s foolish not to recycle. There is no excuse,” Gotshall said.

According to the borough code on solid waste regarding recycling, “Recyclables may not be disposed of, placed at curbside or any other location for pick-up while mixed with other materials, mixed with other waste or placed in landfills by any individuals, firm or corporation. The Borough of Frackville will establish what materials are recyclable by rules and/or regulations from time to time. The borough may dispose of recyclables as it sees fit and shall establish rules and regulations pertaining to the storage, disposal and pick-up of recyclables from time to time.”

“Is that a code issue enforcing recycling?” council President Ronald Jordan asked.

“I don’t think it is and I don’t know if you have an ordinance enforcing recycling,” Mayor Kim Phillips said.

Councilwoman Karen Domalakes said there is an ordinance on the books that was adopted when the borough first began recycling in the 1990s.

“When we used to recycle, that ordinance was never repealed, so it’s still on the books,” Domalakes said.

“So when we send out the trash bills at the beginning of the year, we can add that it is mandatory to recycle and we’re encouraging everybody to do so,” Phillips said.

Ragazinsky said it is frustrating to see people not recycling and that it will be a big project to enforce the ordinance.

“It’s not fair to the rest of us,” Ragazinsky said. “I’m alone and I put out two bins almost always. It aggravates me when I can go by the next day (after recycling day) and see all the big cardboard boxes in the regular garbage.”

The Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, which turned 40 this year, is looking to its future.

“We’re getting ready for a capital campaign,” Sandra Coyle, SCCA’s executive director, said Tuesday, when a collection of SCCA supporters gathered at its headquarters at 1440 Mahantongo St., Pottsville.

“It’s in the planning stages,” Joanne K. Hively, SCCA board member, said.

“We’ll announce it in a couple months, January or February, maybe,” Coyle said.

On Tuesday, members of the board talked a bit about the focus.

“It’s infrastructure,” Beth Pillus, SCCA board member, said.

For the most part, the new fundraising effort will focus on improvements to the SCCA headquarters, the Yuengling Mansion, a Tudor-Jacobean house on a landscaped lot surrounded by a tall, wrought iron fence, Coyle said.

“The outside of the building needs to be painted and some of the wood needs to be repaired,” Coyle said.

“There’s leakage in some of the windows, outside where the dormers are,” Lynn T. Curran, SCCA board member, said.

“The carriage house also needs attention,” Dorothy H. Stangl, SCCA board member, said, referring to a separate building behind the mansion.

It requires numerous repairs and has been closed to the public for at least two years, Coyle said.

Since its inception in 1975, the nonprofit SCCA has become an educational center, a venue for artists looking to display their work and a stage for live performances and major events, including the annual Christkindlmarkt, which draws hundreds of Christmas shoppers the first weekend in December.

“That’s become our most successful continuing event,” Hively said.

The articles of incorporation for “Schuylkill County Council for the Arts Inc.” were filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State on Sept. 11, 1975. At the time, its address was 315 E. Market St., Orwigsburg, according to the document.

It also included the organization’s first mission statement:

“To bring to Schuylkill County programs and presentations in the arts to encourage and promote creative activity; to communicate a sense of appreciation for the arts; to give a deeper understanding of our cultural heritage; to educate the general Schuylkill County community; to encourage and train local artists; to teach the members of the community the true value of arts in their life; to involve the community in participatory art experiences; to construct in the Schuylkill County community an atmosphere supportive of professional resident artists; and a centrally located structure for presentation of art activities.”

The founding executive board was made up of James Rickley, Diane Moyer, Lorraine Julian Yokitis, Joan Kline and Karen Saylor.

“It was started out as an umbrella organization for all the arts organizations in Schuylkill County. So the board consisted of representatives of each of the arts organizations in the area,” Joseph Stangl, past president of the SCCA board, said.

In 1978, the heirs of Augusta Yuengling donated The Frank D. Yuengling Home at 1440 Mahantongo St., built in 1913, to SCCA. And, on Nov. 20, 1978, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission listed the property on the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic Places.

“It’s quite an attraction,” Joseph’s wife, Dorothy H. Stangl, SCCA board member, said.

She recalled one of the first big events SCCA held there was a Schuylkill County Antique Show and Sale in August 1980. Aside from dealers and displays, it featured performances by musicians including the Pottsville Barbershop Quartet.

Over the years, SCCA has hosted numerous events. Coyle said one of her most cherished memories was a concert hosted by SCCA, “The New York Pops Tribute to the Dorseys,” which was held at the Historic Lakeside Ballroom, Route 54, Barnesville, in November 2005.

“We also have an arts hall of fame,” Coyle said.

It was established in 2002 and, to date, SCCA has named the following artists to it: Howard Watson, water colorist, May 11, 2002; Conrad Richter, author and Pulitzer Prize winner, June 12, 2004; John O’Hara, novelist, June 10, 2005; Tommy Dorsey, big band leader, Nov. 19, 2005; Jimmy Dorsey, musician, Nov. 19, 2005; Victor Schertzinger, musician, composer and Oscar winner, July 11, 2008; The Jordan Brothers, musicians, Nov. 12, 2011; Les Brown Sr., musician, composer and band leader, March 22, 2012; and Clyde “Stumpy” Brown, musician, March 22, 2012.

On its website at www.sccarts.com is its current mission statement: “To bring to Schuylkill County, programs and presentation in the arts to encourage and promote creative activity; to communicate a sense of appreciation for the arts; to give a deeper understanding of our cultural heritage; to educate the general Schuylkill County community; to encourage and train local artists; to teach the members of the community the true value of arts in their life; to involve the community in participatory art experiences; to construct in Schuylkill County an atmosphere supportive of professional resident artists; and a centrally located structure for presentation of art activities.”

That mission will continue into the future, Coyle said.

Upcoming events include a dinner theater at Schuylkill Country Club, Route 443, just west of Orwigsburg, this week, “O’Hara: The Way It Was.” Adapted for the stage by Lucille Fala-Brennan, it will feature local actors. With dinner at 6 p.m. and the show at 7 p.m., it will be held Wednesday and Thursday. The cost is $45 per person. For tickets, call 570-622-2788.

Hundreds of Christmas shoppers will visit vendors at the SCCA headquarters in Pottsville for the seventh annual German Christmas Market, or Christkindlmarkt, from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 6.

Woman injured

in 1-vehicle crash

MINERSVILLE — A Shenandoah woman was injured when the vehicle she was driving struck a tree at 6:42 a.m. Friday along Interstate 81, near mile marker 112, Foster Township.

State police at Frackville said Danielle L. Metzger, 36, was driving a 1995 Subaru Legacy SW south on Interstate 81 in the passing lane when it drifted left onto the left shoulder. She lost control of the vehicle, which spun 90 degrees and crossed both lanes onto the right shoulder before hitting a roadside embankment and a small tree.

Police said Metzger was wearing a seat belt and the air bags deployed. Metzger was transported by ambulance to Schuylkill Medical Center-East Norwegian Street to be treated for an injury of unknown severity. She was charged for the accident, police said.

Donaldson Fire Company, Tremont Fire Company and Tremont Ambulance assisted at the scene.

Police: Man jailed

for violating PFA

FRACKVILLE — An Orwigsburg man was jailed for violating a protect from abuse order at 10:15 a.m. Friday at McDonald’s, New Castle Township.

State police at Frackville said Gergory James Ney, 35, violated the court ordered PFA by calling his girlfriend, Janelle Marie Starr, 35, of Pottsville.

Indirect criminal contempt charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon. Ney was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsbrug, and lodged in the Schuylkill County Prison on $2,500 cash bail.

New Castle Township police were not working at the time.

Man reports crack

in RV windshield

MAHANOY PLANE — State police at Frackville are investigating a criminal mischief incident that occurred between 3:30 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10 a.m. Sunday at 2312 Main St.

Police said someone damaged the windshield of an RV belonging to William Zack, 78, of Mahanoy Plane, while it was parked at the location. Police said the RV sustained a cracked windshield.

Anyone with information regarding the incident can call state police at Frackville at 570-874-5300.

Man jailed for

alleged gun theft

BARNESVILLE — A Kelayres man was arrested Wednesday for stealing weapons sometime between 5 and 6:30 a.m. Nov. 1 from the home of Nicholas S. Moremendo Jr., 7 Princeton Ave., Ryan Township.

State police at Frackville said James Paul Weeks Jr., 20, went into the home through an unlocked garage door and stole eight long guns in cases, a pistol in a case and a compound bow with arrows.

Police took Weeks into custody Wednesday. He was arraigned on burglary charges and, in lieu of $25,000 cash bail, remanded to Schuylkill County Prison.

There’s not enough revenue to cover projected expenditures in Pottsville’s first draft of a 2016 budget. But city officials Monday said they will try to whittle down the wish list before considering a tax increase.

“It certainly doesn’t seem as though it will be a necessity, but that’s up to these folks here at the table,” City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said, referring to members of the council, at the city’s first public workshop to develop the 2016 spending plan.

“At this point, in our general fund we’re looking at $8,275,572 in expenditures and $8,159,548 in revenues, a difference of $116,024,” Palamar said.

“It seems doable to me without a tax increase,” City Clerk Julie D. Rescorla said.

The wish list includes a new police vehicle, funds for an additional police officer, funds for a new employee in the streets and parks department and a $10,000 loan for the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pottsville for the upkeep of the former Pottsville Club. Palamar said if the city can sell that property at 201 S. 26th St. in the near future, that loan won’t be necessary.

“You highlighted some stuff for us. I think we just need to sit down and take a look at it and make some decisions,” Councilman Michael P. Halcovage, who heads the council’s finance committee, said.

A second public workshop was scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday in the same location, the conference room on the second floor of city hall. But those present at Monday’s workshop said the second workshop may not be necessary if they can balance the budget by then.

The city council will hold the first reading of the 2016 budget at 4 p.m. Nov. 23.

Also present at the workshop Monday were Mayor James T. Muldowney; council members Mark J. Atkinson and Dorothy L. “Dottie” Botto; Thomas W. Whitaker, the city’s superintendent of streets; and Lisa M. Kral, Pottsville, the deputy city clerk who will become the city clerk when Julie Rescorla retires at the end of the month.

In December 2013, the city council approved a $7,912,814 spending plan for 2014 with a 1 mill tax increase, raising the real estate tax millage from 18.47 to 19.47.

In December 2014, the council decided not to raise taxes for 2015. The millage rate for the city’s 2015 $8,118,676 budget remained at 19.47, or $19.47 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. At the time, the average property in Pottsville was assessed at $28,657, which amounted to a tax bill of $557.95.

Considering ways to reduce the $116,024 deficit in the proposed 2016 budget, the mayor asked Rescorla: “How much is one mill?”

“One mill will get you $170,688,” Rescorla said.

“So a half a mill would be half of that,” the mayor said.

“That would be half,” Rescorla said.

To put a new roof on city hall and buy a new street sweeper, the city will need to borrow some money in 2016. Other local entities, like the fire department and Pottsville Parking Authority, are interested in using funds from a new municipal bond issue for projects as well.

The city officials gathered at the workshop Monday were not sure how much the bond would total. The city will soon hire a bond counsel and the bond issue may be finalized in either the first or second quarter of 2016, Palamar said.

“As far as I can remember, this is the first time a bond issue has coincided with the budget process,” Palamar said.

In the 2016 budget, the city has so far earmarked some funds for an anticipated bond issue payment.

“There’s $150,000 to begin paying back the bond issue and $20,000 in interest. I came up with that by going back to our last bond issue and seeing the first payment and the interest. I know there’s a good chance we’ll have to make a payment if we take this bond in 2016 and I wanted to make sure that was in the budget,” Rescorla said.

The proposed 2016 budget will include a 5 percent increase in contributions to the seven volunteer fire departments in the city, Palamar said.

Present at the workshop were two representatives of the fire department, Jack Messner, a captain at the West End Fire Company, and Kurt Shelhamer, a captain at Yorkville Hose Company. They thanked the council for its support.

“We appreciate that five percent. I think that’s very important. Unfortunately, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but our reliance upon you moving forward in the next 10 to 15 years is going to become more heavy. We’re seeing declining numbers. We’re seeing costs escalating greatly. And, from a volunteer’s standpoint, raising that money has become more difficult. I’d like to say things are going to look better. But, unfortunately, on a long-term outlook we’re going to be more reliant on the city to provide us with some funding and some benefits, if you will. Jack, do I have to add anything?” Shelhamer said.

“No, you hit the nail on the head, Kurt,” Messner said.

City officials also said they’d like to improve the audio/visual capabilities at council chambers, but they did not have an estimate on how much such a project would cost.

“I don’t think anyone’s looking to spend a ton of money there,” Halcovage said.

“For the most part, we’d like to improve the way we do PowerPoint presentations. And we anticipate putting the agenda itself on the screen so the audience can see it,” Rescorla said.

“We’d like to install a screen that could come down then go back up,” Palamar said.

“If you’re in the audience and you don’t have the agenda packet, you’re kind of lost unless we get into a drawn-out discussion on something,” Atkinson said.

A Pottsville man returned to prison Nov. 9 after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him in two cases involving incidents in Shenandoah.

Anthony Toma, 24, must serve three to 12 months behind bars, Judge Charles M. Miller ordered.

Miller imposed the sentence after revoking Toma’s probation and parole, which the defendant admitted violating by failing to report to his supervising officer, moving without permission, committing a new crime and using drugs.

Toma said he used bath salts and heroin, and Miller told him he had to stop for his own sake.

Toma originally pleaded guilty before Miller on April 22 to criminal trespass in one case and retail theft in the other. At that time, Miller sentenced Toma to serve three to six months in prison, pay costs, $100 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $7.58 restitution, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Shenandoah police field both charges against Toma, alleging he trespassed on July 11, 2014, and committed the theft on May 21, 2014.

Schuylkill County prosecutors on Nov. 10 withdrew criminal charges against two men:

Robert T. Koons, 26, of Auburn, had been charged with theft and receiving stolen property. State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged he committed the theft on June 11 in Auburn.

Dustin R. Peel, 41, of Mahanoy City, had been charged with materially false written statement, unsworn falsification to authorities and false statement under penalty. State police at Frackville alleged he made the false statement on April 28, 2014, in New Castle Township.

In each case, President Judge William E. Baldwin signed an order allowing prosecutors to withdraw the charges. In Koons’ case, Baldwin ordered the defendant to pay the costs, while in Peel’s case, he ordered prosecutors to pay the costs.

Miller on Wednesday accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Joseph S. Casserly, 53, of Mahanoy City; two charges of driving under the influence and one of possession of a controlled substance; one to five years in a state correctional institution, $4,000 in fines, $200 in payments to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $460 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew three additional counts of possession of a controlled substance and charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana, no rear lights and disregarding traffic lanes.

Cory A. Clocker, 21, of Pottsville; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance; 24 months in the state intermediate punishment program.

Dimetrius X. Crawley, 20, of Levittown; flight to avoid apprehension; six months probation and $50 payment to the CJEA.

Anthony J. Iacovitti, 43, of Pottsville; retail theft; six to 12 months in prison concurrent with current sentence, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities, with sentence effective at 9 a.m. Dec. 1.

Shawn C. Jago, 36, address not known; retail theft; one to two months in prison, $50 CJEA payment, $50 bench warrant fee and $226 restitution.

Bradley M. Keppley, 26, of Beavertown; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation concurrent with current sentence and $100 SAEF payment.

Quentin J. Lightner, 28, of Bethlehem; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance; three to 12 months in prison, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment, $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

Ashley Drummer, Pottsville, started her Monday morning at McCann School of Business & Technology with a stop at the school’s first convenience store for students, staff and visitors.

Located in the break room on the west end of the building at 2650 Woodglen Road, Pottsville, the Canteen Avenue C Micro Market opened on Nov. 11. Previously, the amenities in the break room for the more than 275 people who work and study at the school included vending machines and a coffeepot on hotplate.

“Now we have some more variety,” Shannon Brennan, campus director, said Monday.

“I love it! I have a daughter and it’s hard to be on time a lot. So now I don’t have to worry about that,” Drummer, the school’s admissions representative, said as she stirred some French vanilla creamer into her coffee.

“It’s essentially a mini convenience store where customers purchase and pay for their items without any assistance. They set up an account, add money to it and pay using their account or a credit card or thumbprint. There are video cameras managed by the vending company that monitor the process for theft,” Brennan said.

On Monday morning, the new coffeemaker attracted the most business.

“I’m new at this, so bear with me,” Samantha Heim, Pine Grove, a McCann student training to be a medical assistant, said. She was buying a 99 cent coffee.

Nick Royer, Frackville, a sales representative for Canteen Avenue C Market, Frackville, was on site Monday morning and gave her a tutorial on the Avenue C self-checkout kiosk.

“It’s also going to be a hit with our night students. A lot of our trade students come here right from work and don’t usually have time to stop somewhere and get food,” Brennan said.

The coolers were stocked Monday with foods including cheeseburgers, pizzas, soups and soft pretzels that can be heated up.

“There are two microwaves in a separate stand by the sink,” Brennan said.

There are also other types of sandwiches.

“Some of the healthier options come from United Natural Foods Inc., which is a company in York. Some of the food we make ourselves in Middletown, like the hoagies and some of the wraps,” Royer said, referring to the Canteen Vending Services operation in Middletown, Dauphin County.

The store also includes rows of drinks from Coca-Cola to G2 and a plethora of snacks, from bags of Doritos to boxes of Milk Duds and Skittles and packs of Altoids and BreathSavers.

“Canteen is a national vending machine operating company offering vending, office coffee service and dining services through a company and franchise network of over 200 locations in 48 states,” according to its website at www.canteen.com.

In Schuylkill County, there are two Canteen Avenue C Micro stores. The first was established at Wal-Mart Distribution Center, 390 Highridge Park Road, Highridge Industrial Park.

“Canteen vending was our vending machine vendor for years. And we had soda machines and a candy machine,” Brennan said.

McCann’s campus in Carlisle, Cumberland County, opened a Canteen Avenue C Micro Market in April.

“Then we decided to put one here,” Brennan said.

This year, McCann is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Pottsville.

In 1995, a branch of the McCann School of Business opened in Pottsville at the Schuylkill Trust Co. building at 101 N. Centre St. In August 1997, a ceremony was held for the ground-breaking of a new building for the Pottsville campus in the city’s Westwood section. The school moved into 2650 Woodglen Road in winter 1998.

In other matters, the Sunbury Campus of McCann, which is in Northumberland County, opened in 1998. It will be moving in January, Brennan said.

“Since 2003, it’s been at 1147 North Fourth Street in Sunbury. Our lease there expires in December and we will be relocating to 7495 Westbranch Highway in Lewisburg in January,” Brennan said.

The new campus in Lewisburg will also have an Avenue C Micro Market, she said.

Deeds

Mahanoy City — Henry J. Blume to Angela Miller; 1017 E. Pine St.; $1,000.

Minersville — Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. to Celmar Group Inc.; 420 North St.; $14,000.

Judy L. and Timothy E. Fetrow to Jill E. Fetrow, Jake E. Fetrow and Holly B. Fetrow; 443 Pleasant St.; $1.

North Union Township — Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Emmanuel H. and Maria V. Cruz; Lot 37AV1, Eagle Rock; $38,279.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Joe Moola Simushi; Lot 61EA, Eagle Rock; $50,399.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Donna Jacob Biton and Grzegorz Kolodziejczyk; Lot 100EA, Eagle Rock; $50,399.

Eagle Rock Resort Co. to Edmond and Linda Kwakye Agyapong; Lot 256EA, Eagle Rock; $50,399.

Palo Alto — Joseph R. Smith to Janet Simmons; 602 W. Bacon St.; $25,000.

Pine Grove — Jamey M. Yurkonis to Keith J. Krammes and Bridget M. Flaherty; 12 Oak Grove Road; $145,000.

Richard A. and Courtney E. Boone to Virginia M. and Jared A. Strouphauer; 201 Cherry St.; $210,000.

SHENANDOAH — Someone is $225,000 richer after buying a Cash 5 lottery ticket at Redner’s Warehouse Markets in the borough.

A winning lottery ticket matching all five numbers, 8-9 16-27-28, was sold Saturday at the store at 1 Gold Star Plaza. The winner receives $225,000 before federal withholding taxes of 25 percent.

“Whoever has this ticket has not come forward yet,” Allen Zeiglar, Pennsylvania Lottery spokesman, said Monday.

It is not uncommon for the winners to wait to submit their ticket. The winner has a year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.

“Sometimes it could be a couple days,” he said.

Joe Agosti, assistant store manager, said the store was notified about 8 a.m. that it sold the winning ticket. He does not know who sold it or the winner’s identity.

The lucky winner should sign the back of the ticket and call the state lottery at 717-702-8146. A claim may be filed at any of the seven lottery ticket offices from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday or from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the lottery headquarters in Middletown, Dauphin County.

The odds of winning are 1 in 962,598, according to the state lottery. Other monetary prizes were also won.

The retailer received a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

n Ashland: Christ’s United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Road, will host a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. Dec. 3.

n Frackville: A breakfast with Santa will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Dec. 5 at the Schuylkill Technology Center-North Campus, 101 Technology Drive. The cost is $5, which includes pancakes, milk and a craft with Santa. To register, email to santa@stcenters.org or call 570-544-4748, ext. 3113.

n Pottsville: Mayor James Muldowney and the Pottsville Recreation Commission will host this year’s Christmas event Nov. 28. It will include holiday entertainment with Sounds of Heaven, the Tide Tones and other local talent from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at United Methodist Church, Fourth and Market streets. Santa will arrive at Garfield square at 6 p.m. escorted the city fire companies. Muldowney will light the city’s Christmas tree at the square with help from city councilmen and area children. The mayor and Santa will then greet children up to age 10 during a party at the Humane Fire Company. Santa will have a gift for each child, and refreshments will be served.

n Pottsville: McCann School of Business & Technology is hosting a bra and panty drive to benefit Schuylkill Women in Crisis. People may drop off new bras and/or panties at the Spa at McCann, 2650 Woodglen Road, until Dec. 23. “Each year, Schuylkill Women in Crisis houses over 200 women and children who arrive at the shelter with only the clothes on their backs,” Shannon Brennon, McCann campus director said in a press release. The drive, she added, “will help provide the organization with the simple necessities that will make women feel more comfortable during a very stressful situation. With the holiday season approaching, this is a perfect opportunity to help our neighbors in need.” For more information about SWIC, call 570-622-3991 or email to swicagency@comcast.net. For more about the McCann campus, call 570-391-3050.

n Pottsville: Trinity United Church of Christ, 316 W. Market St., will host a Christmas dinner theater performance of “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 10. Charles Dickens’ classic tale will be presented by Maranatha Productions. Dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by the show at 7 p.m. The menu will include Italian baked ziti, salad, rolls, dessert, coffee and iced tea. Tickets are $10 each and the deadline to buy tickets is Dec. 4. Dinner seats will be reserved. Groups are encouraged buy tickets at the same time to reserve seats together. For tickets or more information, call 570-622-5073.

n Pottsville: The Schuylkill County Council for the Arts will host Christkindlmarkt from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at its 1440 Mahantongo St. headquarters. There is no set admission fee but free-will offerings will be appreciated, according to a council press release. “Come see the beautifully decorated mansion and do some holiday shopping from many professional artists and craftsmen,” organizer said in the release. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-622-2788, ext. 0.

n Pottsville: Low cost flu shots are available at the Schuylkill County State Health Center, 103 One Norwegian Plaza, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today. The state Department of Health is sponsoring the free flu clinic for the underinsured or uninsured adults and children. The cost is $5 per person but those unable to pay will not be turned away. A parent or legal guardian must accompany children. Call 570-621-3112 for more information.

n Saint Clair: The Saint Clair Fish and Game Club will have a “Girls Night Out” for holiday shopping from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the club’s banquet hall, 809 W. Carrol St. More than 20 crafters and vendors will participate, according to a release. Food will be available for eating at the hall or takeout.

n Schuylkill Haven: The Bible Tabernacle Pentecostal Church will have its November Singspiration at 6 p.m. Nov. 29 at the church, 314 Margaretta St. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-385-4704.

FRACKVILLE — Fire damaged a double home in the borough Monday afternoon.

Firefighters were called to the home at 7-9 S. Railroad St. at about 2:10 p.m. and found fire in a wall that separates the two homes.

Frackville Assistant Fire Chief Adam Shinkus said the fire apparently began in a common wall between the two homes and appears to be accidental, caused by a heater or an electrical malfunction.

Firefighters from Frackville, Altamont, Englewood and Mahanoy City responded to the fire along with Frackville EMS. Police said Shenandoah and Ashland also assisted since Frackville officers were busy handling another incident when the fire call came in.

Crews managed to contain the fire within minutes but remained on the scene for about an hour making sure the flames were completely extinguished.

Amber Wittel strives to be a role model to her 26 children — that is, her son and two daughters, plus the 23 third-graders in her class at Moscow Elementary Center.

The North Pocono School District teacher spends the majority of her life setting goals for herself. Her most recent benchmark is representing Team USA in the Women’s Over-40 division of the 2016 International Hockey Federation Masters World Cup in Canberra, Australia, this spring.

“I just can’t believe it,” Wittel, 42, said. “It doesn’t feel real yet.”

Wittel grew up in Scotrun on a campground owned and operated by her parents, Robert and Dixie DeYoung. She and her three sisters took advantage of the basketball and tennis courts and acres of land there on which to play.

“It was the best childhood,” she said. “It’s probably what made me what I am today.”

In seventh grade, Wittel picked up a field hockey stick. Always a mid-fielder, she played through middle and high school, attended developmental camps and was selected as alternate to the Junior Olympics.

Wittel said when she was growing up, those interested in playing hockey had to wait until they were a certain age. This leveled the playing field for everyone, which is what drew her to the sport.

Wittel played field hockey all four years she attended Millersville University, where she was selected All-American. During that time, she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and met her husband, Jason, an art teacher in North Pocono School District.

Before landing her current job, Wittel taught first and second grades in the Pocono Mountain School District for five years. When she resigned to stay at home with her children, she continued teaching at a preschool at the family church on the side.

Back in the game

In between creating lesson plans, grading tests and spending time with her family, Wittel coached field hockey, first as a volunteer coach and moving up the ranks to varsity head coach.

She continued to play hockey, but said it’s difficult to find opportunities to play into your 30s and beyond. Today, she plays for recreation at Mystic Hockey Club, Nazareth, where she also is a coach and a PIAA official.

“It’s funny when you love something so much, you’ll find every avenue you can to stay with it,” she said.

Wittel was encouraged to try out for the Masters World Cup by Mystic Hockey Club owner Phil Danaher. She traveled to Drexel University, Philadelphia, to complete a full day of practice, skills and scrimmage, and was evaluated during a “play day.”

The team was announced in September, but Wittel can’t remember the day.

“Last year when my daughter made the National Futures Championship, that was more exciting to me I think,” she said, laughing. “They are my life, my kids.”

Wittel is a firm believer in time management, making sure she gets her schoolwork and workouts done so she has time with her husband and children. However, working out and spending time with her family often go hand-in-hand.

The Wittels are avid skiers and snow boarders, and Wittel said she, her husband and her twin sister, Amy, frequently explore the hiking trails and mountains.

All in the family

Son Joel, 16, plays baseball and also serves as his high school’s quarterback, while daughters Jaiden, 14, and Jacey, 12, are softball pitchers, but play field hockey year-round, just like their mom.

“I am not pushing them to hockey,” Wittel recalled saying to herself when her daughters were small. “I wanted to give them other opportunities and let them choose and, miraculously, it worked out.”

Wittel’s talent for time-management has switched into high gear recently. The majority of practice for the Masters is done on the player’s own time, so before Wittel and her husband head to Australia, she’s rigorously training and working out to be ready to compete against the opposing countries.

“The way people know football players here, that’s how they know hockey players in Australia,” she said. “It’s huge. I can’t wait to see that.”

Wittel is worried about leaving both sets of children, but she can’t wait to bring back new hockey skills to work on with her daughters.

Wittel’s students and Moscow Elementary Center are supportive of her, too. She said there was “no question” about taking time off when she told the school she was selected for Team USA.

Wittel hopes her goal-oriented mentality sets an example for her children and students.

“I think it’s great for them to see, my kids at home and my kids in here,” she said. “That even at my age, you can do all this.”

Pottsville Area School District asked Schuylkill County Court on Monday to force Gillingham Charter School to allow a district representative to examine its special education records.

Such an examination is needed as part of the charter renewal process, Pottsville Area alleged in its complaint, in which it also requested the court to issue an injunction forcing Gillingham to let Andrew M. Klein, Lancaster, inspect the records.

“(Pottsville Area), without access to these records, is unable to fulfill its statutory duties pursuant to the Charter School Law,” the district alleged.

Gillingham, which is located at 912 Howard Ave., Pottsville, received its charter in 2011, and has asked for a five-year renewal. Without a renewal, Gillingham’s charter will allow it to operate only until June 30, 2016.

In its lawsuit, Pottsville Area alleged it is required to review Gillingham’s records as part of its duty under the state Public School Code to assess whether the school is meeting its goals. To that end, Pottsville Area said it has hired Klein, at a salary of $200 per hour, to review the special education records to ensure Gillingham is complying with relevant laws, according to the lawsuit.

“As part of its statutory obligations, (Pottsville Area) is conducting a thorough review of (Gillingham’s) request (to renew its charter),” according to the lawsuit.

However, Gillingham has refused to cooperate, Pottsville Area alleged.

“To date, (Pottsville Area) has been unable to access the education records for students at (Gillingham) who are receiving special education services,” according to the lawsuit.

Gillingham also has refused to remove personal information from the records so Pottsville Area can review them while complying with the law, according to the lawsuit.

The court should issue the injunction in order to ensure compliance with the law and to protect the public, according to the lawsuit.

“The issuance of a preliminary injunction will not negatively affect the public interest and, in fact, will serve the public interest by ensuring that students are receiving services as required by law,” the lawsuit reads in part.

Gillingham Charter School officials were not able to be reached for comment Monday.

HARRISBURG — School district officials warned Monday of greater fiscal peril ahead amid signs that a December resolution to the state budget stalemate is more likely than one by Thanksgiving.

Craig Butler, D.Ed., superintendent of Hazleton Area School District, and Anthony Ryba, district business manager, were among educators and school advocates from across Pennsylvania lobbying at the Capitol for action to break the five-month stalemate.

Hazleton Area plans to obtain a $30 million line of credit while waiting for a budget enactment and payment of delayed state aid, Ryba said. He said this is a proactive move considering it could take weeks for missed subsidy payments to arrive once a budget is enacted.

State aid under the new budget should be distributed in a fair and equitable manner based on recommendations made by a bipartisan panel earlier this year, Butler said.

Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-34, Bellefonte, indicated in separate radio interviews Monday it may take until December to enact the budget package. This could involve passing up to 40 separate bills of varying degrees of complexity.

Wolf and bipartisan leaders of both parties announced a budget framework last week that provides $350 million more for public schools, a hike in the state sales tax, additional property tax relief and changes to the state liquor system and public pensions. They expressed hope at that time the work could be completed by Thanksgiving. Wolf said he hopes the Thanksgiving goal could still be met.

Major details of the framework are still being negotiated. They include discussions on limiting the current exceptions available to school districts to avoid “back-end” public referendums on property tax hikes.

Butler and Ryba expressed concerns about that potential action on Hazleton Area’s ability to educate students.

“The governor opposes a back-end referendum without exceptions but knows we must protect homeowners from future property tax increases while ensuring the legislature meets its obligation to fund our schools,” Wolf spokesman Jeff Sheridan said. “At this time, final details regarding property tax relief are still being negotiated.”

Meanwhile, Sen. David Argall, R-29, Tamaqua, anticipates Senate floor debate starting today on his bill to replace school property taxes with a combination of state income and sales tax. He said eliminating the property tax will offer homeowners more protection than tax referendums.

A three-judge state Superior Court panel has upheld the conviction and sentence of a Coaldale man who endangered his granddaughter in a dispute in May 2014 in Pottsville.

In a nine-page opinion filed Thursday, the panel ruled the evidence was sufficient to support the conviction of Troy M. Fairchild Sr., 43, for recklessly endangering another person and harassment.

“(Fairchild) recklessly engaged in conduct which placed or may have placed that child in danger of death or serious bodily injury,” Senior Judge Eugene B. Strassburger III wrote in the panel’s opinion.

As a result, Fairchild’s conviction of, and sentence for, the two crimes stands.

After a one-day trial, a jury convicted Fairchild on Feb. 5 of recklessly endangering another person, while finding him not guilty of simple assault. Judge James P. Goodman, who presided over the trial, found Fairchild guilty of harassment.

Goodman sentenced Fairchild on March 11 to serve seven to 23 months in prison, pay costs, a $100 fine and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and have no contact with Addison Fairchild.

Pottsville police charged Fairchild, formerly of Lehighton, with endangering Addison Fairchild and harassing her mother, Caitlin Boyer, on May 1, 2014, in the parking lot of Dollar General, 200 E. Arch St., in the city. Addison Fairchild was in her stroller at the time, police said.

In the panel’s opinion, Strassburger said the defendant’s only claim was that the evidence was insufficient to support the conviction for recklessly endangering another person. However, he wrote that there was nothing to support that claim.

Strassburger wrote that the prosecution testimony, including that of Boyer, state police Trooper Michael V. Ryan and city police Patrolman Paul R. Olson, more than supported the verdict. All three said Addison Fairchild suffered at least one bruise, and Olson said her falling to the ground could have caused a head or brain injury, according to Strassburger.

He wrote that even though there was testimony to the contrary, the jury’s duty is to resolve such questions of credibility, and an appellate court cannot substitute its judgment for the jury’s determination.

“We conclude that (the defendant’s) issue ... is frivolous,” according to Strassburger.

Judges Jack A. Panella and David N. Wecht, the other panel members, joined in Strassburger’s opinion.

LOYALTON — An Upper Dauphin Area School District administrator and school board member were recognized during the board’s Nov. 10 meeting.

A program allowing high school students to earn college credits was also approved.

Upper Dauphin Area Middle School Principal Jared Shade was recognized by the Pennsylvania Association of Middle Level Educators, according to Superintendent Evan Williams.

Shade will deliver an address on Upper Dauphin Area’s middle school character education program at the PAMLE Conference in February in State College.

Board member Jack Laudenslager was also recognized and received a certificate from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association Honor Roll for 16 years of service. Laudenslager was recently re-elected to another four-year term.

In other business, the board, by a 7-0 vote, approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Pennsylvania College of Technology and the Upper Dauphin Area School District regarding the Penn College NOW concurrent enrollment partnership. Directors Gerald Wiest and the Rev. Nathan Minnich were absent.

The Penn Tech agreement is new, Williams said, and covers an existing course, Psychology 101.

“It is very possible that UDAHS may be able to expand its present college-in-the-classroom offering based upon similar courses Penn Tech offers,” Williams said in an email.

According to the memorandum, “The Penn College NOW program enables qualified secondary school students to enroll in college-level courses at their secondary school during the regular school day. Penn College NOW students earn concurrent secondary school and transcripted college credit. Penn College reserves the right to select Penn College NOW courses that are eligible to be delivered at the secondary school. Courses are taught by experienced secondary school teachers who are recommended for teaching excellence and meet the qualifications of Penn College adjunct faculty. Penn College NOW courses are offered at no tuition cost to the student.”

Penn College will provide a Penn College faculty member to serve as liaison to the high school teacher to provide guidance and mentorship through the academic year, according to the agreement.

Williams said the board also discussed the district budget but took no formal action while awaiting approval of a state budget.

“In order for the district to shut down, we would need a ‘compelling reason.’ Our first option would be to borrow money. To do so, we would first approve a Request for Proposal for a loan. That may be an order of business for the December 1 Reorganization Meeting,” he said.

In other action the board approved:

• The following classified employee substitutes for the 2015-16 school year — all paperwork on file; Brandi Crum and Peggy Rowe, aides.

• The athletics/extracurricular event staff for the 2015-16 school-year: Adam Zigner, Lori Schwalm and Mary Ellen Nestor.

• The additional 2015-16 winter sports season coaches: junior high wrestling assistant coach, Eugene Shutt, $1,200; junior high boys’ basketball head coach, JD Cooper, $2,087; and volunteer assistant coach Brandy Ayers. The salaries listed are based on 2014-15 levels and the district will pay for the required courses — $95 per coach — beginning with the 2015-16 school year.

• Steve Welker as an unpaid volunteer assistant wrestling coach for the 2015-16 winter sports season.

• The district advertising for a winter strength coach.

• The request from the UDA Boys and Girls Booster Clubs to take approximately 50 students to the 2K Classic Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York City from 7 a.m. until about 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 22. Return time could vary depending on the end time of the game.

• The following committee meetings at 7 p.m. for 2016: Jan. 28, Feb. 25, March 31, April 28, May 26, June 2, Aug. 25, Sept. 22, Oct. 27 and Nov. 29.

• The following regular meetings at 7 p.m. for 2016: Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 9, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Dec. 6. Due to budget time lines, the June 2016 board meeting will be held on a Thursday.

• They are seeking price estimates for paving the district parking lots.

In news from district staff, high school band and choral director Elaine Cramer invited the board members to the marching band banquet at 6 p.m., Saturday in the UDAHS cafeteria. Cramer said the marching band finished its season ranked 16th in Group 1-A class among bands from all over Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia. The end result was one place higher than UDA was seeded going into the championships and the band achieved its personal best score of the season. Also of note, Cramer said, the color guard finished in 15th place and the drumline in 12th place.

“These numbers are extremely impressive considering the band is two-thirds new members and also two-thirds middle school students. The future of the band is looking very bright,” Cramer said in her report.

Elementary art teacher Sara Jarrett announced a “Square 1” art fundraiser was being launched to raise money for classroom technology and to purchase iPads for teacher use. More information can be found on the website: http://udaesartroom.weebly.com/art-news--events-2015-16.html.

The Pottsville Area school board hopes to save millions in the next 15 years with a comprehensive energy-saving program with Honeywell Inc.

At its November meeting Wednesday at the Howard S. Fernsler Academic Center, the school board approved a new contract with Honeywell, an international technology manufacturer with an office in Pottsville, to manage the district’s energy efficiency. The district has worked on numerous projects with Honeywell over the years.

“Honeywell stands ready to implement your Guaranteed Energy Savings Project,” according to an “Executive Summary” of the project from Honeywell.

“I think it looks like a very good idea, upgrading our equipment and reducing our energy consumption and, more importantly, our operational costs. The document here says we can save as much as $4,221,600 with this agreement. So I’m pretty much in favor of it,” Charles R. Wagner, the board member in charge of the facilities committee, said at the board’s workshop prior to the regular meeting.

“Saving it from what point to what point?” board member William R. Davidson asked.

“Over the next 15 years,” Wagner said.

Wagner provided more details about the project by sharing a page from the “Executive Summary.”

“Pottsville Area School District requested Honeywell to further investigate a Phase 8 infrastructure renewal and guaranteed energy reduction program districtwide,” according to the summary.

The project will “upgrade aged equipment, reduce your energy and operational cost, increase student and staff comfort and safety, improve operational excellence and efficiency,” according to the summary.

“Illustrated in the attached 15-year financial analysis is a $3,147,500 program that can produce a total term savings of $4,221,600,” according to the summary.

“This program will address needed capital improvement projects and produce an annual positive cash flow for the school district. All of the capital improvements can be funded by a guaranteed reduction of energy, avoided capital and operational savings, all within your existing budget,” according to the summary.

The “Pottsville Area School District Benefits” of the program, according to the summary, are as follows:

Guaranteed reduction of 17 percent of current utility spending; Current ability to secure project funding at a 3 percent interest rate; Initially identified $19,000 in lighting rebates that will remain 100 percent with the Pottsville Area School District; Replace aging boiler plants; Replace aging roof top units; Upgrade district lighting to high efficient LED lighting; Install district lighting system occupancy sensors; Replacement pool unit; Districtwide water conservation; Computer power management; Assistance to the district in securing Energy Star certification.