In an age where life moves to the beat of rapidly texting fingertips, there's a new tool to use against sexual assault and dating violence.

Jenny Murphy-Shifflet, president and chief executive officer for the Sexual Assault Resource Counseling Center of Lebanon, which has an office in Pottsville, recently encouraged her 22-year-old daughter, Laura, to try it.

"It seems like an excellent app," Murphy-Shifflet said Monday

It's an iPhone application called "Circle of 6." The winner of the recent White House "Apps Against Abuse" technology challenge, it was launched March 20. The free iPhone download is available at circleof6app.com

Since April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the United States, it's an excellent time to discuss the app's pros and cons, Sarah T. "Sally" Casey, Schuylkill Women in Crisis executive director, said Monday.

The goal of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence, according to the website for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center: www.nsvrc.org.

"With Circle of 6, you can connect with your friends to stay close, stay safe and prevent violence before it happens," it is written at the website. "The Circle of 6 app ... makes it quick and easy to reach the six friends you choose. Need help getting home? Need an interruption? Two touches lets your circle know where you are and how they can help. Icons represent actions: So that no one can tell what you're up to. Designed for college students, its fast, easy-to-use and private. It's the mobile way to look out for your friends, on campus or when you're out for the night."

But people should be cautious when choosing which of their friends they invite into the circle, Casey said.

"My only concern is if assistance doesn't come fast enough, or if it comes from the wrong people, it could cause some problems. You can choose your friends carefully, but you're not going to know what that means until you're in such a moment," Casey said.

Their reactions can be unpredictable variables, Casey said.

"In addition, what you assume their reaction is going to be may not be what it really is," Casey said.

"But with it, you're not doing a whole lot to let people know you need help. And the part that I liked about it was it allowed you to be able to locate the person calling for help and letting somebody else know at the same time."

The app connects to a GPS mapping system, according to the website.

"I think women, specifically, have always tried to put in place safety measures when they have gone on dates, especially on blind dates. So they've used different means, such as going off in the midst of the date to use a phone. And this just builds on that and makes it easier for them to get assistance. It's the next step in technology of what most young people are using these days," Murphy-Shifflet said.

There are numerous situations, she added, in which people might want to tap that button twice to alert friends. They include situations when they are feeling uncomfortable, if their date isn't respecting their personal boundaries.

Meanwhile, SWIC and local colleges are hosting the first "Take Back the Night" event in Schuylkill County, which works toward an end to domestic and sexual violence. It will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday starting at the bus loop at Union Station, 300 S. Centre St., Pottsville.

Looking ahead, Murphy-Shifflet said, SARCC recently received a $20,000 AT&T grant to give up to 50 people who work with youth, including teachers, school coaches and ministers, a free weeklong workshop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily between June 11 and 14 at Lebanon Valley College.

"We're going to encourage the implementation of the Green Dot program in our community," she said. "It is a community, institutional and individual response to violence in our community."

People interested in attending can call 717-270-6972, ext. 361. For more information about the program, go online to livethegreendot.com.

ORWIGSBURG - The Schuylkill County Safe Kids Coalition will host Bicycle Safety Day at the Blue Mountain Elementary East campus at 10 a.m. May 19.

"Our main goal is to bring the community together and raise awareness to keep kids safe," Brandon Bayer, coalition coordinator and a borough police officer, said.

The event will operate in several stations. One station will have children register their bicycles with police in case they would ever be stolen. There will be bicycle inspections at another station as well as helmet fitting and other activities. There will also be an obstacle course.

"We want to make sure kids are wearing their equipment properly," Bayer said.

Ride-ins are welcome, but children are asked to register in advance by May 11 by calling either the Orwigsburg Police Department at 570-366-3101 or the Blue Mountain Elementary School at 570-366-1065. Advance registration will require the name, age and T-shirt size of the participant.

Each youngster must bring his/her bicycle, helmet and a parent or legal guardian. Water and light refreshments will be available. The event is open to all children in Schuylkill County. A rain date is set for 10 a.m. May 20.

HEGINS - Keeping a promise made in November, United By Blue will return to finish its cleanup at the Weishample Hollow illegal dumping sight.

"Our first cleanup at Hegins brought out an incredible group of volunteers with some of the warmest and most welcoming people we've ever met. We're honored to be a part of their community, even for a day, and can't wait to join it again," Brian Linton, founder and chief trash collector of United By Blue, said.

A sustainable apparel company based in Philadelphia, United By Blue uses the slogan, "For every product sold, UBB removes one pound of trash from our world's oceans and waterways."

Last November, UBB was joined by Tri-Valley High School students and other community members in cleaning up the illegal dumping site along Weishample Road that included the removal of 817 tires and 125 tons of trash in five hours. Just 50 feet from Deep Creek, the site was discovered by UBB through a survey conducted by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

"We started the project and wanted to see it through to the end," Leslie Weinberg, UBB cleanups associate, said. "We are hoping a lot of volunteers are coming out again and we welcome anyone who wants to help us clean up."

Weinberg said the Tri-Valley High School football team and at least 17 more students are planning to help.

The cleanup is part of the Keep America Beautiful's Great American Cleanup, the nation's largest annual community improvement program. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is also assisting the cleanup with supplies and volunteers.

Cleanup on Earth Day weekend is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. There will be free breakfast, free pizza and one-of-a-kind competitions and prizes.

People should Wear closed-toed shoes and long pants.

For more information about UBB or Saturday's cleanup, visit www.unitedbyblue.com, email cleanup@unitedbyblue.com, or call 215-642-0693.

If Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed 2012-13 state budget is passed, public libraries will lose about $3 million in funding.

"We have taken cuts the past several years, we are beyond the bone," Nancy Smink, director of the Pottsville Free Public Library, said last week. "Another cut is not a good thing for people who use our libraries.

"People take us for granted," Smink added. "We are a very important component of education in this country. Basically, we are a people's university and if we are to make progress, people need to have access to the information they need."

According to the state Department of Education, the public library subsidy, which makes up most of the state's funding for public libraries, will decrease by 5 percent, or $2.675 million, from $53.507 million in 2011-12 to $50.832 million in 2012-13.

Last year, the subsidy only saw a decrease of about $6,000 after previous cuts had brought it down from $75 million in 2008.

The latest reduction includes cutting back library grants, a loss of $284,000 in state grants and $114,000 in extra spending from the general fund in the proposed 2012-13 budget. The general fund is the primary fund for the state and can be used for nearly all government programs that do not have their own financing.

Due to recent cuts, Smink said, the library reduced its hours by 3.5 each week, from 65 last year to 61 1/2 this year. At one time, Smink said, the library had 20 employees, but it is down to 13 this year.

Smink said the Pottsville Library has done little things to conserve money, like turning off lights in areas not constantly used, using both sides of paper and recycling everything.

Unlike Pottsville, the Tamaqua Public Library maintained its 46-hour work week and staffing levels from previous years. According to Gayle Heath, director.

Heath said the Tamaqua facility has eight part-time workers. She is the only full-time employee.

Heath said when she became the library director in 2008, the book budget, which also covers movies and other materials, was about $30,000. She said the following year, it was cut to about $25,000 and is now $19,800.

"That is one area where we took a significant cut," Heath said. "Even though state aid has been reduced, state standards to qualify for aid have not. All the criteria that have been put in place are still there."

For example, Heath said the library is required to spend 12 percent of its yearly budget on materials.

Heath said she does not anticipate cuts in one of the most important programs at the library, its free preschool childhood literacy program.

"We are very proud of our children's program," she said. "We don't want to cut out any part of the program because it is so important. The kids really have fun and socialize and it gives parents another care giver. It is also a small part of the library's budget and I don't foresee the program being cut."

However, Heath said salaries make up most of the library's budget and if more cuts are needed, then they might have to consider decreasing the number of employees.

While state funding for public libraries has been decreasing the past several years, more people have been taking advantages of the free services libraries offer.

"Right when the economy saw a downturn, that's when we start to see an increase," Heath said. "That's very telling. Our computer usage has also increased."

Heath said the Tamaqua library is the only library in the county that has free Wi-Fi and a lot of people come in with laptops.

"It saves households a significant amount of money," Heath said.

Smink also said the computers are used heavily at the Pottsville library, but a reduction in hours has limited access.

"I believe that in a democratic society, people need to have free access to information," Smink said. "Access should not be limited to those with money in their pocket who can buy it. We have people that come here to use our computers because they can't afford their own computer or the monthly Internet charges."

There are 14 libraries in Schuylkill County. Smink said the Pottsville library is responsible for distributing state aid to seven smaller, or branch, libraries that do not qualify for grants on their own.

SHENANDOAH - With warm weather drawing more people outdoors, borough police will be spending more time in the community's parks, Mayor Michael J. Whitecavage said during Monday's meeting of the borough council.

"You will be seeing our police officers in our parks now that the summertime is here," Whitecavage said. "I'm asking the people to use some common sense or it will cost you dollars and cents. You cannot be in the park drinking beer or having your vehicles in the park. The rules will be strictly enforced. Curfew laws will be strictly enforced."

Whitecavage said he reminds everyone about the rules each year, and while some may not like it, the rules are the rules.

"Every year we go through this and every year we catch some people," the mayor said. "They don't like it but that's the way it is. The parks are off-limits to those kind of activities. The parks are there for our recreational use and we need to keep them as nice as we can."

Councilman Paul Holland said there were complaints about all-terrain vehicles in Girard Park during the weekend, to which Whitecavage said he also received the complaints.

"I'm going to be meeting with the chief and ranking officers for them to cover that with the part-timers," Whitecavage said.

Concerning another matter, Whitecavage said he met with the council's Law and Order Committee to expand the roster of available part-time police officers.

"Right now we have seven part-timers. More is better when it comes to part-timers because some of them work in other police departments," he said. "Summertime is here and we know we need more police officers out at certain times and we need to have a bigger pool."

Whitecavage said he will distribute a list of possible candidates to borough council members for their review.

The committee will also consider two options in replacing an aging police vehicle with high mileage. Councilman John Szczyglak, committee chairman, said one option is to purchase a new vehicle, with the second option being purchasing two refurbished vehicles - one a four-wheel drive - to be able to have an extra patrol vehicle.

"We're only in the preliminary stages. We want to check on warranties, mileage and other things," Szczyglak said.

Councilman Robert Kulpowicz said a private company will visit the borough to review the street lights and provide information on costs to upgrade them or have the borough purchase the lights from PPL Electrical Utilities in order to save money.

"There is no cost or obligation for us at this time. They get back to us when they complete their findings," Kulpowicz said.

The council approved the low bid of $65,818 from Schuylkill Paving Inc. for this year's road program. Borough Manager Joseph L. Palubinsky said the work will begin soon and is expected to be completed by May 31.

At the beginning of the meeting, council President Leo Pietkiewicz called for a moment of silence for the four victims who lost their lives in the March 27 fire on East Coal Street.

"To all volunteers in the fire department and all who were involved in the tragedy, our heartfelt thanks for their time and effort and dedication," said Pietkiewicz. "It's amazing how the people of this borough step to help others."

SHENANDOAH - The preliminary hearing for a Mahanoy City man charged with killing another man has been continued.

State police at Frackville have charged Jarvin Malik Huggins, 18, of White Owl Manor, 5 White Owl Drive, Room 17, with the beating death of Gene M. Slavinsky, 48, inside Slavinsky's 408 W. Centre St. home in Mahanoy City on April 3.

At an April 6 arraignment, Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, scheduled Huggins' preliminary hearing for Monday but it was continued until 9 a.m. May 3 at the Shenandoah court of Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker. Plachko was on call at the time of Huggins' arrest and arraignment, while Kilker will conduct the hearing because the crime occurred in his jurisdiction.

Huggins is charged with felony criminal homicide, burglary, robbery, aggravated assault, theft by unlawful taking and criminal trespass as well as misdemeanor offenses of theft by unlawful taking and unauthorized use of automobiles.

According to state police, Huggins killed Slavinsky in his basement and borough police found Slavinsky's body two days later, on April 5, with what appeared to be severe head injuries.

An autopsy determined Slavinsky died of blunt force head trauma and Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David Moylan ruled the death a homicide.

Fewer than 24 hours after the body was found, Huggins was arrested after he crawled through a window at White Owl Manor and tried to flee on foot.

A short time later, Huggins confessed to the crime while being interviewed at the state police station in Frackville, said Trooper Edward Lizewski, the investigating officer.

Huggins said that he went to the home about 9 a.m. April 3 and entered through a basement access door on the front porch. He went to the electrical panel box and turned the power on and off to get Slavinsky's attention.

As Slavinsky entered the basement, Huggins told police he stood under the cellar stairs and picked up a window weight. When Slavinsky looked in Huggins' direction, Huggins said he struck Slavinsky in the head.

Lizewsky said that as Slavinsky began to fall, Huggins said he struck him about five more times and then went to the first floor of the home, where he stole a laptop, a jar of rolled coins and a Washington Redskins key rope with numerous keys.

Lizewski said Huggins also admitted that he took Slavinsky's car, drove to White Owl Manor and dropped off the stolen items before returning the vehicle.

Huggins remains in Schuylkill County Prison where he is being held without bail since the time of his arraignment.

Deeds

North Union Township - Lezzer Lumber Inc. to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 6A, Eagle Rock; $5,300.

Joanne Carmasino to Eagle Rock Resort Co.; Lot 86E, Eagle Rock; $5,500.

Orwigsburg - Jeffrey L. Kramer, executor of the Estate of Leon C. Kramer, to ELP Properties LLC; 40.666-acre property; $140,000.

Jeffrey L. Kramer, executor of the Estate of Leon C. Kramer, to BLQ Properties LLC; property on West Market Street; $41,000.

Port Carbon - Dale J. Smith to Dean Vermeersch; 233 Coal St.; $14,000.

Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street

To Jamie Zulkowski and Tiffany Bilder, Ashland, a daughter, April 6.

PSU student jailed on warrant

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Schuylkill Haven police on Tuesday served an arrest warrant on Justin J. Dolcy, 635 E. 93rd St., Brooklyn, N.Y., a Penn State Schuylkill student who lives in off-campus housing at 209 E. Main St. in the borough on drug charges stemming from an underage alcohol and drug party on April 5.

Police said at the time of his arrest that took place at the campus, Dolcy was found with drugs in his possession leading to additional drug charges.

In addition, police said there is an additional warrant for Dolcy for an underage drinking charge after police from Schuylkill Haven and surrounding communities raided a booze party on Sept. 2, 2011, at 317 E. Main St.

Police said that borough officers are working hand in hand with Penn State University Campus Police to combat the use of illegal drugs and underage drinking among the student population.

On the warrant Dolcy was picked up for on Tuesday, he was taken before Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, and placed in Schuylkill County Prison on two sets of bail at $5,000 straight cash each.

Ferrier initially requested campus police apprehend Dolcy. Campus police arrested him at 10:45 a.m. on the campus mall walk, according to campus police.

Saint Clair man injured in crash

TAMAQUA - A 49-year-old Saint Clair man was injured when the 2001 Jeep Cherokee he was driving crashed on Route 309, at the eastern end of the borough, about 8:35 a.m. Tuesday.

Tamaqua police said Brian McShaw, 108 E. Patterson St., complained of pain to his head and right arm and was taken to St. Luke's Hospital-Miners Campus by Tamaqua EMS for treatment.

Police said McShaw was driving east when the left front tire of his SUV blew out, causing him to go off the road and hit a utility pole. The vehicle then continued for about 75 feet and came to a stop on the berm of the road facing south.

Teen to face assault charges

TAMAQUA - A 14-year-old juvenile was committed to the Berks County Juvenile Detention Center after being taken into custody by Tamaqua police after an assault about 8:40 p.m. Monday.

Police said they charged the teenager with one count of felony aggravated assault and three misdemeanor offenses of simple assault.

Police said the teen assaulted Randy L. J. Gilson, 18, of Tamaqua, in the area of the train station during an altercation.

Gilson, police said, suffered lacerations to his left arm and a laceration to the bottom portion of his chin, police said.

Man to face theft charges

TAMAQUA - Tamaqua police filed charges against a man after an incident at the Turkey Hill Minit Mart on East Broad Street between 1:30 and 1:45 a.m. Wednesday.

Police said Damon Cluff, whose address is not known, was charged with retail theft, receiving stolen property, prohibited use of containers, unlawful removal of containers, simple assault and disorderly conduct.

The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, and a warrant will be requested for the man's arrest.

Police said Cluff went into the store and then to a back room where he took 24 cartons of cigarettes and a Turkey Hill milk crate, all valued at $1,409.13, and the left the store.

The man was seen by a resident who followed him down railroad tracks west of Hazle and Greenwood streets where a scuffle ensued, police said, adding that Cluff then dropped his hoodie, the cigarettes and crate and fled the area.

Tools stolen from garage

PINE GROVE - Tools were taken from a Washington Township garage between Saturday and Monday, according to state polilce at Schuylkill Haven.

Police said someone gained entry through a locked side door of a garage and took a Snap On Tap set with a red case, a 10-inch Craftsman sliding compound miter saw with laser trac and various Craftsman, Snap On and Matco tools.

The garage and tools belong to Wyatt Frantz, 102 Hetzels Church Road.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-593-2000.

TAMAQUA - A preliminary hearing for a 79-year-old Barnesville man charged by Rush Township police with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy over a seven-month period has been continued.

Gene S. Lutz, 36 Hilltop Road, was scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, on Wednesday, but the proceeding was continued and no new date was scheduled.

Lutz is charged with eight felony counts each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse of a person less than 16 years old and corruption of minors along with two misdemeanor counts each of indecent exposure and indecent assault of a person less than 16 years old.

He was jailed after his arrest April 11 but has since posted the $50,000 straight cash bail set at the time of his arraignment by Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, police Sgt. Duane Frederick said.

Patrolman Cory Herring charged Lutz with incidents at his home between September and March.

Herring said that last week the boy reported the sexual assaults that he said occurred "several times" and that Lutz would occasionally dress in women's clothing during the assaults.

Hours later, Lutz was interviewed, confronted with the allegations and confessed to the crimes, according to police.

Lutz said he met the boy in June 2011 through a local train club and invited him to his home to see his train collection and use his computer. He also said he took the boy camping and on an overnight trip to a flea market, Herring said.

In additional to the sexual contact, Herring also said Lutz admitted showing the teen pornographic videos of himself and another person on different occasions.

No further information about the other person in the videos has been made available.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - More than 90 former employees of Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs learned about coping with unemployment during a Rapid Response information session Wednesday.

"We provided them with a lot of information, an overwhelming amount of information," said moderator Richard Parry, regional representative for the Bureau of Workforce Development Partnership, Rapid Response Coordination Services of the state Department of Labor & Industry.

"We give them a lot of resources and phone numbers that they can follow up with," Parry said. "You have to present them with the information for a large range of needs, then they sort it out at home. We'll be coming back over the next couple of months to continue to provide some additional information."

Rapid Response is an early intervention program that helps workers and employers affected by layoffs, plant closures or natural disasters. It provides access to the commonwealth's PA CareerLink system of resources and information to help workers find jobs.

"The session was very informative but I didn't like that they called it a 'rapid response' when it's two weeks after we got laid off," said Tom Heiser, Girardville, who was in charge of computer operations at the hospital and was an employee for seven years. "This information should have been available to us two days after we got laid off."

Heiser said there was a major lack of communication within the facility.

"People were never given notice of termination," Heiser said. "They just closed the doors and said we don't need you anymore. I got a letter yesterday that I'm laid off. I haven't been paid since March 20."

"I never had this problem with any other owner," said phlebotomist Monica Boyer, Lavelle, who was employed for nine years. "We hit our lows but it was never this bad. As soon as these people took over, everything just started going downhill. I thought I'd retire here. I loved it here. It's so close to home."

Other former employees also said they appreciated the information but expressed their anger with the hospital's management.

In addition to Parry's office, organizations and agencies presenting information Wednesday were Luzerne/Schuylkill County Workforce Investment, Schuylkill County CareerLink, Schuylkill United Way, Consumer Credit Counseling Services, Schuylkill Community Action, Highmark Blue Shield, Schuylkill Alliance for Healthcare Access, U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefit Security Administration, and Labor & Industry's Allentown Unemployment Compensation Service Center.

The CareerLink office in Pottsville has been keeping up with the additional flow of people looking for jobs and assistance.

"It's sad what's happening but there is help out there in the employment market for these folks," said Schuylkill County CareerLink Program Supervisor Joseph Miscannon. "There's help in learning how to write a resume, learning how to brush up on their interview skills, what the labor market in the county and the state is reflecting."

Miscannon said there are people who had worked for the facility for more than 20 years, so they could use help getting back into the job market.

"There is help. They just need to ask," Miscannon said.

"The hard part starts now. This is just the beginning of the process," Parry said. "We provide the information. Now we hope they utilize the information and take advantage of it. They need to work with CareerLink and the agencies. We don't want them to feel abandoned. That's a big thing that dislocated workers say, but we're not going to let that happen."

Todd R. Gibson, who police said assaulted two men with a knife last July in Pine Grove, must spend at least four years behind state prison bars for what he did, a Schuylkill County judge ordered Wednesday.

Gibson, 32, of Minersville, who pleaded no contest to two counts each of aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person and one each of prohibited possession of a weapon, simple assault, terroristic threats and harassment, will serve four to eight years in a state correctional institution, Judge John E. Domalakes ruled.

Prosecutors dropped one count each of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault and disorderly conduct.

Pine Grove police charged Gibson with assaulting Thomas Roswell and Eric Burns about 2:30 p.m. July 19 outside 13 W. Pottsville St. in the borough. Police said Gibson used a double-sided 3-inch blade to stab Roswell and slash Burns.

While Burns suffered a small cut to his neck and did not require medical attention, Roswell suffered a stab wound to the chest and had to be flown by helicopter to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for treatment, police said.

Pine Grove police also charged Gibson with threatening another man and harassing his estranged wife, Elizabeth Gibson, on Nov. 11 in the borough.

Under the terms of Domalakes' sentence, Gibson also must pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and have no contact with his wife except concerning custody arrangements.

"We're going to be divorced," Elizabeth Gibson, who asked for the no contact provision of the sentence, told Domalakes.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer N. Lehman said the victims consented to both Todd Gibson's plea and his sentence.

By pleading no contest, Todd Gibson did not admit committing the crimes with which he was charged, but offered no defense to them, acknowledged that prosecutors had enough evidence to prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and agreed to be sentenced as if he had been convicted or pleaded guilty.Defendant: Todd R. Gibson

Age: 32

Residence: Minersville

Plea: No contest to two counts each of aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person and one each of prohibited possession of a weapon, simple assault, terroristic threats and harassment

Prison sentence: Four to eight years in a state correctional institution

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - The North Schuylkill School District faces an almost $1.6 million budget deficit for the 2012-13 school year, a situation that could lead to curriculum cuts, layoffs and a tax increase.

The announcement was made during Wednesday's committees workshop by district Superintendent Andrew D. Smarkanic with many parents, students and teachers in attendance.

The recommendations could be in the final budget, which has not been completed. Since the meeting was a workshop, no vote was taken.

"A lot of things came into play with this budget, and in my 28 years of trying to put budgets together, this is absolutely the worse time in my history to go before the board and the public to explain a budget for a number of different reasons," Smarkanic said.

Business Manager Robert Amos said the board has been meeting frequently to discuss the budget deficit.

"There are going to be some positions eliminated educationally, and some sporting activities may be cut or reduced as well," Amos said.

The proposed budget plan will eliminate the $1,563,770 budget deficit and leave a possible surplus of $46,230, said Amos.

"Included in that is an increase in real estate taxes of 2.4 percent, and the remainder difference to come through a reduction in costs," he said.

A 2.4 percent tax increase would be about 0.75 mills, which would raise about $140,000.

Smarkanic posted a link to a one-page letter on North Schuylkill's website at www.northschuylkill.net providing background to the budget deficit issue, the proposed reduction and cuts in state funding to school districts, and the lack of information on what the federal subsidy allocations may be for next school year.

The recommendations include reducing kindergarten from full-day to half-day, impacting three teaching positions and related staff, eliminating an elementary art position, retirement incentives to staff members, realignment of course offerings and classroom rotations at the seventh- and eighth-grade levels, eliminating athletic programs at the junior high level, closing the swimming pool and eliminating the swim programs but setting up a co-op swimming program with Mahanoy Area School District.

HARRISBURG - A policy to help senior citizens who no longer drive comply with a new voter law was announced Wednesday by state election officials.

Seniors and others can use an expired state driver's license or expired non-driver ID cards to obtain a free photo ID card for voting purposes from the state Department of Transportation, said Secretary of State Carol Aichele.

Aichele outlined this policy less than a week before a state law requiring voters to show specific voter identification at the polls gets a first tryout.

Voters in Tuesday's primary will be formally asked to show proof of identification, but they will still be allowed to vote on the spot if they lack such identification.

However, the voter ID will be required for the Nov. 6 general election under the law signed last month by Gov. Tom Corbett. A would-be voter lacking ID on that day could cast a provisional ballot, but have six calendar days to submit proof of identity so that ballot can be counted.

Supporters of the law said it will protect the principle of one individual, one vote. Critics said it will disenfranchise the poor and seniors.

The law requires voters to show proof of identification issued by the state or a local government, or from a local government to an employee, a Pennsylvania public or private higher education institution and Pennsylvania care facility that includes a photo, name that "substantially conforms" to the name appearing on a voter register and current effective date in most cases.

Individuals with a driver's licenses that have expired can give their name to a Transportation Department driver license center, said Aichele.

Once they are verified as being in the system, the department will provide them with a non-driver photo ID, proof enough to vote, she added. This can be done even if the individual doesn't have a copy of their expired license.

Aichele said individuals with licenses that expired before 1990 should call PennDOT's Customer Care Center at 1-800-932-4600 to verify their information is still in the system.

The secretary also urged state colleges and universities to add expiration dates to their student ID cards to help student voters comply with the law.

She estimates that one percent of 9.8 million registered voters in the state will need to obtain voter ID.

TAMAQUA - Three varsity sports and some student transportation services are on the chopping block as the Tamaqua Area school board looks for ways to trim an $830,000 deficit from its 2012-13 budget.

The board will decide at a meeting next week whether to eliminate boys' varsity golf and tennis and varsity cheerleading from the slate of extracurricular offerings as well as bus transportation for students who live near the school they attend.

The board discussed the options at Tuesday's meeting, where district Superintendent Carol Makuta said eliminating the two boys' sports and cheerleading would trim about $25,000 from district expenses while keeping equity in the number of activities available to both genders.

Expressing reluctance about the cuts, board member Aaron Frantz asked whether discontinued sports could be reinstated if the district's financial picture improves.

Makuta said that is a possibility.

"This is a provisional budget. We are working with some unknowns," Makuta said. "For this year, this is a worst-case scenario. It could change before June 30," which is the state-imposed deadline for public school districts to adopt a final budget.

Frantz suggested that changes could be made in response to public comment during a 10-day budget examination period required before the final approval.

Board President Larry Wittig said fiscal prudence now could prevent financial difficulties in the future.

"We want to deal with it now. The bottom line is, we could fund everything this year then next year, we're hanging on by our fingernails," Wittig said.

Board member Robert Betz said it's better to eliminate extracurricular activities than employees.

"I'd rather not lay off staff. I'd rather end these now and keep the staff," Betz said.

Wittig said extracurricular activities have value but they're not required by the state.

"Requirements are requirements," Wittig said. "We need to focus on the academic requirements."

The board committee unanimously agreed to place elimination of golf, tennis and cheerleading on the agenda for Tuesday's meeting.

In addition, the committee agreed to vote next week on eliminating bus transportation for all students who live within 1 1/2 miles of the school building they attend.

"This constitutes all of Tamaqua," Makuta said of students who live within the borough limits.

Any transportation that is not mandated by the state, such as preschool day care and non-public schools, would also be eliminated, she said.

"If we are not going to provide transportation for our elementary students, we are not going to provide for non-public students," Makuta said.

If the transportation measure is approved, the district would shave an additional $80,000 off the budget deficit.

An additional recommendation to "curtail and alter" elementary arts failed committee approval. The recommendation targeted vocal and instrumental music, art, physical education, technology education and library.

A satellite communications engineer and an airport planner were cross examined on the impact the proposed cargo airport would have on the neighboring Service Electric Cablevision station during Wednesday's hearing before the Schuylkill County Zoning Hearing Board for a special exception request.

Gladstone Partners LP, Pittsburgh, intends to build the cargo airport on a property that falls within 1.6 miles of a SECV station with 12 satellites in Hazle Township, Luzerne County. The airport property also extends into Kline and East Union townships, Schuylkill County.

The witnesses, Philip A. Rubin, a licensed professional in telecommunications and satellite engineering, and president and CEO of RKF Engineering Solutions LLC, Washington, D.C., and Edward Nasuti, a licensed consulting engineer and registered land surveyor and president of Lee Simpson Associates Inc., Dubois, were presented by Rob Sensky, an attorney representing Service Electric Cablevision, during the March 1 hearing.

Wednesday was a chance for attorney Frederick J. Fanelli, representing Gladstone during the hearings, to cross examine the two witnesses, starting with Rubin.

Restating what he said previously, in his testimony Rubin said that all the satellites at the station point south and southwest, directly toward the proposed cargo airport. He also said there are three things that could potentially disrupt SECV satellite reception.

The first is a plane flying through the signal. The second is the radar on planes during takeoff and landing. The third is the radar from the airport.

Previously Nasuti said this is the first time he has seen the issue of a proposed airport interfering with a cable provider come before a county zoning board.

After both witnesses were questioned, including with rebuttal by Fanelli, the hearing ended with a tentative date scheduled for the hearing to continue at 7 p.m. May 3 in courtroom No. 1 at the county courthouse.

At that time the floor will be open for any person with standing or concern to be heard.

The Schuylkill County commissioners approved a 30-day ban on open fires in the county beginning noon Friday during a work session Wednesday morning.

"We continue to experience low humidity, high winds and little rain that have dried out much of the forest land in the county," John M. Matz, Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency coordinator, said Wednesday. "We are looking to protect property and forest lands, but we are also really concerned about emergency personnel who have responding to the numerous fires across the county."

The resolution was recommended by Mark W. Deibler, district forester for the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Matz said a burn ban was discussed during meetings with firefighters Sunday and fire chiefs Tuesday.

"It has been a topic of discussion because it has been a difficult time for firefighters in the county," Matz said.

Matz said a burn ban requires affirmation of at least 50 percent, or 10 members, which ever is lower, of the Schuylkill County Fire Chiefs Association. He said 10 members agreed almost immediately and more support the ban.

"It's just something that we need to do and we ask county residents to be extra cautious," Commissioner Chairman Frank J. Staudenmeier said.

Under the ban, residents are forbidden from any outdoor burning of items such as garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter and paper. Grilling in proper containers is still permitted, however, the ban forbids lighting fires in outdoor burn barrels or fire rings. Residents violating the ban can face fines up to $100 for the first violation with $200 for the second and $300 for each additional violation. Violators are also responsible for the cost of extinguishment of any wildland fire they cause and can cost thousands of dollars.

Businesses can request an exemption to the burn ban by filing a letter of explanation detailing the adverse economic effects of the burn to the Schuylkill County EMA.

Conditions are continually evaluated by DCNR personnel and they may recommend an extension or an early lifting of the ban according to conditions. Questions can be directed to the county EMA at 570-622-3739.

The board approved bans on open burning in 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2010. According to statistics from the Schuylkill County EMA, the county experienced 128 wildfires last year.

As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, Matz said there have been 52 fires since the beginning of the April, making it the sixth highest number for the month since 2001 with more than 10 days left. Matz said adjacent counties have either enacted or are considering burn bans.

County EMA statistics reveal March, April and May experience the most forest fires throughout the year. During a seven-year span, wildfire totals for the county were 287 in March, 363 in April and 220 in May. There was no other month reaching triple digits during that time span.

The state Department of Forestry have already prohibited open fires on state forestland from March 1 through May 25 as the fire danger continues to be listed as high, very high, or extreme.

In other news, the board of commissioners approved a grant agreement with the Homeland Security Grant Program for $1,358,573. The grant will be used to support planning, training, exercises, maintenance and administrative functions of the East Central Task Force from Sept. 1, 2011 through Aug. 31, 2014.

Also approved was a grant application to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for funding towards the county Adult Probation office's intensive supervision program. Funds will be used toward the salary of a probation officer assigned exclusively to supervise sex offenders. If awarded, the grant covers a one-year period starting July 1, 2012. It is awarded annually with funds ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 for a fourth-class county, like Schuylkill County, with a population of 145,000 to 209,999.

The board gave approval to the county Election Bureau to hire six or more individuals for the computing board at the rate of $70 per day starting at 9 a.m. April 27 for the purpose of counting the returns from the primary election on April 24. The board also gave approval to the bureau to hire a machine delivery driver at the rate of $210 for the election due to resignation of Karen Davison.

According to the monthly report given by county Treasurer Jacqueline V. McGovern, the county budget stood at $38,383,242, including the general fund which stood at $9,617,187 as of Wednesday.

Two approvals were also given to the reappointment and appointment of two people to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance board of directors. Robert S. Carl Jr., Orwigsburg, was reappointed and John De Balko, McAdoo, was appointed. Both serve two-year terms starting July 1, 2012.

During the retirement board meeting, the board approved the retirement of Edward Kanowski, Ringtown, as a corrections officer at the Schuylkill County Prison, effective Sunday. The board also approved the creation of a per diem activities director at Rest Haven at an hourly rate of $16.56, effective April 27 through July 31. The county District Attorney's office was approved to create the position of victim-witness project director with Janice Huth, Frackville, taking the position at a salary of $38,570, effective Monday.

The Schuylkill County Courthouse will be closed Tuesday for the primary elections. Also, the county commissioners will hold their next public meeting at 10 a.m. April 26 in the commissioners' board room.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - During a 25-minute meeting Wednesday, the Schuylkill Haven borough council adopted a resolution approving up to $1 million dollars from bonds for a loan to the Schuylkill Haven municipal authority for a sewer improvement upgrade.

Borough Manager Scott Graver said a study is currently being conducted and could be finished in three months.

After the meeting, he said the study started about two months ago.

"Sewer collection systems always need upgraded," he said.

Additional details were not provided.

In other news, the council voted to hire three workers from summer employment. They would start May 7. One would be for the office staff and the other two would work in the highway department, he said. Pay rates and length of their employment were not mentioned. All employees worked for the borough last year, Graver said.

The council also approved two handicapped parking requests.

Councilwoman Ruth Tucci also mentioned that Keller Brothers Circus is going to be at The Island on June 21. A time was not stated.

Call the borough recreation department at 385-1313 for tickets.

A Trout Rodeo will take place at Bubeck Park on April 28 and 29 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. rain or shine.

Children ages 3 to 15 are invited. A $5 registration fee applies to children who do not live in the district. Prizes will also be awarded. Call the borough recreation office for more information.

McADOO - McAdoo borough council hired two full-time police officers at a special meeting Monday.

Mayor Dane Watro said Tony DiVirgilio, Zion Grove, was elevated from part-time to full-time status by a 4-3 vote by the council. The voting went along party lines, with council President John Shigo, Marion DeBalko, Clara Preputnick and Joe Madochick, all Democrats, voting in favor of the status change and Republicans Mary Labert, William Slovik and John Perhonitch voting against it.

Watro, a Republican, said he did not have anything against DiVirgilio's work as a part-time officer but was against hiring him full time because he wasn't on the Civil Service Commission list.

"It should have been handled through the civil service list. Why do we have a Civil Service Commission in place?" Watro said.

Watro once served on the Civil Service Commission until it was disbanded by the current council, which has since reinstated it.

The mayor said the candidates on the list are evaluated and ranked based on a number of tests.

Three names were submitted to the council by the commission; all three were at the top of the list.

The top candidate, William Curilla, Hazleton, was hired by council on a 7-0 vote.

DeBalko, who chairs council's police committee, said DiVirgilio was hired full-time because of the fine work he has been doing for the past three years.

"He has done an excellent job part-time and he is well liked by everyone in the borough. We feel he is very good," DeBalko said.

She also said that since the borough did not have three full-time officers when the council moved DiVirgilio to full-time status, the council did not have to hire strictly from the civil service list. She noted that Curilla, who was at the top of the list, was hired right after DiVirgilio.

Curilla and DiVirgilio join Chief Jeff Wainwright as McAdoo's full-time police officers along with Alfred Walsh, who has not worked for more than a year.

The council authorized its solicitor to begin action to separate Walsh from his employment with the borough.

Watro said he learned from Wainwright that part-time officer James Patterson, a Navy veteran, submitted his letter of resignation. Patterson worked for the borough for about a year. The council is expected to act on his resignation at next month's meeting according to Watro.

DeBalko said the borough now has about six part-time officers to complement the three full-time officers. She also noted that she is sorry to see Patterson leaving because he, too, did a good job for the borough.

"It's such a positive thing for the borough to now have three full-time police officers again," DeBalko said.

The inmate population continues to grow at the Schuylkill County Prison.

According to Warden Eugene Berdanier's monthly report during Wednesday's prison board meeting, the average population for the prison during March was 286, peaking at 289 on March 29. The suggested capacity is 240.

As of Wednesday, Berdanier said the inmate population was at 274.

The prison census has shown a steady increase in population for 2012. The average prison population was 276 in February and 268 in January.

During the prison board meeting last month, President Judge and prison board chairman William E. Baldwin said the prison actually has 277 beds, but said the suggested capacity is lower as there are times prisoners need to be separated due to medical or security issues.

There were no discussions of a low-security prerelease center, which was considered last year, or any other alternatives during the meeting.

Another concern shown by the board during Wednesday's meeting was the amount of overtime for the prison during March. According to Berdanier's report, overtime expenditures for the month were $36,716.79. Berdanier said contributing to the high number of overtime is that March has three pay periods as opposed to two for most months.

Another contributing factor is the four vacant correctional officer positions.

Officer in training Joshua Richmond submitted his resignation, effective April 11, and correctional officer Edward Kanowski submitted his retirement notice, effective Monday. Kanowski has been a correction officer at the prison since Dec. 11, 2000.

Regarding the four vacant positions, Berdanier said 15 candidates are being interviewed. He said the testing process will be finished as soon as possible and he hopes to be able to make hiring recommendations to the board for next month.