There will not be a tax increase for Schuylkill County residents next year.

The board of commissioners approved a preliminary 2016 budget Wednesday with no increase in real estate taxes.

The proposed budget keeps the real estate taxes at 13.98 mills, or 139.8 cents on each $100 of assessed valuation. Of that real estate tax, 13.83 mills will go toward the general fund and 0.15 mills will fund the county debt.

Per capita tax will also stay at $5.

To cover a budget deficit without increasing taxes, the county will draw $8,145,873 from the unassigned general fund.

County real estate taxes increased only once over the last 11 years. The only increase during that time was for the 2014 budget when it jumped 2 mills to the current rate.

“We are fortunate once again we didn’t have to have a tax increase because of what we did in previous years,” Commissioners Chairman Frank J. Staudenmeier said. “The budget is always challenging, but this year’s budget was very different because of the absence of Rest Haven and what we are doing with the prison. We need at least one year’s experience to see how that all shakes out.”

Investment 360°, Lakewood, New Jersey, took over Sept. 1 as owners of the Rest Haven, now known as Rosewood Health and Rehabilitation Center, after agreeing to purchase it for $10.9 million in May.

Commissioner George F. Halcovage said the county will also benefit from the addition of a new business.

“We brought in another company that is now paying taxes, employs over 90 percent of the same people and is keeping the Rest Haven facility as a viable home for our seniors,” Halcovage said.

Halcovage said the county has challenged its employees to do more with less as they try to run government like a business.

“The reason county government exists is to provide services and the people of Schuylkill County expect that,” Staudenmeier said, “But that does not mean we can’t do it in the most efficient way possible and I think we have demonstrated that over the last 11 to 12 years.”

Commissioner Gary J. Hess was unable to attend the meeting Wednesday. He was in the hospital recovering from pneumonia.

“I am very glad we can hold the line on taxes,” Hess said in a phone call after the meeting. “We need to be diligent and continue to cut where we can, but we need to look for new forms of revenue other than taxes.”

The budget includes $137,336,906 in total revenue and $144,606,940 in total expenditures.

“Your financial team was challenged to deal with a significant structural deficit for 2016,” Paul Buber, county finance director, said. “By applying expense trending techniques, by reviewing narratives submitted by internal stakeholders, by making inquiries to internal stakeholders on their justifications, by applying options for financing of larger capital items and by finding alternative funding for some initiatives, the financial team was able to generate about $1,844,148 in cost reductions which has reduced the budgetary expenditures submitted by the internal stakeholders from $60,281,213 to $58,437,065.”

Buber said the proposed general fund expenditures increased $2,748,334 over the previous year while revenue decreased $1,461,686. He said significant drivers of increased expenditures include:

• An increase of $1,883,725 to a total of $7,003,109 for prison operations

• An increase of $955,200 to a total of $12,895,200 for health care benefits

• An increase of $512,685 to a total of $3,648,511 for Children & Youth

• An increase of $168,789 to a total of $929,464 for the public defender’s office

• An increase of $140,00 to a total of $2,740,000 to the retirement fund

• An increase of $585,000 to a total of $18,989,941 for employee compensation per collective bargaining agreements.

Last week, the commissioners approved the annual property assessment for the county. Property values fell for the first time in five years. While the overall assessed value decreased about $13.4 million due to court appeals and stipulations settled throughout the year, that represents only about a $188,000 loss of revenue for the county, county solicitor Al Marshall said. School districts will see the most significant loss in revenue.

County Administrator Mark Scarbinsky said the county has struggled to operate its $145 million business over the past few years, but has been able to forgo any major property tax increases in 10 of the last 11 years.

“However, because of state-mandated programs and the associated need to increase local financial support for those programs, the construction of a sound balanced budget has become more problematic.”

Scarbinsky said the one-time cash infusion from the sale of Rest Haven also helped balance the 2016 budget without increasing taxes. He recommended the commissioners review its positions on the following activities:

• Consider a hiring freeze

• Freeze all travel except mandatory/certification training

• Right-size operations through furloughs in non-core areas

• Eliminate and consolidate positions

• Utilize more part-time employees

• Consider outsourcing some operational functions

• Initiate new fees for service

“The structural deficit, as mentioned earlier, will only continue to threaten the financial position of the county and there are no other options but to initiate actions to slow the increases in costs of government services and to increase revenues,” Scarbinsky said. “We need to work with our legislative delegation in seeking alternatives to the real estate tax as our only major source of revenue. We also need to maintain and redefine our focus on core functions and priorities. The unsustainability of wage and benefits packages has to be addressed if the county is to maintain long-term fiscal stability.”

A final budget will be presented to the commissioners Dec. 16.

TOWER CITY — Federal, state, county and local law enforcement officers swarmed western Schuylkill County on Wednesday, taking more than a dozen alleged drug dealers into custody.

In all, police obtained arrest warrants for 24 people for selling various types of controlled substances.

The roundup was the result of a several month investigation begun by Tower City Police Chief John Boyer and Hegins Township police Sgt. Beau Yarmush with the assistance of the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office and Pennsylvania State Police Drug Task Force.

Among those taken into custody Wednesday were Erica Lynn Bertasavage 21, of Tremont, and Michael S. Klinger Jr., 38, of Muir, who Yarmush said sold a substantial amount of heroin and methamphetamine during the length of the investigation.

Bertasavage was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont, on charges of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Klinger was arraigned on identical charges with two additional offenses, altered or misbranded controlled substances and possession with intent to deliver drug paraphernalia.

Both were committed to Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, unable to post $50,000 straight cash bail each.

Investigators allege that Bertasavage and Klinger conspired to sell quantities of methamphetamine and heroin to confidential police informants on several occasions between June and September.

Also taken into custody Wednesday were:

Travis N. Bender, 24, of Dalmatia, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Committed to prison unable to post $50,000 straight cash bail.

Shawn M. Bonawitz, 28, of Pine Grove, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Committed to prison unable to post $20,000 straight cash bail.

James D. Eichert, 44, of Tower City, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, manufacture of a controlled substance, altered or misbranded controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a small amount of marijuana. Committed to prison in lieu of $25,000 straight cash bail.

Molly Jo Jenkins, 29, of Tower City, conspiracy. Committed to prison unable to post $50,000 straight cash bail.

Janine Margaret A. Koppenhaver, 26, of Gratz, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Released on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Richard H. Osag, 35, of Williamstown, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jailed in lieu of $20,000 straight cash bail.

Randy S. Reidler Jr., 35, of Tower City, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Committed to prison unable to post $7,500 straight cash bail.

Ryan R. Stump, 32, of Pine Grove, conspiracy. Released on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Timothy J. Whiteash, 34, of Williamstown, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of drug paraphernalia. Released on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Jason M. Hill, 40, of Tremont, delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail set at $25,000 straight cash and Hill is currently in Schuylkill County Prison on unrelated crimes.

Steven A. Lucas, 43, of Hegins, manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of liquefied ammonia, possession of items to manufacture methamphetamine, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, misbranding of a controlled substance and possession of drug. Bail set at $20,000 straight cash and Lucas is currently jailed on unrelated charges.

Robert W. Ruggles, 43, of Pottsville, delivery of controlled substances. Committed to prison unable to post $50,000 straight cash bail.

Jack D. Wilver, 25, Lykens, delivery of a controlled substance. Currently in Perry County Prison and not arraigned.

In addition to those arraigned, authorities will continue to work to serve arrest warrants issued by Rossi on the following individuals:

Justin V. Able-Lewis, 25, no address or charges available; Steven W. Davis, 33, of Millersburg, delivery of a controlled substance; Joshua D. Dirossi, 22, of Harrisburg, delivery of a controlled substance; Louis A. Estrada Jr., 23, no address or charges available; Frederick A. Hauser III, 51, of Tower City, delivery of a controlled substance; Courtney N. Lynn, 24, last known address of Ashland, delivery of a controlled substance; Robert E. Michael Jr., 27, no address available, delivery of a controlled substance; Charity Lynn Miller, 34, no address available, delivery of a controlled substance; and Linda J. Shomper, 56, of Lykens, delivery of a controlled substance.

Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman said she commended the initiative taken by Boyer and Yarmush to start the lengthy investigation and also the cooperation between all of the agencies involved.

Holman said Wednesday’s operation is “a show of force” by law enforcement that the sale or use of illegal narcotics will not be tolerated in Schuylkill County.

“We have to get the drugs out of Schuylkill County,” the district attorney said. “Schuylkill County has a lot of users and sellers and we do not have a lot of manpower but that’s going to change.”

Holman said local police departments, working with her drug task force and other agencies, will continue their efforts to take the alleged dealers and drug users off of the streets.

Among those participating in the roundup were agents from Office of Homeland Security in Philadelphia, the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force, the Schuylkill County Sheriff’s Office, Schuylkill County Domestic Relations Office, Pennsylvania State Police in Schuylkill Haven and Reading, Pennsylvania state constables, and local officers from Tower City, Shenandoah, Hegins, Pine Grove, Tamaqua, West Mahanoy Township, Butler Township and Mahanoy Township.

In the past three years, Nativity BVM High School has employed marketing strategies that helped boost its enrollment.

And the Diocese of Allentown took notice.

On Nov. 6, the diocese honored the four-year Catholic high school for its efforts with a “Certificate of Achievement” for having the “highest enrollment percentage increase” in the past year among its six high schools.

In the 2010-11 school year, Nativity had an enrollment of 208. In 2011-12, it decreased to 185. Then in 2012-13, the Catholic high school, which opened in 1955, reached a historical low point with its enrollment, 171.

“To our knowledge, 171 is the lowest enrollment we’ve had in the history of the school,” Jennifer Forney Daubert, Nativity’s director of development, said Wednesday.

Then, the school community worked with the Diocese of Allentown to assemble a board of directors — the Nativity BVM Governance Board — to put together a business plan with an emphasis on marketing and development. The diocese approved the plan Jan. 14, 2013, and since then the school has been achieving goals the board established for growth, according to Nativity Principal Lynn Sabol.

At the end of the 2013-14 school year, enrollment at Nativity was up to 182. Then at the end of the 2014-15 school year, it went up to 187.

“The award was started about five or six years ago in appreciation for schools that worked to increase their enrollment,” Matt Kerr, the diocese’s secretary for external affairs, said Wednesday.

The six high schools the diocese considered before bestowing this honor also included: Allentown Central Catholic, Bethlehem Catholic, Notre Dame High School in Easton, Berks Catholic and Marian High School in Tamaqua.

The diocese measured how much of an enrollment increase Nativity had between Oct. 1, 2014 and Oct. 1, 2015, when Nativity had 198 students.

“Nativity’s enrollment went up 5.8 percent from last year to this year. The other two high schools that saw an increase were Berks Catholic at 3.6 percent and Bethlehem Catholic at 5.5 percent. Nativity’s enrollment has increased in each of the last three years, the only high school in the Diocese that can say that,” Kerr said.

“The other high schools are bigger than we are, so they might have had more students enrolled, but their enrollment percentage was lower,” Sabol said.

“The award comes with a framed certificate and a modest cash gift,” Kerr said.

On Nov. 6, the diocese gave Bethlehem Catholic a certificate for having the highest enrollment increase by number among the six schools. It saw an increase of 39 students in the past year, Kerr said.

Since Nativity received the honor, enrollment at Nativity continued to rise.

“We are currently, as of today, Nov. 18, 2015, at 201 students. We’re at our highest numbers since 2010,” Daubert said.

A member of Nativity’s board of directors, Joe P. Troy, Schuylkill Haven, believes the board’s recent marketing efforts had something to do with it.

“Eric Lieberman is the chairman of the board’s marketing and enrollment committee, and I’m on that committee. Nativity as an educational institution needed to be promoted in the community. We also did mass mailings and made efforts to reach out to our feeder schools and to keep our web page current,” Troy said Wednesday.

“And make it easier to use, too,” Sabol said.

“We also have regular meetings with the marketing committee and the faculty to talk about what we’re doing right and what we’re doing wrong,” Troy said.

“When we were doing our business plan three years ago, we set benchmarks for ourself for where our enrollment needed to be. In 2013-14, we were hoping to have 180 students. We went over that benchmark. We had 182. In 2014-15, we were hoping to have 184. We surpassed that goal. We had 187. And our benchmark for this school year was 192 students, and we’re well past that,” Daubert said.

On Tuesday a couple of students also offered their insights into why Nativity managed to increase its enrollment by 30 students in the past three years.

Ayden C. Adams, 18, a senior from Pottsville, enrolled at Nativity during the 2013-14 school year.

“I was at Pottsville Area. I came to Nativity for the smaller class sizes and the basketball program. We’re more of a family here and a lot of people want to be a part of it, especially if they’re struggling in a large public school. It’s a lot easier here to get to know people,” Adams said Wednesday.

Cecelia M. DiNicola, 16, a senior from Pottsville, enrolled at Nativity during the 2012-13 school year.

“Everyone is really close here. Everyone can count on each other. I think some people transfer into Nativity because of the good things they hear about the school from the students here,” DiNicola said.

Looking ahead, Sabol said the enrollment benchmark for Nativity’s 2016-17 school year is 215.

“And I think there’s a possibility it can happen. I think that every year it’s a struggle to keep those numbers up and it’s not something we can just forget about. We have to work hard to keep those numbers up all the time,” Sabol said.

“Last year at this time, I predicted we’d have 200 students this year,” said another member of the board, John S. Boyer, Orwigsburg.

Nativity’s school building at One Lawtons Hill can handle more than twice the number of students it has now, according to Sabol.

“I think we could easily triple our enrollment and still maintain the building,” she said.

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

Francis A. Mercedes, 28, of Pottsville; possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; time served to six months in prison with immediate parole, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $50 bench warrant fee. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of public drunkenness.

Anthony J. Napolitano, 30, of Tamaqua; two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one of possession of a controlled substance; one to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, $100 SAEF payment, $50 bench warrant fee and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew two additional counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count each of resisting arrest, driving under suspension and disorderly conduct.

Jonathan M. Pauly, 21, of Pottsville; possession of a small amount of marijuana; 15 to 30 days in prison with immediate parole, $100 SAEF payment and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Jeffrey S. Petrone, 27, of Freeland; no contest plea to two counts of harassment; time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole. Prosecutors withdrew 12 additional counts of harassment, two counts of terroristic threats and one of corruption of minors.

Robert Rex, 21, of Tamaqua; flight to avoid apprehension; one to two years in a state correctional institution.

Christopher D. Snyder, 43, of Mahanoy City; driving under the influence, fleeing or eluding police, resisting arrest and recklessly endangering another person; six to 16 months in prison, $1,000 fine, $100 SAEF payment, $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, $460 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of terroristic threats and one each of possessing instrument of crime, accident involving damage to unattended vehicle or property, careless driving and stop sign violation.

Kayla A. Weikel, 25, of Shenandoah; three counts of delivery of a controlled substance; six to 24 months in a state correctional institution concurrent with current sentence, $289 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Ronald C. Weikel, 21, address not known; receiving stolen property, prohibited possession of firearm and possession of a small amount of marijuana; nine to 23 months in prison and $554 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

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

Two local legislators were among 100 state representatives who urged Gov. Tom Wolf to rethink his position on Syrian refugees.

State Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, and Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, signed Tuesday a letter to the governor urging him to reverse his stance on accepting refugees fleeing war-torn Syria.

“This decision places the welfare of individuals who live thousands of miles away above the welfare of the Pennsylvanians you were elected to serve,” the letter says in part.

It also says accepting the refugees will put an additional burden on taxpayers and casts doubt on the screening process for refugees.

Tobash said he signed the letter because he does not think that the country should be “fast tracking” the admittance of people from “regions that have shown themselves to be a threat to our safety,” he said Wednesday.

That does not mean he is not understanding to the situation of those coming from Syria.

“I am emphatic to the plight of people that find themselves in harm’s way all over the globe,” he said.

He said the screening methods in place, in his opinion, are not adequate and could endanger the lives of county residents and of the United States. Tobash also has a Facebook post about the ongoing refugee crisis.

“Though I remain sympathetic to the many innocent Syrian refugees, I do believe it is government’s most important responsibility to keep its people safe and the governor’s current position on this issue jeopardizes the safety of Pennsylvanians. One of the terrorists implicated in the Paris attack is suspected as posing as a refugee in order to get into France. Without proper screening, we could be giving those who intend to cause us harm a free pass into our state and into our country. While immigration issues are largely handled by the federal government, and states have limited ability to enact legislation attempting to regulate immigration matters, we continue to explore our option at the state level,” he said in the Facebook post.

Knowles did not return a call for comment but did have a statement posted his Facebook page:

“Accepting these refugees at this time carries both a security risk and a significant financial burden for the people of Pennsylvania. The better approach would be to provide them with assistance and protection near their homeland until the civil war is resolved. I also have serious concerns over radical extremists — who want to kill us — using legitimate refugees as a means to escape proper vetting and infiltrate our nation.”

Rep. Barry Jozwiak, R-5, Berks County, also was one of those who signed the letter to Wolf.

“The governor’s decision could leave Pennsylvanians unprotected against an impending threat. I believe our state and federal governments should take this opportunity to reconsider immigration policies by placing the needs of Pennsylvanians and Americans first,” he said in a statement.

Rep. Neal Goodman, D-123, said constituents care about the Syrian refugees and takes their concerns seriously.

“No one should be allowed to enter Pennsylvania from any country until they are properly screened and vetted. That is why I am supporting state Rep. Scott Petri’s resolution directing the governor to reject the placement of Syrian refugees in Pennsylvania until the federal government establishes increased security procedures to screen them. Americans have a right to feel safe in their own country, and to know their government is doing all it can to protect them,” Goodman said in a statement.

Rep. Scott Petri, R-178, said in a statement he will sponsor a resolution asking Wolf to “reject the placement of Syrian refugees in the commonwealth until the federal government establishes increased security procedures to sufficiently screen the refugees,” and request that the president “direct the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to review its security procedures for vetting refugees and to send a report detailing the tighter security measures to the states under consideration to receive refugees. The U.S. government has agreed to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees in the next year, without detailing the security measures that will be used to screen the refugees. Our first priority is to protect the citizens of the commonwealth by insisting on increased security procedures before allowing refugees to be placed within the commonwealth.”

State Sen. David Argall, R-29, said he wants Wolf to also reconsider his stance.

“People are scared right now. I don’t see anything wrong with slowing things down,” he said.

He is going to co-sponsor a resolution with state Sen. John Rafferty, R-44, to stop accepting Syrian refugees until the federal government established more stringent criteria for accepting them from Syria.

Argall said he does have compassion for the refugees but safety is also important.

“We are at a crossroads of national security and humanitarian efforts as it relates to assisting refugees. The most important duty for our governor is to protect Pennsylvanians first and foremost. It is in the best interest of Pennsylvania that we receive directions on how to properly screen incoming Syrian refugees to ensure that we do not jeopardize the lives of innocent Pennsylvanians,” he said.

The attacks Friday in Paris killed 129 people. There are renewed calls for stopping the flow of refugees from Syria after the attacks.

Wolf said in response to the letter from the House of Representatives that he understands the fear people are experiencing after the attacks in Paris but that the country should not turn its back on the people who need help.

“I believe we can keep Pennsylvania safe while also ensuring that Pennsylvania stays true to its values and builds on its rich history of accepting immigrants and refugees from around the world,” he said.

States do not have the authority to refuse to accept the refugees that are approved by the federal government.

“The Refugee Act of 1980 authorizes the president to admit refugees who face persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. This act also creates the Federal Refugee Resettlement Program to provide for the effective resettlement of refugees and to assist them to achieve economic self-sufficiency as quickly as possible after arrival in the United States. The resettlement process is federally driven and federally funded,” Wolf said.

Wolf said that procedures are in place for screening of refugees including various checks by the FBI and other agencies. On average, the process for screening and vetting those seeking admittance takes “an average of 12 to 16 months,” Wolf said in the letter.

“Pennsylvania will not seek to disrupt efforts to resettle refugees from humanitarian crises throughout the world, including Syria. To this end, I will work with state and national partners to ensure that the federal government takes every precaution to make sure refugees from Syria and elsewhere are properly screened prior to admittance to the United States. At the same time, I want to remain true to Pennsylvania’s long and noble tradition of being a welcoming place.” Wolf said.

President Barack Obama announced plans previously to accept about 10,000 Syrian refugees in the United States.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., said in a statement he understands the concerns people have about the process to accept refugees. He said there are numerous agencies that are involved in the process “which is the most rigorous vetting in the world.”

Casey also said if intelligence and homeland security professionals decide there is way to strengthen the process, then it should be done.

“Offering asylum for refugees, whatever conflict they are fleeing, is consistent with our values and history. We cannot turn our back on Syrian refugees. Turning them away on the basis of religion or ethnicity is inconsistent with our principles as a nation,” Casey said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-17, Moosic, provided the following statement about the issue.

“Maintaining our national security and ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens is my top priority, and it is not mutually exclusive to humanitarian treatment of desperate refugees during a global crisis. I will work constructively with the president, the governor of Pennsylvania and my colleagues in Congress to apply high scrutiny to refugees fleeing Syria. We need to employ careful procedures that will allow us to help some of those in dire need to come to the U.S. while holding our own safety paramount. In the end, it will require all western nations and much of the Middle East to work together to defeat ISIS and bring permanent stability and safety to Syria, Iraq, and the west,” Cartwright said in a statement.

Alison Gantz, a press spokeswoman with the state Department of Human Services, said Wednesday that Syrian refugees are in Pennsylvania but they do not know of any that are in Schuylkill County.

“Since October 1, 2012, Pennsylvania has received 138 refugees fleeing the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Pennsylvania will work to ensure the federal government does and will continue to take every precaution necessary so that all individuals and families who enter our commonwealth are properly screened.”

Communities in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Allentown, Scranton, Erie and smaller outlying towns have accepted Syrian refugees fleeing this crisis.

There were 3,056 total refugees settled in the state in Federal Fiscal Year 2014-15. Pennsylvania has resettled 2,487 refugees in 2012-13 and 2,717 in 2013-14.

SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS — The West Mahanoy Township supervisors tentatively adopted Tuesday the 2016 operating budget that includes no increase in real estate taxes.

The budget is balanced at $1,656,900 and keeps the real estate tax at 7.15 mills. The 2015 budget is $1,614,200.

The 7.15 mills includes 5.9 mills dedicated for general purposes and 1.25 mills for public safety. Each mill brings in $42,850 in revenue. For every $100 in assessed valuation, taxes are 71.5 cents. The budget was adopted in a 3-0 vote.

“There is no tax increase, and the budget didn’t change much from last year,” township Secretary-Treasurer Michael B. Michalik said. “The budget is still open because of ongoing negotiations on contracts with all full-time employees.”

The township’s full-time employees include Michalik, three road workers and two police officers. The township also has four part-time police officers, two part-time office workers, a part-time custodian and a part-time building inspector.

Michalik said there were increases in some expenses, but they were partially offset by reductions in related areas.

“Health insurance costs went up, but we did lose one full-time employee and didn’t replace him,” Michalik said. “Repairs are down since we have two new trucks.”

Earlier this year, the township purchased two new 2015 Ford F550 dump trucks with plows to replace two aging trucks.

Michalik said the current financial situations is good and will transfer into the new year.

“We’re taking more cash into next year,” Michalik said. “We’re also expecting more money from the state liquid fuels allotment next year. We’re estimating that it will be an increase of about $10,000.”

The supervisors voted to advertise the tentative budget to be formally adopted at 7 p.m. at the Dec. 15 meeting.

In other business, the supervisors approved two repository sales by the Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau:

· 212 Virginia Ave., Shenandoah Heights, to BWH Properties LLC on a bid of $754.

· 159 S. Line St., Altamont, to G.F. Real Estate Developers Inc. on a bid of $2,500.

n Forestville: The Forestville Citizens Fire Company, 1 Line Ave., is selling cookbooks daily until December. The cost is $8 each. According to a release, the cookbooks, put together by the company, include favorite recipes and is called “Fireman’s Favorites.” For an additional $3 the books can be sent anywhere in the United States. For more information, call 570-544-2445.

n Hegins: The Barry Township tree lighting is slated for 6 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Weishample Grange, Deep Creek Road. The event will include crafts, music and a visit from Santa. Children must be accompanied by an adult, according to a release. For more information, call 570-900-4714.

n Minersville: Mountaineer Hose Company will host a breakfast featuring an “open menu” from 7:30 a.m. to noon Sunday at the firehouse, Third and South streets. All are welcome.

n Pottsville: Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 W. Arch St., will have a community Thanksgiving service at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call the church at 570-622-9910.

n Primrose: St. Nicholas School will host a Murphy Jewelers bingo at 1 p.m. Dec. 6 in St. Nicholas Hall, Route 901. The cost is $25. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and homemade food will be available. Advance ticket holders will be eligible for a free drawing. For tickets or more information, call 570-544-5767 or 570-544-4581.

n Ringtown: The Ringtown Area Library is taking orders for locally made Christmas wreaths and greens, including a 24-inch wreath with bow for $20, decorated wreath for $25, classic door charm for $22, 36-inch window swag for $14, 16-inch decorated centerpiece with candle for $20 or basket centerpiece for $18. The order and payment deadline is Monday. Pickups will be on Dec. 1. All proceeds will benefit the library. For order forms, photos or more information, go to the library website at www.ringtownlibrary.org or visit the library at 132 W. Main St.

n Saint Clair: A theme basket bingo will be held Sunday at the Saint Clair Lions Club building, McCord Avenue. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and games will begin at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The event is a fundraiser for AMVETS Post 180, Pottsville. For tickets, call 570-573-1140 or 570-628-3243.

n Schuylkill Haven: A community Thanksgiving service with a “Festival of Choirs” will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St. The service will include scripture, hymns and anthems with music by the choirs of First United Methodist Church, Julie Saunders, director; Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, Judith Devlin, director; St. Mark’s United Church of Christ, Lee Ferrier, director; St. John’s United Church of Christ, Orwigsburg, Trena Murphy, director; and Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Beverly Eiche Kriner, director. Additional music will include brass, flute, handbells, organ and piano. There will be offerings and a collection of nonperishable food items for the Schuylkill Haven Food Pantry. The church is accessible to the handicapped and the public is welcome to attend.

n Shenandoah: The Shenandoah Valley High School student council is conducting its annual evergreen sale to benefit the Hillside SPCA. Items include traditional wreaths for $18 and evergreens with a bow in the shape of snowflakes, crosses or candy canes for $20 each. The deadline to order is Dec. 3 with delivery set for Dec. 10. To order, people may contact any student council member, call Anthony Pytko, student council adviser, at 570-462-1957 or email pytko@svbluedevils.org.

n William Penn: The William Penn Fire Company, Route 54, will have a cheesesteak dinner beginning at 3 p.m. Dec. 5. The cost is $8 per platter. For more information, to order or for free local delivery, call 570-462-0338. The company will also stage a Longaberger Basket bingo Dec. 6 at Columbia Hose Company of Shenandoah, West Centre Street and Stadium Road. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. and games will begin at 2 p.m. There will be a special drawing for advance ticket holders. A buffet lunch will be included. For more information or tickets, call Lisa at 570-462-2242.

New life will come to the former Maroons Sports Bar & Grill in Pottsville.

Cousins Peter John Russo and Peter F. Russo decided to purchase the property at 556 N. Centre St.

“We have a contract to buy it,” Peter John Russo said Wednesday at Roma Pizza, 116 W. Market St., which he co-owns with his cousin.

He said the contract is with William G. Schwab, who is a Lehighton lawyer who serves as trustee for former owners Robert C. and Karen Dittmar.

“The purchase isn’t complete yet,” Russo said, declining to specify the price for the property that went up for auction last month.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge John J. Thomas, Wilkes-Barre, signed an order Tuesday authorizing Schwab to sell the 556 N. Centre St. property.

Thomas had signed a similar order on Oct. 27, three days before the auction at which Schwab accepted a bid of $116,000 for the 4,900-square-foot property from John Aiello Jr., New Jersey, but Aiello never made the down payment.

Russo said no decisions have been made on what they plan to do with the former Maroons.

“We are keeping all possible options open for the property,” Peter John Russo said.

He did say the business at 116 W. Market St. is staying where it is.

“We are not moving. We’ve been here for 47 years,” he said.

PORT CARBON — Carbon County lawyer Steven M. Cormier is headed to Schuylkill County Court as a defendant after waving his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday on charges he robbed a bank in October in Norwegian Township.

Cormier, 57, of Nesquehoning, faces two counts of robbery, 12 of terroristic threats and one each of theft, receiving stolen property and possessing instrument of crime.

Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, who was to have presided over Cormier’s preliminary hearing, instead bound over all charges for court.

“It’s my understanding that you’re going to waive your preliminary hearing today,” Plachko asked a handcuffed and belted Cormier.

“That’s correct,” replied Cormier, who said little else during the hearing.

Cormier, who also wore a prison jumpsuit at Plachko’s office, promptly returned to Schuylkill County Prison, where he is being held in lieu of $100,000 straight cash bail.

State police at Schuylkill Haven have charged Cormier with entering the Wells Fargo Bank office at Fairlane Village mall at 10:45 a.m. Oct. 13 and told a teller that “things are going to get ugly” if she did not fill his plastic bag with money. Cormier then left the bank with $15,923 and fled the scene, police said.

Pottsville police stopped Cormier in his vehicle are took him back to the bank, where three witnesses identified him as the robber.

Assistant Public Defender Paul G. Domalakes, Cormier’s lawyer, and Deputy Assistant District Attorney John T. Fegley each declined to comment on the case after Wednesday’s hearing.

Deeds

Ashland and Butler Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to FNB Bank NA; 1739 Race St. and 626 Fountain St., Fountain Springs; $1,663.79.

Blythe Township — Donald J. Setlock Jr. to Michael P. Ziniewicz; 304 New Philadelphia Road, Kaska; $47,750.

Coaldale — Peter P. and Priscilla K. Mackovic to Peter P. and Priscilla K. Mackovic; 114-118 E. Howard Ave.; $1.

Delano Township — William R. and Cathy J. Whitfield to David Michael Garcia ; 109 Hazle St., Delano; $73,000.

Hegins Township — Linda I. Venszl, executrix of the Estate of Willard W. Heinbach, to Linda I. Venszl; 50 percent interest in 904 W. Maple St., Valley View; $1.

Linda I. Venszl, trustee of the Heinbach Family Credit Trust, to Linda I. Venszl; 50 percent interest in 904 W. Maple St., Valley View; $1.

Pine Grove Township — Linda I. Venszl, executrix of the Estates of Willard W. Heinbach and Irma M. Heinbach and trustee of the Heinbach Family Credit Trust, to Linda I. Venszl; 5.38007-acre property on Suedberg Road; $1.

Linda I. Venszl, executrix of the Estate of Willard W. Heinbach, to Linda I. Venszl; 23.96-acre property on Geary Wolfe Road; $1.

Linda I. Venszl, executrix of the Estate of Willard W. Heinbach, to Linda I. Venszl; 167-acre property on Geary Wolfe Road; $1.

Linda I. Venszl, executrix of the Estate of Willard W. Heinbach, to Linda I. Venszl; property on Suedberg Road; $1.

Linda I. Venszl, executrix of the Estate of Willard W. Heinbach, to Linda I. Venszl; 19.06-acre property on Geary Wolfe Road; $1.

Linda I. Venszl, executrix of the Estate of Willard W. Heinbach, to Linda I. Venszl; 50 percent interest in 75 Suedberg Road; $1.

Linda I. Venszl, executrix of the Estate of Willard W. Heinbach, to Linda I. Venszl; 50 percent interest in 6.3068-acre property on Suedberg Road; $1.

Linda I. Venszl, executrix of the Estate of Willard W. Heinbach, to Linda I. Venszl; 50 percent interest in 70-acre property; $1.

About 35 inmates at the Schuylkill County Prison will be sent to other facilities within the next week.

Following authorization from the county prison board, the commissioners approved agreements Wednesday with George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Thornton, and the State Correctional Institution/Muncy.

George W. Hill Correctional Facility is a privately owned company contracted through Delaware County. Built in 1998, it has a capacity of 1,931 and houses inmates from different county, state and federal prison systems.

Twenty-five men will be housed there, while 15 women will be sent to SCI/Muncy. However, those figures may change as the inmate population is constantly fluctuating, prison board Chairman and Commissioner George F. Halcovage said. He did not disclose when they will be transported, citing security concerns.

Although housing costs are not yet finalized, both agreements are for the cost to not exceed $60 a day per inmate. That cost is below the 2014 state average of $67, according to the state Department of Corrections. Meanwhile, it cost Schuylkill County $44.23 a day to house one inmate in 2014, according to the DOC.

In July, the county entered into an agreement with the DOC to reduce its inmate population by Nov. 24 or risk not being allowed to house any additional prisoners. The agreement to bring the inmate population back to its approved capacity of 277 was designed to eliminate triple celling at the facility. Triple celling refers to three inmates being housed in a cells meant for one or two.

In October, eight to 10 men were being housed in the prison gym.

The prison has a suggested capacity of 240, which takes into account other factors like inmates that may need to be housed alone. However, the facility has 277 permanent beds.

The inmate population has averaged 300 or more since April. In October, there was an average of 332 inmates there. It peaked for the month at 341.

Halcovage said the county also had negotiations with other facilities like Cumberland County, but they required a minimum amount of inmates guaranteed for a specific amount of time. He said the agreements with the Delaware County prison and SCI/Muncy allows the county to opt out and use the facility as needed.

The transferred inmates will be those who have already been sentenced, Halcovage said. Warden Gene Berdanier said about 65 percent of the population has already been sentenced.

Meanwhile, the prison board is still searching for a long-term solution to the overcrowding.

“We are looking at all options,” Halcovage said.

That includes building an intermediate placement facility.

“There are other alternatives we will be looking at down the road,” Halcovage said.

The previous board of commissioners moved forward with building a low-security prerelease center for nonviolent criminals in Ryan Township, but it was scrapped in March 2011 when bids for the project averaged $4.2 million, about $1 million more than the board wanted to spend.

Commissioner Gary J. Hess again recommended that the commissioners consider forming a special advisory committee to look at the issue and possible solutions.

“We need to look at it and not just put a Band-Aid on it and do it in the best financial way we possibly can,” Hess said.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Benjamin Blake wanted to know if author Stephen Robert Couch spoke with locals when he conducted research for his book, “The Real Disaster Is Above Ground.”

“What were some of your findings?” Blake, a Penn State sophomore civil engineering student, inquired. “What made you pick the mine fire?” Blake asked, referencing Centralia.

Couch was able to address Blake’s questions during the first Schuylkill County Authors’ Fall Signing Event at Penn State Schuylkill Campus Wednesday. Nine authors attended the public event held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Student Community Center.

“I thought his book looked interesting,” Blake said. “I’ve taken trips up to Centralia with my friends and they’ve told me stories. I’ve been to the Pioneer Tunnel and it’s a topic that interests me.”

Couch’s book, with J. Stephen Kroll-Smith, was published in 1990, with the paperback edition coming out in 2009.

Couch, a PSU sociology professor, attended the special meet-and-greet to support fellow local authors.

“I think it’s terrific to recognize them,” he said.

The Liptak family, Schuylkill Haven, also conversed with local writers and browsed for books.

“We love reading,” Richard Liptak said. “I still like being able to hold a book,” he said.

Liptak was there with his wife, Sandra, and their daughter, Christina, who is a sophomore at Penn State Schuylkill.

Christina is studying to become a school teacher, and is interested in child development.

She said she enjoys fairytales with a “twist,” spirit animal series and the graphic novel, “Amulet.” Christina picked up a copy of Radu “Rudy” Gherghel’s book, “The Brick Wall,” while her parents purchased Gherghel’s “Dead Run.”

Gherghel told Christina, “Good luck and don’t give up.”

Gherghel announced he was working on his next book, called “The First.” The 350-page adult novel is slated to be completed in March 2016. It’s a futuristic look at a “mutant” based in Orwigsburg, he said. “I’m very excited,” Gherghel said.

Author John Sinisi was searching for an avenue to explore upon his retirement when he began writing mystery and fantasy books. He had formerly served in 1989 as an economics professor at Penn State Schuylkill.

“I’m really enjoying it. It’s a labor of love,” Sinisi, Schuylkill Haven, said. One of the detectives in his murder mystery, “Too Many Motives For Murder,” is a university professor, he said. Sinisi also wrote, “The Sorceress.”

He said he attended the signing to “talk to other local people doing similar things,” noting he was a retired economist, and other authors present were a retired chemist and a retired reading specialist.

Denise L. Kaminsky, Mountain Top, was a former reading specialist who taught in New York. “I started writing before I retired,” she said. Her first book was published in 2003, called “This is the Seed.”

Kaminsky, a Penn State undergraduate in the College of Education, who received her masters in reading at SUNY, Cortland, then began writing a series of books featuring the Penn State Nittany Lion.

“In retirement, I felt I needed to continue my work with children,” Kaminsky said. Her books have been well-received. “Penn State people are readers and it’s a well-loved character.”

Net proceeds from the sale of her book, “Nittany Lion and THON” were going to Four Diamonds to raise funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. The THON book just came out this October, she said.

Her other books include: “Nittany Lion Has The Hiccups,” “Nittany Lion Gets A Big Surprise” and “Nittany Lion Tells The Legend of Princess Nit-A-Nee.” Kaminsky’s next book will be “Nittany Lion and Earth Day.”

Two other authors present, Wilma Ruggiero, Hazleton, and Richard Wright, Lehighton, are part of the Black Diamond Writers group. The writers group meets at the Tamaqua Library.

Ruggiero brought her stories, “The Orange Barnge,” “Adventures At The Orange Barnge” and “About Above And Beyond.”

Wright, a retired New York City police officer and Vietnam veteran, offered his historical fiction novel, “Southside of Heaven.” Author David Holland taught in Minersville and Pine Grove school districts and started his 41st year in teaching at St. Nicholas in Minersville, teaching fifth- through eighth-grade social studies and physical education. He formerly served as a boys basketball coach for Minersville, Pine Grove and Nativity.

His book, “When The Game Was Just A Game,” was published by American Star Books in 2008.

“It’s a comparative look at basketball a generation ago,” Holland, Pottsville, said.

He participated in book signing events in Mahanoy City, Pottsville and Reading, in addition to the signing at Penn State.

Holland said he enjoys talking with people attending the book signing — visitors and fellow writers alike.

Beside him was author Joe Muldowney, who has served for the past eight years as the Penn State Schuylkill cross country coach. Muldowney offered two books, “Running Shorts” and “Personal Best.”

“It was an opportunity to interact with the students, promote my books and promote the local community,” Muldowney said. “Running Shorts,” published in 2011, is a compilation of stories on the road during Muldowney’s running career, spanning nearly four decades. “Personal Best” was published in 2014 and included Muldowney’s account in 2013 at the Boston Marathon. “It’s more inspiration than instruction,” he said.

Cynthia Lubinsky, a family physician with Lehigh Valley Physician Group, offered her book, “Overcoming Infertility.” Lubinsky, Pottsville, has lectured on the topic for the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society Meeting and has attended other book signing events in Bethlehem.

Lubinsky said she was prompted to write the book, published in December 2010, after struggling with infertility for six years.

“Some people may be put off by the title, thinking it’s a ‘how to’ book. Actually, it’s what you can expect and how to deal with infertility,” she said.

“I tried to be more broad and answer some of the unknowns,” she said. “I could speak as a patient and as a physician,” said Lubinsky, who brought along her 6-year-old son, Hunter. Lubinsky is the daughter of Penn State Schuylkill Bookstore Manager Michelle Hosler.

Hosler said this is the first year Penn State Schuylkill hosted a local authors’ book signing, but it may become an annual event. The signing was sponsored by The Penn State Bookstore, owned and operated by Barnes & Noble. When she first announced the idea, Hosler said Chancellor Kelly Austin and Professor Nicole Andel were quick to share names of authors who may be willing to attend.

“We have a very eclectic group,” Hosler said. “I thought it would be a nice holiday gift idea to get a signed book, and also wanted to promote people to come onto the campus,” she said.

Christina E. Hale

FRACKVILLE — Defendants whose cases District Judge Christina E. Hale recently considered, the charges against each one and the judge’s dispositions of the matters included:

Nicole L. Ott, 26, of 204 N. Nice St., Frackville; withdrawn: unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Waived for court: terroristic threats, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, careless driving, giving false information, failure to stop and give information or render aid, accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property, harassment, possession of drug paraphernalia, loitering and prowling at night, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and scattering rubbish.

Michael D. Hannock, 39, of 730 Brock St., Ashland; waived for court: hindering apprehension or prosecution and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Matthew J. Soucheck, 19, of 210 E. Ogden St., Girardville; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robert J. Hank, 68, of 2334 Main St., Mahanoy Plane; withdrawn: resisting arrest. Waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate and disregard for single traffic lane.

Jennifer M. Probition, 38, of 800 W. High St., Frackville; waived for court: hindering apprehension or prosecution and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Elrena L. Gibson, 51, of 40 Broad St., Ashland; waived for court: hindering apprehension or prosecution and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christopher L. Buck, 29, of 203 Furnace St., Shenandoah; waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH — An 18-year-old Mahanoy City man charged with threatening another man on Aug. 18 appeared for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Raymond Santiago, 21 E. Pine St., was arrested by Mahanoy City police Cpl. Michael Dissinger and Patrolman Stephen Krater and charged with two counts of terroristic threats and one count each of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct and purchase of alcohol by a minor.

Prosecutors withdrew the charges of simple assault and recklessly endangering and Santiago waived the remaining four offenses to Schuylkill County Court.

Police said the incident occurred about 9:30 p.m. in the area of 27 E. Pine St. where Santiago pulled a handgun and terrorized Kody Visgarda, putting the man in fear of imminent serious bodily injuries.

Santiago fled but was picked up a short time later and showed signs of consuming alcohol. While at the police station, Dissinger said, Santiago was inside a cell and told him to take off his badge and gun and fight him. The man then told Dissinger he would see him when he got out of prison.

Police determine

minor stole phone

WILLIAMSTOWN — A theft about 11:40 a.m. Nov. 9 at Williams Valley High School in Williams Township, Dauphin County, was investigated by state police at Lykens.

Police said a juvenile stole a cellphone from a 29-year-old Williamstown resident while at the school.

Police said the juvenile was identified and admitted to taking the phone. Charges against the juvenile were filed with Magisterial District Judge Rebecca J. Margerum, Elizabethville.

Spring Glen driver

not hurt in crash

HARRISBURG — State police at Lykens said a Spring Glen woman escaped injury when the 2014 Honda Civic she was driving was involved in a crash about 5:10 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Route 322 West on-ramp of Interstate 81.

Police said Connie M. Donovan was driving west on the ramp when a trailer being pulled by an unidentified pickup truck struck her car and continued without stopping.

No injuries were reported. Police said the Donovan vehicle sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

Collision results

in cited driver

A crash about 3:30 p.m. Saturday at 13th and Mahantongo streets was investigated by Pottsville police.

Police said Juan Saborit, 57, of Pottsville, was driving a Honda Accord and stopped facing south on 13th Street at a posted stop sign.

Saborit pulled out into the intersection and did not see a Chevrolet Cruze being driven west on Mahantongo Street by a 21-year-old Pottsville man, whom they did not identify.

Both vehicles collided in the intersection and sustained damage that required both to be towed from the scene.

Police said no injuries were reported. Saborit will be cited for a stop sign violation as a result of the crash.

Pottsville firefighters assisted at the scene with traffic control and remove fluids from the highway.

Driver cited for

rear-ending truck

Pottsville police investigated a crash about 2:55 p.m. Monday in the area of Monroe Muffler on Mill Creek Avenue.

Police said Patrick Tucker, Frackville, was stopped in the eastbound lane on Mill Creek Avenue when his 2003 Dodge Ram pickup truck was struck from behind by a 2006 Ford Focus being driven by Lindsay Zweizig, Cumbola.

Police said Zweizig was driving behind Tucker when she momentarily looked down and did not see the stopped truck.

No injuries were reported. Police said Zweizig will be cited for careless driving as a result of the crash.

Pottsville firefighters and Schuylkill EMS assisted at the scene.

Police arrest man

on firearm felony

TAMAQUA — A borough man was arrested Nov. 10 on a felony warrant after attempting to buy a firearm Feb. 2 from Ed’s Sport Shop, 308 W. Broad St.

State police at Frackville said Shane Evans, 29, was prohibited by law from owning a firearm when he attempted to make the purchase.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua.

TOWER CITY — A man was jailed Wednesday charged by state police with trying to steal a garbage truck and threatening the driver with a butcher knife.

Eric L. Reppert, 31, of 614B E. Grand Ave., Tower City, was arrested by state police Trooper Matthew Tonitis of the Schuylkill Haven station and charged with felony robbery, felony robbery of a motor vehicle and felony aggravated assault.

He was also charged with misdemeanor offenses of simple assault, terroristic threats and a summary charge of harassment.

Reppert was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post $250,000 bail.

Tonitis said the charges stem from an incident about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday in the area of 523 E. Grand Ave., Tower City.

Tonitis said he was called for a report of an attempted robbery and spoke with the victim, Andrew Lee Ney, a driver for Valley Waste Solutions.

Ney reported being stopped in the area to pick up garbage and was in the driver’s seat of the garbage truck when Reppert opened the door and told him to “get out.” Reppert then pulled out a butcher knife, prompting Ney to get out through the passenger’s side, the trooper said.

Tonitis said that while Reppert was struggling to put the truck in gear, Ney was able to reach inside and remove the keys from the ignition.

Ney and Reppert then left the truck and Reppert again pulled out the butcher knife and demanded the keys to the vehicle, Tonitis said.

Meanwhile, an unidentified man was walking down the street, saw the events unfolding and punched Reppert in the face, and the knife fell to the ground. Ney secured the knife and Reppert fled the scene, Tonitis said.

Ney’s co-worker, Cory Challenger, was in the back of the garbage truck at the time of the assault and recognized and identified Reppert as the person responsible and a 13-inch butcher knife was recovered from the scene, the trooper said.

Later Wednesday morning, Reppert was taken into custody at a home at 537 E. Grand Ave., Tower City, by officers who raided the residence as part of a drug roundup.

n Fountain Springs: As part of its monthly community event series, the North Schuylkill School District will host a free movie night with the showing of “Jurassic World” at 7 p.m. today in the high school auditorium. Refreshments and popcorn will be served, according to a district press release.

n Nuremberg: Nuremberg Community Players’ Karaoke Night with Night Owls disc jockey Mike Felegie, to benefit Brandon’s Forever Home, a 501c3 charitable organization in Hazleton, will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the players’ community theater, 283 Hazle St. The charitable organization was formed to raise awareness about children in foster care and their need for permanent loving homes, according to a press release. Admission is a monetary donation to Brandon’s Forever Home. The event is smoke-free and all are welcome. For more information, call 570-384-4309 or go online to nurembergcommunityplayers.weebly.com.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Kiwanis Club recently hosted the Farm-City Dinner at Trinity Lutheran Church. Club President Denny Hardock served as master of ceremonies. Schuylkill County commissioners George Halcovage and Gary Hess presented a proclamation by the board of commissioners declaring Farm-City Week in the county. Hardock accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Pottsville club and Greg Gnatt of the Penn State Ag Center, according to the Kiwanis bulletin. During the dinner, the club’s two oldest members, Col. Harold Alan Furness and William Schuettler, were honored with Legion of Honor awards for 55 and 50 years, respectively, of club membership. The club meets Tuesdays at The Pottsville Zone. It’s on the web at www.kiwanis.org and www.kiwanisone.org.

n Pottsville: Schuylkill Rehabilitation Center, 300 Schuylkill Medical Plaza, hosts support groups that are free and open to all on a monthly basis, according to a center press release. Meetings in December include the following: Fibromyalgia/Chronic Pain, 6 p.m. Dec. 2; Parkinson’s Disease, 1 p.m. Dec. 4; Amputee Support Group, 1 p.m. Dec. 11; Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 1 p.m. Dec. 17; and Traumatic Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 18. There will also be a free community lecture, “The Benefits of Aquatic Therapy,” slated for 6 p.m. Dec. 3. Kelly Painter, PTA, will present information about how the non-weight-bearing program can benefit people in need of physical rehabilitation. For more information, call 570-621-5227.

n Pottsville: At a recent meeting, the Pottsville Rotary Club welcomed Nativity BVM High School students of the month Shannon Reiley, Pottsville, and Colin Larkin, Minersville, and Pottsville Area High School students of the month Brittany Buleza and David Leymeister, both of Pottsville. The students told Rotarians about their school and community activities and plans for the future. According to the Rotary bulletin, the club’s Christmas party is set for 6 p.m. Dec. 3 at Vito’s Coal-Fired Pizza at the Coal Creek Commerce Center, Saint Clair. Regarding the merger of the Minersville Rotary Club into the Pottsville club, directors of both groups have approved it and now members await the OK of the district and Rotary International. The merger is expected to be effective as of Jan. 1, according to the bulletin.

n Shenandoah: The American Red Cross Tri-County Chapter, Shenandoah Fire Department and Shenandoah Community Ambulance Association will install free smoke detectors in the Shenandoah Area. Representatives from the three groups will be at the Columbia Hose Company, 742 W. Centre St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday with free smoke alarms and to make arrangement for installment of the alarms in homes. Fire prevention material, including a home inspection checklist, will be available to residents, according to a press release. Other smoke alarm sign-up locations are at Shenandoah Borough Hall, 15 W. Washington St.; Shenandoah Valley School District offices, 805 W. Centre St.; the school office of Trinity Academy in the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center, 233 W. Cherry St., and the downtown center of the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., 116 N. Main St.

Date incorrect

Christ’s United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Road, Ashland, will hold a Blue Christmas service at 3 p.m. Dec. 20. The date was incorrectly provided in Wednesday’s edition.

Traffic stop nets

drug charges

MAHANOY CITY — A borough man was charged after an incident in the 1300 block of East Pine Street about 12:15 p.m. Oct. 31, police said.

Borough police said Joseph A. Lumia, 21, of 431 W. Centre St., was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, drivers required to be licensed, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, registration and Certificate of Title required and careless driving.

Police said officers saw the man driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street and raising the front tire of his motorcycle off the ground. Lumia parked the motorcycle and when confronted by officers, was found with a small amount of marijuana,a smoking pipe and rolling papers.

Man accused

of PFA violation

MAHANOY CITY — Borough police filed charges against a Quakake man after an incident at 40 E. Spruce St. on Oct. 24.

Police said Brad C. Frye, 34, of 379 Hazle St., was charged with violating a protection from abuse order by going to the home of Dawn Frye, despite of the order to stay away from the property, and threatening her.

The woman reported that Frye screamed in front of their child and left when she said she was calling police.

Woman not hurt

in Rt. 209 crash

WICONISCO — A Spring Glen woman escaped injury when the 2011 Jeep Compass she was driving struck a deer on Route 209, just east of Lykens in Wiconisco Township, Dauphin County, about 6:30 a.m. Nov. 13.

Police said Tammy S. Wenrich, 51, was driving east when a deer entered the highway from the south side. The woman said she applied her brakes to try to stop, but was unable to do so and struck the animal, police said.

Police said the Jeep was towed from the scene due to damage and also because the front air bags deployed when the impact with the animal occurred.

MAHANOY PLANE — The Gilberton Borough Council tentatively adopted its 2016 operating budget at Tuesday’s meeting that includes no tax increase.

The meeting was held one week early because of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. The budget vote was 4-0 in favor. The operating budget keeps the real estate tax levy at 13.814 mills.

The budget shows anticipated revenue in 2016 at $137,350, an increase of $3,350 from the 2015 budgeted revenue of $134,000.

The total 2016 estimate expenses are $128,920, a reduction of $5,000 as compared to the 2015 budget of $133,920. The anticipated surplus for 2016 is $8,430.

The real estate tax of 13.814 mills is broken down as follows:

• General purposes — 10.814 mills.

• Roads — 3 mills.

The per capita tax of $10 remains the same, as does the earned income tax at 1 percent, real estate transfer tax at 1 percent, and the local services tax at $52 (half is shared with the Mahanoy Area School District).

The garbage collection fee remains the same. Residents can make one payment of $160 in February, two $80 payments in February and August, or $40 quarterly payments in February, May, August and November. Sewer rates will also stay the same.

Full-time borough employees Tina Antalosky and Scott Stockunas will receive a 50-cent per hour increase, part-time employees William Blank and John Boxer will receive a raise of 25 cents per hour. All will receive their birthday off as a paid holiday.

The borough council members will also see an increase in their monthly stipends from $75 to $125. Mayor Mary Lou Hannon will see an increase from $75 to $200 per month, or $2,400 per year. The council also approved increasing the annual retainer for solicitor Karen Domalakes from $2,000 to $3,000, with her hourly rate increasing from $100 to $125.

Tax receiver Deborah Malloy will also see an increase of 1 percent from 7 to 8 percent on collections.

The borough council will formally adopt the 2016 budget at 7 p.m. at its Dec. 17 meeting.

Thomas J. Petrousky, whom prosecutors allege murdered his roommate in April 2014 in West Mahanoy Township, will not go on trial until 2016, the Schuylkill County judge presiding over his case decided Thursday.

“I’m going to grant the continuance,” which Petrousky’s lawyer, Chief Public Defender Michael J. Stine, had requested in order to prepare his client’s defense more completely, President Judge William E. Baldwin said. Baldwin said the case, which had been scheduled for December, will not go to trial until February 2016 at the earliest.

“I don’t have a definite date on when this case will be tried,” he said.

The continuance is good until March 1, 2016, according to Baldwin.

Prosecutors have charged Petrousky, 54, of Altamont, with one count each of criminal homicide, first-degree murder, third-degree murder, possessing instrument of crime, recklessly endangering another person, harassment, two counts of aggravated assault and three of simple assault in connection with the death of David R. Halaburda, 50.

West Mahanoy Township police alleged Petrousky, who is being held in prison without bail in this case pending trial, fatally beat Halaburda on the morning of April 28, 2014, in the home the men shared at 256 S. Wylam St.

Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty against Petrousky, so the maximum punishment the defendant faces is life imprisonment, which in Pennsylvania carries no chance of parole.

Baldwin also gave District Attorney Christine A. Holman until Dec. 7 to decide what photographs of the crime scene she intends to use in presenting her case.

Stine told Baldwin he wants to limit the number and kinds of photographs that will be admitted into evidence. However, Baldwin said he cannot make any decisions until he sees the ones Holman wants to use.

“This is a discretionary call,” with each photograph’s relevance being balanced against the prejudice from its admission into evidence, Baldwin said.

He gave Stine until Dec. 14 to file his brief outlining what pictures he wants excluded and why, and Holman and Deputy Assistant District Attorney John T. Fegley until Dec. 23 to file their responding brief.

The briefs also should detail arguments for and against admission of statements Stine alleged are not relevant to the case, Baldwin said.

Holman is taking over as lead prosecutor in the case from First Assistant District Attorney Maria T. Casey, who will be assuming office as county clerk of courts at the beginning of 2016.

Defendant

· Name: Thomas J. Petrousky

· Age: 54

· Residence: Altamont

· Charges: One count each of criminal homicide, first-degree murder, third-degree murder, possessing instrument of crime, recklessly endangering another person, harassment, two counts of aggravated assault and three of simple assault