HEGINS — The Tri-Valley school board on Wednesday approved a $13.6 million proposed 2016-17 general fund budget, which includes a one-mill tax hike, and also heard from a worried elementary parent whose child had been transferred.

The mother said her son is currently a fourth-grader at Mahantongo Elementary, having been transferred from Hegins-Hubley Elementary. She said her son is receiving D’s and F’s and has received disciplinary tickets for his behavior. That was not the case when he was a student at Hegins-Hubley, she said.

“The whole situation has been counter-productive,” the mother said.

She said there were eight students, including her son, who were sent to Mahantongo, due to there being a large, fourth-grade class size of 32 children at Hegins-Hubley Elementary in Valley View. She said parents received a letter in the mail during the summer months telling them their child was going to be transferred to the other elementary school in Klingerstown. The mother said she thought parents of fourth-graders should have been asked if there were any volunteers willing to go, before just selecting pupils to move.

“I was told I have no say in the matter,” she told the board. “There was no parents’ meeting, until the parents went to Mr. (Gerald) Anderson and Dr. (Mark) Snyder and requested a parents’ meeting.”

Anderson is elementary principal of both schools and Snyder is Tri-Valley superintendent.

“That was only done because eight parents had a lot of concern. I went along, OK, we’ll do it. I didn’t fight it. He did fine last year. This year’s different. He comes home crying. His emotional health is a wreck and his grades have suffered. I want him moved. Thank you,” she said.

The mother asked that her child’s name not be used publicly due to privacy concerns about her son’s wellbeing and provided no other details to the media.

In other business, by an 8-0 vote, the board approved the 2016-17 proposed general fund budget with expenditures of $13,681,075. Voting in favor were Jerry R. Beaver, Diane C. Dietrich, Kenneth L. Smeltz, John E. Schmeltz, Guy M. Julian, Roger D. Heidlebaugh, Carl D. Shankweiler and Curtis H.E. Zemencik. Director Karrie L. Bowman was absent. Heidlebaugh of the budget and finance committee said the budget reflects a $446,165 decrease from the 2015-16 spending plan. Under the plan, real estate taxes would go up one-mill to 32.252 mills; there would be two, $5 per capita taxes; a $230 occupation tax; a 1 percent real estate transfer tax; a Local Services Tax resolution (previously the Occupational Privilege Tax) of $10; and an earned income tax of 1/2 a percent.

In other business, Shankweiler explained the 2016-17 Chartwell School Dining Services meal prices were listed erroneously in the previous minutes, but correct in the projected budget. The rate increases are as follows: Paid elementary lunch, $2.35 (increase of 5 cents); paid high school lunch, $2.60 (increase of 5 cents); adult lunch, $3.70 (increase of 10 cents); paid breakfast for elementary and secondary, $1.15 (no increase); and milk, 60 cents (increase of 5 cents).

Schmeltz was re-elected board treasurer.

Under recommendation by Snyder, the board approved the following appointments for the 2016-17 school year:

• The Gratz Bank as the school depository for the general fund and salary accounts, and for the cafeteria, activities and athletic accounts.

• James P. Diehl and David H. Rattigan of the law firm Williamson, Friedberg & Jones LLC to the position of district solicitors at a retainer of $200 per board meeting.

• Authorizing the pooling of collateral as provided in Act 72 of 1971.

• Allowing the district to continue to participate in cooperative purchasing as provided by Act 31 of 1971.

• Allowing the district to use the same procedures as previous years for temporary investment of school district funds. Investments are made to The Gratz Bank, PNC Bank, PA Local Government Investment Trust, PA Local Government Investment Trust Plus, and PA treasurer’s INVEST Program. Additional investments are made to the PA School District Liquid Asset Fund for the Capital Improvement Account.

• Designating the superintendent as director of federal programs with authorization to execute all necessary forms for these programs.

• Continuing the business manager, secretary and treasurer bonds to be set at $50,000 each.

• Berkheimer as delinquent collector for the per capita and occupation tax.

• Berkheimer, Lehigh Valley, as collector for earned income tax.

• Dr. John Horn as the school dentist at a rate of $1.25 per student in grades 1, 3 and 7.

• The following school physicians and the rate for examinations of $12 per student: Family Practice Center and Dr. Naomi Scearce, both of Valley View.

The board will review several items before the next school board meeting: the revised, proposed transportation contract with Bowman Brothers Trucking Inc. for 2016 through 2021; as well as a field maintenance proposal for the Hegins-Hubley west end field from the Tri-Valley Youth Soccer Program.

Snyder also announced an adjudication of an elementary student was prepared due to a violation of the Tri-Valley School District Code of Conduct. The board accepted the adjudication, which resulted in the expulsion of the student, effective May 5. No other details were released on the reason for the expulsion.

Important year-end dates were released by High School Principal Charles Hall and Anderson.

They include:

• FFA Field Day, May 25 at the high school.

• High School Field Day, May 27.

• Baccalaureate, 7 p.m. June 1 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Valley View.

• Senior Awards Night, 7 p.m. June 2 in the high school auditorium.

• Commencement, 7 p.m. June 3 at the high school stadium, weather permitting.

• Sixth-grade recognition for Hegins-Hubley at 7 p.m. May 26 at the high school.

• Sixth-grade recognition for Mahantongo at 7 p.m. May 31 at Mahantongo Elementary.

• Student awards assembly at Hegins-Hubley at 8:45 a.m. for K-2 and 9:30 a.m. for grades 3-6 on June 1.

• Student awards assembly for Mahantongo beginning at 8:45 a.m. for K-6 on June 2.

Address incorrect

The address listed in a court story on Malea Schoffstall was not current, according to Schuylkill Haven Police Chief Jeffrey J. Walcott. The address was incorrectly reported in the May 4 edition.

Equipment current

Lowe’s Home Improvement has offered to repair existing playground equipment in Port Carbon, Warren Thomas, a borough councilman, said Thursday. This was unclear in Wednesday’s edition.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — High school students in Schuylkill County learned what it is like to be a senator Thursday during a student government seminar hosted by state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, at Penn State Schuylkill.

The annual “Senator for a Day” program put students in the role of senators trying to turn a bill into a law.

“It makes the textbook come alive,” Argall said.

After Argall talked to the students about the legislative process, they were divided into four committees — education, finance, state government and transportation. Each committee had to come up with two bill proposals that were then discussed and voted on during a general session with all the students.

“I think they get a better understanding of the legislative process and why it is so difficult for bills to become laws,” Argall said.

Not all of their proposals were passed. There was a bill that would have regulated cellphone use while behind the wheel and another that would have drug tests for welfare recipients. Students also proposed legislation that would eliminate school property taxes, but enact natural gas fracking tax and increase other taxes on things like cigarettes, tobacco and lottery tickets.

However, the most debated proposal among the students was the one legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Argall said it was the first time in the program’s six years that he heard that proposal.

The bill proposed legalizing marijuana for recreational use with similar regulations to alcohol, including 21 being the legal age, and regulations and licensing for selling. The bill would also introduce a 15 percent sales tax on it.

It was close, but ultimately approved.

“We are in a very conservative area and it was interesting to hear how some people responded to the proposal,” Anthony Wojciechowsky, a senior at Pottsville Area High School, said.

“I think it was great program,” Wojciechowsky said. “Everyone wants to learn how to be involved in government and we had great discussions. There were disagreements, but we were able to discuss them professionally.”

Interested students said they are interesting in pursuing a career in politics.

“It was a great opportunity for us to explore our political interests,” Mary Zimmerman, a junior at Schuylkill Haven Area High School, said.

She said she liked how the day was organized like a session in Senate.

“It was very interesting as high school students to see how our government works,” James Magdeburg, a junior at Schuylkill Haven, said.

“I thought it was a special learning opportunity,” Jon Moyer, also a junior at Schuylkill Haven, said. “It took a lot of delusions away about how our government works and gave us insights as to how it actually works.”

SAINT CLAIR — On Wednesday, the Saint Clair Area school board approved a tentative budget for its 2016-17 school year with a tax increase.

“Tentative millage for 2016-2017 is 35.67, an increase of 1.17 which is the index. Median household value equates to approximately $18,250. Approximate tax increase on average median household would equate to $21.35,” Jason Bendle, the district’s superintendent and principal, said after the board’s May meeting Wednesday night at its elementary/middle school at 227 S. Mill St.

Before the meeting, Terry Schane, business manager for Saint Clair Area, said the proposed 2016-17 spending plan is a higher budget than the one adopted for the current school year, and the board was in an executive session considering raising taxes.

“They’re discussing raising it to the index,” Schane said referring to Section 311(d)(1) of the Special Session Act 1 of 2006.

Saint Clair Area was not planning to increase the school district tax for the 2016-17 school beyond an index as calculated by the state Department of Education, she said.

“That’s 1.17 mills. The district’s current millage is 34.5 mills. The district does not intend to raise taxes beyond 35.67 mills,” Schane said.

The board adopted a $9,901,934 spending plan for the 2015-16 school year with a tax increase, hiking the millage rate from 32.35 to 34.5.

So, in that case, one mill was equivalent to $3.45 of the tax on every $1,000 of taxable value. Therefore, an owner of a property with an assessed value of $100,000 was required to pay $3,450 a year in real estate taxes in the 2015-16 school year.

At the regular meeting, the board made its decision.

With a motion by board Secretary Thomas Kaledas, which was seconded by board Vice President Jeanette Zembas, the board approved a proposed general budget fund for 2016-17 in the amount of $10,305,426, and the proposed tax increase.

All other members of the board present Wednesday voted in favor of the motion: board Treasurer Erin Murhon, and board members Robert Matlock, Kathleen Modica and Brian Regnier.

Absent were: board President Michael Holobetz, and board members Virginia Bartashus and Marlene Cook.

If the district decides to ultimately raise the millage to 35.67, one mill would be the equivalent to $3.56 of the tax on every $1,000 of taxable value. Therefore, an owner of a property with an assessed value of $100,000 was required to pay $3,560 a year in real estate taxes in the 2016-17 school year.

The board will give final adoption to the spending plan at a public meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. June 8.

In other matters at the school board’s meeting Wednesday, the board honored one of its students, Tristen Clews, who helped to save someone’s life last year in May 2015.

Clews, an eighth-grade student, is the daughter of Scott and Tracie Clews, Saint Clair. She is a Cadet Girl Scout with Troop 31072 in Saint Clair, according to Corinne Sabaday, the troop leader.

“Tristen is a life saver, literally. She started off a fun day at the Baltimore aquarium with her Girl Scout troop and she ended up responding quickly to an emergency when a woman fell into the Inner Harbor. As soon as the Girl Scouts exited the bus to explore the aquarium, they heard screams from the woman. Tristan’s father, an experienced EMT, ran over to assist but could not pull her out of the water. Instead of just joining the crowd of bystanders, Tristen took action. Tristen ran across the bridge and retrieved a life ring from an emergency box and ran back to her father. She helped save this woman so we just wanted to recognize her for her heroic act,” Bendle said at the meeting.

“It happened on May 30, 2015,” Tracie Clews said Thursday night.

“Sometimes it takes a while for someone to get recognized for things like this,” Sabaday said Thursday night.

Sabaday said before the school was notified, she was trying to determine how Tristen should be recognized. In April, Tristen was recognized by an online Girl Scout newsletter. The school board learned about Tristen’s adventure after that.

PRIMROSE — Penn State Schuylkill Chancellor Kelly Austin said Thursday at a breakfast honoring students who completed a special business-oriented program that the things they learned will help them far into the future.

“You’re now much better prepared for the challenges that will come,” Austin told 282 students, plus teachers and officials, attending the YES Northeast Certificate Program Recognition Breakfast at St. Nicholas Hall.

Austin said Your Employability Skills program will help the students maximize their growth and talents by showing them how to enter and succeed in the workplace.

“You are part of something special,” he said.

Sponsored by the Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employes Council Inc., the program operates in 17 school districts in Schuylkill, Luzerne and Erie counties. An 18th, Lake-Lehman in Luzerne County, will join in 2016-17.

The program offers participating students a chance to tour businesses and industries, prepare resumes, sit through interviews and learn more about thriving in the working world.

“This really puts you guys at an advantage,” state Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, said.

Students in the program also praised YES for helping them to learn skills, including time management and stress management, that they will need to succeed in life.

“You will use the skills throughout your whole life,” Lenny Dulsky, Mahanoy Area High School student, said.

Loran Garnett, of Pittston Area High School, said the program has helped her with resume preparation, dressing and interviewing.

“It has been nothing but helpful,” she said. “I am positive I will use the skills ... to pave the way for a successful future.”

Fellow Pittston Area student S. Delmar Guziewicz said the learning goes beyond preparing to work by including how to conduct yourself in the workplace.

“We need to know how to conduct ourselves with other people,” he said. “You need to know when to talk, when to listen and when to interact.”

State Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, also stressed to the students that the lessons they learn in the program will help them in many ways, and at many times, during their lives.

“Never stop learning. Never stop taking advantage of opportunities,” Tobash said.

He also said Schuylkill County employers know how valuable the program’s graduates are in a time when those business owners are seeking solid employees.

“They are starving for a skilled workforce,” he said. “This is an outstanding program. We all need to keep advocating for it.”

Initially, the public hearings on the future of Gillingham Charter School were slated to be held on eight days. Then, three more days were added to the schedule. And, on Thursday, the hearing officer said there will be a 12th.

“I am 100 percent certain we’re going to have a hearing on the 23rd,” the hearing officer, Marc S. Fisher, Allentown, said at the end of hearing day 10 Thursday afternoon at Pottsville Area’s Howard S. Fernsler Academic Center.

Gillingham Charter School on Thursday continued to presenting its case. And when one of the charter school’s attorneys introduced a witness the Pottsville Area School District’s attorney didn’t expect, tempers flared.

The witness was Melissa Reese, one of the vice presidents for the firm Gillingham contracts for its public relations, Sylvia Marketing, Pottstown.

“As you know, counsel had an agreement throughout this hearing process that we were disclosing our witnesses in advance to one another. I lived by that agreement. And I gave notice to the charter school counsel of each and every witness I was calling and the days. And when it became updated and changed, I timely advised them of that,” Ellen C. Schurdak, Bethlehem, an attorney for Pottsville Area, said.

Schurdak said she made an effort to reinforce that on hearing day nine, which was May 4, in a conversation with Christine Elizabeth Reilly, Mehanicsburg, an attorney for Gillingham.

“Last week before we broke, I had attorney Reilly put on the record what witnesses she would be calling today. Ms. Reese was not on that list. I received no email communication at attorney’s Reilly’s law firm. I did not receive a letter. I didn’t receive a fax. The first I heard that Ms. Reese was on today’s witness list was during today’s testimony. I have not prepared for that cross-examination, and it flies in the face of this agreement that I adhered to,” Schurdak said.

“I just want to note that she is definitely listed on our witness list, which was disclosed to opposing counsel several weeks ago. I just learned yesterday of a scheduling conflict with this witness that she would be unavailable at any of the other previously scheduled hearing dates, which is why I would like to have her testify here today,” Reilly said.

“All that being said I take both of your representations as being 100 percent accurate,” Fisher said.

“I did not get a phone call yesterday either. I didn’t get an email yesterday,” Schurdak said.

“Like I said ... ” Fisher started to say.

But the attorneys talked over him.

“I found out late yesterday of the scheduling conflict,” Reilly said, responding to Schurdak.

“Like I said, ladies, I believe everything you’re telling me is 100 percent true and I take both of your representations to be fully accurate. That being said, it’s 4 o’clock. I don’t want to delay the process any further. I believe this witness’ expected testimony is to be very brief. I’m going to note your objection. I am going to allow her to at least be called as a witness. We’ll see where we go. Again, I believe the testimony is very brief. And your objection is noted. It’s on the record,” Fisher said to Schurdak.

“For the record, the agreement is no longer in effect because the charter school has now broken our agreement, and I will not be disclosing any of our future witnesses in the order. Deal’s off,” Schurdak said.

Since the public hearings began on April 18, the Pottsville Area School District has called 15 witnesses to the stand. On April 26, Gillingham Charter School started presenting its witnesses. And Gillingham has presented 15 witnesses to date. That includes the four which Gillingham introduced on Thursday.

Reese described how Sylvia Marketing helped Gillingham conduct a student survey last summer.

Other witnesses Thursday included: Michelle LaBar, a legal guardian for a student at Gillingham; Robert McIntyre, a senior benefits consultant at BMC Benefit Services, Blue Bell, Montgomery County, which assists Gillingham with its employee benefits; and Alexander D. Schuh, the executive director of Frontier 21 Education Solutions, Bala Cynwyd, Montgomery County, who was hired by Gillingham to review its standardized test scores.

Since it opened in fall 2011, Gillingham Charter School has come under fire for its scores on annual state standardized tests. On April 21, Stephanie R. Ziegmont, Pottsville Area’s director of curriculum and instruction, made sure it was on the record in this case.

Under cross-examination Thursday, Schurdak asked Schuh for his views of the system.

“As an expert, you are aware of the academic standards and accountability systems that charter schools must meet?” Schurdak asked Schuh.

“I’m aware of what No Child Left Behind was. Are you talking about Pennsylvania law or federal law?” Schuh asked.

“On your direct, you referenced both Pennsylvania and federal because with respect to academic standards often it comes from the feds, Pennsylvania tweaks it a bit and comes up with its own accountability system. Is that a fair statement?” Schurdak asked.

“That’s a fair statement,” Schuh said.

“And you’re aware that of all the different changes that have occurred from the 2011-2012 school year up until the current time?” Schurdak asked.

“Yes,” Schuh said.

“And you’re aware that charter schools, like other traditional public school districts, are held to the same standards, at least with respect to academic standards,” Schurdak said.

“Well, there’s no performance standard anymore for charter schools. That was eliminated for all schools in Pennsylvania in the 2012-13 revision of the law from AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) to SPP (School Performance Profile), or at least the requirements. And then there was a waiver system. And then the No Child Left Behind law which sort of stimulated the state version of the law, was changed to a new law. So they’re working out the new accountability system now. So I wouldn’t say there’s a particular standard for charter schools to meet since 2011-12,” Schuh said.

Hearing day 11 is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. May 19 at the academic center.

Reilly said she expects at least two witnesses to take the stand that day: Storm Hutchinson III, a student coach at Gillingham and the husband of Gillingham’s CEO, Nicolle M. Hutchinson.

“We may also call some parents who are on our witness list,” Reilly said, and she promised to have the list to Schurdak by Tuesday.

“At this point, does the school district know if they’re having any other rebuttal witnesses?” Fisher asked.

Schurdak said she would and they might include Andrew M. Kline, an independent special education consultant.

“We will conclude this hearing on the 23rd,” Fisher said.

Following the hearings, the public will be given 30 days to provide written comments on the charter school to the school board. Those comments can be sent to Fisher by email at mfisher@fast.net or by regular mail to 2610 Walbert Ave No. 2, Allentown, PA 18104.

Once Fisher provides an opinion to the Pottsville Area school board, the board will vote again on the charter application.

ORWIGSBURG — The Orwigsburg Borough Council voted Wednesday to spend up to $110,000 on repairs to stormwater systems in the borough.

By a unanimous vote, the council voted to adopt a resolution authorizing the allocation of liquid fuels money for three projects, Marshall Drive and Ridge Road, Lehigh Avenue, and Church and Columbia streets. The state Department of Transportation’s approval is needed because they are spending some of the liquid fuels allocation they receive from the state, Borough Manager Robert Williams said.

Work could start shortly after approval is given and be completed this year, he said. The exact length of each section to be fixed was not provided. The borough will save thousands of dollars by doing the work themselves, he said.

On Marshall Drive and Ridge Road, there will be trench restoration work of the storm sewer costing approximately $39,000. The work on Lehigh Avenue consists of swale construction, storm sewer installation, and partial road reconstruction and overlay, borough documents show. That work is estimated at $39,000. At Church and Columbia streets, work will consist of storm sewer improvements and road construction on East Church Street for $33,000, Williams said.

In other business, the board adopted a resolution appointing three people to the Uniform Construction Code board that will meet on an as-needed basis. The council appointed Bill Knecht, Nick Bagdonis and Roy Heim for a one-year term. Williams said the borough was part of a regional UCC board before but that it was disbanded. He said they are trying to be proactive in forming the board, which will hear appeals from those in the borough about the code.

The council approved an update to an ordinance requiring the registration of rental properties in the borough. Williams said not much has changed since the last update three years ago. However, one of the changes in the ordinance relates to the storage of trash and recycling containers for rental properties other than in the front of the property. The building code official will look at the rental properties within 18 months of the effective date of the ordinance, which was Wednesday, and determine a suitable location. Requirements may be waived depending on circumstances. Williams said a location for homeowners might be adopted in the future.

Williams reminded the council and the audience of the zoning hearing board scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday. An appeal was filed to the zoning hearing board relating to the Blue Mountain Retirement Community to make a recommendation on the written comments provided by Greg Stewart, borough engineer, and Tom Yashinsky, the borough code officer. Stewart said previously the Blue Mountain plan “does not meet enough of the criteria” to comply with regulations. The board does not have to make a recommendation Thursday and will have a set time to do so.

The borough Planning and Zoning Commission voted March 16 to recommend denial of a retirement community plan. The Blue Mountain Retirement Community plan proposed by The Rhodes Organization, Boyertown, seeks to develop a 27.725-acre site that it owns along East Market Street between Breezy Acres and Kimmels roads. It planned for 400 rental units open to different age groups. A decision was needed March 16 because the council needed to take action on the plan no later than May 8, according to the state Municipalities Planning Code. Extensions of 90 days were previously provided to the borough for it to act on the plan.

Before this project was submitted, The Rhodes Organization had The Pine Creek Adult Community plan approved in 2009 by the borough council. That plan was similar but included underground parking and other changes.

Gretchen Coles Sterns, the attorney for J. Jerome Skrincosky, president of Hawk Valley Associates, PC, Mohnton, had submitted the Blue Mountain Retirement Community plan in August 2015 after the borough council denied requests for zoning ordinance amendments by The Rhodes Organization for The Pine Creek Retirement Community.

Three new people, Joshua Mairose, Lane Koury and Slade Bugajinksy, were hired as part-time summer workers in the borough at $10 an hour.

The council authorized the borough solicitor to revise or revoke an ordinance that established that police officers had to live within a 7-mile radius of the borough and to do the same for a resolution that set the required miles at 15-mile radius. Residency requirements will no longer be required. Williams said the issue had just come to his attention at a recent civil service meeting May 3. Currently, Williams said it is his understanding that two officers do not live in the borough. Williams said the change will have to come before the council.

Several community events will soon take place in the borough. The community yard sale is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 21 and the Memorial Day parade starts at 8 a.m. May 30. The Lion’s Memorial Day BBQ will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Community Hall, Grove Street.

ASHLAND — An effort has started in Ashland to revive the annual Independence Day fireworks program that delighted young and old for two decades.

The “Save the Ashland Fireworks” committee met for the first time Thursday at The Mineshaft Cafe, Ashland, to discuss what needs to be done to bring back a new version of “Thunder Over Ashland,” which was a community event of the American Hose Company No. 1 of Ashland.

After 20 years of fireworks programs at Memorial Field at the top of Ashland, the fire company announced in February that they would no longer hold the event due to declining donations and volunteers.

The Thursday meeting included the selection of three co-chairpersons — Al Razzis, Marlin Horan and Joanne Vaughn.

Vaughn said the idea of reviving the fireworks began with a few people like Razzis, Horan and Michael Bixler, owner of Bixler Pyrotechnics, Ashland, which provided the annual shows in recent years. She said they got her to become involved in the idea.

“We’re going to do some stuff tonight at the meeting to move ourselves forward to decide if we’re going to do it this year or next year,” Vaughn said. “It is a little short on time to try to do it in August.”

The effort began with using the “Thunder Over Ashland” name, but it has been dropped.

“It was requested by the American Hose that we don’t use the name,” Bixler said.

“It was kind of their baby,” Bixler said.

The project is relatively young and one major need is more volunteers.

“We’re having a hard time getting people to help,” Vaughn said. “We’re really struggling with that. It seems nobody wants to step up except for us few.”

Vaughn said volunteers are needed for more than fundraising. On the day of the event, volunteers are needed for setup and helping out during the program.

“On the day of the event we’re looking to have food sales and other vendors there to help raise funds,” Horan said. “We need a lot of volunteers to do that. We spoke with them (fire company) to get their input and it was mostly volunteers rather than the money they were struggling with. We’re trying to step up and keep the show going.”

The first sponsor is The Mineshaft Cafe, owned and operated by Cory Machese. He said before the meeting that the fireworks program in Ashland is a tradition that should continue.

“Joanne got me involved in it and I’d like to see it keep going,” Machese said. “It’s a good thing for the town and everyone enjoys it.”

If a fireworks program can be arranged for this year, it would be at a different day other than July 4, such as in August for the evening of Pioneer Day or in September after the ABA Parade.

Bixler said another goal is to find a nonprofit organization who the committee can cooperate with for its 501(c)3 status.

“People have already asked where they can send donations,” Bixler said.

“We’re basically crawling right now,” Razzis said. “It’s an idea (to save the fireworks) that came to light to try to preserve it.”

After the meeting, Vaughn said, “We are awaiting answers back from three organizations to see if we can umbrella under them (for fundraising), which would make it so much easier for us. And we are exploring what we can do for fundraising, but we can’t do much until we see if we can umbrella under someone.”

The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at The Mineshaft Cafe. For more information or to volunteer, call Vaughn at 570-400-3587 or Horan at 570-527-1153.

Name incorrect

Kenneth L. Smeltz was re-elected Tri-Valley school board treasurer during the board’s meeting Wednesday. His name was incorrect in Friday’s edition.

Date incorrect

A chicken barbecue will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at Newtown Volunteer Fire Company. The date was incorrect in Friday’s edition.

Despite the wet weather, hundreds of people volunteered Friday for the Capt. Jason B. Jones Memorial Day of Caring.

There were 14 sites in Schuylkill County where people showed their dedication to the community and to honor Jones, who died June 2, 2014, near Jalalabad, Afghanistan, in a small arms fight. This was the second year that the event was named in his honor. Sites included Boys Scouts Hawk Mountain Council camp, Schuylkill YMCA and Tamaqua YMCA. The event was hosted by Schuylkill United Way.

The American Red Cross Tri-County Chapter gave out free smoke detectors to people in Pottsville. The detectors were donated by Kiddie and some were provided by the Red Cross. Ten-year smoke detectors with lithium batteries were installed in hallways, while smoke detectors with 9-volt batteries were installed in bedrooms.

Twenty-two volunteers met at the Terry Reilly Community Center in Pottsville before going out to install the life-saving devices for residents who requested them.

“Everybody needs to have them. It’s your first line of defense,” Peter Keitsock, Wayne Township, said.

Patrick Kane, United Way board member, and Jason Kline, Joe Mehalko and Denise Ressler, employees of BB&T Bank, installed eight smoke detectors and changed the batteries in two carbon monoxide detectors at 731 W. Race St., home to eight people including five children.

“That one does not have a battery in it, boss. It’s not going to work without a battery,” Kane told Anthony Patterson.

Patterson, 28, said he removed the batteries because the smoke alarm kept beeping. He was told that is not advisable because the alarms alert you to a fire.

Two of the three smoke detectors in the home did not have batteries in them. Along with installing the smoke detectors, the residents were reminded about the importance of a fire escape plan.

“Before you call 911, everybody gets outside. Make sure the family has an escape plan,” Kane said.

Patterson’s wife, Christina Chen, 29, was almost speechless with the generosity.

“I thought that was so beautiful. It really makes you feel like the community really cares about our little family,” she said.

Patterson said he is also thankful for the smoke detectors.

“I’m just so surprised and appreciative. Everybody’s life matters,” he said.

Sheila Iaconelli, 49, of 720 W. Race St., said she was thankful for the five smoke detectors for the home she rents. She lives with six family members, two of them children.

“I’m not looking forward to having a fire too soon. You never know when it’s going to happen,” she said.

Debbie Bowers, 48, of 290 N. Eighth St., shares a home with two other people, one of them a child. Her home got four smoke detectors Friday, in addition to one that was in the hallway.

“I feel safer, especially with all the fires that’s been going on lately,” she said.

The group installing the detectors didn’t have much luck to start the day. Of the first six houses they went to, only one had someone at home. Information about the other homes was given to the Red Cross so they could make accommodations to have detectors installed at a later date.

Heather Bowman, disaster program specialist with the American Red Cross Tri-County Chapter, said 100 smoke detectors were installed Friday in 21 homes. That amounts to about 83 people having a better chance at being alerted to a fire, she said.

The organization still has smoke detectors for Pottsville residents who need them. For more information, call 610-375-4342.

Kelly Malone, executive director of Schuylkill United Way, said the rain didn’t dampen the spirit of the volunteers at the Boy Scout camp. She said 80 volunteers helped with gardening and painting, among other tasks. PPL also installed an emergency sound system for the camp.

“People didn’t have to help today,” she said.

By doing so, it demonstrated the caring for the community and “it shows the honor and respect to Capt. Jason B. Jones and what he meant to our community,” Malone said.

For the first time, students participated in the special day by writing letters to members of the armed forces. A care box will be sent with the letters.

Michelle Halabura, director of community relations, said about 200 adults participated Friday, as well as the hundreds of children who wrote letters.

For the sites affected by the rain, activities are scheduled to be held next week.

Police investigate

Dauphin burglary

WICONISCO — State police at Lykens are investigating a burglary that occurred between 3 p.m. Wednesday and 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 1699 Pottsville St. in Wiconisco Township, Dauphin County.

Police said someone stole a 50-inch Emerson television owned by Johnathon Lebo and fled the area undetected.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 717-362-8700.

On his 70th birthday, David W. Bowen received an award Friday in Pottsville for a segment of what has been his life’s work: helping others.

“People are my business,” Bowen, Frackville, said as the Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance Inc. presented him with the Hornbrook Memorial Award for helping to make county citizens aware of that problem.

“I’m certainly humbled by this award,” said Bowen, who accepted it at a luncheon at The Greystone restaurant attended by approximately 20 people. “People have been my life.”

Alliance Chairwoman Eileen Barlow said Bowen, who has been helping with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program for 15 years, was a natural choice to receive the award, which is named for the late Penn State professor John Hornbrook.

“He is always willing to lend a helping hand no matter what,” Barlow said of Bowen. “His work with the elderly continued even after retirement.”

Bowen, who held several positions before retiring three years ago as a case manager for the Luzerne County Area Agency on Aging, said his handicapped parents inspired him to make sure people who needed help could get it.

“The services that are here today weren’t available” for them, he said. “They needed services. There are so many people who need help.”

He is especially concerned for veterans who do not get what the law says they should.

“So many veterans are not aware” of benefits they are entitled to receive, he said. “They deserve our strictest attention.”

Bowen said that lack of awareness is especially prevalent among older veterans.

Barlow said Bowen’s work with veterans has been vital.

“A great number ... were living in poverty,” and needed housing, benefits and medical care, she said.

Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary J. Hess said Bowen is a longtime friend who unquestionably deserved to receive the award. People like Bowen are especially important in Schuylkill County, which has a large aging population, Hess said.

“He always wanted to help,” said Hess, who got to know Bowen through the Jaycees. “Everything he’s done is special.”

Barlow said the award helps the alliance publicize its three-fold mission: educate the public, promote awareness of the crime of elder abuse and work with law enforcement to ensure perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“We are an aging county and ... we need to protect those who ... gave us the foundation on which the county was built,” she said.

To Bowen, helping people who need help is a natural thing to do and he will never give up his part in doing it.

“There’s a lot of work to be done,” he said.

n Ashland: The Ashland Area Historical Preservation Society will meet at 7 p.m. May 25 in the society headquarters, 318 Centre St. Speaker Frank Rice will focus on Bernard J. Dolan and the history of Memorial Day. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-590-9044.

n Ashland: Zion’s Reformed Church, 2400 Centre St., will have a free soup-and-sandwich lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. The free lunches are held the third Wednesday of the month. For more information, call 570-875-2743.

n Cressona: The Cressona Lions Club and Cressona American Legion will sponsor the annual Memorial Day parade and program beginning at 9:30 a.m. May 30. The Blue Mountain High School Band will provide the music for the parade, which will include a variety of local groups. All marchers will begin formation at 9 a.m. at the Sapa Extrusions parking lot. The parade will head west on Pottsville Street and turn right onto Sillyman Street, proceeding under the underpass onto Chestnut Street. Marchers will then turn right onto Fourth Street and right again onto Walnut Street, ending at the Legion Plaza, where there will be a program with featured speaker Larry Williams, Nesquehoning, district governor-elect of Lions Clubs International and an Army and National Guard veteran. The American Legion will provide lunch after the program.

n Frackville: The Frackville Recreation Board has announced details for the annual Frackville Memorial Day Parade to be held May 30. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on South Lehigh Avenue and will proceed north on Lehigh Avenue to Spring Street, where it will turn left and continue to the Memorial Park. A program will be held at 9:15 a.m. at the park and include selections by the North Schuylkill High School Band and with the assistance of members of American Legion Post 398.

n Frackville: TruBridge will hold a job fair from 8 a.m. to noon today at the Schuylkill Mall. The firm is looking to hire.

n Girardville: The Mahanoy Creek Watershed Association will hold a public meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in Girardville Borough Hall to discuss the proposed acid mine water treatment system for the Packer V Tunnel drainage at Girardville. The mine water enters the Mahanoy Creek at the east end of the borough. A representative from the engineering firm of Shelly & Loyalty will explain the proposed treatment system. A Growing Greener grant announcement for the project will also be made, according to a release.

n Minersville: God’s Bountiful Table provides meals for people who are disadvantaged or in need. The meals are served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Father Anthony J. Ricapito Annex of St. Matthew the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 139 Spruce St.

n New Philadelphia: The AMVETS post will meet at 7 p.m. May 26 at Vetts Inc., 96 McComb St., to discuss plans for the Memorial Day parade and Memorial Day Mass. For more information, call 570-277-6031.

n Pottsville: The Schuylkill County Historical Society, 305 N. Centre St., will feature Ruben Peale from 7 to 8 p.m. May 25. The event will focus on the artist’s life and Schuylkill County connections during a talk and slide show. The session is free for society members and $5 for nonmembers. For more information, call 570-622-7540.

n Shenandoah: A free “Kitchen Kettle” meal is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the third Saturday of the month at Restoration Fellowship Church, 201 W. Oak St. All are welcome.

n Summit Station: The Schuylkill County Fair Premium book will be available for pickup at the Bear Creek Festival to be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds. Premium books may be found at the FARM Food Stand and 4-H Run activities area. The fair will be held Aug. 1 to 6.

The director of the Schuylkill Choral Society and Anthracite Philharmonic is nominated for the Music Educator Award presented by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation.

Mark P. Thomas, who also serves as director of The Minor Notes Chorale, is a quarterfinalist for the award, which recognizes educators who “have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools,” according to www.grammyintheschools.com.

Thomas, 55, of Barto, Berks County, is a supervisor of music at Upper Perkiomen School District, Pennsburg, and an adjunct professor at Alvernia University-Schuylkill Center, Cressona.

Thomas said he found out by email he was nominated for the award and was told to keep it a secret until the official release.

“It’s an honor, It’s a nice surprise,” he said.

It is his first time being nominated for the award. Having been involved in music for at least 30 years, Thomas said he never thought he would be nominated for such an honor.

He is one of 290 music teachers from 264 cities in 41 states that are in the quarterfinals. Semifinalists will be announced in September, with that group being trimmed to 10 finalists. The winner will be honored during GRAMMY Week in February.

More than 3,300 nominations were submitted nationwide. The award is open to current U.S. music teachers and anyone can nominate a music teacher.

LOYALTON — Upper Dauphin Area High School Principal Dermot Garrett announced his intent to retire in a letter to the school board Tuesday.

The board unanimously approved Garrett’s retirement request, effective Nov. 22, 2016, and approved a motion to advertise for his replacement.

Garrett had previously worked in the district, left, and later returned to serve the district. He’s been with UDA a total of 13 years, according to Superintendent Evan Williams. The board approved the reinstatement of 87 sick days to Garrett — previously earned and unpaid during his former employment at UDA.

All board directors were present for Tuesday’s meeting, including David Barder, Mills Eure, Jack Laudenslager, Roni Mace, Angela Mattern, the Rev. Nathan Minnich, Kathryn Talhelm, Stephen Welker and Kirk Wenrich.

Three citizens addressed the board. Mary Ann Mattis, and her mother, Anna Mattis, said they were concerned about Bender Street and Spruce Street in Elizabethville and about the school bus traveling on those roads. Mary Ann Mattis said there’s a rotted pipe, the road is narrow, and there’s also a blind spot in that area. She worried about her mother getting struck while walking out to check her mailbox, she said, because the road is so narrow.

Barder said the district would check on the width of the right-of-way there, but said if it’s a public road, the condition of the road would be a matter for the borough to address.

Another citizen, Jerry Stauffer, of J.S. Construction, Elizabethville, asked the board about the status of the building trades program. Stauffer said he has two children in the district, a son who will be a sophomore next year and a daughter who will be a senior. He said his son may be interested in the building trades program. The board said Scott Kreiser runs the course, and Stauffer is welcome to contact him to see what work students have completed. On a related note, the board voted to table taking action on the next building trades home plans until receiving additional information about the plans.

In other matters, Elijah Shutt, on behalf of the Upper Dauphin Area Education Association, encouraged the board to keep the current programs intact when considering the 2016-17 budget. The union suggested the board “look for other options” instead of program cuts when determining ways to balance the upcoming budget.

Business Manager Mary Bateman said the board anticipates voting on a final budget at its 7 p.m. June 9 meeting.

Under the proposed 2016-17 preliminary budget, real estate taxes would increase by the Act 1 index of 3.3 percent from 17.6908 mills to 18.2745 mills. The budget shows estimated revenues of $18,481,578 and $23,824,979 as the fund balance, revenues and total finances available.

The board approved:

• The contract between the Capital Area Intermediate Unit and the Upper Dauphin Area School District for special education services.

• Seeking requests for proposals for surveillance systems for the high school and middle school. Williams said the current systems are aging.

• An infrared roof scan of the high school to check for any leaks, as the roof is coming to an end of its warranty period. The $3,200 scan will cover areas that were coated sometime between 2004 and 2006, including the cafeteria, hallways, gym and auditorium.

• To commit the portion of the fund balance that exceeds the state Department of Education allowable limits obtained from the upcoming June audit allocated at 80 percent to capital projects and 20 percent to the state Public School Employees’ Retirement System reserve.

• An expulsion waiver for a student. No details were released on the reason.

In other business, Laudenslager asked Williams why the district did not approve a visit to the elementary school by Gov. Tom Wolf. Williams said that it was a staffing and management problem. Williams said he received a call on a Thursday from the governor’s press secretary, and that was the first he heard of the matter. Williams then called Elementary Principal Jessica Megonnell, and that was the first she had heard of his potential visit. Megonnell already had a scheduled vacation on that day, Williams said, and about 10 percent of the staff was on leave at the time. A teacher had apparently offered the invitation to the governor to visit a classroom, but hadn’t relayed that message to the administration. Williams said he called the press secretary back and explained that the district could not accommodate the governor’s visit at that time, and offered to reschedule.

“If we had all hands on deck, we could have done something, but we didn’t,” Williams said.

Laudenslager said he thought that would have been a good opportunity for students.

Schuylkill County prosecutors did not violate a Tower City man’s double jeopardy rights when they charged him with drug offenses that occurred during a search at Schuylkill County Prison, a three-judge state Superior Court panel ruled Friday.

The panel reinstated charges against Jared L. Miller, 37, of possession of a controlled substance by an inmate, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of contraband that had been dismissed by county President Judge William E. Baldwin.

Prosecutors did not have to try those reinstated charges at the same time they tried the charges stemming from the incident that resulted in Miller being arrested and brought to the prison, Judge Jacqueline O. Shogan wrote in the panel’s 11-page opinion.

“We conclude there was no substantial duplication of issues of fact or law” in the two cases, Shogan wrote.

The next time Miller could be tried on the reinstated charges is during the June criminal court term, which starts on June 6 and runs through June 14.

Baldwin had dismissed the three charges on Sept. 3, 2015, ruling that they arose from the same criminal episode as, and should have been tried with, the charges that led to Miller’s arrest.

Shogan wrote that under state law, charges must be logically related in order for the constitutional ban on double jeopardy to bar separate prosecutions. A logical relationship depends upon the time the crimes are allegedly committed and the necessary proof for each set of crimes, she wrote.

That logical relationship does not exist in this situation, Shogan wrote.

“Here, different evidence was required to establish the offenses alleged in each case,” she wrote. “The first incident occurred at 9:30 a.m. and involved a traffic stop where (Miller) was a passenger. The second incident occurred seven hours later at 5 p.m. and involved (Miller’s) intake at the Schuylkill County Prison.”

Furthermore, the witnesses in the cases are different and the second incident involved Miller’s status as a prison inmate, which did not exist in the first incident, according to Shogan.

“Thus, the two prosecutions did not arise from the same criminal episode” and did not need to be tried together, she wrote.

Miller already has been tried and sentenced on charges arising from the traffic stop.

Judge Alice Beck Dubow and President Judge Emeritus Correale F. Stevens, the other panel members, joined in Shogan’s opinion.

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

Keith Kuzio, 22, of Pottsville; possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Joseph R. McGinley, 43, of Middleport; driving under the influence, driving under suspension and disregarding traffic lane; 90 days to five years in prison, $2,025 in fines, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew charges of driving unregistered vehicle and careless driving.

Katherine M. O’Brien, 28, of Orwigsburg; DUI; six months in the intermediate punishment program, $300 fine, $100 SAEF payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street.

Thomas R. Quirk, 64, of Pottsville; DUI, careless driving and driving without a license; three months to five years in prison, $1,725 in fines, $300 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and $60 restitution to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street. Prosecutors withdrew charges of reckless driving and driving unregistered vehicle.

Moises A. Sanchez, 31, of Reading; false identification to law enforcement; 12 months probation and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew charges of receiving stolen property, allowing illegal use of plate or card and driving unregistered vehicle.

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

MAHANOY CITY — A West Hazleton man was jailed after being arrested by Mahanoy City police on drug charges early Friday morning.

Ilvin C. Gumbs, 23, of 328 W. Green St., Apt. 2W, was charged by Patrolman Thomas Rentschler with one felony count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance; one misdemeanor count each of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and DUI; as well as summary violations of general lighting requirements and careless driving.

Gumbs was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10 percent of $25,000 bail.

Rentschler said the charges are the result of a traffic stop about 12:30 a.m. in the 600 block of West Centre Street.

The officer said he pulled over a vehicle driven by Gumbs for not having his headlights on and while speaking with the man saw a burnt cigar blunt on the dash near the speedometer as well as a strong odor of marijuana inside.

Gumbs was taken into custody and a subsequent search of the man found he was in possession of a plastic bag containing a green vegetable substance that field tested positive for marijuana as well as $262.89, Rentschler said.

A search of the man’s vehicle found, in addition to the blunt cigar on the dashboard, a cellphone and $120 in cash in the glove box and in a console a large plastic bag containing six plastic bags packed in a way associated with the distribution of controlled substances.

Rentschler said the bag contained more vegetable material that field tested positive for marijuana along with an additional $35 in cash and two packs of cigar blunts.

Gumbs was then to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street for a blood alcohol test and will now have to appear for a preliminary hearing on the charges before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, Rentschler said.

Bloomsburg

Meghan R. Hallick, Pottsville, recently graduated magna cum laude from Bloomsburg University with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and special education.

While at Bloomsburg, Meghan attained an overall GPA of 3.88 and was named to the dean’s list in all semesters. She was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society and president of the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society.

She served as a volunteer for Special Olympics and Camp Pals and was a member of the Student Council for Exceptional Children.

She was a member of the women’s track and field team and was selected captain in her senior year. She was honored as a Scholar Athlete.

Meghan did her student teaching in the Southern Columbia Area and Berwick Area school districts.

A 2011 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, she is a daughter of Brian and Mary Ella Hallick and granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. William R. Davidson and Margaret Ebling, all of Pottsville.

China recently announced that it plans to land a rover on Mars by 2020. The Russian Federal Space Agency is working with the European Space Agency. Every major power in the world has some form of interest in Mars. Like 1961, when Russia first rocketed Yuri Gagarin into orbit and the U.S. was afraid that Russians would beat us with the first actual man on the moon, the race is on.

The U.S. should again set its priorities to one day be able to claim that it first stepped foot on the red planet. Unfortunately, we’re not doing this.

When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon on July 20, 1969, Americans dreamed of the possibilities in spaceflight. We were certain that in the not-too-distant future, an astronaut would land on Mars. However, 47 years after the moon landing, the U.S. is no closer to that goal.

The U.S. still has its eyes on Mars — at least that’s what the government leads us to believe. Astronaut Scott Kelly was back on Earth after spending 340 days in space on March 2. His year in space was part of a NASA study involving both him and his twin brother, Mark, a former astronaut, on space travel and the human body in space versus on Earth. This was in preparation for a theoretical Mars mission.

The problem is, there has been no mission.

Mark Kelly and Col. Terry Virts, a former Air Force pilot, attended a “breakfast from space” presentation in person on the mission to Mars at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 15. Mark’s brother, Scott, also spoke at the event, live from the International Space Station.

There is a “lack of political will” to generate public support for funding, according to Mark Kelly and Virts. We have spent countless trillions of dollars on failed wars with wasted results, but we have spent nowhere near what we need to accomplish manned science in other parts of our universe. This could have amazing givebacks in resources and knowledge.

NASA’s budget is less than half a percent of total federal spending.

According to Virts, technology has a lot of promise in a journey to Mars. He also said that based on the progress between 1961 and 1969, from Earth orbit to manned lunar landing on Mars is not far-fetched. But it can be done only with a green light from Congress and the White House.

Neil Armstrong famously declared that his landing was, “One small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind.” That joy of pure science and exploration is a great hope. However, since those first steps, the U.S. has barely crawled toward anywhere else.

ROBERT WEINER is a former spokesman for the Clinton White House and House Government Operations Committee. LILE FU of Beijing is policy analyst at Solutions for Change. BEN LASKY is senior policy analyst at Solutions for Change. They wrote this for the Orlando Sentinel.