LANSFORD — Huddled together in the hallways of Panther Valley High School, the 76 graduates of the Panther Valley Class of 2016 leaned on each other one last time.

Amidst the nervous chatter, the girls — clad in gold — nervously fixed each other’s caps and hair, while the boys — decked in black — stood in quiet confidence as they strode one by one into the auditorium.

“Most of my fellow classmates, and I have been together since kindergarten,” Kelsey Van Horn, class president and salutatorian, said. “We have created a family bond that will never be broken.”

Family was the main theme of the evening, as the families of the graduates filled packed the auditorium to capacity, and the “Panther Valley family” sent off a class of graduates for the 52nd time.

“Although they are concluding their careers here at Panther Valley, our commitment to these graduates is lifelong,” Superintendent Dennis Kergick said. “Many have spent 13 years in this district and just as each passing graduating class has before them, the class of 2016 has their own unique quality: they are our reason for hope.”

The Panther Valley Class of 2016 was remarkable in many ways, according to Kergick and the staff and administration, but one of the most noted was that this year’s graduating class featured the greatest amount of National Honor Society inductees in more than 20 years.

Those NHS inductees — adorned in blue stoles over their gowns — were Van Horn, Nathan Miller, Hunter Keip, Megan Heckman, Cassie Binder, Cole Emmert, Brian Fisher, Hannah Hill, Matthew Hudicka, Alexandra Kennedy, Mary Lazar, Jamey Mikovich, Brianna Picht, Janet Pickering, Jordan Reis, Samuel Stanko, Ryan Taras and Anthony Vavra.

“We have pretty much grown up with each other since elementary school, plus a few other classmates we picked up along the way,” Miller, valedictorian, said. “Where has the time gone? It just feels like yesterday we were clueless freshmen, fighting with the locks on our lockers and going out of our way to avoid running into seniors, since they were pretty big and we didn’t want to get in their way.

“Now, we’re the seniors,” he said with a laugh. “Not much has changed except we’re three years older. We still fight with the locks and we still avoid other students — but it’s not the seniors! It’s the freshmen and sophomores we have to avoid because they’re just as big as us somehow, if not already bigger.”

As Miller’s speech to his peers drew laughs from the crowd, the awarding of the diplomas was met with great fanfare.

Families in the crowd clapped and screamed, rooting on each of the graduates as they made their way across the stage and into another era of their young lives.

“Tonight marks the end of a chapter in each of our lives, but we cannot forget that is also a new beginning,” Van Horn said.

As the graduates stood expectantly, Van Horn faced her classmates one last time, leading her peers in unison as they moved their tassels from the right to the left.

“A new beginning in which we will do our best to make you proud,” she added. “Congratulations, Class of 2016!”

Times-Shamrock Communications rolled out a sleek, vibrant new design Wednesday for its daily newspapers’ websites and mobile platforms.

Featuring bolder type, larger fonts, faster speeds, a new color scheme and a more user-friendly mobile system, the redesigned website promises subscribers a more convenient, seamless and pleasant online reading experience.

The newly designed website went live first for The Times-Tribune early Wednesday afternoon, then for the Times-Shamrock-owned Citizens’ Voice, Republican-Herald and Standard Speaker later Wednesday.

“Our overall goal was to create a site that is easy to navigate and use with a special emphasis on a mobile platform that delivers news in an instant,” said Larry Holeva, executive editor at The Times-Tribune, Citizens’ Voice and The Standard-Speaker. “We’ve simplified the navigation tools and created a site that is more adaptable to the fluid nature of the news.”

Traffic to both the newspapers’ web and mobile components has grown substantially over the years, garnering feedback that designers considered when building the new sites.

“One of the things people asked for was an easy to navigate site,” Edward Pikulski, digital audience director for Times-Shamrock, said. “People wanted more photos, larger photos, and they wanted the site to be less busy. We cleaned it up and made the overall presentation more modern.”

It took Pikulski and his team five months to design and build the new website, which he called “the best site we’ve ever put out for our readers.”

Subscribers who get their news on smart devices should notice both technical and aesthetic improvements.

“We’ve optimized the mobile sites so that they’ll work across all devices,” Pikulski said. “Whether you have a tablet or a phone, you will be served an optimized version of the site that will look best on the device you are using.”

A new Times-Tribune mobile app was released Wednesday. Similar apps for the other newspapers will be released in the coming days.

Other reader-friendly features include increased speeds, simplified sharing tools for social media, options for changing font size and more aesthetically pleasing layouts. The new sites will also better serve advertisers.

Online and mobile readers should enjoy a seamless transition to the new platforms, but anyone with questions, feedback or concerns can contact Times-Shamrock Communications at contactus@timesshamrock.com.

“We think that we just launched far and away the best news site in Northeast Pennsylvania, and we think it’s a site that competes with major news organizations,” Pikulski said. “We already know that we have great content, and we wanted to put it in a package our readers would enjoy.”

Future Power PA LLC has received a special exception for its proposed $300 million power plant in Good Spring.

The county zoning hearing board announced its decision Thursday. Board member Eric Seitzinger made the motion, which was seconded by Dave Ambrose and unanimously approved. Mary Jo Moss abstained as she was not at last month’s meeting when Future Power PA presented its case.

“What was presented to the board looks like a good economic enterprise for the county,” Daniel Daub, zoning hearing board chairman, said.

Daub thanked the company for coming to the board and wished them the best of luck moving forward.

“We are very pleased with the approval and will keep moving forward,” attorney Shawn Gallagher, of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, Pittsburgh, representing Future Power PA, said.

The company previously received a zoning permit for a coal gasification and power facility in November 2009, but decided to use natural gas instead of coal in 2012. Although the zoning hearing board had already told the company in July 2013 that the approval for the coal-powered facility was valid regardless of fuel source, that permit was set to expire July 2.

Michael P. Witzing, project director for Future Power PA, said at last month’s meeting that the company will start seeking construction funding through bank loans later this year. Once funding is secured, then construction will start. Witzing said the permit is generally good to break ground within two years, but extensions are also available.

EmberClear Corp., a Canadian-based energy developer with an office in Moosic, started the project several years ago and then partnered with Tyr Energy, Kansas City, Missouri, in 2014 to finish developing the project. Tyr Energy currently owns and manages 12 power facilities.

The proposed Good Spring project is located on 83 acres between Main Street, Porter Township, and Route 125, Frailey Township. Natural gas will be supplied by the Atlantic Sunrise pipeline, which is part of the $3 billion expansion of the Transco transcontinental pipeline. The Transco expansion received preliminary approval last month from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Designs for the power facility include a building with administrative offices, an operational control room, warehouse and a machine ship; a water treatment building; a circulating water chemical feed building; a chemical laboratory for conducting water samples; a fire water pump house; steam turbine generator enclosure; a gas turbine generator enclosure; an emissions monitoring enclosure; and an electrical switch gear building.

There will also be a 7-foot-high, chain-link fence around the facility with barbed wire, locked gates and security cameras.

Once built, there will be about 20 employees at the facility. Up to 250 construction workers will be used to build the facility, Witzing said.

Future Power is still obtaining several permits for the facility. They include an air quality permit, national pollutant discharge elimination permits, and a groundwater withdrawal and consumptive use permit.

The plant will be subject to federal and state statutes and regulations enforced by a number of agencies, including the state Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Schuylkill Conservation District, Susquehanna River Basin Commission and ReliabilityFirst, according to the application.

A Philadelphia man received an additional state prison sentence after admitting Thursday in Schuylkill County Court that he set fire to his cell in April 2015.

Shawn L. Burrows, 37, pleaded guilty to two counts of arson and one each of institutional vandalism, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

Judge James P. Goodman accepted Burrows’ plea and immediately sentenced him to serve seven to 14 years in a state correctional institution. Goodman made the sentence concurrent with the one Burrows already is serving.

State police at Frackville alleged Burrows set the fire about 8:25 a.m. April 15, 2015, in his cell at State Correctional Institution/Mahanoy.

Police said Burrows set fire to a bedsheet and mattress in Cell 2, B Pod, D Block.

Burrows originally pleaded guilty on March 10, 2011, in Philadelphia County Court to aggravated assault, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of simple assault. Judge Sheila Woods-Skipper originally sentenced him to serve 11 1/2 to 23 months in prison, plus three years consecutive probation.

However, on Oct. 16, 2014, Woods-Skipper revoked Burrows’ probation and parole and sentenced him to serve four to eight years in a state correctional institution.

Burrows’ criminal record in Philadelphia goes back to 2002.

The 2016 graduating class of Pottsville Area High School received one final lesson from high school teacher Howard Merrick during their commencement,

“I am going to miss all of you. You are a great class,” he told the graduates.

Merrick, an economics and government teacher, will be retiring in the near future. While standing in front of the graduates, their family, friends and school faculty at Martz Hall instead of Veterans Memorial Stadium because of inclement weather, he had several words of advice for the seniors. He told the graduates to work hard.

“Think of the big picture. Set high goals and don’t be afraid to fail. Aim for the skies,” he said.

He also told the 214 members of the graduating class to ask for help because not everyone has all the answers. He urged them to have a positive attitude and get involved in the community where they live. He asked his economics class for advice in preparing for the big moment. Some of the advice from students told him not to cry, be brief and not tell jokes. He said the students should be proud of their accomplishments, which are many. His final comment to the class was “Merrick out,” after he held the microphone and dropped it.

Merrick was not the only speaker during the 7:30 p.m. ceremony. Capt. Edward Padinske, USN, a 1990 graduate and valedictorian of his class who was presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award, spoke as did salutatorian Leah Alexandra Guzick and valedictorian Brittany Lauren Buleza. Superintendent Jeffrey Zwiebel, school board President John Boran and others also spoke.

Boran introduced Padinske, who said he didn’t remember much of his high school graduation. Before speaking to the students for a couple minutes he took a selfie with his phone with his back to the class.

He told the students to “find something you love to do.”

Character matters, he said. The students should surround themselves with people who are honest, he said.

Some things are beyond your control but “your honesty, your integrity, your effort and your attitude” are something you can control. Helping others can bring them satisfaction.

“Make a positive difference in someone’s life today. Find a way to help those around you,” he said.

Guzick urged her classmates to make the decisions that will bring them closer to the person they want to be. She said there is a world out there waiting for them to discover.

“We will be defined by what we do from this moment on,” she said.

She wished them luck in pursuit of what makes them happy. If they have not found it yet, she implored them to continue to search for it.

“I hope you all work hard to achieve every one of your dreams,” she said.

Buleza also told those in the audience not to give up on their dreams. The time spent at Pottsville Area has prepared them to “fight for what we want, what we desire and to never give up.”

She said the graduates should “cherish” the moment that will never happen again at the same time, telling them to not “dwell in the sadness of change.”

“We are here because we are resilient,” Buleza said.

n Ashland: Ashland Borough Recreation Committee will hold its annual townwide yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The event will be held rain or shine. Maps are available today at the borough office, 401 S. 18th St.

n Deer Lake: The Deer Lake & West Brunswick Fire Company will have bingo games from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Tuesday at the firehall, 1 Ash Road. Doors will open at 5 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-366-0152.

n Frackville: The Frackville Elks Lodge, 307 S. Third St., will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday. The cost is $8 and there will be a full menu. The public is welcome. The lodge’s annual Flag Day service will be at 2 p.m. June 11. The outdoor ceremony is open to all. Tickets will be provided to those attending for food and refreshments inside the lodge after the ceremony. The lodge’s pork chop supper will be from 4 to 7 p.m. June 15. The cost is $9 and patrons may dine at the lodge or take meals out. To order or for more information, call 570-874-2500. The lodge will also have its ninth annual motorcycle poker run and event from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 16. Tickets are $20 each. The run will benefit the Elks’ Veterans Service Program. The cost includes the right to draw cards, a breakfast buffet in the morning and food and beverages following the run as well as entertainment and raffle prizes. There will also be an optional dice roll. Early registrants will receive a free T-shirt if they sign up by June 12. For more information, call Larry Trakes at 570-956-0006.

n Frackville: The Frackville American Legion, 40 S. Mahanoy St., will have a bike night from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday. There is no admission fee, there will be $1 pints and music by One List Rider. There will also be free T-shirts for the first 10 bikers through the door. The post’s kitchen will be open and free pool will be available.

n Heckscherville: Clover Hose Company, 8 Clover Road, will have a breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon June 12. The cost is $8 for adults and $3 for children. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-294-0612.

n Orwigsburg: Schaeffer’s Harley-Davidson will host Pet Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. A motorcycle ride with Dennis and Peanut will depart at 10:30 a.m. and T102 will host a live remote from 10 a.m. to noon. The pet parade will take place at noon and pet photos will be available from 1 to 3 p.m. for $5. The Burger Barn will provide food. Pet clothing, food and treats, among other items, will also be available. For more information, call the rider services desk at 570-366-0143, Ext. 710, or email advertising@schaeffershd.com. Donations can be made at Schaffer’s Harley-Davidson or Schaeffer’s Motorsports.

n Ringtown: The annual block party sponsored by St. Mary Roman Catholic Church will be from 5 to 10 p.m. June 10 and noon to 10 p.m. June 11 at 82 N. Center St. The event will include a cash drawing, basket auction, homemade food and entertainment. There will be a Mass at 4 p.m. June 11 and a workers’ Mass a half hour after the block party ends. For more information, call 570-889-3850.

n Shenandoah: Tickets for the Shenandoah Sesquicentennial Dinner Dance, to be held from 6 to 11 p.m. June 25 at the Columbia Hose Company, Centre Street and Stadium Road, are now available at the 116 N. Main St. headquarters of the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. Tickets are $25 each. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-462-2060 or 570-462-9361.

n Tamaqua: A free concert by the Cressona Band is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the ABC-Tamaqua High Rise, 222 E. Broad St. It will be the kickoff for the band’s summer concert series and is sponsored by Shafer’s Pharmacy, Tamaqua. For more information, call Caroline Tucci at 570-622-8784.

The nonprofit Barefield Development Corp. is about to embark on its biggest renovation project at the former Necho Allen Hotel in Pottsville since it acquired the property in December 2001.

“About 10 years ago, we replaced the roof at a cost of $40,000. Now we’re going to replace 209 windows and frames between the third and ninth floors. It will cost more than $300,000,” Craig S.L. Shields, Barefield’s executive director, said at the 101 Mahantongo St. building Wednesday.

On those floors, Barefield runs an apartment complex for the elderly and disabled.

“When is that going to happen?” one of the residents, Linda Diamond, asked.

“Hopefully, we’ll start in August and be done by the winter,” Shields said.

“We need new windows because they’re too old and drafty,” resident Debra Kubilus said.

“They’re old, inefficient, hard to open. They’re old metal window frames,” Shields said.

The windows and frames to be replaced were installed in 1927, according to Shields.

That’s when the Necho Allen Hotel opened, according to a historical plaque inside the lobby.

“On November 1, 1927, the elegant nine-story Necho Allen Hotel officially opened, replacing the old Hotel Allen. The hotel was named after Necho Allen, who discovered coal in the region in 1790,” according to the plaque.

In early May, Barefield Development advertised for bids.

“Work includes: Removal of existing windows, screens and hardware in dwelling units, abatement of asbestos-containing materials and lead-based materials. Furnish and install new aluminum windows, screens and associated hardware. Work also includes the refinishing of all disturbed areas and other miscellaneous work items described in the contract documents,” according to the bid proposal.

The deadline for bids was May 26 and Barefield received three, according to the website for the project’s engineer, John E. Levkulic, Pottsville, at levkulicgroup.com.

The bidders are Spotts Brothers Inc., Schuylkill Haven, $305,000; HomeRite of Baltimore LLC, Baltimore, Md., $374,438; and Associated Construction, Reading, Berks County, $402,245.

Barefield’s board of directors will hire a contractor at its next meeting, slated for June 13.

Barefield will have to take a loan to cover the project, and Shields said that will also be discussed.

“There are 66 apartments. Of those, 62 are occupied,” Shields said.

He said the tenants will not have to move during the project.

“Windows will be replaced apartment by apartment. Tenants will have to move items away from the windows,” he said.

ORWIGSBURG — Dennis Davin, secretary of the state Department of Community and Economic Development, spoke at Veterans Community Memorial Hall in Orwigsburg on Thursday and liked what he saw.

“It would have been a shame to tear it down,” he said of the structure at 300 Grove St., dedicated in 1950 in honor of all veterans.

While Davin had visited Schuylkill County before, he had never visited Veterans Community Memorial Hall or the borough.

“I like it. It’s a beautiful little town,” he said.

Funds from DCED and donations from businesses, individuals and others made the project to restore the building a reality. It was closed in 2010 because of safety issues and reopened in February 2013.

Davin, who was appointed by Gov. Tom Wolf in 2015, spoke for about 40 minutes and answered questions at the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce breakfast. Davin was coming to the county to discuss community revitalization and had plans to stop in the borough. Orwigsburg Borough Manager Robert Williams contacted chamber executive director Bob Carl previously, who in turn talked to Sen. David G. Argall’s office about the visit. Davin also stopped in Pottsville, Mahanoy City and Tamaqua.

Local and state legislators were among the 77 people who attended the breakfast in Orwigsburg. Argall, R-29, introduced the secretary to the crowd.

He said they were going to look at “the good, the bad and the ugly” in Schuylkill County.

“Mr. Secretary, welcome to Schuylkill County,” Argall said.

Davin spoke about some of the different programs DCED has, what it looks for in considering funding for efforts and the role of DCED.

“Our goal is to find a way to make projects happen,” Davin said.

He said when deciding what projects get funding, a variety of factors are examined, including if there is consensus for the effort.

“We are committed to making impactful investments,” he said.

Before he left the building, Davin was given a tour by Williams.

“It’s a great day for Orwigsburg,” Williams said.

Orwigsburg Mayor Barry Berger said the day was one to highlight what the borough has to offer.

Greg Stewart, president of the Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial Development Task Force that was established in 2005, said about $1 million has been contributed to the project from grants and other efforts. Of that, about $675,000 came from DCED. About $750,000 is estimated to be needed for items yet to be completed. Included in that is work to the outside parking lot, stormwater management, an outside patio, finishing the veterans room and new bleachers.

Carl appreciated that Davin visited Schuylkill County and Orwigsburg. Carl said when he was a child, he played in the building during summer recreation programs.

The effort by the community and funding for the project is “a really good story,” Carl said.

Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess said the project is worth it.

“This is a fantastic project,” he said.

Hess said Davin was going to visit the Schuylkill Trust building and the Thompson building in Pottsville. Davin also visited the Tamaqua Train Station and the former Kaier’s Brewery in Mahanoy City.

“Secretary Davin witnessed firsthand the ‘good’ — downtown Orwigsburg and the efforts in Tamaqua — the ‘bad’— various blighted properties in Pottsville — and the ‘ugly’ — Kaier’s Brewery in Mahanoy City — one of the county’s worst eyesores,” Argall said.

State Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, said he was thankful the Davin visited the area.

“Seeing the county firsthand gives him a better understanding of our communities’ needs and will hopefully give our communities a leg-up the next time they apply for funding,” Goodman said.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — There was an overwhelming amount of “Spartan Pride” present Thursday as 139 members of the Class of 2016 received their diplomas to enter the new stage in their lives.

Commencement was held at Ghosh Orthodontics Field in Spartan Stadium, with the procession of the seniors bringing pride to hundreds of spectators who were family and friends of the graduates.

Students, faculty and administration gathered in the high school lobby and cafeteria to prepare, then walked to the stadium, partially walked around it and entered the grassy field in the center where the ceremonies were held as the North Schuylkill Marching Band played. The national anthem was led by members of the Senior Chorus, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Rev. Jonathan Hall, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Frackville, gave the invocation. Hall also offered the benediction at the close of commencement.

Class co-advisers Michael Evans, Ty Wartman and C. Nicholas Brayford introduced the class representatives, after which Valedictorian Logan Bell, Salutatorian Abigail Peleschak, National Honor Society President Bryel Frasch and Student Council President Kali Antalosky gave their speeches.

At the podium, Bell spoke of “the physics of life,” the patterns in one’s life.

“As many people know, the school year brought an abundance of memorable goals and slogans,” Bell said. “In 2016, we went ‘the extra degree’ past 211 to reach 212 — greater than the boiling point of water. In 2016, we received a state testing score of 82.9, placing us at the top of the county. In 2016, we pledged to be ‘greater than’ 82.9 and to reach our full potential.

“Although they were introduced this year, these slogans and goal first took effect six years ago, when our class made the daunting conversion from elementary school to junior high. Whether it is a crystal clear memory or a total blur depends on the individual, but I have noticed some distinct patterns in the way life treats us and the way we treat others in return. I call these patterns ‘the physics of life.’ ”

Bell later said, “What draws people’s attention the most? Opposites attract, so the answer is negativity. Why do positive people actively seek out dramatic and violent media? The truth is we are naturally drawn to tragedy and conflict; By seeing others struggle, our own lives seem more positive by comparison. You might deny it, but think about the ratio of optimistic news stories to pessimistic ones. You might say that you prefer the positive ones, but do you really pay them as much attention as you should? As we encounter people and events, we tend to remember the ones that hurt us rather than the ones that made us happy. If we surround ourselves with positivity, we will soon be felling the effects of the charge ... Now is the most time we will ever have again, so meet each day with a positive charge.”

In her salutatorian speech, Peleschak compared her fellow graduates to “the tiger lilies.”

“Tiger lilies are exotic, beautiful, unique flowers. The Class of 2016 are the tiger lilies of Schuylkill County because we are 141 unique individuals who are following pathways of success to secondary institutions, the military and the workforce,” Peleschak said. “Although we are tiger lilies now, we would not be anything if it were not for Schuylkill County, North Schuylkill, our families and our teachers.”

Peleschak identified the county as the soil, North Schuylkill as roots, parents as the water and the teachers as sunlight in the growth of the flowers that the class members have become.

“Without Schuylkill County, North Schuylkill, our parents or our teachers, we would not be graduating here today,” Peleschak said. “I would like to sincerely thank all of the people that have positively impacted our lives to make us the bright students, soon to be alumni, that we are today. A special thank you to my Mom, Dad, Liz, Baba, Aunt Jenn, Uncle Red, and all of my family and friends for molding me into the young lady I am today. Thank you to all of my teachers and the administration for working hard to ensure that I have received the best education possible.”

Frasch’s presentation was a “once upon a time” story that told of three elementary schools in the county — Ashland, Frackville and Ringtown — that eventually became one in the land of Fountain Springs, creating new friends and new bonds and a new adventure.

“The new bonds created were quickly tested when the group experienced their first obstacle,” Frasch said. “The kind of North Schuylkill Elementary separated them into Team A and Team B in the fifth grade. Evenly divided, each team has their own set of classes, teachers, and, again, way of life. The cruel separation seemed nearly impossible to survive, but the group heroically continued, not wallowing in the sorrows of lost companions, but instead slaying the dragons of schoolwork and hall time with new friends and new outlooks.”

As the class made its way through the elementary building, it eventually had to move on to seventh grade in the junior-senior high school building.

“High school tested the class’ new-found strength with many, many contests of bravery,” Frasch said. “Not only were they guinea pigs for the seventh and eighth grade hallway, but they were also subject to literal construction zones in the entire school, numerous staff changes (Mr. Roseberry and Dr. Ackell), a real fire, and a flood. The class was hit hard, put through hell and high water to get to the end of their quest — graduation day.”

Antalosky said the time of graduation was “the moment.”

“As an exceedingly emotional, sentimental teenage girl, one who would definitely win the superlative of ‛Biggest Emotional Mess’ if offered, I spent a great deal of time planning this speech, trying to find the right kind of sappy, moving words that you can all hold onto for the rest of your lives,” Antalosky said. “I spent multiple nights with tears on my keyboard, faced with writer’s block and nostalgic memories of my senior year flooding my brain. Eventually, I decided that instead of talking about the past, or even the future, which is probably what’s expected, I want to talk about this very moment, the present. Living in the moment is something that is sometimes hard to grasp because we are constantly thinking about what we are going to do next. Even though we are living physically in this very moment, nearly all of our thoughts revolve around the past or the future. Let us change that tonight. Right now, the essence of the evening is surrounding you and I encourage each and every one of you to let it consume your entire being until you become present in the beauty of which we call today. I challenge everyone here to be as present in the moment as possible. As you sit here, listen, think and be mindful.”

After the speeches, high school Principal Ken O. Roseberry presented the Class of 2016 for graduation, which was accepted by Superintendent Dr. Robert J. Ackell.

As each graduate’s name was called by Wartman, they accepted their diploma from school board President Charles J. “Chaz” Hepler.

Senior Class President Liam Wolfe passed the mantle to junior class President Robert Flannery.

After the singing of the “Alma Mater” and benediction, there was a fireworks display to finish the evening.

In addition to Bell, Peleschak, Frasch and Wolfe, the Top 10 seniors are Jadyn Anczarski, Michelle Gronski, Kelly Damiter, Rachel Bell, Jake Antalosky and Keisey Burns.

Other class officers are Antalosky, vice president; Alex Mazur, treasurer; Cory Sanko, secretary; and Jordan Marlow, historian.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The public’s glimpse of a cygnet this year was short-lived.

“One hatched two weeks early, and it didn’t survive,” B.J. Folk, Schuylkill Haven borough recreation manager, said Wednesday.

He said the other six eggs also didn’t survive.

“We are not quite sure” why they didn’t survive, Folk said.

Rammy, the female swan, and Rambo are 13 years old and are a popular attraction at Bubeck Park in the borough. As of March 24, Rammy was on the nest.

Paul Seiders and his wife, Helen, known as the Swan Patrol, are sad the cygnets did not survive. Paul said Thursday that the first cygnet might have suffocated when it was trying to get warm between the eggs.

“It suffocated in there. She buried it in the straw. Nobody could get to it,” Paul said of the cygnet.

He said accidents like this happen in nature. Seiders said he thinks the weather had something to do with the eggs not hatching. Visitors to the park will not see any remains of the nest as borough workers removed it recently, Seiders said.

Borough Manager Scott Graver said Wednesday it is sad that none survived this year.

“It’s the first time that we never had one survive,” he said.

Deeds

Ashland — Fabrizion and Shiran Manganiello to Turkey Hill LP; property on Centre Street; $38,000.

Blythe Township — Robert Webb to Robert Webber Jr.; 85 Water St., Cumbola; $54,900.

Branch Township — James Finnigan to David B. Jr. and Charlene Hertzog; 1021 Elm St., West West Terrace; $150,000.

Butler Township — Sherman & Walton Inc. to Andrew and Susan Yankus; 9 Scenic Drive, Fountain Springs; $194,000.

Cass Township — Jane Pritiskutch, executrix of the Last Will & Testament of Michael Pritiskutch, and John Pritiskutch to Craig S. DeWitt; 10 Deer Lane; $75,000.

Professional Housing Co. to Denise Frantz; 186 Schaeffer Hill Road; $4,000.

East Union Township — Alex Sinclair Passingham to Martin Passingham; property on First Street, Oneida; $1.

Frackville — Mark E. Danisavich and Amy E. Danisavich to Mark E. Danisavich; 480 W. Frack St.; $1.

Hegins Township — Guy A. and Esther D. Lesher to Guy A. and Esther D. Lesher; property on Maple Street, Valley View; $1.

Guy A. and Esther D. Lesher to Guy A. and Esther D. Lesher; property on Good Spring Road, Hegins; $1.

Guy A. and Esther D. Lesher to Guy A. and Esther D. Lesher; 626 E. Chestnut St., Hegins; $1.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Wells Fargo Bank NA; 820 E. Chestnut St., Hegins; $1,315.55.

McAdoo — Anthony Robert Zola to Zachary R. Grayson; 410 E. Blaine St.; $130,000.

Minersville — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to M&T Bank; 115 Slane St.; $71,901.

Norwegian Township — Faith E. Cook to Wade A. Cook; 854 Water St.; $1.

Pine Grove Township — Fulton Bank NA and Geraldine M. Freeman to TKC CXCII LLC; 3.593-acre property on Suedberg Road; $200,000.

Port Clinton — Elizabeth A. Lischak to Debra Shollenberger, Susan Eisenhauer and Christine Lischak; property on Center Turnpike; $1.

Porter Township — Guy and Esther D. Lesher to Guy A. and Esther D. Lesher; 2-acre property on State Route 4011; $1.

Pottsville — Gerald Schoenauer, by attorney in fact Barbara Schoenauer, to Barbara Schoenauer; 207 Green Briar Road, Forest Hills; $1.

Schuylkill Haven — Ruby A. Maroukis and George Maroukis Jr., by David J. Dutcavich, prothonotary of Schuylkill County, to Ruby A. Maroukis; 40 Haven St.; $1.

Terry L. and Estelle N. Bensinger to Albert J. and Kimberly Hashin Evans; 69 Avenue E; $160,000.

Christiana Trust to Gary L. Bair II and Amy Strouse; 113 Columbia St.; $53,000.

Shenandoah — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Federal National Mortgage Association; 205 W. Centre St.; $1,176.78.

Marie Geist, individually and as attorney in fact for Emory E. Geist, to Marie T. Geist; 11 N. Bridge St.; $1.

South Manheim Township — Raymond B. Morrissette to Ronald L. Luckenbill Jr.; 711 Stallion Drive, Lake Wynonah; $167,500.

Tamaqua — Ronald H. Everett to Ronald H. Everett, Gretchen T. Yulanavage and Kevin R. Everett; 14 Clay St.; $1.

Lester W. Bass Jr., Gary G. Bass and David A. Bass to Matthew and Erin Green; 509 Lombard St.; $122,500.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to MidFirst Bank; 411 Hazle St.; $1.

David S. and Barbara M. Zellner to Barbara M. Zellner; 222 Gay St.; $1.

Tremont — Guy A. and Esther D. Lesher to Guy A. and Esther D. Lesher; property at Line and Miner streets; $1.

Betty B. Zimmerman to Heather Marie Micklo; 65 Vaux Ave.; $30,000.

April Scandariato, trustee of the Willis G. Loeb and Esther B. Loeb Revocable Living Trust, to April Scandariato and Rose M. Love; 19 E. Laurel St.; $1.

April Scandariato and Rose M. Love to April Scandariato; 19 E. Laurel St.; $1.

Wayne Township — Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Deutsche Bank Trust Co. Americas; 1 North Drive; $1,216.72.

Joseph G. Groody, sheriff of Schuylkill County, to Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB; 550 Rawhide Drive, Lake Wynonah; $1,192.63.

Anthony R. Natale to James M. and Jamie L. Cooper; 15.09116-acre property on Township Road T-592.; $1.

West Brunswick Township — Thomas and Mary Ann Kowalonek to Tyler Faust; 117 Sculps Hill Road; $257,750.

Susan L. Kramer to Timothy B. Laughlin and Terry A. Laughlin; 148 Drehersville Road; $50,000.

Edward J. and Stephanie F. Heimbaugh and Crystal Smulley to Crystal M. Smulley; 1780 Tanglewood Road; $1.

Barbara J. Thomas to Christopher E. Fisher; 38101 Village Road, Pinebrook; $154,500.

West Penn Township — Frank M. and Anne D. Vavro to Jonathan and Ashley Vavro; 121 Berry Road, Andreas; $1.

Frank M. and Anne D. Vavro to Frank M. and Anne D. Vavro; 123 Berry Road, Andreas; $1.

Nicholas and Marisa Petko to Joshua C. Hertzog; 71 Stonehedge Lane, South Tamaqua; $184,026.

Robert C. Jr. and Kathy J. McCluskey to Nicholas and Marisa Petko; 1.197-acre property on Poplar Drive; $29,000.

K-Mar Properties Inc. to Leiby Establishments LLC; 6.9129-acre property at routes 309 and 443, South Tamaqua; $495,000.

As paddlers journey down the Schuylkill River during the 18th annual sojourn, a video will be made about litter problems affecting the waterway.

The annual week-long, 112-mile guided paddle to Philadelphia will launch at 9 a.m. Saturday from Island Park in Schuylkill Haven. Check-in will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the park, with CNJ Locomotive 113 arriving at 5 p.m. for visitors to see and climb aboard. Paddlers will camp out at the park and the public is invited to join that night’s activities.

Laura Catalano, communications director at the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, the event’s host, said 203 paddlers will participate in some part of the sojourn, with 79 set to make the whole trip. She said that is the highest number of paddlers set on traveling the entire 112 miles in the sojourn’s history. The total number of paddlers is about average but higher than last year, she added. However, only about 120 boats are allowed in the water per day for safety reasons.

This year’s participants will come from nine states and New Zealand. Each day of the sojourn is filled to capacity for the second year in a row.

On Saturday, Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess will speak before the launch. Paddlers will stop at Auburn Dam about noon for lunch and a presentation on the National Park Service’s centennial by Frank Hays, park service associate regional director for resources.

They will then travel to Port Clinton for an expected arrival of 3:45 p.m., followed by a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Port Clinton Firehouse. The dinner is also open to the public.

The Port Clinton Transportation Museum will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. for sojourners to check out its collection and at 7 p.m., sojourner John Lysaght will talk about his experiences as a thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail. Members of the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club will also provide information about their role in maintaining the trail.

The sojourn will continue until June 10, when it will conclude at Boathouse Row in Philadelphia.

Catalano said this year the Schuylkill River Heritage Area partnered with Schuylkill Action Network to send a steward to document litter problems on the river.

According to a press release, Bradley Maule will map out trash hot spots along the entire 112-mile journey. Maule is an environmentalist, photographer and writer whose previous work includes his One Man’s Trash project, in which he collected as much trash as he could during three-hour hikes in Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia, every week for a year. He found nearly 4,000 objects, most noticeably plastic water bottles.

“By photographing and mapping out litter in the river, we’re hoping to bring more public awareness to the litter issue and more incentive to take action,” Virginia Vassalotti, Schuylkill Action Network specialist for the partnership for the Delaware Estuary, said in the release. “This litter map will also provide groups with locations in need of cleanups.”

For more information about the sojourn, visit www.schuylkillriver.org.

Finally the long wait is over; summer is here!

I know it’s not quite official yet but temperatures are up, the world is a lush new green and the sun is showing us some love. As we begin my very favorite season — a season of hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, festivals, fireworks and all manner of fun in the sun — let’s take a moment to talk about some official visitors bureau business.

Now, usually that means I give you some statistical data on tourism’s economic impact for our region but I’ve decided to keep it short and sweet this time. Last year, visitor spending in Schuylkill County totaled $199 million, which included lodging, food and beverage, shopping, recreation and transportation sales. We’re extremely pleased about this and invite your organization to be industry members and partners with us.

Planning for the 2017 Schuylkill County Visitors Guide is underway and we’d love to see you in it so give us a call at 570-622-7700 or go online at www.schuylkill.org to find out more about the benefits of membership!

It’s a great time to get outside and enjoy our community and we’ve got plenty of opportunities to do just that this month.

Schuylkill On the Move has the following hikes planned: PPL Susquehanna Riverlands/Wetlands Hike on June 11 and Old Schuylkill Haven Water Dam Hike on June 18. Times, locations and detailed information on these hikes can be had by emailing porcupinepat@yahoo.com or calling 570-622-4124, ext. 113.

Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove, is hosting Kayak Demo Day on Sunday. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about, and try out, a variety of boats if you’ve been thinking about purchasing one and pursing this fun activity. They’re also hosting American Indian Pottery and Basketry with Dave McSurdy on June 14.

Tuscarora State Park, Barnesville, is offering Basic Kayaking Courses on June 10, 17 and 24. They provide kayaks, paddles and personal flotation devices. All you need to do is register by calling 570-467-2506 and pay $10.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Drehersville, has a full month of programs planned for June, including the annual Arts Tour and Sale on Saturday, The Nature of Butterflies on June 11, a Night Hike to North Lookout on June 20.

Speaking of the arts, our partners at the Walk In Art Center are bringing us a brand new event Saturday, a Folk Art Festival. I’m pretty excited about this new event. The Folk Art Festival is designed to connect us to a very specific part of our county’s rich culture.

Folk art is defined as those artistic traditions characteristic of specific ethnic, religious, linguistic, occupational or regional groups. These arts are shaped and shared within families, neighborhoods and communities. They are passed down from one generation to another and learned through ongoing participation in community-based activities and through observation, practice or apprenticeships with elders and masters rather than through classes, books and other means of institutional instruction.

I feel this is exceedingly appropriate to our county’s rich “melting-pot” historical culture and hope you will visit these fine people Saturday.

I talk about opportunities in the arts every month. And I know I repeat myself a lot. And I thank you for your patience with me but I just cannot stress enough how fortunate we are here in Schuylkill County.

Community art centers like The Arts Barn, Walk In Art Center, Mud & Maker, Tamaqua Community Arts Center, Schuylkill County Council for the Arts offering a full array of classes for both children and adults covering a huge variety of art mediums do not just show up out of nowhere in communities. They just don’t folks. It takes great deal of dedicated people working together in partnership to have even one, let alone five, so please support them!

I said earlier that summer is the season of all manner of fun in the sun and June runs the gamut.

Some of the diversions you’ll find there include Pine Creek Country Garden’s Pink Weekend Saturday and Sunday: Rainbow Hose Company’s block party today and Saturday; the Majestic Theater’s “Fiddler on the Roof” on June 10, 11 and 12; Echo Valley Campground’s Tractor & Gas Engine Show on June 11 and 12; Orwigsburg’s June Jamboree on June 23; Pine Grove Hose, Hook & Ladder’s Fireman’s Carnival June 14 through 18; Hope Hill Annual Lavender Festival on June 18; Tamaqua Summerfest on June 19; Schuylkill Haven’s Wine, Walk & Wander on June 16; the 11th annual Winebration at Stone Mountain Wine Cellars on June 25 and 26; Schuylkill Haven’s Island Park Cruise In & Car Show on June 26; Madsummer Meltdown at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds June 23 through 26; Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce’s Summer Concert Series at the 1874 station on June 9 and 23; Heisler’s Summer Concert Series on Saturday, June 12, 18, 25 and 26; and Valley View Park’s “The New Individuals” concert on June 10 and movie night featuring “The War Room” on June 24.

When it comes to activities, there’s a lot to experience this month. Please remember that we have the Schuylkill County Outdoor Recreation map, county trails directory, local shopping guide and a complete listing of events on our online calendar at www.schuylkill.org; all of which are designed to help you enjoy the plentiful resources of our community. We’ve got even more in person, so stop by the visitors center in Union Station and appreciate summer in our vibrant little community!

(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)

The Community Mission has withdrawn its civil rights complaint against the city regarding its decision to condemn one of the organization’s buildings, according to Pottsville City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar.

“He’s withdrawn his complaint,” Palamar said Thursday, referring to Robert J. “Pastor Bob” Alonge.

On May 25, Alonge sent a letter to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission in Harrisburg, the agency he sent the civil rights complaint to in April, Palamar said.

“He sent a request for withdrawal of the charge of discrimination because the city has agreed to sit down with him and work out any issues in good faith,” Palamar said.

As a result, a fact-finding conference on the matter scheduled before the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission on Wednesday morning was canceled, Palamar said.

The city was to be represented at that conference by Christopher P. Gerber, an attorney with Siana, Bellwoar & McAndrew LLP, Chester Springs, Chester County.

“As far as I know, he’s withdrawing his complaint and we are willing to sit down with him and reasonably discuss his problems and how he can rectify them,” Palamar said.

In April, David J. Petravich, city building code officer, condemned 2-4 N. Centre St., a downtown building occupied by The Community Mission. Petravich said it was “unfit for human occupancy.”

In response, the owners of the building, Alonge and his wife, Renata L., who were residing there, filed a complaint with the PHRC, alleging discrimination.

Petravich said Thursday while the building remains condemned and he has not yet filed any violations against Alone and his wife in district court.

Both Alonge and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission refused to comment on the complaint withdrawal

TOWER CITY — Neal Graziano didn’t stay away too long.

The former district business teacher returned to Williams Valley High School on Thursday to serve as guest speaker for the 51st annual commencement held in the gymnasium.

He even returned to help chaperone the senior class trip because he appreciated the attitude of the Class of 2016 so much.

“These students are great, respectful and fun to be around,” Graziano said.

He said when he decided to leave the district for another position in December, he was struck by his students’ response. They said they understood it was what was best for his family, he said.

“They have such great character. They have to be influenced by great individuals,” Graziano said, extending applause for their families and friends gathered. “I hope I had as positive of an impact on you, as you did on me,” he told graduates.

Four members of the class delivered student orations.

Alexandra Kohr, the National Honor Society co-president and student council president, told her peers to continue on the paths they choose and make the most of what life throws at them.

“The valley you are going through will lead you to a new peak,” she said. “Explore your personal independence and make your voices heard.”

Kohr, 18, is a daughter of Jeff and Helen Kohr, Williamstown. She’ll attend Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College, majoring in political science and history. She hopes to become a political analyst and run for public office.

Salutatorian Daniel McGarvey encouraged his fellow graduates to make something of themselves.

“There’s no excuse for laziness,” he said, noting some people think they’re entitled to something.

“Strive for the best and don’t just expect it,” he said.

McGarvey was born in Peru, and lived in Argentina and Grove City before moving to Williamstown, where he’s lived for the past five years. He thanked the faculty, administration, custodians and family and said it was “an honor” to speak before his class.

McGarvey, 18, a son of Joel and Lynn McGarvey, Williamstown, will attend Messiah College to study finance.

Superintendent Donald Burkhardt congratulated the class for its academic, artistic and athletic successes, and recognized district students for scoring third highest among Schuylkill County schools, as assessed by the state’s academic profile. He recommended the candidates to receive their diplomas and assisted with their distribution, along with Daniel Stroup, school board president.

Jolene Smith, senior class adviser, and Tracey Weller, high school principal, offered the presentation of academic awards.

Valedictorian Rachel Gibson spoke of the concept of time, and what graduates currently are and what they will one day be.

“We are the heroes in our own stories. Keep moving forward. We need to broaden our horizons and make every story a good one,” she said.

Gibson, 18, a daughter of Jesse and Susan Gibson, Tower City, will pursue a degree in percussion performance at Oberlin Conservatory.

President of the Class of 2016, Willy Girard, delivered the final student oration of the evening. He focused on the bonds students create with their teachers which can last a lifetime.

“All of the teachers have played a vital role in your life growing up,” said Girard, 18, a son of Bill and Leslie Girard, Williamstown.

He will attend Bloomsburg University to study environmental biology and will wrestle for the Huskies.

SHENANDOAH — While leading the Shenandoah Valley High School Class of 2016 on a walk from the high school to Veterans Memorial Stadium on Thursday night, the valedictorian had to remind herself what was happening was really true.

“It started. It’s happening right now,” Alaina C. Demalis said to herself while crossing Stadium Road.

Indeed it was. It was graduation day, and more than 450 people were gathered at the stadium for commencement exercises.

“I am both tremendously honored and humbled to stand before you today in front of such a remarkable class. I have never meet a more incredible group of young adults, and I am privileged to not only call them my peers, but my best friends,” Demalis said during her valedictory.

“Today marks the beginning of the rest of our lives. It is our first step on our path to achieving our dreams. All our lives, we have been fantasizing about going out into the world and fulfilling our goals, beginning all the way back in kindergarten when we first decided that we wanted to be astronauts or professional football players or teachers or pirates. Sure our goals may have shifted a little bit over time, but nonetheless we have always longed for the day when we could at last be anything our hearts desired. Today is that day,” Demalis said.

Then, before she left the podium, she pulled out her digital camera.

“Now, I have a reputation of being the ‘selfie queen’ of my class. So before I leave you, I’d like to stay true to my name and make sure that we can always reflect back on this moment by taking one last selfie with my Class of 2016 family,” she said.

She snapped a few, just to make sure the image came out just right.

Demalis, 18, is the daughter of Anthony P. Demalis, the school district’s business manager, and Judy Demalis. She has a sister, Emily, who will be a sophomore at Shenandoah Valley in the 2016-17 school year. Alaina plans to study kinesiology at Penn State, State College.

The class salutatorian was Marcella R. Creasy, 18, daughter of Helene M. Creasy, a member of the Shenandoah Valley school board, and Michael Creasy. She has a brother, Matthew, who will be a senior at Shenandoah Valley in the 2016-17 school year. Marcella plans to study mathematics at the University of Scranton.

In her speech, she said she grew up to learn the value of respect. And while respecting others, her classmates have to also respect themselves.

“If there is one thing I learned this year, it is that life is not always fair and not everyone you encounter will always have your back. With that being said, I want to encourage my fellow classmates to never settle for less than you deserve. As Frederick Douglass once said, ‘I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.’ Always respect yourself and stand up for what you believe in. At the end of the day, a strong, positive belief in yourself will always top what others think of you,” Creasy said.

Other student speakers included Meghan Artley, the class speaker, and Emily McAndrew, the Virtual Academy valedictorian.

Anthony P. Demalis opened up Thursday night’s program with a heartfelt tribute to the district’s previous superintendent, Stanley G. Rakowsky, who died Nov. 6. Rakowsky’s successor, Superintendent Brian Waite, was also among the speakers.

A commencement tradition is the presentation of the Wall of Fame inductees for 2016. They included Jane Cebulskie Bokunewicz, Ph.D., Class of 1980; Jocelyn Bolick, Class of 1975; and Theodore “Ted” Twardzik, Class of 1945.

Police: 2 girls hit

by car hospitalized

TAMAQUA — Tamaqua police this morning released details of an incident Wednesday in which two 5-year-old girls were hit by a vehicle.

According to officers, a vehicle driven by Virginia Sisak, Barnesville, struck the girls from Tamaqua about 10:40 a.m. in the left lane of Route 309 South (North Railroad Street).

The girls, escorted by Danielle Fulton, Tamaqua, were walking from the west side of the road to the east side and were hit when they walked between vehicles stopped in traffic and in front of the car being driven south, police said.

Injuries included broken bones, officers said, and skull fractures and road abrasions.

Both children were taken by helicopter to St. Luke’s University Hospital-Bethlehem for treatment.

MINERSVILLE — Taxes are likely to increase in the Minersville Area School District, according to Superintendent Carl McBreen.

“There may be some drastic things we need to do,” McBreen said Tuesday.

He did not elaborate much except to say, “In the future, there may be cuts academically, athletically and aesthetically. We will have to look at all facets of the school.”

The board is still reviewing ways to balance the budget.

“Tax increases are tough for everybody,” he said.

The district has not raised taxes in eight years, McBreen said. The board voted unanimously May 25 during its monthly meeting for the proposed tentative budget of $17,980,686. The board also voted 7-2 to increase the occupational privilege tax to $186 from $180. Board members Robert Keifer and Scott Hunyara voted against increasing the occupational privilege tax, McBreen said. The board will vote at its 7 p.m. June 29 meeting for the budget, which is on display.

The current school budget for this school year is $16,606.52. The millage rate is 38.67. The board is seeking to hike the millage rate to 40.02, an increase of 1.35 mills. That would equate to an extra $36.90 per year, or $3.08 per month, for the average home assessed in the district of $27,333, Business Manager Jennifer Laudeman said in an email. She said taxes raised to the index are estimated to increase revenue $212,975. She said that the district does not collect all of the taxes it is owned due to taxpayers not paying.

“The district only realizes about an 83 percent ($176,700) current collection rate and the remainder goes into delinquent tax collections. The fund balance between committed and unreserved is $4,646,701 currently and will cover all deficits expected with an estimated balance after June 30, 2017, of $1,800,000,” she said.

“It’s not going to be less. We are raising taxes to the index,” McBreen said.

Increasing costs associated with special education, cyber/charter schools and increasing costs with the Public School Employees’ Retirement System are the overriding factors for the hike, McBreen said.

“These are the reasons taxes will be raised. It puts a lot of strain on the budget,” McBreen said.

Laudeman agreed.

“The county districts are relatively in the same predicament. Lack of unfunded mandates, especially cyber/charter school costs, are hitting our general fund at high rates. The cost of cyber/charter schools to our district over the last 8 years is $2,728,904 with another $640,000-$660,000 estimated for this year. This is extreme to have no control over,” Laudeman said

A sheet provided by McBreen showed special education costs have increased “at a rapid pace.”

It says district costs for special education was $2,480,736 in 2015, with a subsidy of $913,452. Estimated costs for 2016 are $2,753,345, with an estimated subsidy of $943,795. For 2017, the district projects a 6.1 percent hike to $2,922,584 with an estimated subsidy of $974,811.

Cyber/charter school costs have also increased, the letter says. The 2015 cost was $648,977. Estimated costs for 2016 are $640,000 and $675,000 for 2017.

“The cost of cyber/charter schools are a tremendous burden on the district because we do not receive any subsidy (since 2011) from the state for this cost,” the letter says.

The only reimbursement the district received was in 2011 of $89,713 from 2008 to 2015.

Casey Smith, deputy communications director with the state Department of Education, said, “The state no longer reimburses school districts for tuition payments to charters/cyber charters. In the past, the state provided school districts with charter reimbursement funding. However, that was eliminated in the 2011-12 budget. The state provides transportation reimbursement as required by Section 2541 of the Public School Code,” she said.

PSERS costs have also increased. In 2013, the rate was 12.36 percent, or 25.84 in 2016 and 30.03 in 2017.

“Simply put, the expenditures for the district continue to rise and the subsidy from the state remains relatively flat with small increases. The lack of state funding has forced the Minersville Area School District to raise taxes, and the possibility of drastic cuts in the near future will be evident if state funding does not increase,” the letter warns.

David A. Plachko

PORT CARBON — A New Philadelphia man charged with an assault on police officers in that community on Oct. 24 appeared for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko.

Eugene R. Mattera, 59, of 236 Valley St., was arrested by New Philadelphia police Sgt. Robert Crawford and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest.

Prosecutors withdrew the most serious aggravated assault charge and Mattera then waived the remaining five charges to Schuylkill County Court.

Crawford said he and Patrolman Ryan Murphy approached Mattera who was standing in the rain to see of he was OK but the man placed his hand quickly into his jacket pocket and refused to take it out.

When told he was going to be searched for illegal items, Crawford said Mattera resisted, causing him and the officers to fall to the ground. Officers from neighboring departments arrived to assist in taking Mattera into custody at which time he was found with marijuana, methamphetamine and a folding knife, Crawford said.

Other court cases included:

Russell Skrincosky, 56, of 212 Broad St., Saint Clair — waived for court: burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property.

Dennette M. Williams, 32, of 604 Pottsville St., Apt. B, Minersville — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance.

Faith E. Morgan, 41, of 22 Coles, Mahanoy City — waived for court: retail theft.

Jennifer L. Ferraro, 20, of 310 W. Arch St., Frackville — waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rebecca J. Nugent, 31, of 14 Mary St., Pottsville — waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, driving an unregistered vehicle and careless driving.

Kelly Foran, 43, of 312 N. Second St., Saint Clair — waived for court: retail theft.

Daniel S. Stoudt, 49, of 211 Linden St., Minersville — waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, careless driving, disregard for a single traffic lane, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kristen M. Petrozino, 30, of 30 Caroline Ave., Pottsville — waived for court: retail theft.

Joseph R. Angst, 50, of 20 Water St., Apt. 4, New Philadelphia — withdrawn: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Charles Harig, 31, of 36 Kimber Lane, Apt. 2, New Philadelphia — withdrawn: simple assault and harassment.

Angela D. Snyder, 38, of 7 Wiggan St., New Philadelphia — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and altered or misbranded controlled substances.

Raymond Brown, 54, of 557 Sunbury St., New Philadelphia — held for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communications facility.

Raymond Martinez-Sanchez, 34, of 32 Pike St., Apt. 3, Port Carbon — waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate, driving without a license, careless driving, reckless driving and disregard for a single traffic lane.

William H. Geist, 62, of 825 Valley Road, Pottsville — withdrawn: materially false written statements-firearms. Waived for court: statements under penalty.

Eric McCabe, 21, of 607 W. Main St., Ringtown — held for court: retail theft.

Brian M. Maberry, 26, of 318 W. Adamsdale Road, Schuylkill Haven — waived for court: making repairs to or selling offensive weapons.

Joshua E. Androsko, 19, of 213 Laurel St., Apt. B, Minersville — dismissed: firearms not to be carried without a license, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct, harassment, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA — A McAdoo man charged with causing a hazard to railroad traffic in an area of Kline Township on March 22 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Robert R. Miller, 56, of 102 W. Sherman St., was arrested by Reading and Northern Police Patrolman Matthew Fredmonski and charged with disrupting, delaying or preventing operation of a train or facility, driving or operating a recreational or other vehicle, disorderly conduct, defiant trespass, trespass by motor vehicle and careless driving.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Miller will have to answer to all six charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Fredmonski charged Miller with driving an SUV on railroad property, getting a flat tire and leaving it in close proximity of the railroad tracks. Miller said that he crossed over the railroad tracks knowing it was private property and got a flat tire, prompting him to leave the SUV to get a spare tire.

Other court cases included:

David J. Brode, 22, of 534 Pine St., Tamaqua — waived for court: burglary, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

Andrea R. Miller, 40, of 185 Greenwood St., Tamaqua — waived for court: DUI, not using low beams and disregard for a single traffic lane.

Douglas J. Schartel Jr., 34, of 747 Pottsville St., Lykens — held for court: possession with intent to distribute, false reports, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

David Vidzicki, 23, of 8 E. High St., Coaldale — waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate, exceeding the speed limit and failure to keep right.

Shirley M. Hazlett, 29, of 221 Green St., Tamaqua — held for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Elizabeth Nuss, 33, of 17 Coles St., Mahanoy City — waived for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Rita Malusky, 45, of Box 96, Pottsville — waived for court: simple assault and harassment.

Patrick A. Griffiths, 22, of 126 Centre St., Tamaqua — waived for court; DUI, DUI-highest rate, driving at an unsafe speed, disregard for a single traffic lane and careless driving.

Daniel H. Donovan Sr., 41, of 330 Clarke St., Tamaqua — waived for court: bad checks, burglary, criminal trespass, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Scott Smith, 45, of 4 E. Ruddle St., Coaldale — withdrawn: burglary. Waived for court: criminal trespass and defiant trespass.

Eric T. Garzio, 21, of 19 Main St., Apt. 1C, Middleport — waived for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Christina Fletcher, 39, of 272 Third St., Coaldale — held for court: hindering apprehension or prosecution.

Heather Lea Loar, 36, of 110 Hunter St., Tamaqua — waived for court: false, fraudulent or incomplete insurance claim and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception.

James Longenberger, 69, of 2123 High Road, Mahanoy Plane — waived for court: disorderly conduct, open lewdness and harassment.

Joseph R. Holland, 34, of 339 E. Pine St., Apt. 1, Mahanoy City — waived for court: bad checks, receiving stolen property, fleeing or attempting to elude police, recklessly endangering another person, driving the wrong way, reckless driving, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving without a license, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving with a suspended or revoked license, retail theft and driving without insurance.

Garrett Novotnak, 22, of 156 N. Fourth St., Hamburg — withdrawn: materially false written statements-firearms. Waived for court: criminal attempt to commit possession of a firearm prohibited and statements under penalty.

Gerald R. Fisher Jr., 47, of 17 Snyder Ave., McAdoo — withdrawn: harassment and criminal mischief. Waived for court: simple assault and harassment.

Bruce Matalavage, 56, of 146B Owl Creek Road, Tamaqua — held for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brian D. Jones, 36, of 330 W. Spruce St., Mahanoy City — materially false written statements-firearms and and statements under penalty.

Paul Ford, 34, of 426 E. Broad St., Apt. 1, Tamaqua — waived for court: indecent assault, indecent assault of a person under the age of 16 and corruption of minors.

Amber L. Faust, 28, of 10 E. Liberty St., Schuylkill Haven — waived for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

April L. McGeehan, 28, of 46 E. High St., Coaldale — held for court; retail theft, receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

William Manness, 34, of 326 W. Rose St., Tamaqua — burglary, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Christina L. Kieffer, 29, of 56 Fifth St., Coaldale — withdrawn: burglary, criminal trespass and theft. Waived for court: criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property, false reports and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jesse M. Lincovich, 44, of 912 E. Pine St., Mahanoy City — waived for court: retail theft, receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kristopher E. Quirk, 34, of 255 Delaware Ave., Minersville — withdrawn: endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.

Richard L. Bealer, 34, of 353 Mush Dahl Road, Apt. 1, New Ringgold — withdrawn: simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Tiffany Pickett, 26, of 258 W. Cottage Ave., Tamaqua — dismissed: simple assault, disorderly conduct and possessing instruments of crime.

Kelly Jo Greim, 21, of 246 Cedar St., Tamaqua — withdrawn: possession of a controlled substance. Waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Karlie S. Whispell, 19, of 105 W. Broad St., Tamaqua — withdrawn: burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property.

Jason R. Stephens, 22, of 424 E. Broad St., Apt. 4, Tamaqua — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tonya Braun, 24, of 222 Brown St., Tamaqua — withdrawn: theft and receiving stolen property.

Even though Gillingham Charter School is still in the process of securing its second five-year charter, its board of trustees Thursday approved the school calendar for its sixth school year and — for the first time in the school’s history — bought vehicles.

“This is the first time the school has bought vehicles. We need them to transport our sports teams to events and to take our students on field studies,” Rachel Bensinger, Gillingham’s director of organizational development, said after a special public meeting of the board at the school house.

At the meeting, the board bought three pre-owned 2008 Ford vans from Laurel Auto Reconditioning, Pottsville.

The three vehicles cost $14,047, $16,647 and $16,897, according to the meeting’s agenda.

The board also bought a warranty at “$695 per van,” according to the agenda.

The board members present voted unanimously to buy the vans and the warranties: Marsha Chwastiak, board president; Sharon Klinger, board vice president; and board trustees Mindy Heppe and Annette Stoudt.

Board trustees Daniel Kurtz and Susan Tallman attended by cellphone.

Lisa Halteman, board secretary, was not present for Thursday’s meeting.

In other matters, the board hired Alexandra Catizone as a full-time enrollment coordinator at an annual salary of $30,000.

“Alexandra Catizone will be a great asset to Gillingham in the position of enrollment coordinator. This position will handle the enrollment, student records, invoicing and disenrollment of students. Previously, Tara Cromis held this position during the 2015-16 school year. At the next board meeting, the board will have the opportunity to approve Tara Cromis in a different position for the 2016-17 school year, where her talents will be needed most,” Bensinger said Friday.

The board also accepted the resignation of Eric Hampford as student life coordinator.

In August 2015, Gillingham hired Hampford as a 12-month employee with a salary of $30,000.

“Eric Hampford has worked at Gillingham for approximately a year and a half as our student life coordinator. He recently received an opportunity in event management with a company he worked for previously that he couldn’t pass up. The student life coordinator position is currently open and we have been accepting applications. We hope to fill this position shortly,” Bensinger said.

The board also agreed to pay a bill of $6,259.44 from Frontier 21 Education Solutions, Bala Cynwyd, Montgomery County, who was hired by Gillingham to review its standardized test scores.

“They were hired to help us with our rechartering,” Nicolle M. Hutchinson, Gillingham’s CEO and director of education, said Thursday.

“This bill was for Dr. Alex Schuh to prepare for and testify at the charter renewal hearing to present the data attributed to GCS academic growth, overall progress and test scores. He attended the charter renewal hearing for two days,” Bensinger said Friday.

The board will discuss its 2016-17 budget at its regular monthly meeting, slated for 7 p.m. June 16, Hutchinson said.

The Gillingham Charter School 2016-17 school calendar begins in July and ends in June 2017. The first day of school is Aug. 29. The last day of school is June 2, 2017, according to the calendar.