A Schuylkill County judge on Friday ordered forfeiture to prosecutors of more than $100 found on a Pottsville man found in June 2011 in a West Mahanoy Township motel with materials to manufacture methamphetamine.

Larry T. Wilcox, 48, obtained the $104 through the sale of drugs and must forfeit it, Judge Charles M. Miller ruled after a hearing.

“The court must agree that the commonwealth has met their burden of proof,” Miller said in ordering the forfeiture.

Miller accepted the testimony of Shawn P. Tray, who was township police chief at the time the money was seized, that the cash, drugs and drug paraphernalia indicated the $104 constituted proceeds from the sale of illegal narcotics.

“It’s based on the totality of the circumstances,” Tray said.

Wilcox testified he was a user, not a dealer, and that the money was unemployment compensation.

“If I were a drug dealer, I’d have a lot more than $104,” he said.

However, Wilcox produced no documentation to show the money was from unemployment compensation.

Police seized the money on June 30, 2011, when they arrested Wilcox on June 30, 2011, at Room 18 at Granny’s Motel in Altamont.

Wilcox pleaded guilty on May 17, 2012, to two counts of possession of red phosphorous with intent to manufacture a controlled substance and one each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of risking a catastrophe.

Miller originally placed him in the state intermediate punishment program but removed him from it and sentenced him on March 6, 2014, to serve two to four years in a state correctional institution. Wilcox is serving that sentence at SCI/Graterford in Montgomery County, and Miller conducted Friday’s hearing by audioconference.

Also on Friday, Miller revoked the parole of Kenneth E. Leh, 27, of Leesport, and ordered him returned to Berks County Prison.

Leh originally pleaded guilty on Oct. 15, 2014, to theft by deception. At the time, Miller placed him on 12 months probation and also sentenced him to pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $85 restitution.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Leh with committing the theft on Dec. 11, 2013.

However, Miller revoked Leh’s probation on June 12, 2015.

Leh on Friday admitted violating his parole by committing new crimes, possessing drug paraphernalia and not making payments on his costs and fines.

Nicholas J. Garulle, who led Mahanoy City police officers on a high-speed chase on his motorcycle in September 2015, is headed to state prison after being sentenced Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court for crimes resulting from that incident.

Garulle, 26, of Frackville, formerly of Barnesville, pleaded guilty to fleeing or eluding police, disorderly conduct, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under suspension-DUI related.

After accepting Garulle’s plea, Judge Charles M. Miller sentenced him to serve nine to 24 months in a state correctional institution, pay costs, a $300 fine, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Prosecutors withdrew one count each of escape, flight to avoid apprehension, resisting arrest, persistent disorderly conduct, recklessly endangering another person, possession of a controlled substance, driving without a license, reckless driving, failure to drive at a safe speed, disregarding traffic lanes, failure to yield and following too closely, four of improper turning movements and 10 of stop sign violation.

Garulle said little during Wednesday’s hearing except that he understood his plea and was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.

Mahanoy City police charged Garulle as the result of the Sept. 25, 2015, chase through the borough and into Mahanoy Township.

Police said they spotted Garulle about 12:30 p.m. and knew there was a state parole and probation warrant out for him.

According to police, Garulle sped away on his motorcycle, started driving west on West Market Street and then sped around the borough on several streets, drove up Potsy Hill and into the township, and disappeared.

However, police said, the search continued, and they found Garulle in Mahanoy Township. After a foot chase, West Mahanoy Township police arrested the defendant.

Mahanoy Township, Shenandoah, Frackville, West Mahanoy Township and Butler Township police, state police at Frackville and the Schuylkill County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist in the search for Garulle.

The defendant already has spent time in state prison after being sentenced Dec. 19, 2013, by Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin for a probation violation in connection with a charge of receiving stolen property.

The defendant

Name: Nicholas J. Garulle

Age: 26

Residence: Frackville, formerly of Barnesville

Crimes committed: Fleeing or eluding police, disorderly conduct, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under suspension-DUI related.

Prison sentence: Nine to 24 months in a state correctional institution

The Schuylkill Choral Society will journey through the 1970s on Sunday with a concert featuring music from the generation of peace and love.

“Aquarius” will begin at 3 p.m. at Schuylkill Haven Area High School, 501 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students and are available from any choir member or by calling the Schuylkill Choral Society office at 570-628-3388.

“It is like a journey through the ’70s,” Mark Thomas, music director and conductor for the Schuylkill Choral Society, said Monday. “It’s really a callback to the peace and love of the ’70s.”

About 80 members of the chorus will be part of the performance and some even plan on dressing the part with wigs and bell-bottoms. They have been practicing once a week for months at United Presbyterian Church, 214 Mahantongo St., Pottsville.

The Schuylkill Choral Society performs three major concerts a year. They have already done many genres and decades, including rock music from the 1970s, but Sunday’s performance will include more relaxed songs from that era.

Thomas said he came up with the theme for the concert from seeing the relaxed culture of California first hand.

“The whole set of music goes with that lifestyle,” he said.

He said the choir, which includes teenagers to people who lived through the era, was very receptive of the song selection.

“This should be a good concert for all generations,” Thomas said. “The music is still popular today.”

In July, the Schuylkill Choral Society will take a trip to Italy and France. The group has been taking trips every few years since 1991 when they went to Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

“I thought it was an opportunity to help our group grow, not just with music but as a group,” Thomas said. “You can see the people get closer when we came back and the sound gets tighter. They also get to experience other cultures and we get to share ours.”

For more information about the Schuylkill Choral Society, visit www.schchoral.org.

Sean M. Hess, who earlier this month admitted his involvement in the November 2014 drug-related death of a North Manheim Township man, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court to another drug-related crime.

Hess, 24, of Auburn, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judge James P. Goodman accepted Hess’ plea and, pursuant to agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced him to spend 12 months on probation and pay costs and $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund. Goodman made the probation concurrent with Hess’ Berks County sentence.

Hess said little during Wednesday’s hearing except that he understood the consequences of his plea and was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.

Schuylkill Haven borough police charged Hess with possessing needles on Aug. 5, 2015, in the borough.

The consequences of Hess’ Berks County case were far more serious.

Hess and Kaitlin S. Leibensperger, 23, of Auburn, each pleaded guilty on May 6 before Berks County Judge Patrick T. Barrett to involuntary manslaughter and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Barrett promptly sentenced Hess to serve 11 1/2 to 23 months in prison and an additional 13 years probation, and Leibensperger to spend one to two years in a state correctional institution and an additional 13 years probation.

Prosecutors withdrew charges of drug delivery resulting in death, hindering apprehension, conspiracy, tampering with evidence, recklessly endangering another person, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance against Hess and Leibensperger.

State police at Frackville charged Hess and Leibensperger with possessing the heroin with the intent to deliver it to Joseph Deleon, 19, on Nov. 20, 2014, in Fleetwood.

Police said Hess provided Deleon with the heroin and Leibensperger gave him a needle to inject it. Deleon passed out after using the heroin, and was driven to Landingville, where Hess, Leibensperger and James Lyons, formerly of Schuylkill Haven, left him, according to police.

Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Deb Detweiler pronounced Deleon dead at 4:11 p.m. at the scene.

Lisa Eckley reassured parents not to hit the panic button when it comes to feeding their toddlers.

“A lot of parents get stressed about how much food their toddler should eat,” Eckley, food service director at Pottsville Area School District, said. She led a special program at the Pottsville Free Public Library on Wednesday as part of the Family Place Parent-Child Workshop.

Lindsay Row, Pottsville, admitted her daughter, Madeleine Row, 2, falls into that picky eater category.

She brought Madeleine, along with her 8-month-old daughter, Evelyn Row, to the event.

“When we came in to sign up for the regular story time, we found out about this, so we came here to check it out,” said Row, who recently moved into the area from Arizona. The family was originally from Bloomsburg, she said.

“We’re at home a lot and this is good socialization for them,” she said. “Madeleine loves the library, and we get new books for the week while we’re here.”

Vanessa Logan encouraged her 3-year-old daughter, Addison Klingbeil, to play with Row’s girls, as they sat nearby. Logan, Pottsville, said she had attended the library program before and that’s where she met another mother, Crystal Venturino, and her 6-month-old son, Watson Miles, also of Pottsville.

“I found the experience to be educational,” Logan said. “For my daughter, with her speech and developmental delays, this was a way for her to get out among other children.”

Venturino said she was happy to expose Watson to what the library has to offer and boost his socialization.

“This is a way to normalize the library for our children and hope that they get that love for books,” Venturino said.

On Wednesday, Vanessa and Addison joined other families who were building fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits at the workshop. Darren DeArment, youth services librarian at the library, had provided cut-up strawberries, blueberries, honey and yogurt for the healthy, snack-building activity.

Eckley said once children reach the age of 1, their growth slows down and their eating patterns can change. By the age of 3 or 4, their appetite can change again. Eckley said people’s stomachs are the size of their fists, so the stomachs of toddlers are very tiny. Snacks are important for them.

As a general guideline, each day a child between the ages of 1 and 3 needs about 40 calories for every inch of height. For example, a toddler who measures 32 inches should be taking in an average of about 1,300 calories a day, but the amount varies with each child’s build and activity level.

“If you force kids to eat, it will led to obesity,” she said. “Children only usually eat when they’re hungry.”

She also warned against giving food as a reward.

She said parents and caregivers need to introduce a new food 10 times before a child may eat it, and at least 10 times before a child shows an absolute aversion to that particular food.

Eckley offered families several hand-outs, sharing information on “Healthy Tips for Picky Eaters;” appropriate serving sizes; and nutritional guidelines for servings of grain, fruit and vegetables, milk, meat and fat.

DeArment said the Family Place Parent-Child Workshop program runs at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays in May, and is for children ages 1 to 3. The workshop features local experts on nutrition, speech, physical activity and behavior, who provide information for parents and caregivers. The presenter for the next, and final week of the program this year is Kim Good from Child Development Inc. who will discuss behavior on May 25. The Pottsville library has offered the workshop program for seven years, DeArment said.

According to its website, “Family Place Libraries is a network of children’s librarians nationwide who believe that literacy begins at birth, and that libraries can help build healthy communities by nourishing healthy families. The Family Place Libraries network currently includes more than 400 sites in 27 states and continues to grow.”

For more information, visit http://www.familyplacelibraries.org/.

The Schuylkill YMCA Spirit Sprint is set to begin at 9 a.m. Saturday in Pottsville. Due to the 5K road race fundraising event, which is benefiting the Schuylkill YMCA, Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said the following temporary parking restrictions will be in place:

No parking from 8 p.m. Friday until the end of the event Saturday in the 500 and 600 blocks of North Centre Street.

Beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, no vehicular traffic will be permitted on the following streets until the end of the race: 500 and 600 blocks of North Centre Street; Peacock Street; Walter Griffith Avenue; North 16th Street, between Mount Hope Avenue and First Avenue; and York Farm Road, from 16th Street to the entrance to the JFK Pool Complex.

Deeds

Eldred Township — Joan R. and Thomas L. Mehaffie to Jason J. and Suzanne E. Wolfgang; 1-acre property at Vista and Tannenbaum roads; $1.

Minersville — James K. Laurie, executor of the Estate of Charles Laurie, to John T. Laurie and James K. Laurie; 312 Lytle St.; $1.

New Philadelphia — Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Charles S. and Sharon L. McKee; 233 Valley St.; $841.

North Manheim Township — Jeffrey L. and Amy L. Troch to Jennifer Schaeffer; 108 Cross Creek Drive, Chestnut Hill; $212,300.

North Manheim Township and Schuylkill Haven — John W. Reiley Jr. and Michael D. Sterner to DWH Realty LLC; seven properties; $500,000.

Norwegian Township — Robert J. and Jacqueline G. Melusky to Rodney J. and Heather Ann Snowell; 603 Second St., Mar Lin; $180,000.

Pine Grove Township — Alvaro N. and Taunia L. Quercia to Federal National Mortgage Association; 722 Suedberg Road; $1.

Tamaqua — Vanessa S. Muth to William G. Harple Jr.; 252 Mahanoy St.; $79,900.

George A. Bozakis to Dana and Beth A. Schwenk; 300 E. Elm St.; $4,000.

Tremont — Sally Ann Kintzel and Lynn Carol Fidler, co-executors of the Estate of Fred A. Scheibley, to Sally A. Kintzel and Lynn C. Fidler, trustee under the Lynn C. Fidler Living Trust; 13 Vaux Ave.; $1.

While considering a tax increase, Pottsville Area School District has been looking for ways to cut back on expenses in recent months.

That might extend to administrative raises, according to John F. Boran, school board president and head of the school board’s finance committee.

“The ones for 2016-17 are still under discussion. It has to be resolved by the final reading of the budget, which is June 22,” Boran said Monday.

No major decisions were made by the board regarding administrative salaries at the board’s May meeting Wednesday night at the Howard S. Fernsler Academic Center. However, the board did give tentative approval to a $42,598,089 spending plan for the 2016-17 school year and a tax increase.

Budget

“The committee reports that this budget reflects needed instructional equipment, supplies, maintenance and operational expenditures necessary for school district operations. Therefore, the committee recommends adoption of the proposed final 2016-2017 school district budget, which includes a tax increase of 1.15 mills to 35.15 mills, the maximum allowed by Act 1,” Boran said at the meeting.

The motion was made by board member Gary A. Cortese and seconded by board member William Davidson.

It was carried in a voice vote by Boran; and board members Charles R. Wagner, Christina M. DiCello, Patrick F. Moran and Ann Blankenhorn.

Board member Scott R. Thomas said “no” to the tentative budget.

Board Vice President Karen E. Rismiller was absent from Wednesday night’s meeting.

“On the question, when I was elected to the school board back in November, I questioned a lot of financial stability of the school district going into the future. From that day — and I realize in the last few weeks we’ve had great discussion on the budget — I just think we should have started the budget process a little earlier,” Thomas said.

“I don’t think that this budget reflects the future of financial stability in the school district,” Thomas said.

“What else would you like to cut?” Wagner asked.

“I think that we need to have a discussion, which I believe we will have,” Thomas said.

“We cut a bunch of things. Tonight there was a discussion. Where else would you like to cut? What would it take to get a positive vote from you?” Wagner asked.

“I think what we’re spending less time talking about is what we need to do to make changes and I believe we’re talking about that now. And I thank Mr. Boran for leading the finance committee and talking about that. I just feel as though that we should start talking about these budget preparations sooner in the year,” Thomas said.

“Is this the final budget? Or is this a draft?” Blankenhorn asked.

“It’s a draft,” Cortese said.

“And it could change. And you’re not going to get a ‘yes’ vote tonight, Mr. Wagner. But there is a chance that I will vote ‘yes’ to the final budget,” Thomas said.

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

Salaries

In the past year, the board had approved a few contracts related to administrative salaries.

In June 2015, the school board approved a new Act 93 plan, giving administrators pay increases.

In school year 2014-15, the school board had an Act 93 plan — a 36-month agreement initially slated to expire June 30, 2016 — which offered the administrators raises based on a formula: “The salary of each member of the agreement will be added together, and multiplied by 3 percent to obtain a total available salary increase available. This amount will be distributed to all members of the agreement, equally, by dividing the total amount available by the number of participants.”

“With this model, the percent raises vary greatly person to person; for example, mine last year was roughly 2.5 percent, not 3,” Stephen C. Curran, the district business manager, said at the time.

At the end of the 2015-16 school year, the school board adopted a new Act 93 plan, a 36-month agreement with a term that began July 1, 2015, and was slated to end June 30, 2018. It gave each of the administrators listed in the pact a flat 3 percent raise every year of the agreement, according to the pact.

“The salary of each member of the agreement will be multiplied by three percent and added to the current year salary to calculate the next fiscal year salary. In addition, at the discretion of the superintendent and the board, and assuming available budgetary resources, individual members may be eligible for a mid-year adjustment of $1,500 for each year of the agreement,” according to the pact.

Following are the names of those administrators and the salaries they were awarded for the 2015-16 school year:

Kerry Ansbach, director of facilities and transportation, $112,033.67; Tiffany L. Reedy, principal, Pottsville Area High School, $103,190.09; Jeffrey J. Godin, assistant principal, Pottsville Area High School, $77,337.09; Michael J. Maley, principal of D.H.H. Lengel Middle School, $89,737.37; Caitlin Repp Mohl, assistant principal of D.H.H. Lengel Middle School, $77,250; Jared A. Gerace, principal, John S. Clarke Elementary Center, $87,637.09; Richard C. Boris, assistant principal, John S. Clarke Elementary Center, $100,656.29; Deneen L. Reese, director of elementary special education, $68,128.78; Kelly A. Brennan, director of middle school special education, district special education program director, $89,877.34; Eleanor L. Sanayka, director of high school special education, $88,934.78; Eric R. Rismiller, athletic director, $77,752.18; Patricia A. Lombel, assistant business manager, $56,737.09; Stephanie R. Ziegmont, director of curriculum and instruction, $72,187.09; Diane Dougherty, technology director, $71,822.93; and Lisa Eckley, director of food services, $70,549.85.

On Wednesday, the board voted to approve a “salary adjustment of $6,000” for Reese, effective July 1. Her salary for the 2016-17 school year will be $74,128.78.

On Oct. 21, 2015, the school board approved new multi-year contracts for Pottsville Area’s superintendent and business manager.

In March 2012, the school board hired Jeffrey S. Zwiebel as the district superintendent. On Oct. 21, 2015, the board approved a contract renewal for Zwiebel effective April 6, 2016, through April 5, 2021.

For the 2015-16 school year, Zwiebel’s salary is $133,987.09, according to Curran.

According to the October 2015 contract, Zwiebel will receive a 3 percent raise per year, based on an evaluation by the board.

In February 2013, the school board hired Stephen C. Curran as its business manager. On Oct. 21, 2015, the board approved a contract renewal for Curran, effective July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2021.

For the 2015-16 school year, Curran said his salary is $103,766.78.

According to the October 2015 contract, Curran will receive a 3 percent raise per year.

Consultant

At Wednesday’s meeting, Curran said the board recently hired a transportation consultant to help the board consider its options to outsource its student bus transportation.

Curran said the district hired Wayne McCullough, chief financial and operations officer for Southern York County School District, Glen Rock, York County.

The district hired McCullough “over last month, through committee,” Curran said.

He was not sure Wednesday night how much McCullough would charge.

“We didn’t get a final invoice,” Curran said.

In other matters at Wednesday’s meeting, the board took the following actions:

• Hired Rebecca Mazurik as school psychologist for the district at a salary of $62,600 for the 2016-17 school year.

• Appointed Moran as board treasurer with a salary of $2,000. The board appoints a treasurer every year. DiCello was the previous treasurer.

• Appointed Dr. Robert Boran as athletic team doctor for the 2016-17 school year at a retainer of $3,300.

• Hired National Penn Insurance as the insurance broker/carrier for the district for the 2016-17 school year.

• Hired Berkheimer Associates as the business privilege and delinquent occupational and per capita tax collector for the district.

• Accepted the resignation of full-time custodians Corrine Firestine and Thomas Cooney.

• Hired two full-time custodians, James George Jr. and Joseph Lukach, at annual salaries of $19,000.

n Minersville: The Miners Fire and Rescue squad will sponsor a Kauffman’s chicken barbecue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 4 at the its North Street quarters. The cost is $7. Meals will include a half chicken, baked potato and roll. Advance tickets are available from members and will also be available at the door. For more information, call 570-544-2690.

n Port Carbon: The Port Carbon Citizens Committee, 124 Canal St., will sponsor a townwide yard sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 4. The $10 registration is due by Monday. People may get forms at the Janet Eich Public Library or mail name and address to PCCC, P.O. Box 145, Port Carbon, PA 17965. For more information, call 570-573-1946.

n Pottsville: A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church at 6 p.m. Saturday for the 50th anniversary of the ordination to the priesthood of the Rev. Edward B. Connolly. He was ordained in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown on May 21, 1966, by the Most Rev. Joseph McShea, then the bishop of Allentown, in the Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena, Allentown. Before retiring in 2015, he was pastor of St. Joseph and St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic parishes in Girardville. All are invited to the Mass. There will be a reception afterward in the parish hall.

n Saint Clair: Wade United Methodist Church, 24 N. Front St., will have a food fair and bake sale beginning at 10 a.m. June 4. Patrons may eat at the church or take food out.

n Schuylkill Haven: The Schuylkill Haven Island Park group will sponsor a chicken barbecue and ice cream social from 4 to 7 p.m. June 3 at the Island Park, Fritz Reed Avenue. The cost is $8.50. The event will be catered by Hess Catering. For tickets, call Gloria at 570-385-2841 or Sandy at 570-617-7252.

n Schuylkill Haven: A poker run by the Schuylkill County Motorcycle Club is set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the clubhouse, 968 Schuylkill Mountain Road. The cost is $8. Breakfast and lunch will be served. For more information, call 570-754-7208.

n Shenandoah: The annual Shenandoah Kielbasi Festival, featuring the homemade, non-commercial kielbasi-making contest, is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday on North Main Street, sponsored by the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. Last year’s event, throughout the day, drew an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 locals and visitors. This year’s fest will again feature the community’s so-called Big Three Kielbasi Kings — commercial kielbasi makers Mark Kowalonek of Kowalonek’s Kielbasy Shop, Mike Stanakis of the Capitol Food Store and Dave Lukashunas of Lucky’s Deli, all of whom will have abundant samples of their products. Ateeco Inc., manufacturer of Mrs. T’s Pierogies, Shenandoah, will also be on hand offering its products. There will also be myriad other vendors and crafters. Private kielbasi makers, most often using family recipes handed down for generations, will compete to win the “PIG Trophy,” according to the DSI website at www.downtownshenandoah.com. Other attractions will include Polish pottery, Matrushka dolls, straw ornaments and various Eastern European crafts. The Shenandoah All-Star Polka Band will perform, a wide variety of food will be available and there will be games and crafts for the kids. Traditionally, the Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society at 201 S. Main St. and the Schuylkill County Historical Fire Society Museum at 105 S. Jardin St. are open for the festival and attract many of the visitors, who come from throughout Schuylkill County and well beyond. For more information, call DSI at 570-462-2060. Mary Luscavage is the DSI executive director and Main Street Program manager. The DSI headquarters is at 116 N. Main St.

n Tower City: The fifth annual Schuylkill County ALS fundraiser, sponsored by the ALS Foundation, will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Porter Tower Lions Club, 517 W. Grand Ave. It will include live music, a live auction, Chinese auction, food and craft vendors and children’s games. Admission is free. For more information, call 717-439-1405.

The need for a prerelease center has become even more apparent now that the Schuylkill County Prison can no longer take sentenced criminals, President Judge William E. Baldwin told the prison board Wednesday.

“We have to develop programs that we can get them ready to be out in society in a way they don’t come back to us or this overcrowding problem will never go away,” Baldwin said. “We cannot afford not to do it. Now the cost of not doing it is going to be substantial.”

On May 4, the state Department of Corrections ordered that the prison can no longer take any additional prisoners sentenced between six months to five years until its average monthly inmate population is at or below its approved capacity of 277. Criminals serving maximum sentences of two years or more can be sent to state prison. The county prison can still house criminals awaiting trial and parole violators can be reincarcerated at other facilities, Baldwin said.

The average population at the prison in April was 282. On Wednesday, the prison had 292 inmates, 49 of which were triple celled.

The county currently has 32 inmates being housed at other facilities: 22 men at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Thornton, and 10 women at the Centre County Correctional Facility, Bellefonte. The county commissioners approved the agreement with Centre County earlier Wednesday. The cost to house inmates at both facilities is $65 a day per inmate. A few women were previously sent to the State Correctional Institution in Muncy, but none are currently being housed there.

Commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage, who is also prison board chairman, said the county currently in negotiations to house additional inmates at facilities in Columbia and Berks counties.

“We are in active negotiations with Columbia County and I think we are near having an agreement done,” Halcovage said. “The one thing about Centre County is they can take female prisoners. Every other facility cannot. It is a statewide problem.”

He said Berks County may be able to house up to 50 inmates.

“The number of people coming into the criminal system is on the rise at a time when we have to get our population down,” Baldwin said. “I easily foresee that until we get another facility of our own, the county is going to have to be paying to keep maybe 80 people in other prisons. That is going to be $1.5 million to $2 million a year, not counting transportation costs.”

He continued, “I made this case before. I think it is evident now. We need to have another facility, a prerelease center where we can remove people from prison into an area where we can supervise them, they can start to assimilate back into the community after we give them counseling and treatment and we keep an eye on them so if they relapse, we can bring them back in and move them in and out as they are ready to go.”

Until then, Baldwin said criminals will be processed as soon as possible, judges are going to be more stringent on continuing court cases and guilty pleas are going to be heard as soon as they ready.

“The Department of Corrections is looking for us to average 277, so we need to get our population probably down to 250 because there are going to be times when a drug bust is made and people come in maybe 20 at a time,” Baldwin said. “We have to be able to absorb those and still keep our average below 277 if we want this classification to change and we need the classification to change because we can not continue to operate like this.”

Baldwin said offices like the District Attorney’s, public defender and adult probation are already dealing with increased workloads without more staff due to more people being in supervision programs. He said 90 people will be on electronic monitoring programs by next week. That is the most ever at one time, he said.

“I think we need to look at a long-term solution and I know according to the DOC we need to move quickly,” Commissioner Gary J. Hess said.

A prerelease center was previously proposed, but it was scrapped in 2011 when bids averaged about $4.2 million, which was $1 million than budgeted.

The DOC will review its order in three months.

MAR LIN — A group of students at Schuylkill Technology Center–South Campus recently installed a solar energy system to heat water at the school.

The system was acquired thanks to a $2,997 environmental education grant the school received from the state Department of Environmental Protection in April 2015, which was matched by $2,997 from the school, Andy J. Wollyung, a plumbing and heating instructor at the school, said Tuesday.

The students who worked on the project included: Max Motko, 18, a senior from Schuylkill Haven Area; Connor Raymond, 17, a sophomore from Schuylkill Haven Area; Devin Steidle, 16, a sophomore from Pottsville Area; and Max Shadle, 17, a junior from Williams Valley.

“It taught us a little about how the sun can help us to save the environment,” Raymond said.

The school bought the equipment from Sun Source Energy Products, Hackettstown, New Jersey, Wollyung said.

“There’s two flat solar thermal collectors. They sit outside. They absorb the heat of the sun. And even on an overcast day like today, they will absorb the rays through the clouds. Once the heat of the panels outside is greater than the temperature of the tank on the inside, the controller will tell the pump station to turn on and circulate that heat into the tank,” Wollyung said Tuesday.

The students installed the panels, a pump station and a solar storage tank two weeks ago.

“It took us three days,” Motko said.

The panels sit outside the shop.

“They’re about 150 pounds each,” Wollyung said.

“There’s a stand behind them which holds them at a 40 degree angle,” Steidle said.

“The base is made of pressure-treated plywood. The rack which holds them is made of aluminum,” Wollyung said.

The 82-gallon tank is inside the shop. It’s an “electrically assisted solar storage tank” made by Dayton Electric Manufacturing, Chicago, according to the label on its side.

“It probably weighs about 350 pounds,” Wollyung said.

There’s a line that connects the tank to the panels.

Antifreeze transfers heat from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank.

“It’s made of corrugated tubing. It’s filled with, like, a food-grade antifreeze. It’s not harmful at all. It’s a closed-loop system, so it never touches your fresh water. It goes through and heats another coil that your potable water runs through,” Steidle said.

“It’s strictly for hot water use,” Wollyung said.

Shadle pointed to a blue line running into the tank.

“That’s cold water going in,” he said.

Then he pointed to a red line running out of the tank.

“That’s hot water going out,” he said.

It helps to provide hot water to the plumbing and heating shop at the school.

“It’s what we wash our hands with, domestic water,” he said.

The school has an electric hot water heater in use, and the solar unit should help the school save up to $400 a year, Wollyung said.

“It does offset the hot water usage for our building. This is no where near big enough to cover the complete usage of the school. But in think they’ll probably save $400 to $500 a year, if not more. On top of that, we get to use it for our projects,” Wollyung said.

New Ringgold — A fire destroyed a mechanic’s garage Thursday afternoon at EZ Pull and Save Auto Parts, 2401 Summer Valley Road. New Ringgold Police Chief John Caracalla said firefighters were called to the scene about 3:30 p.m. He said no one was injured. He also did not know what caused the fire.

Deeds

McAdoo — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to 38469 Portfolio Trust; 150 N. Sheridan St.; $26,251.

Reilly Township — Mary K. Frew to Angela L. Flannery; 61 W. Meadow St., Zerbe; $1.

Three kings and a queen will rule over the ninth annual Kielbasi Festival on Saturday in Shenandoah.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on North Main Street. It is sponsored by Downtown Shenandoah Inc.

The festival will feature the community’s Big Three Kielbasi Kings — commercial kielbasi makers Mark Kowalonek of Kowalonek’s Kielbasy Shop, Mike Stanakis of the Capitol Food Store and Dave Lukashunas of Lucky’s Deli. They will be joined by Ateeco Inc., manufacturer of Mrs. T’s Pierogies, which will also be selling its products.

Mary Luscavage, DSI executive director, said the “royalty” highlights a selection of Eastern European food, including halupki and banduki. The festival only offers Eastern European and American foods such as hamburgers.

While the American selections are popular choices, Luscavage said it’s the festival’s namesake that’s the draw.

“People come for the Eastern European food,” she said.

The homemade, non-commercial kielbasi-making contest will be held again this year. The popular attraction draws about 25 contestants every year, according to Luscavage. This year’s early entrants come from regional places such as McAdoo, New Ringgold and Port Clinton. In previous years, Luscavage said, the contest had entries from Virginia and Florida.

The winner will receive the PIG Trophy. The Three Kings serve as the judges.

Other attractions will include Polish pottery, Matrushka dolls, straw ornaments and various Eastern European crafts. Traditionally, the Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society at 201 S. Main St. and the Schuylkill County Historical Fire Society Museum at 105 S. Jardin St. are open for the festival.

Luscavage said they were pushing 70 vendors, which is an increase from last year’s festival.

In addition, the Shenandoah All-Star Polka Band will perform and there will be games and crafts for children.

Now in its ninth year, the festival brings thousands of people into the borough. Last year’s estimated attendance was about 8,000.

While popular with people in Shenandoah and surrounding areas, Luscavage said she knows of people who come from other states, such as California, Connecticut and New York, to celebrate.

“We get people coming from all over,” she said.

Luscavage said the festival is about celebrating the food that makes this place unique, specifically kielbasi. It is not to be confused with the borough’s Heritage Day and Parade of Nations, which recognizes the people who make up the borough’s culture. That event will be held Aug. 27.

Luscavage said Kielbasi Festival is held rain or shine. According to the National Weather Service, cloudy skies are expected with temperatures near 60. Rain is likely, with accumulation between a quarter and a half inch during the day.

For more information on Kielbasi Festival, visit DSI’s website at www.downtownshenandoah.com.

GIRARDVILLE — Local law enforcement, the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force agents and other county agencies took to the streets in the Girardville area Thursday in an attempt to take 10 suspected drug dealers into custody.

Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman said the roundup was the result of an investigation initiated by Girardville police about six months ago.

The district attorney said investigators obtained felony arrest warrants for 10 people and also tried to serve several bench warrants issued in Schuylkill County Court for violations ranging from failure to appear for trials to failing to appear to begin serving prison sentences.

Warrants obtained by the county domestic relations and adult probation offices were also served.

Of the 10 people with outstanding felony drug warrants, five were taken into custody, arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison.

They were:

• Ryan Connor, 34, of 229 S. Spencer St., Frackville, two complaints each containing felony charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-bath salts, delivery of a controlled substance and conspiracy, and misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy. Bail was set at $50,000 straight cash on each complaint for a total of $100,000.

• Leo C. Cress, 56, of 148 Preston Ave., Girardville, two complaints each containing felony charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-suboxone and delivery of a controlled substance as well as misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance and altered or misbranded controlled substances. Bail was set at $10,000 straight cash on each complaint for a total of $20,000.

•Susan D. McGurl, 45, of 14 S. 10th St., Ashland, felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-bath salts and delivery of a controlled substance along with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $50,000 straight cash.

•April Seritsky, 51, of 927 Centre St., Ashland, two complaints each containing felony charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-bath salts and delivery of a controlled substance as well as misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $25,000 straight cash for each complaint for a total of $50,000.

•Theodore Stang Sr., 51, of 258 W. Main St., Girardville, felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-oxycodone and delivery of a controlled substance as well as misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at $15,000.

Holman said that authorities are also looking for five people who were not able to be located Thursday.

They are Christopher Brennan, delivery of methamphetamine; Jason Connor, delivery of bath salts; Justin Kachelries, delivery of bath salts; Angela Kohl, delivery of prescription medications; and, Jesse Pritsch, delivery of bath salts.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of those not taken into custody are asked to call the Drug Tip Line, toll-free, at 1-888-414-1406, Holman said.

The district attorney said that although most of those taken into custody Thursday were mid-level users or dealers, it is hoped those individuals can lead authorities to larger-scale dealers.

She stressed that authorities are continually working on putting an end to the use of illegal drugs in Schuylkill County but said it is an ongoing battle.

“There’s no real answer other than to keep chipping away at it,” Holman said. “We’re sending a message, we’re not giving up.”

Holman stressed that recent problems with overcrowding at the Schuylkill County Prison do not affect the war on drugs that her office and law enforcement are involved in.

“We’re leaving that (overcrowding) to the government,” she said. “Prison overcrowding does not change our operations.”

“We are not relenting on our crime procedures, the new arrests we make are going in (to prison),” Holman said. “Our concern is getting these people off the streets of Schuylkill County.”

Girardville Police Chief Melville Tomeo said Thursday’s roundup is only part of his department’s ongoing efforts to combat drugs.

Although the roundup will not eliminate drug problems in the borough, the arrests made will send a message that such actions will not be tolerated, the chief said.

“I promised the borough three years ago that I was going to take out the trash and that is what I’m doing,” he said. “Anyone who does not like us cleaning up the way we are can live elsewhere.”

In addition to arraigning the five individuals, Hale multi-tasked by hearing cases involving summary offenses, civil cases and landlord-tenant disputes.

In the midst of it all, the judge also performed a wedding ceremony for a Barnesville couple.

About 25 law enforcement officers participated in the drug roundup, including the district attorney’s office, county detectives, domestic relations, sheriff’s deputies, adult probation and municipal officers from Shenandoah, Girardville, Tower City, Mahanoy Township, Ashland, Butler Township, West Mahanoy Township, Mahanoy City, Hegins, Frackville, Shenandoah and Schuylkill Haven.

Hegins Township police Sgt. Beau Yarmush, a Schuylkill County Drug Task Force member, said the number of law enforcement members that showed up Thursday is a clear indication to their commitment on eliminating the use of illegal narcotics.

“It’s great to have as many police agencies as we have here today working under the umbrella of the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force,” he said. “Together we share a common goal, to put a curb to the possession, sales and use of illegal drugs in Schuylkill County.”

SHENANDOAH — A borough man was jailed after being arrested by Shenandoah police on attempted murder and other charges.

Police said Jason N. Bredbenner, 32, of 23 S. Chestnut St., was charged with attempted murder by drug delivery, aggravated assault and possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, all felony offenses; as well as misdemeanor crimes of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post $100,000 straight cash bail.

Patrolman Travis Bowman, the arresting officer, charged Bredbenner in connection with an incident at his home about 8:40 p.m. Wednesday.

Bowman said officers were called to the home for a report of a heroin overdose and, while arriving at the scene, heard a man’s voice and then a person running. The officer also said he heard a door hit off of a wall or a door stop and then what sounded like a garbage bag hitting the ground.

Inside the home, Bowman said, he found a woman lying unconscious on a couch making gurgling noises, her face blue and barely breathing with a faint pulse.

Bredbenner was standing next to the woman and was acting in a panic saying he had no idea what happened to the woman, Bowman said.

When asked, Bowman said, Bredbenner then said the woman overdosed on heroin and that he threw the bags into a trash can. Bredbenner then proceeded to get the bags out of the garbage can, Bowman said, adding that inside the home he saw various items of drug paraphernalia including a glass smoking device.

Shenandoah ALS arrived and administered multiple doses of Narcan to the woman who subsequently became alert, Bowman said. He added that the woman reported she provided Bredbenner $120 to purchase heroin for them and that he returned, injected the drug into her and she became unconscious.

When searched, Bowman said, Bredbenner was found with six glassine baggies containing suspected heroin and items of drug paraphernalia.

Bredbenner will now have to appear for a preliminary hearing before Kilker in his Shenandoah courtroom.

SHENANDOAH — A resident living near the dilapidated properties along North Race Street in Shenandoah asked the borough council at Monday’s meeting on why action was not taken to raze the properties.

Resident James Paulaconis, West Coal Street, lives across the street from the row homes that are falling in on themselves and have a broken sewer line that runs underneath the structures, causing a stench from the raw sewage that is pooling in the basement. The sewage draws vermin and insects that area residents consider a health issue. Evaluating and repairing the problem will require the demolition of the properties for safety reasons.

The blighted properties along the 200 block near the intersection of West Coal Street are owned by Carlos Matilde Cruz, according the Schuylkill County Parcel Locator. When the borough began the process to abate the properties about two years ago, the properties were owned by Carlos’ brother, Mario Cruz, who sold it to Carlos Cruz.

The borough filed a civil action against Carlos Cruz to force him to abate the problem. A hearing was held at the county courthouse and heard by Court of Common Pleas Judge Charles Miller, who ruled in favor of the borough and issued a court order on March 4 that Cruz correct the problems by demolishing the properties and having the sewer line repaired within 15 days. Cruz filed an appeal with the commonwealth court within the 30-day deadline.

Paulaconis questioned why the borough didn’t act quickly after the 15 days were up and before Cruz filed his appeal.

“I have one question for the solicitor,” Paulaconis said, addressing borough solicitor Christopher Slusser. “On March 4, the judge decreed that if the homeowner didn’t start improvements on the property on Race Street within 15 days, the borough should seize the property. Why would the judge do that if he knew that (Cruz) would have 30 days to appeal, and he didn’t appeal until his 29th day? So why did that 2 1/2 weeks lapse in between from what the judge said to do?”

“You’ve read the order. You’ve seen the order. We know what the order says,” Slusser said. “Yes, he (Cruz) exercised that right to appeal within 30 days.”

“You’re misrepresenting what’s happening here and you’re making it sound like this council doesn’t care what’s happening,” Slusser said.

“I’m not saying that at all,” Paulaconis said.

“But that’s what it sounds like,” Slusser said.

“That’s what you said it sounds like,” Paulaconis said.

“It sounds like you’re saying why didn’t council take action,” Slusser said.

“Yes, that’s what I’m saying,” Paulaconis replied.

“This council is acting diligently to take care of this problem,” Slusser said. “What you’re saying is not legitimate.”

“That decree doesn’t make sense,” Paulaconis said. “Shouldn’t the judge have said that 30 days after your right to appeal is up, then the borough can do something. We’re missing something here. There are 15 days and there are 30 days.”

“Again, he had a right to appeal, and because this is still in litigation, I’m hesitant to speak more about it,” Slusser said. “I can ensure you that this council cares about the situation and is doing everything in their power to rectify it.”

“Well, the same situation remains,” Paulaconis said.

“I’ve already answered three times,” Slusser said.

“But it wasn’t good enough for me,” Paulaconis said as he sat down to end the conversation.

Woman hurt in

2-vehicle crash

Pottsville police investigated a crash that was reported about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at Cressona and Calvary roads.

At the scene, police said, officers found a Hyundai Elantra, driven by a 72-year-old Orwigsburg man, and a Honda Civic that was driven by Ardis Gerhard, 78, of Tuscarora, in the roadway blocking the intersection.

In addition to the driver, there was a 78-year-old Tuscarora woman passenger in the Hyundai vehicle, police said.

Witness said Gerhard was traveling east on Cressona Road when she failed to stop for a stop sign and struck the Hyundai in the intersection. The passenger in the Hyundai complained of back pain and was taken to a local hospital by Schuylkill EMS for treatment, police said.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

Police: Man had

meth, spat on cops

A city man was arrested by Pottsville police about 5:50 p.m. Friday pursuant to a warrant issued by the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s office.

Police said officers apprehended Ernest A. Rosemond, 38, after seeing him in the 400 block of Laurel Boulevard. He was taken to Schuylkill County Prison on the warrant and a subsequent search revealed he had a clear plastic bag containing methamphetamine, police said.

Then, about 9:15 p.m., officers were called to the prison for a report of an assault.

It was learned that Rosemond had become combative with a corrections officer and spit on two corrections officers inside the jail.

Based on Rosemond’s actions, police said, they charged him with two felony counts of harassment by prisoner as well as a count of possession of a controlled substance.

A hearing will be scheduled before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

Theft of Pottsville

man’s gun ongoing

Pottsville police are investigating the theft of a gun that occurred between May 7 and Saturday when it was reported to police by a 48-year-old Pottsville man.

Police said the man reported his Taurus PT24/7 9mm handgun was taken from his vehicle in the 1600 block of Mount Hope Avenue. Investigators found no sign of forced entry into the vehicle and the owner said he was unsure if the weapon was taken from the vehicle while it was parked in Pottsville or somewhere else.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-622-1234, ext. 331.

Police: Trespasser

leads to drug bust

A Pottsville man was jailed after being arrested by Pottsville police Wednesday night on drug charges.

Police said Stephen G. Moyer, 32, was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, on charges of felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia and committed to Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post $25,000 bail.

Police said that about 10:15 p.m., officers assigned to a special investigation conducting directed foot patrols in the Pottsville Housing Authority Laurel Terrace residential area saw Trend M. Kopinetz, 20, of Pottsville, entering an apartment building.

Knowing that Kopinetz had a “no trespass” order against him, officers contacted him inside apartment 523, the apartment of Paul M. Kopinetz, 38.

Police said Trend Kopinetz was taken into custody on the defiant trespass violation and while doing so officers saw a large quantity of marijuana on the floor of the apartment in plain view and seized it.

Officers then saw another man — identified as Moyer — concealing himself in the kitchen. While speaking with him, it was discovered he was in possession of 26 packets of heroin, two clear resealable baggies containing methamphetamine, hypodermic needles, drug packaging materials and $580 in cash.

Moyer was taken into custody and the items he had in his possession were seized, police said. The investigation concerning the marijuana recovered from Paul Kopinetz’ apartment is continuing.

3 injured in

Hamburg crash

HAMBURG — Two borough teenagers suffered serious injuries when the vehicle they were in went off the road and struck a tree stump at 10:35 p.m. Wednesday in Tilden Township.

State police at Hamburg said Dayton R. Shirey, 21, of Myerstown, was driving a 1997 Saturn SW2 west on Windy Road when a deer ran in front of the vehicle. Police said Shirey swerved to avoid hitting the deer and lost control, leaving the south side of the road before going down a ditch and hitting a tree stump.

Police said two passengers, Dylan Scott, 18, of Hamburg, and an unnamed 17-year-old boy suffered serious injuries and were transported to the Reading Hospital, West Reading, by Reading and Schuylkill Valley ambulances. Shirey suffered a minor injury. Another passenger, John R. Kovach, 18, of Mohrsville, was not injured.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — The North Schuylkill school board approved the 2016-17 proposed final budget at its Wednesday meeting that includes a 1.3-mill real estate tax increase.

The school board voted 8-0 for the tentative budget that totals $27,827,827, an increase of $1,000,823, or 3.7 percent over the 2015-16 budget of $26,827,004. The real estate tax will increase from 37.96 to 39.26 mills. One mill brings in about $170,000. The tax increase to the average homeowner will be $28.

If the budget is formally adopted, the following taxes will remain the same in the next fiscal year, which begins on July 1:

• Occupational assessment tax — $218.50.

• Real estate transfer tax — 1 percent (shared with school district and municipalities)

• Earned income tax — 1 percent (shared with school district and municipalities)

• Local services tax — $5.

Before the meeting, Business Manager Robert Amos said a major problem is unfunded or underfunded mandates.

“It comes down to years and years of underfunded mandates by the state,” Amos said. “It challenges every school district in the county, such as paying for charter schools that are not funded. It costs approximately $780,000 for us. There are also underfunded special education costs. It comes down to underfunded pension costs. There is just not a commitment from the state to fund those items they are mandating on us that we have no control over. Our biggest argument is that for every dollar they fund us in mandated costs, it costs us $1.80.”

Amos said a major problem is the creation of charter schools.

“Over the last decade or two, they (the state) have created over 250 more school districts in the state by approving charter schools, but yet have not funded those,” Amos said. “We were optimistic with last year’s budget for this year, and that fell through. Last year, it was projected that we were going to get about a $600,000 increase and we got a $350,000 increase. And this year’s governor’s budget is already projecting lower funding. We’re not very optimistic on the funding we’re going to get this upcoming year, as well.”

After the meeting, board President Charles “Chaz” Hepler agreed with Amos on the underfunding of school districts.

“They can’t keep pushing the unfunded mandates at us,” Hepler said. “None of us like to raise our own taxes, but we have to do it for the kids.”

The formal budget adoption will be next month to meet the June 30 deadline.

The school board approved the following dates for real estate and occupational assessment tax payments:

• Discount (2 percent) period — Ends Aug. 31.

• Regular (face value) period — Ends Oct. 31.

• Tax installments no later than the following dates: Aug. 31, Sept. 30 and Oct. 31.

The school board acted on the following agenda items:

• Approved Chris Edwards as the head wrestling coach for the 2016-17 winter season at a salary of $3,100.

At the April meeting, the school board approved Edwards resignation request for the wrestling coach position. Hepler said after the meeting that Edwards decided to return to the position with the school board’s approval.

“He had a change of heart,” Hepler said. “His wrestlers were not aware of his decision and they reached out to him. He decided to come back after he had some conversations with some of them.”

Hepler said Edwards will return at his former salary.

•Approved Rich Wetzel as head girls basketball coach for the 2016-17 winter season at a salary of $2,950.

• Approved Kayla Noll as assistant band director at a salary of $1,400.

• Approved Shannon Shughart as band front adviser/color guard adviser at a salary of $1,550.

• Approved the following individuals as band volunteers: Nathan Shughart and Michael Ryan.

• Approved the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency designation of agent resolution for Winter Storm Jonas in January for reimbursement of snow removal expenses.

• Approved the purchase of two EduGear K4 Chromebook 30 Unit Cart Bundle at a cost of $9,530.35 each for a total cost of $19,060.70.

• Approved the purchase of a marquee from Stewart Signs, Sarasota, Florida, a COSTARS vendor, at a total cost of $19,022.40.

• Approved the purchase of the auditorium projector installation and audio addition (Room 1) from Whitlock, Huntingdon, a COSTARS vendor, at a total cost of $28,107.

• Approved the purchase and installation of wall padding for the varsity wrestling room and the junior high wrestling room from Resilite Inc., Sunbury, at a cost of $10,456.65 for each room.

• Approved, upon receipt of all appropriate documentation, the employment of the following individuals as part-time summer custodial/maintenance workers for June, July and August at a rate of $8.50 per hour for seven hours per day: Jadyn Anczarski, Patrick Gownley, Kaeli Quick, Charles Steinhilber and Dane Tarantelli.

• Appointed Dr. Rob Thurich, Ashland, as the school doctor at the following rates: Physical exams at $8 per child (same since 2011-12); IEP reviews at $8 per child (same since 2011-12); and sports physicals at $2,500 (same since 2011-12).

• Appointed Dr. Frank Blozousky, Frackville, as the school dentist at the rate of $3 per child examined for the 2016-17 school year.

• Approved the following teachers for the ACHIEVE After School Program from May 9 through Dec. 30:

Teachers: Melanie Fowler, Ann Subick, Kelly Boyer, Leah Briggs, Alyssa Colangecco, Megan Kunkle, Samantha White, Siobhan White, Tim Hysock, Karla Herring, Kendyl Moyer, Kieran Connors, Mary Lou Leibensperger, Susan Bisco, Susan Burns and Amber Casserly.

Aides: Sandy Wilson.

Rates for teachers are $23 per hour and aides at $12 per hour,

• Approved a Leave Without Pay Request from secondary reading specialist Lynn Markiewicz, effective May 3 through May 6, and on May 23 for a half day.

• Approved an extension of the childbearing/childrearing leave request submitted by English teacher Theresa Holman, who will return on the first day of midterms for the 2016-17 school year.

• Approved, upon receipt of all appropriate documentation, the employment of Candice Montgomery as a part-time special education aide at a rate of $9.50 per hour, pending a written satisfactory evaluation after a 60-day probationary period effective for the 2016-17 school year.

• Approved, upon receipt of all appropriate documentation, Jessica Matern as an Extended School Year paraprofessional at $9.75 per hour from June 21 through July 28.

The board’s committees will next meet at 7 p.m. June 8. The Committee of the Whole will meet at 6:30 p.m. June 15, followed by the regular board meeting at 7 p.m.

PINE GROVE — A Lebanon man was found dead Thursday evening in the High Bridge Dam of Lebanon County Reservoir in Pine Grove Township.

Dive teams recovered the body of Adam Joseph Kearney, 22, of Lebanon, at 5:35 p.m. Thursday, according to state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Police said Kearney and two others trespassed onto the reservoir land about 6 p.m. Wednesday. Police were called to the scene at 9 p.m. Wednesday. They said Kearney allegedly attempted to swim to the other side of the reservoir.

Dive teams from the Schuylkill Haven, Mahanoy City and Ryan Township fire departments assisted the investigation.