HARRISBURG — Amid mounting concerns about water quality, Gov. Tom Wolf wants to shore up state environmental programs by borrowing and shifting money around in next year’s state budget.

He would provide $150 million for the state Department of Environmental Protection using state tax revenue, a 1 percent increase, if lawmakers approve the proposed $32.3 billion budget.

The governor would generate about $200 million during the next three years to support the umbrella Growing Greener program and several state water quality programs through the sale of bonds to investors.

These proposals emerge after a recent warning from the federal Environmental Protection Agency that Pennsylvania’s enforcement of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act is inadequate. EPA officials blamed inadequate staffing at DEP for a sharp increase in drinking water violations in recent years.

Wolf is grappling with a stubborn $3 billion deficit and a Republican-controlled General Assembly that opposes large tax hikes to generate new revenue. The Democratic governor is giving priority to education funding, senior services and the opioid abuse epidemic.

Two area lawmakers said they think DEP needs a lot more money just to carry out its main duties.

DEP was hit with a 40 percent cut in funding and 25 percent cut in staff since 2003, said Sen. John Yudichak, D-14, ranking Democrat on the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. Successive cuts are starting to affect public safety, environment and the agency’s ability to handle permits needed for business operations, he said.

“I realize the governor has inherited much of this over the past decade,” Yudichak said. “The eye opener has been the EPA’s warning.”

Rep. Mike Carroll, D-118, ranking Democrat on the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said he will advocate for more funding for DEP because the agency needs it to carry out its core mission of environmental protection.

One round of proposed borrowing — about $52 million annually for three years — would go to Growing Greener, which supports various local and state conservation and land use projects.

Since 1999, Growing Greener has funded projects to promote trails, open space and recreation, protect farmland and watersheds, clean up streams and restore abandoned mine land and aid water treatment projects. With earlier bond issues spent, Growing Greener funding dwindled to $57 million.

A second round of borrowing — $15 million annually for three years — would support programs spread across three agencies to address local water quality issues, implement erosion control plans on farms, and expand a forest buffer program.

Supporting these programs through bond sales will ease spending demands on the taxpayer-supported General Fund during the next three years, Wolf spokesman J.J. Abbott said.

This tactic has been used repeatedly since Pennsylvania started facing chronic fiscal problems in 2009, at the height of the Great Recession.

“We appreciate what the governor is trying to do — keep a balance in the account, but we need much more,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Growing Greener Coalition.

Hopefully, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers can muster support to provide $300 million in new funding for Growing Greener through a stable revenue source, he said.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which oversees state parks and forests, would get $370 million from all revenue sources — a 3 percent increase if lawmakers approve the budget.

The governor would rely on the separate Oil and Gas Fund based on driller fees to help support DCNR. The percentage of DCNR’s budget relying on the oil and gas fund would increase from 13 percent to 31 percent next year, according to the House Democratic Appropriations Committee.

Schuylkill County prosecutors withdrew child pornography and other offenses against a former Gordon man, clearing the way for him to be prosecuted on a federal level.

Brian M. Tate, 34, formerly of 201 W. Biddle St., Floor 2, and now an inmate in federal prison, was charged last year with one felony count of child pornography, five felony counts of sexual abuse of children and one felony count of criminal use of a communications facility.

In a letter sent to Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, Schuylkill County First Assistant District Attorney John Fegley asked that the charges be withdrawn.

“Our office has been informed that the United States Attorney General’s Office has charged Brian Tate relative to this incident as well and they have detained him on those charges.”

“Under the circumstances, the commonwealth wishes to withdraw its charges as not to interfere with the federal prosecution,” Fegley wrote.

Tate was formally charged Nov. 9, 2016, by state police Trooper Anthony Reppert in connection with an investigation that began on Oct. 12, 2016, when a CyberTip was received by the Pennsylvania Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce.

Reppert said that on Aug. 29, 2016, nine files were uploaded that were believed to be potential child pornography.

The officer said he reviewed the images and confirmed they were child pornography as classified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited children.

The ongoing investigation revealed that 10 additional CyberTip reports were received about the same IP address beginning on July 19, 2015, and continuing through Aug. 8, 2016, Reppert said.

Then, on Oct. 13, 2016, Fegley authorized an administrative subpoena for the subscriber of the internet account, Tate, and a subsequent search warrant was approved by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

Reppert said that an undercover Homeland Security Investigations agent had been in contact with Tate and that Tate indicated that he would like would like to have intercourse with her 6-year-old daughter.

The agent arranged to meet Tate at the Staybridge Inn and Suites off Interstate 81 and took him into custody after he arrived thinking he was meeting a woman who was offering her 6-year-old daughter for intercourse.

After taking Tate into custody, Reppert said, a search warrant was executed at his home that resulted in computer files being located containing child pornographic images.

MAR LIN — Who knew that 302 pennies can fit inside a small boat made of aluminum foil, pencils, duct tape, paper and two plastic cups and float without taking on water?

The feat was accomplished by students from Pine Grove Area High School at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 during the 2017 Governor’s STEM Competition. The small craft could have taken more pennies, but that was the maximum permitted.

“Once water is seen on the inside, you are done,” Vince Hoover, IU 29 supervisor of mathematics and district support consultant, told the students.

Using the items that were a part of “The Project in a Box Challenge,” students had 20 minutes to build their boat. Students also presented a project to a group of judges during the day. The state Department of Education provided funds to the students for their projects, Hoover said.

The Pine Grove students were among four other schools, Nativity BVM High School, Schuylkill Haven Area High School, the Schuylkill Technology Center and North Schuylkill School District, who took part in the competition. Each team had five students in either 10, 11 or 12th grade. All districts in the county were invited to take part. The overall winner from each challenge held statewide will go to Lancaster on May 19 for a statewide competition at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Winners will receive scholarships and money to attend a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

One by one, Tanner Levan, a member of the Pine Grove team, placed pennies from a red cup into the boat. He used so many pennies Hoover had to get more. Nicholas Brown, Grace Daubert, Jayden Klemas and Alex Koontz were the other members of the team.

After more than 10 minutes, Hoover said they had reached the limit of pennies. The students and the judges were impressed.

“Good job, Pine Grove,” Annie Milewski, supervisor of STEM at the IU.

She said that was the most they have seen in a long time. Fessler said he was buying Dunkin’ Donuts for the students in the team from Pine Grove as a reward. He wanted to see $3 in the boat.

“I think they figured out displacement. In this case, you need the displacement to float the pennies to distribute the weight,” Brad Fessler, technology education instructor at Pine Grove Area, said.

In describing their design, Levan said they picked it based on what they thought would work best.

“We just figured the smaller it was, the less likely it would be to support the weight,” he said.

Douglas Wiest, a student at North Schuylkill, managed to place 28 pennies in their boat until it took on water. Jacob McGovern, a Schuylkill Haven Area High School student, fared better with 86 pennies. Jeremy Dombrowski, a student at the Schuylkill Technology Center, put in seven pennies until he had to stop. Andrew Vaupel, a Nativity BVM High School student, did well placing the pennies in the boat. The design held 109 until water seeped into the boat.

The students said they had fun with the project.

As part of the competition, each team presented a project, which was also written, that they thought would make life better for state residents. North Schuylkill presented a Bully pack, which was a backpack; Nativity, a green wave plastic intrusion system; STC, a repurposed compost tumbler; Schuylkill Haven Area, a way for creation and usage of hydrogen and oxygen gas, and Pine Grove, a prosthetic hand.

Pine Grove Area won the competition. Schuylkill Haven Area placed second. Pine Grove received additional money to improve on their design of the prosthetic hand.

Police planning

DUI checkpoints

The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced that Sobriety Checkpoints and Roving DUI Patrols will be conducted now through Tuesday on routes 61, 183, 901, 209, 1006, 309, 1008, 443, 895, 125, 25, 924 and 54.

Travelers are reminded to call 911 if they suspect a drunk driver or to call -888-UNDER21 to report underage drinking.

Woman faces

drug charges

MAHANOY CITY — A borough woman was arrested by Mahanoy City police for various offenses stemming from an incident about 12:45 a.m. Jan. 8.

Police said Kerri Ann Miller, 25, of 826 E. Pine St., was charged with DUI, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle driven by Miller near Main and Centre streets for an equipment violation and found the woman to be under the influence.

Miller was taken into custody and a subsequent search found her to be in possession of a total of 17 glassine baggies that field tested positive for heroin and two empty identical baggies.

A subsequent blood test determined that Miller was driving while having codeine and morphine in her system, police said.

Vehicle stop nets

drug charges

MAHANOY CITY — Mahanoy City Police charged a 30-year-old Ringtown man after a vehicle stop about 9:10 a.m. Jan. 12 at Main and Centre streets.

Police said John O. Danchison, 66 Pattersonville Road, was charged with altered, forged or counterfeit documents or plates, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving without insurance, registration and Certificate of Title required and driving a vehicle without an official Certificate of Inspection.

Police said officers stopped a vehicle driven by Danchison for having an improper registration plate and expired inspection. A subsequent investigation determined the man had a suspended driver’s license and also an active arrest warrant out of Northumberland County.

During the stop, police said, officers found Danchison with an unmarked pill bottle containing six phentermine pills and nine tramadol pills.

Police: Man

harassed woman

MAHANOY CITY — A borough man was arrested by Mahanoy City police and charged with harassment after an incident that occurred about 4 p.m. Feb. 15 at 1404 E. Centre St.

Police said Chad A. Benjamin, 36, of 723 W. Market St., will have to answer to the charge before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Police said a borough woman reported that her ex-boyfriend, Benjamin, met her at her home uninvited and was acting nervous and pacing.

The woman said Benjamin asked her about a matter concerning handing their daughter over and when she said no, the man became upset and animated and began walking toward her, police said.

After the woman was able to quickly enter her home, police said, Benjamin began yelling at her and continued to do so while he was backing out of a parking space.

Charges filed

after chase

MAHANOY CITY — Mahanoy City police said charges were filed against a 44-year-old borough man after an incident that began about 3:50 p.m. Dec. 29, 2016, at 14th and Centre streets.

Police said Ryan A. Hasara, 401 W. South St., was charged with DUI, fleeing or attempting to elude police, resisting arrest, accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property, duty to give information or render aid, driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked, driving without insurance, reckless driving, careless driving, not driving on roadways laned for traffic and duties at a stop sign.

Police said officers tried to stop a vehicle driven by Hasara knowing he had a suspended license, but the man fled, traveling through stop signs and hitting a parked pickup truck.

Hasara continued for a short distance and then pulled over in the 1300 block of East Mahanoy Avenue and began to flee on foot.

Police said the man was taken into custody at 14th Street and East Mahanoy Avenue.

A subsequent blood test determined Hasara had methamphetamine, morphine and amphetamine in his system at the time of the incident, police said.

Damage to the parked vehicle that Hasara struck while fleeing totaled $2,297.26, police said.

ORWIGSBURG — A convicted sex offender is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday on charges he did not register properly under Megan’s Law.

Bryan K. Haston, 47, of 113 Paxson Ave., Schuylkill Haven, a convicted rapist who served time in state prison for his crime, now faces charges of failure to provide accurate registration information and false statement under penalty.

Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over both charges for court after Haston waived his right to the hearing. Ferrier allowed Haston to remain free on $5,000 unsecured bail pending further court action.

State police at Frackville charged Haston with failing to register properly in March 2016 in Wayne Township. Police allege Haston did not provide his correct address or employment to law enforcement officials, saying he still lived in East Brunswick Township and worked as a self-employed contractor when he actually lived in Schuylkill Haven and worked for Pioneer Pole Buildings in Wayne Township.

Haston, formerly of Emmaus and Johnstown, pleaded no contest on Jan. 22, 1991, in Lehigh County Court to rape, with prosecutors withdrawing a second count of rape, two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and one count each of criminal trespass, terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person. On March 12, 1991, Judge James N. Diefenderfer sentenced Haston to serve seven to 15 years in a state correctional institution.

Police alleged Haston raped a 28-year-old woman on Jan. 31, 1990, in her apartment in the Lehigh County section of Bethlehem.

By pleading no contest, Haston did not admit committing the rape, but offered no defense to the crime, acknowledged prosecutors had enough evidence to prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and agreed to be sentenced as if he had pleaded or been found guilty.

An Ashland woman is headed to state prison after being sentenced Tuesday in Schuylkill County Court.

Nicole A. Neary, 26, said nothing as Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin sentenced her to spend one to two years in a state correctional institution.

Dolbin imposed the sentence on Neary, who sat through Tuesday’s hearing wearing a prison jumpsuit, leg shackles, handcuffs and a belt, after ruling she violated her parole and probation by committing a new crime, refusing to take a drug test and not making payments on her court costs and fees. He noted that Neary needs help with rehabilitation.

“That can be done best in a state correctional facility,” he said.

Neary originally pleaded guilty on March 16, 2016, to simple assault and institutional vandalism in one case and two counts of simple assault in a second case. Prosecutors withdrew charges of aggravated assault and assault by prisoner in the first case and two counts of aggravated assault in the second.

Dolbin sentenced Neary on April 19, 2016, to serve 125 days to 18 months in prison, and an additional 12 months on probation, and pay costs, $100 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $339 restitution, all of which she still must pay under the terms of Tuesday’s sentence.`

Pottsville police filed both sets of charges against Neary, alleging she committed the first set of crimes on March 3, 2015, and the second on April 24, 2015. Each incident occurred in the city.

In another Tuesday case, Dolbin revoked the parole and probation of Michael J. Mayersky, 37, of Shenandoah, and sentenced him to serve 12 to 24 months in a state correctional institution.

However, Dolbin also had to issue a bench warrant for Mayersky, who did not appear in court for Tuesday’s hearing.

Prosecutors successfully argued that Mayersky violated his probation and parole by not reporting to his supervising officer, using 10 to 20 bags of heroin daily, not making payments on his court costs and fees, possessing drug paraphernalia and failing a drug test.

Mayersky originally pleaded guilty on Dec. 9, 2015, to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. At that time, Dolbin sentenced him to spend three to 12 months in prison and an additional 12 months on probation, pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, a $50 CJEA payment and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

Shenandoah police charged Mayersky with committing his crimes on Sept. 18, 2014, in the borough.

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

n Frackville: The Irish Lads will be featured by the Girardville LAOH on March 4 at the Frackville Elks Lodge, 307 S. Third St. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. The event will be an evening of Irish music and entertainment, with a cash bar only, no BYOB. For tickets or more information, call Annetta at 570-590-6008.

n Mahanoy City: The Mahanoy City Elks Lodge, 135 E. Centre St., will have a meat bingo from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The cost is $1 per card and the prizes will be meat packages. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and games will begin at 7:30 p.m. the event is open to the public and food will be available during the games. For more information, call 570-573-2649.

n Orwigsburg: A Chinese auction, silent auction plus artists and vendors will be featured in a fundraiser from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Masonic Temple, 1000 E. Market St. The event is to raise money for local athlete Wade Bowmer to go to Ireland to play American football and to help two local families with medical expenses. People may rent a table for $20. Food will also be available. For more information, call 570-728-5127.

n Pottsville: Hospice of Central Pennsylvania will have a Journeys Coffee Break at 2:30 p.m. March 2 at Gramma’s Restaurant, 2082 W. Market St. Attendees must pay for their own food and beverages. The event is for people to join for conversation and support in the grief journey. It is for all adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The registration deadline is March 1. Call 570-628-2290 to register or for more information.

n Pottsville: A Chinese auction and home party show for the Make-A-Wish Foundation is slated for 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 4 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 5 at Fairlane Village mall, Route 61. The cost is $5 per sheet. The Chinese auction will be at 3 p.m. March 5 and the shop-and-drop will be March 4. There will also be home party vendors throughout the mall. For more information, call 570-622-4390.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St., will have a read-in chain from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday. Admission is free. The event will involve story-telling and there will be refreshments. The chain is an annual celebration of African-American literature. Participating children will receive a book to take home. For more information, call 570-622-8880.

n Pottsville: Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 W. Arch St., will have a mock lobster dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. March 3. The cost is $10 for adults and $4.50 for a child’s portion macaroni and cheese. It is free for children under 5. Adult dinners will also include macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, coleslaw, beverage and dessert. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-622-9910.

n Schuylkill Haven: Bible Tabernacle Pentecostal Church, 314 S. Margaretta St., will have a February singspiration from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the church. Admission is free and there will be coffee and light refreshments downstairs after the event. A missionary offering will be taken. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-385-4704.

n Seltzer: Officials of Seltzer Hose Company recently issued a press release thanking everyone who donated to its annual fund drive. Officials also remind members that it is time for annual dues to be paid. Those who have not paid should do so by visiting the firehouse or mailing checks to Seltzer Hose Company, P.O. Box 4270, Seltzer, PA 17974, before the March 20 meeting. The 16th annual deer roast is scheduled for March 25. The ticket-only event is for people 21 and older. For more information, call Bev at 570-544-6448. The company also elected 2017 officers as follows: Frank Melenchick, president; Beverly Holley, vice president; Maryann Lascala, secretary; William Kurtek, treasurer; Frank Sylvester, steward; Robert McClintock, fire chief; Michael Kitsock, assistant fire chief; Kim “Tips” Holley, Barb Andrescavage and Jen Becker, trustees.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — The North Schuylkill school board approved a bid of more than $3 million for the replacement of the high school roof at the monthly meeting on Feb. 15.

Garland/DBS (Design-Build Solutions) Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, submitted the roofing material and services bid of $3,378,393. The Garland Co. Inc. manufactures the roofing materials, and DBS performs the installation of those materials, according to the company website.

District Superintendent Robert J. Ackell said after the meeting that the work will begin after the last day of school.

“It’s going to be a total roof repair. On the current building, there are two roofs — the original roof and then another roof added around 2000,” Ackell said. “Both of those roofs will be taken off, do underlayment and then a whole new roof will be installed.”

Ackell said the plan is to have the work completed by Aug. 21.

In other facilities action, the board approved proposals from Hummer Turfgrass Systems Inc., Manheim, for the following projects:

• Softball infield renovation — $12,968.

• Practice field repairs — $24,850.

• Practice field turf renovation — $3,697.

• Practice field temporary irrigation system — $3,496.

The school board acted on the following agenda items:

• Approved the addendum to the agreement with S4Teachers LLC, d/b/a Source4Teachers, through June 30, 2021.

• Accepted the resignation of ACHIEVE After School Program teacher Megan Kunkel, effective Oct. 14, 2016.

• Approved the following teachers for the ACHIEVE program beginning January 2017 through December 2018: Kelly Boyer, Morgan Bretz, Matthew Wislosky, Michelle Elchisak, Leah Briggs, Jamie Palmerio, Sue Prushinski, Tim Hysock, Kieran Connors, Susan Bisco, Karla Herring, Mary Lou Leibensperger and Susan Burns. Also approved were aides Lercy Antalosky and Sandy Wilson. Teachers will be paid $20 per hour, aides $12 per hour.

• Hired Jacqueline McMullen as a mathematics teacher at a starting salary of $38,000, pro-rated, Step 1, with benefits, effective this school year and as soon as released from her current district (Northwestern Lehigh School District).

• Approved the Early Retirement Incentive for support staff.

• Accepted the notice of intent to retire of the following support staff employees, all effective at the end of the 2016-17 school year: Carol Tenaglia, aide; Michael Boychak, maintenance worker; Diane Fedako, cafeteria worker; Barbara Lyden, cafeteria worker; Dianne Mensch, aide; Cindy Shadle, secretary; and Bonnie Palubinsky, part-time cafeteria worker.

• Approved the following assistant track coaches and salaries for the 2017 season: Bob Moyer, $6,138; Tony Chatkiewicz, $3,650; Michael Russell, $1,550; Frank Briggs, $2,150; and Michael Tomko, $2,150.

• Approved David Heyer as a volunteer assistant track coach for the 2017 season.

• Approved the following assistant baseball coaches and salaries for the 2017 season: Chris Glessner, $1,700; Steve Ennis, $2,300; Kieran Connors, $2,300.

• Approved the following volunteer baseball coaches: John Chuma, John Williams, Robert Yesalusky and Austin Hornberger.

• Approved the following assistant softball coaches and salaries for the 2017 season: Luke Lapotsky, $2,150; Jamie Palmerio, $1,550; Janette Lukashunas, $2,000; Chris Kovalewski, $1,400.

• Approved the following volunteer softball coaches: Bill Stokes ad Jack Marlow.

• Approved Richard E. Wetzel as a volunteer assistant academic coach for the remainder of the 2016-17 school year.

• Approved an addendum to the contract with Pottsville Area Physical Therapy Services for the 2016-17 school year.

• Approved Erin Umphrey as a volunteer choreographer for the theatre arts program for the 2017 production.

• Approved the Schuylkill Technology Center budget as presented and that the secretary be directed to notify the proper authorities of the decision made by the school board concerning this action. North Schuylkill’s share of the STC secondary budget for 2017-18 is $590,350. North Schuylkill’s share for the 2016-17 school year was $620,054.

Prior to the regular meeting, the Committee of the Whole meeting was held. The following students of the month were recognized:

• Elementary school — Brynn Wartman, first grade, and Michael Spotts, fifth grade.

• High school — Anthony Reilly, seventh grade, and Ryley Schwalm, eighth grade.

The high school student council update was presented by President Major Jordan.

All charges against a Tamaqua man accused of attempted murder after a late January knifing in the borough have been withdrawn.

Borough police and the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s office withdrew the charges against Gregorio Flores, 36, after the victim refused to testify or proceed with the case.

The stabbing occurred Jan. 21 in the unit block of Market Street and resulted in a man suffering an inch-long puncture wound to his back and a punctured lung, police said.

Flores was also facing charges for aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment and possession of instruments of crime. He was taken to jail a day after the stabbing, court records state, after failing to post $500,000 bail.

He is still being held in jail, however, on $50,000 bail related to a drug case filed against him by the Pennsylvania State Police Troop L vice/narcotics unit. Police alleged he was selling heroin from a home he was living in, in the 100 block of West Rowe Street, in October.

That case was scheduled for a preliminary hearing Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, as well, but was continued.

According to court records, Flores has another case pending against him involving charges of resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and use or possession of drug paraphernalia in Schuylkill County Court. Those charges were filed by Tamaqua police in relation to a June 10 incident.

Geisinger Medical Center, Danville

To Mitchael N. and Desiree M. Miller, Lavelle, a daughter, Feb. 4.

MINERSVILLE — The borough council voted to approve the renovations to 298 Penn St. recently.

The council received three bids for the work at what will become the borough garage. They were $29,470 from Charles E. Snukis Contracting, Middleport; $18,480 from Harach Contracting, Pottsville; and $17,875 from Carr Construction, Minersville. The quote from Harach did not include costs for materials, which they estimate could cost $12,000. The council unanimously voted for Carr Construction.

The council bought the building for $96,500 because it was considered a good buy that would save the borough money in the long run. Work could start in early March.

Discussion on another building in the borough became heated at times. Council member Walter Miscavage discussed why he thinks acquiring a bank building at 247 Sunbury St. is a good fit as the new borough hall. The building is no longer in use. The council voted to have Borough Manager Robert Mahalchick, solicitor Albert Evans and borough engineer Don Cuff discuss the issue with the owner of the bank and report back to the council. The vote was 5-2 with council members Jennifer Beach and Jamie Kuehn voting no.

“It’s in move-in condition. All you’ve got to do is move your computers in. Everything is there,” Miscavage said.

He said there is enough parking nearby. The borough could possibly get the building for free or in exchange for tax reduction.

“I think it should be pursued on behalf of the taxpayers of this borough,” he said.

Evans said an appraisal would have to be done on the bank.

“I think we have nothing to lose,” Miscavage said.

Paul Vuksta, a council member, said he liked the idea but didn’t know what the borough would do with the current borough hall if the borough acquired the former bank building.

“What would we do? Would we try to sell it or would we tear it down? Vuksta asked.

That decision has not been made yet.

“There are some concerns, quite frankly, and I think they are personal concerns and not community-oriented concerns. I believe that there’s a faction that are uncomfortable that it’s centrally located, which may mean that they, meaning our staff, have to deal with more people, the public, and I think it is more convenient in the location where you have to make a concerted effort to go a full length of town to get there. So I think that is driving some of the resistance to that project,” Miscavage said.

Council member Ian Mahal said he was for pursing the former bank as an option but not to make a final decision.

Kuehn didn’t sound optimistic about the bank, saying he didn’t feel it was adequate for the borough’s needs.

“I would like to see the center of the local government in the center of town. I think if location was the only driving factor, I would agree with the location. I have a problem with the premises simply because it has there’s no rear access. You are landlocked in the back,” Kuehn said.

Council President William Angelo said something could be done about the parking for employees at a later date.

Kuehn also said there was a question about what to do with the police in the borough hall. He said trying to provide heat and other costs at different buildings is “inefficient.”

He said the basement is “a dungeon and unusable,” adding the second floor is basically a loft area and a room. There is also a large bank vault downstairs.

Miscavage does not think it is worth fixing the current borough hall, calling it “a monstrosity.”

“If I had to pick the ugliest building in Minersville, that would be it,” he said.

“I’m prepared to renovate that building,” Kuehn said.

“We are discussing throwing $2 million into a dinosaur,” Miscavage said.

In other matters, the council voted to spend $4,880.33 for a transmission for a borough vehicle. The miles on the 2008 recycling truck that was previously bought with grant funds, were not stated. The transmission was slipping, Mahalchick said.

On Tuesday, Judge John E. Domalakes sentenced Paul D. Compitski Jr., 32, of Pottsville, to serve four to 12 months in prison.

However, Domalakes had to issue a bench warrant for Compitski, since he did not appear for his hearing.

“We feel that this sentence is necessary,” Domalakes said.

Domalakes imposed the sentence after revoking Compitski’s probation, finding he violated it by not reporting to his supervising officer and moving without permission.

“Essentially, he has not been under any supervision at all since October,” Domalakes said.

Compitski originally pleaded guilty on Sept. 7, 2016, to harassment in one case and false alarm in another. Prosecutors withdrew charges of false reports and improper emergency communication and a second count of harassment.

Domalakes sentenced Compitski at that time to spend 12 months on probation and pay costs and $100 in Criminal Justice Enhancement Account payments, which he still must pay under the terms of Tuesday’s sentence.

Frackville borough police filed both charges against Compitski, alleging he harassed someone on Oct. 31, 2015, and sent a false alarm on Dec. 20, 2015. Each incident occurred in the borough.

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

Michael P. Kryworuka, 41, of Tamaqua; false identification to law enforcement and indecent exposure; nine to 23 months in prison, $100 in CJEA payments, drug and alcohol, mental health and sex offender evaluations, no contact with the victim and 40 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and one each of corruption of minors, indecent assault and stop sign violation.

Jessica M. Kufrovich, 34, of Girardville; driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance; 90 days to five years in prison, 12 months consecutive probation, $1,500 fine, $200 Substance Abuse Education Fund payment, $100 in CJEA payments, mental health evaluation and 40 hours community service. Prosecutors withdrew charges of possession of a controlled substance, public drunkenness and failure to keep right.

Matthew J. Nickerson, 32, address not known; three counts of simple assault and one of theft; six to 23 months in prison, $100 in CJEA payments, $170 restitution, 80 hours community service and no contact with the victims. Prosecutors withdrew three counts each of harassment and disorderly conduct.

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

Ryan P. Buchman lost a chance in August 2016 to have the first set of criminal charges against him dismissed and on Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court, he lost his freedom for a brief time after pleading guilty to, and being sentenced on, two sets of charges.

Buchman, 21, of Ringtown, formerly of McAdoo, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in one case and terroristic threats, resisting arrest and simple assault in the other.

Judge John E. Domalakes accepted the plea and, in accordance with the agreement between prosecutors and the defendant, sentenced Buchman to serve 72 hours to six months in prison and 18 months consecutive probation and pay costs, $300 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $60 restitution, and perform 10 hours community service. Domalakes made the sentence effective at 5 p.m. Friday.

State police at Frackville originally alleged Buchman was DUI at 5:47 a.m. Oct. 12, 2014, on Route 924 in Sheppton, East Union Township. Police said Buchman lost control of his pickup truck and drove it into a tree.

In that case, Senior Judge D. Michael Stine admitted Buchman into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program on July 30, 2015. If Buchman had successfully completed that program, the DUI charge would have been dismissed.

However, Stine removed Buchman from the program on Aug. 22, 2016.

In the other case, McAdoo police charged Buchman with shoving Patrolman William M. Curilla Jr. about 2:30 a.m. March 28, 2016, in the 200 block of Sherman Street in the borough.

Buchman said little during Wednesday’s hearing except that he understood the charges against him and the plea he was entering, and was making the latter knowingly and voluntarily.

Prosecutors withdrew charges of disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of an alcoholic beverage by a minor.

Although the judge handling the case questioned the result, a Pine Grove man will not go to prison after admitting Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he robbed a man in February 2016 in Pine Grove Township.

Instead, Koltin Steckley, 20, will spend three years on probation, pay costs and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities under the terms of President Judge William E. Baldwin’s sentence.

Steckley pleaded guilty to robbery, receiving stolen property and prohibited possession of offensive weapon, with prosecutors withdrawing a second count of robbery and charges of conspiracy, using an incapacitation device, theft and simple assault under the terms of the plea agreement.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Steckley with using a Taser to rob a man of a pair of sneakers on Feb. 24, 2016.

While he eventually accepted the plea and imposed the suggested sentence, Baldwin questioned why prosecutors would settle for probation in the case of a robbery, noting that Steckley wore a mask during the incident.

Jeffrey M. Markosky, Mahanoy City, Steckley’s lawyer, said the police and victim were satisfied with the plea agreement and noted that his client did not get away clean.

“He is pleading to a felony,” Markosky said.

During the hearing, Steckley said he understood the terms and consequences of his plea and was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.

Defendant: Koltin Steckley

Age: 20

Residence: Pine Grove

Crimes committed: Robbery, receiving stolen property and prohibited possession of offensive weapon

Sentence: Three years probation

The weather can’t seem to make up its mind if it’s still winter or ready for spring. That means it’s the perfect time to start planning gardens and landscaping. The Penn State Master Gardeners are here to help you with your green thumb. They provided the following on their programs.

Schuylkill County is fortunate to have a willing group of horticulture volunteer educators known as Master Gardeners who are ready to assist the public with topics pertaining to gardening. Now in their 16th year of service, the Schuylkill County Master Gardeners have responded to questions phoned in on their Garden Hort Line, provided topics on monthly radio broadcasts, attended as resource persons at community events, presented information to community groups, and maintained public gardens in Schuylkill Haven and Sweet Arrow Lake.

Penn State Extension services are available in all counties as “outreach” or “extension” of Penn State University research in horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, fruit, livestock and agronomy from their college of Agricultural Sciences. Penn State Master Gardeners are the part of the extension service that addresses gardening questions from homeowners.

As a result of increasing interest in home gardening, landscaping and vegetable and fruit growing, the Master Gardener program was initiated in Seattle in 1972. Since then, they’ve trained 50,000 volunteers across the nation. Penn State has had Master Gardener programs for 36 years, however the Schuylkill County program is relatively young, having graduating the first class of recruits in 2001.

The program provides many services to the community. Every Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., April through October, they answer questions by phone, email or from walk-in clients on a wide variety of garden topics.

Other ongoing programs include maintaining public demonstration gardens in Schuylkill Haven and Sweet Arrow Lake, offering programming to community organizations, serving as advisors on planning committees, staffing informational tables at community events, posting tips through Facebook, providing monthly garden help through a radio talk show, writing monthly articles for local media and providing speakers.

In Schuylkill County, every two years the program recruits new volunteers who have a gardening background, an interest in growing their knowledge base every year, can be flexible in the volunteer program and, most importantly, the desire to serve as volunteer educators to county residents. Accepted applicants receive 45 hours of education over a 16-week series by Penn State faculty and extension educators. Upon passing a written exam, volunteers are committed to 50 hours of service to the county through their programs and requests.

State level initiatives that they promote are Backyard Composting, Green Garden Clean Water environmental education and Pollinator Friendly Gardening guidelines with a garden certification program.

Training for new Master Gardeners will begin this summer. Applications will be accepted through April 7. A free information program for interested candidates will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 22. If you’re interested in becoming a Master Gardener, contact them at 570-622-4225.

Tamaqua Community Art Center is celebrating its fifth anniversary at 5 p.m. Feb. 25. Activities include a silent auction, open house tours, hands-on pottery wheel demos, artist exhibits, fiber arts, kids’ crafts, acoustic music, food and more. The event is free but donations are greatly welcome.

Penn State Master Gardeners invite you to Vegetable Garden Start to Finish, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 4 at the Ag Center on the Gordon Nagle Trail. Educational topics will cover everything from seed selection to harvesting. Class fee of $14 includes lunch. Registration deadline is Friday. Call 570-622-4225 for details.

Enjoy an evening of Celtic music and dance with the Celtic Martins Family Band at 7 p.m. March 4 at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center. Irish and American fiddle tunes with Irish step dance will be showcased. Call 570-668-1192 to order tickets.

Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Search volunteer opportunities at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Find us on Facebook. Call us at 570-628-1426 or email jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

Todd A. Hoke, whom authorities said was part of a major drug ring operating in Schuylkill County, will spend at least six years in state prison for his crimes, a Schuylkill County judge ruled Wednesday.

Hoke, 37, of Pine Grove, formerly of Branchdale, must serve six to 12 years in a state correctional institution, President Judge William E. Baldwin ordered in his sentence.

Hoke buried his face in his hands as Baldwin pronounced the sentence, which also requires Hoke to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $1,171 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Harrisburg, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Baldwin made the sentence, which was part of a plea agreement between prosecutors and Hoke, effective at 9 a.m. Monday.

“If I could give this all back, I would,” Hoke said.

Hoke pleaded guilty to three counts each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance and one of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities. Prosecutors withdrew one count each of prohibited possession of offensive weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia.

State police at Reading charged Hoke with possessing approximately two pounds of methamphetamines, 181 prescription drugs and marijuana at 6:02 a.m. Feb. 4, 2016, in what was his Reilly Township residence. Police said Hoke was found holding a rifle during a search of the property.

In April 2016, state police broke up a major meth-trafficking ring in Schuylkill County by arresting seven people and issuing arrest warrants for three more, including Hoke. During the raids that resulted in the arrests, police seized more than nine pounds of meth with a street value of more than $177,000, along with 80 weapons and more than $100,000 in cash.

Defendant: Todd A. Hoke

Age: 37

Residence: Pine Grove, formerly of Branchdale

Crimes committed: Three counts each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance and one of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities

Prison sentence: Six to 12 years in a state correctional institution

Christopher J. Edwards will serve time behind state prison bars after admitting Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a teenage girl for almost two months.

Edwards, 48, of Orwigsburg, must spend five to 10 years in a state correctional institution, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, undergo an evaluation by the state Sexual Offenders Assessment Board and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities, President Judge William E. Baldwin ruled. Baldwin made the sentence effective at 9 a.m. Monday.

Edwards pleaded guilty to five sex-related charges, including one count each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and corruption of minors and two of aggravated indecent assault. Prosecutors withdrew four counts of indecent assault and two of sexual assault.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged that from Dec. 15, 2015, through Feb. 7, 2016, Edwards engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl in Deer Lake.

During the hearing, Edwards, who did not react to the imposition of the sentence against him, said little except that he understood his plea and was entering it knowingly and voluntarily.

He did agree to be sentenced before the board conducts its evaluation, which will help Baldwin make a ruling on whether he is a sexually violent predator. That determination will affect the nature of the sanctions to be imposed on Edwards under Megan’s Law.

Deputy Assistant District Attorney Jennifer N. Foose declined to comment on the case after sentencing.

Defendant: Christopher J. Edwards

Age: 48

Residence: Orwigsburg

Crimes committed: Five sex-related charges, including one count each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and corruption of minors and two of aggravated indecent assault

Prison sentence: Five to 10 years in a state correctional institution

Schuylkill County is seeking a $400,000 grant to hire additional staff for the Adult Drug Treatment Court.

The commissioners approved the grant application Wednesday on behalf of court administration and adult probation. The application is for $400,000 from the Department of Justice through the Adult Drug Court discretionary grant program, which carries a 25 percent match from the county.

“We thank President Judge Baldwin and Judge Neal Goodman and the other judges for looking at this as an alternative to incarceration and adult probation has put in countless hours to make sure this works,” commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr., said.

The county received federal and state funding last year to cover associated costs with starting the court, like the first year salary of a treatment coordinator and training and testing. The court first met in January and there are currently five people in the program and 10 candidates are being reviewed, Deputy Chief Probation Officer Neil Stefanisko said.

Stefanisko said the new grant will be used to hire a full-time probation officer, an assistant district attorney and a public defender for the drug treatment court.

“The ability to get people into the program and into treatment faster is a goal,” he said. “Everything we have done so far has been with existing staff.”

The drug treatment court is a five-phase program that lasts a minimum of 14 weeks. It is open to about 40 defendants. The district attorney’s office, Adult Probation and Parole Office, and Drug and Alcohol Administration determine if a defendant is eligible for the program.

The court meets every Thursday. Defendants must make regular court appearances, submit to random drug testing and home visits, meet with probation officers and comply with directives from the court. If they complete the program, they are eligible to have their charges dismissed.

In other news, the commissioners also authorized a grant application on behalf of the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill, Pottsville. The $2 million state grant was announced in October, but county Administrator Gary Bender said the application has to be submitted by the county or municipality. Bender said the hospital has a consultant to take care of the process.

“If we can assist an improvement to in the county, we are going to help,” Halcovage said.

The grant was awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which provides funding for regional, economic, cultural, civic and historical improvement projects. William J. Reppy, hospital president, said when the grant was announced that funding will be used to integrate its two facilities in Pottsville, consolidating acute, medical/surgical services at the East Norwegian Street campus while keeping adult and adolescent behavioral health and obstetrics at the South Jackson Street campus.

n Mahanoy City: Good American Hose Company will sponsor its annual Ash Wednesday seafood dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. March 1 at the firehouse, Eighth Street and Mahanoy Avenue. The cost is $9 and patrons will have a choice of fish, shrimp or deviled crab and may eat at the firehouse or take meals out. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-773-3473.

n Minersville: The Minersville Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorials and honor donations regarding the 2016 fund drive: For Wanda J. O’Brien from Thomas M. O’Brien; for Charles and Barb Sheppo from Deborah C. Sheppo; for Alex Valibus from Al and Barb Munster; for Robert Weiss from Al and Barb Munster; for Carianna and Catrina from Grammy’s Kiddie Kare Inc.; for Adam C. Ochs from Rick Ochs; for Emil Rushanan from Marie T. Rushanan; for Martin J. Haney from Susan Haney, Catherine Haney; for Myra L. Ackerman from Janet Poslosky; for Sami Stripe from Shirley Willinsky; for Rev. Fr. James Bremer from Bernadette Bremer; for “Friends” from Joan DeStefano; for Helen Drey from Karen Stabinski; for John Nush Sr. from Alana Nush; for Joan Luchanin from John Luchanin; for Josephine Sitkus from Jerry Sitkus; for Alma and Lawrence Kimmel from Jim Kimmel; for Geri Mennig from Edith and Quentin E. Gottschall.

n Orwigsburg: The Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library, 214 E. Independence St., will sponsor and event called Plum Crazy from 1 to 3 p.m. March 26 to celebrate everything Stephanie Plum, a character from Janet Evanovich’s book series. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the event.

n Pine Grove: The Pine Grove Senior Citizens group will have a bus trip on March 15 to Rainbow Comedy Playhouse in Paradise. The cost is $79 for the show “Mama Won’t Fly.” The fee includes meal, show, transportation and gratuities. To register or for more information, call 570-345-3106. The group will also sponsor a Monday-Thursday trek beginning Sept. 18 to Arkencounter & Creation Museum in Ohio. The cost is $599 double occupancy, which also includes six meals, lodging, admissions, taxes, gratuities and transportation. For more information or to register, call the aforementioned number.

n Pottsville: St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 913 Mahantongo St., will have a fresh baked haddock, salmon or crab cake dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday during the Lenten season except Good Friday in the Russell Building, Ninth Street and Schuylkill Avenue. Takeouts will be available. The full-course dinners include New England clam chowder, salad bar, choice of vegetables, homemade dessert and beverage. Prices range from $13 to $16 and $9 for children under 12. For more information, call 570-622-5470.

n Pottsville: The Trinity Lutheran Church Youth will sponsor a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the church, 400 W. Arch St. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets will be available at the door and takeouts will be available. The event is to benefit the Patty Ebling Scholarship. For more information, call 570-622-9910.

n Shenandoah: An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. March 1 at St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall, 300 W. Oak St. People 17 and older (16 with parental consent), weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health are urged to donate blood. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to arrange for an appointment, call 800-733-2767.

n Tamaqua: American Hose Company No. 1 and East End Fire Company will sponsor the fifth annual chili and boilo cookoff Saturday at East End Fire Company, 553 E. Broad St. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. and tasting will be from 1 to 5 p.m. The registration fee is $20 and tasting fee is $10. Tasting and registration special packages are available. The event will benefit the Carbon/Tamaqua American Cancer Society. For advance registration or more information, call Brian Connely at 570-728-4743.

After a tumultuous election that thrust billionaire anti-establishment Republican Donald Trump into the White House, state voters are displaying a lot of disappointment in him and government and politicians in general, according to a new poll released to The Times-Tribune on Wednesday.

More than half (54 percent) rate the new president’s job performance as poor in the Franklin & Marshall College poll. Almost a quarter of voters (24 percent) say government and politicians remain the most important problem facing the state and more than two in five (41 percent) say they are the country’s biggest problem.

The percentage of voters who name government and politicians as the biggest problem facing the state rose to its highest level outside of a presidential election cycle since October 2013. About two in five voters (ranging from 39 to 45 percent) named government and politicians in the four F&M polls between October 2015 and March 2016, when Trump began his rise with regular bashings of Washington.

The highest other than that was 22 percent in August 2015.

“There’s really a blowback in both parties from people who just have a lot of discontent with what’s going on in the political system,” said G. Terry Madonna, Ph.D., the poll director and noted analyst of state politics. “There isn’t any doubt about it and I think that’s what leads to the low job performances of leading politicians. It’s just sort of a general reaction to the fact that people are really turned off to what’s going on in the state.”

The poll surveyed 816 registered voters between Feb. 15 and Saturday. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points, meaning each percentage could be that much higher or lower.

This marked the first F&M poll since Trump’s inauguration and the first one to ask state voters about his job performance.

Only about a third of voters (32 percent) rated Trump’s job performance as good or excellent. By comparison, more than half of voters (55 percent) rated President Barack Obama as good or excellent after the same amount of time in his first term.

Madonna blamed the huge number who rate Trump’s job performance poorly on the nation’s huge political divide with liberals and Democrats far more vehemently against him and likely to rate him poorly than conservatives and Republicans willing to rate him excellent or good.

“You’ve got to look at the extreme polarization that gets you there,” Madonna said. “That’s a crucial element in this ... And look, the guy is controversial, his style, the way he expresses himself and the rollout, not arguably, was difficult and sloppy of the travel ban ... I’ve never seen a reaction to a president, (either) so in love with the guy or can’t stand him. I mean talking about Nazis, talking about Hitler, groups who want to impeach him.”

The poll also shows Trump lost ground with independents with more than a third (35 percent) rating his job performance excellent or good and almost two-thirds (64 percent) rating it fair or poor.

A narrow majority of voters (51 percent) remain somewhat or very confident in Trump’s ability to handle the economy, though that’s also far lower than Obama (70 percent) at the outset of his presidency.

They are less confident in Trump’s ability to handle relationships with foreign countries (38 percent somewhat or very confident/60 percent not very or not confident at all) and immigration (41 percent somewhat or very confident/57 percent not very or not confident at all).

Gov. Tom Wolf and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, both Democrats who face re-election campaigns next year, had job approval rates only a bit higher than Trump, but both rate 7 points better than a year earlier. Almost two in five voters rated Wolf’s job performance (38 percent) and Casey’s (37 percent) as good or excellent.

In perhaps a favorable sign for Wolf and Casey, the percentage of voters who believe the state is headed in the right direction rose sharply since last March — 24 percent then, 35 percent now — but a majority (52 percent) still think things are off on the track, down from almost two-thirds (66 percent).