n Frackville: Living Waters Church of God, 155 S. Balliet St., will have a free movie night at 7 p.m. Saturday, featuring a film about forgiveness. For more information, call 570-622-3587.

n Mahanoy City: The Washington Hook and Ladder Fire Company will hold a car wash from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the firehouse, 35 E. Mahanoy St., weather permitting. The cost is $5 for exterior only and $15 for exterior and interior.

n Mahanoy City: The Mahanoy Township Authority will conduct hydrant flushing and valve testing from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to May 27. Interruption of water service or cloudy/discolored water may occur. Boiling of drinking water is advised if cloudy water should occur. Affected areas include Mahanoy City, the Mahanoy Township villages of Bowmans, Hills, Glendon, Coles, Boston Run, Maple Hill and Yatesville, and the Gilberton borough sections of Gilberton, Mahanoy Plane and Maizeville. For more information, call the authority office at 570-773-0650.

n New Philadelphia: The Actors Guild of Schuylkill County will have auditions for the “Carol Burnett Show” from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Simon Kramer Institute, Clay Street. The actual show performances are scheduled for Aug. 5, 6 and 7. The guild will have auditions for “Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged,” from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the institute. The actual performances will be on June 24 and 25. For more information, call 570-527-5787.

n Pine Grove: A fishing tournament will be held from 6 a.m. to noon May 22 at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. No check-in will be required for those who are registered in advance. A horn will signal the start of the event and weigh-in will begin at 8 a.m. at the state Fish and Boat Commission access area. All entrants must be in line for weigh-in by noon. All commission regulations, including limits and utilization of fish, will apply. There will be separate divisions for boat and shore anglers. The entry fee is $20 per person and there will be eight total cash prizes per division, each equal to 10 percent of the entry fees. The balance of the entry fees will benefit the Schuylkill County Sportsmen’s Advisory Board. For more information, call 570-739-2627.

n Pottsville: John M. Matz of the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency said the countywide burn ban remains in effect until noon May 22.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Open Writers will gather at the Pottsville Public Library, 215 W. Market St., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and June 11. Participants should bring pencil, paper and “creativity” for an informal writing session. For more information, call 570-622-7368.

n Pottsville: St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church will hold its annual curiosity shop yard sale from 4 to 7 p.m. May 20 and 8 a.m. to noon May 21 at the church’s Russell building, Ninth Street and Schuylkill Avenue. There will be a vintage section. Food and baked goods will be on sale. For more information, call the St. John rectory at 570-622-5470.

n Schuylkill Haven: South Schuylkill Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 21 at 46 Avenue C behind the Medical Arts Building. Prices will start as low as $1. Garden club gardeners and members of the Penn State Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions. Light refreshments and baked goods will be available. For more information, call Carol Haldemen at 570-345-2423 or email chaldyjr@gmail.com.

n Shenandoah Heights: West Mahanoy Township officials warned that illegal dumping is not allowed and anyone caught will be prosecuted. The township also has an ordinance that prohibits all outside burning.

n Tamaqua: An event titled “Peace Out --- Kids Paint with the Creative Canvas,” will be held at 10 a.m. May 21 at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St. The fee is $25, which includes all supplies, material and snacks. People may bring their favorite beverage. For more information, call 570-668-1192.

FRACKVILLE — A Ringtown man charged with threatening to shoot his neighbor with a shotgun outside of a home in Union Township waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday.

Dean J. Zelinsky, 50, of 2638 Melanie Manor, was scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, on charges of felony aggravated assault; misdemeanor offenses of terroristic threats, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest and fleeing or attempting to elude police, and a summary charge of harassment.

Instead, Zelinsky chose not to have a hearing and will now have to answer to all of the charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Trooper Matthew Barrett of the Frackville station charged Zelinsky with the April 1 assault on his neighbor, Richard Eroh.

Eroh reported that about 11:30 p.m., Zelinsky pointed a shotgun at his head while he was working on his vehicle.

At the scene, Barrett said, Eroh told him he was working on his vehicle on the street side of his home when Zelinsky arrived at his home in a vehicle, approached him and asked if he had a problem with him.

At that point, Eroh reported he told Zelinsky to go home and leave him alone but an argument started and subsequently ended with Zelinsky leaving and going into his home.

Barrett reported Eroh told him he returned to repairing his car when Zelinsky returned with a shotgun and pointed it at him.

Eroh said Zelinsky pointed the barrel of the weapon in his face and said he was going to shoot him, Barrett reported, adding that Eroh was able grab the barrel of the shotgun and a struggle ensued.

Barrett said Eroh ran to his home thinking Zelinsky was going to shoot him in the back but the man got into his vehicle and left the area, spinning his tires and yelling threatening words out of the window.

At the scene, Barrett said, he observed Zelinsky driving toward the area and then quickly leaving when he saw Eroh speaking to police.

The trooper said he and Trooper Brian O’Connor got into their cruiser and tried to stop the 2000 GMC Jimmy that Zelinsky was driving, but the man ignored the emergency lights and siren.

Barrett said Zelinsky drove at a normal speed for between 12 and 15 miles north on Route 339 before stopping at his parents’ house, where he exited the SUV, ignored commands to put his hands up and stop, and walked into the woods.

Barrett said he and O’Connor followed Zelinsky for about a mile before he laid on the ground under a tree to avoid capture. At that point, Barrett said, Zelinsky still ignored commands and was taken into custody with the assistance of troopers from the Hazleton station.

During the attempt to take Zelinsky into custody, Barrett said, he resisted and had to be shot three times with a Taser weapon.

Barrett said Zelinsky appeared to be intoxicated, under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and consented to a blood test at Hazleton General Hospital, where he was taken after the incident.

The trooper said that Zelinsky was wearing a vest that contained several loaded shotgun shells and that a shotgun was recovered from the passenger’s side seat of his vehicle.

The weapon was later identified by Eroh as the one that Zelinsky pointed at his face, Barrett said.

Zelinsky was originally committed to Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post $50,000 straight cash bail set by Hale at the time of his arraignments. He is now free on $5,000 unsecured bail set at a bail reduction hearing in Schuylkill County Court.

MAHANOY CITY — The borough council appointed full-time police officer Anthony Kovalewski as officer-in-charge at Tuesday’s regular meeting.

The selection of Kovalewski in a 6-0 vote fills the void left by the borough council’s acceptance of the retirement of Chief John C. Kaczmarczyk and the suspension of Cpl. Michael Dissinger during the special meeting on April 27. Dissinger was suspended with pay as an investigation of $10,000 allegedly missing from the evidence area in the municipal building. The money was seized during a drug arrest.

The Pennsylvania State Police is investigating the missing money at the request of Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine A. Holman.

The council’s actions at the special meeting left the police department without first and second ranking officers, and with only one full-time officer, who is Kovalewski.

Councilman Thomas R. Flamini raised the matter of appointing an officer to be in charge with the absence of a chief.

“The council, after discussion with the mayor, has decided to move forward with making Charles Kovalewski our officer-in-charge as we start to rebuild our department,” Flamini said. “I think he’s been doing a good job there and we want to acknowledge him for that.”

Kovalewski attended the meeting and was asked by Flamini to stand in the filled meeting room and was applauded by the public.

After the vote, Flamini made a motion to hire the following as part-time police officers: Mark J. Wiekrykas, Jennifer Dempsey and Jason Lex at the contract-approved part-time pay rate. Wiekrykas had retired as police chief at the close of 2013. He served 25 years on the borough police force and 15 years as chief.

A third motion was made with the hiring of a full-time officer.

“After further discussions, we decided to move forward with a full-time police officer, and I would like to offer the nomination of Thomas John Rentschler as a full-time police officer,” Flamini said. Councilman Francis Burke provided the second. The vote was unanimous. Rentschler had been serving the borough as a part-time police officer.

The agenda showed that borough part-time police Christopher Zubris was also to be raised to full-time. Borough solicitor Michael A. O’Pake said the decision on Zubris was tabled.

ORWIGSBURG — The 2016 Schuylkill County Football Scholar-Athlete Christian Puzzi had the opportunity to thank his teammates, classmates, teachers and coaches Wednesday when the county commissioners recognized the award winner during a public meeting at Blue Mountain High School.

“I am honored to receive this award on behalf of my family, teammates and classmates, coaches and teachers and school,” Puzzi said.

Puzzi, 18, of Orwigsburg, credited his classmates and teachers for challenging him in the classroom and his teammates and coaches for pushing him to improve on the field. He said the award is a reflection of the roles they played, as well.

“I don’t hit my maximum potential if they didn’t challenge me,” Puzzi said.

The trophy will be on display at the school until next year’s winner is announced. He also received a plaque, $1,000 and a $1,000 scholarship from the James J. and Mary Edith Rhoades Charitable Foundation.

An all-state football kicker, Puzzi was named the 2016 Schuylkill County Football Scholar-Athlete during the Schuylkill Chapter No. 25 of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s 55th annual scholar-athlete banquet April 24 at Hillcrest Hall, Minersville.

Puzzi is the sixth student from Blue Mountain to win the award. The last was Patrick Kane in 2003.

Puzzi also lettered in soccer, basketball and baseball at Blue Mountain and is a member of the National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, English National Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society and Phi Sigma Honor Society, and was a two-year member of the Varsity Club, serving as its president his senior year. He ranks seventh in his class of 207 students and will continue his football career at Colgate University, where he will major in economics.

His parents are Joseph and Kelly Puzzi, Orwigsburg.

The county commissioners also recognized the Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance and proclaimed May as Silver Ribbon Month in Schuylkill County. Starting as the Elder Abuse Task Force in 2004, SEAPA incorporated in 2007 with the goal of raising awareness of elder abuse and ensuring that crimes against the elderly are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“We as young people will also get to the point where we need care from young people,” Eileen Barlow, SEAPA chairwoman and county ombudsman, said. “It is up to all of us to embrace and support our elders to make sure they getting the respect they deserve.”

In other matters, the commissioners approved a contract with Air Care & Restoration Co. Inc., Bethlehem, for indoor air quality testing and air duct cleaning throughout the Schuylkill County Courthouse. The agreement costs $104,375.

The board also approved a change order for additional line painting and signage required by Norwegian Township for the detour during the rehabilitation of county bridge No. 200 on Maple Avenue, Mar Lin. The cost is $9,152.14.

While the Pottsville Area school board has managed to hold the line on taxes for a decade, school board President John F. Boran said Wednesday the tradition won’t continue into the 2016-17 school year.

“A tax increase is imminent,” Boran said at a special meeting held at the Howard S. Fernsler Academic Center. He said the rising costs related to charter schools, special education and retirement are among the reasons why.

The school board’s finance committee, which Boran chairs, was prepared Wednesday to recommend the tentative adoption of a $42,598,089 spending plan for the 2016-17 school year with a 1.15 mill tax increase, the maximum allowed under Act 1.

But the number crunching continued in two executive sessions Wednesday night, and Boran said the committee will be prepared to make the recommendation at a board workshop at 5:30 p.m. and a regular meeting at 7 p.m. May 18.

The board also set the date for the final adoption of the budget: June 22, when the board will hold a workshop at 5:30 p.m. and a regular meeting at 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, the board put its plan to outsource its transportation on the back burner.

“That’s still in committee. That’s not gone any further. I haven’t had time to even deal with that yet. But that is an avenue that’s being looked at,” Boran said.

On Dec. 2, the school board voted not to pursue a weighty tax increase for 2016-17 school year.

“It is recommended that the board adopt a resolution pursuant to Section 311(d)(1) of the Special Session Act 1 of 2006 indicating that the Pottsville Area School District will not increase any school district tax for the 2016-17 school year at a rate that exceeds the index as calculated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education,” Boran said at the board’s Dec. 2 meeting.

That index is 3.4 percent of the district’s current millage rate, 34 mills. So the school board could increase its millage to 35.15 if necessary, Stephen C. Curran, the district’s business manager, said that night.

On Wednesday, Curran described the district’s financial situation with a slide show that lasted an hour and a half. The district’s principals and leaders of many of the district’s departments were present for it.

The district’s 2015-16 budget was $43,972,595. The proposed budget for 2016-17 is 3.13 percent less than that, Curran said.

“In order to balance the budget, we are proposing the allocation of the fund balance of approximately $2,894,208. The current undesignated audited fund balance is $5,909,699,” Curran said.

At one time, the district’s fund balance was around $16 million, Curran said, and he explained why that changed.

“On January 18, 2011, Tom Corbett took office and stated public education can no longer be a recession-proof industry and cut $860 million in his first year, level-funded special education and eliminated the 30 percent charter school cost reimbursement. Overall a billion dollars was cut from public education, 20,000 plus employees were furloughed, classroom sizes increased, elementary art, physical education and music were eliminated from many schools, nursing services were reduced as well as the number of guidance counselors,” Curran said.

“At the end of the 2010-11 fiscal year, the district realized a fund balance of $16,067,259. Charter School Reimbursement Revenue was eliminated as other state revenue was reduced or minimal during this time frame as compared to prior administrations thus depleting the above figure,” Curran said.

“In 2010-11, our costs for cyber/charter schools was $515,867.19. At the end of 2014-15, we spent $1,956,258.01, an increase of $1,440,390.82,” Curran said.

“So what does that mean? Since 2010 through 2016, we spent $8,985,307.41 in cyber/charter schools without any state reimbursement which contributed in draining our fund balance. Assuming the 30 percent reimbursement remained, the fund balance would exceed roughly $8,600,000. Assuming those costs were eliminated or funding reforms implemented, the fund balance would be in excess of $13 million,” Curran said.

But that wasn’t the only expenditure to seize the district’s coffers. He said the rising costs associated with the Public School Employees’ Retirement System and special education are also concerns.

“In 2010-11, our cost for PSERS was $921,370.71. For 2016-17, our costs are $5,418,319, an increase of $4,496,758,” Curran said.

“As of May 9, 2016, the district had 557 students receiving special education services, approximately 101 additional students from the 2013-14 data count. Does this increase our costs? Yes. We spent $5,084,941 in 2010-11 and in 2014-15 $6,501,437, an increase of $1,416,496. The 2016-17 costs are estimated at $7,020,323,” Curran said.

Looking ahead, Curran said, “The district will take proactive steps throughout 2016-17 by developing a deficit reduction plan and exploring options for maximizing our revenue stream. Public education budgeting in Pennsylvania is a year by year process with a level of uncertainty, new challenges and unforeseen circumstances that may impact our fiscal future.”

If the state ends up in another budget impasse and fails to pass a 2016-17 budget on time, the Pottsville Area School District will be forced to open a line of credit over the summer, Curran said.

“The district will develop a preliminary budget in December 2016/January 2017 including applying for any eligible exceptions under Act 1 to maximize revenue,” Curran said.

“Do you feel comfortable with the budget, Steve?” board member William R. Davidson asked.

“It’s keeping me up at nights. It’s been very disturbing. Believe me. The bottom line is, in the end, we’re going to get through it. I know we have the team here that will do everything we have to beat this,” Curran said.

After a two-day trial, a Schuylkill County jury on Wednesday awarded $3,900 in damages to the mother of a teenager who died in a June 2005 shooting in Schuylkill Haven.

The jury of seven women and five men deliberated 1 1/2 hours before deciding four people — Andrew L. Riegel, Raymond Callaghan, Joan Callaghan and Dale R. Gangaway — bore responsibility for the June 7, 2005, death of Richard E. Watkins.

Jurors ruled Gangaway was 50 percent responsible, Riegel and Raymond Callaghan each were 20 percent responsible, and Joan Callaghan was 10 percent responsible. Several other defendants had been removed from the lawsuit before the verdict, including Sturm Ruger & Co. Inc., Southport, Connecticut, the maker of the gun.

Andrea Watkins, Richard Watkins’ mother and the administratrix of his estate, will receive the money.

Richard Watkins died when Riegel shot him with a .357-caliber Ruger Magnum revolver in a townhouse at 334 S. Garfield Ave. Raymond Callaghan handed the gun, which was owned by Gangaway, to Riegel after getting it from an unlocked room where Joan Callaghan and Gangaway slept.

In his closing argument, Richard B. Bateman Jr., Media, Andrea Watkins’ lawyer, said that while Riegel might not have shot Richard Watkins intentionally, he still must be held responsible because he acted maliciously, carelessly and recklessly.

“I don’t think he intended to shoot Ricky,” Bateman said. “When you take a weapon ... and you point it and pull the trigger, it’s no accident.”

He also noted that the gun could not be fired unless someone actually pulled the trigger.

However, Riegel was not the only one responsible, Bateman said.

“Andy got that gun right from the hands of Ray Callaghan,” he said. “(Ray Callaghan) saw the bullet in there. How can you give a loaded gun to someone and not tell them it’s loaded?”

Bateman also said Joan Callaghan should have locked either the gun or the door to the room in which it was kept, and Gangaway, who did not appear for the trial, was responsible for bringing the gun into the house.

“Ricky Watkins is not with us anymore. He could have made it big. We don’t know,” Bateman said. “It shouldn’t have happened. Hold the defendants responsible for this.”

Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin presided over the trial.

Pottsville residents can do their part to help those in need by leaving nonperishable food by their mailbox Saturday.

“All they have to do is put the food right close to the mailbox and we will pick it up,” Greg Andregic, coordinator of the Stamp Out Hunger food drive in Schuylkill County, said.

Stamp Out Hunger is a nationwide food drive that looks to feed the more than 48 million Americans who go hungry every day. One in five of those who go hungry are children. The food drive effort is coordinated by organizations such as the National Association of Letter Carriers, U.S. Postal Service and National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association.

Nonperishable food such as pasta, cereal and rice will be accepted. Andregic, who is also union steward of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 500, based in Harrisburg, requests no glass be donated for safety reasons.

On Tuesday, Andregic and Eric Umberger, city carrier assistant, went door to door on Howard Street delivering the mail and information about the food drive.

The following post offices are participating in the effort: Pottsville, Schuylkill Haven, Port Carbon, Cressona, New Philadelphia, Orwigsburg, New Ringgold, Shenandoah, Frackville, Minersville and Saint Clair.

Food collected in Pottsville, Port Carbon, New Philadelphia, Cressona and Saint Clair will then be taken to the Pottsville post office for distribution to the Salvation Army, Servants To All-My Father’s House and United Presbyterian Church, all in Pottsville. About two-thirds of the food will go to the Salvation Army, with the remainder going to the other two locations in Pottsville. Usually the food is distributed to the Salvation Army in Pottsville on Sanderson Street and Schuylkill Community Action. According to Andregic, Jason Schally with SCA said the organization had sufficient food and provided the names of the church and My Father’s House that could use the donations. The food collected in the other locations will stay in or near that area, Andregic said.

Capt. Kevin Polito, of the Salvation Army of Pottsville, said the food is appreciated.

“It really is an excellent food drive and it really comes at a very critical time of year for us. We get really loaded up with donations of course in November and December, around the holidays, so this kind of really resupplies us for the summer months,” he said.

He did not have a total amount collected in 2015 but said all of it was appreciated. In Pottsville, 13,700 pounds was collected, about 3,000 pounds in Schuylkill Haven, about 1,000 pounds in Cressona, and 900 pounds in Port Carbon.

Nationwide this year, letter carriers in 10,000 cities and other locations will help to collect the food during the nation’s largest one-day food drive, according to the postal service.

“For over two decades, the Postal Service has joined the National Association of Letter Carriers and others to help Stamp Out Hunger in America,” Postmaster General and CEO Megan J. Brennan said. “As we come together to help feed America’s hungry, I encourage our customers across the country to support this vital one-day food drive. Working together, we will continue making a difference in the lives of millions of Americans in need.”

In 2015, postal service employees collected more than 71 million pounds of food during the drive, feeding an estimated 30 million people, according to the U.S. Postal Service.

CRESSONA — Planet Fitness is coming to the Cressona Mall.

“They are going into the former Ames space,” RoseAnn Svrcek, property manager with Metro Commercial, the property management company, said Thursday.

Prior to Ames, the location was home of the Hills department store.

She said a lease for the 23,256-square-foot empty space was signed May 6 and is until Oct. 20, 2027, between Planet Fitness and JPMCC 2005-CIBC13 Route 61 South Limited Partnership, which is listed as the owner of the mall, according to the online Schuylkill County Parcel Locator.

“All leases are different,” she said.

She said the effort to bring Planet Fitness has been at least a year in the making.

She didn’t know the opening date but said it might be “early fall.” Svrcek said work has to be done on site prior to the opening.

“They’ve had architects here throughout the last couple of weeks,” she said.

Barbara G. Miller, secretary/treasurer for North Manheim Township, said no applications or plans were submitted to the township that she knows of yet.

This will be the first Planet Fitness location in Schuylkill County. There are 27 locations in the state, according to www.planetfitness.com. Some nearby locations include Reading, Lancaster, Lebanon and York. There are more than 1,100 locations in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic, according to the company. Generally, the locations are open 24 hours. Memberships are either $10 a month or $19.99 depending on what level of membership is selected.

A media relations person did not return calls or an email for comment.

Svrcek said the addition of a new tenant to the mall is welcome news and thinks people in the county will be excited.

“It’s going to be huge,” she said.

The addition of Planet Fitness to the mall will leave six empty storefronts. The mall currently has 21 tenants. Svrcek said spaces have been shown to interested people, but she is not aware of any other prospective tenants at this time.

ORWIGSBURG — Residents in the Blue Mountain School District should be able to hold onto more of their money.

“We will not have a tax increase,” for the 2016-17 school year, Superintendent David Helsel said by phone Thursday.

The current millage rate is 37.254 mills. One mill is equal to $1 of tax on every $1,000 of taxable value.

The board had its committee of the whole meeting at 7:15 p.m. Thursday at the district administration building and briefly discussed the upcoming budget.

District business manager Angie Green told the board the upcoming budget for the 2016-17 school year does not call for a tax increase, but did propose using funds from the reserve account — $741,409 — as of now to fill the hole.

The proposed final general fund budget has revenues at $40,024,168 and expenses at $40,765,577. The district would have an estimated unassigned fund balance June 30, 2017, of $4,566,872 remaining after using the amount needed to fill the gap. The district must have a budget adopted by June 30. Green said the district could realize some savings by saving some expenses on items such as conferences. The proposed budget will be on the agenda for consideration at the 7:15 p.m. May 19 regular board meeting at the middle school, Helsel said. The budget will then be able for review until final adoption in June.

In other news, the school board is considering having naloxone available in the case of an overdose in the district.

“If we can save a life in the district, we are going to save a life,” Helsel said.

Proposed policy number 823 spells out the guidelines for use of the life saving medication that blocks the effects of heroin and opiates on the brain. For example, the school nurse is responsible for the upkeep and administration of the drug. It also provides requirements on what steps to follow if there is a suspected drug overdose, where the naloxone is stored and other requirements such as notifying law enforcement when applicable.

“As a means of enhancing the health and safety of its students, staff and visitors, the district may obtain, maintain and administer doses of an opioid antagonist and other facilities, specifically naloxone for emergency use to assist a student, staff member or other individual believed or suspected to be experiencing an opioid overdose,” the proposed policy states.

Helsel said naloxone will be used in the secondary schools, “primarily high school,” he said.

The district must fill out paperwork and apply to the state Department of Health for the medication, which is provided by Adapt Pharma. The company will provide a free carton of the nasal spray to all Pennsylvania public schools, Gov. Tom Wolf announced earlier this year. Helsel said the district has to have a policy in place before it requests the drug.

Nurses in the district have received the required training for the administration of naloxone. Right now, there are not any plans for others to be trained but that may could change. The proposed policy states that employees must take a training course before they have custody or administer naloxone.

Helsel said the district will start stocking the naloxone for the next school year. Several nurses in the district attended the meeting Thursday and talked about the use of the administration of the drug. Elizabeth Abel, a nurse at the middle school, said the nurses just want to make sure a policy is in place that spells out the guidelines. Helsel said additional steps must be taken like having an emergency response plan.

The policy will be on the agenda for a vote at the next school board meeting.

James R. Ferrier

ORWIGSBURG — Eight people arrested in April as the result of the break-up of what authorities called a major drug ring are headed to Schuylkill County Court after each went before a judge on May 5.

Four defendants, Chad Bainbridge, 39, of 184 Thomaston Road, Pottsville; David J. Botek, 36, of 1121 N. George St. Apt. 1, Pottsville; Brett L. Heinbach, 23, of 237 Mexico Road, Pine Grove; and Wayne T. Lenosky, 35, of 2156 W. Norwegian St., Pottssville, waived the right to a preliminary hearing. In each case, Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over all charges for court.

The other four defendants, Terry L. Dewitt, 53, of 404 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven; Samantha J. Digilio, 24, of 240 W. Howard Ave., Coaldale; Scott T. Haberstroh, 46, of 75 W. Meadow St., Tremont; and Jonathan M. Spiess, 36, of 902 Summer Hill Road, Auburn, had all charges against each of them held for court by Ferrier after a preliminary hearing.

Bainbridge is charged with three counts each of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance and one each of corrupt organizations and conspiracy. He is in prison in lieu of $20,000 percentage bail.

Botek is charged with eight counts each of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance, six of conspiracy and one of corrupt organizations. He is free on $50,000 percentage bail.

Heinbach is charged with nine counts of possession of weapons of mass destruction, four of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, three each of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance and one each of corrupt organizations and conspiracy. He is in prison in lieu of $300,000 percentage bail.

Lenosky is charged with two counts each of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance and one each of corrupt organizations and conspiracy. He is free on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Dewitt is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance. He is in prison in lieu of $10,000 straight cash bail.

Digilio is charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance. She is free on $10,000 unsecured bail.

Haberstroh is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance. He is free on $10,000 unsecured bail.

Spiess is charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance, two each of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility and one each of corrupt organizations and conspiracy. He is free on $50,000 unsecured bail.

State police at Reading have alleged each defendant was part of the ring that trafficked in methamphetamine that was imported from California.

Also in district court, a Schuylkill Haven man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday on charges stemming from his alleged participation in a January theft from a store in Cressona Mall in North Manheim Township.

Shawn M. McNulty, 23, of 182 S. Front St., faces charges of conspiracy, theft and receiving stolen property. Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound those charges over for court after McNulty waived his right to the hearing.

Prosecutors withdrew three additional counts of conspriacy and one count of burglary.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged McNulty stole more than $14,000 worth of items from Sam’s Place Lottery and Tobacco between 1:49 a.m. and 2:04 a.m. Jan. 23.

Police said McNulty helped take $7,700 worth of Pennsylvania Lottery tickets, $6,400 worth of cigarettes and $500 worth of video equipment.

One of McNulty’s allege co-conspirators identified him as involved in the incident, police said. Furthermore, McNulty cashed one of the stolen lottery tickets at the Cressona Mobil gasoline station, according to police.

McNulty is free on $25,000 unsecured bail pending further court action.

Other defendants whose cases Ferrier considered on Tuesday, the charges against them and the judge’s dispositions of the matters included:

Shyann N. Boyer, 21, of 117 W. Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven; two counts each of conspiracy and corruption of minors; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Michael P. Brennan, 47, of 230 N. Berne St., Schuylkill Haven; two counts each of possession of a controlled substance and one each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Michael J. Breslin, 54, of 1654 W. Norwegian St., Pottsville; simple assault and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Ruth Ann Casper, 52, of 208 Dock St. Apt. 6, Schuylkill Haven; simple assault and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Jill M. Lick, 53, of 66 Avenue C, Schuylkill Haven; driving under the influence; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Gerald D. Lightcap, 46, of 36 W. Adamsdale Road, Schuylkill Haven; simple assault and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Laurie A. Miller, 51, of 534 N. Centre St. Apt. 4, Pottsville; DUI; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge bound over for court.

Anthony J. Kilker

SHENANDOAH — A 27-year-old Schuylkill Haven charged by West Mahanoy Township Police after an incident at 72 Raven Run Road on June 21 waived her right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Danielle Townsend, 330 Dock St. was arrested by Patrolman John Kaczmarczyk III and charged with endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person, DUI-controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to keep right, driving at an unsafe speed, disregard for single traffic lane and restraint system violations-booster seats.

By waiving her right to a hearing, Townsend will now have to answer to all of the charges against her in Schuylkill County Court.

Kaczmarczyk said he was called to the area of 72 Raven Run Road for a report of a crash and found Townsend under the influence and two girls inside her vehicle — one age 6 and the other age 5 — at the time.

The investigation determined that Townsend was driving, went off of the road and struck several small trees, Kaczmarczyk said, adding that a subsequent blood test revealed the woman had controlled substances in her system. In addition, Townsend was found to be in possession of marijuana at the the time of the crash, the officer said.

Other court cases included:

Nelson E. Febo Pabon, 33, of 214 N. Gilbert St., Shenandoah; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, notice of change of name or address, failure to notify of change of address and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Alexis C. Nevandomsky, 20, of 185 Fourth St., Box 15, Oneida; withdrawn: possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nicholas A. Degel, 23, of 1 Ridge Lane, Box 109, Gordon; waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving a vehicle with a suspended registration, not surrendering registration plates and cards on suspension, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Joseph Polaconis, 28, of 1149 W. Lloyd St., Shenandoah; waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christopher M. Reed, 28, of 2 Grier Ave., Barnesville; Withdrawn: robbery. Waived for court: burglary, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault and disorderly conduct.

Vicki Lynn Beury, 46, of 121 W. Pine St., Mahanoy City; withdrawn: DUI-controlled substance. Waived for court: DUI, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, careless driving and disregard for single traffic lane.

Robert A. Sekula Jr., 36, of 208 W. Poplar St., Shenandoah; withdrawn by the officer ad moved to summary charges: possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and sound level volume violations.

n Ashland: The Ashland American Legion Bernard J. Dolan Post 434 will hold its annual golf tournament June 25 at Mountain Valley Golf Course, Barnesville. The Shotgun start will be at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $70 per player. Prizes will be awarded throughout the day and a dinner will follow in the post home, Centre and Chestnut streets. Sponsorships are available. To register or for more information, call 570-875-0086, 570-205-4079 or 570-590-2077.

n Friedensburg: St. John’s Reformed Church, Hickory and Chestnut streets, will host a jazz concert and pot luck dinner from 2 to 4 p.m. May 22 at the church. Free-will donations will be accepted. The jazz band — C.J. and his Jazz Machine — is a newly formed group of high school and college students. For more information, call 570-739-1106.

n Orwigsburg: Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson will host a scenic dealer ride at 10 a.m. Saturday. The cost is $10 per person, which includes lunch. All proceeds benefit the Nature Conservancy. The ride is open to the public. Riders are asked to arrive with a full tank of gas. For more information, call the rider services desk at 570-366-0143 ext. 710.

n Pottsville: St. Joseph Center for Special Learning will hold its 25th annual golf tournament and dinner on May 20 at Mountain Valley Golf Course, Barnesville. Registration will begin at 11 a.m., with buffet style lunch starting at 11:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The cost is $100 per golfer, which includes golf, lunch, dinner, snacks and beverages on the course, golfer gifts (St. Joseph Center Wind Shirt) and prizes. Company sponsorships are available. Those who do not golf can attend the dinner. This year there will be a silent auction with sports memorabilia and other items. To register for golf or just the dinner, or for more information, call the school at 570-622-4638 or e-mail to stjosephcenter@comcast.net.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Rotary Club Past President’s Nominating Committee recently presented the following officers nominations for 2016-17: President, Terry Bixler; president-elect, Pete Keitsock; vice president, Eric Lieberman; secretary, Mary Sitcoske; treasurer, Jim Cooksey. Director nominees include Trey Arnold, Jenn Daubert, Tom Eltringham, Frank Peron, Jeff Zwiebel. The immediate past president is Karen Ferenchick and sergeant-at-arms is Frank Peron. The Rotarians, according to the Rotary bulletin, welcomed District Governor-elect Dick Drukker of the Ringtown Rotary Club. Drukker gave an overview of the recent district conference and outlined changes being made by Rotary International for next year. RI will implement a more lenient policy on club meeting times and dates. Also, club attendance figures will no longer be submitted to Rotary International. RI dues per member will increase by $4 next year, and the following two years, for a total $12.

n Ringtown: St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 100 E. Main St., will host an ice cream social from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Menu includes hot dogs, barbecue, bean soup, pierogies and ice cream sundaes and floats.

n Shenandoah: The Shenandoah Valley High School Student Council will conduct a special dedication ceremony at 1:30 p.m. May 24 in the high school auditorium to honor 49 Pennsylvania State troopers from the Shenandoah area who have had careers in law enforcement. Twenty troopers — most of whom attended the former J.W. Cooper (Shenandoah) High School and Shenandoah Valley High School — will attend the program. The honorees will receive special certificates presented by state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29. Another program highlight will be the unveiling of a plaque that was designed and constructed by retired teacher Walter Choplick that will be hung in the high school lobby listing all the troopers with local school roots, recognizing their service with a special engraving. Family and friends of the school and honorees are invited to attend. Doors will open at 1 p.m. for the public to enter via the front lobby. Project coordinators include Anthony Pytko, SV Student Council coordinator, and Yudinsky.

Marriage licenses

Douglas Szechun Wo, Orwigsburg, and Shanna M. Jones, Orwigsburg.

Drew R. Wetzel, Tremont, and Jennifer N. Seladones, Tremont.

Michael D. Kunkel, New Ringgold, and Lynn M. Comisac, New Ringgold.

Jeffrey A. Houser, Hazleton, and Ruth Ann Kotansky, Hazleton.

William Longenberger, Gilberton, and Kathleen M. Green, Hazleton.

Jason M. Pinciotti, Ashland, and Alyson A. Smith, Ashland.

Richard A. Fisher, Aristes, and Tessla W. Cress, Aristes.

Cameron D. Broadhurst, Orwigsburg, and Natalie M. Fulk, New Ringgold.

Elvis A. Wheeler, Wernersville, and Ashley L Costenbader, Robesonia.

Frank J. Bobick, Tamaqua, and Betty Clausius, Tamaqua.

Joshua R. Breslin, Tower City, and Kourtney R. Harkness, Tower City.

Brian J. Ladick, Ashland, and Danielle Wychulis, Ashland.

Russell E. Love, Pine Grove, and Angelene N. Olesh, Pine Grove.

Joshua D. Stephens, Winsted, Conn. and Abigail L. Clift, Winsted, Conn.

Robert J. Long, Tamaqua, and Jessica L. Krcmar, Tamaqua.

Ryan M. Nesgoda, Tamaqua, and Marissa R. Mussoline, Tamaqua.

Kevin F. Maccarone, Port Carbon, and Samantha D. Weikel, Port Carbon.

Randy R. Dengler, Ashland, and Nicole O. Nolen, Ashland.

David L. Cunningham, Frackville, and Muoi Thi Nguyen, Frackville.

Jesse J. Thaler, Hawley, and Dominique V. Ramer, Huntington Beach, Calif.

Jason D. Hartzell, McAdoo, and Traci A. Card, McAdoo.

James L. Hall, Ringtown, and Stephanie M. Coreia, Ringtown.

Divorces granted

Maria Currie, Nesquehoning, from Orlando Currie Jr., Tamaqua.

Laura McKenzie, Barnesville, from Edward McKenzie, Schuylkill Haven.

Carol Maillous, Pottsville, from Martin Mailloux, Virginia Beach, Va.

Joann Maley, Pottsville, from John Maley Jr., Pottsville.

Richard Kocher, Pine Grove, from Erica Kocher, Klingerstown.

Deeds

Ashland — Frances Shirley Fisher, by attorneys in fact Robert Felker and Kenneth Felker, to Michael T. and Lisa Marie Strouse; 1336 Market St.; $40,000.

Butler Township — James L. Snyder to Jason Pinciotti and Alyson Smith; 10 Guy St., Lavelle; $70,000.

Coaldale — Edward and Anne Girard and Andrew Girard to Andrew Girard; 220 Fisher Ave.; $1.

Kadie Surma to Krajcirik Automotive LLC; three properties on Water Street; $56,000.

Frackville — Robert N. and Joanne Dampman to Ernest W. Williams; 414 W. Washington St.; $15,000.

Hegins Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Citifinancial Servicing LLC; 923 W. Main St., Valley View; $1,220.39.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to LSF9 Master Participation Trust; 324 Park Road, Valley View; $1,130.94.

Hubley Township — Federal National Mortgage Association to Kimberly A. Frantz; 2266 E. Main St., Sacramento; $25,500.

Kline Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 18 Grove St., South McAdoo; $1,142.39.

Landingville — Dale R. Fisher to Dale R. Fisher; 11 Railroad St.; $1.

Mahanoy City — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Secretary of Veterans Affairs; 337-339 W. Mahanoy Ave.; $1,375.92.

Christopher and Heather Mlynek to Christopher Mlynek; 402 W. Mahanoy Ave.; $1.

PauL D. and Irene M. Walters to Jason Frantz; 1334 E. Centre St.; $23,000.

Mahanoy Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Christiana Trust; 159 Park Place Road, Park Place; $1,203.76.

Minersville — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to CACL Federal Credit Union; 239 Linden St.; $1,255.36.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Northwest Consumer Discount Co.; 450 Sunbury St.; $1,209.61.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 605-607 Pine Hill St.; $1,308.47.

North Manheim Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to U.S. Bank NA; 3 Mengle St.; $1,268.60.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Kevin D. Miller; 197 E. Second Mountain Road; $166,500.

Robert E. and Joanne Rhoads to Samantha M. Cuff; 22 Sajer Road, Seiders Hill; $260,000.

Colleen Adams to Michael and Amanda Tomeo; 14 Fox Hollow Road, Chestnut Hill; $188,900.

North Union Township — Evelyn H. Krusko, individually and as executrix of the Estate of David Krusko, and Elizabeth Ann Krusko to Evelyn H. Krusko and Elizabeth Ann Krusko; Lot 12WSS7, Eagle Rock; $1.

Pine Grove — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Midfirst Bank; 13 Spruce St.; $1,287.48.

Frank P. III and Sarah C. D’Agostino to Gary A. and Alice M. Budwash; 10 RIdge Vista Drive; $197,500.

Jesse and Shannon Zerbe to Louis J. and Kayla Marie Richotte; 501 American Legion Blvd.; $136,000.

Pine Grove Township — Charles E. Miller, executor of the Will of Emma I. Miller, to Craig D. and Susan K. Lehman; 22.6-acre property on Suedberg Road; $90,400.

Craig D. and Susan K. Lehman to Craig D. and Susan K. Lehman; 40 2 1/2 Mile Road; $1.

Port Carbon — Nancy A. Hrenyo, administratrix c.t.a. of the Estate of Michael E. Hrenyo, to William P. Webber Sr.; 11.1-acre property on Wood Street; $15,000.

Porter Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 179 W. Grand Ave., Sheridan; $1,113.07.

Pottsville — Barry L. Fox to Phoenix Fire Engine Company No. 2 of Pottsville, PA; 322 E. Norwegian St.; $8,500.

Rush Township — Michael and Susan Tyler to Brady A. Forte; 107 Maple Terrace, Lake Hauto; $185,000.

James C. and Jacqueline M. Hoffman to David R. and Tara L. Unzicker; 0.407-acre property on Crescent Drive, Lake Hauto; $158,700.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.; 14 Jones St., Quakake; $1,220.90.

Saint Clair — Francis G. and Diane H. Sylvester to Justin Matz and Elizabeth Green; 404 Fairview St.; $110,000.

Schuylkill Haven — Thomas F. Reider Jr., Judith A. Reider and Cynthia L. Reider to Kevin P. and Karen L. Stramara; 49 Avenue D; $212,000.

Edward Schaneberger to Frank Lombardo; 321 E. Union St.; $8,000.

Schuylkill Township — Annmarie Nortavage, executrix of the Estate of Elizabeth L. Nortavage, to Richard A. Jr. and Jill C. Shupp; 38 Forest Lane, MaryD; $26,500.

Shenandoah — Anthony D. Muntone Family Trust to Antonio Lamanna Sr. and Keith M. Kojeszewski; property on West Coal Street; $16,000.

Edward and Johanna Kolonsky to Edward and Johanna Kolonsky; 508 W. Arlington St.; $1.

Federal National Mortgage Association to Nasseive Shawn Hamilton Jr.; 18 N. Jardin St.; $2,750.

Tamaqua — Edward M. and Patricia A. Dougherty to Elias J. Valentine; 330 Market St.; $32,500.

Daniel W. Smith, executor of the Estate of Daniel L. Smith, to Edward C. Smith Jr.; 329 Willing St.; $1.

Walker Township — Joseph B. and Beth L. Walker to Angela Hine; 2009 Valley Road, Lewistown Valley; $180,000.

Washington Township — Dianne M. Ruscavage to Keith Fessler Jr. and Jenny Labouf; 100 Turkey Farm Road; $180,000.

JMAC Realty LLC and Water Wheel Properties LLC to Jeffrey A. and Terri E. Lebo; 18 Sunrise Road; $209,900.

Wayne Township — George J. III and Deborah A. Skripko to George J. III and Deborah A. Skripko; 1144 Running Deer Drive, Lake Wynonah; $1.

West Brunswick Township — Robert H. and Bettye J. Steuber to Christopher M. and Chasity M. Everett; 72 Happy Valley Road; $300,000.

West Mahanoy Township — Elizabeth Andrefski to Christopher B. Rooney; 196 Ohio Ave., Shenandoah Heights; $45,899.

A Pottsville woman is headed to state prison after being sentenced Monday for endangering a child.

Bria M. Jacoby, 27, must serve eight to 24 months in a state correctional institution, Judge Charles M. Miller decided.

Miller imposed the sentence after revoking Jacoby’s probation for a second time.

Jacoby originally pleaded no contest on Aug. 23, 2012, to endangering the welfare of children. On Oct. 17, 2012, Miller placed her on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced her to pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

By pleading no contest, Jacoby did not admit committing the crime, but offered no defense to the charge, acknowledged prosecutors had sufficient evidence to prove her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and agreed to be sentenced as if she had pleaded or been found guilty.

Schuylkill Haven borough police charged Jacoby with endangering the child on Jan. 3, 2012, in the borough.

On Jan. 9, 2015, Miller revoked Jacoby’s original probation, but placed her on probation for an additional 24 months. At that time, Jacoby promised Miller he never would see her again in court.

In other Schuylkill County Court action, Judge Jacqueline L. Russell recently accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Jeremy G. Colosimo, 28, of Shenandoah; three counts of resisting arrest and one of possession of drug paraphernalia; 115 days to 13 months in prison, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $150 in payments to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account. Prosecutors withdrew an additional count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Darren Drey, 20, of Schuylkill Haven; theft; 17 days to 12 months in prison and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew two counts each of criminal trespass and receiving stolen property, one each of conspiracy and criminal mischief and an additional count of theft.

Amber L. Faust, 28, of Schuylkill Haven; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment.

Rondel Fucci, 35, of Tamaqua; retail theft; three days to 18 months in prison, $50 CJEA payment and $50 bench warrant fee.

Peter P. Futyma, 26, of Ringtown; two counts each of driving under the influence and accident involving damage to attended vehicle or property and one each of driving without a license, following too closely, careless driving and reckless driving; one to five years in prison, $5,250 in fines, $200 in SAEF payments, $150 in CJEA payments and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors withdrew three counts each of failure to stop and give information and failure to notify police of accident, two of driving under suspension, one each of failure to drive at a safe speed and operating vehicle without required financial responsibility and one additional count each of reckless driving and careless driving.

Nathan J. Heckman, 33, of New Ringgold; DUI; six months in the intermediate punishment program, $1,500 fine, $300 SAEF payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street.

Jessa-Lyn A. Hein, 22, of Schoentown; theft and retail theft; 18 months probation consecutiev to current sentence, $200 fine and $16.96 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of receiving stolen property and one additional count of theft.

Joshua D. Joseph, 30, of Mahanoy City; DUI and failure to yield; six months in the intermediate punishment program, $1,025 in fines, $300 SAEF payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors withdrew charges of improper emergence onto highway, careless driving and seat belt violation.

Keith Kintzel, 29, of Pottsville; theft; 18 months probation and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of receiving stolen property.

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

Blue Mountain students have an invitation to compete at the 2016 High School National Academic Quiz Tournament May 28 and 29 in Dallas, Texas, after placing third in the state.

Team members and seniors, Micah Boyer, Matthew Blair, Daniel Kelley and Alex Snitzer, and juniors, Travis Barrow and Andrew Chawluk, won the third place title at the Pennsylvania Academic Competition in Harrisburg on April 29, qualifying them for NAQT.

The team’s been successful for a number of reasons, according to Steve J. Zimmerman, high school social studies teacher and gifted coordinator who serves as team coach.

“We practice daily, we have a group of students with a wide variety of interests,” he said, noting some are versed in history, science, arts and literature. “We start all the way back in ninth grade looking for team members, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do well because of our past tradition of winning, and our school offers a good number of hard classes to push our kids intellectually,” Zimmerman said.

The team received a state trophy, a $500 check to be used for student scholarships and the NAQT invitation.

Blue Mountain students earned the chance to compete at the state level by claiming first place March 18 at the 24th annual Schuylkill County Academic Competition held at Penn State Schuylkill campus and sponsored by Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29.

At the state level, all of the teams are the best from their respective intermediate units, and the questions teams are asked are a lot more challenging, Zimmerman explained.

“A traditional U.S. history question about Prohibition Era gangsters might ask about Al Capone, John Dillinger or Bonnie and Clyde — criminals many people are familiar with. At this level however, the question was about the nickname of bank robber George Nelson (“Baby Face”). Or instead of an art question about Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci, we were given a question about a painting by El Greco. So the questions are looking to see which teams know content beyond the everyday.”

To reach their title match, the Blue Mountain team defeated Friends Select School and Canon-McMillan in their first match; and Dauphin County Technical School and Garnet Valley High School in their second match. Their total score of 175 placed them in the fourth position of the top nine teams, qualifying for semi-final play. They next defeated Honesdale and Spring Grove in the semifinals to place into the finals where they lost to the eventual state winner, Lehigh Valley Academy and second place team, West Chester Henderson.

Zimmerman offered special thanks to the Schuylkill IU for the “fantastic” Academic League they have organized for the Schuylkill County competitive teams.

“The competition level is great and many times these students would never have been able to participate in interscholastic activities without teams and leagues like this,” he said. “As an educator, I have immense respect for what these students can do. My only regret is that although some of the brightest students in Pennsylvania were on display in Harrisburg, they competed against each other in front of only a handful of spectators. Our society claims to need and respect education, yet more people might attend a dart match at a local fire station than watch our nation’s youth show off their academic talents.”

GIRARDVILLE — A response to a cardiac arrest in the borough Wednesday night led Girardville police to uncover a stash of weapons, ammunition and drug paraphernalia.

Police Chief Melville Tomeo said he and Girardville EMS were called about 8:20 p.m. to a home at 310 A St. for a report of a cardiac arrest.

At the scene Tomeo said emergency crews found David Wasner, 24, inside the home unresponsive and turning blue. He said crews were able to revive Wasner using CPR and transported him to a Pottsville hospital for further treatment.

When he regained consciousness, Tomeo said, Wasner admitted using heroin prior to the incident and that items of drug paraphernalia, including a syringe, was found on the floor.

Also in the room, Tomeo said, police found a large amount of rifles, ammunition, knives and swords and items of drug paraphernalia.

One of the weapons, a 12-gauge shotgun, was loaded.

“You never know what you’re going to walk into,” Tomeo said referring to large amount of weapons and someone capable of using them.

Tomeo said that Wasner will be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and that checks will be made on the long guns, the shotgun, a .22-caliber rifle and a Russian army rifle, to see if they were legally purchased.

Inside a suitcase-type container, Tomeo said, there were numerous boxes of various caliber ammunition and inside a smaller suitcase-type box were syringes, baggies, spoons and knives, some of which had burn marks and residue on them.

The discovery and overdose comes less than 10 days after police arrested a Unityville man on drug charges.

Tomeo said that on May 3 he charged Joseph Sanders, 65, of 8205 Moreland Baptist Road, with drug-related offenses as well as well as driving while under DUI suspension that carries mandatory prison time.

Those charges stem from a complaint made by a resident about Sanders selling illegal drugs from his vehicle parked in front of 27 W. Main St.

Sanders was detained and taken into custody, during which time he was found with a packet of small red envelopes commonly used for packaging narcotics as well as three small red envelopes that contained a red powdery substance that he said was methamphetamine, the chief said.

Tomeo said that with the assistance of Ashland police, the powder was field tested and gave a positive indication for methamphetamine.

The drugs, as well as cash that Sanders had with him, were confiscated and his vehicle towed from the scene.

Police said their investigation determined that Sanders has been involved in the interstate sales of narcotics.

Tomeo said that his department will continue its crackdown on the use of illegal narcotics and asks that anyone with information on the use or sale of these drugs to call Girardville police at 570-276-6955 or through the Schuylkill County Communications Center at 570-462-1991.

Rich Vos provides a simple choice for those thinking of attending one of his comedy shows.

“If you’re easily offended, stay home,” he said during a recent phone interview. “If you want to have a good time, come by.”

The comic brings his frank and gritty show to Northeast Pennsylvania at 8 p.m. May 20 at Ramada Clarks Summit, 820 Northern Blvd.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, and available at www.richvosnepa.brownpapertickets.com. Electric City comedian Kevin Lepka will serve as opener.

Vos boasts a mile-long list of credits, including NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn,” “Def Comedy Jam,” the Opie & Anthony Show, Comedy Central specials and decades worth of shows all over the country.

He is a regular on the podcast circuit, hosting his own along with his wife, comedian Bonnie McFarlane, called “My Wife Hates Me.” And he has been a guest on WTF with Marc Maron and The Joe Rogan Experience.

Vos has been to Scranton many times throughout his career. No matter where he performs, though, crowds attend comedy shows for the same reason, he said — to forget about the stresses of life and laugh.

“Everywhere you go, people are people,” Vos said. “It doesn’t matter where you are or who you are. People just want to have a good time.”

Vos has performed in both clubs and theaters over his extensive career. The New Jersey native said that while clubs provide a more intimate show for the audience, theaters give room for creativity. However, it doesn’t matter to him where he’s performing.

“I like doing what I do,” Vos said. “So wherever I am, I just get to use it to my advantage.”

Vos usually plays off the crowd during his shows, but doesn’t pander to anyone, he said.

Crowds at the comedy vet’s shows are generally familiar with his brand of aggressive, sarcastic humor and expect the way he describes real-life observations and situations in a relatable but very funny way. That is just Vos doing what he knows best.

“I’m just going to be who I am and it’s going work out no matter what,” he said.

HARRISBURG — The state auditor general is criticizing several local school districts’ spending practices while calling for a state law to require competitive bidding on student transportation contracts.

“I want to put more education dollars in our classrooms, not school buses,” Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said Thursday, referring to a series of previous audits showing that 19 districts, including Dunmore, Scranton and Valley View, spent nearly $55 million more in recent years for transportation services than what the state reimburses.

According to audits, he said:

•Dunmore spent nearly $257,000 more from 2010 to 2012.

• Scranton spent $4.2 million more from 2008 to 2010.

• Valley View spent $1.3 million more from 2010 to 2012.

Local taxpayers picked up those costs as a result, DePasquale said.

Dunmore Superintendent Richard McDonald said his district put up the transportation contract for bidding last year following an audit recommendation. The firm holding the contract, Pete’s Garage, was the low bidder and received the contract again, McDonald said.

DePasquale spokeswoman Susan Woods later called that action good news and said auditors will look at that in any future Dunmore audit.

Scranton school board’s decision in March to extend a no-bid contract with DeNaples Transportation in March drew renewed criticism from DePasquale.

Despite being called out in the last audit for not bidding out transportation services, Scranton extended its existing no-bid DeNaples contract for four years, DePasquale said.

“It’s hard to prove a good deal to taxpayers unless you make the effort to solicit bids,” he said.

Scranton school officials said DeNaples Transportation provides excellent services and buses and the contract extension will yield savings. They criticized the state reimbursement formula as favoring suburban and rural districts.

The state formula hurts Dunmore because it has shorter bus runs, McDonald said.

Efforts to reach Valley View interim Superintendent Corey Castellani were unsuccessful Thursday.

The 16 other districts cited for spending above reimbursement levels on transportation are in western and southeast Pennsylvania. Armstrong School District in Armstrong County spent the most above reimbursement levels at $7.8 million from 2006 to 2010.

School officials are offering lame excuses when they cite flaws in state reimbursement to explain no-bid contracts, DePasquale said.

However, the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials said the transportation formula needs to be reviewed because it is based on a one-size-fits-all formula.

“Because the formula applies uniformly to all 500 school districts regardless of their shape, size, location or transportation requirements, there is no mechanism to take into account the differences in transportation program requirements and costs,” the association said.

The state Public School Code provides state reimbursement to school districts for transportation costs using a formula based on the number of students transported, number of miles traveled and district wealth. There is no requirement in the code for districts to bid contracts competitively.

The association said periodic bidding on transportation contracts could be worthwhile.

“While not currently required by law, we certainly agree that periodic bidding of transportation contracts is a best practice that has the potential to reduce costs,” the association said.

“I think this (bidding requirement) is a bipartisan way to get waste out of state government with having zero impact on services,” DePasquale said.

Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street

To Kyle and Jennifer Miller Kerstetter, Spring Glen, a daughter, April 18.

The Actors Guild of Schuylkill County is ready to take audiences to a world of pure imagination.

AGOSC will present “Willy Wonka Jr.” at 7 p.m. today and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Simon Kramer Theatre, 15 Alliance St., New Philadelphia. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for children 3 and under.

Amy Mills, director and choreographer, said the production is modeled after the original film starring Gene Wilder as the eccentric chocolate maker who gives a group of lucky children a trip of his factory in hopes of finding its new owner. She said the storyline stays close to the movie with only a few differences.

“Since it has been adapted as a stage musical, the audience will hear new songs that were not present in the film. Of course, the songs they recognize will be there as well, including ‘Pure Imagination,’ ‘Candy Man,’ and ‘Cheer Up, Charlie.’ Most everyone is familiar with the Oompa Loompa songs,” Mills said.

The show features a cast of 30 area children ranging in age from 5 to 17. Mills said most of the cast were familiar with one of the movie versions, referring to the original and the 2005 remake directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp.

“Many of them were familiar with the Gene Wilder version, which was surprising to me as I thought that most kids in this age range would have been more familiar with the Johnny Depp version,” she said.

In the film, Willy Wonka’s factory had large, elaborate rooms. Mills said it was almost impossible to create the scenes from the movie on the stage with a tight budget, but the guild’s “amazing” volunteers and artists gave them the biggest bang for their buck.

“Our volunteers spent countless hours over the past few months on the sets, props, costumes and all other aspects of theater to bring this show to life. Many of our volunteers also have full-time jobs during the day so it is a huge commitment for them to put so many additional hours into our show. We are so grateful to all our volunteers,” Mills said.

AGOSC is a nonprofit 501c3 community theater. Mills said all the work on the show is handled on a volunteer basis and nobody gets paid.

Mills said this is the seventh year the guild is producing a youth musical. After moving into Simon Kramer last year, the guild was able to produce shows they wanted to do in the larger space, including two of Mills’ childhood favorites.

“Last year we were able to produce ‘The Wizard of Oz’ youth production with much success and I am excited to be able to bring ‘Willy Wonka’ to life now as well,” she said.

She said she expects the same success this weekend.

“I believe the audience will be happily surprised at the level of talent and professionalism these young actors have. Those who have seen our past youth productions are always amazed at the show level for such young performers,” Mills said.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.agosc.org or call 570-617-2720.