Moderation.

This was my mother’s parting word to me as I’d breeze out the front door on a Friday or Saturday night, ready to conquer the world, or, rather, our small, suburban town.

As a teenager, I never gave my mother’s warning much thought. I’m not even sure I stopped to think about what it meant. I had no reason to listen to my mother, or so I thought. I considered her a relic from the Stone Ages — from her manner of dress to her understanding of modern social mores, including those surrounding consumption of alcohol by teenagers.

Now, some 30 years later, as my own children enter their teens and I struggle to find a message about engaging in risky behaviors that they might actually heed, I find myself drifting back to my mother’s message.

Consider, for a moment, the following sobering statistics that pertain to our nation’s youth: More than a quarter of eighth-graders have tried alcohol; 40 percent of all 10th-graders drink; and one in seven teens is a binge drinker — though only about one in 100 parents believes their teens binge drink. This last piece of information is particularly disheartening.

Unlike the 1950s, when my mother entered her teens, many people who came of age in the generation of overindulgence and self-absorption that characterized the 1980s have firsthand experience with binge drinking. I did. That’s all the more reason I want my own children to know what a dumb, dangerous waste of time it is.

But many parents today fall into one of two camps when it comes to teenage drinking. Zero-tolerance folks threaten their kids with everything but their lives if they catch them drinking. Another contingent of folks turns a blind eye to what happens when teens congregate in basements and garages on weekends, especially if no one drives home.

I’ve got a problem with both tactics.

Zero tolerance, in an era when alcohol is part of the fabric of our society, is unrealistic. What happens when the child turns 21 and can drink legally? Or when he or she is in a dorm room?

Then there are those kids chugging away every weekend in the basement of their homes or those of their friends whose parents are worn down, bent on seeing their kids thrive socially or too wrapped up in their own social lives to notice or care what’s happening. By ignoring what’s in front of them, these parents further our nation’s perverse culture of teenage binge drinking.

The primary difference from when I was a teen is that now there seems to be greater awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. Which is why so many teenagers end up flopping on the basement floor of their friends’ homes every weekend. This short-term strategy may save lives, but it also sets up teens for a future of binge drinking and the far-reaching negative consequences that accompany it.

ASHLAND — The remaining upgrade work to be done at the Ashland Area Municipal Authority reservoir will resume in May to finish the project that began in 2015.

At Monday’s meeting, the water authority board heard the monthly report from Alfred Benesch & Co. project manager Jennifer M. Kowalonek that included information on the reservoir project and plans for replacing two aging water mains in the borough.

“We got the word today that the underwater work will begin on or about May 1,” Kowalonek said, referring to the need to replace valves in the reservoir that requires a diving operation.

Since the valve work won’t begin until May and putting it beyond the 365-day contract time, Kowalonek said the general contractor, KC Construction Co., Ivyland, has submitted a change order to allow a time extension of 98 days.

“That would move the substantial completion date to June 17,” Kowalonek said, with the deadline for final completion on July 2. “This is due to the availability of the diving subcontractor. Back in the fall, the water level was lower so it was impossible for the crane to put the valves in the water. The dam is at full capacity now, but we were waiting for the freezing to stop.”

Some preparation work has been in anticipation of the valve project.

“Upon completion of upstream closures, the downstream valve replacements can be completed by KC Construction,” she said. “In preparation for the downstream work, KC Construction performed exploratory work inside the valve house, but did not have to do any digging as was anticipated after last month’s meeting, so the cost will be lower than anticipated. The existing reducers embedded in the wall will remain and all proposed work will be performed in the valve house. We await the price proposal.”

The board approved the request from the contractor for the time extension.

Benesch will investigate the cause of a seep of water through the dam breast and has been reporting to the state Department of Environmental Protection with the readings.

“We have been monitoring the piezometers on a weekly basis and submitting to DEP due to the seep that was discovered during construction,” Kowalonek said. “We think that the seep has presented itself on the embankment and Benesch is currently monitoring the area. We are now going out there every other day just to monitor and make sure it is not growing or changing. It hadn’t presented itself until about a week and a half or two weeks ago.”

Kowalonek added, “We are also recording the weir flow and piezometer date, which have had no changes. The contractor will be video inspecting the drainage system that was installed to determine if it is operating and constructed as designed. DEP, Schnable Engineering and Benesch plan to meet on site April 7 to investigate and discuss a plan of action for addressing the seep.”

Kowalonek said KC will use a video camera to record the drain lines that were installed to make sure that everything was put in properly and constructed as designed.

“If everything is in place as designed, we may need to add another drain line. We’re still under contract and will be using the contract prices, it would be under $20,000,” she said. “Hopefully, it will be handled by next meeting.”

Kowalonek said there will be some cost savings with replacing the valves on the downstream side of the dam with using a 16-inch and a 12-inch valve instead of 20-inch and 14-inch valves, reducing the cost from about $100,000 to less than $70,000.

The change order submitted by KC to extend the contract time was approved 5-0.

In other business, Kowalonek said the survey has been completed on East Centre Street (near Groody’s Catering Hall) and on Middle Street between Eighth and 10th streets, and the right-of-way information was received from the state Department of Transportation on Monday.

“We have all the information to begin the design and permitting process,” Kowalonek said.

The two water lines have been showing their age with repeated breaks, especially the water main along state Route 54 near Groody’s. At AAMA’s February meeting, Benesch senior designer Natalie O’Connor said the line near Groody’s is 810 feet and has an estimated construction cost of $91,000, plus $10,900 for design. The Middle Street construction cost is estimated at about $50,000, with another $4,500 for design.

The board approved at the February meeting the cost of the survey for both locations at $5,600, and also approved $4,200 to begin the permitting process for the East Centre Street location. The $4,200 is a portion of the total cost of $10,900.

Kowalonek said Benesch was requesting an additional $6,700 to complete all of the East Center Street design.

Board members questioned the additional cost, with Kowalonek explaining, “The $4,200 was to get us started on the process. The proposal we gave last month, $5,800 for surveying, $10,900 for the engineering and the permitting of East Centre Street. If you add those numbers together, you get $16,700. We need to do a final design in order to get our permitting because we need to show PennDOT exactly what we’re doing.”

Kowalonek explained that while the surveys were done at both locations in order to take advantage of having the survey crew in Ashland do all the work at one time, the Middle Street design will wait.

“We’re going to hold off on the Middle Street design until after the dam project is done,” Kowalonek said. “You have the survey available, and if at that time you want to move forward with Middle Street and the money is available, then we’ll make the recommendation for the design.”

The board approved completing the Centre Street design work by authorizing the $6,700.

Q: What should I know about artificial sweeteners before I opt for them for myself or my kids in place of regular ol’ sugar?

— GRETCHEN ABDOW, PHILADELPHIA

A: These days, it’s incredibly easy to consume a huge daily dose of sugar. Grabbing a nonfat grande latte at Starbucks before work will start your day off with 18 grams of sugar. A Chobani strawberry-on-the-bottom yogurt with an 8-ounce can of Sprite in the afternoon will add 41 grams. And a 32-ounce bottle of Gatorade and an Almond & Apricot Kind bar at the gym shovels in another 65.5 grams. Consuming these common foods and beverages will bring your daily sugar intake to a total of 124.5 grams.

“Our ancestors probably consumed 20 teaspoons (100 grams) of sugar per year, and we now consume that much per day,” said Dr. Sandy Seeman, a naturopathic doctor who also works at Campbell’s Nutrition in Des Moines, Iowa. “We cannot continue to consume this amount of sugar and not have it impact our systems. Something has to change.”

To avoid tooth decay, obesity, diabetes and other ailments associated with excess sugar intake, Americans have turned to artificial sweeteners, including aspartame (Equal), saccharin (Sweet’n Low), sucralose (Splenda), acesulfame potassium, neotame and others. But the potential dangers of such sweeteners have been controversial since the 1970s, when saccharin was linked with bladder cancer in laboratory rats. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, more than 30 human studies have since shown that those results were irrelevant to humans and that saccharin is safe for human consumption.

The FDA stands by the safety of the sweeteners it approves, referring to aspartame on its website as one of the “most exhaustively studied substances in the human food supply,” with 100-plus studies supporting its safety. The FDA also says that more than 90 studies support the safety of acesulfame potassium, while some 110 studies were reviewed in approving sucralose, 113 for neotame and 37 for advantame.

“About the only way this stuff could harm you is if you were run over by a truck that was delivering it,” wrote Josh Bloom, director of chemical and pharmaceutical sciences at the American Council on Science and Health, when discussing the recent FDA approval of advantame on his blog.

But according to Dr. David Ludwig, an obesity and weight-loss specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital, artificial sweeteners are far more potent than table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, and overstimulation of sugar receptors from frequent usage may limit tolerance for more complex tastes. That is, people who routinely use artificial sweeteners may start to find less intensely sweet foods (such as fruit) less appealing and unsweet foods (such as vegetables) downright unpalatable.

In other words, overuse of artificial sweeteners can make you shun healthy, filling and highly nutritious foods while consuming more artificially flavored foods with less nutritional value.

EARTHTALK is a trademark of the nonprofit Earth Action Network. For information or to make a donation, visit www.earthtalk.org. Send questions to question@earthtalk.org.

In spring 2007, a trio of artists made their way into Pottsville on foot.

The men were nearing the end of their 4,000-mile walk across the country to encourage self-expression, spark creativity and build a network of artists for sharing work.

For Kevin Smith II, it was a life-changing experience that ultimately led him to plant his roots in Tamaqua and be part of a growing arts scene.

“This was an idea I had a long time ago when I was a kid, as far as trying to walk across the country. I was working construction and I was, like, walking in circles eight hours a day carrying 2-by-4s,” Smith, 37, said. “I got those thoughts in your head like, ‘If I were to walk in one direction for eight hours I wonder how long it would take.’ ”

The answer was about a year — at the end of which Smith interpreted his journey through seven acrylic paintings representing sections of the trek. The Tamaqua Community Arts Center hosted a meet and greet event in March featuring Smith and his work — specifically the paintings from the walk.

Chakra scenario

The paintings hung on a metal display, popping off like a rainbow. Hanging underneath was a map of the walk and a breakdown of the seven sections related to color, sound and the Chakra system.

For example, the painting for Section 1 from Venice Beach, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada, was predominately red. A musician on the walk labeled each section with a musical key, with the key of “C” being experimented in Section 1.

The theme of the section was survival, and the symbol was earth. In the Chakra system, the root Chakra is survival.

“We were just out there to survive. That first section was deserts. As you go through the Chakras, this one’s emotion and will,” Smith said, pointing to the next two paintings featuring the colors orange and yellow.

Smith said that once the group made it past the Rocky Mountains, the walk took on a different feel. The men had conquered their fears and demons.

The remaining sections were the themes of balance, communication, imagination and understanding.

Embarking on journey

Before the walk, Smith had been working in Los Angeles for about a decade in special effects, set designs and prop making. He also started his own production company developing indie film projects, art and music events as well as restorations and interior design.

Looking to spread creativity and self-expression, Smith and his friends created the United Souls of Awareness and set off on their journey. The mission was to create a network to share art and culture by traveling town to town.

“When you get into some smaller towns in the middle of nowhere, you meet people who are doing art just for the love of it, not trying to become famous or a huge rock star,” he said.

It was a mutually inspiring experience. Smith said it was a realization that art wasn’t contained to big cities.

“We were starting to realize with a lot of our friends that you didn’t need to be in a Los Angeles area or New York area to make movies or record our music. It was kind of like, with our laptops and what we had, you could do it wherever you are,” he said.

Of course, there was also the physical act of walking across the country. Smith said back in 2007 they didn’t have smartphones or GPS to guide them on their journey.

“A couple times we just had to go for it when we wanted to take shortcuts and kind of just eyeballing it,” he said.

The word of their walk spread. People came out to aid the traveling artists, providing information, food and work. The group put their production skills to use, such as making commercials for a hotel near the Grand Canyon, and connected with entrepreneurs who showed them their trade.

During a two-week stay in Las Vegas, the men met Bret Raymer and Wayde King, who would go on to star in Animal Planet’s “Tanked,” a show about custom fish tanks. Along the way, they also spoke about their trip at elementary schools and senior centers.

On the road, Smith said people would tag along on bikes, skateboards and in cars. The men would send them on missions to find places to go in the next community. They even had a chef from an Indian restaurant deliver a buffet of food in a van.

“As long as we had a positive attitude and a positive flow, things opened up to us,” Smith said.

The men ended their walk in Manhattan, where they were donated a loft to stay at to recoup and work. They stayed there for about a month, at which time Smith said they had to make a choice to return to the West Coast or keep walking.

“Everything was so nice out there and taken care of. It was like, do we really want to stop? There was no reason to stop but we were like, some of the guys we were missing and missing the West Coast and wanting to get back to California,” Smith said.

The men packed up a van that was donated to them and traveled west, hitting places they didn’t visit on the walk.

“That’s where we did a lot more presentations and talking and things like that,” Smith said.

Planting roots

Smith’s parents are from the Allentown area. From the walk and visiting his family, he heard of Stonehedge Gardens in Tamaqua. He decided to visit the gardens and met the owner, Russell Keich.

“I saw that there could be a really cool arts community and development over at Stonehedge, and I started to volunteer there and eventually I moved onto the grounds and lived at Stonehedge for three years,” Smith said.

Smith has been living in Tamaqua for about eight years with his wife, Lauren. He said their best collaboration is their daughter, Willow, 4.

A few years ago, Smith and his business partner, Tom Moroz, bought the former Little Schuylkill Hotel on Market Street and established The Seed House. It was remade into a place for artists to work to create a neighborhood-like atmosphere.

According to its website, www.theseedhouse.net, its focus is to nourish the seed of creativity from within, activating the heart and learning from others. Every week, they host Seed House Saturdays. The events are another way to meet people and their projects and aspirations.

Smith is currently working on a satire series involving puppets, current events and aliens. He hopes to debut the show online in May or June.

A decade later, Smith still feels the impact of the walk, but he knows the journey to grow the arts is ongoing. Asked whether he would take the walk again, he didn’t hesitate.

“I definitely would,” he said.

To learn more about Smith or The Seed House, visit www.k2creates.com and www.theseedhouse.net.

Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon

To Travis and Marissa Sunday Frantz, Pine Grove, a daughter, Feb. 12.

Geisinger Medical Center, Danville

To Joseph Biel and Megan Zimmerman, Minersville, a son, March 27.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Inspiration can be found during the Spring Thaw Arts & Culture Tour in Schuylkill County.

The free weekend event, sponsored by Celebrate Schuylkill and the Schuylkill County Visitor’s Bureau, features nine locations.

Mike Onuskanich, 60, of Frackville, said he visited the Walk In Art Center and The Arts Barn, both in Schuylkill Haven, and went on the tour to “get myself re-inspired. As an artist myself, I need this.”

Today was the first time he visited both Schuylkill Haven venues.

“I’ve been reading about this for a long time, but I never got here,” he said at The Arts Barn.

Onuskanich does oil paintings and viewed the artwork at the event to spark some inspiration in himself.

Deb Cooper, director of The Arts Barn, said there is work from at least 130 Pennsylvania artists at The Arts Barn. And not all of the artists are people. Foxy Lady, a quarter horse, paints and has artwork for sale. Some of it even has small pieces of hay on it. Those visiting the Arts Barn could shop and meet Foxy Lady.

At the Walk In Art Center, visitors could meet the artists, buy artwork and jewelry and see a cooking demonstration. Lisa Robinson, executive director of the center, said 30 vendors were in the main gallery. Children’s activities were also available.

Charles Dauerty, 62, and Christel Boyd, 76, both of Kempton, said they wanted to see the art. Boyd also bought earrings.

“I love art,” Boyd said.

Of a painting by Lewis Achenbach, Dauerty said, “It sort of feels like what jazz music is about.”

Phyllis Gallagher, 58, of Frackville, a guest artist, is a member of the artist association, where artists from the area can join together. They meet the second Thursday of every month at the Walk In Art Center.

One of her pieces featured at the Walk In Art Center was “Three Pounds.”

It is about the human brain. She was inspired to create the art after he husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The four-paned window shows different regions of the brain, one has little magnifying lenses, another has a key, one a small gavel and another shows a map. A larger, unfinished piece, “Tormenting Spirits of Sorrow,” deals with anxiety and depression.

Lori Remmel, an artist in residence, was also there for visitors to see her artwork. Clothes hanging on a wall, part of her “Transience Series,” caught the attention of visitors.

“That is artwork I made for Dave Naydock for Dave Day,” she said.

She used glue, water and paint for her final work, as well as ladders and pulleys to suspend the clothes. She said the piece reflects the idea that people think they are in control of their lives but life always intervenes.

“I hope that people would see change as a good thing and be open to change. Change is a part of growth,” she said.

Next door, Lorraine Felker showcased her reed basket-making skills.

“I’ve been making baskets for about 18 years, and it’s a hobby that has gotten out of control,” she said.

Felker, who also knits, is an artist in residence at the Walk In Art Center. On Saturday, she made a tote for someone who had pre-ordered it. It took her about 2 1/2 hours. Some friends introduced her to basket making and she was hooked. She said she does not always know what size or design a basket will take when she first starts a project.

“Sometimes the basket seems to take on a life of its own,” she said.

Robinson said she thought attendance was great at the event. She wants people to “open their eyes to the possibilities” that art can provide.

The tour continues today at Mud & Maker, 6 S. Centre St., Pottsville; The Arts Barn, 3 Berry Road, Schuylkill Haven; Stonehedge Co-Op, 51 Dairy Road, Tamaqua; and The Art & Craft Gallery of Hamburg, 335 State St., Hamburg.

The play “The Importance of Being Earnest” will be performed later this week and next week at The Strawberry Playhouse, 60 Church St., Tuscarora. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. April 8, 9, 15 and 16 and 2 p.m. April 10 and 17. The cost for tickets is $12 for adults, $10 for students and senior citizens and $5 for children 10 and under.

The Gabriel Youth Orchestra will hold its Spring Concert at 3 p.m. May 1 at D.H.H. Lengel Middle School, Pottsville.

A Park Place man admitted Tuesday in Schuylkill County Court that he threatened to kill his mother in August 2015 in Mahanoy Township.

James R. Morgans, 25, pleaded guilty to terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person, harassment and criminal mischief.

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin accepted Morgans’ plea, but did not immediately sentence him. Instead, he ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for 2 p.m. May 16.

State police at Frackville charged Morgans was holding a pistol when he threatened to kill Sheila C. Mullen during a domestic dispute at 3:20 p.m. Aug. 15, 2015, at 65 High Road, Park Place. Police said they managed to take the pistol and arrest Morgans.

Morgans is free on $25,000 unsecured bail pending sentencing.

Also on Tuesday, Donna E. Shistel, 63, of Barnesville, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of failure to keep right.

Dolbin accepted Shistel’s plea, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and also scheduled her sentencing for 2 p.m. May 16.

Rush Township police alleged Shistel was DUI on April 21, 2015, in the township.

In another Tuesday case, Richard W. Weiss Jr., 40, of Port Carbon, pleaded no contest to three counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of a small amount of marijuana.

As was the case with Morgans and Shistel, Dolbin accepted Weiss’ plea, ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and scheduled his sentencing for 2 p.m. May 16.

Pottsville police charged Weiss with possessing drugs on Feb. 14, 2015, in the city.

By pleading no contest, Weiss did not admit possessing any of the drugs, but offered no defense to the charges, acknowledged prosecutors could produce enough evidence to prove him guilty of the charges and agreed to be sentenced as if he had pleaded or been found guilty.

In other recent Schuylkill County Court action, President Judge William E. Baldwin accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Albin Kaminsky, 41, of Shenandoah; possession of drug paraphernalia and harassment; six months probation, $100 fine and $100 SAEF payment.

Katie M. Keister, 21, of Hegins; conspiracy; one year probation, $500 fine, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Justin E. Kitsock, 37, of Girardville; possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; sentencing deferred.

Paul Krainik, 39, of Pottsville; two counts of terroristic threats; one year probation and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of retaliation against witness or victim.

Tomara R. Scott, 24, of Schuylkill Haven; driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lane, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; 33 days to six months in prison, one year probation, $1,025 in fines, $400 in SAEF payments, $100 in CJEA payments, $428 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors withdrew charges of texting while driving, careless driving and possession of a controlled substance.

Gerald Shatalsky, 30, of Mahanoy City; DUI; 72 hours to six months in prison, $1,000 fine, $300 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors withdrew charges of disregarding traffic lane and careless driving.

David J. Tavares, 29, of Seltzer; two counts of harassment; $600 in fines. Prosecutors withdrew three counts of simple assault, one of disorderly conduct and an additional one of harassment.

Michael Valeno, 30, of Tower City; possession of a controlled substance; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $176 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem. Prosecutors withdrew charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Alexander D. Wiederhold, 22, of Minersville; delivery of a controlled substance; 136 days to 18 months in prison with immediate parole, $100 SAEF 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 conspiracy, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Star K. Wishkin, 37, of Minersville; delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance; sentencing deferred.

Bruce A. Zalusky, 51, of Lebanon; criminal mischief; $200 fine and $500 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew two additional counts of criminal mischief.

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

The public will not be allowed to speak at eight public hearings that have been scheduled regarding the future of Gillingham Charter School, Pottsville, according to an attorney from Allentown who’s been appointed as the hearing officer.

However, people who want to be heard will have 30 days from the date of the last scheduled hearing, May 3, to write a letter with comments to that attorney, Marc S. Fisher from the firm Worth, Magee & Fisher Law Offices.

“The public will be given a chance to make comment in the form of written testimony. At the conclusion of the hearings, I anticipate there will be a 30-day comment period for the public. I anticipate they will send it to me, but that hasn’t been fully decided. It will be established by the start of the first hearing,” Fisher said Thursday.

On Dec. 2, the Pottsville Area school board rejected Gillingham’s application for a second five-year charter.

In accordance with the Public School Code of 1949, Article XVII-A, Charter Schools, Section 1729-A, subsection (c), the school district must hold a public hearing “concerning the revocation or nonrenewal.”

On Tuesday, Pottsville Area Superintendent Jeffrey S. Zwiebel announced the dates of the hearings regarding Gillingham’s charter renewal application. They will be held at 9:30 a.m. April 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 and May 3 in the auditorium of the D.H.H. Lengel Middle School.

Then, according to the school code: “Formal action revoking or not renewing a charter shall be taken by the local board of school directors at a public meeting pursuant to the act of July 3, 1986 (P.L.388, No.84), known as the ‘Sunshine Act,’ after the public has had thirty (30) days to provide comments to the board.”

On Tuesday, Zwiebel referred all questions about the hearings to the two attorneys Pottsville Area hired to support the district through Gillingham’s rechartering process.

In May 2015, the school board hired Ellen C. Schurdak, a representative of King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul Attorneys & Counselors, Bethlehem, on an as-needed basis at a rate of $185 per hour.

On Jan. 20, the school board hired Fisher as a hearing officer and fact finder at a rate of $185 per hour.

“A hearing schedule was agreed to by the hearing officer and counsel for the charter school and the school district,” Schurdak said in an email Wednesday. But she could not answer questions about the format of the hearings.

The format

“They’re scheduled for full-day hearings, at least at the moment,” Fisher said.

Each hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. There will be a break about noon, and the hearings will end each day about 4 or 5 p.m., “depending on where we are with witnesses,” Fisher said.

“The format is decided by the hearing officer, however, typically a school district presents its witnesses who are subject to cross-examination and after concluding its case, a charter school can present witnesses, who are subject to cross-examination,” Schurdak said in the email.

“The school district would go first, followed by Gillingham. And there will be an official court stenographer present,” Fisher said.

Fisher was not sure how many days Pottsville Area will present its case and how much time Gillingham would have to present its case.

“I have no idea. It’s up to Pottsville and Gillingham, and how long they want to go,” Fisher said.

Fisher said the parties are still assembling their expert witnesses.

Fisher offered insights into his duties: “Right now, I know nothing of the underlying dispute between the parties. I will run the hearing. I’ll make a report and a recommendation to the school board. And ultimately, it’s the school board who will decide this case, not me. They’re free to accept my recommendations or object my recommendations, or accept and reject such parts as they deem fit.”

Fisher wasn’t sure Thursday when his report would be complete or how long it would be.

“It will depend on the length of the testimony, whether they’ve agreed on certain facts or not, and what the actual legal issues are in the end,” Fisher said.

Fisher said his report will become public: “It will become a public report, but the exact process in which that will occur, I really haven’t thought through yet.”

The attorneys

A brief biography for Fisher is available on his firm’s website at www.worthlawoffices.com: “Marc S. Fisher brings to the firm over 30 years of experience handling all aspects of family law, school law and municipal and zoning law. He obtained his law degree from the Villanova University School of Law in 1982. He is also a cum laude graduate from Brandeis University where he received a bachelor of arts degree. Marc chairs the firm’s family law division and specializes in divorce, support, property division and custody issues. He also represents school districts and townships, and is a licensed title agent. Marc has served as an adjunct professor in the Master’s In Education Program at DeSales University. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Pennsylvania School Solicitors Association and the Lehigh and Carbon County Bar Associations. He is also a member of the board of directors of Lehigh Valley Children’s Center Inc. and Temple Beth El.”

A brief biography of Schurdak is available on her firm’s website at www.kingspry.com: “Ellen C. Schurdak focuses her practice on all aspects of litigation. She is a member of the Education Law Practice Group, Family Law Practice Group, Employment Law Practice Group, Litigation Practice Group and Estate Planning and Trusts Practice Group. Ms. Schurdak prides herself in her communication skills with her clients: she is able to explain what can be a daunting, complex legal process in simple terms. She offers her clients choices. Ms. Schurdak is prepared to zealously represent her client, whether it be in a courtroom, arguing in a mediation session, arbitration or to an appellate court.” Schurdak earned undergraduate degrees at Fairfield University in Connecticut and the London School of Economics and her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, according to the site.

Gillingham has employed attorneys from the firm Latsha Davis & McKenna, Mechanicsburg, for help with the rechartering process. Attorney Christine Elizabeth Reilly receives $200 per hour and attorney Mark G. Morford receives $235 per hour, Rachel Bensinger, the school’s director of organizational development, said Wednesday.

The legal fees will come out of Gillingham’s general fund, Nicolle M. Hutchinson, Gillingham’s CEO and director of education, said Wednesday.

A brief biography of Reilly is available on the firm’s website at www.ldylaw.com: “Christine Reilly is a member of Education and Employment Practice groups. She concentrates in employment law and education law, focusing on litigation, administrative proceedings, appellate cases and special education matters. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Reilly worked for a litigation firm specializing in employment and civil rights matters, such as discrimination and wrongful termination cases. She has litigated dozens of cases in both state and federal courts, and before administrative agencies including the New Jersey Division on civil rights, PHRC and EEOC.” Reilly earned a bachelor’s degree in communications at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and her law degree from Villanova University School of Law, according to the site.

A brief biography of Morford is also available on the site: “Mark G. Morford is a member of the Education, Employment and Litigation practice groups. He concentrates his practice in the areas of charter school law and civil litigation. He has appeared before various school district boards, the State Charter School Appeal Board, various Courts of Common Pleas, and the Commonwealth Court on behalf of charter school clients. Prior to his association with the firm, Mr. Morford served as a trial court and appellate court law clerk in Washington state, as a prosecutor in Washington state, and as a civil litigation attorney in Boston, Massachusetts.” Morford earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Gonzaga University and his law degree from University of Washington School of Law, according to the site.

Looking ahead

Hutchinson has asked numerous questions about how long the rechartering process could take and how it could affect Gillingham’s 2016-17 school year.

“I’ve been warned that it takes time. And if Pottsville Area still chooses to deny our charter, we have 30 days to appeal to the CAB,” Hutchinson said, referring to the Charter School Appeal Board, Harrisburg.

If the rechartering process continues into the 2016-17 school year, she believes Gillingham will open for its sixth school year sometime in the end of August or in early September.

“I’ve asked these kind of questions and talked to people who have been involved in this and they have no answer for me. It’s different in so many different ways for different cases. It depends on what happens, if it moves into the summer and into the fall. We anticipate that ours might go into the fall. What I’ve been told is that if the appeal is taking place during a school year, the school still remains open. That’s what I’m anticipating will happen,” Hutchinson said.

April is the month of spring thaw. People come out of winter hibernation and look for things to do.

Fortunately, there are several national campaigns that take place in April that make it the ideal month to do something to help yourself, your community and our planet.

National Volunteer Week will be held from April 10-16. Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Each year, CVIA facilitates thousands of volunteers with their volunteer quests. More than 200 local volunteer opportunities can be found on the CVIA website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. If you can’t find your perfect assignment there, look around your community to see how you can lend a helping hand.

Pay It Forward is a little known movement that is big on good will. The international day, April 28, is your chance to make someone feel good. The idea is that you do something nice for someone and they pass the kindness on to someone else and the chain of generosity continues — a ripple effect of good will.

Some ideas are to give the cashier a dollar toward the coffee purchase of the person behind you in line; buy an inexpensive bouquet of cut flowers, like friendly daisies, and pass them out to random people throughout the day; tape a lottery ticket to an ATM machine; or take a box of doughnut holes to your library.

Of course, you should also pass on a card explaining the act that encourages the recipient to continue the “chain.” You get the idea. Have fun with it. You can find ideas, school kits and downloadable cards at http://payitforwardday.com.

With little effort, you can help our planet. Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. Perhaps now is a good time to reduce your carbon footprint. If we all make little changes, it can make a big difference. Arbor Day will be on April 29. Plant it Forward is a movement to do something today to benefit future generations.

“The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” — Anonymous.

Forests are the green lungs of the world and play a key role in the health of the planet. Nothing could survive without plants — they’re the foundation for most of Earth’s ecosystems. In addition to providing oxygen, trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide food and shelter for animals while supplying us with wood products from newspaper to furniture. Why not plan a project for the entire family to participate in this month? Plant a tree at home or in the woods. The planet has been kind to us, it’s time to return the favor. You can find ideas at www.earthday.org and at www.arborday.org.

When you think of spring, emergencies and natural disasters aren’t the first things to come to mind. However, catastrophes aren’t just something in movies, they occur every season, including spring. Schuylkill County is not immune. Learn about your local hazards and take action to become more resilient before, during and after a disaster or emergency strikes.

April 30 is FEMA’s America’s PrepareAthon Day. You can find information on how to prepare for virtually any kind of natural threat on the FEMA website at www.community.fema.gov. You can also learn protective measures at www.ready.gov. The more you know, the more confident and better prepared you’ll be to help yourself, your family and your neighbors.

These are just a few of the ways you can make April a great month for all. Have fun with them while helping others.

Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Use the preceding contact information for those specific opportunities and search other listings on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Find us on Facebook. Call us at 570-628-1426 or email to jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

VALLEY VIEW — Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers and state police at Schuylkill Haven are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man wanted in connection with a criminal trespass incident last month.

Police said the incident occurred about 10 a.m. March 17 at Gratz Bank, 1625 W. Main St.

An unidentified man tried to gain entry to the bank through a side door but fled the scene after being unable to do so. The man then ran behind several houses and got into a silver or gray Pontiac G6 driven by another man. They fled the area, traveling west on Main Street, police said. The vehicle was seen a short time later traveling west on Fearnot Road in Hubley Township.

The unidentified man at the bank was wearing yellow gloves, a gray hooded sweatshirt with the hood up and had his face covered.

Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information on the identity of the man responsible for this incident or on any unsolved crime in Schuylkill County.

Callers are asked to refer to case 04-03-16 when calling with information about the March 17 trespass in Valley View. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 877-TIPS4SC (877-847-7472). Callers can also relay their information directly to state police at Schuylkill Haven by calling 570-739-1330 and referring to incident L07-1405289.

All information will remain confidential.

Police investigate

burglary case

MOUNT CARBON — State police at Schuylkill Haven said three incidents of burglary were committed at Mystic Screen Printing and Embroidery last month.

Police said the business at 1108 S. Center St. in the borough was the victim of the burglary. The first time occurred about 2 p.m. March 20. The second time was at an unknown time between March 21 and 22 while the third took place about 6:40 p.m. March 29. Those responsible entered the business through a door on the east side of the building and took an undetermined amount of change from the cash register and a credit card belonging to the business, police said. The credit card was found on the ground near the Rite Aid in Pottsville.

Anyone with information is asked to call Trooper Justin Humanick at state police at Schuylkill Haven at 570-739-1330.

Although the turnout was less than usual for Saturday’s opening day of the state Fish and Boat Commission’s Southeast Region trout season because of a steady rain that lasted through midmorning in Schuylkill County, anglers who participated made the best of the situation.

In evidence was rainwear that ran the gamut from Gore-Tex rain suits to ponchos to plastic garbage bags. Of all the anglers who were prepared for the weather, none were more elaborate than a group of family members and friends who made the trip to Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove, from the Northumberland County community of Milton, south of Williamsport.

Brendon Lloyd, who put the group together, said his party arrived at approximately 10 p.m. Friday to be well rested and ready for the tradition of opening day. They even had a portable propane gas grill to cook cheeseburgers, hamburgers and hot dogs, and plan to celebrate the same way closer to their home when the statewide season for trout opens April 16.

“A few years ago I came down to this area with a friend and we were looking for a place to fish,” Lloyd said. “We heard about this lake and that it had everything from trout to bass to crappies, so we gave it a try, and we’re thinking about signing up for the tournament.”

Lloyd was talking about the Family Fun Fishing Event, which kicks off April 24 with a variety of activities, including breakfast and lunch at the Sweet Arrow Lake clubhouse and prizes for the two heaviest carp caught. Applications for the year-long tournament are available on the Sweet Arrow Lake website and unclaimed prizes will be awarded at the 2017 opening day by drawing the names of those registered for this year’s event.

Schuylkill County is the northern-most of the 18 counties in the Southeast Region that also contains Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia and York counties. In 2007, the PFBC inaugurated the regional opening to fall on the first Saturday following March 28 for in-season trout stockings to be completed before the usual low-water conditions of late spring and early summer occurred.

This year’s statewide trout season will open at 8 a.m. April 16, per regulations that set the opening day for the first Saturday after April 11. A week prior to the statewide opening day will be the second Mentored Youth Trout Day for anglers younger than 16 years old, who may keep two trout, possess a free youth permit or voluntary youth license and be accompanied by a licensed angler who also possess a trout stamp but are not permitted to keep fish on the special youth day.

Following the statewide opening day, trout fishing is open 24 hours a day. During trout season the daily limit is five fish with a minimum length of seven inches. Anglers 16 years of age and older must possess a seasonal, multi-year or senior lifetime license and a trout stamp to fish for trout.

Since the adoption of the regional opening day, many times anglers had to deal with temperatures that dipped into the 30s or less, sleet and/or rain and snow flurries. Just two years ago most of Sweet Arrow Lake was frozen over with ice not thick enough to allow safe ice fishing, so few anglers complained about Saturday’s rain.

“I was surprised that we were able to have our pick of fishing spots and at 7:30 this morning were able to walk right in and get set up before the 8 o’clock starting time,” Len Nabholz, Cressona, said while fishing a popular hole on Swatara Creek near Friedensburg. “Even though my son, Nate, and his buddy are supposed to have a JV baseball game this afternoon, we weren’t going to miss opening day of trout season.”

Hallie Schneck, Heckscherville, decided her catch of four trout, including two large rainbow trout, one of which was a golden, caught below the falls at Sweet Arrow Lake, was sufficient for Saturday’s dinner.

“I wore my lucky pink boots,” Schneck said. “Actually, I wore them to see if I could upset my uncle.”

Nearby on the opposite side of the stream her uncle, Bruce Schneck, managed to keep busy catching and releasing trout. He was not too busy, however, to observe: “I can’t believe she wore those pink boots.”

At its March meeting Wednesday, the Greater Pottsville Area Sewer Authority decided to reimburse two property owners the cost of plumbing.

“I’m seeking approval for reimbursement of plumber’s costs at two different addresses. The first was 4 North 16th Street, Pottsville, in the amount of $872.50, and the second location was at 677 North Second Street, Pottsville, in the amount of $540. Both of those areas had problems in the streets, so we had to dig it up and replace the lateral,” Timothy R. Yingling, the sewer authority’s executive director, said at the meeting at its offices at city hall.

“It’s our responsibility,” Ian H. Lipton, GPASA chairman, said.

In other matters, Yingling offered an update on repairs to the 19th century combined stormwater and sewer system stone arch that collapsed at Fifth and Arch streets on Feb. 17.

The collapsed area is about 60 feet long. Dallago’s Backhoe Service, Minersville, conducted the excavation. The GPASA street crew installed three 20-foot sections of PVC plastic pipe, which is 48 inches in diameter.

“The cost of the arch was significantly less than we anticipated, some of which, I guess, is covered by the fact that some of our own people did some of the work,” Lipton said.

Yingling was still calculating the cost of the work Wednesday night.

“I still have to get the figures on materials, including the pipe and the stone. And we still have to pave that area yet,” Yingling said.

GPASA is about to start negotiations with its 12 contract employees, Edward Brennan, an attorney from Pottsville who is the solicitor for GPASA, said.

“The employee contract is for the Teamsters Union members: hourly employees, i.e. assistant plant operators, maintenance and street crew personnel,” Yingling said Thursday.

They include Robert J. Brennan Sr., assistant plant operator; Jason M. Conway, street crew laborer; Ronald D. Dermo, assistant plant operator; Michael R. DiCello, assistant plant operator; William M. Haley, maintenance; James W. Laux, chief operator; Emidio A. Piccioni, assistant plant manager; James J. Pugh, maintenance; Vincent D. Riotto, street crew supervisor; John R. Ross, assistant plant operator; Jerome R. Setlock, street crew laborer; and James D. Thomas Jr., street crew laborer.

“Their contract is up at the end of the year. It was a five-year contract. We’re just beginning negotiations,” Edward Brennan said.

The engineering firm hired by the authority said its effort to find cracks in the sewer system causing stormwater to seep in — called a “Corrective Action Plan” — is on track.

In November, the state Department of Environmental Protection decided to lift 73 percent of the sewer hookup moratorium that has haunted the GPASA’s service area for 25 years.

This year, the authority will try to lift the moratorium in three areas which remain under the prohibition: all of Mount Carbon, and portions of North Manheim Township and the City of Pottsville.

“On March 23, we sent to the executive director the progress report that addresses the tasks in the Corrective Action Plan. After the authority’s review, comment and/or approval, the progress report is required to be submitted to DEP no later than June 30,” Thomas W. Schreffler, a project manager with Light-Heigel & Associates Inc., said at Wednesday’s meeting.

“So, we’ll have three full months to go over the report. There are some loose ends there. And we want to fine tune it to complete all of the tasks that were indicated in the Corrective Action Plan,” Schreffler said.

The state auditor general’s office found that Rush Township received a $3,921 overpayment in state aid due to an error on a certification form following an audit of the non-uniformed pension plan.

The township certified one ineligible non-uniformed employee on a form filed in 2015, and this information is used to calculate state aid the township is owed for distribution to its pension plans, according to the auditor general’s findings.

The township then used the overpayment to pay the minimum municipal obligation to the plan. If the township refunds the state from the plan, the plan’s minimum obligation will not be met, the auditor general found.

The auditor general recommended that the township refund the state with interest and also pay the minimum obligation deficiency to the plan, if plan funds are used to pay the state. Further, plan officials should establish adequate internal controls procedures, such as having at least two people review the data certified to ensure compliance.

The township agreed with the auditor general’s finding without exception.

An audit of the township’s police pension plan found nothing to indicate the plan was not being administered in compliance with applicable laws or procedures.

n Ashland: At the March 31 meeting, the Rotarians hosted the student of the month and Shannon Scheuren said Rotarians will participate in the semi-annual Schuylkill Keep It Pretty cleanup by clearing litter from Eureka Park beginning at 9 a.m. Garbage bags, gloves and vests will be provided to those who volunteer. Afterward, the club will serve hot dogs, chips and beverages to all who participate at the Little League concession stand. The club will present two free band concerts again this year. The Shoreliners band will be featured on July 21 and the Cressona Band will take the stage on Aug. 10.

n Frackville: The auxiliary of Frackville American Legion Post 398 will have a basket auction from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 30 at the post home, 40 S. Mahanoy Ave. There will be a shop-and-drop from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 29 and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 30. Food will be available both days and people need not be present to win. For more information, call 570-874-4750.

n Frackville: Living Waters Church of God will show the movie “Return to the Hiding Place” at 7 p.m. Saturday at the church, 155 S. Balliet St. The event, as well as food and refreshments, is free. For more information, call 570-622-3587.

n Mahanoy City: The Good American Hose Company, in a press release, thanked media outlets and local businesses that helped make its fundraisers successful, as well as the volunteers who participated. “Most of all we would like to thank the community for patronizing and making our fundraisers a big success. Schuylkill County has supported us and (has) truly great people,” company officials said in the release.

n Millersburg: Summer camps have been set at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art at various dates and times June 4 through Aug. 19. Reservations are being accepted. To register, call 717-692-3699 or visit www.nedsmithcenter.org.

n Pine Grove: The 31st annual Make-A-Wish Golf Tournament is set to begin at 7:30 a.m. June 16 at Hidden Valley Golf Course, 1753 Panther Valley Road. The tourney’s goal is to raise money to grant wishes for Schuylkill County children who face life-threatening medical conditions. There will be two shotgun starts at 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and golfers will be invited to enjoy lunch, snacks, beverages, dinner and awards. For more information, call 717-757-9474.

n Pottsville: The Anthracite Philharmonic will present Moussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” under the direction of Mark P. Thomas at 8 p.m. April 23 at First United Methodist Church, 320 W. Market St. The event will include a special performance by John Kline. Tickets are $20 each. Visit www.anthphil.org.

n Pottsville: The Schuylkill YMCA, 520 N. Centre St., will have a sports youth night at 7 p.m. April 22. The cost is $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers. The event is for youngsters in grades 4-8 and will feature activities for all. For more information, call 570-622-7850.

n Ringtown: The Creekside Restaurant, 116 Ringtown Blvd., will hold a dine-out event to benefit the Ringtown Area Library from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Dine at Creekside any time and the restaurant will donate a portion of all sales to the library. Donors can also provide additional support at the restaurant by making a “pin-up” donation for the library through April.

n Saint Clair: A night at the races for benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday in the Saint Clair Lions Club Hall, McCord Avenue. Tickets are $7 each and includes food and beverage. Call 570-429-2233.

n Schuylkill Haven: The Schuylkill County Motorcycle Club will have a poker run beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday at the clubhouse, 958 Schuylkill Mountain Road. Tickets are $8 each. The club will serve breakfast and lunch and the event will be “a fun ride through the countryside,” according to a club release. For more information, call 570-754-7208.

n Shenandoah: Restoration Fellowship will host a Spring Prophetic Conference at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the church, 201 W. Oak St. Call 570-462-0374.

ASHLAND — Ashland police have filed charges against a man in connection with an armed robbery at a borough business last year.

Patrolman Daniel Weikel III charged Jason Pryce, who is currently jailed on unrelated charges, with robbing Bracey Pharmacy, 626 Centre St., on Oct. 27.

Weikel said Pryce, whose last address was 215 Germanville Road, Ashland, was charged with robbery and related offenses and will be arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, at a later date.

The day of the robbery, Ashland Police Chief Mark O’Hearn said, a man, now identified as Pryce, entered the pharmacy and pointed some type of object that was stuffed inside his sleeve at several employees while demanding prescription medication. The man then grabbed a quantity of prescription medication and left the business through the front door, fleeing the area west on Centre Street.

A subsequent investigation determined that Pryce stole 1,164 Oxycodone tablets from the business before leaving.

In announcing the charges, Weikel said police suspected Pryce from the day of the robbery but had to process evidence and gather statements from witnesses. This information was needed for the prosecution prior to the charges being filed, he said.

Weikel said Pryce is incarcerated in a state prison.

During the original robbery call, Ashland officers were assisted by police from Frackville and Butler Township, state troopers from the Frackville station, Schuylkill County sheriff’s deputies and members of Schuylkill County Adult Probation.

Strong winds in Schuylkill County resulted in power outages, downed trees and property damage over the weekend.

The National Weather Service, State College, issued a high wind warning from midnight Saturday to noon Sunday. A supervisor with the Schuylkill County Communications Center said he was not aware of any major damage, although a tree fell on a house in Pottsville, he said.

“There were some trees and wire incidents,” he said.

The highest wind reported in the county was 52 mph at 4:08 a.m. Sunday in Bears Head, Delano Township, according to the NWS website, www.weather.gov.

Patrick Lester, a representative for PPL, said the highest power outage recorded in the county was 1,710 customers about 11 p.m. Saturday.

“It was all storm related,” he said.

Areas that experienced power outages included Auburn and South Manheim and North Union townships.

By 5:25 p.m. Sunday, Lester said power was restored to all customers.

Pottsville Assistant Fire Chief Jason Witmier said the fire department responded to 839 Water St. for trees on a house and garage about 6:30 a.m. Sunday.

“No one was injured. It came across the roof,” he said.

The fire department removed as much of the trees as possible.

Eric Lord and his parents, Dennis and Barbara Lord, live at the home. Eric said he was watching TV in the family room about 4:15 a.m. when the tree fell.

“I heard this loud boom,” he said.

Lord said he went outside and saw the awning was damaged. Inside, he said, ceiling tiles crashed down near the area he was seated.

“The whole house just shook,” he said, adding the noise woke up his parents.

Later, they discovered two large trees had fallen on their house.

“Three branches went through it,” Eric Lord said.

Dennis Lord said 32 holes were visible in the rubber roof. They were temporarily patched. A shed also received heavy damage.

The family is still able to stay in the house. A representative with an insurance company was at the house Sunday to assess the damage.

Dennis estimated that one of the pine trees that fell was about 70 to 80 feet tall. The tree then hit a smaller tree, which he estimated was about 20 or 30 feet high.

The ground around the home was littered with pine needles and pieces of the cut-up trees. Dennis said the trees would be removed today.

“Nobody was hurt. That’s the important thing,” he said.

The city fire department was also called to Red Horse Road, along Gordon Nagle Trail, and Adams Street for trees laying across roads, Witmier said.

HARRISBURG — The process to foreclose vacant and abandoned properties would be speeded up to fight blight under legislation written by two senators from Northeast Pennsylvania.

Sens. David Argall, R-29, and John Blake, D-22, Archbald, plan to introduce a bill soon to make Pennsylvania the eighth state with a “fast-track” foreclosure law.

The legislation would shorten a process that can now take anywhere from 300 to 540 days and will apply only to property that meets criteria for being vacant and abandoned, the senators said.

“We believe we can get it down to 60 days,” Argall said.

Foreclosure occurs when lenders seize a property because the owner can’t keep up with mortgage payments.

A lengthy foreclosure process allows properties to decay, become dangerous eyesores and reduce property values in the surrounding neighborhood, Argall said.

The legislation will create a process where a property is certified as vacant and abandoned either by a municipal code officer or court action before a lender can start an expedited foreclosure. Lenders would have to follow specific steps in that event.

The criteria for determining whether a property is vacant and abandoned will include such considerations as whether personal possessions have been removed, utilities are shut off, fixtures have been stripped and the grass is not mowed, Argall said.

This legislation is not tied to Scranton’s move to create a registry of foreclosed homes, Blake aide Luc Miron said. City officials said the registry would help ensure that foreclosed homes are properly maintained and give city code enforcement officials a contact number in case maintenance or repairs are needed.

A legislative blight task force that already contributed to passage of a number of anti-blight laws during the past decade developed the legislation. Housing advocates, local government officials and bankers are involved with the task force.

The bill’s provisions will reflect testimony given during a joint Senate-House committee hearing last fall on fast-track foreclosure, Argall said.

At that hearing, the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania said it’s important that a court decides whether a property is vacant and abandoned and that a property owner be given adequate notice of a foreclosure action.

The alliance’s policy director, Cindy Daley, discussed how to tell if a property is vacant and abandoned.

“A number of indicators can be taken together to paint a picture of vacancy and abandonment: substantially all personal property has been removed, utilities have been shut off, mail is accumulating or being forwarded, windows or doors are broken,” she said. “It is a combination of things. Blight may be a factor, but it is not, in and of itself, proof of vacancy and abandonment. We all know of blighted houses that are occupied.”

Legal advocates stressed the importance of giving adequate protection to low-income homeowners.

“We should be very careful not to take away due process for homeowners because a lender believes a home is vacant and abandoned,” Michael Froehlich, an attorney with Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, said.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Local and state representatives, the governor and a former U.S. president offered their congratulations to Boy Scout Troup 625 for its 80th anniversary.

A celebration was held Sunday at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dock Street, and featured a brief history of the troop, memorabilia and guest speakers.

“Congratulations on your 80th anniversary. You have been a vital part of nearly all of the history and progress of the Boy Scouts of America. We know that in your next 80 years you will continue to lead and inspire countless more young men on the path toward adulthood,” former President Jimmy Carter said in a letter.

Gov. Tom Wolf, the Schuylkill County commissioners and state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, sent congratulations on the anniversary and the troop’s impact on scouting life.

State Sen. David Argall, R-29, offered his praises to the troop at the church.

“Congratulations on this special occasion. You are obviously doing something right,” he said.

He served as one of the guest speakers on Sunday.

“Boy Scout Troop 625 of Schuylkill Haven was chartered in 1936 by Christ Lutheran Sunday school. Christ Lutheran Church also sponsored Explore Troop 626, as well as Pack 625. The troop used to meet in the log cabin basement of the Christ Lutheran and St. Matthew’s. The church was destroyed by fire in 1991, which led to the merging of Christ Lutheran and St. Matthew’s. The church was renamed as Jerusalem Lutheran Evangelical Church,” Chris Ebling, assistant scoutmaster, said.

The 15-member Boy Scout troop meets at the youth building outside of the church. Since its inception, there have been 14 scoutmasters and 76 Eagle Scouts.

Jerry Beaver, district chairman of the Black Rock District, which encompasses all of Schuylkill County, and a member of the Hawk Mountain Council, said sometimes the scoutmasters might ask themselves if they are making a difference in the life of young men. He said they are.

He told the Scouts to stick with it because it’s worth it. He said the organization teaches skills that can be use in life.

Chris Fisher, manager of operations for Dauphin County Emergency Management, said he was a Boy Scout from 1987 to 1994. He said the skills he learned help him everyday.

“All too often, we take something for granted,” he said.

He urged the Scouts to get the most out of their experience.

Joe Oliver, Black Rock District Boy Scout advancement chair, said he wanted to say how proud he was of the troop reaching the milestone.

“Let’s keep it going for another 80 years,” he said.

Joel Koch, current scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 625, said he is proud of what he called his family.

“The boys bring our lives joy,” he said.

Koch also announced that he is stepping down as scoutmaster to give someone else the opportunity. He has been scoutmaster since 2012. He said he will stay active in scouting as an assistant scoutmaster.

Casey Chamberlain, 12, of Schuylkill Haven, said he likes being outdoors and going on trips, something he has been able to do as a Boy Scout.

Joshua Tuite, 13, of Schuylkill Haven, said he also enjoys being a Boy Scout. He has 16 merit badges and is working on more.

Ryley Boyer, 10, of Schuylkill Haven, also enjoys his time with his friends and learning more skills that can help him as he gets older. He said 80 years for an organization is a long time.

“I think it’s kind of neat,” he said.

What District Attorney Christine A. Holman believes to be an average criminal term begins today in Schuylkill County Court.

“We have eight jury” and seven nonjury trials scheduled, Holman said Friday. Three of those trials are slated to start today.

That represents a major and surprisingly large decrease from the situation at the start of pretrial conferences on March 24, she said.

“We started off with 40” trials at those conferences, Holman said.

She said guilty pleas, continuances and bench warrants usually remove about 50 percent of those prospective trials, but not 80 percent.

“That would be high,” according to Holman.

Holman said the number of jury trials remains relatively constant over time.

In 2015, there were 51 jury trials in the county court, she said. That was only slightly more than in 2012 through 2014, when there were 42, 46 and 44, respectively, Holman said.

The three defendants slated to go on trial today are Tyler R. McNulty, 24, of Schuylkill Haven; Amanda M. Morris, 26, of Saint Clair; and Brian R. Specht, 47, of Pottsville.

McNulty faces charges of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance. Potstville police allege he committed his crimes on July 1, 2015, in the city.

President Judge William E. Baldwin will preside over McNulty’s trial. Deputy Assistant District Attoreny Robert I. Lipkin will prosecute the case, while Frederick J. Fanelli, Eric M. Prock and James J. Amato, Pottsville, will defend McNulty.

Morris is charged with retail theft, which Saint Clair police alleged she committed on May 31, 2015, in the borough.

First Assistant District Attorney John T. Fegley will prosecute the case against Morris, while Assistant Public Defender Paul G. Domalakes will defend her. Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin will preside over the trial.

Specht is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under suspension-DUI related. Mahanoy City police alleged he committed his crimes on May 15, 2015, in the borough.

Judge Jacqueline L. Russell will preside over the trial. Assistant District Attorney Debra A. Smith will prosecute the case against Specht, while Assistant Public Defender Kent D. Watkins will defend him.

The criminal term will run through April 12.

Defendant: Tyler R. McNulty

Age: 24

Residence: Schuylkill Haven

Charges: Delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance